Talk of Alaska

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Talk of Alaska is the only statewide call-in forum for discussing important issues in the 49th state including politics, science, culture and other current events. Callers can talk one-on-one with each week’s guests and are also encouraged to email questions during live broadcasts.

Hosted by:
Lori Townsend

Contact us: 907-550-8422 (Anchorage) or 1-800-478-8255 (statewide)
talk@alaskapublic.org

Listen to Talk of Alaska on KSKA FM 91.1 in Anchorage, AK.
Tuesdays LIVE at 10:00 a.m. and repeating at 8:00 p.m.

Talk of Alaska: Supports for active duty service members and veterans

The transition from active duty service to civilian life can be challenging for anyone in the military. For those who have survived combat and carry that trauma, it can be much more difficult to blend back into family and community life. Some veterans isolate and Alaska has one of the highest percentages of veterans of any state. What programs best help service members and vets adjust? What works to help veterans feel connected and less alone? We’ll discuss new approaches available to veterans and active duty members to help them lead happier, healthier lives on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: The child care crisis

For working families across Alaska, the challenge of finding affordable, quality childcare is not new, but during the pandemic, the already limited capacity for childcare was further restricted. The lack of available help is spiking the costs of care and forcing parents to make difficult decisions about whether to keep jobs or even stay in the state. Is there any relief on the horizon from either state or federal policymakers? We discuss the crisis in childcare on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: The 2023 wildfire season

People without an idea of where they would sleep, stay safe, cook or have access to bathroom facilities or running water, were made to leave the Sullivan Arena. Many of them will have no choice but to camp in area parks in the city. Why did the Sullivan close and what is the plan to address the needs of those who are without housing before next winter? We’ll talk with city leaders to find out on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: After the Sullivan

People without an idea of where they would sleep, stay safe, cook or have access to bathroom facilities or running water, were made to leave the Sullivan Arena. Many of them will have no choice but to camp in area parks in the city. Why did the Sullivan close and what is the plan to address the needs of those who are without housing before next winter? We’ll talk with city leaders to find out on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: Building healthy communities

Think about your community. Do you feel safe there? Do you have access to clean water or to adequate housing? How connected are you to your neighbors? To the land? All these things are elements of a healthy community. On this Talk of Alaska we discuss what’s happening around the state to build healthy communities where everyone thrives.

Talk of Alaska: The budget, PFD, and new revenue ideas

Will legislators find consensus on a budget by mid-May that the Governor will also agree to? We discuss the ideas for Alaska’s fiscal future on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: New proposed PFAS regulations

We discuss the way forward for eradicating PFAS contamination from Alaska’s water and soil on this Talk of Alaska

Talk of Alaska: Representative Mary Peltola

Mary Peltola has been Alaska’s sole U.S. Congresswoman since last September when she won a special election, and although the legislative work that gets done in Congress may at times feel distant and far removed from the daily lives of Alaskans, the decisions made in Washington DC directly affect Alaska’s future. Some recent measures regarding energy, roads and the debate over which projects to prioritize has once again put a spotlight on Alaskan issues. What are the current legislative priorities of Alaska’s single representative? Congresswoman Mary Peltola joins us on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: Tips for Spring Gardening

Across the state, even in the snowiest places, the signs of spring are starting to appear. Crocus and tulips are already emerging in some areas and gardeners are poring over seed catalogs, dreaming of growing their own food and beautifying their yards with flowers and other plants. It’s an exciting time for people who like to dig in the dirt. We discuss what’s new for growing and harvesting in your backyard, on this Talk of Alaska.

Talk of Alaska: The Southeast troll fishery lawsuit

Alaska’s Southeast commercial salmon troll fleet is the target of a federal lawsuit that alleges the fishery threatens the chinook salmon food stock of endangered orca whales off the coast of Washington. The suit was brought against the federal government but seeks to shut down the 30 million dollar fishery this summer. Critics say it will decimate the livelihoods of Southeast troll fishermen and suggest other causes are depleting the whale’s food supply. We discuss the fight over fish and who has the right to them on this Talk of Alaska.