Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media, Author at Alaska Public Media: Recent Episodes
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Snow covers a side trail near Tikishla Park in Anchorage (Lori Townsend/Alaska Public Media)To enjoy winter in the North, or at least to get by with your faculties intact, you have to have a strategy for the darkness of winter. Some of us see it as a chance to nest; to spend more time reading on the couch or tackling indoor projects. For others, winter sports and bright snow provide seasonal thrills unavailable to much of the world. For some of us, it’s a time to drag out the therapeutic lamps to keep the gloom at bay. On this Talk of Alaska, we revisit our 2023 discussion on darkness, and finding ways to enjoy the short days of winter.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Holly Brooks, Licensed therapist, two time winter olympian
- Holly Nordlum, Inupiaq traditional tattoo artist and graphic designer
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 12, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
An iPhone. (Renee Gross/KBBI)The harm that comes from too much cell phone time, especially for young people, has become much clearer in recent years. So much so that the U.S. Surgeon General is calling for warning labels on social media platforms, similar to the warnings on cigarettes and alcohol, because of what he calls a youth mental health crisis. Education leaders are grappling with how to keep kids focused during the school day while balancing logistics and safety concerns. Should cellphones be banned in school? If so, what should those bans look like? We discuss it on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Susan Beesley – Pediatric behavioral health expert at Mindful Growth Alaska
- Dr. Luke Almon – Principal, South High School
- Kelly Lessens – Anchorage School Board Member working on a district-wide phone policy
Related:
- Current Anchorage School Board policy on phones
- Tobacco-like warning label for social media sought by US surgeon general | AP News
- Get Phones Out of Schools Now | The Atlantic
- Open-source document with links to research on teen health and social media
- Center for Humane Technology Youth Toolkit
- Example phone contract download link
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Leading a happy, healthy and productive life should be available to all of us, and it is, but sometimes the path to it can be buried under years of trauma, abuse, neglect and addiction. Those of us who have suffered abusive behavior in the past may have locked it down or tried to ignore it or numb it through alcohol and drugs. Sharing our experiences, the good and the bad, can be a powerful start to healing, forgiveness and a life with less pain. We talk with Alaskans who have done just that and hear how their bravery has helped them find a happier life on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Trevor Storrs – Executive Director, Alaska Children’s Trust
- Autumn Smith-Amy – Lived experience storyteller, Lived experience program advisory board member
- Mary Palko – Clinical therapist, Alaska Telepsychology
Related:
- Lived Experience Storytelling Project homepage
- Alaska Children’s Trust
- Child abuse and neglect prevention | CDC
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Fulbright Arctic Initiative 2024-26 cohort. (Courtesy: Fulbright U.S. Student Program)Who should help shape the future of clean energy, land and water use, community health and sustainable economic growth in the far north? Three Alaska women have been selected as Fulbright Arctic Initiative scholars, and although they have very different career paths, they share the common goal of a healthy, secure Arctic where the people who call this vast region home have a say in what that future looks like. We learn about their international research plans and what they hope will come out of it on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Penny Gage – Managing Director, Launch Alaska
- Dr. Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon – Owner/principal consultant, Sauyaq Solutions
- Mariah Seater – Researcher and doctoral student studying public health, Tulane University
Related:
- Fulbright Arctic IV (2024-2026)
- Sauyaq Solutions
- Launch Alaska
- Sustainable subsistence | Talk of Alaska – Previous program featuring Dr. Gordon
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Alex McKay, now-president and CEO of the Alaska Community Foundation, speaks at the opening of the 3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation center in Anchorage on Feb. 15, 2023. (Elyssa Loughlin/Alaska Public Media)Alaska nonprofits have an outsized role in addressing needs for a broad swath of services, from child care to mental health support to food production. Beyond the services they provide, nonprofits are also a big part of the economic engine of the state. What will changes in leadership at some of the largest nonprofits here mean for the future of supportive services and rates of charitable giving? We discuss the future of Alaska’s nonprofit sector on this next Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Laurie Wolf – President & CEO, Foraker Group
- Gretchen Guess – President & CEO, Rasmuson Foundation
- Alex McKay – President & CEO, Alaska Community Foundation
Related:
- Latest announcements about Rasmuson Foundation grants
- Ways to give | Alaska Community Foundation
- Capacity-building resources for nonprofits | Foraker Group
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Anchorage Police Department, photographed in Downtown Anchorage on Thursday, August 10, 2023. (Dev Hardikar/Alaska Public Media)Police officers are tasked with keeping order in our communities and ensuring residents and visitors engage in lawful conduct. It can be a difficult job where decisions sometimes need to be made in seconds, especially when people are at risk, in crisis and threatening themselves or others. After Anchorage police officers shot and killed four people in Anchorage over the last few months, some Alaskans are calling for change. Law enforcement officials, attorneys, and community advocates answer questions about use of force and how cases are investigated on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Chief Sean Case – Anchorage Police Department
- Deputy Attorney General John Skidmore – Alaska Department of Law
- Rich Curtner – Retired Federal Defender, Co-Chair, Alaska Black Caucus Justice Committee
Related:
- Anchorage community activists vent and try to find consensus on policing reforms
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
A sign outside an Anchorage clinic advertises COVID vaccines on Sept. 29, 2022. (Katie Anastas/Alaska Public Media)Spending more time indoors in fall and winter might be appealing and cozy, but it can also be an effective way for respiratory viruses to spread. Alaska has seen spikes in respiratory illness in recent weeks. What do you need to know about the latest viral variants, their treatment and the vaccines that can prevent infection or lessen severity if you do get sick? Alaska’s top medical experts join us to describe the latest science about viral disease, how to prevent it and answer your questions on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Joe McLaughlin – State Epidemiologist, Alaska Department of Health
- Dr. Robert Lawrence – Chief Medical Officer, State of Alaska
- Sarah Aho – Immunization Program Manager, Alaska Department of Health
Related:
- Alaska Department of Health epidemiology updates
- How to get your vaccination records
- Respiratory Virus Guidance | CDC
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Michael J. Burns Building, which houses the Permanent Fund offices on 10th Street, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2024. (Clarise Larson/KTOO)The Alaska Permanent Fund was established more than 40 years ago. Through the decades there have been multiple changes to how funds are allocated, and perennial legislative fights over the amount of the Permanent Fund dividend. Amid concerns over its long-term stability, Permanent Fund managers are proposing changes to the fund’s structure they say will protect it for the future. What are they advocating for and how do current and former lawmakers feel about the proposals?
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Deven Mitchell – Executive Director and CEO, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation
- Jennifer Johnston – Former Republican state representative and Anchorage assembly member
- Sen. Bill Wielechowski – Democratic state senator, Anchorage
Resources:
- Alaska Permanent Fund headed for fiscal crisis, as state budget increasingly relies on it
- Why Permanent Fund managers are again sounding the alarm about a key account running low
- Alaska Budget Choices – What would your balance of the budget and dividend look like?
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Shoppers come and go from Fred Meyer and Carrs stores that face each other across the Seward Highway in Midtown Anchorage on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024. The parent companies of the competing businesses, Kroger and Albertsons, want to merge. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)Company mergers are often touted as a way to create more efficiencies for the companies and savings for customers. Albertsons, the owner of Safeway and Carrs, wants to sell to Kroger, the parent company of Fred Meyer. The deal would affect multiple stores in Alaska. The companies say the merger will result in better prices for consumers. Do economists, public advocates and attorneys agree? We ask them on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Mike Jones – Assistant professor of applied economics, Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage
- Bruce Botelho – Former Alaska Attorney General, oversaw Carrs/Safeway merger in the 90s
- Veri di Suvero – Executive Director, Alaska Public Interest Research Group
Resources:
- Merger information provided by Kroger and Albertsons
- The parent companies of 2 of Alaska’s grocers want to merge. Here’s what we know.
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland brushes a healing totem pole for Alaska Native boarding school survivors with a bough of cedar to bless it. The totem is the first in the U.S. dedicated to boarding school survivors and their families. (Rhonda McBride/KNBA)The painful legacy and harm caused to Alaska Native people by the boarding school era in Alaska and the rest of the nation is only beginning to be acknowledged and understood. The U.S. Interior Department released a report in July 2024 to continue documenting the federal government’s role in the system that ripped children away from their homes. We talk with survivors and researchers about what else is needed to tell the full story and bring healing on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Jim LaBelle – Board member and former president, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, boarding school survivor
- Benjamin Jacuk – Director of Indigenous Research, Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Amber Ebarb – Minority Staff Director for Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for vice chairman Sen. Lisa Murkowski
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Biologist and author Bill Streever. Streever has spent several years traveling the world with his wife in their sailboat. (Photo courtesy Bill Streever)When you look at the impact humans have on nature, it’s easy to be pessimistic. Major forces like climate change and human-caused extinction events paint a bleak picture of the future. But biologists and climate scientists say there’s still a lot that gives them hope. We discuss a book aimed at highlighting conservation success stories and encouraging optimism about the future, on the next Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Bill Streever – Biologist, author of A Sea Full of Turtles
- Rick Thoman – Climate Specialist, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy
- Brian Brettschneider – Climate Researcher, National Weather Service
- Dr. Cheryl Rosa – Deputy Director, US Arctic Research Commission, Attending Veterinarian and Director, UAF Animal Resource Center
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
A home under construction in Mertarvik in 2020 (Katie Basile/KYUK)Housing, a place to live where you feel safe and in charge of your things is a fundamental, basic need. Having a home makes it easier for people to control their lives, keep steady employment and create a nurturing environment for children. Increasingly, this basic need is financially out of reach for people in Alaska wanting to own a home or even to find affordable rent. We discuss the layers of challenges to creating more housing on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Bryan Butcher – Executive Director, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
- Rob Kreiger – Senior Economist, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Eric Visser – CEO, Visser Construction, Former President of the Alaska State Home Builders Association
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Several boats of the island’s fleet dock at the St. Herman Harbor. (Brian Venua/KMXT)Alaska’s commercial fisheries have, for decades, been an international symbol of prosperity, abundance and healthy eating, providing a good living for generations of fishermen and their crews. But a combination of factors are endangering the economy of many coastal communities and transforming the lives of Alaskans who depend on commercial fishing. We discuss the future outlook for Alaska’s iconic fisheries on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Jeremy Woodrow – Executive Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
- Tracy Welch – Executive Director, United Fishermen of Alaska
- Julie Decker – President, Pacific Seafood Processors Association
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, July 24, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
P14777-18 President Bush signs the Americans with Disabilities Act on the South Lawn of the White House. 26 July 1990 (Photo courtesy of George Bush Presidential Library and Museum)Disability Pride Month is a time for celebration and reflection. Advocates take the month of July to recognize the progress that’s been made since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. And to reflect on how to further empower people with disabilities to shape the services they receive. We speak with disability advocates about their top priorities, and the celebrations ahead, on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Patrick Reinhart – Executive director, Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
- Maggie Winston – Disability advocate, program director, Soldotna Independent Living Center
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Boaters anchor in Juneau’s harbor to watch its Fourth of July fireworks. (Heather Bryant/KTOO)The Fourth of July often brings thoughts of festive celebrations like parades, picnics and fireworks, but what does honoring the nation’s independence mean? What are our rights, but also our responsibilities to a healthy democracy? How do you reflect on what freedom means, and what’s the best way for us all to move forward as a united nation? We discuss historical and philosophical context on our democracy and what freedom requires of us all on this next Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Terry Kelly – Associate Professor & Chair of Philosophy, University of Alaska Anchorage
- Sam Woolsey – Social Studies Teacher, Bettye Davis East High School
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Boaters anchor in Juneau’s harbor to watch its Fourth of July fireworks. (Heather Bryant/KTOO)As Independence Day approaches, people across the country are preparing to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the freedom the founding fathers sought from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War. But what is freedom really? What does it mean to you to have freedom as an individual and as a society? How do you celebrate freedom on July 4th?
We’re discussing that topic on an upcoming episode of Talk of Alaska. Host Lori Townsend and her guests will discuss the various kinds of freedoms, such as freedom of speech, and explore what the concept of freedom means today.
We want to hear your thoughts too. What kinds of freedom are you most grateful for? Are there freedoms you believe all people have a right to that are not currently available to everyone?
If you have thoughts to share, email us at talk@alaskapublic.org. Your responses may be shared online or over the air.
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Attendees of the Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) art show held Feb. 3, 2017. (Photo: RAIS)Refugees seeking safety from conflicts and international problems have been coming to Alaska for decades, but in recent years, the number of people resettling in the state has jumped significantly, bringing families and individuals to new communities all across Alaska. What is the refugee experience like here, and how can local communities best prepare for and welcome those who have been displaced from their home countries? We discuss welcoming new neighbors, and celebrating World Refugee Day on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Issa Spatrisano – Alaska State Refugee Coordinator, Catholic Social Services
- Mahdi Akal – Somalian Refugee and Alaska Delegate to Refugee Congress
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
US Sen. Dan Sullivan (left) and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy speak at a roundtable in Anchorage addressing youth mental health in Alaska. (Rachel Cassandra/Alaska Public Media)Social media can be fun. But it can also be dangerous, especially for children and teenagers. A U.S. surgeon general report found significant
links between teen social media use, eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, especially for teen girls. But a bill that would have
banned Alaskans under the age of 14 from social media stalled in the legislature. What controls are appropriate for parents and what do young people think about it? We’ll ask on the next Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Rep. Andrew Gray (D-Anchorage) – drafted a three-page social media ban for children under 14 modeled after Florida law
- Jen Gessert – Therapist specializing in technology addiction
- Grace Fujimoto – King Tech School Student
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Unalaska residents check out the renovated Unalaska library’s stacks. (Laura Kraegel/KUCB)Alaskans like to pack in as much fun as possible during our gloriously long summer days and extended bouts of backyard, beach, boat and campsite time is made all the better when you have a great book to relax with. Readers know how books create magical doorways into other worlds and other worldviews that enhance your imagination in ways that scrolling online will never match. If you want to stick to home grown books, Alaska has many great authors and a wide range of selections from thrillers to romance to science. On this Talk of Alaska, we revisit our 2023 conversation with Alaskan authors and librarians to discuss book recommendations for Summer reading.
Note: This episode is a rebroadcast of a previous episode.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lily Tuzroyluke – Indigenous writer, author of Sivulliq: Ancestor
- Jamey Bradbury – Alaskan writer, author of The Wild Inside
- Meneka Thiru – Community engagement librarian, Anchorage Public Library
Resources:
- Alaska Library Network
- Libby App – Free ebooks and audiobooks from your library
- Anchorage Public Library website
- Summer Discovery | Anchorage Public Library
Authors and books mentioned during this show (plus a few extras):
- Jerry Flu
- The Dishonorable Dr. Cook: Debunking the Notorious McKinley Hoax by Bradford Washburn
- Sara Eliza Johnson
- Joseph Holt
- Daryl Farmer
- Gerri Brightwell
- Seth Kantner
- Tom Kizzia
- John Messick
- Marc Cameron
- Lolo Paige
- Writing on the Edge: An anthology of contemporary Alaska stories edited by David A. James
- Judy Ferguson
- Alaska Rough Diamonds by Rick Stanfield
- The Book of Timothy: The Devil, My Brother, and Me by Joan Nockels Wilson
- Stephanie Marie Thornton
- Andromeda Romano-Lax
- Wheels on Ice: Stories of Cycling in Alaska edited by Jessica Cherry and Frank Soos
- tender gravity by Marybeth Holleman
- Boreal Books
- Cirque Press Author Index
- Porphyry Press
- Marilyn Wheeless
- The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
- Message Not Found by Dante Medema
- All the Colors We Will See by Patrice Gopo
- A Schoolteacher in Old Alaska: The Story of Hannah Breece by Jane Jacobs
- Forgotten Murders from Alaska’s Capital by Betsy Longenbaugh
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Broadcast: Tuesday, June 11 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The Nesbett and Boney Courthouses in downtown Anchorage are both home to some of Alaska’s therapeutic courts. Taken on August 31, 2022. (Valerie Kern/ Alaska Public Media)The Alaska Court System is honoring 25 years of therapeutic courts in the state this month. These alternative paths to justice and rehabilitation bring together a broad partnership of law enforcement, corrections and health professionals to work on a plan of treatment rather than incarceration for Alaskans who struggle with mental health challenges, past trauma or addictions. The idea is to prevent recidivism, reduce crime and promote public safety. How well have the courts performed in the last 25 years and what will the next 25 look like? We discuss therapeutic courts on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Judge Adolf Zeman, Anchorage Superior Court Judge, oversees the Felony Drug and DUI Therapeutic Courts in Anchorage
- Michelle Delkettie, Anchorage Wellness Courts Coordinator
- Steve Corven, Therapeutic Courts Program Manager, Partners for Progress, Member of the Alaska Therapeutic Court Alumni group
Related:
- Therapeutic Courts | Alaska Court System
- Partners for Progress Therapeutic Court information
- Alaska Therapeutic Court Alumni group
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
A room full of cannabis plants blooms under grow lights at the indoor nursery at Great Titrations Cannabis dispensary and cafe in Fairbanks, Alaska. (Valerie Lake / Alaska Public Media)In shops across Alaska, sales of cannabis flower and extracted products have been legal for nearly a decade. How are growers and retailers faring in a heavily-taxed and competitive industry? A bill advocates hoped would lower tax rates didn’t pass the legislature, so what does that mean for the industry? And what does a federal change to reclassify marijuana mean for the future of full legalization? We discuss legal cannabis sales and the outlook for the future on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Joan Wilson, Executive Director, Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office
- Jana Weltzin, Owner of JDW Counseling, attorney specializing in cannabis law, and board member of the Alaska Marijuana Industry Association
- Mike Emers, Owner, Rosie Creek Farm
Correction: During this discussion, the location of the drop box for Alaska’s marijuana taxes was said to be outdoors. It is actually located inside of a building.
Related:
- A look at some of the bills that failed to pass the Alaska Legislature this year | Alaska Beacon
- Rosie Creek Farm
- What reclassifying marijuana means for Americans | PBS NewsHour
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Cook Inlet belugas and polar bears are two iconic Alaskan species that have been protected by the Endangered Species Act. (Beluga photo by Paul Wade/NOAA, Polar Bear photo by Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)Environmental legislation that was passed in the 1970s has aimed to protect air, water, soil and animals. One of the largest laws, the Endangered Species Act, is 50 years old, and through the decades the Act has helped numerous species recover and thrive. How has a rapidly changing climate affected listing petitions and the way plans are developed for recovery? What are the effects on the economy when species are listed? What success stories does the Act have in protecting Alaskan animals? We discuss the legacy of the Endangered Species Act on this Talk of Alaska
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Steve Amstrup, Professor Emeritus, Polar Bears International, Former USGS Polar Bear Researcher
- Verena Gill, Supervisory Biologist, NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division
Related:
- Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program
- Belugas Count! An annual community event to look for, count, and learn about Cook Inlet belugas
- Paper from Dr. Amstrup on how to consider greenhouse gas emissions for ESA decisions
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Delta Fire burns on July 30, 2023 in the Donnelly Training Area southeast of Fairbanks. The fire, which started on July 26, was among those sparked by waves of lightning strikes that arrived in Alaska in late July. It ultimately grew to over 57,000 acres, according to wildfire managers. (Photo by Lakota Burwell/Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service)Wildfire is inevitable in Alaska, but weather conditions and human behavior have a lot to do with how big a fire season will be and how much acreage is burned. What is the outlook for this year’s fire season, and what are the best ways to protect your property and community from fire? Are state and federal managers preparing for an average or big year for firefighting? We discuss the 2024 wildfire seasonal outlook on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lily Coyle, Public Information Officer, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
- Beth Ipsen, Public Affairs, Alaska Fire Service
- Eric Stevens, Meteorologist, National Park Service and AICC
- Rick Thoman, Climate Specialist at UAF
Related:
- Alaska Wildland Fire Information
- Alaska Wildland Fire Information Map Series
- Alaska Interagency Coordination Center
- Burn permits program – State of Alaska
- Firewise Alaska – protecting your property from wildfire risk
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
A clock outside the Nesbett Courthouse in downtown Anchorage reads just after 3 p.m. on August 31, 2022. (Valerie Lake/ Alaska Public Media)Who should decide how public education dollars are allocated? An Anchorage Superior Court judge recently threw out the laws supporting Alaska’s correspondence education program, ruling it unconstitutional and leaving the future of homeschooling options in limbo. The decision affects more than 20,000 homeschool students in the state. What’s the right path forward, a legislative fix or the Supreme Court? We discuss the future of where and how state education funds can be spent on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Scott Kendall, Of Counsel, Cashion, Gilmore, & Lindemuth
- Kirby Thomas West, Attorney, Institute for Justice
- Eric Stone, State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media
Related:
- Both sides of Alaska homeschool case want programs in place, disagree over how it should happen
- Divided Alaska House calls for stay of homeschool decision until mid-2025
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Governor Mike Dunleavy discussed his priorities for education and other state issues on Talk of Alaska on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)Governor Mike Dunleavy is approaching the halfway mark in his second term as the 12th top government executive in Alaska. His recent veto of a bipartisan education bill and a failed override has left education funding in limbo while the legislature works on operating and capital budget plans. What does the governor think of those budgets and what would he agree to for an education spending plan? Governor Dunleavy joins us on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Gov. Mike Dunleavy, R-Alaska
Related:
- A judge has thrown out a key part of Alaska’s homeschool system. Here’s what to know.
- Alaska House passes operating budget with roughly $2,300 PFD
- Dunleavy says new polling data shows Alaskans want education reform with BSA increase
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
An Anchorage voter shows one of the many texts she’s received from a political campaign. (Wesley Early/Alaska Public Media)How do political campaigns know what issues resonate with the public? How do researchers learn about social and political beliefs? Often, that work is done through surveys or polling, but what goes into building a poll to ensure the results truly reflect public opinions? We hear from people who create polls and those who use them in different campaigns, on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Ivan Moore – Owner, Alaska Survey Research
- Jason Katz-Brown – Senior Advisor, Data for Progress
- Matt Shuckerow – Founder, Fathom Strategic Communications
Related:
- Alaska Survey Research
- Data for Progress
- Fathom Strategic Communications
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Lawmakers vote on overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of a bipartisan education bill on March 18, 2024. (Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media)As state lawmakers begin the last two months of the session, there is a lot of work to get done. Lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan education bill, but failed to override the Governor’s veto of it, and now there is growing tension around trying to pass another bill that the Governor would accept. The perennial fight over the size of the Permanent Fund Dividend has yet to be settled, as has the state’s budget. What is the current tone of debate at the capitol? We talk with reporters covering the legislative session on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Eric Stone – State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media
- James Brooks – Reporter, Alaska Beacon
- Iris Samuels – Politics reporter, Anchorage Daily News
Related:
- Lawmakers clash over Permanent Fund dividend amount as House debates budget –
- Senate passes fast-tracked rural school broadband bill, Dunleavy promises quick signature
- After revisions Federal Highway Administration approves most of Alaska’s transportation plan
- Alaska House education proposal reveals rifts and still-evolving policies
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska facility. (Sabine Poux/KDLL)Alaskans along the railbelt have relied on Cook Inlet gas for heat and power for decades, but the wells in the Cook Inlet basin, a long reliable source of natural gas for homes and businesses, are no longer so reliable with potential shortages looming in the next few years. Why isn’t more gas being developed in Cook Inlet, what’s the potential for renewable energy replacing gas, and what will it all mean for ratepayers if gas needs to be imported? We discuss the future energy needs for Southcentral Alaskans against diminishing supply on this Talk of Alaska
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- John Sims: President, ENSTAR Natural Gas
- Chris Rose: Executive Director, Renewable Energy Alaska Project
- Sen. Bill Wielechowski: D-Anchorage
Related:
- Alaska creates climate plan to reduce statewide emissions and fund a wide range of sustainable energy projects
- Bill to provide free access to Cook Inlet seismic surveys moves forward
- Cook Inlet gas crunch likely to push up prices as lawmakers search for solutions
- Southcentral Alaska gas utility says high demand is straining gas storage system
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Artificial Intelligence by Flickr user mikemacmarketing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152824664@N07/30188200627/)The use of Artificial Intelligence or AI has been around since the 50s, but even with rapid growth in the technology for a wide range of applications, there’s still a lot that many of us don’t understand about AI’s benefits, its potential to help businesses, as well as the risks. How can computer learning technology help streamline work and create efficiencies for small businesses and what are the red flags? We learn about a new AI business center for Alaska on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Gretchen Fauske – Director of Special Programs & Strategy, Alaska Small Business Development Center
- Dr. Helena Wisniewski – Marion Porter Endowed Chair, Chair of Management, Marketing Logistics, and Business Analytics Department, UAA College of Business and Public Policy.
- Meredith Noble – CEO and co-founder, Learngrantwriting.org
Related:
- AI in Academia | Talk of Alaska
- AI Resource Center | Alaska Small Business Development Center
- Learngrantwriting.org
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Friends gathered in Petersburg to watch L’xeis Diane Benson in her first appearance onscreen as Bee in HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country.” (Hannah Flor/KFSK)In the past, Indigenous people were misrepresented in movies and other media when harmful stereotypes and racist tropes were too often the norm. Indigenous Americans were presented as one-dimensional characters, or played by non-native actors. But things are changing and the recent HBO season of the series True Detective is a good example. It employed Alaska Native actors, writers and casting directors. What changes when Indigenous people have influence over popular television content? We talk with actors from the Alaska-focused series True Detective: Night Country, on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Mary Lou Asicksik – Actress and Casting Associate, True Detective: Night Country (Mary Lou is also an employee of Alaska Public Media)
- Phillip Blanchett – Actor in True Detective: Night Country, lead singer/founder of Pamyua
- Yaari Walker – Advisor and actress in True Detective: Night Country
- L’xeis Diane Benson – Writer and stage actress, actress in True Detective: Night Country
Related:
- HBO Original TRUE DETECTIVE NIGHT COUNTRY is available to stream on Max
- L’xeis Diane Benson on acting and her work in ‘True Detective: Night Country’
- HBO’s ‘True Detective’ collaborates with Iñupiaq for Alaska accuracy
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Gus Schumacher celebrates his World Cup win in Minneapolis on Sunday, Feb. 18,2024. (Nathaniel Herz for FasterSkier)Kikkan Randall thinks a cross-country skiing World Cup event in Anchorage could be “transformative.” In 2018, Randall won a gold medal at the Olympics in South Korea in a team sprint event. She’s currently the executive director of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage. And in February, she was in Minneapolis, working as an NBC commentator for the first World Cup event on U.S. soil in over 20 years. That’s where Anchorage skier Gus Schumacher skied to the top of the World Cup podium in the 10K skate event.
She says that event was a huge success that “blew all expectations.” And Randall hopes the Minneapolis event helped stoke excitement for more World Cup cross-country skiing in the U.S., including in Anchorage.
Listen:
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Kikkan Randall: Imagining a World Cup in Anchorage has been a dream of mine for a long time, when I started to have success in the World Cup back in the mid-2000s. And watching so many of my competitors get a chance to perform on their home turf in front of their fans, their family made me think I want to bring this kind of experience back to my hometown that was so crucial for my development. And so I started having conversations. But at that point, you know, it had been so long that no one really had the concept of what a U.S. World Cup would look like. So I think over the last decade or so, we had more and more conversations and better and better results. I think the gold medal in 2018 really did up the ante and got people really thinking about cross-country skiing in the U.S. more than ever. And certainly with a success like Minneapolis last week, I think the possibilities are just opening up.
Lori Townsend: Have you talked with the executive director of the Loppet Cup foundation about what it took to bring the World Cup to the Theodore Wirth course in Minneapolis and what that may spell for Anchorage?
KR: Yeah, I’ve actually become really good friends with Claire Wilson, who is the executive director of the Loppet Foundation. Of all the places in the United States, the Loppet Foundation really mirrors what the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage does. They are an organization that does all things cross-country: they groom the trails, they run the programs, they put on big events, and they’re doing it all on public land. And that’s what we do here in Anchorage. And so I connected with her early in my role as executive director, and had actually been advising them kind of from an athlete perspective on how important the World Cup experience is, in serving the athletes. And so yeah, it’s really come together. And we’re both excited to actually form a coalition of venues across the U.S. who could have the potential to host World Cups. Because I think the beauty is seeing what worked well in Minneapolis, and being able to share that knowledge and look at other potential venues, I think is our best scenario for having World Cups not once every 23 years. But you know, having a World Cup on U.S. soil every other year.
Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall won Olympic gold in a sprint relay in 2018. (Photo courtesy of APU)LT: That’s a great and ambitious goal. What would it actually take to get Anchorage there? There’s a lot of pieces in place already it sounds like but what would it take to actually make this happen?
KR: Well, Anchorage hosted one of the early editions of the World Cup back in 1982. And so we’ve got a little bit of heritage there. Of course, the World Cup looks a little different today than it did back in the ’80s. But you know, I think we have a lot of infrastructure here in Anchorage that would make it possible from the technical sport side. But when you put on a production that big, you have to think about TV, you have to think about sponsorship, you’re bringing the European teams over to Anchorage, so certainly it’s a bigger scope. I think, though, the power of doing something like that can be so transformative. Even for a venue like Anchorage, it has 60 years of heritage, because when you have a big event, that’s your reason to invest in your infrastructure and the sport continues to accelerate. And technology is changing all the time. And so to be able to have an example like Minneapolis to draw from, I think certainly having a hometown hero, like Gus Schumacher, with the success he’s just had, gives us all the more reason to try and make it happen. And I think it could be an amazing thing for Anchorage. And I’m excited now to get to work. it’s definitely one of those visions that’s going to take a while to bring to fruition but just in some conversations with local city government officials I think there’s interest there.
LT: What do you think it would mean to Anchorage skiers who are currently on the World Cup circuit to be able to race in front of a hometown crowd? What would it have meant for you?
KR: Well, I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little jealous, because I spent most of my World Cup career toiling away and the closest I ever got was Quebec City, where we had a lot of American fans come up from the eastern United States. But it would be so meaningful for our Alaskan athletes and, you know, those who are veterans — by the time we would be able to get on the World Cup calendar, Gus Schumacher is going to be a little bit more developed in his career. You know, at that point, it’d be amazing to showcase where he’s at.
But I love to think about the opportunity it presents for the development of future champions. You know, we have kids in our Junior Nordic program right now, that could be of age to race a World Cup in eight years. And so just the idea that a World Cup would be coming to Anchorage could be that difference of, “I want to be a good high school skier. No, I want to be a World Cup champion, like Gus someday.” And then not to mention that if we hosted a World Cup, you think about all the kids that are standing in the crowd cheering on and when they see the speed, the power of these athletes, you can’t help but get inspired. And I know that our American champion, Ted Ligety, native of Park City, credits him being on the side of the course at the 2002 (Salt Lake City) Olympics as a spectator, as a young kid for igniting his Olympic dream. And he became one of our most successful Alpine racers of all time. So I’d love to provide that kind of opportunity for our kids here in Alaska, to be able to see their heroes up close and just, you know, feel inspired to go after such a big dream.
(Mizelle Mayo/Alaska Public Media)There is plenty of research that backs up the importance of childcare. In order to work, parents need quality and affordable child care that is as much about learning as it is about keeping kids safe, but Alaska families are struggling to find and afford that type of care for their kids. What are elected leaders and businesses doing to address the need? We ask advocates on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST:
GUESTS: Lori Townsend
- Stephanie Berglund, Executive Director, thread Alaska, member of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care
- Kati Capozzi, President and CEO, Alaska Chamber, member of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care
Related:
- Alaska House passes bill aimed at expanding access to child care
- Advocates finalizing plan to use Anchorage marijuana tax revenue on child care
- thread Alaska
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
The Anchorage School District Education Center on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)What is the best way to support students, teachers and schools for Alaska’s future? There are many competing ideas for how to get the most impact out of education funding and how that funding should be prioritized. What do education leaders say is most needed and how can Alaskan families support their local schools when budgets are tight? We discuss best practices for educational outcomes on this Talk of Alaska.
NOTE: Due to technical issues, this episode of Talk of Alaska is shorter than a typical program.
Listen:
HOST:
GUESTS: Lori Townsend
- Dr. Deena Bishop, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
- Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School Administrators
- Felix Myers, Senior student advisor, State Board of Education and Early Development
Related:
- Future of education bill uncertain after rural lawmakers raise early objections
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
National Guard soldiers file out of a military transport plane at the Bethel Armory on Sept. 21, 2022. (Nina Kravinsky/KYUK)These are tense times for the U.S. military, with Middle East conflicts threatening to erupt in a regional war and Russia stepping up its assault on Ukraine. What could recent events mean for Alaska-based troops and defense installations? U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and retired Maj. Gen. Randy Kee, from the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies join host Lori Townsend discuss rising global tensions on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Member of Senate Armed Services Committee
- Maj. Gen. Randy Kee, USAF (Ret.), Senior Advisor, Arctic Security Affairs at the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
Related:
- Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies
- Cold-weather pay exists for some Alaska-based military members, but most Air Force personnel aren’t eligible
- 400 military officers were just promoted. Sen. Sullivan says the confirmation blockade shouldn’t have lasted so long.
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Windmills are easily visible from Kodiak’s road system. The island gets nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable energy. (Brian Venua/KMXT)The Alaska Forum on the Environment has worked to get contaminants out of Alaska’s land, water and air for more than 30 years. Once a year, they bring representatives from the military, state, federal and tribal governments together with industry leaders to discuss new methods for removing marine debris, responding to oil spills, tackling legacy pollution, and addressing climate change. We talk with presenters about the latest ways to protect the health of Alaska’s ecosystem on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Kurt Eilo, Executive Director, Alaska Forum
- Rick Thoman, Alaska Climate Specialist, International Arctic Research Center at UAF
- Patricia Cochran, Executive Director, Alaska Native Science Commission
Related:
- Alaska Forum on the Environment 2024
- AK Forum 2024 Agenda
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
Caribou graze on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with the Brooks Range as a backdrop. (USFWS)Alaska’s caribou are a vital source of food and are deeply connected to communities and culture, especially in rural parts of the state. But as climate change, resource development and other challenges affect herd numbers and migration patterns, what should be done to ensure the iconic animals are healthy and plentiful for future generations, and who should have a say in how management plans take shape? We discuss the future of Alaska’s caribou herds on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Charlie Wright – Secretary/treasurer, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Food Sovereignty Advocate from Rampart
- Bobby Schaeffer – Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Member, Subsistence Advocate from Kotzebue
Related:
- Discussing the future of Alaska’s caribou | Addressing Alaskans
- Alaska Board of Game website
- Federal Subsistence Board
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
A Nov. 21, 2023 view of the Wrangell landslide looking north. (Courtesy Calib Purviance via State of Alaska)The recent deadly landslide in Wrangell is the third lethal landslide since 2015 in southeast Alaska. Natural disasters are frequent in Alaska, but is a changing climate increasing the number and severity of these events? What’s the latest science on monitoring mountain slopes to better calculate risk and provide early warning? We discuss the science of understanding landslide risk on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dennis Staley, Research Physical Scientist, Alaska Volcano Observatory
- Dr. Gabriel Wolken, Manager, Climate and Cryosphere Hazards Program, Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; Research Professor, International Arctic Research Center at UAF
- Aaron Jacobs, Senior Hydrologist, National Weather Service, Juneau
- Lisa Busch, Executive Director, Sitka Sound Science Center
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 28, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Ted Stevens attends the commissioning of the USS Alaska in 1986. (U.S. Navy)Few people have shaped Alaska as much as the late Senator Ted Stevens. He helped push through landmark laws to settle Native land claims, develop the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and establish federal fishing policy. He also sent billions of federal dollars to Alaska to build infrastructure. Stevens would have been 100 years old this month. We discuss his legacy, how he worked across the aisle and his fall from politics on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- James Muller, Professor Emeritus, UAA Department of Political Science
- Clive Thomas, Former political science professor, author of Alaska Politics and Public Policy
- Tim McKeever, Chair, Ted Stevens Foundation
Resources:
- Ted Stevens Foundation
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 21, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
State flags hang in the Alaska National Guard auditorium during a Veterans Day ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Nov. 11, 2019. (Photo by Joey Mendolia/Alaska Public Media)Alaska has more military veterans per capita than any other state in the union. Alaska Native veterans were early defenders and have served in high numbers since territorial days. Many other Alaskans first came to the state with the military and decided to stay after they left active duty service. It adds up to a lot of veterans. That service can be rewarding but can also create trauma. Connection with other vets and professional therapy can help. Paths to healing and happiness for veterans is our discussion on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dr. Monique Andrews – Licensed professional counselor specializing in military and veteran mental health, Alaska Army National Guard soldier
- Luke Bushatz – Veteran, principle for Remedy Alpine
Resources:
- A Step Forward Counseling and Consulting
- Remedy Alpine
- VA resources and support for mental health
- What does the COMPACT Act mean for veterans?
- Coaching into care hotline: 888-823-7458
- Suicide and Crisis Help Line: 988, veterans press 1
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 15, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Snow covers a side trail near Tikishla Park in Anchorage (Lori Townsend/Alaska Public Media)To enjoy winter in the North, or at least to get by with your faculties intact, you have to have a strategy for the darkness of winter. Some of us see it as a chance to nest; to spend more time reading on the couch or tackling indoor projects. For others, winter sports and bright snow provide seasonal thrills unavailable to much of the world. For some of us, it’s a time to drag out the therapeutic lamps to keep the gloom at bay. We discuss darkness, and finding ways to enjoy the short days of winter, on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Holly Brooks, Licensed therapist, two time winter olympian
- Holly Nordlum, Inupiaq traditional tattoo artist and graphic designer
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, November 7, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Bulk food in Food Bank of Alaska’s Anchorage warehouse on April 21, 2023. (Photo by Claire Stremple/Alaska Beacon)Beginning last fall, thousands of Alaskans waited months to receive assistance from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, run by the Alaska Division of Public Assistance. Some families are finally getting the help they need, but the problem isn’t solved. Getting through the old backlog created a new one with thousands of families who need help buying the most basic necessity: food. How is this current backlog being addressed and what are potential answers for long term stability for Alaskans who are food insecure? We’ll hear from people working on answers on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Deb Etheridge, Director, Alaska Division of Public Assistance
- Andrew Jensen, Policy advisor to Gov. Dunleavy for food and energy security
- Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, representative for District 19
- Cara Durr, Chief of advocacy and public policy, Food Bank of Alaska
Resources:
- Food & Nutrition Programs – Division of Public Assistance
- Food Bank of Alaska
Related:
- The wait for food stamps in Alaska is improving, but applicants still face long delays
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 31 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
(Image courtesy FBI)Online fundraising scams, fake billing and ransom demands for the return of stolen data, the cybersecurity threats keep coming. Americans have lost billions of dollars, and last year alone, cybertheft cost Alaskans more than $16 million. The attempts to take your money or ransom your data have become more sophisticated. How can you protect yourself and your family? Online security experts join us to answer your questions on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Mark Breunig, Cybersecurity Coordinator, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
- Elliot Peterson, FBI Special Agent
Resources:
- Secure Our World | CISA
- Cybercrime | FBI
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 24 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The 2022 Alaska Federation of Natives conference was held in Anchorage in October. Photographed Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (Elyssa Loughlin/Alaska Public Media)Every year, the Alaska Federation of Natives brings thousands of Alaska Native and other indigenous people together for the largest gathering of its kind in North America. It’s a mix of business, education, policy, culture, festive dancing and an exhibit hall that features a stunning array of incredible art. Whether you are Alaska Native or not, you are welcome to attend. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the First people of Alaska and how they have not only survived rapid change, but have thrived within that change. We learn more about the areas of discussion this year and ask about a federal lawsuit that AFN joined against the State of Alaska on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Ana Hoffman – Alaska Federation of Natives Co-chair, President and CEO, Bethel Native Corporation
- Nicole Borromeo – Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Alaska Federation of Natives
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 17 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Homer’s Library Advisory Board listened to testimony on over 50 contested children’s books on Nov. 15, 2022. (Desiree Hagen/KBBI)The rise in challenges to books in school and public libraries has grown rapidly in recent years. Efforts to censor certain topics in reading material is not new. Attempts have appeared periodically throughout history, but the American Library Association saw a 70% increase in book ban requests in 2022. We discuss what’s driving the latest spike in demands for book removals and who should decide on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Dave Berry – Director, Homer Public Library
- Janel Gagnon – Former librarian with the Mat-Su Borough School District, former president of Friends of the Palmer Public Library
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, October 10 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
University of Alaska Anchorage’s campus on Thursday, August 10, 2023. (Dev Hardikar/Alaska Public Media)Computer technology aids us daily in our work and personal lives. Banking,online ordering, education, even monitoring your blood sugar and other health conditions is now routine. These systems also track our online habits, learning about our preferences and using that data to offer similar types of products or other content. That’s a simple example of Artificial Intelligence, but A.I.’s use is growing fast and understanding the risks that come with the convenience is important. We’ll learn more about these cyber concerns on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Kenrick Mock – Dean, UAA College of Engineering
- Don Rearden – Professor, UAA Department of Writing
- Andrew Harnish – Professor, UAA Department of Writing
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 26 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The Port of Alaska escaped the devastating 1964 earthquake relatively unscathed, which left it poised to take up much of the state’s cargo traffic as other communities rebuilt.
Sixty years later, nearly 90 percent of all goods entering the state move through the port. Now it’s undergoing a massive modernization project to keep it protected from natural disasters, erosion, and heavy use. To fully grasp the scope of this project, Lori Townsend toured the port with director Steve Ribuffo.
Waves from the Bering Sea splash up on a jetty on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, in Nome, Alaska. Much of Alaska’s western coast could see flooding and high winds as the remnants of Typhoon Merbok moved into the Bering Sea region. The National Weather Service says some locations could experience the worst coastal flooding in 50 years. (AP Photo/Peggy Fagerstrom)It has been a year of global extremes, with record breaking heat, severe drought, and unprecedented flooding. The switch to the weather pattern known as El Niño generally signals a turn toward more warming and NOAA reports that warmer than average sea surface temperatures will likely continue and may strengthen by mid winter. What might this mean for Alaska’s fall and winter storm season? We discuss the outlook and preparations on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Taylar Sausen – Regional Director of Communications, Red Cross of Alaska
- Bryan Fisher – Director, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Rick Thoman – Alaska Climate Specialist, International Arctic Research Center, UAF
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 19 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Across Alaska, an insufficient housing supply and historically high rental and mortgage rates are pushing Alaskans into urban centers, causing them to leave the state, or forcing them into homelessness. Affordable housing is critical for health and wellbeing, and leads to better employment and education outcomes. What are the solutions to Alaska's chronic housing shortage? We talk with Alaskans focused on answers on this Talk of Alaska.
A Tsunami hazard zone warning sign. (Derin/Flickr Creative Commons)Alaska is one of the most seismically active places in the world. Located on the Pacific ring of fire, earthquakes and tsunami alerts are not uncommon in our state, but information about the level of concern for coastal areas can sometimes be confusing, creating more anxiety at an already stressful time. We talk with Alaska earthquake and tsunami experts to help clarify how to keep yourself safe when minutes count on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
– Dr. James Gridley, Director, NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center
– Dave Snider, Tsunami Warning Coordinator, NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center
– Dr. Dmitry Nicolsky, Associate Research Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, September 5 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The CDC reports nearly 110,000 Americans died in 2022 from overdoses. The highly lethal drug Fentanyl was the cause for the majority of the overdose deaths and is the top illicit opioid of concern. What’s the latest information on addiction prevention, treatment and the efforts of law enforcement to stop the flow of these dangerous drugs to Alaska? We discuss combating overdose deaths and addiction on this Talk of Alaska.
You can get toasters, new blankets, specialty dog food and a range of other household goods through the U.S. mail from companies such as Amazon, but if you want lumber, concrete, a new dishwasher, or any of the household items found in local stores, it’s most likely entering the state and coming to your community through the Port of Alaska, where the vast majority of all incoming Alaska supplies are received. The port is undertaking a massive modernization project. We discuss what it will mean for the future of shipping to Alaska on this Talk of Alaska
Babies who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy can develop lifelong developmental disabilities known collectively as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD. The effects can be subtle to severe and every person is affected differently, making diagnosis challenging but critical for better life outcomes. A new documentary features the stories of Alaskans living with FASD and their journey toward learning skills for a happy life. We learn more about the tools for coping with FASD on this Talk of Alaska.
New cabins? Extended trails? Maybe better access to hot fishing spots? Amid the flurry of spending from federal pots of infrastructure funds is a lot of money aimed at improving park services for public enjoyment. How is this and other money being deployed, what will it mean for Alaska parks and who’s keeping an eye on the spending? We discuss investments in improved wilderness access on this Talk of Alaska.
In July of 1923 the last spike signaling the completion of the railroad from Seward to Fairbanks was pounded into place in Nenana by President Warren G Harding. 100 years later, the Alaska railroad is unique in the nation as the only remaining rail service to carry both passengers and freight. We discuss the history and future plans for the Alaska Railroad and its centennial celebration on this Talk of Alaska.
After nearly 45 years at the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, state economist Neal Fried is retiring. Over his long career in the state, Fried has built up an in-depth understanding of the booms and busts of Alaska’s economy. What stands out to him from his decades of looking at the unique economy of Alaska and what does he think about the future? We ask Neal Fried those questions and more on this Talk of Alaska.
No online banking, no Amazon orders, no internet classes. A broken fiber optic cable buried far below the Beaufort Sea ice, north of Oliktok Point has brought internet service for a wide swath of Arctic communities to dial up speed or a complete halt. Repairs are still weeks away. How are schools, local governments and businesses coping with the lack of reliable online commerce? How much redundancy is there in the system now and will federal funds make it more robust and reliable? We discuss the need for modern communication connections in the far north, on this Talk of Alaska
Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of Black Americans from more than 400 years of slavery. The magnitude of those centuries of imprisonment, forced labor and brutal treatment continue to affect all Americans today. However, there has been tremendous growth and progress for Black people in our country and state. We discuss the great strides made, despite resistance, and the work yet to be done on this Talk of Alaska.
Alaskans like to pack in as much fun as possible during our gloriously long summer days and extended bouts of backyard, beach, boat and campsite time is made all the better when you have a great book to relax with. Readers know how books create magical doorways into other worlds and other worldviews that enhance your imagination in ways that scrolling online will never match. If you want to stick to home grown books, Alaska has many great authors and a wide range of selections from thrillers to romance to science. We’ll talk with Alaska writers and librarians to hear about their book recommendations on this Talk of Alaska.
A Veterans Day ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Nov. 11, 2019. (Photo by Joey Mendolia/Alaska Public Media)The transition from active duty service to civilian life can be challenging for anyone in the military. For those who have survived combat and carry that trauma, it can be much more difficult to blend back into family and community life. Some veterans isolate and Alaska has one of the highest percentages of veterans of any state. What programs best help service members and vets adjust? What works to help veterans feel connected and less alone? We’ll discuss new approaches available to veterans and active duty members to help them lead happier, healthier lives on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler – Commander, 11th Airborne Division
- Rebeca Peleaz – Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Alaska VA Healthcare System
- Capt. Michael Livingston – Alaska State Defense Force
Resources:
- Coaching into care hotline: 888-823-7458
- Suicide and Crisis Help Line: 988, veterans and active-duty service members press 1
- What does the COMPACT Act mean for veterans?
- Alaska Army suicides drop as leaders push programs to improve soldiers’ lives
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 23 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Tawni Jetter created a play area for her two toddler boys amidst waiting for an opening in child care. (Mizelle Mayo/Alaska Public Media)For working families across Alaska, the challenge of finding affordable, quality childcare is not new, but during the pandemic, the already limited capacity for childcare was further restricted. The lack of available help is spiking the costs of care and forcing parents to make difficult decisions about whether to keep jobs or even stay in the state. Is there any relief on the horizon from either state or federal policymakers? We discuss the crisis in childcare on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Tracey Schaeffer – Occupational therapist, working to start a child care facility in Kotzebue
- Laura Norton-Cruz – Child care advocate, executive producer of At Home/In Home: Rural Alaska Childcare in Crisis
- Kevin Berry – Economist, board member of Thread Alaska
Resources:
- Thread Alaska Website
- At Home / In Home: Rural Alaska Childcare in Crisis
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
A 25-acre wildfire burning in the McHugh Creek drainage south of Anchorage off the Seward Highway in 2016. (Alaska Division of Forestry photo)2022 was one of Alaska’s worst years for wildfires on record. The following winter saw record-breaking levels of rain and snow around the state. Will that precipitation have an effect on this year’s season, and how is climate change affecting the way we think about fighting wildfires? We’ll discuss the science and preparation for the 2023 wildfire season on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lily Coyle, Public Information Officer, Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection
- Beth Ipsen, Public Affairs, Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service
- Eric Stevens, Meteorologist, National Park Service and Alaska Interagency Coordination Center
Resources:
- Burn permit information – Alaska Division of Forestry
- Alaska Wildland Fire Information
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 9, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Homeless residents sit on the steps of the Sullivan Arena, as many are forced to leave the makeshift shelter. (Wesley Early/Alaska Public Media)The Sullivan Arena homeless shelter closed to most residents on May 1. In the week preceding, people who had been living there began leaving the facility, in preparation for its closing.
People without an idea of where they would sleep, stay safe, cook or have access to bathroom facilities or running water, were made to leave the Sullivan Arena. Many of them will have no choice but to camp in area parks in the city. Why did the Sullivan close and what is the plan to address the needs of those who are without housing before next winter? We’ll talk with city leaders to find out on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Alexis Johnson, Housing and homelessness coordinator, Anchorage Health Department
- Felix Rivera, Midtown assembly member, chair of the assembly committee on housing and homelessness
- David Rittenberg, Sr. director of adult homeless services, Alaska Catholic Social Services
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, May 2, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The Alaska Capitol on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (Nat Herz/Alaska Public Media)Lawmakers have about a month left to finish the business of building a state budget that pays for mandated services, and is balanced. There’s a lot of daylight between ideas for a spending plan that satisfies the numerous needs across the state without draining savings and paying a large permanent fund dividend. Will legislators find consensus on a budget by mid-May that the Governor will also agree to? We discuss the ideas for Alaska’s fiscal future on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- James Brooks – Government reporter, Alaska Beacon
- Larry Persily – Longtime Alaskan journalist, owner of the Wrangell Sentinel
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 18, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Sen. Jesse Kiehl speaks to clean water advocates as they rally for state-level PFAS protections on March 14, 2023. (Claire Stremple/KTOO)For nearly 70 years, chemicals designed for a wide range of applications from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware have been used at airports and in many consumer products. In March, the EPA proposed limits on these chemicals, known as PFAS, in drinking water. PFAS have been linked to numerous health problems including cancer and cleaning them up is expensive and difficult. What will the new regulations require military, local and state governments do to be in compliance? We discuss the way forward for eradicating PFAS contamination from Alaska’s water and soil on this Talk of Alaska
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Pamela Miller, executive director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
- Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Southeast Alaska
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Representative Mary Peltola joined host Lori Townsend on Talk of Alaska for a discussion about the issues facing Alaskans on April 4, 2023 (Matt Faubion/AKPM)Mary Peltola has been Alaska’s sole U.S. Congresswoman since September 2022 when she won a special election, and although the legislative work that gets done in Congress may at times feel distant and far removed from the daily lives of Alaskans, the decisions made in Washington DC directly affect Alaska’s future. Some recent measures regarding energy, roads and the debate over which projects to prioritize has once again put a spotlight on Alaskan issues. What are the current legislative priorities of Alaska’s single representative? Congresswoman Mary Peltola joins us on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, April 4, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
A pumpkin is starting to turn orange inside Gardens in the Arctic’s high tunnel in Anaktuvuk Pass. 2019 was a hot summer in the Arctic, and Gardens in the Arctic owner Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson says her heat-loving plants like melons and squash excelled. (Erin McKinstry)Across the state, even in the snowiest places, the signs of spring are starting to appear. Crocus and tulips are already emerging in some areas and gardeners are poring over seed catalogs, dreaming of growing their own food and beautifying their yards with flowers and other plants. It’s an exciting time for people who like to dig in the dirt. We discuss what’s new for growing and harvesting in your backyard, on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Jeff Lowenfels – Author and gardening columnist
- Art Nash – UAF Cooperative Extension Service
- Glenna Gannon – UAF Cooperative Extension Service
- Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson – Owner, Gardens in the Arctic
Relevant Links:
- Opportunities for Agriculture in Rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
- Gardens in the Arctic website
- UAF Cooperative Extension Service – Lawn & Garden
- Sign up for AARP Alaska and UAF Cooperative Extension Service gardening webinars
PARTICIPATE:
Call 907-550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 28, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Sitka’s ANB Harbor. (KCAW file photo)Alaska’s Southeast commercial salmon troll fleet is the target of a federal lawsuit that alleges the fishery threatens the chinook salmon food stock of endangered orca whales off the coast of Washington. The suit was brought against the federal government but seeks to shut down the 30 million dollar fishery this summer. Critics say it will decimate the livelihoods of Southeast troll fishermen and suggest other causes are depleting the whale’s food supply. We discuss the fight over fish and who has the right to them on this Talk of Alaska.
LISTEN:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Paul Olson – Board Member, Alaska Trollers Association
- Emma Helversen – Executive Director, Wild Fish Conservancy
- Max Graham – Journalist based in Haines who has reported on the lawsuit
Relevant Links:
- A lawsuit targets a Southeast Alaska salmon fishery to save 73 orcas. Critics say the Washington-based plaintiffs should look closer to home
- The big problem for endangered orcas at center of Southeast Alaska salmon suit? Inbreeding
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 21, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
This map from the Bureau of Land Management shows the site of the Willow development on the North Slope of Alaska. Willow’s drill sites are marked by squares. (Bureau of Land Management)The Biden administration has approved ConocoPhillips Willow project in the National Petroleum Reserve. Oil drilling proponents see it as a win for domestic energy production but some climate and indigenous activists call it a climate bomb that runs counter to President Biden’s commitment to addressing climate change. We’ll discuss the Willow decision on this Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Tim Woody – Communications Manager for Climate Solutions, The Wilderness Society
- Nagruk Harcharek – President, Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat
Relevant Links:
- Biden approves Willow oil project, announces new limits elsewhere in NPR-A
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 14, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Joe Taylor, who lives outside of Fairbanks, said he might not ever race the Iditarod again after his rookie year in 2022. He said with a small kennel of 13 dogs, he’s not competitive enough to take the time to run again. (Lex Treinen/Alaska Public Media)The Iditarod, Alaska’s iconic race is more than 50 years old. Fewer teams took off for Nome in 2023 than in any other year. Are the number of competitors down because of the added expense of inflation or is there something else at play? What does the future hold for long distance racing and sled dog racing overall? Race veterans discuss what’s on the horizon for dog drivers and their teams on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Martin Buser – Four-time Iditarod Champion, record-holder for most consecutive Iditarod finishes
- Apayauq Reitan – 2019 Iditarod Rookie of the year, and the first openly transgender woman to compete in the race
Relevant Links:
- Alaska Public Media’s 2023 Iditarod Coverage
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 7, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The piece of land put into trust is a less than 800-square-foot lot near the corner of Capitol Avenue and Village Street in Juneau. (Photo by Katie Anastas/KTOO)Lawsuits challenging tribal sovereignty at both the state and federal level could have big implications for the future ability of tribes to exercise authority over tribal citizens and land. The state is suing over a land into trust application and The U.S. Supreme court is reviewing challenges to the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA that claim the law is discriminatory. What could these decisions mean for the future of tribal autonomy? We’ll discuss it on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lloyd Miller, attorney specializing in tribal law
Relevant Links:
- A tiny Juneau lot is the latest battleground in a dispute over tribal sovereignty
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
The Alaska Capitol on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (Nat Herz/Alaska Public Media)Content Warning: This episode of Talk of Alaska contains discussion of sensitive subject matter.
Alaska has long ranked at or near the top in the nation for rates of violence and sexual assault. Over the summer of 2022, lawmakers updated Alaska’s sexual assault laws, including a new definition of what defines consent. The law went into effect on January 1st, 2023. Why did it take decades to update the statutes and how might the changes affect prosecutions? Better legal tools to prevent assaults and help survivors is our discussion on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Geran Tarr – Former State Representative for Anchorage
- Eileen Arnold – Executive Director, Tundra Women’s Coalition
- Keeley Olson – Executive Director, Standing Together Against Rape
Relevant Resources:
- Prevention and Education – STAR
- FAQ’s and other resources – STAR
- Tundra Women’s Coalition
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). (Liz Ruskin/Alaska Public Media)At the very end of 2022, Congress passed the massive $1.7 trillion spending package. The bill includes language to fund new projects around the state, transfer land to the University of Alaska and much more. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski joins us to discuss what else the money will support, talk about the new Congress and Alaska’s new congressional delegation on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen here:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
Crews begin clearing the heavy snowfall during the early morning hours of Dec. 12, 2022 as more snow falls during the second of three large storms to hit the Anchorage area that month. (Valerie Kern, Alaska Public Media)Alaska is often referred to as a land of extremes, but recent record breaking weather events across the state have challenged communities and drained local emergency response funds. How will more intense storms affect Alaska in the next decade and how can state and local governments use data to plan and budget for keeping people safe? We discuss adapting for an extreme weather future on this Talk of Alaska.
Listen here:
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
Brian Brettschneider – Climatologist, National Weather Service, Alaska Region
Rick Thoman – Climate Specialist, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy
PARTICIPATE:
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. on Alaska public radio stations statewide.
North Star Residential Treatment Center on DeBarr Road in Anchorage. (Casey Grove/Alaska Public Media)The U.S. Department of Justice has released the findings of an investigation into the lack of adequate mental health services available to children in Alaska. The investigation found that youth in the state were forced to endure unnecessary and unduly long institutionalization in locked facilities because no alternatives exist.
Michelle Theriault Boots is an investigative reporter with Anchorage Daily News and wrote about the DOJ report.
Listen:
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The following transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.
Lori Townsend: Department of Justice investigators traveled to Alaska twice. They toured facilities here and interviewed families, children and staff. What did they find?
Michelle Theriault Boots: The investigators, in their report, describe finding a lot of children and teenagers who are in facilities like North Star and other residential treatment facilities living away from their homes and families and communities who probably could and should be living at home. And that’s because the investigators found there aren’t enough supports in communities in Alaska to give them the help with mental health and psychiatric problems they need at home.
LT: Michelle, you’ve reported on trouble at Anchorage’s North Star psychiatric hospital and children being sent outside of the state. Give us some context here of when you started reporting on the lack of service for children, and what you found or how that relates to this particular investigation.
MTB: So for many, many years – decades really – Alaska has lacked kind of a middle layer of care for kids who are suffering from mental illness. So for a long time, kids whose behaviors or who are just acutely in mental crisis, have been sent to facilities outside of the state of Alaska for care. The only facility in Alaska that can treat kids 12 and under is North Star hospital at the hospital level, and there’s a very, very limited number of beds at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute. But beyond that, and in other parts of the state, there’s really very, very little. So the problem we’ve had for a really long time in Alaska is that if a kid is having a problem at all, they kind of automatically get sent to this high-level locked psychiatric hospital, which for a lot of kids is really not appropriate, and is really damaging because it takes them away from their home, their school, their family, their community, their tribe and puts them behind locked doors, sometimes for months and even years.
LT: Yes, there are clearly some egregious examples cited in the DOJ report – a girl from Bethel who at 12 was feeling sad and irritable, acting aggressively toward younger siblings, something that doesn’t sound tremendously unusual at that age. But she was sent to North Star and has been there for the majority of four years. The report says she’s more adjusted to institutionalized life than life at home, so such a terrible statement. This sounds like a multi-level failure. What were the recommended alternatives to this type of lockup?
MTB: A lot of the kids who end up in these institutions in Alaska and outside are in foster care. They’re in the custody of the state of Alaska. And it’s often the state Office of Children’s Services that places them in North Star or another institution. One alternative to that would be therapeutic foster homes, where people who are trained foster parents, who have special knowledge and training of helping kids with trauma, can take over and the kids can live in homes – that function like a home, not an institution – but also get a high level of therapeutic care. There’s also crisis intervention strategies that exist other places where, say, a kid is going into crisis, their parent is afraid of them or feels like they can’t be at home, well a crisis team would kind of swoop in and maybe they hold the kid for one day or two days or three days. But it’s not a long-term thing. It’s just enough time to stabilize the kid. But then the kid can go back home.
LT: The state acknowledged that it’s cheaper to treat children while keeping them with their families than to send them to far away psychiatric facilities. But how did they respond overall to the Department of Justice findings?
MTB: You know, it’s interesting, I asked for a response and got different responses from three different agencies. I got a response from the Department of Law, who would be kind of on the other end of any kind of legal action toward the state and they said, “We’re reviewing this; we want to work with the DOJ, we may not agree with all of the findings.” And I also got responses from the now-separate Department of Health and the Department of Family Services. And they both said, “We are willing to work on this, we are willing to work with the DOJ, and you know, here’s even some things that we are doing to move in this direction already.” And I think that there is an acknowledgment that – yes, like, nobody really wants kids to be locked up in institutions, right? We want this to work. It’s just how to implement it on a scale and with Alaska’s unique challenges, with many very small rural communities who are off the road system. How do you deliver the care that kids need, wherever they are?
LT: This report, Michelle, was just released. But have you talked with families about how these separations have affected them?
MTB: Yeah, I’ve talked to many families and many of the kids themselves, and it’s devastating. You know, there’s certainly kids out there who will say that they needed help in an institution, and that it overall was a good thing for them. But there are many who say that they felt locked away and forgotten, that they didn’t get the help they need. And for parents, it’s also really, really scary and hard to have your kid kind of go behind the doors and not necessarily have access to them, sometimes for a long period of time, and I think it’s often presented to parents as this is your only option. And we’re talking about kids that, you know, for the most part are adolescents or even younger. So kids as young as 5 and 6 are in institutions in Alaska and Outside.
LT: Michelle, the Justice Department gave the state recommendations that there are resources available to use expanded Medicaid funds, grants and income from the state and federal sources and also income from the Alaska Mental Health Trust to help kids before they get sent away. Is the state following or has the state followed this guidance?
MTB: In 2019, Alaska had a Medicaid waiver expansion, which basically paid for a new menu of services. And so that’s an exciting thing, and that was progress. But what this report says is that that really hasn’t reached its full potential yet. You know, really, a relatively small number of children in Alaska have gotten to use these services, sometimes only in the dozens. The DOJ kind of says, “Well, Alaska has had this opportunity, but really hasn’t fully implemented it yet.”
LT: Michelle, thanks so much for coming in and clarifying this really important issue for Alaskans through your reporting.
MTB: I appreciate you having me, Lori. Thank you.
Debris from the F/V Scandies Rose, which sunk on Dec. 31, 2019, recently was found by a fisherman from Chignik. (Photo courtesy Gerry Cobban Knagin via Facebook)Stories are posted on the statewide news page. Send news tips, questions, and comments to news@alaskapublic.org. Follow Alaska Public Media on Facebook and on Twitter @AKPublicNews. And subscribe to the Alaska News Nightly podcast.
Monday on Alaska News Nightly:
A new nursing program in Alaska pays students as they learn a profession. Also, combining solar farms with agriculture for better crops.
Reports tonight from:
Maggie Nelson and Theo Greenly in Unalaska-KUCB, Brian Venua and Kirsten Dobroth in Kodiak-KMXT, Robyne in Fairbanks-KUAC, Jill Fratis and Kavitha George in Anchorage-KNBA-AKPM
Alaska News Nightly is hosted by Lori Townsend, with audio engineering from Chris Hyde.
As we head into the toughest part of the winter season, how well are services aimed at those experiencing homelessness keeping up with demand across the state and how can Alaskans help? We’ll discuss extending a hand to those in need on the next Talk of Alaska.
We’ll speak with cybersecurity experts about how to keep yourself and your loved ones digitally protected this holiday season on the next Talk of Alaska.
What is the current state of food insecurity in Alaska, and what resources are available. We’ll talk with folks working to get food to those who need it, on the next Talk of Alaska.
Talk of Alaska will be breaking down the White House's new National Strategy for the Arctic Region. The plan outlines the United States' approaches and goals for safety, international cooperation, economic opportunity, and environmental protection over the next 10 years.
We’ll break down the issues and the candidate answers from our recent series of debates to clarify their positions on the next Talk of Alaska
Every 10 years, Alaskans vote on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention. This year there are active campaigns on both sides and on a special edition of Talk of Alaska, we’ll air a recent debate that was held in Anchorage on the pros and cons of reopening the entire constitution to potential change.
Even though President Joe Biden said in September that the pandemic is over, nationally more than 300 people are still dying every day from Covid. So how have Alaskans coped with mandates, anxiety, vaccines and illness? We’ll discuss pandemic lessons and stories today on Talk of Alaska.
Advocates both for and against a constitutional convention discuss why they think Alaskans should or should not support the ballot question.
The legacy of boarding schools affected generations of Native people, from the children who were ripped away to their grandparents, parents, siblings and communities. While the pain and loss of that oppressive era should not be forgotten, moving into a healthier educational future is critical for the wellbeing of all. What does it mean to decolonize education? And who is doing the work? We’ll discuss new paths forward for Native education on the next Talk of Alaska.
Alaskans in communities along hundreds of miles of coastline from the YK Delta to Point Hope are grappling with the aftermath of a historic storm that flooded towns, floated homes off foundations and sank boats. The good news is there have been no reports of injury or death, but the recovery will be difficult and winter is approaching. How are communities coping and what are state and federal leaders doing to help? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.
Every year, people resettle in Alaska after escaping conflict in other parts of the world. The reasons they left their homes and the circumstances under which they arrived may be different, but they’re all looking for the same thing – safety and security for their families.
For generations, Alaska Native people along the Yukon river have depended on a steady supply of salmon for a healthy source of protein to sustain them through the long winter. But king and chum salmon subsistence fishing has been closed to Yukon river families for the past two years, affecting both diets and cultural tradition. What are the factors behind the low runs? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.
For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have depended on strong salmon runs to sustain their diets and their culture, but that reliable source of protein is in jeopardy.
The results of Alaska’s first ranked choice election may have surprised some Alaskans. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed in the special election for the current U.S. House term, beating two Republicans. Now the real race is on for November where candidates are also competing for Governor, U.S. Senate and state legislative races. What have we learned from this first ranked choice experience and what might it reveal for November? Alaska reporters join us for a campaign discussion on the next Talk of Alaska
Lori Townsend speaks to David Washburn from the Older Persons Action Group and Jessica Parks from RurAL CAP to learn what's being done to address the increasing demand for elder care across Alaska.
Understanding and discussing the complexities of mental health and wellbeing isn’t easy. Finding ways to open up about who we are and what we struggle with is critical to getting help.
A new program called Permafrost Pathways has a dual aim of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community adaptation ideas.
Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.
Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.
Across the state, basketball serves as a healthy outlet for teens and a source of pride and socialization for communities in the winter. Lori Townsend speaks to players about the important cultural role basketball serves in rural communities in particular.
Alaska Congressman Don Young lies in state at the U.S. Capitol. Also, oil prices reshape the debate over state revenue and dividend payments. And the push for local input on changing derogatory place names.
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled on redistricting last week, the House plans to take up the budget in a few days — and there's yet another conflict about mask-wearing on the House floor.
Residents whose homes were cut off by an avalanche near Eagle River assess next steps. Also the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery gets underway. Plus new investors in a Wasilla grocery store chain means expansion.
Following Rep. Don Young's death, Alaskans and members of Congress are reflecting on his half-century political career.
A new project called Black in Alaska seeks to present a more complete picture of the lives and professions of Black Alaskans, with the aim of creating a more equitable future. Lori Townsend speaks with advisory committee member Bernard Gatewood and André Horton, one of the series subjects.
The five-decade history of the Iditarod is a story filled with adventure, skill, triumph and lots of change, and it's best told by those who have experienced it, firsthand.
On this episode of Alaska Insight, hear from your neighbors about why they chose to get vaccinated or not.
Recent attacks and vandalism targeting Jewish people have highlighted concerns over a rise in bigotry in our country. This week marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the terrible legacy of antisemitism. Lori Townsend examines that legacy with Rabbi Abram Goodstein of Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage and Anti-Defamation League advisory board member Robin Dern.
What does it mean to be a sovereign tribe and what would state recognition mean for Alaska’s indigenous nations?
The abrupt firing of Permanent Fund Corporation Director Angela Rodell in December surprised and concerned many Alaskans, including some lawmakers. Senate President Peter Micciche said this week that he was surprised by Rodell’s firing.
Long-term fiscal solutions for Alaska’s budget have been elusive so far, and political frustration is boiling over. State lawmakers are returning to Juneau for the regular legislative session starting next week.
A look back at the long fight over the Tongass roadless rule. Also, a shortage of Alaska crab creates challenges for local restaurants.
Fifty years ago this December, Alaska Native leaders joined forces with national lawmakers to create legislation that ensured certain native land rights in our state. How has that legislation evolved over the decades? What does the next generation of Alaska Native leaders want to see moving forward?
Alaska's Arctic region is opening to increased vessel traffic and global interest. What are the American military’s plans to ensure security?
Better internet access is coming to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but other regions of the state are still waiting to bridge the digital divide. How will new technology and funding resources help?
The demographic landscape is changing in the United States, and new data from the 2020 Census shows that Alaska is no different. Our population is growing and is more diverse than ever.
The legislature stalls out on delivering relief to hospitals overwhelmed with patients suffering from covid-19. Plus, villages on the Yukon survive a summer with abysmally low salmon returns.
Homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are perennial issues in communities throughout Alaska. But the pandemic has made an already difficult situation worse.
Alaska lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a dispute that involves the state's dwindling piggy bank. Plus, Elders in Chignik vow to fight for their salmon fishery after years of dismal returns.
With COVID hospitalizations hitting new records every day, Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson holds firm against a mask mandate. Also, supply chain woes are making it difficult for Newtok to finish relocating.
Almost five years ago, Ronn Hemstock went for his regular 6 a.m. walk around the airport runway in Seward with his dog, Dax. It wasn't long until his morning stroll turned terrifying.
Cordova experiences its worst outbreak of COVID-19. And, a Seward resident tells the story of surviving a brown bear attack on the town runway. Plus, a new app allows fishermen to contribute their ocean observations to science.
Ben Stevens, a tribal resources manager for Tanana Chiefs Conference says with both the chum and king salmon fisheries closed, Yukon River communities are scared of losing their protein source for the winter. They're also worried about losing their way of life if low runs continue.
A new lawsuit aims to protect funding for subsidized electricity in rural Alaska. Plus, new music celebrates the work of Indigenous Alaska musicians. Also today, Canada announced it will open the border to vaccinated travelers in August. But is it enough for struggling tourism businesses?
In the last five years, the rate of Alaskans granted parole dropped by 50%. The reasons are complicated. With fewer people being granted parole, we discuss the ripple effect on lives and the legal system.
Nearly 50 percent of Alaskans are now fully vaccinated. What does this mean for what people can do in public, while traveling and when visiting businesses? And what are the plans for convincing more Alaskans to get the shot to protect those with vulnerable immune systems?
Lori Townsend speaks with Lucy Hansen, president of the Polynesian Association of Alaska, Filipino Community, Inc. President Edric Carrillo and community organizer Kengo Nagaoka about the rich history of Asian and Pacific Islanders and their hopes for the future.
Our state has dozens of accomplished and prolific writers and publishers. Who are your favorite homegrown authors and what are you looking forward to reading over the coming months?
Lawmakers are still grappling with how to settle on a budget plan for Alaska's future and permanent fund earnings are at the center of the debate. What's the best way forward to ensure the sustainability of the fund and a dividend, while also providing vital state services?
Spring is finally here and as the snowpack recedes, wildfire becomes a concern, especially before greenup. What’s the outlook for this year’s fire season and how much will standing, dead spruce affect it?
Better coordination between state and federal agencies can not only help with responding to fires, but preventing them too. How are the experts planning for the coming summer?
Farming in Alaska has changed and expanded in recent years. As seasons lengthen and innovations in farming techniques advance, advocates for eco-friendly farming see big potential.
An investigation by NPR has highlighted that many states, including Alaska, take the dependent child’s social security benefits, often leaving them with no money to help them when they turn 18 and age out of foster care.
School districts have worked hard to piece together in-person and distance learning curriculum for students. Now that the end of the regular school year is fast approaching, what are the plans for summer school to help students catch up?
Air travel came to a halt last year as the pandemic caused closures across the country. In rural Alaska, where planes are a lifeline for many communities, airlines had to pivot and adjust to the changes quickly.
Researchers are planning out what the next five years of scientific investigation in the Arctic will look like, and they want Alaskans to weigh in.
has consumed the attention of many of us over the past year, but another killer has continued to claim lives. Overdose deaths are on the rise, and the need for substance abuse resources in Alaska is pressing. How have recovery programs around the state adjusted their services to meet the demand?
Overdose deaths are on the rise, and the need for resources in Alaska is pressing. How have recovery programs around the state adjusted their services to meet the demand amid the pandemic?
Alaskans have dreamed and schemed some big tourism and economic ideas for the 49th state through the decades. Everything from a giant styrofoam igloo lodge, to a city under a dome and a freshwater pipeline to California.
Alaskans have a lot of can-do spirit and a deep sense of connection to Alaska. In this episode of Alaska Insight we explore some of what it means to be an Alaskan in this time of social and political unrest and how we can come together to create an Alaska that is a leader in the nation for equity, health, and wellness.
Alaska is leading the nation in COVID-19 vaccination rates, bringing us closer to the herd immunity needed to return to normal life. But some people still have concerns about getting the shot and other questions.
What do you love about living and working in Alaska? The PBS American Portrait series invites people to submit videos and narratives on a range of issues, and Alaskans responded.
Racial bias permeates government policy and justice systems. It’s also ubiquitous in the technology that we engage with on a daily basis. Artificial intelligence uses data to make predictions about who we are and what we’ll most likely do. That bias can gradually find its way into other parts of our lives and manifest violently, as we’ve seen with the recent attacks against Asian Americans in the U.S.
Lori Townsend discusses Coded Bias, a documentary about inherent bias in algorithms, and how to combat harmful stereotypes and racism with University of Alaska Anchorage professors Kenrick Mock and E.J.R. David and community organizer Lynette Pham.
The high rates of sexual assault and violence against women in Alaska are long-standing problems. In Nome, survivors have been speaking out about how law enforcement has handled assault cases in the community.
Survivor advocates Lisa Ellanna, Sigvanna Topkok, and Darlene Trigg join Lori Townsend to talk about their work pushing for change in law enforcement and city government to create a safer, healthier community for all residents.
KNOM’s 5-part series Seeking Justice, Wanting Protection: Disparities in Sexual Assault Crimes in Nome
Sexual assault survivor resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Standing Together Against Rape (STAR): 276-7273
Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis (AWAIC): 272-0100
Crisis Text: 741 741
RAINN live chat: www.rainn.org
Gov. Mike Dunleavy at the Capitol in Juneau in 2019. (Rashah McChesney/KTOO) Economic recovery from the pandemic and long term budget stability are some of the big tasks in front of state leaders during the current legislative session. How closely aligned are the Governor’s priorities with state lawmakers?
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Gov. Mike Dunleavy
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
High rates of sexual assault and violence against women have plagued Alaska for decades. The collective damage affects entire communities. Survivor advocates and journalists have helped uncover how widespread the problems are. In Nome, some advocates are working to raise awareness and push for change.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lisa Ellanna, community advocate from Nome
- Darlene Trigg, community advocate from Nome
- Meghan Sigvanna Topkok, community advocate and Nome City Council member
- Emily Hofstaedter, KNOM reporter
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Survivor resources: Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- KNOM’s 5-part series: Seeking Justice, Wanting Protection
- Anchorage Daily News and Propublica: Lawless series
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- Standing Together Against Rape (STAR): 276-7273
- Abused Women’s Aid In Crisis (AWAIC): 272-0100
- Crisis Text: 741-741
- RAINN live chat: www.rainn.org
Thank you to Lisa Ellanna for sharing the phone numbers above
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
Post your comment during or after the live broadcast on social media (Comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
The accomplishments of Alaska women are as varied as they are wide ranging. From CEOs running major corporations to vessel captains to community leaders.
To kick off to Women’s History Month, Lori Townsend speaks with Alaska Black Caucus President & CEO Celeste Hodge Growden and Anchorage Museum Chief Curator Francesca DuBrock about the new exhibit, Extra Tough: Women of the North. Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame Board Member Jane Angvik also talks about their efforts to recognize women’s accomplishments each year.
Business owners, workers and communities reliant on tourism are facing another summer without cruise ships. Will the latest federal relief package be enough to keep them afloat until next season? What else can be done to triage the state’s pandemic-strapped economy? Lori Townsend speaks with Mouhcine Guettabi, associate professor of Economics with the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Institute of Social and Economic Research, and Executive Director of the Alaska Municipal League Nils Andreassen.
Extra Tough: Women of the North is on display at the Anchorage Museum from November, 2020 to September, 2021. (Photo by Kavitha George/AKPM) Women in Alaska are known for being hard working, resourceful and tough, but their role has often been overlooked. Join us as we celebrate the kick off to Women’s History Month and discuss Extra Tough: Women of the North, a new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum. We’ll also learn about this year’s inductees into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- *Francesca DuBrock,* Chief Curator, Anchorage Museum
- Celeste Hodge Growden, President, Alaska Black Caucus
- Jane Angvik, Board Member, Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame
LINKS:
- Anchorage Museum’s Extra Tough: Women of the North
- Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame
- The artwork of Linda Infante Lyons
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
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LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
The Norwegian Pearl tied up at Skagway’s Broadway dock in July 2017. Two more cruise ships are moored at the railroad dock in the background. (Emily Files/KHNS)
The state’s economy was already struggling, but the loss of tourism dollars during the pandemic has only increased the difficulty for many Alaska businesses and individuals. No major cruise lines will return to the state in 2021. How will tourist-dependent communities weather this extended dry season? When federal relief does arrive, will it be enough for businesses to survive?
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Mouhcine Guettabi, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Alaska Anchorage Institute of Social and Economic Research
- Nils Andreassen, Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (Comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
What have geologists learned from destructive landslides in Alaska and how might that science inform future development plans and early warning systems for communities?
Lori Townsend discusses these looming questions with guests Ronald Daanen, a geologist with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, and Lisa Busch, executive director of the Sitka Sound Science Center.
Heavy rains led to a landslide in Haines on Wednesday, December 2. (Jacob Cheeseman photo) As Alaska warms, landslides are projected to be a growing problem. What have we learned from the deadly landslides in Sitka and the more recent event in Haines? How much will research and early warning systems help communities plan for development in the future, particularly in Southeast Alaska? We’ll discuss the science on ground instability and how it could save lives.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Lisa Busch, Executive Director, Sitka Sound Science Center
- Ben Murius, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey
- Ronald Daanen, Geologist, Alaska Department of Natural Resources
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (Comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
After an intense year of political, social and racial unrest across the country, what does February mean for Black Alaskans this year and what do they hope to see for change in the future?
Lori Townsend discusses Black Alaskan pioneers and the road ahead with guests Rex Butler and Ashleigh Gaines.
Protesters in the Justice for George Floyd rally march through downtown Anchorage on Friday, June 6 (Lex Treinen/Alaska Public Media) Over the past year, Black Americans have seen highs, such as the election of Vice President Kamala Harris, and extreme lows, including racial violence and disproportionate harm from COVID-19. How do Black Alaskans see the current issues facing our society, and how do they want policy and social change to shift toward equity in the future? For Black History Month, Lori Townsend commemorates Black Alaskan pioneers and speaks with current leaders about the path forward.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Rex Butler, Attorney & Member of the Alaska Black Caucus
- Sherry Patterson, President, Black Awareness Association of Juneau
- Ashleigh Gaines, Chair, Youth Works committee, NAACP Anchorage
LINKS:
- Alaska Black Business Directory list of events for Black History Month
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (Comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.
The isolation that has affected everyone during the pandemic can be especially rough for people with disabilities. Beyond loneliness, how have people who require daily, in-home assistance balanced the need for care with the risk of catching the virus?
Lori Townsend speaks with disability advocate Maggie Winston and Mark Regan of the Disability Law Center of Alaska to learn how Alaskans with disabilities are faring.
( Mark Buckawicki/WikiCommons) The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for everyone, but many people with physical, developmental and cognitive challenges have had to adapt to even more uncertainty and frustration. How has access to medical and social services changed? What about the isolation facing those in assisted living facilities? We discuss the barriers and the resources available to people with disabilities on Talk of Alaska.
HOST: Lori Townsend
GUESTS:
- Maggie Winston, disability advocate
- Mark Regan, Legal Director, Disability Law Center of Alaska
- Jena Crafton, member of Governor’s Council on Disabilities & Special Education
PARTICIPATE:
Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.
Send an email to talk@alaskapublic.org (Comments may be read on air).
Post your comment before, during or after the live broadcast (Comments may be read on air).
LIVE Broadcast: Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at 10 a.m. on APRN stations statewide.
LIVE Web stream: Click here to stream.