Talk of Alaska
Holiday Greetings
Many Alaskans make a point of listening to the radio on the last Tuesday before Christmas for the unique experience of hearing holiday greetings from friends and relatives across the state on “Talk of Alaska.” It’s your chance to reach out to people near and far with your good wishes for the holiday and the new year. It’s a special two-hour Holiday Greetings edition of Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 12/18 at 10:00am
A Wave of Retirements in the Federal Government
Alaska’s biggest landlord is the federal government, and for better or worse, some of its living heritage is about to disappear. Due to a quirk in federal law, some senior federal personnel in Alaska plan to retire by the end of the year. Their regrets, their memories and their advice to fellow Alaskans will be the subject of the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 12/11 at 10:00am
Are You Really What You Eat?
It’s very Alaskan to have a freezer full of wild food. Tell us how you use that food on the next “Talk ofAlaska.” Food from the wild and preparing food that feeds the spirit as well as the body is the subject on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 12/4 at 10am
The History of the Governor’s Mansion
You may never have heard of Walter E. Clark, but he was the first occupant of the Alaska Governor’s Mansion, along with his wife. They began a tradition of annual holiday open houses that continues to the present day. The story of that big house in Juneau inter-weaves with the story of Alaska’s history, as we’ll hear on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 11/27 at 10:00am
Living History as Witnessed by Press Photographer Jim Lavrakas
There are certain images that you never forget. In a career of chasing ambulances and showing up at disasters, a press photographer might catch one or two such images, unless they’re in Alaska. News events as seen through the lens of press photographer Jim Lavrakas is the subject on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 11/20 at 10:00am
Living History As Witnessed By Vic Fischer
The chance to design entire communities and even a new state was just one of the many historical adventures of Vic Fischer. He was also in Germany for the burning of the Reichstag and he was in Moscow for the Stalin purges. He never would have seen the United States had it not been for Eleanor Roosevelt. Vic Fischer will tell parts of his amazing story on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 11/13 at 10:00am
Alaskan Food
What’s Alaskan food? It’s more than pilot crackers and peanut butter. You’ve got to include sourdough bread, smoked salmon and even macadamia halibut. Alaska’s mixed culture has produced a mixed cuisine. Find out what’s cooking, and share your own ideas, as we take up uniquely Alaskan food on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 11/6 at 10:00am
Sex Trafficking And Online Predators
In an age of instant and constant communication, how can parents and other concerned adults keep children safe from online predators? How has sex trafficking in Alaska trapped young people in lives of prostitution, drug abuse and despair. We’ll hear from a vice unit detective and an expert in catching online predators, on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 10/30 at 10:00am
The Roots Of Homelessness
Homelessness affects every community in Alaska, not only the larger cities, and mental health and substance abuse problems mean some of without their own beds have been homeless for a long time. A new idea, spreading across the state, is to provide apartments, even when we can’t solve these root problems. Housing first—homeless shelter with alcohol allowed—is the topic on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 10/23 at 10:00am
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Winter is fast approaching, when the basic need to stay warm runs into the high cost of fuel for homes and businesses. State agencies have already invested in
energy efficiency for residents, and now the state is adding money for businesses to lower their energy use. Is that a government responsibility? Energy efficiency — and how you can use these programs — on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 10/12 at 10:00am
Senator Mark Begich
Alaskans have plenty to say to their U.S. Senators, as we regularly hear on Talk of Alaska. Alaska is the nation’s only Arctic state, and it contains more federal land than any other state. A lot is riding on what our two Senators do in Washington. Senator Mark Begich will be listening to Alaskans on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 10/9 at 10:00am
Fukushima Tsunami Debris
More than a year and a half after the catastrophic tsunami in Japan, radiation is still leaking from destroyed nuclear power plants into the ocean. Debris from the earthquake and tidal wave is now north of Hawaii and headed our way. Wind-blown debris has already arrived. What is being done to respond?
Fifty Years Since “Silent Spring”
Few books have been as influential as Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring,” published 50 years ago this month. What is the legacy of “Silent Spring” in Alaska, where we have always had plenty of eagles and clean air and water? Until recently. We’ll have a closer look at the meaning of Rachel Carson’s 50 year old message for Alaska on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/25 at 10:00am
A Constitutional Convention
The Alaska Constitution is one of the most modern in the country, but it’s almost 60-years old. In November, Alaskans have to decide whether to re-write it. Should we? A Constitutional Convention might offer a way to end legislative gridlock and put an end to corporate campaign funding. But it might also risk the very foundation of our government.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/18 at 10:00am
Student Professionals
Education is about theory but professionalism is about practice. The next Talk of Alaska is your chance to meet some college students who had a chance to go to work overseas as professionals, while still in school. The Distinguished Service program is way beyond internship – it’s about leadership.
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/11 at 10:00am
What Would Be Our Best Investment in Education?
The answer to many of our problems may be education but what is the question? Education is the biggest item in the state budget. If you could increase spending on higher education beyond what it is now, how would you invest that money?
KSKA: Tuesday, 9/4 at 10:00am
Do We Need to Fix the Alaska Constitution?
The Alaska Constitution is one of the most modern in the country, but it’s almost 60-years old. In November, Alaskans have to decide whether to re-write it. It’s an opportunity that comes every 10 years. Could this be a way to end legislative gridlock and put an end to corporate campaign funding?
KSKA: Tuesday, 8/28 at 10:00am
Ballot Measure 2
Alaska voters are being asked to enact a law restoring the Coastal Zone Management program with Ballot Measure Two. Critics say the law is poorly drafted and would halt development. Advocates say it simply restores a local voice. Decision time is approaching for Ballot Measure Two, and that’s why it’s the topic on the next Talk of Alaska.
KSKA: Tuesday, 8/21 at 10:00am
The Arctic
They used to talk about explorers reaching the “ends of the earth.” But now even the arctic is losing its remoteness. Every Arctic nation is now maneuvering to control sea routes and mineral deposits in the Arctic Ocean, and Alaska is the only Arctic state. Is the message getting through to Washington?
KSKA: Tuesday, 8/14 at 10:00am
Art with Engagement
Who will design the signposts on the road to a sustainable future? Whether it’s local food, recycling, reduced packaging or energy-efficient design, demand for anything thought “earth-friendly” is at an all-time high, at a time when politicians are calling for more resource development. If there are more creative answers, where are they coming from?
KSKA: Tuesday, 8/7 at 10:00am
