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.
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.
Second Omicron variant detected in Alaska from Anchorage resident who traveled recently
Officials say the person was an Anchorage resident who had traveled domestically out of state earlier this month and is currently isolating with mild illness.
Bronson creates specialized prosecution unit focused on domestic violence
The unit will focus specifically on crimes like intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as animal abuse.
Alaska’s first Miss America calls response to her historic win overwhelming and heartwarming
“Before I knew it, they were putting a crown on my head and I was just so overwhelmed with emotion," Broyles said the day after she was crowned. "Being the first Miss Alaska to be crowned Miss America means so much.”
Anchorage School District to make face masks optional for students starting Jan. 3
Superintendent Deena Bishop says the district is dropping its mask requirements in response to a decline in COVID-19 cases.
Assembly amends Bronson’s changes to executive branch, keeping library as its own department
The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday approved Mayor Dave Bronson’s proposed organization of the city’s executive branch. But it was not without several changes and a flurry of vetoes and veto overrides.
Alaska reports its first case of omicron variant
The city health department says an Anchorage resident recently tested positive for the omicron variant following international travel.
Bronson sues Anchorage Assembly over his right to fire chief equity officer
The lawsuit stems from Bronson’s firing of Clifford Armstrong III in October.
Anchorage Assembly to take public testimony on election code changes next week
The proposed changes come in the wake of reports of "unprecedented harassment" of election workers during the mayoral runoff election in May.
Anchorage Assembly ends its indoor mask mandate
The ordinance mandated that people wear masks in indoor public and communal spaces.
Bronson announces new Anchorage police chief
Deputy Chief Michael Kerle will be the city's new chief, effective Feb. 2., Bronson announced Tuesday night at an Assembly meeting.
Anchorage School District faces $67M budget shortfall going into next year, officials say
The most recent ASD budget was around $565 million. The district's projections anticipate that revenues will decline by about $20 million and expenditures will increase by about $47 million.
As much as 30 inches of snow could fall in parts of Southcentral Alaska
The National Weather Service is forecasting between 16 and 30 inches of snow in the Upper Susitna Valley, while the area north of Seward along the Turnagain Arm could see between one and two feet of snow.
Anchorage Assembly to vote on ending indoor mask ordinance during Tuesday meeting
The rate of COVID-19 infections is decreasing in Anchorage, and the Assembly says it will decide whether to end the city's mask mandate at its meeting on Tuesday.
State to extend contract with out-of-state health workers brought up to help with pandemic strain
The contract was initially for 90 days, and has been extended to Jan. 20.
Police chief retirement and budget vetoes mark latest shakeup in Anchorage politics
Turbulence in Anchorage’s city politics continued Tuesday with the chief of police announcing his retirement and the mayor vetoing most of the changes the Assembly made to the city’s budget last week.
Anchorage Police Chief Ken McCoy says he’ll retire in February
In a statement Tuesday evening, McCoy said his decision came after "much reflection and thoughtful consideration," but he did not provide a specific reason for retiring less than a year after he was named police chief.
Anchorage mayor vetoes most of the Assembly’s budget changes
Bronson cut nearly all of the additions the Anchorage Assembly had agreed to last week when it unanimously passed the spending plan.