Hometown, Alaska

Local guests discuss community issues and take listener calls during this LIVE call-in show. Hometown, Alaska features conversations with leaders and decision-makers in local and statewide government, social service agencies, educational institutions and cultural groups. Hosted by Kathleen McCoy and Dr. E.J. David. If you have a topic that could be discussed on Hometown, Alaska send your suggestion to: hometown@alaskapublic.org

Two first books by young Alaska writers

UPDATE: Writer Matt Caprioli, featured in this episode, has changed his last name to Frye Castillo. His website can be found here. Hometown Alaska...
A Juneteenth flag waives in the wind

Juneteenth: What, why, and beyond

Juneteenth has been called “America’s Second Independence Day”. But surveys show that only about half of Americans even know what Juneteenth is. So what exactly is Juneteenth? Why is it important? And should it be celebrated? With community leaders Jasmin Smith and Dino Allen, we will discuss the history behind Juneteenth and its continued modern day significance on the next episode of Hometown, Alaska

Alaska Version 3 asks us to imagine our collective future. You go first.

What if our latest conversations about Alaska didn't lodge on the dollar amount of a PFD, or how much a budget should be cut?...

Book love: Updates from Alaska Center for the Book and Anchorage Reads

Host Kathleen McCoy talks with founders of the Alaska Center for the Book and a librarian about community programs to promote reading.
A man in a police uniform smiles for a photo in front of flags

Hometown Alaska: A conversation with Anchorage Police Acting Chief Ken McCoy

APD's Acting Chief Ken McCoy joins host Kathleen McCoy for a conversation on the department's work in Anchorage, and more broadly, on modern policing — a public safety field that has come under increasing scrutiny as social media and video cameras have captured police at work.

Discussing anti-Asian racism

Recent events have put a spotlight on anti-Asian racism. Many Americans even seem shocked & surprised that it’s happening. But is anti-Asian racism new? Is anti-Asian racism rare? What does it look like? Where does it happen? And how does it impact Asian Americans? Join us as we discuss the complexities of anti-Asian racism on this episode of Hometown, Alaska.
Photos of two men side by side

RUNNING 2021: Runoff for Mayor of Anchorage

Hometown Alaska is hosting a mayoral candidates' discussion between Dave Bronson and Forrest Dunbar.

Doing right by kids: How to pay for quality early childhood education at a scale we need?

Today's question came from a listener, a father who has weathered and completed his own family's journey through expensive childcare, for which he's grateful....

Why aren’t there more Alaska Native defenders, prosecutors and judges?

A listener posed a question for Justice Alaska on Hometown Alaska and we tackled it on this week's show. Where are the Alaska Native...

Is Alaska ready to go nuclear? Is nuclear ready for Alaska?

It's probably time for everyday Alaskans to learn more about new developments in nuclear technology that may have potential benefits for Alaska—an energy-producing state...

Land Acknowledgements: Why, How, and Beyond

Over the past few years, acknowledging the Indigenous roots of the places we call home has become more common. This is especially true in...

Healing and justice for victims of violent crimes

One week in the month of April 2021, the 18th-24th, is set aside to remember victims of violent crimes in communities across the United...

We’re ‘all ears’ on Hometown Alaska this week

The arrival of a new host to Hometown Alaska is a good opportunity to open the phone lines to hear what topics you want...

RUNNING: 2021 Anchorage Mayor’s Race – issues and candidate Q&A responses

UPDATE: Candidate responses to Alaska Public Media's 2021 Mayor Candidate questionnaire are now available at Running 2021. Fifteen candidates filed to run; 9 candidates...

RUNNING: 2021 Anchorage School Board Race – issues and candidate Q&A responses

UPDATE: Candidate responses to Alaska Public Media's 2021 School Board Candidate questionnaire are now available at Running 2021. Sixteen candidates are running; 12 responded...

Reporter Kyle Hopkins: Revealing the human cost of broken safety and deferred justice in rural Alaska

Many programs on Justice Alaska focus on explaining Alaska's judicial system from the inside, from the perspective of judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys, as...

Three local pastors respond to Henry Louis Gates’ “The Black Church”

In a sweeping, song-filled and emotional telling, Henry Louis Gates takes viewers through the beginnings of the Black Church in America, from its beginnings...

Dana Stabenow talks about her latest crime novel, her writing career and her support for women writers

Dana Stabenow is having a great writing career. Her latest book, Spoils of the Dead, is No. 5 in her series about Alaska State Trooper...

LISTEN: Meet some of the Alaska owls that live in your backyard

One dark December morning, as I headed out with my dog for some exercise, I met a young man carrying an aluminum ladder. Since...

Wanted: Underrepresented artists who need financial support for their creative work

In times of stress and economic hardship, it can be easy to let art and its impact on us slip off the radar screen....