Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media

Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
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Lori Townsend is the news director 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.
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Alaska News Nightly: Monday, December 26, 2022

A new nursing program in Alaska pays students as they learn a profession. Also, combining solar farms with agriculture for better crops.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, December 23, 2022

State officials say it could take months to clear a backlog of food stamps applications. Also, concerns over the high number of Alaska Natives who have died in Department of Corrections custody this year.
a polar bear cub

Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, December 22, 2022

State officials say it could take months to clear a backlog of food stamps applications. Also, concerns over the high number of Alaska Natives who have died in Department of Corrections custody this year.
Rows of cots are organized on the floor of an arena.

Talk of Alaska: How Homelessness is a Statewide Issue

As we head into the toughest part of the winter season, how well are services aimed at those experiencing homelessness keeping up with demand across the state and how can Alaskans help? We discuss extending a hand to those in need on Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: Protecting Yourself Online During the Holidays

We’ll speak with cybersecurity experts about how to keep yourself and your loved ones digitally protected this holiday season on the next Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: How Inflation is Impacting Food Security

What is the current state of food insecurity in Alaska, and what resources are available. We’ll talk with folks working to get food to those who need it, on the next Talk of Alaska.
a ballot box in Juneau

Watch our election night coverage

Alaska Public Media was live from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on election night.
an Alaska ice road

Talk of Alaska: The United States’ new Arctic strategy

Talk of Alaska will be breaking down the White House's new National Strategy for the Arctic Region. The plan outlines the United States' approaches and goals for safety, international cooperation, economic opportunity, and environmental protection over the next 10 years.
Two women and two men at podiums in front of a white background.

Talk of Alaska: Recapping Debate for the State

We’ll break down the issues and the candidate answers from our recent series of debates to clarify their positions on the next Talk of Alaska
Moderators and debaters sit opposite each other on a stage.

Talk of Alaska: The Constitutional Convention Debate

Every 10 years, Alaskans vote on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention. This year there are active campaigns on both sides and on a special edition of Talk of Alaska, we’ll air a recent debate that was held in Anchorage on the pros and cons of reopening the entire constitution to potential change.
A woman swabs someone's nose.

Talk of Alaska: Lessons and Stories from the Pandemic

Even though President Joe Biden said in September that the pandemic is over, nationally more than 300 people are still dying every day from Covid. So how have Alaskans coped with mandates, anxiety, vaccines and illness? We’ll discuss pandemic lessons and stories today on Talk of Alaska.
A television host interviews guests.

Should Alaska hold a Constitutional Convention? Both sides of the question make their case | Alaska Insight

Advocates both for and against a constitutional convention discuss why they think Alaskans should or should not support the ballot question.

Talk of Alaska: Decolonizing Native Education

The legacy of boarding schools affected generations of Native people, from the children who were ripped away to their grandparents, parents, siblings and communities. While the pain and loss of that oppressive era should not be forgotten, moving into a healthier educational future is critical for the wellbeing of all. What does it mean to decolonize education? And who is doing the work? We’ll discuss new paths forward for Native education on the next Talk of Alaska.
A person on a four-wheeler

Talk of Alaska: The aftermath of the massive Bering Sea storm

Alaskans in communities along hundreds of miles of coastline from the YK Delta to Point Hope are grappling with the aftermath of a historic storm that flooded towns, floated homes off foundations and sank boats. The good news is there have been no reports of injury or death, but the recovery will be difficult and winter is approaching. How are communities coping and what are state and federal leaders doing to help? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.
Alaska Insight host with guests

A historic number of people resettled in Alaska this year. What happens once immigrants, refugees, and migrants arrive? | Alaska Insight

Every year, people resettle in Alaska after escaping conflict in other parts of the world. The reasons they left their homes and the circumstances under which they arrived may be different, but they’re all looking for the same thing – safety and security for their families.
Closeup of a child using an ulu to clean a salmon.

Talk of Alaska: Yukon River Salmon

For generations, Alaska Native people along the Yukon river have depended on a steady supply of salmon for a healthy source of protein to sustain them through the long winter. But king and chum salmon subsistence fishing has been closed to Yukon river families for the past two years, affecting both diets and cultural tradition. What are the factors behind the low runs? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.
A television host, two female guests and one zoom guest sit at a desk in a tv studio.

What’s behind the crash in Yukon salmon? Fishery experts discuss factors behind the closures

For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have depended on strong salmon runs to sustain their diets and their culture, but that reliable source of protein is in jeopardy.
three people at table.

Talk of Alaska: The Race to November

The results of Alaska’s first ranked choice election may have surprised some Alaskans. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed in the special election for the current U.S. House term, beating two Republicans. Now the real race is on for November where candidates are also competing for Governor, U.S. Senate and state legislative races. What have we learned from this first ranked choice experience and what might it reveal for November? Alaska reporters join us for a campaign discussion on the next Talk of Alaska

As Alaskans age, what options are there for staying in the state? | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend speaks to David Washburn from the Older Persons Action Group and Jessica Parks from RurAL CAP to learn what's being done to address the increasing demand for elder care across Alaska.

Advocates for mental health say talking is the first step to healing | Alaska Insight

Understanding and discussing the complexities of mental health and wellbeing isn’t easy. Finding ways to open up about who we are and what we struggle with is critical to getting help.