Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media
Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her at ahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Anne here.
Should foster kids know when the state uses their benefits?
Some foster kids are eligible to receive Social Security benefits, but the kids and their families don’t always know the money is available. Instead, the state applies for the benefits and puts the funds toward paying for foster care services. Now a lawsuit is asking if the state needs to notify families and guardians before it starts taking the money. A judge heard oral arguments last month. Listen now
Mental Health Trust seeks to change laws that limit how they spend money
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is trying to change the laws that govern how it uses its principal funds. Some board members hope the legislation will pass soon enough that the organization does not have to undergo a special legislative audit. Listen now
Supporting foster care
The Office of Children’s Services isn’t alone in taking responsibility for child welfare. Volunteers also step up to oversee the foster care system, suggest policy changes, and advocate on behalf of individual kids. Join us on the next Talk of Alaska as we discuss community oversight of the child welfare system and ways you can be part of the solution. Listen Now
Study shows rise in some prenatal exposure to opiates
A new study from a state epidemiologist looks at infants who were exposed to opiates before birth. Unlike previous studies, it goes beyond the sharp rise in cases for a portion of the population to explore what happens next. The data cannot be generalized to the whole state. Listen now
New taxi regulations will be on April ballot
After an expedited review, a referendum on Anchorage's new taxi cab regulation will be on the April ballot. The ballot question asks voters if they want to repeal an ordinance that passed last December, creating more than 100 additional taxi permits in the municipality over the next five years. Listen now
Building Interfaith Communities
The program will focus on how we create understanding and have conversations about faith with people who are different from us. We’ll talk about common misconceptions about the three major Western/Abrahamic religions and how they overlap. Listen Now
AK: Fleeing violence and feeling fearful in a new home
After three years of waiting for special immigrant visas, a family from Iraq finally arrived in Anchorage last fall. They were seeking safety. Then, on January 27, President Trump signed an executive order, and everything seemed to change. Listen now
Midtown Anchorage apartment fire kills 2, displaces many
A midtown Anchorage apartment building caught fire early Wednesday morning, killing two people and injuring 16 others. A portion of the three-story Royal Suite Lodge on Minnesota Drive in midtown has collapsed from the blaze, and the cause is currently unknown. Listen now
Health workers trying to control rare strep outbreak in homeless population
There's an outbreak of a newly identified, rare strain of Group A Streptococcus bacteria in Anchorage that's mostly impacting people who are experiencing homelessness. Public health workers will be visiting Brother Francis Shelter, Beans' Cafe, and other services this week to distribute antibiotics and antiseptics to try to stop the spread of the disease. Listen now
49 Voices: Phillip Eben of Anchorage
This week we’re hearing from Phillip Eben in Anchorage. He was born in Unalakleet. Listen now
One refugee’s story of fleeing war and finding love
Refugee stories are often about fear: people fleeing their homes because they fear for their safety. But they can also be stories of joy. One Anchorage woman and her family took a path from war to love, and finally, to Alaska. Listen now
New play tells stories of homelessness, inspires action
A new play showing in Anchorage this weekend tells the stories of homelessness from around the state. But for the writers and actors, "Home But Not Less" isn't a story about sadness. It's about understanding. Listen now
Refugee art show highlights local stories of people impacted by the ban
President Trump's executive order that temporarily suspends refugee resettlement is having impacts in Alaska, where about 140 people are resettled every year. One refugee, an artist from Iraq, is working to help the community learn more about the new arrivals and what the executive order means to our community through a temporary art show. Listen now
Complicated process slows rate for examining sexual assault kits
A recent legislative audit of the state’s Crime Lab said the facility isn’t meeting its target speed for processing Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) kits, which include biological evidence gathered after an alleged sexual assault. A scientist at the lab explained that the process is complicated. Listen now
Hundreds gather in Anchorage to protest executive order on immigration
About 200 people gathered in downtown Anchorage on Sunday night to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration and refugees, which bans certain people from entering the country. Listen now
Thousands march statewide in support of women’s rights far into the future
On Jan. 21, Alaskans held local Women's Marches across the state from Adak to Barrow to Homer to Ketchikan. An estimated 10,000 people participated statewide -- far more than expected. For most, attending the march was an opportunity to stand up for women's rights, indigenous rights, environmental protection and other social issues, but it was only the first step. Listen now
Women’s March draws thousands in downtown Anchorage
More than 3,000 people waded through the snow-filled streets to join the Women’s March on Anchorage Saturday morning.
Community in Unity: Power & Privilege
How does our society's system of privilege impact you? How can we change it to be more equitable? That was the topic for Community in Unity: Power & Privilege, recorded on Jan. 19 in Anchorage. Listen here.
Ballot initiative to change Anchorage’s protections for LGBTQ community deemed illegal
The petition to change Anchorage's non-discrimination ordinance, which protects the civil rights of the LGBTQ community, will not move forward. A group of Anchorage residents submitted an application for the "Protect Our Privacy Initiative" in early January. Wednesday municipal attorney Bill Falsey said it was not legal because it addresses too many different subjects. Listen now
Greenhouse grows inspired young people
A new Anchorage greenhouse is sprouting more than seeds – it’s helping young people develop life skills and improve their mental health. Anchorage Community Mental Health Services recently began the new program Seeds of Change. Listen now