Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
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.
Black business owners: the past and the future
Running a business that aims to serve a particular demographic can be a challenge. But sometimes it's borne of necessity.
The future of ANWR
Opening the 10-02 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or ANWR has been a dream of Alaska's congressional delegation and the oil industry for decades, but for Gwitch'in people and environmentalists, the idea is a nightmare.
Alaskan Life for Black Residents | Alaska Insight
Alaska’s mix of different cultures began with the first people of the state, but many others have arrived since statehood to leave their mark. The story of Black Alaskans and their contributions to the rich diversity of Alaska is one that is not often told.
The Future of the Arctic | Alaska Insight
The arctic is changing and what that means for future development, travel, infrastructure and safety is on the minds of not only those who live there, but scientists, policy makers and business leaders. What does smart and sustainable development look like for this remote region and who should make those decisions?
Exploring the past and future of life in Alaska for Black residents
A lot of that diversity starts with the first people of the state but many people from other ethnicities came to Alaska for military or government service, to work in the oil industry, fisheries or for adventure. Black Alaskans fill roles in all these areas plus more.
ANCSA: The Next Generation of Leaders | Alaska Insight
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act or ANCSA was passed in 1971. After nearly 50 years, what’s changed for Alaska Native people and what’s on the horizon for Native Corporations? How do Alaska Native Corporations balance considerations of culture, language and values against the need to make money?
The future of the Arctic
The arctic is changing and what that means for future development, travel, infrastructure and safety is on the minds of not only those who live there, but scientists, policy makers and business leaders.
The road back to accreditation
An ambitious plan to recruit and train more Alaskans for teaching positions hit a snag recently when UAA's teacher education program lost its national accreditation.
Creating Accessible Cities | Alaska Insight
A recent report stated Alaska’s population is declining. So what makes someone choose to stay in the community they live? Everything from building new playgrounds to giving people access to commuter trails helps make a livable community.
Statewide Opioid Action Plan | Alaska Insight
Substance use disorders are diseases caused by many factors. Preventing and treating them requires input from everyone in the community including law enforcement and health care professionals.
High Skill Jobs: Non-traditional Paths | Alaska Insight
There are numerous pathways to a great career. Many people choose the college or university route, but multiple high paying jobs require no college education at all.
National Climate Assessment | Alaska Insight
Alaska is warming at twice the rate of other states and rivals other places on the planet in terms of the rapid pace of change. In the recently released National Climate Assessment, Alaska has its own chapter.
The 4th Federal Climate Assessment Report
The recently released National Climate Assessment is the fourth federal report examining the rate of change and the forecast for the future. Alaska has it’s own chapter in the massive document. The state is warming faster than any other. So what’s next? Working to understand the cultural, economic and health expense of mitigation and adaptation.
A Discussion on Earthquake Recovery | Alaska Insight
Aftershocks from the massive earthquake that struck Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska on Friday morning continued over the weekend, adding stress to the assessment and recovery effort now underway. A lot of that damage was to major transportation corridors.
Earthquake recovery in Alaska’s largest city
Aftershocks from the massive earthquake that struck Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska on Friday morning continued over the weekend, adding stress to the assessment and recovery effort now underway. A lot of that damage was to major transportation corridors. How long will recovery take, especially in winter conditions?
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?