Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
Anchorage Assembly postpones decision on whether to pause property taxes for new accessory dwelling units
During public testimony on Tuesday night, some people raised concerns that a tax abatement could lead to more Airbnbs instead of permanent housing.
The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving more children in Alaska’s foster care system without a stable home
While advocates are pushing hard to recruit new foster families, some say the problems at the state Office of Children’s Services are longstanding and extend into issues with staffing and support.
New Anchorage police chief says his top priorities include building community trust and reducing violent crime
Michael Kerle described his top priorities on Monday during a news conference with reporters, just under a week into his new job leading Alaska's largest police department.
On first day as Anchorage’s new police chief, Kerle highlights drop in violent crimes
Overall, almost every crime listed in the report, including rape, robbery, assault and vehicle theft, was down last year. Kerle noted one exception was homicides, of which there were 19 in 2021.
Anchorage Assembly confirms Michael Kerle as new police chief
Kerle has served with the department since 1996 and was deputy chief under prior chief Ken McCoy.
Here’s who’s running for assembly and school board in Anchorage
Nine challengers and four incumbents will vie for five open seats on the Anchorage Assembly this spring. The races could tip the balance of political power in the city.
Sami Graham resigns as Anchorage Mayor Bronson’s chief of staff
The mayor’s office announced Sami Graham would be leaving her position, effective Friday. She’d been in the position since late August of last year.
Anchorage Mayor Bronson vetoes Assembly rules regarding silent protest and ‘dangerous or distracting’ items
In a statement Wednesday night, Bronson called the rules an infringement on public speech and state laws concerning firearm possession.
Anchorage Assembly asks court to dismiss Bronson lawsuit over his firing of chief equity officer
Attorneys for the Assembly ask that the judge dismiss the mayor’s lawsuit, stating that the mayor’s legal claims “depend on a foundational misunderstanding of the ordinance and the Anchorage Municipal Charter.”
Anchorage mayor reaches legal settlement with former chief equity officer
Mayor Dave Bronson fired Clifford Armstrong III without cause and without Assembly approval. Armstrong sued.
Anchorage Assembly grills water utility manager for the first time since mayor temporarily shut off fluoride
The hour-long meeting was part of the Anchorage Assembly’s investigation into how and why the city’s fluoride got briefly turned off.
Anchorage Assembly indefinitely tables advisory vote on Eagle River exit
The question of whether Eagle River, Chugiak, Peters Creek and Eklutna should secede from Anchorage is off the table for the foreseeable future.
Anchorage Assembly postpones vote on changing how mayoral vacancies are filled
The ordinance would amend the city charter to require a special election between 90 and 120 days after a mayoral vacancy.
New Alaska smartphone feature allows for anonymous reporting of COVID exposure
The service COVID ENX was developed by Apple and Google to allow users to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
The flu makes comeback in Alaska amid omicron spike
While 957 flu cases is a lot compared to last year, it’s dwarfed by an average, pre-pandemic, Alaska year. Health officials say a normal year in the state would see around 7,500 cases.
Musher Ryan Redington’s dogs still recovering after hit by snowmachine in Wisconsin
On Saturday night, Redington said he was mushing his team on the trail when he saw a snowmachine barreling toward him at a high speed.
State investigation finds Anchorage corrections officers used excessive force in 2017 pepper spray incident
The incident took place more than four years ago, and investigators say the state corrections department still hasn’t made adequate changes to prevent similar incidents.
Return of Anchorage mask mandate uncertain, amid omicron-driven spike
Anchorage’s COVID-19 cases have dramatically increased with the new omicron variant, but that doesn’t automatically mean the city will have a new masking mandate.
State amends disaster declaration for Southcentral storm to include Girdwood damages
Anchorage emergency management officials say Girdwood’s Ruane Road, which is the only road to the area’s water utility facility, was damaged by the storm as were the Loveland and Echo Ridge Roads.
Bronson proposes making Anchorage municipal clerk an elected official
Under the mayor’s proposal, the city charter would be changed to have the clerk elected for a three-year term. Other requirements would be that the clerk be an Anchorage resident while in office and be a resident for at least two years prior to the election.