Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media

The newest Perseverance Theater production tells the story of one man's fight for his constitutional rights as he defied the Japanese-American imprisonment during World War II while offering up relevant lessons for today. Listen now

Yes, suicide rates appear to have gone up in 2015, but there are solutions. We’ll talk to researchers who have been working with communities in the YK Delta for 20 years developing prevention programs based on Yup’ik values instead of Western systems and about the effectiveness of some Western systems. We’ll also delve into both historical trauma and historical resiliency – what makes our communities and people stronger. Listen Now

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board met on Thursday to discuss the legality of its investment policy. The board’s decisions to independently invest $39 million of the Trust’s principal funds in real estate have recently been called into question. State statue reads the Trust’s principal is to be invested by the Permanent Fund Corporation, but the board and its legal counsel previously interpreted other statues and regulations to provide more leeway for investments. Listen now

Late last month the state's crime lab confirmed that a counterfeit prescription opioid tablet was found in Alaska. The small blue pill looked like a generic oxycodone tablet but was actually made of the much stronger drug fentanyl. Listen now

In many correctional facilities in Alaska, an enclosed room with an opening that lets in fresh air is considered outdoor space. For inmates held in protective custody at Goose Creek Correctional Center in Wasilla, that’s their only access to outdoor recreation, which could be a violation of their constitutional rights. Listen Now

Improving communication between sex workers and law enforcement could decrease violent crimes against people working in the industry. Listen Now

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority will undergo a special audit. The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee voted unanimously in favor of the action Tuesday with no discussion or questions. The audit will include an investigation into the Trust's investments. Listen Now

Congress set up the Alaska Mental Health Trust in 1956 to make sure the state could provide mental health care programs to its residents far into the future. But the Trust has had a tumultuous history, and now, some state leaders fear it could be in danger once more. Legislators are considering a special audit of the Trust and how the trustees are investing its money.Listen Now

Neighborhood Gift is happening a week early this year, and the organization is far behind on volunteers.

A little-known district court judge in Detroit shapes the protection of civil rights for a nation. A young man and his mother journey through gender transition. On the next Talk of Alaska we'll discuss two documentaries featured in the Anchorage International Film Festival - Walk with Me: The Trials of Damon J. Keith and Real Boy. Listen Now

FBI statistics show the number of hate crimes is on the rise nationally, but very few are reported in Alaska. Local officials say that’s not necessarily because they aren’t happening, they just don’t know about them. A recent class taught community members how to recognize and report a hate crime. Listen Now

How much does race matter? Does it define who you are? How people react to you? Join us for Community in Unity: Race & Identity, a public conversation about race, how it helps us define ourselves, and how it influences our interactions with others.

Last year the legislature passed a far-reaching omnibus criminal justice reform bill – SB 91. It was based on recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Commission and developed to both save money and reduce recidivism. It’s based on data from similar initiatives around the country. Opponents says it’s soft on crime and lets people off too easily. But political arguments aside – what does this 128-page tomb actually do? What’s already happening and what’s yet to come? That’s the topic on Talk of Alaska. Listen now

Transgender Day of Remembrance honors victims of violence, and reminds community members to support each other. Listen Now

Though many community members and advisory members expressed concern, the change in leadership at the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority was made official on Thursday.

Anchorage School District is trying to close the achievement gap by having open conversations about race and racism. Listen Now

Alaska's Human Rights Commission is taking steps to legally protect members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination. Listen Now

This week is an election special-- Zoo election, that is. Supporters of the Alaska Zoo will be electing a president of their own on November 8th. Today we’ll hear from three candidates -- Aphun the polar bear, Denali the wolf and George the Magpie—as well as their two campaign managers. Listen Now