Debate over proposed Anchorage zoning overhaul intensifies

And: Former head of Anchorage Health Department settles fraud suit with state for $30,000 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ Email not displaying correctly? [View the web version]( Good afternoon. It’s Friday, March 22. In today's newsletter: - Debate over a proposal to [dramatically overhaul zoning in Anchorage]( is intensifying, with some community councils raising concerns while supporters say the changes are needed to combat the city’s severe housing shortage. - A former Anchorage Health Department director, who resigned the same day fabrications about his professional and educational experience came to light, has [settled a lawsuit brought against him]( by the state. - On the latest ADN Politics podcast: the [future of state funding for Alaska schools]( this year is murky at best after lawmakers failed to override the governor's veto of a $200 million education bill. We may still be in the midst of March, but it feels like spring is starting to arrive in Anchorage. While we are entering the shoulder season, there aren’t too many outdoor events happening, but there are plenty indoors, including shows, expos and comedy. [Here’s a look]( at a few of the highlights this weekend. Anchorage weather It's mostly cloudy today with a high near 39 degrees, though there's a slight chance of rain this afternoon and evening. We'll see mostly cloudy skies over the weekend, and rain will return to the forecast early next week. Daytime temperatures will hover in the low 40s this weekend. Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today. — Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com [Debate intensifies over proposed Anchorage zoning overhaul →]( The proposal's sponsors say the city must act quickly to resolve an extreme housing shortfall that contributes to [soaring]( rent and [housing prices](. Critics, including members of some community councils, say they support more housing but they’re concerned the measure could lead to increased density, traffic, and street parking in areas of the city that aren’t prepared for it, contributing to safety concerns. ADVERTISEMENT [Former head of Anchorage Health Department settles fraud suit with state for $30,000 →]( Joe Gerace agreed to pay the state to settle claims he fraudulently misrepresented his military experience. The state had argued Gerace was overcompensated for service performed in the Alaska State Defense Force. [ADN Politics podcast: The education bill failed. Now what? →]( This week — amid immense pressure on all sides — lawmakers [fell one vote short of overriding]( Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of a bipartisan education package. In this episode, host Elizabeth Harball and ADN reporters unpack what happened, and the coming political fallout. [WATCH: Top candidates for Anchorage mayor debate the issues →]( Incumbent Dave Bronson, Suzanne LaFrance, Bill Popp and Chris Tuck debated issues such as outmigration, homelessness and affordable housing. [Older and wiser, Grace Christian girls advance to another state 3A title game →]( The Grizzlies broke open a close game in the third quarter, going on to top Monroe Catholic 36-24 in the state semifinals at the Alaska Airlines Center. [Alaska House votes to remove some obstacles for birth control prescriptions →]( Members of the Alaska House of Representatives voted to allow Alaska women to receive 12 months’ worth of birth control at a time from pharmacies. (via Alaska Beacon) ADVERTISEMENT More from the ADN [Rapper Ice Cube to perform at Alaska Airlines Center in July →]( [Alaska House votes to make church vandalism a felony; bill goes to Senate →]( [What the DOJ’s antitrust suit against Apple means for everyone with an iPhone →]( [Nome-Beltz boys dominate 4th quarter in comeback win over Grace Christian in 3A semifinals →]( [Dozens of people killed in terrorist attack on Moscow concert hall, authorities say →]( [Princess of Wales says she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy →]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Click here to unsubscribe and manage your email subscriptions.]( Anchorage Daily News, 300 W 31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States