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.

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, November 9, 2020

Alaska politicians have mixed responses to Joe Biden's presidential victory. And, several coastal communities were battered by storms over the weekend. Plus, Alex Trebek's connection to, and love of, Alaska's musk oxen.
Sarah Histand near the Shubliks (

It’s OK to be a beginner in the outdoors

Do you remember what it's like to be a beginner at something? This week, on Outdoor Explorer our guest is Sarah Histand, she'll talk about overcoming the things that keep us from getting started, how to be a beginner when it seems everyone else is an expert, and functional strength at home.

LISTEN: How are educators weighing school reopening amid Covid?

Educators explain how they are assessing the risks of viral transmission against the toll taken on keeping kids out of the classroom.

Experts say Alaskans’ willingness to mask up is key to rebuilding the economy

Until the virus is under control, experts say the state’s economy will continue to suffer.

LISTEN: PTSD and Veteran Mental Health Care Resources

Over a million veteran’s a year receive mental health services. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the most common reasons. What are the...
A black and white cat lies on some boards

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, November 6, 2020

Anchorage's acting mayor tightens restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, Native communities around the country react to a nationally televised election graphic. Plus, how a pet cat from Washington State ended up in Kenai and the effort to get him back home.
Lori Townsend talks with faith leaders on Alaska Insight. Nov. 6, 2020.

Faith Leaders in Anchorage aim for unity and peace through new initiative | Alaska Insight

Religious leaders in Anchorage are responding to deep divisions over racial equity, social justice, and economic inequality with a new initiative called "Reconciliation: Race, Justice, and the Gospel," that promotes reconciliation and healing between people of different ethnic backgrounds and beliefs.

State of Art: Celebrate 40 years of Alaska Quarterly Review with these live readings

This week on State of Art we have poetry from the Alaska Quarterly Review. In celebration of its 40 years, the literary journal and the Anchorage Museum teamed up to host 21 live online reading and discussion events featuring contributors to AQR.
A samoan man in a black collared t-shirt and a black oakland raiders mask gives a 'shaka' sign at his desk.

Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, November 5, 2020

People in and out of Alaska question the decision to wait to count mailed-in ballots. And, a federal judge puts a speed bump in the way of selling genetically modified salmon. Plus, Alaska's Pacific Islander community battles against the rapid spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Anne Zink offers updates, best strategies for COVID safety

It seems as if the coronavirus COVID-19 is that unwanted guest who came for a three-day visit; eight months later its still taking up...
three people behind a table looking at papers

Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Despite thousands of ballots still to count, Alaska candidates and campaigns are ready to predict winners and losers. And, Senator Sullivan is not backing President Trump's false claim to victory. Plus, the Anchorage School District continues the debate over reopening classrooms.
A white woman with a black facemask and blond hair holds an "I voted sticker:

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Alaskans head to the polls on the final day of voting in the 2020 election. And, thousands of Alaskans ask Gov. Dunleavy to restore money for snow plowing in Turnagain Pass. Plus, a Unalakleet woman fights the government over toxic chemicals spilled on her property.
An elderly white woman sits in a chair, smiling, holding a bouquet of flowers

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, November 2, 2020

A group in Anchorage tries to amplify the concerns of Alaska's second-largest ethnic voting demographic. And, the story of one Kodiak woman's life long passion for voting. Plus, high speed winds blow through Anchorage.
A view of the Inside passage

Seeking horizons upon retirement

What do outdoor professionals do when they retire from a life in the outdoors? This week's Outdoor Explorer features Donna and Don Ford who retired from NOLS and travelled from Cabo to the mouth of the Yukon River.
A young girl dressed as a fortune teller stands on a the deck of a house with a bag of candy. Next to her, a ten foot long striped pipe stretches from the deck to the lawn below.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, October 30, 2020

Governor Dunleavy says local leaders have the power to impose mask mandates but some of those leaders aren't so sure. And, Anchorage families ask the assembly to weigh in on the school district's reopening plan. Plus, cruise ships can resume sailings but that doesn't guarantee a cruise season for Alaska.
Lori Townsend talks with experts on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women in Alaska.

Addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women in Alaska | Alaska Insight

Alaska has some of the highest rates in the country of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. After years of organizing around the issue, advocates are seeing more attention and resources brought to bear.

LISTEN: What do you want to know about animals?

On Election Day this year, we're focusing on something completely different: animals in Alaska. What questions or stories do you have about wildlife in the state?
A man in a camoflauge jacket and jeans walks through blue doors with notices about health warnings

LISTEN: Election Anxiety, Conflict, Social Division, And Reasons To Hope

Americans are experiencing more stress than ever from a combination of factors: the coronavirus, social unrest, and a contentious election season. What are strategies for diminishing and controlling anxiety we can use to help us manage uncertain times?
Two women wearing aprons and masks stand in front of shelves in a store

How the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the first year of business for one Anchorage store

The owners say in this first year, they've sold enough shampoo and conditioner to keep nearly 700 plastic bottles out of the landfill, but their business looks a lot different than they thought it would, thanks to the pandemic.