Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
How did Alaska become a destination for immigrants? | Alaska Insight
Immigration is a political hot button issue in the nation, with advocates calling for better pathways for citizenship and opponents demanding fewer entrants and higher border walls. But Alaska has been a state of rich diversity since before statehood.
LISTEN: How lobbyists shape government in Alaska
Lobbyists are often viewed with skepticism. But many who lobby the local, state and federal government are citizens — often volunteers — who seek better healthcare, improved schools or advocate for policies that address local concerns over clean air and water.
LISTEN: After plane goes off the Unalaska runway, passenger describes fatal crash, aftermath
Unalaska resident Patrick Lee was traveling home with his wife, daughter and granddaughter when the flight slid off the runway upon landing.
LISTEN: With the state’s reversal on justice reform, Alaska prisons are filling up. One Republican senator saw it coming
The Alaska Department of Corrections is planning to send hundreds of inmates to prisons outside of Alaska — and North Pole Republican Sen. John Coghill says it will likely cost the state money in the long run.
PFAS contamination in Alaska | Alaska Insight
Found in various items from firefighting foam to household cleaning products and even food containers, PFAS are persistent "forever chemicals" that bioaccumulate over time. Drinking water sources in several Alaska communities are contaminated with PFAS.
LISTEN: Alaska’s history of immigration goes farther back than you might think
Immigrants play a large role in expanding the state's cultural identity, economy and community. But the road to citizenship is not easy, and arriving in Alaska is only half the battle.
Restorative Justice: Past and Present | Alaska Insight
The word justice may signal a thought of punishment for a crime. But restorative justice tries to correct behavior by repairing the harm and rebuilding relationships to bring the offender back into good standing in their community.
Jesuits Investigation in Alaska | Alaska Insight
The Catholic church has been reckoning with the systematic cover-up of sexual abuse among clergy members as victims began coming forward in the last decade. An investigative piece published by the program Reveal from the Center of Investigative Reporting last year found that, for decades, Jesuit priests abused hundreds in Alaska Native villages.
LISTEN: How restorative justice helps rebuild and repair connections to community
Restorative justice tries to correct behavior by repairing harm, rebuilding relationships, and bringing the offender back into good standing in their community. Does it work to reduce crime and recidivism?
New Approaches to End Suicide in Alaska | Alaska Insight
The Alaska Suicide Prevention Council says 90% of people who die by suicide have depression or another treatable mental illness. Long winters, isolation and limited mental health services contribute to the problem, but many organizations across Alaska are working to lower the rates by talking about the issue.
LISTEN: A reporter charted the harm caused by abusive priests in Alaska, a survivor lived through it
The legacy of sexual abuse perpetrated by Jesuit priests against Alaskans in rural villages has haunted families and communities for decades. An investigative series tracked some of the worst offenders from Alaska to a retirement compound outside of the state.
Community health and affordable energy | Alaska Insight
The high cost of energy and internet in rural Alaska means many residents spend as much as 50% of their income on power and broadband. These utilities are essential for engaging in modern commerce, education, telemedicine and for economic development initiatives.
How Alaskans are working to address and prevent suicide
Affordable energy and access to high-speed broadband is essential for engaging in modern commerce, education, telemedicine and for economic development initiatives. How is the rural energy infrastructure need being addressed?
BP Exits Alaska | Alaska Insight
BP has been a part of Alaska’s oil industry for 60 years. Recent news of BP selling all Alaska assets to Hilcorp means the end of an era on the North Slope.
How does affordable energy and broadband affect community health?
Affordable energy and access to high-speed broadband is essential for engaging in modern commerce, education, telemedicine and for economic development initiatives. How is the rural energy infrastructure need being addressed?
Lawlessness in Rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
With many Alaska communities only accessible by boat or air, ensuring public safety is a complicated problem that is only getting worse. What can be done to better protect all Alaskan, both on and off the road system?
After 60 years at the forefront of oil in Prudhoe Bay, BP exits Alaska
From the early days of oil exploration and discovery, BP has been a major contributor to the Alaska economy. What does BP's departure from Alaska mean for our economy?
‘In Oceans Deep’ explores the mysteries beneath the waves
Scientist and explorer Bill Streever discusses his new book, a chronicle of some of the world's subsea mysteries.
Many Alaska villages have no local police. How do we keep them safe?
The Anchorage Daily News reports 1 in 3 Alaska villages lacks adequate law enforcement. We'll discuss how to ensure the safety of all Alaskans, both on and off the road system on the next Talk of Alaska.
Arctic dinosaurs and ancient ecosystems
Dr Anthony Fiorillo has spent more than two decades searching remote areas in Alaska for evidence of dinosaurs that once roamed the state. Find out more about his work and what ancient ecosystems can teach us about our future on the next Talk of Alaska.