The COVID-19 outbreak has drawn comparisons to other viral outbreaks and disasters in history like the Spanish Flu of 1918 or even 9/11.
It can be scary and isolating when a singular event suddenly makes life uncertain. But, it also provides an opportunity for people to help each other out.
That observation colors the new book “This is Chance! The Shaking of an All-American City, a Voice that Held It Together” about renowned Alaska journalist Genie Chance and her extraordinary coverage of the 1964 earthquake that devastated the state.
Journalist and author Jon Mooallem talks with Lori Townsend about his book and what he learned about how Alaskans made it through a day that literally turned their world upside down.
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Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452. Read more about Lori here.
