Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Kavitha George is Alaska Public Media’s climate change reporter. Reach her at kgeorge@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Kavitha here.
Anchorage Election Q&A: Here’s what’s on the ballot and options for voting
Anchorage is less than a month away from its next municipal election. Residents will decide who the next mayor and school board members will be, plus vote on several smaller seats and propositions. Here are some answers to common questions about this year’s spring ballot.
Anchorage mayoral candidates weigh strategies to support children and families
Many of the leading candidates for Anchorage mayor say education is a top priority. During a recent child and family issues forum hosted by Alaska Children’s Trust, most candidates agreed that improving access to early education and childcare and eliminating food and housing insecurity, are important, both for COVID-19 recovery and the future of the city.
Providers work to vaccinate Anchorage homeless population as quickly as possible
Since congregate shelters became eligible for COVID-19 vaccines last month, health care workers and homeless shelter coordinators have been working non-stop to get Anchorage’s 3,000-person homeless population vaccinated.
Mixed reactions from Anchorage restaurants over latest emergency order
With a new emergency order in place this week, Anchorage restaurants are allowed to open at full capacity, as long as they maintain social distancing and masking requirements. While this seems like good news, some restaurants are still frustrated by the remaining restrictions and others are concerned that more customer interaction could lead to increased COVID-19 transmission.
Anchorage Assembly rejects motion to end emergency proclamation
The Anchorage Assembly rejected another motion to throw out the city’s emergency proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday evening. The city has been under an emergency proclamation since the pandemic began last March. It is currently set to expire next month unless the Assembly votes to extend it for the eighth time.
More than half of Brother Francis guests will be fully vaccinated by next week
More than half of the guests at Anchorage’s Brother Francis Shelter will be fully vaccinated by next week. Lisa Aquino, head of Catholic Social Services, which runs the shelter, said residents have been very willing to take the vaccine.
Anchorage lifts capacity restrictions for all businesses, still requires masks and social distancing
Emergency Order 19 also lifts restrictions on organized sports and group gatherings,
Anchorage mayoral hopefuls offer different visions on how to help the city recover
In the upcoming mayor's race, candidates are divided about whether to improve the current administration's course, or to rollback coronavirus restrictions immediately.
Dunbar, Robbins lead in fundraising for Anchorage mayoral race
Fourteen candidates are currently in the race for Anchorage mayor, but two have sizeable leads in fundraising.
After years of discussion, Anchorage will consider a tax levy to fund body cameras for police
Anchorage officials have discussed introducing body-worn cameras for police for a few years, but a lack of funding has stopped the idea from moving forward.
At an Anchorage testing site, “COVID Radio” broadcasts local music and public health
If you turn up the radio while you’re in line for a COVID-19 test in Anchorage, you might hear music from familiar local artists like Medium Build and the West High School Jazz Band. COVID Radio is a project sponsored by the Anchorage Concert Association and the Health Department to provide a platform for local artists and keep the community entertained and informed while they’re getting tested.
Anchorage Assembly decides against formal action after member defends Nazi license plates online
The Anchorage Assembly unanimously dismissed a resolution on Tuesday to recognize actions from Assembly member Jamie Allard around two controversial, Nazi-themed license plates as a “breach of the public trust.”
Anchorage Assembly considers ethics review for member who defended Nazi license plates
The Anchorage Assembly will consider a resolution this week to formally recognize Assembly member Jamie Allard’s statements defending a pair of Nazi-themed license plates as a “breach of the public trust.”
Anchorage police report declining violent crime and property crime in 2020
Police Chief Justin Doll said he’s hopeful the department’s anti-violent crime initiatives are having a positive impact.
Seventeen COVID-19 deaths reported after death certificate review
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services identified 17 COVID-19 deaths on Tuesday through a death certificate review process. None of the deaths, primarily older Alaska residents, were recent.
Anchorage to ease COVID-19 restrictions on businesses, indoor sports
Bars and restaurants will be able to operate at 50% capacity beginning Feb. 1.
Anchorage Assemblywoman removed from Human Rights Commission over comments defending Nazi terminology
The Anchorage Assembly member made comments on social media defending Nazi terminology on a pair of custom Alaska license plates.
Online ordering causing cardboard pile-ups around Anchorage
Recycling coordinator Suzanna Caldwell said an uptick in cardboard recycling happens every year after the holidays, but the pandemic is also to blame as more people order products online.
Man who sent death threats to Anchorage Assembly members in custody
A man who sent death threats to members of the Anchorage Assembly was arrested on Wednesday. In text messages sent to South Anchorage Assemblyman John Weddleton, 39-year-old Richard Leemon Joe threatened to “come after” assembly members and anyone else who might be nearby with an AR-15 rifle, according to charging documents. Joe also referred to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month in his threat.
Candidates begin filing for Anchorage municipal office
Friday marked the first day candidates could file for office for Anchorage’s next municipal election in April. Residents will be casting ballots for mayor, school board and boards of supervisors.