Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
Talk of Alaska: The Future of Mushing
The Iditarod. Alaska’s iconic race is more than 50 years old. Fewer teams took off for Nome in 2023 than in any other year. Are the number of competitors down because of the added expense of inflation or is there something else at play? What does the future hold for long distance racing and sled dog racing overall? Race veterans discuss what’s on the horizon for dog drivers and their teams on this Talk of Alaska.
Talk of Alaska: Lawsuits challenging tribal sovereignty
Lawsuits challenging tribal sovereignty at both the state and federal level could have big implications for the future ability of tribes to exercise authority over tribal citizens and land. The state is suing over a land into trust application and The U.S. Supreme court is reviewing challenges to the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA that claim the law is discriminatory. What could these decisions mean for the future of tribal autonomy? We’ll discuss it on this Talk of Alaska.
Talk of Alaska: Updates to Alaska’s Sexual Assault Laws
Alaska has long ranked at or near the top in the nation for rates of violence and sexual assault. Over the summer of 2022, lawmakers updated Alaska’s sexual assault laws, including a new definition of what defines consent. The law went into effect on January 1st, 2023. Why did it take decades to update the statutes and how might the changes affect prosecutions? Better legal tools to prevent assaults and help survivors is our discussion on this Talk of Alaska.
Talk of Alaska: Senator Lisa Murkowski
At the very end of 2022, Congress passed the massive $1.7 trillion spending package. The bill includes language to fund new projects around the state, transfer land to the University of Alaska and much more.
Talk of Alaska: Preparing for Extreme Weather
How will more intense storms affect Alaska in the next decade and how can state and local governments use data to plan and budget for keeping people safe? We discuss adapting for an extreme weather future on this Talk of Alaska.
Too many Alaska children are unnecessarily institutionalized, says U.S. Department of Justice
A federal investigation found that Alaska children were forced to endure unnecessary and unduly long institutionalization in locked facilities because no alternatives exist.
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.
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.
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.
Watch our election night coverage
Alaska Public Media was live from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on election night.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.