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
More cops, fewer consultants in Anchorage’s opening budget volley
The administration introduced its 2016 budget, which is $1.8 million less than last year's, but saddled with $11 million less in revenues.
City budget allots added $5M to police, fire
After campaigning to make public safety at top priority, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is putting millions of dollars towards more police officers and fire fighters.\
Download Audio
Anchorage passes LGBT anti-discrimination measure 9 to 2
The ordinance extents protection from discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual identity, the first such measure passed in Alaska.
Download Audio
Anchorage convenes task force to combat sex trafficking
A new working group in Anchorage is bringing city, state, and federal resources to combat human trafficking across Alaska.
Download Audio
Anchorage mayor tackles labor, sex trafficking in Alaska
A new working group in is bringing city, state, and federal resources to combat human trafficking across the state.
State launches task force on human trafficking in Alaska
The Department of Labor approached Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's administration about finding new enforcement strategies for combating state-wide problems with labor and sex trafficking.
In wave of felony marijuana charges, both sides point at publicity
16 felony charges were filed by the state against three high-profile marijuana businesses operating ahead of finished commercial regulations.
Anchorage anti-discrimination ordinance up for revision
Public testimony is closed on a controversial Anchorage ordinance that could extend legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. But the measure's final form isn't yet clear.
Download Audio
More than ink: Traditional tattoos roar back in Alaska
Though the custom weas nearly lost, a new generation is using tattoos to reclaim and rebuild a strong native identity in the 21st century.
Download Audio
Public testimony closes on city discrimination ordinance
Under discussion is an ordinance that extends legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression.
Download Audio
Public testimony extended on city discrimination ordinance
Under discussion is an ordinance that extends legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression.
Download Audio
Prison population swells as inmates spend more time behind bars
Alaska’s prison population is growing. But as the state’s Criminal Justice Commission told legislators during a hearing Tuesday, it’s not because more people are coming in to the system. They’re staying longer.
Download Audio
Equal rights law expected to sail through Anchorage Assembly
The ordinance introduced by Assembly Member Bill Evans adds sexual orientation and gender expression as categories under which city residents are protected from discrimination.
Download Audio
Equal rights law expected to sail through Anchorage Assembly
The ordinance introduced by Assembly Member Bill Evans adds sexual orientation and gender expression as categories under which city residents are protected from discrimination.
Download Audio
Sharp rise in female and pre-trial detentions
The number of Alaskans behind bars continues to rapidly expand. But that growth isn't across the board.
Dept of Ed decision puts school projects on hold, bumps taxes
In an uncommon move, voter-approved bonds in Anchorage and Bristol Bay will not be reimburse by state.
Department of Defense studying economics of drawdown in Anchorage
The BEAR group held its second meeting to look at ways of mitigating negative impacts from loss of thousands of troops.
In historic visit, president dodges Alaska press
In the wake of President Obama's visit, Alaskans are still sorting out the significance of new climate initiatives, cultural recognition, and more. But there's lingering frustration among one particularly vocal group, who found that all the president's messages came from the same place: His staff.
Download Audio:
In historic visit, Obama sidesteps Alaska press
During an eventful visit emphasizing climate change, Obama did not take a single question from the press.
Download Audio:
Village relocation efforts given ‘significant’ boost by president
Denali Commission tapped to lead state and federal efforts coordinating a widespread review of dozens of communities imperiled by climate change.
Download Audio