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 passes new rules for homeless camps
The measure prohibits campsites within a half-mile of a shelter and limits campsites to no more than 25 tents.
Anchorage Assembly rejects a right-on-red ban in downtown
The measure would’ve banned vehicles from turning right at red lights in the area between 3rd and 9th avenues and Gambell and L streets.
Family of man fatally shot by Anchorage police demands release of officers’ body camera footage
"They have six other videos for body cameras and two dash cameras with different angles of what transpired that night,” said Travis Handy.
Researchers and city officials work to inform Hillside communities of wildfire risks
Experts say it's not a matter of if but when a large blaze impacts the Hillside neighborhood in Anchorage.
Security footage calls into question Anchorage police account of fatal shooting
Police have said Kristopher Handy pointed a gun at officers before they opened fire. A neighbor with security footage of the incident says otherwise.
LaFrance maintains lead in Anchorage mayor’s race
More than 71,000 votes have been tallied in the runoff that pits Suzanne LaFrance against incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson.
Suzanne LaFrance poised to be Anchorage’s first elected female mayor
Partial, unofficial election night results show the former Assembly chair leading incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson by nearly 10%.
Anchorage residents turn in 51K ballots ahead of mayoral runoff election deadline
As of Monday night, the city has received about 6,000 more ballots than it had by the same point in the April regular mayoral election.
As Anchorage wildfire season creeps in, Hillside residents prepare for the worst
Experts say it's not a matter of if but when a large blaze impacts the South Anchorage neighborhood.
Alaska officials announce ‘One Pill Can Kill’ campaign to address fentanyl crisis
“Alaska is under attack,” said. U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan. “In 2023, opioids killed more Alaskans than ever before.”
Bronson, LaFrance offer different views and priorities in Alaska Public Media-ADN mayoral runoff debate
Bronson centered homelessness in his debate remarks, while LaFrance focused on providing basic city services.
Alaska’s first resettlement conference highlights state’s recent spike in refugees
Alaska used to average about 150 refugees a year. Just last year, that number spiked to about 485.
Bronson, LaFrance challenge each other’s record during Anchorage Chamber mayoral debate
With two weeks until ballots are due, the candidates are looking to win over more voters after a close race in the general election.
Hey Anchorage, who’s your pick for mayor? Why?
We spent a day talking to locals all over Anchorage, from Eagle River to Girdwood, about what matters to them.
Anchorage’s Covenant House receives $1M federal grant to help foster youth before they age out
“We know a lot of them end up with us after a year anyway,” said Heidi Huppert, chief program officer at the youth homeless service provider.
Supporters of Anchorage-area cemeteries say they’re not giving up after $4M bond fails
The bond would've laid the foundations for cemeteries in Girdwood and Eagle River, two communities without public cemeteries.
Alaskans will have a chance to see a total solar eclipse… in 9 years
A total solar eclipse will occur on March 30, 2033. The path of totality will be visible in Nome, Kotzebue and Utqiagvik.
Popp endorses LaFrance for Anchorage mayor
In the most recent election results, Bill Popp had about 17% of the vote, placing third behind Suzanne LaFrance and Dave Bronson.
Anchorage Assembly overrides 2 Bronson vetoes as fight over Eklutna project continues
The overrides were the latest actions in an ongoing dispute between the Assembly and mayor over plans to restore fish habitat in the Eklutna River.
Bianca Cross to be first woman to lead Anchorage Police Department
Mayor Dave Bronson promoted Cross as he prepares for a runoff election in May, though he insists the move isn’t political.