Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media

Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
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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.
The 2024 poster for the Anchorage International Film Festival. The Artwork features the iconic white raven.

The 2024 Anchorage International Film Festival | Talk of Alaska

We hear from filmmakers and the directors of the Anchorage International Film Festival on this Talk of Alaska.

What can Anchorage’s beached whale teach us? | Talk of Alaska

A dead fin whale that washed up near Anchorage is bringing hundreds of spectators to the beach. What can biologists learn from analyzing this fin whale?
Street lights with cars going by.

Making Alaska roadways safer | Talk of Alaska

Anchorage has had a lethal stretch of pedestrian deaths in recent months. We discuss what’s being done to lower these tragedies on this Talk of Alaska.
A trail covered in snow. The foreground is darkened while lights illuminate the trail further ahead.

Dealing with the dark | Talk of Alaska Rewind

On this Talk of Alaska, we revisit our 2023 discussion on darkness, and finding ways to enjoy the short days of winter.
an iphone

Regulating phone use in schools | Talk of Alaska

Should cellphones be banned in school? If so, what should those bans look like? We discuss it on this Talk of Alaska.
Talk_of_Alaska

Alaska Children’s Trust Lived Experience Storytelling Project | Talk of Alaska

We discuss how sharing stories of child abuse and neglect can help to bring healing, and prevent further pain on this Talk of Alaska.
A group of people smile with a sign in the middle of the group that says "Fulbright."

Alaskans in the Fulbright Arctic Initiative | Talk of Alaska

Three Alaska women have been selected as Fulbright Arctic Initiative scholars. We learn about their international research plans on this Talk of Alaska.
A woman in glasses speaks behind a podium.

Changes in Alaska’s nonprofit landscape | Talk of Alaska

What will changes in leadership at some of the largest nonprofits in Alaska mean for the future of supportive services and rates of charitable giving?
A sign that reads "Anchorage Police Department." There is an office building behind it.

Police accountability and community trust | Talk of Alaska

Law enforcement officials, attorneys, and community advocates answer questions about use of force and how cases are investigated on this Talk of Alaska.

Vaccines for whooping cough and other diseases | Talk of Alaska

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.
a building

The future of the Permanent Fund | Talk of Alaska

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.
Two stores side by side.

What the proposed Kroger/Albertsons merger could mean for Alaskans | Talk of Alaska

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.
Deb Haaland

The federal report on boarding schools | Talk of Alaska

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.
Bill Streever smiles and looks into the distance while sailing a boat.

Optimism in the face of environmental threats | Talk of Alaska

We discuss a book aimed at highlighting conservation success stories and encouraging optimism about the future, on the next Talk of Alaska.
a construction site

Why is housing so expensive right now? | Talk of Alaska

Increasingly, housing is financially out of reach for people in Alaska wanting to own a home or even to find an affordable place to rent.
Kodiak

The Outlook for commercial fisheries | Talk of Alaska

Several factors are endangering the economy of coastal communities and transforming the lives of Alaskans who depend on commercial fishing.

Celebrating disability pride in 2024 | Talk of Alaska

We speak with disability advocates about their top priorities, and the celebrations ahead, on this Talk of Alaska.
Juneau Fourth of July fireworks

Freedom, Democracy and the Fourth of July | Talk of Alaska

We discuss historical and philosophical context on our democracy and what freedom requires of us all on this next Talk of Alaska.
Juneau Fourth of July fireworks

What does freedom mean to you? We want to know!

Share your ideas for an upcoming Talk of Alaska episode. Your answers may be shared on-air or on our website.

Celebrating World Refugee Day in Alaska | Talk of Alaska

How can communities best help those who have been displaced from their home countries? We discuss welcoming new neighbors on this Talk of Alaska.