Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media

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Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
a screening

Indigenous representation in popular media | Talk of Alaska

We talk with actors from the Alaska-focused series True Detective: Night Country about indigenous representation on this Talk of Alaska.

Minneapolis held a successful World Cup in February. Could Anchorage be next?

Olympian Kikkan Randall, a commentator for the World Cup's first U.S. cross-country skiing event in 20 years, wants Anchorage to host one.

Developments in child care support | Talk of Alaska

What are elected leaders and businesses doing to address the need for easily-available and affordable child care? We ask advocates on this Talk of Alaska.
A sign in a snowbank covered in snow.

Education funding and outcomes | Talk of Alaska

What is the best way to support students, teachers and schools for Alaska’s future? We discuss educational outcomes and funding on this Talk of Alaska.
soldiers exiting a transport plane

The Future of the military in Alaska | Talk of Alaska

What do recent international conflicts and tensions mean for Alaska-based troops and defense installations?
three windmills on top of a hill at sunset

Previewing Alaska Forum on the Environment 2024 | Talk of Alaska

We talk with presenters about the latest ways to protect the health of Alaska’s ecosystem on this Talk of Alaska.
Caribou graze on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with snowcapped peaks of the Brooks Range as a backdrop. (USFWS)

Caribou management in Alaska | Talk of Alaska

What should be done to ensure caribou are healthy and plentiful for future generations, and who should have a say in management?

The Science of landslide risk | Talk of Alaska

What’s the latest science on monitoring mountain slopes to better calculate risk and provide early warning of landslides?

The Legacy of Ted Stevens | Talk of Alaska

Few people have shaped Alaska as much as the late Sen. Ted Stevens. We discuss his legacy and his fall from politics on this Talk of Alaska.

Mental health resources for veterans | Talk of Alaska

Paths to healing and happiness for veterans is our discussion on this Talk of Alaska.
A trail covered in snow. The foreground is darkened while lights illuminate the trail further ahead.

Dealing with the dark | Talk of Alaska

We discuss darkness, and finding ways to enjoy the short days of winter, on this Talk of Alaska.
canned food

Addressing the SNAP backlog | Talk of Alaska

How is the food stamp backlog being addressed and what are potential answers for long term stability?
an FBI handout

Talk of Alaska: How cybercrimes are changing in Alaska

How can you protect yourself and your family? Online security experts join us to answer your questions on this Talk of Alaska.
a podium that says AFN on it

Talk of Alaska: AFN’s 2023 convention

Lori Townsend speaks with Alaska Federation of Natives leadership about their 2023 convention.
Homer Library books

Talk of Alaska: The rise in book challenges

The rise in challenges to books in school and public libraries has grown rapidly in recent years. Efforts to censor certain topics in reading material is not new. Attempts have appeared periodically throughout history, but the American Library Association saw a 70% increase in book ban requests in 2022. We discuss what’s driving the latest spike in demands for book removals and who should decide on this Talk of Alaska.
A lawn with an elevated pedestrian walkway over it.

Talk of Alaska: AI in academia

Computer technology aids us daily in our work and personal lives. Banking,online ordering, education, even monitoring your blood sugar and other health conditions is now routine. These systems also track our online habits, learning about our preferences and using that data to offer similar types of products or other content. That’s a simple example of Artificial Intelligence, but A.I.’s use is growing fast and understanding the risks that come with the convenience is important. We’ll learn more about these cyber concerns on this Talk of Alaska

Walking through the Port of Alaska’s modernization plans

https://youtu.be/U7W2I6lrVs8 The Port of Alaska escaped the devastating 1964 earthquake relatively unscathed, which left it poised to take up much of the state’s cargo traffic as other communities rebuilt. Sixty years later, nearly 90 percent...
big waves on an overcast day

Talk of Alaska: Preparing for Fall storms and other disasters

It has been a year of global extremes, with record breaking heat, severe drought, and unprecedented flooding. The switch to the weather pattern known as El Niño generally signals a turn toward more warming and NOAA reports that warmer than average sea surface temperatures will likely continue and may strengthen by mid winter. What might this mean for Alaska’s fall and winter storm season? We discuss the outlook and preparations on this Talk of Alaska.
the upper floor exterior of a hotel. Doors and doormats line the corridor.

Talk of Alaska: Alaska’s chronic housing shortage

Across Alaska, an insufficient housing supply and historically high rental and mortgage rates are pushing Alaskans into urban centers, causing them to leave the state, or forcing them into homelessness. Affordable housing is critical for health and wellbeing, and leads to better employment and education outcomes. What are the solutions to Alaska's chronic housing shortage? We talk with Alaskans focused on answers on this Talk of Alaska.
A sign says tsunami hazard zone

Talk of Alaska: Understanding tsunami warnings and danger

Alaska is one of the most seismically active places in the world. Located on the Pacific ring of fire, earthquakes and tsunami alerts are not uncommon in our state, but information about the level of concern for coastal areas can sometimes be confusing, creating more anxiety at an already stressful time. We talk with Alaska earthquake and tsunami experts to help clarify how to keep yourself safe when minutes count on this Talk of Alaska.