Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media
Zachariah Hughes reports on city & state politics, arts & culture, drugs, and military affairs in Anchorage and South Central Alaska.
@ZachHughesAK About Zachariah
AK: How do you grow a zoo in Anchorage?
The Alaska Zoo has dramatically transformed over the last five decades. The process of expanding a collection of rare animals isn't easy. None the less, there have been some acquisitions lately. The process of integrating new wildlife into the facility combines non-profit budgeting with the whims of mother nature. Listen now
Assembly member wants to turn fallow land into an urban farm
The 15-acre property in question is the former site of the Alaska Native Hospital, which one Assembly member wants to see turned into an urban agriculture center. Listen now
Uber, Lyft cleared to launch in Alaska
Governor Bill Walker signed House Bill 132 into law this afternoon, opening up business in Alaska for Transportation Network Companies, including popular services like Uber and Lyft. Listen now
Dispute looms over Anchorage parking meter policy
The battle centers on a new plan to start charging at parking meters during weekends, and whether the changes will drive business in or out of the area.
WWII evacuation and internment commemorated at JBER ceremony
A group of military officials, foreign dignitaries, and survivors gathered at the Fort Richardson National Ceremony to recall the bombing of Dutch Harbor and tragic aftermath.
In a boat race to the Last Frontier, Alaskans opt out
The Washington state-to-Ketchikan competition will have close to 40 motorless watercraft. But the only team from the contest’s namesake destination has withdrawn.
New contract with firefighters to save Anchorage millions
Under the new deal, union members will forgo annual pay raises but see an increase in their monthly benefits contribution from the municipality through 2020.
Anchorage takes an early look at a new fuel tax
Officials in Anchorage are beginning to look at a potential new fuel tax as a way to help pay for essential services like policing and infrastructure.
65 years after crash, recovery resumes on Colony Glacier
The military resumed an annual mission to the Colony Glacier, where an Air Force plane crashed 65 years ago, killing the dozens of service members on board.
Alaska VA faces issues, but is making steady progress
Alaska isn't immune from national issues affecting the country's VA system, however the state's branch of the department has made progress. in the last few years. Listen now
Alaska officials show no strong response to U.S. leaving the Paris accords
President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord drew muted reactions from Alaska officials on Thursday. Listen now
Anchorage advocacy group assembles to combat equal rights ordinance rollback
A coalition of Anchorage advocacy groups, unions and faith organizations is mobilizing to oppose an ongoing effort to roll back parts of the city's equal rights ordinance. Listen now
Anchorage to receive EPA grant to address distressed properties
The Municipality of Anchorage is getting a $300,000 grant to help clean up distressed properties. The money is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownsfields Assessment Grants program, which aims to redevelop properties that are unoccupied or under-used. Listen now
New ‘Five for Five’ effort pushes Alaska Grown in front of shoppers
State officials want Alaskans to spend a little bit more money on products grown in state. To do it, they're encouraging shoppers to spend $5 a week for the next five months. Listen now
U.S. Missile Defense conducts successful anti-ICBM test
On Tuesday, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced it conducted a successful test of a system designed to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles. It's the first test of the system by the U.S. in almost three years. Listen now
The Bard of Mooselandia: a wordsmithing wildlife worker
For state workers, the task of communicating strange animal news to the public is equal parts zoological and literary. Listen now
Uber, Lyft could be back in Alaska by June
The state House and Senate have both passed bills that allow Transportation Network Companies to operate, which means the controversial businesses could open up shop in Alaska as early as June. Listen now
After stern state letter and a loss, lone Anchorage pot club closes
From the beginning there were disputes over the Pot Luck Event's legality. The final straw was a cease-and-desist order from state regulators, and the passing of the club's founder, just days apart. Listen now
Sullivan discusses broad spectrum of topics with statewide listeners on Talk of Alaska
Republican Senator Dan Sullivan spoke on Talk of Alaska Tuesday morning about a broad range of topics, from national news stories in the headlines to regional issues facing the state. Listen now
DJs discuss the sound of the Arctic at NxN festival
On the tail of the Arctic Council meeting in Fairbanks last week, the Anchorage Museum hosted a multi-day series of events focused on the high north, including artists, academics and policy-makers. Listen now