Anchorage

All news stories about Anchorage

a six-unit apartment complex

An Anchorage housing expert says it’s time for builders to get creative to solve the housing crunch

Alaska’s largest city is facing a significant housing crunch. At least one expert wants to get creative to solve the problem.
a photo of a building that says Anchorage Daily News

Staff at Alaska’s largest newspaper approve new union, election results show

Union members have said they intend to advocate for fair wages, financial transparency and a sustainable workplace environment.
the outside of a building

Alaska voters head to the polls with bad weather delaying voting in 2 remote communities

A windstorm kept the polling location in St. George closed until 2 p.m. The polling place in Wales was expected to open at 4 p.m.
Parents pack the Anchorage School Board meeting.

Bear Valley parents pack school board meeting to protest Anchorage school closure proposal

The school board heard over three hours of testimony about the proposed school closure list.
a man speaking at a podium

Anchorage needs to ramp up homebuilding to keep up with demand, experts say

Anchorage needs to build 1000 new housing units each year, up from about 200 annually right now, according to mayor Suzanne LaFrance.

Anchorage officials begin sheltering unhoused residents amid first major snowfall

The city’s winter sheltering plan includes a low-barrier shelter as well as 400 non-congregate shelter beds, many of which are converted hotel rooms.
Snow hitting halloween ornaments.

Halloween storm turns Anchorage streets into ‘liquid banana peel,’ meteorologist says

A "wintry mix" of snow and rain through Friday morning will produce slick conditions for trick-or-treaters in Alaska's largest city.

2 who set Anchorage’s deadly Royal Suite Lodge fire sentenced to 24 years

Andrew Eknaty, 36, and Carleigh West, 35, were sentenced Monday for starting the 2017 fire that killed three people.
A big truck filled with snow on the street.

Anchorage city officials launch a new website for all things snowplow-related

Officials say they hope the new website helps boost transparency around how — and when — the city is clearing snow.
A man snow blowing his driveway.

Southcentral Alaska’s first snowstorm of the season closes schools and tangles traffic

Anchorage and some Matanuska-Susitna Borough schools were closed, after nearly a foot of snowfall since Monday.
A car accident on an intersection.

First major snow of the season hits Southcentral, prompting warnings of slick roads

Anchorage residents should expect 4 to 9 inches of snow by midday Tuesday, with 6 to 12 inches in Wasilla west to Houston.
a white raven

Waiting for a white raven in Spenard

Experts say the leucistic bird could return to Anchorage for the winter — but so far there have been no confirmed sightings.

Ranked choice voting’s origins and reception in Alaska

Alaska voters in 2020 approved a ballot measure that changed how we elect candidates.
two airplanes side by side at the airport

Anchorage International Airport adds 5 new air cargo carriers

Airport leaders hope the expansion will increase the airport’s position in the global cargo market. The Anchorage airport is currently the fourth busiest for cargo in the world.
A sign that reads help wanted

Alaska businesses are divided over a ballot measure that would raise minimum wage and mandate sick leave

Ballot Measure One would raise the minimum wage and allow workers to accrue sick leave. Many business owners say it makes sense, while others believe it’ll drive up high operating costs even further.
An alley and exterior of two buildings

Anchorage Assembly approves $3.7M contract with controversial vendor for 200 emergency winter beds

Henning Inc. fell under scrutiny earlier this year when a series of unprofessional texts between the operator’s management and the city’s then-homelessness coordinator, who now works for Henning, were leaked.
A police car marked as Anchorage Police.

Driver charged with DUI, assault after hitting pedestrian in downtown Anchorage

Police say Ariel Maskrey, 28, is also charged with leaving the scene of the Saturday crash, which left the victim with a cracked skull.
A woman with a white shirt and glasses stands outside.

After two years, Anchorage is set to have a permanent health director

Kim Rash had been serving in a temporary capacity since her predecessor resigned in the midst of a scandal. Now she’s been hired as the permanent director.
Blue police lights.

Anchorage reaches its 30th homicide of 2024 after recent deaths

The 2024 death toll from homicides in Alaska's largest city remains behind its record of 37 in 2017.
Icicles at the corner of a school.

ASD to release plan to close schools, redraw middle school boundaries in November

The state’s largest school district plans to reduce schools due to declining enrollment.