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
A day later, on-site cannabis issue still alive
The state's Department of Economic Development is trying to clarify the status of on-site cannabis consumption in Alaska. Listen now
To counter cuts, Anchorage weighs unified snow plow plan
City leaders say state budget cuts have left a snowy, icy mess that may require rethinking a decades-old arrangement. Listen now
Newest Willow sled-dog race a labor of love
A new sled-dog race kicks off Friday (Feb. 3). At noon, mushers will take off from Willow Lake as part of Southcentral's newest mid-distance race, the Willow 300.
Iditarod could move back to Fairbanks for a third time
Though the decision has not been made, low snow conditions along difficult parts of the trail are prompting officials to consider moving the race's re-start from Willow to Fairbanks, as they first did in 2003. Listen now
Kodiak could soon see new missile testing
Pending a review of the Environmental Impact Statement, Kodiak complex could get Terminal High Altitude Area Defense assets. Listen now
Alaska conservatives defend Trump’s immigration order
Elected officials and commentators defend the measure as a campaign promise on national security. But not without some reservations. Listen now
AK: At the planetarium, auroras shown in a new light
Through a mix of science, art, and traditional knowledge, a new film is casting the northern lights as something more than a mere novelty, as researchers try to tell a more comprehensive story about the phenomenon. Listen now
Boulder on the inside: a pot lawyer grows up fast
At the center of a complicated new industry with an uncertain future is an important, profitable legal niche: cannabis attorneys. Listen now
Here’s why your street isn’t plowed yet
Back-to-back storms, a tricky division of labor, and budget cuts contribute to a perception of lagging snow-removal. Listen now
Bean’s Cafe moves to 24-hour schedule to alleviate cold patrons
The cold weather descending on much of the state is having an impact on social services. A soup kitchen in Anchorage is staying open around the clock to provide shelter from dangerously frigid temperatures. Listen now
Economic forecast sees more job loss in Anchorage, but at a slower pace
With the state in a recession, many are searching for economic signs of what's in store for 2017. Listen now
Amid violence and breakdown, no clear intervention for Florida shooter
A week after a mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport, questions remain about why an Anchorage man with multiple domestic violence incidents and a documented mental breakdown was allowed to transport a handgun across the country. Listen now
Trump’s VA pick came to Alaska in 2015
Only weeks into his new job at the VA, Dr. David Shulkin came to Alaska for a senate field hearing in Eagle River. Listen now
FBI and police address Fort Lauderdale shooter’s ties to Alaska
Officials in Anchorage held a press conference on Saturday regarding what's known about Esteban Santiago, the alleged shooter in yesterday's attack at the Fort Lauderdale airport.
Anchorage weighs sales tax option
Officials in Anchorage are weighing a potential sales tax to deal with state's on-going fiscal challenges. The two percent tax is forecast to bring $90-$150 million in new revenues to the city and is intended to, in part, offset property taxes. Listen now
APD clarifies proper Amber Alert procedure
On New Years Day, a carjacking and child kidnapping lead the Anchorage Police Department to almost issue an Amber Alert, a process that has dense requirements. Listen now
Eklutna reaches deal with Anchorage over trash gas and new housing
The Municipality of Anchorage has reached an agreement with a local native corporation in a deal that will avoid years of costly litigation for both sides. Listen now
Anchorage to get crowd-sourced five-year economic plan
A new survey is the first step in drafting a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy based on where residents and businesses see Anchorage developing over the next five years. Listen now
34 homicides and no clear solution in Anchorage
Without any single factor responsible for the surge in homicides, officials say there no clear solution to the problem. Listen Now
Assembly member flooded with threatening messages since controversy
Anchorage Assembly member Amy Demboski is no stranger to controversy, but is alarmed by the surge of messages directed at her. Listen Now