Wesley Early
@wesleyearly.bsky.social
Anchorage reporter for @alaskapublic.org I focus on city government, the police, child care and other general topics. Bartlett High and University of Alaska Anchorage grad who loves all things Alaska, Sade and Star Wars.
Email: wearly@alaskapublic.org
Email: wearly@alaskapublic.org
Advocates for separating the Eagle River-Chugiak area from the Municipality of Anchorage sent a draft detachment petition to the state Local Boundary Commission this week.
“This is definitely the furthest we've gotten,” says Eaglexit's chair.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
“This is definitely the furthest we've gotten,” says Eaglexit's chair.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Group working to separate Eagle River-Chugiak area from Anchorage gains ground
The Eaglexit movement gained momentum this week when it submitted a draft detachment petition to the state boundary commission. “This is definitely the furthest we've gotten,” says the group’s chair.
alaskapublic.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Advocates for separating the Eagle River-Chugiak area from the Municipality of Anchorage sent a draft detachment petition to the state Local Boundary Commission this week.
“This is definitely the furthest we've gotten,” says Eaglexit's chair.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
“This is definitely the furthest we've gotten,” says Eaglexit's chair.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Reposted by Wesley Early
The school district had recommended closing Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary schools at the end of the school year to address declining state support and lower birth rates in Anchorage. https://akpub.io/3LKO99K
Anchorage School Board votes to spare two elementary schools
The district had recommended closing Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary schools at the end of the school year. The vote was a disappointment to two charter schools that would have moved into the vacated buildings.
akpub.io
November 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The school district had recommended closing Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary schools at the end of the school year to address declining state support and lower birth rates in Anchorage. https://akpub.io/3LKO99K
Reposted by Wesley Early
Anchorage election administrator Liz Edwards said the voting system has been in place since April, and was not a “first of its scale” experiment the city was about to conduct, as the Times reported. https://akpub.io/3LMkM6J
‘Inaccurate’ New York Times piece spotlights Anchorage’s electronic voting system, officials say
Anchorage election administrator Liz Edwards said the voting system has been in place since April, and was not a “first of its scale” experiment the city was about to conduct, as the Times reported.
akpub.io
November 15, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Anchorage election administrator Liz Edwards said the voting system has been in place since April, and was not a “first of its scale” experiment the city was about to conduct, as the Times reported. https://akpub.io/3LMkM6J
Sad update today:
A man who was struck by a pickup truck in Anchorage on Oct. 28 died ten days later on Nov. 7. Eric Schmidt, 65, is the 14th of 15 pedestrians killed by vehicles in Anchorage this year, matching last year's total. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
A man who was struck by a pickup truck in Anchorage on Oct. 28 died ten days later on Nov. 7. Eric Schmidt, 65, is the 14th of 15 pedestrians killed by vehicles in Anchorage this year, matching last year's total. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
Anchorage man struck by pickup in late October died 10 days later
Carl Schmidt, 65, was struck by a pickup Oct. 28 near Minnesota Drive. He died Nov. 7 at a hospital.
alaskapublic.org
November 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Sad update today:
A man who was struck by a pickup truck in Anchorage on Oct. 28 died ten days later on Nov. 7. Eric Schmidt, 65, is the 14th of 15 pedestrians killed by vehicles in Anchorage this year, matching last year's total. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
A man who was struck by a pickup truck in Anchorage on Oct. 28 died ten days later on Nov. 7. Eric Schmidt, 65, is the 14th of 15 pedestrians killed by vehicles in Anchorage this year, matching last year's total. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
Reposted by Wesley Early
Our newsroom is hiring!
Alaska Public Media is looking for a Digital Producer/Reporter — a journalist who thrives both online and in the field.
Learn more and apply at alaskapublic.org/careers.
Alaska Public Media is looking for a Digital Producer/Reporter — a journalist who thrives both online and in the field.
Learn more and apply at alaskapublic.org/careers.
November 5, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Our newsroom is hiring!
Alaska Public Media is looking for a Digital Producer/Reporter — a journalist who thrives both online and in the field.
Learn more and apply at alaskapublic.org/careers.
Alaska Public Media is looking for a Digital Producer/Reporter — a journalist who thrives both online and in the field.
Learn more and apply at alaskapublic.org/careers.
Reposted by Wesley Early
Anchorage Mayor LaFrance is proposing a 3% sales tax.
“It’s very clear that if we don’t have new revenue, we’re going to face service cuts and other tough choices,” she said.
The Assembly will decide whether to put the tax proposal on the spring ballot.
“It’s very clear that if we don’t have new revenue, we’re going to face service cuts and other tough choices,” she said.
The Assembly will decide whether to put the tax proposal on the spring ballot.
Anchorage Mayor LaFrance to propose 3% sales tax
The proposal is aimed at investing in public safety, infrastructure, housing and child care, while easing property taxes. Officials estimate the tax would generate between $150 and $180 million annually.
akpub.io
November 6, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Anchorage Mayor LaFrance is proposing a 3% sales tax.
“It’s very clear that if we don’t have new revenue, we’re going to face service cuts and other tough choices,” she said.
The Assembly will decide whether to put the tax proposal on the spring ballot.
“It’s very clear that if we don’t have new revenue, we’re going to face service cuts and other tough choices,” she said.
The Assembly will decide whether to put the tax proposal on the spring ballot.
Reposted by Wesley Early
An Alaska Native company started with a vision for how it could make a profit and do good.
Then it became an ICE detention giant.
Then it became an ICE detention giant.
Lucrative ICE detention centers bring money — and anger — to an Alaska Native community
NANA Regional Corp. is supposed to uphold Iñupiat values. Some shareholders say its role in Trump’s deportation machinery makes a mockery of that.
akpub.io
October 23, 2025 at 11:42 PM
An Alaska Native company started with a vision for how it could make a profit and do good.
Then it became an ICE detention giant.
Then it became an ICE detention giant.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy says President Trump has signed a federal disaster declaration for the Western Alaska storms and flooding that has forced thousands to relocate.
October 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy says President Trump has signed a federal disaster declaration for the Western Alaska storms and flooding that has forced thousands to relocate.
Reposted by Wesley Early
Anchorage officials say they're working to transition Western Alaska evacuees from mass shelters into more private housing, while the school district focuses on supporting students.
Anchorage officials focus on housing and schooling for Western Alaska evacuees
City officials are hoping to transition people from mass shelter into more private housing, while the school district prioritizes supporting students.
akpub.io
October 22, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Anchorage officials say they're working to transition Western Alaska evacuees from mass shelters into more private housing, while the school district focuses on supporting students.
Alaska Rep. Nick Begich delivered his 1st address to the Alaska Federation of Natives convention since being sworn in.
Right before his speech, AFN delegates unanimously approved a resolution opposing changes Begich floated to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
Right before his speech, AFN delegates unanimously approved a resolution opposing changes Begich floated to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
Rep. Begich touts ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in first address to AFN since being elected to Congress
Begich spent much of his 14-minute speech touting what he believes to be economic benefits that Alaska Native communities will reap from the budget reconciliation bill.
alaskapublic.org
October 18, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Alaska Rep. Nick Begich delivered his 1st address to the Alaska Federation of Natives convention since being sworn in.
Right before his speech, AFN delegates unanimously approved a resolution opposing changes Begich floated to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
Right before his speech, AFN delegates unanimously approved a resolution opposing changes Begich floated to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
Today's the first day of the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage.
Keynote speaker Natasha Singh called on attendees to stand together politically like their elders did in order to demand policies and funding to support their communities. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Keynote speaker Natasha Singh called on attendees to stand together politically like their elders did in order to demand policies and funding to support their communities. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
‘It takes effort’: AFN opens with call for unity to build healthy communities
“Healthy communities don't happen by accident,” said keynote speaker Natasha Singh. “They're built on access to basic health care, well-funded public schools and the fundamental promise of safety thro...
alaskapublic.org
October 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Today's the first day of the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage.
Keynote speaker Natasha Singh called on attendees to stand together politically like their elders did in order to demand policies and funding to support their communities. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Keynote speaker Natasha Singh called on attendees to stand together politically like their elders did in order to demand policies and funding to support their communities. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
In other Alaska-ICE news, an Anchorage restaurant worker who was arrested by ICE in August was released Tuesday from detention following a judge's ruling in a class action lawsuit.
The judge ruled that Santiago Martinez, 30, couldn’t be held without bond.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
The judge ruled that Santiago Martinez, 30, couldn’t be held without bond.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Anchorage restaurant worker released from ICE custody following class action lawsuit
ICE arrested Santiago Martinez, a Mexican national seeking asylum in the U.S., on Aug. 11. A judge ruled this week that Martinez couldn’t be held indefinitely without bond.
alaskapublic.org
October 10, 2025 at 8:47 PM
In other Alaska-ICE news, an Anchorage restaurant worker who was arrested by ICE in August was released Tuesday from detention following a judge's ruling in a class action lawsuit.
The judge ruled that Santiago Martinez, 30, couldn’t be held without bond.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
The judge ruled that Santiago Martinez, 30, couldn’t be held without bond.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Immigration-related arrests in Alaska have more than quadrupled under the Trump administration.
My latest story is about the shock some Alaskans are feeling amid the sudden spike in ICE activity, and how they are stepping up to help those detained.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
My latest story is about the shock some Alaskans are feeling amid the sudden spike in ICE activity, and how they are stepping up to help those detained.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
As ICE arrests surge in Alaska, advocates step up to support detainees
Immigration-related arrests in Alaska have more than quadrupled under the Trump administration and one lawyer says he expects the numbers will only increase.
alaskapublic.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Immigration-related arrests in Alaska have more than quadrupled under the Trump administration.
My latest story is about the shock some Alaskans are feeling amid the sudden spike in ICE activity, and how they are stepping up to help those detained.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
My latest story is about the shock some Alaskans are feeling amid the sudden spike in ICE activity, and how they are stepping up to help those detained.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the Municipality of Anchorage protecting civil rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The fight to enshrine those rights stretches back to the municipality’s earliest days.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
The fight to enshrine those rights stretches back to the municipality’s earliest days.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
‘We have to be vigilant’: Anchorage marks decade of LGBTQ protections
“Those rights were given by the stroke of a pen, and a stroke of a pen can take them away,” said Anchorage Ombudsman Darrel Hess.
alaskapublic.org
September 30, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Today marks the 10-year anniversary of the Municipality of Anchorage protecting civil rights on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The fight to enshrine those rights stretches back to the municipality’s earliest days.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
The fight to enshrine those rights stretches back to the municipality’s earliest days.
alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Back in the office after 2 weeks off, just in time to celebrate the Municipality of Anchorage's 50th Birthday!
Before I left, I spoke to Jane Angvik, one of Anchorage's founding mothers, about how the muni's charter came to be, and what the next 50 years will hold. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Before I left, I spoke to Jane Angvik, one of Anchorage's founding mothers, about how the muni's charter came to be, and what the next 50 years will hold. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Jane Angvik, one of the architects of Anchorage’s charter, reflects on 50 years of a unified municipality
It sounds technical, but Angvik said unification was about more than things like land-use boundaries and taxes. It also helped the community respond to disasters.
alaskapublic.org
September 15, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Back in the office after 2 weeks off, just in time to celebrate the Municipality of Anchorage's 50th Birthday!
Before I left, I spoke to Jane Angvik, one of Anchorage's founding mothers, about how the muni's charter came to be, and what the next 50 years will hold. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Before I left, I spoke to Jane Angvik, one of Anchorage's founding mothers, about how the muni's charter came to be, and what the next 50 years will hold. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Reposted by Wesley Early
Anchorage police department officials wrote that Christopher Barraza, 40, shoplifted from a South Anchorage Target store on Aug. 19. He was allegedly wearing his police department-issued jacket at the time. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
Anchorage police spokesman fired after shoplifting charge
Police department officials wrote that Christopher Barraza, 40, shoplifted from a South Anchorage Target store on Aug. 19. He was allegedly wearing his police department-issued jacket at the time.
alaskapublic.org
August 29, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Anchorage police department officials wrote that Christopher Barraza, 40, shoplifted from a South Anchorage Target store on Aug. 19. He was allegedly wearing his police department-issued jacket at the time. alaskapublic.org/news/public-...
Just got word that Anchorage Police Department Spokesman Chris Barazza was fired for shoplifting.
Per APD, "Barazza was wearing an APD issued jacket when the incident occurred on August 19, 2025."
Per APD, "Barazza was wearing an APD issued jacket when the incident occurred on August 19, 2025."
August 28, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Just got word that Anchorage Police Department Spokesman Chris Barazza was fired for shoplifting.
Per APD, "Barazza was wearing an APD issued jacket when the incident occurred on August 19, 2025."
Per APD, "Barazza was wearing an APD issued jacket when the incident occurred on August 19, 2025."
Reposted by Wesley Early
The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday night to table an ordinance that would’ve legalized marijuana smoking at businesses with on-site consumption endorsements from the city and state.
Anchorage Assembly tables ordinance that would’ve allowed on-site marijuana smoking
Members voted 7 to 3 to postpone the ordinance indefinitely, with some citing Anchorage voters’ rejection of a similar ballot proposition in 2020.
alaskapublic.org
August 27, 2025 at 7:17 PM
The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday night to table an ordinance that would’ve legalized marijuana smoking at businesses with on-site consumption endorsements from the city and state.
ICE officials say they detained Santiago “Diego” Martinez, 30, earlier this month in Anchorage for having a drunken driving conviction. Martinez’s attorney said ICE later told her they made a mistake, but they won’t release him. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Anchorage restaurant worker, an asylum seeker, detained by ICE
ICE officials say they detained Santiago “Diego” Martinez, 30, for having a drunken driving conviction. Martinez’s attorney said ICE later told her they made a mistake, but they won’t release him.
alaskapublic.org
August 19, 2025 at 12:18 AM
ICE officials say they detained Santiago “Diego” Martinez, 30, earlier this month in Anchorage for having a drunken driving conviction. Martinez’s attorney said ICE later told her they made a mistake, but they won’t release him. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
“Next time in Moscow” - Vladimir Putin
Here are some shots of the Alaska summit held on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with President Donald Trump & Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though there were hopes for an agreement re: a ceasefire with Ukraine, no deal was made.
Here are some shots of the Alaska summit held on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with President Donald Trump & Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though there were hopes for an agreement re: a ceasefire with Ukraine, no deal was made.
August 16, 2025 at 12:42 AM
“Next time in Moscow” - Vladimir Putin
Here are some shots of the Alaska summit held on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with President Donald Trump & Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though there were hopes for an agreement re: a ceasefire with Ukraine, no deal was made.
Here are some shots of the Alaska summit held on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with President Donald Trump & Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though there were hopes for an agreement re: a ceasefire with Ukraine, no deal was made.
On Truth Social, President Donald Trump wrote that he will have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.
August 8, 2025 at 10:29 PM
On Truth Social, President Donald Trump wrote that he will have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15.
In a wide-ranging sit-down with Alaska reporters today, Sen. Lisa Murkowski was a little flippant when asked if she's considered running for governor next year.
“Sure,” she said. “Lots of Republicans have.”
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
“Sure,” she said. “Lots of Republicans have.”
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
‘Everybody asks me about it’: Murkowski noncommittal on potential bids for governor, reelection
“What I'm trying to do is not win elections. I am just trying to do the best that I can for Alaskans,” Murkowski told reporters, defending her vote for President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.
alaskapublic.org
August 5, 2025 at 12:42 AM
In a wide-ranging sit-down with Alaska reporters today, Sen. Lisa Murkowski was a little flippant when asked if she's considered running for governor next year.
“Sure,” she said. “Lots of Republicans have.”
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
“Sure,” she said. “Lots of Republicans have.”
alaskapublic.org/news/politic...
A man who was wrongfully detained in Anchorage by federal immigration officials filed a theft report with the Anchorage Police Department after he claims ICE officers discarded his wallet, which contained his immigration documents and social security card. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Man wrongfully detained by ICE claims officers discarded his wallet, immigration documents
Roble Salad, a 28-year-old Somali refugee, has filed a theft report, alleging that ICE officials discarded his social security card and his work permit.
alaskapublic.org
July 15, 2025 at 12:21 AM
A man who was wrongfully detained in Anchorage by federal immigration officials filed a theft report with the Anchorage Police Department after he claims ICE officers discarded his wallet, which contained his immigration documents and social security card. alaskapublic.org/news/anchora...
Apparently Drake brought Vanessa Carlton out at his show Saturday night to play “A Thousand Miles.”
Last week, she canceled a show in Anchorage, AK scheduled for that night due to “an uncontrollable scheduling issue.”
www.stereogum.com/2315192/drak...
Last week, she canceled a show in Anchorage, AK scheduled for that night due to “an uncontrollable scheduling issue.”
www.stereogum.com/2315192/drak...
Drake Brought Out Vanessa Carlton For "A Thousand Miles" At Wireless Night 2
Drake is spending the weekend headlining the Wireless Festival at London’s Finsbury Park, promising three entirely different sets over three nights. Things kicked off Friday with an R&B-focused set th...
www.stereogum.com
July 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Apparently Drake brought Vanessa Carlton out at his show Saturday night to play “A Thousand Miles.”
Last week, she canceled a show in Anchorage, AK scheduled for that night due to “an uncontrollable scheduling issue.”
www.stereogum.com/2315192/drak...
Last week, she canceled a show in Anchorage, AK scheduled for that night due to “an uncontrollable scheduling issue.”
www.stereogum.com/2315192/drak...
