Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media

The Anchorage School District will not renew Superintendent Ed Graff's contract and will begin the search for his replacement immediately. Download Audio

Many conversations about suicide only focus on prevention and looking for the warning signs. But what if a suicide has already happened? How do we talk about it publicly and privately in healthy, supportive ways? During this week’s show we’ll discuss the media coverage of recent suicides, like the death at AFN, and how to have community conversations about such deaths.

KSKA: Fri., Oct. 30, at 2:00 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 31, at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Fri., Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 31, at 6:00 p.m.

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A mother and daughter both experienced sexual abuse and turned to substances for support, but now they're turning to each other and speaking up to stop the cycle. Download Audio

Alaska's prisons are full, and a disproportionately large number of the people inside are Alaska Natives. The recidivism rate for that population is about 74 percent. But there are solutions. Organizations around the state are using new strategies like joint tribal-state courts and more support for people who are re-entering the community to help reverse the trend.

KSKA: Fri., Oct. 23, at 2:00 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 24, at 6:00 p.m.

KAKM: Fri., Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 24, at 6:00 p.m.

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About 20 people a day are being hospitalized for using the street drug Spice. Some say they tried it once but were scared, others say they don't care about the risks. Download Audio

New financial literacy focused program hopes to improve outcomes to Anchorage youth and adults.

This week we're at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention talking with Martin Lee Woods, from Kotzebue. He started learning to Eskimo Dance in 1975 and by the mid-80s he realized he needed to learn how to make drums. Download Audio

The vast majority of people who are incarcerated have substance abuse issues, and that abuse is often a cause for recidivism. One solution? Get them treatment quickly. A new program in Anchorage is trying to do just that using a new, little-used drug called Vivitrol. But not all providers are convinced it's the best option. Download Audio

Anchorage and Alaska recognized Monday as Indigenous Peoples Day. But the statewide proclamation only applies to this year unless state statute is changed.

The Elders and Youth Conference kicked off in Anchorage today. This year’s theme is a call to action “Not in Our Smokehouse!” Download Audio

A new Anchorage program is trying a comprehensive approach to helping people with mental illnesses who are chronically homeless. It meets them where they're at. Literally.

Sunday night about 70 community members gathered on the Park Strip in Anchorage to honor those who died while living outside on the streets this summer. Download Audio

Mental Illness Awareness Week starts on Sunday. Twenty percent of adults in the United States experience a mental illness. Rates are higher in Alaska Native and American Indian populations, though those groups are less likely to seek help because of cultural barriers. On today’s program we’ll discuss ways to overcome those barriers and ways the entire community can address the stigma attached to mental illnesses for all individuals. KSKA: Fri., Oct. 2, at 2:00 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 3, at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Fri., Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m. & Sat., Oct. 3, at 6:00 p.m. Listen now:

This week, we're hearing from Judy Donegan, who's lived in Palmer for six years. Download Audio

Today we’re talking about faith and public policy. The intersection of the two has been highlighted this week by Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, D.C., and his pointed comments on climate change, immigration, and homelessness. Similar conversations are also happening here in Alaska where interfaith religious groups have lead campaigns to expand Medicaid and increase environmental protections. Today we’ll talk about the role faith plays in developing public policy in Alaska. KSKA: Fri., Sept. 25, at 2:00 p.m. & Sat., Sept. 26, at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Fri., Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. & Sat., Sept. 26, at 6:00 p.m. Listen Now:

The Mexican Consulate in Anchorage is closing to the public at the end of November because of budgetary reasons.

Between the GLACIER conference and the president's visit, the words "Arctic policy" have been uttered dozens of times in the media. What exactly is Arctic policy? Who makes it? And what does it mean for Alaska? KSKA: Fri., Sept. 18, at 2:00 p.m. & Sat., Sept. 12, at 6:00 p.m. KAKM: Fri., Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. & Sat., Sept. 12, at 6:00 p.m. Download Audio:

In an effort to reduce food waste and disposal costs, local stores are donating perishable items to food banks. It's filling a need for healthy foods that budgets can't always accommodate. Download Audio