Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
‘And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind’ gives a natural history of wind
Alaskan author Bill Streever likes to tackle big topics in his writing. His best selling book Cold, covers everything from avalanches to expeditions into the world's most frigid places. His next book, Heat was a similar examination of the science and stories of the world's hottest places. His newest work seems like the biggest challenge yet, a fascinating focus on moving air. Streever's -And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind- is a look at the natural history of wind through science, stories and his own narrative as he and his wife sailed the Gulf of Mexico. Listen now
Bill Streever’s book on moving air
Wind impacts everything from seed distribution to powering light bulbs. In the fascinating, deep dive tradition of his first two best-selling books ‘Cold’ and ‘Heat’, author Bill Streever examines all aspects of moving air in his latest book, ‘And Soon I Heard a Roaring Wind.’
Opioids in Alaska
Opioid abuse and addiction is a national crisis and Alaska is suffering the impacts of prescription and illegal drug problems right along with the rest of the country. An upcoming summit on opioid abuse will take place in Palmer next week and the nation’s top Health and Veterans officials will be here for it. Listen Now
The Governor and gridlock
Governor Walker’s plans for overhauling the system of funding state government has met with resistance from lawmakers and the public. Lawmakers are unhappy with his vetoes and cuts to the PFD but they haven’t mustered an override and they haven’t passed a fiscal plan. What can possibly break the divide between the Governor’s plans and the desires of lawmakers and the public? Listen Now
Former Justice Fabe reflects on her time on the Alaska Supreme Court
After nearly 30 years on the bench, former Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Dana Fabe has retired. She was the first woman to serve on and lead the state's high court. Fabe spoke with APRN's Lori Townsend earlier this summer and reflected on the changes she's seen since she first became a judge in 1988. Listen now
Paleontologist Anthony Fiorillo studies Alaska dinosaurs
Alaska is a paleontological candy store. Those are the words of Texas-based scientist Anthony Fiorillo. He's spent the last 19 years studying dinosaurs in Alaska. Listen now
Sullivan on Trump VP vetting: ‘I was probably as surprised as you were’
Is Donald Trump considering Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan for vice president? A piece by People magazine speculating the senator may be on the list of potential VP picks was ricocheting around social media yesterday. So, what does the senator say? Listen now
Alaskans crowned champs in all 2016 Mt. Marathon divisions
Alaskans took first place in all 3 divisions of the annual 4th of July mountain race in Seward. In the men's division, The Alaska Dispatch reports Fairbanks skier David Norris not only won the race, he set a new record-41 minutes, 26 seconds. In the women's division, Christy Marvin of Anchorage took first place with a time of 51 minutes, 2 seconds.
Tribes in Alaska can now take lands into trust
Tribes in Alaska can move forward with petitioning the federal government to take lands into trust. A federal appeals court today dismissed the state of Alaska's challenge in the trust litigation. Download Audio
The ripple effect of losing oil jobs
The loss of high paying oil industry jobs has economic impacts that ripple throughout the state’s economy. From industry support service jobs to engineering firms and even the local coffee shop, further job losses are not only possible, but likely. How are Alaskans dealing with these cuts and how much might industry job loss affect the broader economy? Download Audio
Native names in modern culture
Words have power. Recently the federal government quit using certain words to describe ethnic groups. Words like Eskimo and Aleut. Young Alaska Native people are increasingly using their Native names on social media and professionally. There's also a push by some to return to the original Native descriptors for places and landmarks.
Anchorage woman wins Trans Am bike race; first woman, first American to do so
Lael Wilcox is a woman of many firsts. The 29 year old Anchorage resident and world bicycle traveler just won the 4200 mile Trans Am bike race. She was the first woman and the first American to win the grueling race. Wilcox started the race on June 4th in Astoria, Oregon and won yesterday in Virginia. The Trans Am race is self supported. Wilcox said you have to carry what you need or buy it along the way. Download Audio
Struggles for equality in the LGBTQ community
Alaska Pridefest week runs from June 18th to the 25th and is an opportunity to celebrate and support diversity in the broadest sense, mixing fun with education about the triumphs and ongoing struggles for equality for LGBTQ citizens. This year's event will also be a time of somber reflection after the Orlando massacre. We'll discuss pride week, respect and safety on the next Talk of Alaska. Download Audio
Michael Johnson to be new commissioner of education and early development
Dr Michael Johnson will be the new commissioner of education and early development. In a state release today, Governor Bill Walker said he was pleased to have Dr Johnson begin his new appointment on July 1st. Download Audio
Medfra Fire grows to more than 1,600 acres, firefighters battling winds
Crews are battling a large blaze about 50 miles southeast of McGrath, dubbed the Medfra Fire.
Fire managers urge caution heading into Memorial Day weekend
Alaskans will be headed outdoors to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial start of summer for many, but fire managers are reminding state residents that the risk of wildfire is extremely high and they are urging caution. Download Audio
The Permanent Fund and the budget
Lawmakers couldn't pass a budget plan during 121 days of regular session and will now try to break the gridlock in a special session. All current proposals include using permanent fund earnings to fill the deficit. But the idea of the permanent fund is that it will be...permanent and some Alaskans say, don't touch it.
Anchorage Fire Department Responds to Southside Brush Fire
6:24 pm-
The Anchorage fire department is working to contain a five to seven acre brush fire west of Elmore road, near Sundance Circle.
Fire Department Responds to Anchorage Brush Fire
Helicopter sent to assist containing Southside blaze.
What can be done about Alaska’s derelict vessels?
What happens when a ship runs aground or sinks in Alaska and the owner abandons it? The state is potentially on the hook for what can be a huge expense. Derelict vessels are a big problem in Alaska. State, federal and environmental organizations work together to try to get these hazards out of our waterways but it's difficult and dangerous.