Talk of Alaska

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (LIVE) repeating at 8 p.m. Alaska’s only statewide call-in forum for discussing the issues impacting life on the Last Frontier. Politics, science, culture and current events are covered by hosts from the Alaska Public Media news team along with guests and callers. Call 550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide) during the live broadcast.

smoke billows from a spruce forest, seen from above

LISTEN: Fire season is getting longer. How can Alaskans better prepare?

Better coordination between state and federal agencies can not only help with responding to fires, but preventing them too. How are the experts planning for the coming summer?

Talk of Alaska: The misinformation pandemic

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?
people walk downtown in rain

Talk of Alaska: Why are fewer people staying in Alaska long term?

Thousands of people move in and out of Alaska every year. But people who moved to Alaska in recent years are not staying as long as they used to.

Talk of Alaska: U.S. House Candidate Don Young

Many Alaskans can't remember a time when Don Young was not their U.S. Representative. He's been in the U.S. House since 1973, running for...

U.S. House Candidate Forrest Dunbar

Lifelong Alaskan and political newcomer Forrest Dunbar is young and determined. This Yale Law grad wants to be Alaska's next Congressman. Dunbar is running as a Democrat. His social policy fits with that party, but he says he is more in line with Republicans on resource development. APRN: Wednesday, 10/29 at 10:00am Download Audio

What does it take to legally immigrate to America?

Immigration has been in the news a lot this year. Most of the coverage involves undocumented immigrants. But what does it take to cross the border legally? The requirements for entry into the U.S. can vary widely from one country to the next and it can be surprisingly hard. LISTEN HERE

The future of ANWR

Opening the 10-02 area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or ANWR has been a dream of Alaska's congressional delegation and the oil industry for decades, but for Gwitch'in people and environmentalists, the idea is a nightmare.

How does affordable energy and broadband affect community health?

Affordable energy and access to high-speed broadband is essential for engaging in modern commerce, education, telemedicine and for economic development initiatives. How is the rural energy infrastructure need being addressed?

LISTEN: Dr. Anne Zink and Gov. Mike Dunleavy discuss reopening the economy on Talk of Alaska

Reopening Alaska's economy is something some Alaskans desperately want while others urge caution as the coronavirus pandemic continues. THow will this work in practice and how do we know it isn’t too soon?

LISTEN: The social safety net in the Covid economy

As winter deepens and the economy continues to be hampered by COVID-19 restrictions, how much additional pressure is there on the state's social service programs for vulnerable Alaskans?
Goose Creek Prison. Photo by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA - Anchorage.

LISTEN: Why are Alaska’s parole numbers so low, and what awaits those who get out?

In the last five years, the rate of Alaskans granted parole dropped by 50%. The reasons are complicated. With fewer people being granted parole, we discuss the ripple effect on lives and the legal system.
paige drobny's team

Talk of Alaska: Veteran mushers discuss the 50th running of the Iditarod

This year marks the 50th running of the Iditarod. How has the competition changed over the last five decades and what might the next 50 years bring? 
Two women and two men at podiums in front of a white background.

Talk of Alaska: Recapping Debate for the State

We’ll break down the issues and the candidate answers from our recent series of debates to clarify their positions on the next Talk of Alaska

Talk of Alaska: Iditarod Trail

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is one of the major draws for winter tourism in Alaska.  But parts of the trail have also...

Energy Solutions for rural Alaska

How much do you pay for electricity? If you live in rural Alaska- the answer is likely a lot. Most rural Alaskans pay at least three times more for their electric bill than residents in Anchorage

Gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy

The field is set for the general election and the campaign for Alaska's next Governor is in full swing. Talk of Alaska will feature the three gubernatorial candidates over the next few weeks, starting with Republican Mike Dunleavy. What is his vision for the future of our state? LISTEN HERE

The first forensic nursing academy in the US

A new forensics program at the University of Alaska Anchorage will provide training for evidence collection for both types of abuse. The new program is the first in the nation.

LISTEN: The Nov. 30 earthquake, one year later: what did we learn?

It's been a year since the largest earthquake to shake Alaska since 1964 hit the Southcentral region. Even with millions of dollars in destruction happening in seconds, no one was killed. Was it building codes, epicenter location or just luck?

LISTEN: The annual five year Arctic Research plan is inviting public comment before the plan is written. Here’s what you need to know.

Which federal agencies decide what it will include and how can you weigh in to help shape the focus of the science?
The bow of a white cruise ship

LISTEN: Alaska communities prepare for another lean tourism season amid slow economic recovery

No major cruise lines will return to the state in 2021. How will tourist-dependent communities weather this extended dry season? When federal relief does arrive, will it be enough for businesses to survive?