Addressing Alaskans

Addressing Alaskans features local lectures and forums recorded at live events taking place in Southcentral, Alaska. A variety of local organizations host speakers addressing topics that matter most to Alaskans. Audience questions are often included in the second half of the program. To let us know about an upcoming community event that you would like to hear on Addressing Alaskans, please contact us with details.

Addressing Alaskans: With elections looming, how do we navigate our new voting system?

With a special primary for US representative on June 11 and upcoming elections this fall, representatives from Alaska Division of Elections and Alaskans for Better Elections explain how the voting process works and answer audience questions.

Addressing Alaskans: Celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich Day with Molly of Denali

Today’s episode features a panel discussion celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovitch Day.  GBH Kids, producer of Molly of Denali, the Rasmuson Foundation and Alaska Public Media partnered...

Addressing Alaskans: Hear the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2022 economic forecast

onomic Development Corporation's 2022 economic forecast luncheon. AEDC president and CEO Bill Popp gives an update on how the Anchorage economy has changed since last year and presents the results of employment, housing and business reports.
A sign says: Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19

Addressing Alaskans: Hear how COVID-19 has affected the economy and justice system in Anchorage

This week’s episode of Addressing Alaskans continues with speakers from the 2021 Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Speakers discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the local and national economy and how the pandemic has affected the local justice system.
A sign says: Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19

Addressing Alaskans: Faith and fighting COVID-19

This week's episode of Addressing Alaskans features speakers from the 2021 Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Christian religious leaders speak about the intersection of personal faith and the importance of making the choice to help push back against the pandemic.

LISTEN: Anchorage Economic Development Corporation present 2021 three-year outlook

Learn how Anchorage's economy is performing after taking a hit in 2020 and where the trends are headed.
A man sits on a bed with a bunch of knives and other tools and leafs through a white notebook

Hear this panel discussion on homelessness in Anchorage

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features a panel representatives from local organizations examining solutions to homelessness. The event was hosted by Rep. Ivy Spohnholz and moderated by Alaska Public Media's Lori Townsend.
A Juneteenth flag waives in the wind

Discussing Juneteenth with the Alaska Black Caucus

The 19th of June has long been celebrated in African American communities to commemorate the end of slavery. Earlier this month President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. 
Two white men pictureed side by side

Hear Anchorage mayoral candidates discuss their plans for the city

The runoff election for Anchorage's mayor ends Tuesday, May 11. The candidates have been narrowed down to Forrest Dunbar and Dave Bronson.

Learn about these organizations working to support local, sustainable food systems

As part of their series examining Anchorage’s Climate Action Plan, Alaska Common Ground hosted a diverse panel featuring growers, hunters, educators and advocates who want to improve Anchorage and Alaska's food system.
people withs masks on and mostly wearing suits in a hotel hallway

Learn more about the United States and China’s recent meeting in Anchorage from this discussion

Representatives from the United States and China met face-to-face for the first time since President Joe Biden's term began. The meeting took place...

Hear Anchorage mayoral candidates discuss youth issues in this virtual forum

On Tuesday, April 6, Anchorage voters will choose the city's mayor. The next person to hold the office faces the continued COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and other new and legacy city issues.

Black in the military in Alaska

This week on State of Art we have a community conversation from the Alaska Black Caucus. Local veterans share their experiences about what their service was like and give advice to the next generation.

Hear the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 economic forecast

The COVID-19 pandemic and a continued recession was tough on the Anchorage economy in 2020. Job losses permeated nearly every business sector and consumer confidence is low, but 2021 could show some improvement.

Celebrate Black History Month with the Alaska Black Caucus and more

This week on Addressing Alaskans we're celebrating Black History Month. This episode features an hour of speakers, profiles and stories, including a virtual event hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus.

How we can be culturally responsive in the era of Black Lives Matter

This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a moderated conversation between educators and community leaders about how to best enact culturally responsive teaching methods. The speakers share personal stories and their expertise in this "Community Conversation" from the Alaska Black Caucus.

Hear how Alaska’s own Ninja Warrior tackles life’s obstacles

This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing from Nick ‘Iligutchiak’ Hanson, better known as " The Eskimo Ninja" from the T.V. show "American Ninja Warrior." Hanson was the first Inuit to compete on the physically demanding show requiring contestants to maneuver through a high-tech obstacle course. His experiences growing up around substance abuse and mental illness in rural Alaska made him want to share his story, bridge cultural divides, and inspire the next generation.
Voters mark their ballots in a long hallway

Can’t decide on Ballot Measure 2? Listen to this debate about the future of Alaska’s elections

This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 2, regarding ranked-choice voting and campaign finance disclosures. Proponents say Alaskans need more options and transparency in their elections. Opponents say the initiative would make voting unnecessarily complicated.
Image of Alaska Pipeline

Can’t decide on Ballot Measure 1? Listen to this debate on Alaska’s oil tax future

This week on Addressing Alaskans we're hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 1, the North Slope oil production tax increase initiative. Proponents say that oil companies need to pay their fair share, while those in opposition say increasing taxes would cost Alaska jobs.