Programs

Much of the stigma involving electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is from portrayal in movies. But when done correctly, it can cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse certain mental health conditions like severe depression.

Economic recovery from the pandemic and long term budget stability are some of the big tasks in front of state leaders during the current legislative session. How closely aligned are the Governor’s priorities with state lawmakers?

The housing market’s upswing doesn’t account for thousands of Alaskans who are struggling to make ends meet.

Iditarod officials attempt contact tracing after a musher tests positive for COVID-19. And, Juneau tourism businesses are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. Plus, Anchorage School District officials look forward to welcoming back middle and high school students.

Alaska Public Media's Tegan Hanlon talks with four-time Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey in February in the dog lot at his Talkeetna-based kennel. Seavey is back in the Iditarod this year after taking three years off following a scandal in 2017's race, after which the Iditarod said two of Seavey's dogs had tested positive for a banned pain-reliever, then later cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Alaska lawmakers ban a state senator from the Capitol for not complying with COVID-19 safety rules. And, biologists are warning about invasive Zebra mussels showing up in Alaska. Plus, a kitten lost on the Matanuska ferry is found in Juneau and returned to its family in Haines.

We rejoin the Iditarod something like 48 hours in, and, on what sounds like a hard and fast trail, mushers are pacing themselves for the shorter 850-mile race. There've been a total of three scratches so far, none bigger than Aliy Zirkle, who suffered a concussion and upper body injury in the Dalzell Gorge and had to be flown out of Rohn by helicopter. Also, we catch up with our pal Zachariah Hughes in McGrath.

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...