Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

870 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
a woman with glasses in a meeting room

Legislature relaunches Alaska Children’s Caucus

The revival of a legislative group focused on providing support to children from birth to adulthood comes as the state faces systemic issues in child care and education.

A week before city election, Anchorage voters have submitted over 22,000 ballots

The city has seen about 3,500 ballots shy of the number it received by this point in 2018, but about 2,000 more than the same time period in 2021.
A man carries a sled full of shovels in winter.

Anchorage is about a foot shy of breaking winter snowfall record

NWS climatologist Brian Brettschneider says the prospect of Anchorage having more than 134.5 inches of total snowfall this winter is “not looking good.”
Four people, a man in a suit with red tie, a woman with a deep red blazer, a man in a suit with purple tie, and a man in a suit with a striped tie stand behind podiums in front of a white backdrop with the logos for PBS, NPR, and Alaska Public Media preparing for a debate.

Anchorage mayoral candidates describe city in decline during Alaska Public Media-ADN debate

Over 90 minutes, the four major candidates answered a series of questions related to topics like homelessness, an impending natural gas shortage and climate change.
Anchorage City Hall

Bronson vetoes new rules for Anchorage Airbnbs

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday had approved the ordinance that would’ve required short-term rental owners to locally license their operations.
profiles of four people

Where Anchorage’s 4 major mayoral candidates stand on the issues

Alaska Public Media recently interviewed the candidates ahead of the city's April 2 election.

Anchorage mayoral candidates report dozens of damaged, vandalized or missing campaign signs

Several campaigns and campaign supporters have reported vandalized campaign signs, as well as trash thrown on their property.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson touts his record and experienced team in reelection bid

Incumbent Dave Bronson was elected Anchorage mayor in 2021, and says his experience and his executive team make him deserving of reelection.

Former state legislator Chris Tuck running for Anchorage mayor on platform of ‘building relationships’

Chris Tuck was an Alaska representative for 14 years. He says his experience building relationships makes him the best candidate for Anchorage mayor.

Former Assembly chair Suzanne LaFrance aims to ‘restore competence’ in bid for Anchorage mayor

Former Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance says her goal in running for Anchorage mayor is "restoring competence at City Hall."

Bill Popp, longtime AEDC president, says if elected mayor his skills and experience will put Anchorage ‘back on track’

Bill Popp, president of the AEDC for 16 years, says he's running for Anchorage mayor to build a "bright and vibrant future" for the city.

Anchorage’s historic city hall to become public library

The city’s former downtown library closed in 1986.
a person speaks in a meeting room

Alaska House passes bill aimed at expanding access to child care

Rep. Julie Coulombe says the bill is an effort to ease the strain on Alaska families who are facing rising child care costs and limited availability.

Anchorage Assembly rejects resolution calling for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict

The Assembly opted to forgo debate and voted 9-3 to postpone the ordinance indefinitely, effectively killing it.
A person in a black sweater stands in front of a sign.

American Library Association president hears about struggles and successes from Alaska librarians

While the state faces unique logistical challenges, Emily Drabinski says that many problems facing Alaska librarians are happening across the country.

Heavy winds and wet snow lead to icy streets and power outages in Anchorage

The city saw gusts as high as 82 mph in the Potter Marsh area, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.
two kids color at a table

Advocates finalizing plan to use Anchorage marijuana tax revenue on child care

Some of the funding could be distributed as early as this fall, with much of it getting sent out by January of next year.
A sign says Anchorage School District.

Anchorage school employee arrested after police say he assaulted a student

Police say the paraprofessional “put his hands” on a Baxter Elementary student following a disagreement on the playground.

Hometown hero? Valdez may soon get a life-sized statue of a ‘Star Trek’ icon

A group of fans want to honor William Riker’s Last Frontier roots with a bronze statue in the character’s hometown: Valdez.
A man in a black coat poses outside during winter.

Eagle River’s Mark Littlefield is sole candidate to fill soon-to-be vacant Assembly seat

Littlefield was the only person to file to run in a special election to fill Kevin Cross’ seat.