Programs

Musher Aliy Zirkle suffers an injury and is helicoptered off the Iditarod trail, ending her race. And, a single father of four in Fairbanks shares his experience parenting during a pandemic. Plus, the Southeast town of Port Alexander hopes a new program will keep its school open, and keep its town alive.

Alaska health officials say hundreds of COVID vaccine appointment slots are waiting to be filled. And, with no ceremonial start, the Iditarod kicks off a lot quieter than usual. Plus, two friends from Anchorage win a screenwriting award at Sundance.

Join AKWorld for a critical conversation focusing on the diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural circumstances on the Korean Peninsula, as well as broadening and deepening understanding of the U.S.-Korea relations. From a decades-old military alliance to deep economic ties and a large and vibrant Korean-American community, the linkages between the United States and the Korean Peninsula remain as important as ever.

Suicide is currently the leading cause of death in Alaska for young people age 12 to 19. Youth suicide prevention advocate Justin Pendergrass shares his journey through abuse, addiction and mental health and how those experiences led him to work on the frontlines of teen suicide prevention.

On the next Outdoor Explorer, our guest is Hank Lentfer, author of the book “Raven’s Witness: The Alaska Life of Richard K. Nelson.” Richard was Alaska’s Writer Laureate from 1999 – 2001, but he is maybe best remembered for his National Public Radio show “Encounters” that was centered around the sounds of Alaska.

High rates of sexual assault and violence against women have plagued Alaska for decades. The collective damage affects entire communities. Survivor advocates and journalists have helped uncover how widespread the problems are. In Nome, some advocates are working to raise awareness and push for change.

The 2021 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is going to look a lot different, one year into a global COVID-19 pandemic. (The Iditapod’s going to be pretty different this year, too, as we'll explain). The ceremonial start is canceled, so the race begins Sunday in Willow under strict COVID-19 protocols, with a shortened trail that doubles back on itself, a challenge to sled dog teams to cross the Alaska Range not once, but twice, plus coronavirus testing along the way and less access to indoor spaces at checkpoints... This Iditarod is certainly going to be unique.

Governor Dunleavy shares his experience getting sick with COVID-19. And, in Western Alaska, residents are hopeful a new Internet project will have the same impact that cell service did. Plus, a new research technique might help in the study of the endangered Cook Inlet belugas.

The accomplishments of Alaska women are as varied as they are wide ranging. From CEOs running major corporations to vessel captains to community leaders

https://youtu.be/PKqR9LciOcA Women of color have often been overlooked when it comes to documenting Alaska’s history. The "Extra Tough: Women of the North" exhibit highlights more...

Iditarod mushers and officials prepare for a race with pandemic-style rules and regulations. And, keeping a mask mandate in place, Anchorage's mayor lifts capacity restrictions on all businesses. Plus, climbers return to Denali although fewer are from other countries.

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.

UPDATE: Candidate responses to Alaska Public Media's 2021 School Board Candidate questionnaire are now available at Running 2021. Sixteen candidates are running; 12 responded...

Ten percent of Cordova residents end up in quarantine after a police officer's trip out of state. And, artists based out of Sitka sign with an iconic record label. Plus, one Anchorage student's campaign to return to in-person learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced arts groups of all kinds to pivot and reevaluate how they can continue to create, but also reach audiences. The Alaska Virtual Symphony was organized to give musicians much needed opportunities to learn, connect and perform from anywhere in the state. Regardless of age and experience participants join in weekly via video conference for lessons and prepare for virtual concerts.

What is emotional intelligence how does it affect our outdoor activities? This week we'll discuss why it's important in contributing to enjoyable outdoor experiences.

This week on State of Art we have a community conversation from the Alaska Black Caucus. Local veterans share their experiences about what their service was like and give advice to the next generation.

Alaska's legislators grapple with the idea of unplanned spending from the permanent fund. And, a 10,000-year-old bone found near Wrangell provides new clues about domesticated dogs in the Americas. Plus, an Unalaska grocery store's battle with a bald eagle.

A major Alaska foundation helps purchase property to support homeless services in Anchorage. And, Petersburg experiences a COVID outbreak across all age groups. Plus, can the energy failure that happened in Texas happen in Alaska too?

Business owners, workers and communities reliant on tourism are facing another summer without cruise ships. Will the latest federal relief package be enough to keep them afloat until next season?