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
Man with gun forces evacuation at Alaska Dispatch News
Information came to the newsroom that a man with a gun in a Santa hat could be approaching. Shortly afterwards, he entered the building.
Successes and shortcomings in Anchorage’s homelessness strategy
As the year comes to a close, Anchorage officials are taking stock of the city's problems with homelessness. Several assertive measures to connect people with housing and social services are succeeding, but the coordinated effort is showcasing just how much work is left to do. Listen Now
Anchorage pushing for port, more flexible finances from Legislature
In a departure from big wish lists of the past, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's legislative request has only one capital budget project, coupled with a number of law changes designed to give local governments more financial flexibility. Listen Now
Architect of Alaska marijuana regulations to leave as industry starts
Cynthia Franklin took over the Alcoholic Beverages Control Board in 2014, which evolved into the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office after voters approved Ballot Measure 2, legalizing commercial cannabis. Listen Now
Accusations of fake news and Islamophobia fill Anchorage Assembly
An online controversy spread to the halls of city government in Anchorage on Tuesday, with accusations flying about fake news, liberal media bias, and a militant Islamic training camp in Wasilla that does not exist.
Assembly vote could re-make Anchorage taxi industry
During it's meeting this Tuesday, the Assembly will vote on a measure that aims to eliminate the fixed number of cabs operating in the city, which would happen in a phased approach over the next few years. Listen Now
Why doesn’t Anchorage have a pot shop yet? Dumpsters and parking lots.
After store openings in Fairbanks, Juneau and Valdez, Anchorage is still weeks away from having an open retailer.
Anchorage Police Department adds officers
The Anchorage Police Department is moving closer to a years-long goal of boosting the size of the force. On Thursday, 26 new officers will graduate from the department's second police academy of the year. And in a few weeks, 31 additional officers will enter a third academy. Listen Now
Local corporation sues City of Utqiagvik to halt name-change
Just one day ahead of the official name change, a local corporation filed a temporary restraining order to halt the measure's implementation, alleging a flawed process and fiscal risk. Listen Now
State’s new top general back in Alaska for the third time
Lieutenant General Kenneth Wilsbach took over in August, but first came to Alaska in the 60s as a young boy on Adak. Listen Now
Officials ban trailers for carrying dogs in Iditarod
Citing safety concerns, the Iditarod Board of Directors have ruled that Iditarod mushers will no longer be able to carry dogs in trailers behind their sleds. Listen Now
4 percent: Anchorage may get a sales tax
Fiscally conservative Assembly member from South Anchorage hopes to diversify city revenues while staying below the "tax cap." Listen Now
Blood Bank denies it put public at risk to boost finances
The findings, released Friday, come after a former employee sent a complaint to the Food and Drug Administration in August.
Kotzebue brothers make first app for all 20 Alaska Native languages
Frustrated at not being able to text in Iñupiaq, pair spent months assembling a library of characters for all of Alaska's recognized indigenous languages. Listen Now
Tension lingers over handling of investigation into linked homicides
A day after news that five Anchorage murders are linked to the same gun used an attack on a police officer over the weekend, questions remain about how officials responded to public concerns in the months before.
Anchorage Assembly budget makes several cuts to increase police force
The Anchorage Assembly passed a $504 million operating budget during it’s Tuesday night meeting, up slightly from last year’s budget of $488 million. Increases are going primarily to pay for a larger police force. Listen Now
Four new pot shops approved in Anchorage
The Anchorage assembly approved four new cannabis businesses within the municipality on Tuesday. Listen Now
Veteran Town hall to be held in Palmer
This weekend, the first Veteran Town Hall to be held in Alaska is happening in Palmer. Listen Now
Alaska Public Media and Electionland want to hear about your vote!
Help Alaska Public Media cover access to the ballot and problems preventing people from exercising their right to vote during the 2016 election.
Lower 48 ivory bans hit Alaska Native carvers
On the heels of stricter federal rules on the ivory trade, several state bans are shrinking demand for ivory, even the legal walrus ivory many Alaskans depend on.