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.
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UAA forum to discuss education in democracy

A forum discussing the value of education in a democracy takes place at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus Tuesday evening. The panel features former Alaska Supreme Court justices, doctors, education and immigration experts and others. Listen now

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
A map showing where the national petroleum reserve in Alaska is.

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
A bunh of cables behind a box

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