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.
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.
Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Surgen General Vivek Murthy sit at a table.

Social media risks for children | Talk of Alaska

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.
Unalaska's library

Summer reading with Alaskan authors | Talk of Alaska Rewind

On this Talk of Alaska, we revisit our 2023 conversation with Alaskan authors and librarians to discuss book recommendations for Summer reading.
A sign with an arrow pointing right toward Nesbett Courthouse and an arrow pointing left toward Boney Courthouse.

25 Years of Therapeutic Courts | Talk of Alaska

How well have therapeutic courts like mental health and DUI courts performed in the last 25 years and what will the next 25 look like?
Cannabis plants grow under indoor plant lights.

Marijuana reclassification and taxation | Talk of Alaska

While a bill to lower taxes didn't pass the legislature this year. Industry advocates say reclassification could offer some relief.
Two juxtaposed photos, one of a beluga, and one of a polar bear.

50 years of the Endangered Species Act | Talk of Alaska

The Endangered Species Act is 50 years old and through the decades the Act has helped numerous species recover and thrive.
a smoky fire

Preparing for and preventing wildfires in 2024 | Talk of Alaska

What are the best ways to protect your property and community from fire? We discuss the 2024 wildfire season on this Talk of Alaska.