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.
Transgender activist looks to connect trans men in the 49th state
Malcolm Ribot is a transgender man from Illinois who's been traveling around the U.S. for the past nine months helping trans men connect with one another. When his journey started, he just wanted to meet some of his many social media followers. He soon realized his network could support people as they go through gender transition and increase the visibility of the trans community. Now he's in Alaska -- his 49th state. Listen now
Teenage Gambell whaler under social media fire from noted environmentalist
This spring, a controversy erupted when an extreme environmentalist launched an online attack on a teenage whaler from St. Lawrence Island. Listen now
The state budget and the future
State lawmakers called themselves into a third special session in order to pass the smallest capital budget in 17 years. Legislators reached compromise -- but still don't have a long term budget plan for the state's future. Will they call a fourth special session? Listen Here
Transgender Air Force Staff Sergeant reacts to Trump’s declaration against transgender service-members
This morning the president declared that transgender individuals will no longer be allowed to serve in the U.S. military, but thousands already do. That includes service members based in Alaska. Alaska Public Media's Lori Townsend spoke with Air Force Staff Sergeant Emma Horner, who came out as transgender to her fellow military members in October. Listen now
The future of the Alaska VA Healthcare system
Disability claims for veterans can take up to five years to process. Why? The VA has been plagued with problems for decades. Funding shortages, poor coordination, and a range of complex health issues faced by service members have all created barriers for vets seeking care. Amid increased attention on the problems, are improvements on the horizon? Listen Here
Environmental legacy of the pipeline
Environmental groups lost their fight to stop the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. But along the way they brought to light an obscure bit of federal code that requires intense scrutiny of every major construction project. Listen Here
New treasure trove of Inupiaq recordings being assessed for possible digital use
In Kotzebue, An aging trove of Inupiat photographs, books and recordings at risk of deteriorating are being assessed in the hope they can be digitized for future use. Listen now
Breaking through the political divide
Alaska lawmakers avoided a state government shut down by passing an operating budget, but the deal doesn't address long term stability and both Republicans and Democrats expressed disappointment over things they had to give up. The political divisions remain. Listen Here
The beginning of Prudhoe Bay development
40 years ago, the first barrel of oil started flowing down the trans-Alaska pipeline. Completing the pipeline was an epic, three-year saga that required tens of thousands of workers, great feats of engineering and perilous work on mountain passes. On the next Talk of Alaska, we'll explore that pipeline history as part of the series Midnight Oil, from Alaska's Energy Desk. Listen Here
New study says melting ice keeps polar bears in perpetual motion
The study by U.S. Geological Survey researchers and others said the already at-risk bears have to burn more calories to stay within their preferred habitat as sea ice drifts. Researchers have documented declining body condition, reproduction and survival among polar bears as diminished sea ice gives them fewer opportunities to hunt for seals.
The future for polar bears and other arctic marine mammals
Polar bears need sea ice to survive. Scientist Steven Amstrup has devoted his career to polar bear research and is definitive in calling for global action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as those outlined in the Paris climate accord. The U.S. is no longer party to the agreement. So now what?
LISTEN HERE
The changing role of women in news and commentary
Over the last few decades, the role of women in media and newsrooms has dramatically changed. From being confined to writing mostly about humor or household tips, now, women commentators and columnists write about politics, sports, the economy and yes, family life, too. From Erma Bombeck to Molly Ivins, the role for women in society's dialogue has matured. Three of the state's columnists join us on the next Talk of Alaska. Listen Now
The future of the military in Alaska
Russian fighters have flown near Alaska's coast 5 times in recent weeks. U.S. military officials stress the flights and intercepts are within the realm of normal, a Russia expert says it's a test of American readiness. Where do these incidents fit within the current and future role of security in the region? Senator Dan Sullivan will discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska. Listen Now
Northern Opportunity – Alaska’s Economic Strategy
Alaska is in a recession...again. There's a lot of hand wringing about the state's fiscal future but beyond simply bridging the current funding gap, what can and should a diversified economy look like? A new 5-year economic strategy developed with state and private sector business leaders focuses on addressing Alaska economic future. Listen Now
Alaska’s first Hall of Fame teacher talks about mixing dancing and math
For a teacher who loves nurturing confidence in students as much as he loves mathematics, being the first Alaskan to be inducted into the National Teacher's Hall of Fame was the fitting cap on nearly 30 years of inspiring young people in Alaska and other parts of the world. Listen now
Pollen and mold season upon Alaskans
Allergy and asthma sufferers beware, the pollen and mold season is upon us. There are only two spore collection sites in the state, Fairbanks and Anchorage, and the instruments were activated this week. The University of Alaska and the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Center run the monitoring program. Listen now
How should close-flying Russian planes be addressed?
Last week, Russian military planes flew near Alaska's coast on four separate occasions. American military intercepted two of the flights and Canadian fighters joined their U.S. counterparts during the fourth intercept. All were legal, in international airspace and American military leaders have downplayed concern. Listen now
Sustainable fisheries
What does it take to be a sustainable fishery? One that provide healthy food and healthy oceans? A new Frontline Documentary entitled the Fish on my Plate by bestselling author Paul Greenberg tackles that question. Greenberg visited Alaska and traveled the world's oceans and fish farms to find out, eating only seafood for a full year. Listen Now
Author tackles conservation and climate change in new book
In a new memoir, Alaskan author Kate Troll tackles the issue of conservation and climate change. The book is called The Great Unconformity: Reflections on Hope in an Imperiled World. Listen now
The budget divide
The legislature has gone past the 90-day mark as they try to find a solution to the state's fiscal crisis. Lawmakers from both chambers seem to agree on using permanent fund earnings but they're having a harder time finding common ground on budget cuts and new taxes. Listen Now