Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-350-2058.
Alaskans advocate for state recognition of Tribal sovereignty | Alaska Insight
What does it mean to be a sovereign tribe and what would state recognition mean for Alaska’s indigenous nations?
Why former Permanent Fund Corp. director believes firing was ‘political retribution’
The abrupt firing of Permanent Fund Corporation Director Angela Rodell in December surprised and concerned many Alaskans, including some lawmakers. Senate President Peter Micciche said this week that he was surprised by Rodell’s firing.
Lawmakers hope for compromise and consensus as next Legislative session approaches | Alaska Insight
Long-term fiscal solutions for Alaska’s budget have been elusive so far, and political frustration is boiling over. State lawmakers are returning to Juneau for the regular legislative session starting next week.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, December 24, 2021
A look back at the long fight over the Tongass roadless rule. Also, a shortage of Alaska crab creates challenges for local restaurants.
ANCSA at 50 | Special Edition of Alaska Insight
Fifty years ago this December, Alaska Native leaders joined forces with national lawmakers to create legislation that ensured certain native land rights in our state. How has that legislation evolved over the decades? What does the next generation of Alaska Native leaders want to see moving forward?
As more nations eye the Arctic as a strategic resource, what is the U.S. military’s plan? | Alaska Insight
Alaska's Arctic region is opening to increased vessel traffic and global interest. What are the American military’s plans to ensure security?
Rural Alaska communities have largely been left behind in the digital revolution — until now | Alaska Insight
Better internet access is coming to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but other regions of the state are still waiting to bridge the digital divide. How will new technology and funding resources help?
What do the results of the 2020 U.S. Census mean for Alaskans? | Alaska Insight
The demographic landscape is changing in the United States, and new data from the 2020 Census shows that Alaska is no different. Our population is growing and is more diverse than ever.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, September 10, 2021
The legislature stalls out on delivering relief to hospitals overwhelmed with patients suffering from covid-19. Plus, villages on the Yukon survive a summer with abysmally low salmon returns.
Housing insecurity continues to grow as another pandemic winter approaches | Alaska Insight
Homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are perennial issues in communities throughout Alaska. But the pandemic has made an already difficult situation worse.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Alaska lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a dispute that involves the state's dwindling piggy bank. Plus, Elders in Chignik vow to fight for their salmon fishery after years of dismal returns.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, September 7, 2021
With COVID hospitalizations hitting new records every day, Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson holds firm against a mask mandate. Also, supply chain woes are making it difficult for Newtok to finish relocating.
How a man survived a bear attack during a morning walk in Seward
Almost five years ago, Ronn Hemstock went for his regular 6 a.m. walk around the airport runway in Seward with his dog, Dax. It wasn't long until his morning stroll turned terrifying.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, July 23, 2021
Cordova experiences its worst outbreak of COVID-19. And, a Seward resident tells the story of surviving a brown bear attack on the town runway. Plus, a new app allows fishermen to contribute their ocean observations to science.
“It’s the fabric of our culture coming apart”: Yukon River communities face chinook and chum closure
Ben Stevens, a tribal resources manager for Tanana Chiefs Conference says with both the chum and king salmon fisheries closed, Yukon River communities are scared of losing their protein source for the winter. They're also worried about losing their way of life if low runs continue.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, July 19, 2021
A new lawsuit aims to protect funding for subsidized electricity in rural Alaska. Plus, new music celebrates the work of Indigenous Alaska musicians. Also today, Canada announced it will open the border to vaccinated travelers in August. But is it enough for struggling tourism businesses?
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.
LISTEN: What will it take for Alaska to return to normal after the pandemic?
Nearly 50 percent of Alaskans are now fully vaccinated. What does this mean for what people can do in public, while traveling and when visiting businesses? And what are the plans for convincing more Alaskans to get the shot to protect those with vulnerable immune systems?
Alaskans discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend speaks with Lucy Hansen, president of the Polynesian Association of Alaska, Filipino Community, Inc. President Edric Carrillo and community organizer Kengo Nagaoka about the rich history of Asian and Pacific Islanders and their hopes for the future.
LISTEN: Summer reading recs from Alaska authors
Our state has dozens of accomplished and prolific writers and publishers. Who are your favorite homegrown authors and what are you looking forward to reading over the coming months?