Programs

This week on Alaska Edition, we are discussing the pot industry in the state. Listen Now:

The gardening season is short and very intense in Alaska, so it may surprise you to know our community has a botanical garden enjoying its 25th year. In today's show, we'll talk to garden writer Jeff Lowenfels and the garden's executive director, Mike Monterusso, about its history and mission, and how it has shaped and informed gardening in Anchorage and Alaska. Thanks for listening!

In the world of martial arts, the name Gracie is a major heavyweight. The Gracie family is synonymous with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and brought the sport to the United States over 40 years ago. A student of the Gracie family brought his teachings from Brazil to a local gym in Sitka. Listen now

Jennifer Pharr Davis hiked the Appalachian Trail in 46 days, averaging 47 miles a day. David Johnston finished the 350-mile Iditarod Invitational in four days, running on snow. They’ll both join us as we try to understand what makes ultra-endurance athletes tick. Their accomplishments are almost super human. How do they get that way, and what makes them go? KSKA: Thursday, Sept. 11, at 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Today we’re going to dance class. Three months ago in midtown Anchorage, Studio Pulse opened its doors as the cities newest modern dance studio. Stephanie Wonchala is the founder of the Pulse Dance Company, and runs the studio. The classes offered at Studio Pulse are wide ranging to say the least. Read more.

Haines residents remain cut off from their properties with no timeline for when they can return. And, a task-force in Sitka takes on climate change. Plus, a Fairbanks podcast gets a shout out in The New York Times.

Found in everything from firefighting foam to household cleaning products and even food containers, PFAS are persistent and bio accumulate over time. How dangerous are they to human health and what’s being done to clean them up?

Alaska legislators question the state's long-term budget plan. And, three Alaska tribes join a new pilot program to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people. And, Anchorage's reimagined Fur Rondy aims to offers some sense of normalcy.

The state launches a campaign to combat fentanyl overdoses. Plus, legislators reject a nominee to the state board of education.

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy's red veto pen looms over this year's budget debate; House budget could come as early as tomorrow; Ask an Economist: New year brings new direction for Alaska job numbers; 13 convicted of drug and money laundering crimes on Kodiak; Unusually warm weather leading to dangerous Y-K ice roads; Hilcorp delays seismic exploration in lower Cook Inlet; 2 popular camp grounds close due to spruce beetles; Homer needs to increase climate change adaptation efforts, study says; State-sponsored raffle for public schools generates almost $1M in first year; New Stuyahok educator chosen as National Assistant Principal of the Year

Restarting life after prison is full of challenges -- but also successes. In the village of Tyonek on Cook Inlet, one man recreates himself and gives back to the community he once hurt.

We all want bright, young students to emerge from our public school system and become contributing citizens. But what is the right price tag for that goal? KSKA: Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 2 pm. and 8 pm. Download Audio