A new generation of Alutiiq speakers fight language loss in Kodiak
Half of the people whose first language is Kodiak Alutiiq have died over the last few years. But that’s not stopping new speakers from learning Alutiiq and passing along a distinct culture and worldview to the next generations.
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.
What you need to know about the constitutional convention question
Questions about the permanent fund dividend, Alaska’s fiscal woes, and abortion access have some advocating to vote "yes" on the once a decade ballot question: "Shall there be a Constitutional Convention?"
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.
Escaping conflict abroad, arrivals in Alaska seek stability and opportunity
https://youtu.be/bItA0ChP5yw
War and political upheaval are driving a major increase in the number of refugees and other immigrants arriving in Alaska from overseas. Whatever the...
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.
With the salmon collapse on the Yukon River, families are losing a vital food source and way of life
During the second year of a sudden salmon collapse on the Yukon River, residents of traditional villages are facing food insecurity and a loss of culture.
New facility aims to improve options for Alaskans with memory loss
https://youtu.be/bqE1Xk6h7e4
Caring for someone with memory loss can be exhausting both physically and emotionally. The number of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia in Alaska is...
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.
An Anchorage mosaic highlights the importance of mental wellbeing
Talking about mental health is hard, but it’s important for anyone who is struggling to know that they’re not alone. Alaska Public Media’s Adam Nicely brings us this story of an Anchorage community project with that goal, called Mental Health Mosaics.
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.
Birch tree tappers say a warming Alaska is making the harvest season harder to predict
https://youtu.be/zHP6lEi-Iiw
April is birch tree sap season in Southcentral Alaska. A season that is harder and harder to predict because of climate change. Alaska Public...
Tracking permafrost thaw will help Alaska communities better adapt to climate change | Alaska Insight
A new program called Permafrost Pathways has a dual aim of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community adaptation ideas.
Alaska law enforcement and health professionals take on fentanyl | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.
Her son’s death sparked a mission to save others from fentanyl overdose
Alaska experienced a nearly 70% increase in the number of drug overdose deaths between 2020 and 2021, according to preliminary data from the state health department. That means 245 Alaskans died from an overdose in 2021, including Anchorage resident Bruce Snodgrass. Alaska Public Media’s Jeff Chen brings us a story of his mother who wants to make sure her son is more than a statistic.
Alaskans prepare for state’s first ranked choice election cycle | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.
How Basketball brings communities across Alaska together | Alaska Insight
Across the state, basketball serves as a healthy outlet for teens and a source of pride and socialization for communities in the winter. Lori Townsend speaks to players about the important cultural role basketball serves in rural communities in particular.
In Tanana, Alaska, ‘a way of life’ comes to a bittersweet close
The team narrowly missed the state title, and it will be years before the village sees another team step onto a court.
Remembering Congressman Don Young’s legacy | Alaska Insight
Following Rep. Don Young's death, Alaskans and members of Congress are reflecting on his half-century political career.
Black in Alaska explores life and identity | Alaska Insight
A new project called Black in Alaska seeks to present a more complete picture of the lives and professions of Black Alaskans, with the aim of creating a more equitable future. Lori Townsend speaks with advisory committee member Bernard Gatewood and André Horton, one of the series subjects.