Kirsten Swann, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Kirsten Swann is a producer and reporter for Alaska Public Media.
In tight labor market, business groups highlight hiring ex-inmates
As unemployment drops nationwide and in Alaska, job openings outnumber potential employees and now business organizations are encouraging employers to consider an expanded labor pool in a push to fill positions.
“One of the biggest...
Grant program offers down payment assistance for Alaska homebuyers
The NeighborhoodLIFT program offers down payment assistance of up to $12,500 for approximately 250 eligible Alaskans.
State seeks new study of Alaska Psychiatric Institute privatization
While Alaska's state-owned psychiatric hospital has renewed federal certification, it still struggles to recruit staff and increase capacity.
Alaska state budget vetoes cut homeless shelters, services
Anchorage homeless shelters and services are bracing for cutbacks and closures after Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced hundreds of millions of dollars in line-item state budget vetoes Friday.
Amid public outcry over homelessness, Anchorage seeks more shelter beds
On June 18, the Assembly approved a temporary extension to the municipality’s cold weather shelter plan. The next day, the Assembly’s Committee on Homelessness heard nearly an hour of public testimony from a standing-room-only crowd in a packed conference room on the eighth floor of City Hall.
Spreading Swan Lake Fire prompts traffic delays and air quality warnings
As of Friday, the Swan Lake Fire covered more than 20,000 acres on the Kenai Peninsula, burning within 4 miles of the Sterling Highway.
Federal audit finds gaps in Alaska ‘critical incident’ reporting
After a recent review from a federal watchdog agency found Alaska health care providers failed to correctly report and monitor critical incidents involving people with developmental disabilities, state health officials are making changes in an attempt to close the gaps.
Kitchen fire sparks Fairbanks lodge evacuation
A fire at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge led to the evacuation of more than 500 guests and staff Thursday evening.
Senior living in Alaska
Alaska’s senior population is booming. Meanwhile, the state is experiencing what experts call a housing "crisis." How are communities working to meet the growing need for senior housing and long-term care options?
New Anchorage senior living homes see growing demand
As Alaska’s senior population booms, leading to the construction of hundreds of new assisted living home rooms, developers report surging demand — from seniors in state and Outside.
Anchorage ‘re-entry walk’ offers glimpse of path out of prison
Re-entering the community after incarceration can be complicated. In Anchorage, a unique tour gives people a glimpse at what it can entail.
Alaska lawmakers approve vaccine program continuation
Lawmakers have voted to extend the Alaska Vaccine Assessment Program, which provides universal
Anchorage Bike Blessing draws riders from around the state
The event — which coincides with the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — is organized by the nonprofit group Alaska Bikers Advocating Training & Education, otherwise known as ABATE.
At Anchorage library, pilot program connects patrons to social services
An ongoing pilot program seeks to connect Anchorage library patrons in need with local housing, food, employment, health care and other resources. So far, it's reached more than 200 Alaskans.
Budget cuts put Anchorage transitional housing program at risk for closure
Proposed state budget cuts would defund several grant programs that provide “essential” support for transitional housing and other social safety net programs in Anchorage and around the state.
On Talk of Alaska, Dunleavy takes calls on budget cuts, taxes
Gov. Mike Dunleavy fielded questions about his budget proposal and plan for Alaska’s fiscal future during an appearance on Alaska Public Media’s statewide call-in show Talk of Alaska Tuesday morning.
Alaskans pack Anchorage hearing to testify on proposed state budget cuts
The vast majority of the people who testified during a House Finance Committee hearing Sunday spoke out in opposition to Gov. Mike Dunleavy's budget proposal.
Anchorage efforts to reduce homelessness see success, challenges
Anchorage Assembly member Felix Rivera, chairman of the Assembly's Committee on Homelessness, says funding is one of its top concerns
Anchorage lawmakers weigh options for $1.9B port modernization project
Anchorage Assembly members are considering whether to spend $100,000 to hire an independent analyst to monitor an ongoing modernization project at the Port of Alaska.
Anchorage police: Suspected prowler shot, killed after firing at officers
Anchorage Police Chief Justin Doll said officers recovered a handgun with a partially ejected shell casing at the scene.