Programs

Gov. Sean Parnell has declared this year the education session the legislature, but if you are involved in schools in Anchorage you already know that education funding and policy are hot topics. On the next Hometown Alaska, host Charles Wohlforth will be joined by education activists to lead a community discussion on school funding and school choice. Should state funding increase, and should it be available to private and religious schools? KSKA: Wednesday, 3/12, 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Fifty years ago the greatest earthquake ever recorded in North America hit southcentral Alaska, devastating Anchorage. On the next Hometown Alaska, host Charles Wohlforth and guests will delve into the science behind the 1964 earthquake. KSKA: Wednesday, March 26, 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Are April's longer, warmer days turning your thoughts toward the garden? It's not too soon! On the next Hometown Alaska, expert local gardeners share strategies on using April. Bring your questions! How do you survive the wait to put your hands in dirt? KSKA: Wednesday, April 2, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

A green oasis in downtown? A good venue for outdoor community festivities? A hidden pocket for bad behavior that scares other users away? What will Town Square's story ultimately be? Learn its history and imagine its future. KSKA: Wednesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Makers say their passion goes beyond arduinos and raspberry pi's (credit card-sized computers). It includes gardening, sewing, knitting cooking. Isn't that all of us? Find out when Hometown Alaska hosts founders of the local maker movement. KSKA: Wednesday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

The Alaska Railroad is facing new challenges. The closure of the Flint Hills refinery in North Pole will reduce freight business that has already been impacted by the price of coal. The bill creating the Alaska Railroad passed Congress a century ago this year. But what does its future hold? Join host Charles Wohlforth and guests to learn more. KSKA: Wednesday, May 21, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

With the last of the local high school graduations fading in a sea of camera snaps, 2014 banners and flower and candy leis, we come to this question: How did we do? Are we graduating more seniors? Which sub-groups are increasing, which are struggling? What do the trends mean? Join host Kathleen McCoy and guests to learn more. KSKA: Wednesday, May 28, 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

The VA just released results of a nationwide audit on how quickly military vets get medical service. Alaska’s report card was good. We'll talk about why, but also about needs that still go unanswered. Join host Kathleen McCoy, with vets and those who serve them, on the next Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday, June 18, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Both Alaska Common Ground and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce have public forums planned to discuss both sides of important issues coming before Alaska voters this election season. Join host Kathleen McCoy and representatives from both groups to learn about the style of their public forums and ambitions to develop informed voters. KSKA: Wednesday, June 25, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m.  Listen now:

Late August draws out the berry pickers. Wonderful as those jewels are, wild edibles include more than berries and mushrooms. So join local gathering experts to hear about the wild abundance Alaska offers, and best ways to school yourself in identification, sustainable selection and delicious eating! And if you've got a great wild edible recipe, we want to hear it. KSKA: Wednesday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

One in seven Alaskans, and one in five children, routinely go hungry in our state. How does Alaska bridge that gap in the food and nutrition network? KSKA: Wednesday, August 27, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Alaska's bee season is short and intense, and most hives have wound down for this year. But beekeepers are enjoying rich golden honey, fruit of their bees' labor, and planning for next season's hive. KSKA: Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Just because your child can text, tweet and enjoy video games does not mean she knows how to boss around her laptop. What are the essential skills that translate into digital literacy? Is your child acquiring them? Listen now:

Where do artists get their ideas? What role does confidence play? Self doubt? Persistence? The weather? Jimmy Riordan and Keren Lowell think about it, out loud, on the next Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Patsy Shaha, principal of the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School in the Anchorage School District joins host Kathleen McCoy to share stories on how important values, traditions and relationships are woven into the school day. KSKA: Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

More than 8,000 Alaskans live with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. Filmmaker Mary Katzke tells the stories of five families, and aging experts join us to put this topic in perspective. KSKA: Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

This week, Hometown Alaska is all about volunteer service. If you rely on volunteers, or you give your time and energy to causes you believe in, share your story today on Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now: 

Recipe: Take vintage municipal holiday street decorations. Save them in storage for years. When the right moment comes, strip, weld, attach LED lights, compose music. Install. Happy birthday, Anchorage, and here's to the next 100 years. KSKA: Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 2 pm and 9 pm Listen Now:

Ever had a rotten day turn around once you got home and caught a dose of unconditional love from your pet? Those health benefits are tangible. Medical experts support bringing warm, fuzzy and calm animals into hospital settings to share that benefit with patients. Meet Mike Lewis and his therapy dog, Jillie, along with Laure MacConnell and Remy. MacConnell coordinates a local canine-visiting program. KSKA: Wednesday, June 10, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Unless price-per-barrel oil shoots back up, Alaskans are looking at a sharply contracting economic picture. Let's talk alternatives! Join Hometown Alaska to hear from local experts on the status of Alaska's ecosystem for entrepreneurs. KSKA: Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen Now: