Programs

Talk of Alaska’s “Holiday Greetings from Across the State” returns once again to connect Alaskans statewide as they share winter well wishes.

St. George struggles with fuel, power and water shortages in the dead of winter. And how genetic genealogy is solving cold case murders in Alaska.

Claims Settlement Act created a divide within families. And sponsors of a ballot initiative say tribal recognition in the state is long overdue.

As the year of 2021 comes to a close we feature two traditions in Anchorage: The Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage's Solstice Tree Tour at Kincaid Park and the Alaska Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights. This week's Outdoor Explorer features these winter festivities, plus some holiday wishes with co-host Lisa Keller and others.

Communities across the state are seeking changes to the Alaska Redistricting Board's new legislative map. Also, a surprise decision about halibut bycatch in Western Alaska leaves some fishermen worried. And a weather station malfunction leaves Yakutat without air travel for days.

A federal appeals court weighs a fishing dispute on the state's only Native reservation. Also, residents near the proposed Ambler mine are ambivalent about the project that could harm subsistence but also bring much needed jobs to the region. And a meeting on salmon declines in western Alaska leads to few solid answers.

Since last summer Alaska Public Media has been facilitating conversations between people with different political views as part of One Small Step – a collaboration with StoryCorps. The goal was to find common ground in a divisive political climate. 

Questions abound after the Permanent Fund's executive director is voted out. Also, communities around the state are rolling out access to rapid at-home COVID-19 tests. And Fairbanks tries a new type of responder to help people experiencing a mental health crisis.

As the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act approaches, shareholders in and outside the state are reflecting on the landmark legislation and how it’s evolved over time. Despite the successes, problems remain, including how younger generations of Alaska Natives will be included.

Alaska Native Corporations scramble to meet the deadline for spending CARES Act funds. Also, a trip to the mine described as a model for Alaska Native shareholders to earn a good living and stay in their communities. And a new documentary tells the story of a Vermont dairy farmer realizing his dream of mushing dogs in Alaska.

Since last summer Alaska Public Media has been facilitating conversations between people with different political views as part of One Small Step – a collaboration with StoryCorps. The goal was to find common ground in a divisive political climate. 

Congress considers granting Alaska tribes more power to prosecute some crimes. Also, Skagway residents question a ferry schedule change that leaves the town with no service. And a student in Dillingham finds inspiration for a rap song in an ancient poem.

Alaska doctors describe their frustration fighting misinformation during the pandemic. Also, as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act turns 50, a look back at what's worked and what hasn't. And Anchorage assembly members are concerned about turnover at the city health department.

Alaska Natives have been creating art influenced by nature and culture for thousands of years. The clothing, tools, kayaks, weapons, baskets and other items of everyday life and ceremony were, and are, functional and artistic. Joe and Martha Senungehtuck join host Paul Twardock to talk about their long lives of adventure and art in Alaska.

On this Outdoor Explorer, the journey back to activity after a Covid infection. Our guests will include the team physician for the University of Washington football team who has been researching the impacts of Covid on athletes, a physical therapist who treats post-Covid breathing issues, and an Ironman athlete who has had his season turned upside down.

A federal judge rejects the state's challenge to an emergency subsistence hunt in Kake. Also, the recent COVID outbreak in Petersburg stretches nurses as they treat patients. And listening to North Pacific killer whales reveals where they spend their winters.

If you’ve ever been to a hospital or a medical clinic or some type of medical facility, which most of us probably have, you may have noticed that a lot of health care workers are Filipino. They can be doctors, or home care providers, or some type of health care worker, but most of them are nurses. This is not just your imagination, as statistics show that Filipino nurses do compose the largest share of immigrant nurses in the United States. In fact, the Philippines is the world’s biggest supplier of nurses.

High-speed satellite internet has a bumpy rollout in rural Alaska. Also, nurses in Petersburg go door-to-door treating COVID-19 patients. And a new documentary featuring two Alaska Native people's stories delves into the painful history of boarding schools.

Vaccines and booster shots are widely available, but less than 60% of eligible Alaskans are fully vaccinated. Many doctors feel inaccurate information and conspiracy theories are a big part of the problem. How are they working to help their patients believe in the facts?

Survivors of the Haines landslides reflect on the devastation one year later. Also, an Anchorage man has invested his heart, soul and savings to bring 17 Afghans to Alaska. And Seward Olympic gold medalist Lydia Jacoby signs a deal with a swimwear company under new NCAA rules.