ADN Politics podcast: A record string of deaths behind bars in Alaska

In this episode, host Elizabeth Harball talks with ADN reporter Michelle Theriault Boots about a surge in prison deaths in Alaska that included a record number of suicides.

Each week, host Elizabeth Harball talks with ADN journalists and others about some of Alaska’s biggest news stories. Subscribe here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Last year, a record 18 people died while in custody of the Alaska Department of Corrections. Seven of those deaths were suicides – also a record.

To better understand the circumstances behind the deaths, Daily News reporters obtained Alaska State Troopers investigation reports and medical examiner records, and spoke with family members, advocates and prison officials. In this episode, host Elizabeth Harball talks with reporter Michelle Theriault Boots about what they learned.

Read the story: The unseen driver of Alaska’s record jail deaths: Suicide

Note: This episode deals with the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know are dealing with a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24/7 Alaska Careline at 988, or 1-877-266-HELP at any time.

• • •

Host: Elizabeth Harball. Guest: Michelle Theriault Boots. Produced by Elizabeth Harball, Zachariah Hughes and Evan Phillips. Editor: David Hulen.

Feedback: podcast@adn.com

Support local and state news, subscribe to ADN today.

• • •

Sponsored by SteamDot Coffee

• • •

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, via RSS, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

• • •

Previous episodes:

Feb. 3

Jan. 27

• • •

Jan. 20

• • •

Jan. 13

• • •

Dec. 23

• • •

Dec. 16

Dec. 9

Nov. 18

Nov. 10

• • •

Nov. 4

• • •

Oct. 28

• • •

Oct. 21

• • •

Oct. 14

• • •

Oct. 7

• • •

Sept. 30

• • •

Sept. 23

• • •

Sept.16

• • •

Sept. 9

• • •

Sept. 2

• • •

Aug. 26

• • •

Aug. 19

• • •

Aug. 17