Talk of Alaska

More than 500 bills have been introduced nationwide this year that seek to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including in Alaska. Despite these numbers, advocates in Alaska say there’s been good progress in defending those rights. But what exactly are they? And how are Alaskans celebrating Pride Month despite this national trend? We discuss proposed laws and regulations, and pride month celebrations on this Talk of Alaska.

Foster care doesn't just impact kids. It changes the lives of entire families -- and foster families. So how do we support both those who lose their children and those who take them in? We'll talk about supporting the foster care system on the next Talk of Alaska statewide. Download Audio

Indian Country is a term used to describe reservation and other trust lands. The designation allows tribes to have greater economic and legal control of the land that is held in trust for them by the federal government. It can unlock federal funds for development and also precludes state and borough governments from taxing the trust property. The authority has only been in place since 2014 after years of legal battles. Now it’s on hold. How much land has been placed in to trust in 4 years and what does the review mean for future applications? LISTEN HERE

The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 is often talked about as an unprecedented, unthinkable event, but it was, in fact thinkable, and people tried to prevent it.

For most Americans, in home running water and flushing toilets are considered basic utilities, but across rural Alaska more than 30 villages are still living without piped systems. What are the challenges of providing water infrastructure to these communities?

The calls for respect and equality are not new, but what should the next steps be to create real change? What does it take to reform police departments and address public safety in a way that all citizens can trust?

Lawmakers are meeting in Juneau for an unusual and challenging legislative session. What’s likely to happen this year with permanent fund dividends and pandemic relief?

Students are back in school amid rising COVID-19 cases and community divisions over how to keep them safe.

Our polar position means the effects of increasing temperatures are creating problems for coastal and Interior communities. New tools for measuring carbon emissions from melting permafrost could change future cap and trade policies.

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.

Thirty years ago, some Alaskans were outraged by a book that talked about the new Trans Alaska Pipeline and the seamy side of the state’s oil boom.  Now the book and the author are back.  Joe McGinniss is the author of “Going to Extremes,” and is now researching a book about former Governor Sarah Palin. Download Audio

During the Second World War, household “Victory Gardens” produced almost half the food the nation consumed. Now home gardens produce about two percent. Could the path to food security run though a garden plot in your front yard? APRN: Tuesday, 3/11 at 10:00am Download Audio

40 years ago, the first barrel of oil started flowing down the trans-Alaska pipeline. Completing the pipeline was an epic, three-year saga that required tens of thousands of workers, great feats of engineering and perilous work on mountain passes. On the next Talk of Alaska, we'll explore that pipeline history as part of the series Midnight Oil, from Alaska's Energy Desk. Listen Here

October is domestic violence awareness month, but in Alaska, the consistently high rate of violence and sexual assault presents a year round need for education and assistance. What needs to change for people to have better outcomes? On the next Talk of Alaska, University of Alaska legal and medical experts discuss the evolving science and intersection between law enforcement, victim services and health care. Listen now

In Alaska, the wilderness is also bear country. What type of bear deterrent should you carry? And what should you do if you encounter a bear?

The recent, severe cold weather has turned difficult conditions into life threatening ones. How are shelter managers and others who work to end homelessness grappling with extreme need for those who are most vulnerable during this extended cold snap?

How will rural students access course materials in areas with little or no broadband? And how will teachers build relationships with students that can’t log on?

Researchers are planning out what the next five years of scientific investigation in the Arctic will look like, and they want Alaskans to weigh in.