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
@ZachHughesAK About Zachariah
After high-level Arctic talks, the party moves to Anchorage
As delegates, dignitaries, and stakeholders wind-down high level council meetings, the Anchorage Museum is hosting North By North, a first-time festival focused on issues specific to the Circumpolar North. Listen now
Walker tells Assembly he expects revenues in fiscal plan
During a short trip to Anchorage, the governor used a brief window to tell the body he's optimistic lawmaker's will deliver a fiscal plan this session. Listen now
F-35s fly first training missions in Alaska skies
The small squadron on hand for Northern Edge is a preview of what’s in store for the Air Force in Alaska during the next few years. Listen now
City moves to make emergency shelter space permanent
Anchorage officials are hoping to keep some emergency homeless shelters open longer, past the winter months and into the summer. Listen now
After losing managing editor, Alaska Commons to close
Alaska's media landscape is undergoing some changes, as an influential political website has announced its shutting down. Listen now
Fifth Russian aircraft interception in a month, but experts not alarmed
The latest incident bears some nuance, with more planes than usual off the coast of Western Alaska while a massive military training exercise is taking place on the other side of the state. Listen now
With loss of leader, Alaska Commons faces uncertain future
An influential web-site in Alaska lost its driving force earlier this week. For several years, Alaska Commons has brought news and commentary with a left-leaning perspective to tens of thousands of readers. With the departure of its managing editor, the group's future remains unclear. Listen now
Anchorage police determine one man responsible for 5 killings last summer
Police in Anchorage say they've determined that a single person was responsible for a wave of killings over the summer. Listen now
APD chief announces departure and his replacement
Chief Chris Tolley took over in October of 2015, and was tasked with expanding the size of the police force. He's handing the department over to Captain Justin Doll, a 20-year APD veteran coming from a community-facing role at the department. Listen now
Anchorage assembly says goodbyes and hellos to members
During a meeting last night, the Anchorage Assembly certified the results of this month’s municipal elections. And it was also the last time the body's current members will all share the dais. Though the Assembly deals mostly with the dry nuts and bolts of municipal governance, the occasion was a rare glimpse of personality and sentiment.
Russian bombers spotted outside Alaska…again
For the second time in two days, Russian long-range bombers flew past the coast of Alaska. It's a surprising development that comes after nearly two years without any similar incidents. But military officials in Alaska say it isn't cause for alarm.
F-22s intercept Russian bombers outside Alaska for first time since 2015
Military officials say they launched fighter jets on Monday afternoon to intercept two Russian long-range bombers flying toward Alaska. Listen now
SEC alleges inside trading in GCI sale
In a filing with the U.S. District Court, the Securities and Exchange Commission says nonpublic information was involved in highly profitable, risky stock trades made in the weeks before GCI was purchased by a Colorado company. Listen now
AEDC pushes Anchorage utilities to merge
In a letter sent Wednesday to city leaders, the director of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation wrote that a recently convened working group concluded that stakeholders should seriously consider merging Municipal Light and Power with the Chugach Electric Association. Listen now
Anchorage bus overhaul pushes frequency over breadth
Officials in Anchorage Tuesday unveiled a long-waited overhaul of the municipality's public transportation system. And planners are gearing up to spend the next six months preparing residents and visitors for major changes. Listen now
Cuts to 4-25 reversed, but 1,500 to deploy to Afghanistan
It's official: The Army has decided to keep the 4-25th brigade combat team intact at Joint Base Elmendof-Richardson in Anchorage. Listen now
Shooting by ‘distraught man’ and avalanche trap Turnagain Arm residents in the dark
The sole highway heading south out of Anchorage was closed because of what police described as a "distraught man." A manhunt is still underway for a suspect who allegedly discharged a weapon multiple times. Hours later, an avalanche knocked out power in the area, as well. Listen now
Anchorage voters opt for bonds, more liberal Assembly
Progressive candidates and incumbents win, along with former law-maker in Eagle River and an upset in south Anchorage. Taxi proposition and ambulance bond measure fail. Listen now
What are the 8 ballot measures in Anchorage’s Tuesday election?
When Anchorage voters head to the polls for municipal elections on Tuesday, residents in every corner of town will be choosing representatives for the Assembly. More than half of the 11 seats are up for election, which could tip the body's balance of power. There are also two school board races.
AK: Celebrating Turkish culture in Anchorage
The Republic of Turkey is about as far as you can go from Alaska on the other side of the globe. The country of nearly 80 million people straddles the edges of Europe and Asia, with a Mediterranean climate, and a rich history as the seat of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Again, not a lot of parallels with Alaska. But both places have food and dance at the center of their cultural traditions. Listen now