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.
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?
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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
The high cost of substance abuse
$3 billion. That's the annual expense associated with alcohol and drug abuse in Alaska. The numbers were compiled in a new report for the Alaska Mental Health Trust. Organizations across the state are trying to mitigate that impact through a variety of treatment options. What's working? Listen Now
Budget cut impacts to municipalities
State lawmakers continue to chip away at the budget to stabilize state finances. Millions of dollars have been cut from government spending and some lawmakers want millions more slashed. How is that affecting communities across the state? Listen Now
Alaska’s Sesquicentennial
It's been 150 years since Russia sold Alaska to the United States. Two new books look at the man who sold the land and the man who bought it. There's a lot of history to discover about Tsar Alexander the 2nd of Russia and William H Seward. Listen Now
Never Quit: Being a pararescueman
Jimmy Settle knows what it is to struggle back to health after being shot in the head. Settle and co-author Don Rearden recently released their new book, Never Quit. Listen now
Arctic research
What lies ahead for the Arctic and the people who live there? Researchers will gather in Anchorage, to present studies on changes in arctic plants and animals, food security and how remote population will need to adapt to increasing development, vessel traffic and tourism. Listen Now
Alaska’s chief medical officer on opioid battle
The state senate today (March 16) passed a bill that leaves in place an order to provide Naloxone, an anti-overdose drug to Alaskan organizations and individuals for another four years. Governor Bill Walker had issued a 30 day emergency disaster declaration in February to make Naloxone widely available. Listen now
International Women’s Day and the YWCA
Wednesday was International Women's Day. Some women in the U.S. stayed home from work to highlight the economic importance of women. Others wore red in a show of solidarity or committed to not shopping for the day or only shopping at women owned businesses. Listen now
The health care overhaul
Congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration are moving forward with their plan to replace elements of the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. How could big changes to health insurance coverage affect Alaskans? What will happen to coverage for the more than 30 thousand residents who gained it through Medicaid expansion? Listen Now
The Iditarod – Past and Future
For only the third time in the race's history, the Iditarod is starting in Fairbanks. During the next Talk of Alaska we'll speak with past champions about how the 1,000 mile race has changed over the years and what current mushers think could be the future for the sport. Listen Now