Programs

In a rare attack, a polar bear kills a mother and son in Wales. Also, the Alaska House breaks its deadlock and elects a speaker, Republican Cathy Tilton. And as Fairbanks gets ready to demolish a condemned hotel, developers are already thinking about what's next.

The state legislative session kicks off, but without a permanent speaker in the House. Also, Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she's working on a fix for getting fisheries disaster relief out more quickly. And Alaska Native leaders remember Oliver Leavitt as a whaling captain and a businessman.

At the very end of 2022, Congress passed the massive $1.7 trillion spending package. The bill includes language to fund new projects around the state, transfer land to the University of Alaska and much more.

Tanner crab fishermen consider their options as low prices keep them at the docks. Also, legislative leaders talk about the big issues ahead on the eve of the session. And a Homer woman survives an ice skating mishap that features an unusual rescue tool: a dead snowshoe hare.

The Alaska State House is going into the start of the legislative session with no clear majority coalition. Kodiak's tanner crab fishery is at risk over disagreements on the price. Plus eager beavers are moving North in Alaska, and the impacts can be seen from space.

Alaskans seeking relief from high energy prices and unreliable supplies are finding success in transitioning to renewable energy. What projects are in the works, and where do opportunities exist for further development?

The installation of a biomass furnace system in Ambler, a rural village off the road system, is set to save the community more than $50,000 a year.

This week on State of Art the Anchorage Folk Festival returns with in-person performances, workshops, and more. We hear from Johnse Ostman, president of the fest’s board of directors, to find out about the local and featured acts, volunteer opportunities, and what to expect.

On the next Outdoor Explorer, the first part of a continuing series of stories about Title IX, the historic legislation passed 50 years ago that changed the landscape of women’s sports. We'll learn about the start and evolution of Title IX and you’ll hear from Chloe Ivanoff, who is bringing her love of wrestling to the girls of Alaska.

Months after an Eagle River teen was killed during an ROTC event, her mom has unanswered questions. Also, the Anchorage assembly demands a response from Mayor Dave Bronson over recent allegations. And the Legislature approves new housing in Juneau to help alleviate an acute shortage when lawmakers come to town.

In the discussion about increasing education funding, some lawmakers say they want it tied to improved outcomes. The EPA says a plan to improve air quality in Fairbanks falls short of requirements. Plus remembering the legacy of North Slope legend Oliver Leavitt.

People aged 13 to 23, referred to as transition aged youths, are when serious mental health disorders are often first discovered. Research shows that early treatment significantly decreases hospitalization and increases participation in school and employment. Many resources are now available in our community including the Power Center and Alaska Seeds of Change. In this episode of Line One, Dr Justin Clark explores these resources and much more about mental health.

FEMA addresses how disaster relief information was lost in translation. Why the Kenai Peninsula has one of the few growing populations in the state. Plus breaking down barriers to lift up the next generation of skiers.

How will more intense storms affect Alaska in the next decade and how can state and local governments use data to plan and budget for keeping people safe? We discuss adapting for an extreme weather future on this Talk of Alaska.

Disaster assistance information, supposedly translated into Alaska Native languages, turned into a disaster itself. Also, why a federal lease sale in Cook Inlet drew such little interest. And turning plastic waste into useful building materials.

A North Pole man is waiting for another chance at a heart transplant after Winter storms stopped the first. A replacement for former Assembly Member Forrest Dunbar is officially selected. Plus the dogs on this Skagway bus go woof, woof, woof… and viral.

This week on State of Art we meet artist Meg Anderson. Her show "Yellow Skies and Black Birds" will be on display at Cyrano's Art Gallery from January 6 through February 26. Originally from Wisconsin, Anderson spent 24 years as an interpretive graphic artist and illustrator for Alaska State Parks. We discuss her work for the parks, her show and her many other creative projects. We also hear from RKP Production's Audrey Weltman Kelly and Dick Reichman about the new original play "Out to Lunch: A Political Comedy."

Day 3 with no house speaker in DC, and lawmakers are looking for ways to break the gridlock. A dispute between oil producers centers on a road to Alaska's next big oil project. And cod season is off to a late start after disagreements over the price per pound.

A massive bird flu outbreak in Washington leads to an egg shortage in Alaska. How smoke alarms made a clear difference between two New Year's house fires. And climatologists say last month's heavy snow in Anchorage was in part due to climate change.

Syun-Ichi Akasofu always had a curiosity for the aurora borealis. Yet, no one in his hometown in Japan knew exactly where these multi-colored shimmering lights in the evening sky came from. He's now one of the top aurora researchers in Alaska.