Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
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.
Anchorage police officers who shot William Riley-Jennings won’t be charged
State prosecutors have deemed the fatal police shooting last month of an unarmed man suspected of vehicle theft as legally justified.
Anchorage municipal election season begins with candidate drawing
Thursday marked the start to Anchorage’s municipal election season, beginning with a drawing to determine the order of candidates’ names on the ballot. Friday, Jan. 16 is the first day candidates can officially file for office.
Anchorage Assembly extends emergency declaration, denounces Capitol violence
The Anchorage Assembly voted late Tuesday to extend the city’s emergency declaration a seventh time, until April 16. The body also voted to pass a resolution condemning the violence at the U.S. Capitol last week.
New report says emergency orders helped slow the spread of coronavirus in Anchorage
A new report shows COVID-19 pandemic restrictions helped slow the spread of the virus in Anchorage. That’s according to the state Section of Epidemiology.
FBI, police investigate ‘suspicious vehicle’ at Anchorage Midtown Mall
The Anchorage Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating a “suspicious vehicle” reported at the Midtown Mall.
Lawsuit challenges petition to recall Anchorage Assembly Chair Felix Rivera
A group trying to recall Anchorage Assembly Chair Felix Rivera says it has gathered almost 3,000 valid signatures, more than the number required to put the recall petition on the April ballot. Another group is suing to invalidate the recall effort.
Anchorage’s pandemic jobs program wraps up, for now
A small jobs program in Anchorage has given work to people unemployed by the pandemic and at the same time, helped deal with scores of dead trees and restore trails in city parks. Participants say it was a life-saver. Alaska Public Media’s Kavitha George reports.