Anchorage Daily News

Alaska crime rates higher than U.S. average; violence on rise

Violent crime rates in Anchorage were up by nearly a quarter last year, and Alaska had the nation's seventh-highest rate of violence, according to the FBI's new Uniform Crime Report.

PDF: 2006 FBI crime reports

Police target handicap parking

Police are on increased alert this month for vehicles illegally parked in handicapped spaces, Anchorage police said.

Assemblyman seeks approval for New Year's Eve fireworks

Assemblyman Dick Traini wants to legalize fireworks in Anchorage for five hours every New Year's Eve.

Payment due: City plans to collect $6 million

If you owe the city money, especially old court fees, watch out. By year's end, Anchorage officials say, they plan to start plucking money from the paychecks of roughly 1,200 people convicted of misdemeanor crime who never paid their fines.

Politics blog: List of people who owe fines

Major competitors spring up near aging shopping center

When the Northway Mall opened in 1980, it was a palatial tribute to the nation's growing fascination with indoor mall-shopping. Bagpipes echoed in the courtyard near Lamonts, customers mobbed the aisles of the new Pay'n Save, and Jon Anthony's gave away curling irons.

Assembly members balk at Begich's plan to boost budget

Anchorage Assembly members -- under orders to shrink property taxes from vocal homeowners -- listened to mayor Mark Begich on Friday talk about why he plans to increase city spending by about $30 million next year.

Mayor seeks 7 percent boost in city budget

Web site: 2008 budget

Politics blog: Talk about the budget

Talk your walk

Anchorage's first walking plan goes before the Assembly on Tuesday. Do you have a walking horror story to share? Or an idea for improving Anchorage's sidewalks and walking paths? Send an e-mail to rshinohara@adn.com or post a reply on our Inside Opinion blog online.

Second man is sought in slaying

Police have arrested one man and are searching for a second who is charged with murdering Jamaal Barras, 20, who died after being beaten with a baseball bat and two mop handles near a downtown bar last weekend.

Beating victim's death brings charge of murder

City hopes for new alcohol tax to aid patrols

A new booze tax could be coming to Anchorage, and city leaders are already planning how to spend the money.

Mayor seeks 7 percent boost in city budget

Muni Web site: 2008 budget

City lawsuit against Mush Inn is dismissed

Anchorage's lawsuit seeking to declare the Mush Inn Motel a public nuisance has been dismissed. The city and motel owners jointly petitioned the court this week to dismiss the lawsuit after the owners improved security.

The 7 Wonders of Anchorage

You've heard of "The Seven Wonders of the World" -- lists of stupendous edifices that make visitors freeze and exclaim, "Wow! Whazzat?" But we haven't found one that includes even a single wonder in Anchorage. That's a shocking omission, considering that this city encompasses 2,000 square miles. Or maybe not.

The seven wonders of the modern world

Photo gallery

Vote and discuss: Seven wonders of Anchorage

Assembly tells zoo to make decision

ANCHORAGE -- The Anchorage Assembly sent a message to the Alaska Zoo on Tuesday night: Make a decision about Maggie's future and do it soon.

Police seek aid in hunt for child-porn suspect

ANCHORAGE -- Anchorage police are asking for help in their hunt for Jeffrey Lee Graeber, who is wanted on warrants alleging distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography and misconduct involving a controlled substance.

Lagoon work to ease climb for salmon

If you drive the west-side route downtown these days, a whiff of guano-scented mud rising from Westchester Lagoon may have whispered past your nose.

Shootings spur police crackdown

More than 75 individuals accused of violent crimes and suspected gang members were arrested in a novel three-day sweep by federal agents and local police seeking to stem an upsurge in street violence, authorities announced Friday.

Lawyers nominated for court seat

ANCHORAGE -- In a vote last weekend, the Alaska Judicial Council nominated four public lawyers for a vacant Anchorage District Court seat.

Equipment fault caused Cell One service outage

ANCHORAGE -- Cellular One cell phone service went down about 1:30 p.m. Monday in parts of Alaska, including Anchorage. Service was fully restored about three hours later, said company spokesman Craig Davis at corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City.

Gottstein honored for role as mental health activist

ANCHORAGE -- Anchorage lawyer Jim Gottstein may have ticked off drug giant Eli Lilly by releasing information about its psychiatric drug Zyprexa, but his work as a mental health activist is winning him praise in Anchorage.

Woman's death declared a homicide

ANCHORAGE -- The death of a 46-year-old Anchorage woman in January has been declared a homicide, the Anchorage Police Department said Wednesday.

Nonprofit office victim of burglary

ANCHORAGE -- Burglars broke into the American Lung Association office in Spenard and made off with thousands of dollars in cash and other donated items, Anchorage police said Wednesday.

Gun exchange ends in charges for 3

ANCHORAGE -- Three West High School students were arrested after a gun exchange took place in the parking lot of the school, officials said on Wednesday.