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
A correction helps uncover a heroic rescue in Angoon from ’95
In a story about a rarely awarded medal we wrongly stated it was the first one awarded for a rescue in Alaska. In fact, one was given for an incident that happened in Angoon in 1995. The story starts at a basketball game when the power goes out.
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AK: David Bowie’s Alaskan name-twin adopts rocker’s rebel streak
UAA linguistics Professor David Bowie -- pronounced BOO-wee, but spelled b-o-w-i-e -- has a vexed relationship with the celebrity he shares his name with. He resented the musician until he was in his 20s, when something changed.
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Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking tends to be closely associated with sex trafficking and prostitution, but this week's Alaska Edition includes guests who are taking initiative to expand how Alaskans understand the issue of people being exploited across an array of industries.
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New tech and political clout put toward homeless campers
The Anchorage Mayor's office is throwing its weight behind initiatives to end homelessness, a problem the administration says has intensified in recent years. As social service providers gather data on homeless individuals, they're pairing new technology with an increased level of political support.
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Marijuana tax to go before Anchorage voters
Both law-makers and industry advocates support the proposed five percent tax, but disagreements over regulation continue to grow.
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Private contractor adds staff to handle VA service problems
TriWest will cover salary costs for six new employees embedded within Alaska VA to improve appointments and healthcare, primarily in the communities on the road system.
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Industry opposes Anchorage pot tax, excessive regulations
Two separate items coming before the Anchorage Assembly will shape the state's largest market for commercial cannabis for years to come. And industry representatives are worried it'll be for the worse.
Real estate remains real stable in Alaska’s largest market
In an annual presentation to city officials on property values, Anchorage's municipal assessor showed a steady rise in overall property values.
Viral videos and the role of citizen reporters
Whether it’s viral videos about kayak-eating bears, or footage of alleged police brutality--some of Alaska’s biggest stories in the last year started as clips on social media. This week's Alaska Edition looks at how video and new media are shaping the way we get our news.
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State judge sides with defendants in LIO case
A state judge handed down a significant ruling Thursday on a case involving the controversial lease for the state's Legislative Information Office in downtown Anchorage.
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Anchorage puts forth port as top legislative priority
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz addressed a group of legislators today, presenting them with the city's one big funding priority: modernizing its port.
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Alaska soldier earns prestigious medal for heroic fishing rescue
A soldier stationed at Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson is set to receive one of the nation's highest military awards on Friday. According to Army officials, it's the first time the Soldier's Medal has been awarded to a troop in Alaska for a rescue that happened in state. And it started with a fishing trip.
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Downtown crash rattles culture of trust in Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol occupies an unusual place between the worlds of civilian and military aviation, one that relies primarily on self-monitoring.
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Pilot crashed into Anchorage building where wife worked during unauthorized flight
One person is confirmed dead after a small plane struck an office building in downtown Anchorage at 6:18 a.m Tuesday morning. Investigators say the pilot was not sanctioned to fly the aircraft.
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Labyrinth of VA paperwork, bureaucracy leaves vets feeling lost
If Scott Harrison is going to prove that his disability are connected to his time in the military, the VA needs to comb through his service treatment record. Which, given his time as a Marine in the 80s, presents problems.
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Casualty of care: Ex-Marine grapples with VA system
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Alaska has made healthy strides in improving care over the last few years. But some patients still fall through the cracks. In the first of a two-part story, an ex-Marine explains his difficulties navigating care and benefits through the VA, and the effect its had on his life.
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Whistleblower alleges corruption in LIO court case
The plaintiff alleges financial improprieties in the lease agreement between law-markers and the property's landlord, which could invalidate the space's 10 year lease.
Fairview Bloods member captured in Wash. by US Marshals
Anchorage resident Delano Williams was arrested in Tacoma, Wash. without incident Friday, according to the FBI.
Reporter’s roundtable: the permanent fund protection plan
On Wednesday, Governor Bill Walker introduced a budget proposal. It includes taxes, changing the structure of the Permanent Fund, and further cuts to services across the state. And all of this just a few weeks ahead of the next session.
12 indicted in bust of Fairview Bloods gang
A sprawling indictment from the U.S. Attorney's office details allegations of drug sales, money laundering, illegal firearm possession, and violence by 12 individuals in Anchorage's Fairview neighborhood. The men in custody are allegedly part of an Alaska unit of the LA-based Bloods gang.
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