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.
Lessons learned from the legacy of military toxins
During the Vietnam war, the use of a defoliate known as agent orange was supposed to affect vegetation not soldiers, but it made them sick and serious health conditions resulted in a long fight for recognition and compensation. Gulf War vets also had to fight the military over health problems linked to military toxins. What's changed since these illnesses came to light? Listen Here
A Closer Look: Tides – The Science and Spirit of the Ocean
Today's program features a discussion with mariner, surfer and author, Jonathan White about his book Tides-The Science and Spirit of the Ocean. White spent ten years researching tides and the global effects of tidal action after his boat nearly sank in Alaska. Listen now
Trump’s pick for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention deemed problematic by Anchorage nonprofit
A nominee for a top position at the EPA is drawing both praise and criticism, including concerns from a non profit in Anchorage that works to raise awareness about the health affects of hazardous chemicals. Listen now
Ending patterns of abuse
For too long Alaska has been near or at the top in the nation for violence against women and sexual assault. Recent harassment and rape allegations against powerful people in Hollywood and in media have elevated the problem. But will that attention help change behavior? Listen Here
The future of resource development
Alaska's economy has been driven by resource extraction from the land and water for decades. What will and should that look like in the future? What's the outlook for oil, mining, fisheries and renewable energy such as hydro and geothermal? Listen Here
Alaska open enrollment period for individual health insurance opens
The open enrollment period for the individual health insurance market opened today. Listen now
The protesters of the Vietnam war
For many Americans, the PBS documentary on the Vietnam war brings up memories of past divisions between those who supported sending U.S. military and those who did not. It was an emotional topic for families and as the number of war casualties grew, so did the protests across the country. Listen Here
Domestic violence and sexual assault
It's not a number to celebrate, but the consistently high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska need discussion and attention. Why does Alaska stay at or near the top in the nation for these terrible statistics? What's being done to combat family violence, and how can everyone help address it? Listen Here
Former Alaskan describes evacuating his California home following wildfires
A former Alaska resident who now lives in northern California is waiting to learn if his home will survive the wild fires. Clark Mishler, a professional photographer lived and worked in Anchorage for more than 40 years. Listen now
Perceptions and assessment of risk
There's been a lot of bad news in recent weeks. Devastating hurricanes, tension with North Korea and a horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. We face risks each day. How should we manage the stress that accompanies them without becoming overwhelmed and how should we talk to children about it all? Listen Here
New film explores how Arctic ecosystems are affected by climate change
A new documentary film looks at how climate change is affecting Arctic ecosystems. Listen now
2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year nominee: Eric Rush
Eric Rush teaches 3rd grade at Ticasuk Brown elementary in North Pole and has been a teacher for nine years. Rush said even in 3rd grade, technology can be a challenging distraction, but also a terrific tool for creating interest and excitement for learning. Listen now
2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year nominee: Karen Martin
Karen Martin teaches 4th grade at Denali borough's Tri Valley School. Martin has been a teacher for 12 years and was a scientist before she became a teacher. She says educational requirements for younger students have become more strenuous. Listen now
2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year nominee: Kent Fielding
Skagway high school English and History teacher Kent Fielding taught at Mt. Edgecumbe before Skagway, where he has taught for the past 12 years. He said technology, especially phones can be a challenge in school but he says in Skagway, it's crucial. Listen now
2018 Alaska Teacher of the Year nominee: Ben Walker
Anchorage teacher Ben Walker teaches 7th grade science at Romig Middle School. Walker said teachers have very different challenges today then in past decades. Listen now
Data breaches and online security
It's become too common. Reports of a data breach that leaves thousands or millions of consumers vulnerable to identity theft, fraud or other types of scams. But what can you do to keep your personal information safe when online commerce is every day business? Listen Here
The Mayor of Anchorage addresses concern over crime and safety
Anchorage had a record number of homicides last year and is on pace to possibly surpass that number this year. Mayor Ethan Berkowitz took some heat for comments he made last week when he said residents who were not involved in drugs or out after midnight were safe. He apologized a day later, saying he wishes he could undo those comments. He said when crime happens to someone in the city, he feels the weight. Listen now
Former Alaska first lady passes, remembered as “frank and friendly”
Ermalee Hickel, the wife of former Governor Wally Hickel, died yesterday. Though her husband's outsized personality may have overshadowed her at times those who knew her say she was a strong woman of faith and family. Listen now
Anchorage medic mobilizes to help residents of Houston
Gray and one of her Mobile Medics International teams recently returned from Houston where they found the greatest need was in areas where undocumented immigrants were living. Listen now
The status of Vietnam vets in Alaska
60,000 Americans died in the Vietnam war. Thousands more died in the following years. A new documentary by filmmaker Ken Burns examines the era. In the first of a series of discussions on the war, we'll hear from Alaska Vietnam veterans about how they're doing today, decades after their service and what we've learned as a nation. Listen Here