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.
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.
Bronson and LaFrance prepare for runoff in Anchorage mayoral election
Suzanne LaFrance has roughly 600 more votes than incumbent Mayor Dave Bronson, according to the tally posted Tuesday night.
Anchorage police warn of scammers impersonating officers and asking for money
While police scams like this are nothing new, APD spokeswoman Renee Oistad says they’ve gotten more sophisticated.
Legislature relaunches Alaska Children’s Caucus
The revival of a legislative group focused on providing support to children from birth to adulthood comes as the state faces systemic issues in child care and education.
A week before city election, Anchorage voters have submitted over 22,000 ballots
The city has seen about 3,500 ballots shy of the number it received by this point in 2018, but about 2,000 more than the same time period in 2021.
Anchorage is about a foot shy of breaking winter snowfall record
NWS climatologist Brian Brettschneider says the prospect of Anchorage having more than 134.5 inches of total snowfall this winter is “not looking good.”
Anchorage mayoral candidates describe city in decline during Alaska Public Media-ADN debate
Over 90 minutes, the four major candidates answered a series of questions related to topics like homelessness, an impending natural gas shortage and climate change.
Bronson vetoes new rules for Anchorage Airbnbs
The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday had approved the ordinance that would’ve required short-term rental owners to locally license their operations.
Where Anchorage’s 4 major mayoral candidates stand on the issues
Alaska Public Media recently interviewed the candidates ahead of the city's April 2 election.
Anchorage mayoral candidates report dozens of damaged, vandalized or missing campaign signs
Several campaigns and campaign supporters have reported vandalized campaign signs, as well as trash thrown on their property.
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson touts his record and experienced team in reelection bid
Incumbent Dave Bronson was elected Anchorage mayor in 2021, and says his experience and his executive team make him deserving of reelection.
Former state legislator Chris Tuck running for Anchorage mayor on platform of ‘building relationships’
Chris Tuck was an Alaska representative for 14 years. He says his experience building relationships makes him the best candidate for Anchorage mayor.
Former Assembly chair Suzanne LaFrance aims to ‘restore competence’ in bid for Anchorage mayor
Former Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance says her goal in running for Anchorage mayor is "restoring competence at City Hall."
Bill Popp, longtime AEDC president, says if elected mayor his skills and experience will put Anchorage ‘back on track’
Bill Popp, president of the AEDC for 16 years, says he's running for Anchorage mayor to build a "bright and vibrant future" for the city.
Anchorage’s historic city hall to become public library
The city’s former downtown library closed in 1986.
Alaska House passes bill aimed at expanding access to child care
Rep. Julie Coulombe says the bill is an effort to ease the strain on Alaska families who are facing rising child care costs and limited availability.
Anchorage Assembly rejects resolution calling for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict
The Assembly opted to forgo debate and voted 9-3 to postpone the ordinance indefinitely, effectively killing it.
American Library Association president hears about struggles and successes from Alaska librarians
While the state faces unique logistical challenges, Emily Drabinski says that many problems facing Alaska librarians are happening across the country.
Heavy winds and wet snow lead to icy streets and power outages in Anchorage
The city saw gusts as high as 82 mph in the Potter Marsh area, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.
Advocates finalizing plan to use Anchorage marijuana tax revenue on child care
Some of the funding could be distributed as early as this fall, with much of it getting sent out by January of next year.