Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
Lori Townsend is the news director 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.
Alaska’s oil production prospects
Is the North Slope seeing a resurgence in oil production? Look at the possible oil industry renaissance is our discussion on the next Talk of Alaska.
Sullivan discusses 2019 congressional priorities
Congress will have a new look in January. What does it mean for Alaska priorities and the work we need from our congressional delegation?
Record Redaction and Barriers to Employment | Alaska Insight
The Alaska Criminal Justice Commission just released its 4th report that recommends a wide range of prison and sentencing reforms and reinvestments in programs that combat addiction and help people successfully reenter society. We learn about those recommendations in this edition of Alaska Insight.
Alaska’s 2018 Election Results | Alaska Insight
The 2018 election is over. Alaskans chose a new Governor, sent Congressman Don Young back to Washington and voted down Ballot Measure One.
Criminal records redaction recommendations
Having a criminal record can hamper efforts to find a job, get a loan or even a place to live. The Alaska Criminal Justice Commission has new recommendations to redact or hide from public view, some past convictions. Will it help those who are working to improve their lives after completing their sentences? What about the public's right to know?
The Economic Forecast for Recession Relief | Alaska Insight
Alaska has been in recession for more than three years. Our unemployment rate is currently the highest in the nation.
The Economic forecast for recession relief
Alaska has been in recession for more than three years. Our unemployment rate is currently the highest in the nation. Will the recession continue into next year or are there signs that job loss is slowing and stability may return? Are recovery and growth are on the horizon? Listen now
Alaska Pacific University Artist Elders in Residence | Alaska Insight
Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage is moving toward becoming a tribal university in partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. In this episode of Alaska Insight, we’ll meet APU’s elders in residence to learn about their work teaching art, culture and tradition in a college setting.
The emerging science of addressing violence, health care and law enforcement
October is domestic violence awareness month, but in Alaska, the consistently high rate of violence and sexual assault presents a year round need for education and assistance. What needs to change for people to have better outcomes? On the next Talk of Alaska, University of Alaska legal and medical experts discuss the evolving science and intersection between law enforcement, victim services and health care. Listen now
Alaska’s Food Culture and Julia O’Malley | Alaska Insight
On this episode of Alaska Insight, Alaska journalist Julia O’Malley describes her upcoming book and a new museum exhibit-all about Alaskan’s relationship with local food. We also go into her home kitchen in Anchorage as she experiments with a traditional donut recipe.
APU’s Elders in Residence
Alaska Pacific University or APU in Anchorage is working towards becoming a tribal university, so what does that mean? On the next Talk of Alaska, artists Joe and Martha Senungetuk will discuss their work as APU's elders in residence. They're teaching art and culture and bringing in other Native artists for classes.
Alyse Galvin, Independent Candidate for U.S. House | Alaska Insight
Alaskans will choose a candidate to fill Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House on November 6th. Political newcomer, Independent Alyse Galvin, is challenging decades long incumbent Don Young. In this episode of Alaska Insight we hear what she likes to do in her free time and why she wants to be Alaska’s first congresswoman.
How Alaska Eats
Alaskans take DIY food to the extreme. They fill freezers with wild game, fish and berries that they harvest themselves then transform the raw ingredients into hearty meals like Salmon Pot Pie and moose meatballs. Food blogger and Anchorage Daily News Editor Julia O'Malley is testing classic Alaska recipes for a new project called How Alaska Eats. Listen now
A Discussion on Ballot Measure One Salmon Initiative | Alaska Insight
In the upcoming election, Alaska will vote on a ballot measure aimed at protecting salmon habitat, which could significantly toughen the permitting requirements for resource development projects. Lori Townsend talks with supporters and opponents of the controversial initiative.
U.S. House candidate Alyse Galvin
The race for Alaska's sole seat in the U.S. House has an independent candidate fighting to unseat the long term incumbent. Alyse Galvin is running for office for the first time. She says she wants to go to congress to fight for healthcare reform, education funding and combat climate change. What's her plan to get all that done? Listen now
Incumbent Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Walker | Alaska Insight
Bill Walker joins Lori Townsend on Alaska Insight to describe what he will do if he is elected to a second term. Learn more about his background, growing up poor, and what he plans to do to address a rise in crime and sexual assault in Alaska.
Ballot Measure One
Ballot measure one is a hotly contested initiative that has divided Alaskans over what may sound like a simple request-stand for salmon. But it's a complex question that's pitting environmental groups against mining and oil companies. So what does a yes or no vote mean? Both sides claim that if they lose, the results could be disastrous, but what's really at stake? Listen now
Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Begich | Alaska Insight
He’s previously held elected office as Anchorage’s mayor and as one of Alaska’s U.S. Senators. Democrat Mark Begich is running to be Alaska’s next Governor and he joins host, Lori Townsend, to discuss his views on the issues affecting Alaskans. Reporter, Zachariah Hughes, also visited Mr. Begich’s home to learn more about the candidate outside of politics.
Gubernatorial candidate Bill Walker
Over the past two weeks, the top challengers campaigning to be Alaska's next Governor have outlined their positions on the state's future needs. Now it's the incumbent's turn. Independent Bill Walker joins us to make his case for keeping the job of Alaska's top elected official. What would he focus on if he wins a second term? Listen now
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Dunleavy | Alaska Insight
Alaska Insight Season Two kicks off with a series of episodes featuring discussions with the candidates running for Governor. In this episode, we get to know more about Republican Mike Dunleavy as both a politician running for office and an Alaskan family man.