Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media

Even though President Joe Biden said in September that the pandemic is over, nationally more than 300 people are still dying every day from Covid. So how have Alaskans coped with mandates, anxiety, vaccines and illness? We’ll discuss pandemic lessons and stories today on Talk of Alaska.

Advocates both for and against a constitutional convention discuss why they think Alaskans should or should not support the ballot question.

The legacy of boarding schools affected generations of Native people, from the children who were ripped away to their grandparents, parents, siblings and communities. While the pain and loss of that oppressive era should not be forgotten, moving into a healthier educational future is critical for the wellbeing of all. What does it mean to decolonize education? And who is doing the work? We’ll discuss new paths forward for Native education on the next Talk of Alaska.

Alaskans in communities along hundreds of miles of coastline from the YK Delta to Point Hope are grappling with the aftermath of a historic storm that flooded towns, floated homes off foundations and sank boats. The good news is there have been no reports of injury or death, but the recovery will be difficult and winter is approaching. How are communities coping and what are state and federal leaders doing to help? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.

Every year, people resettle in Alaska after escaping conflict in other parts of the world. The reasons they left their homes and the circumstances under which they arrived may be different, but they’re all looking for the same thing – safety and security for their families.

For generations, Alaska Native people along the Yukon river have depended on a steady supply of salmon for a healthy source of protein to sustain them through the long winter. But king and chum salmon subsistence fishing has been closed to Yukon river families for the past two years, affecting both diets and cultural tradition. What are the factors behind the low runs? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.

For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have depended on strong salmon runs to sustain their diets and their culture, but that reliable source of protein is in jeopardy.

The results of Alaska’s first ranked choice election may have surprised some Alaskans. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed in the special election for the current U.S. House term, beating two Republicans. Now the real race is on for November where candidates are also competing for Governor, U.S. Senate and state legislative races. What have we learned from this first ranked choice experience and what might it reveal for November? Alaska reporters join us for a campaign discussion on the next Talk of Alaska

Lori Townsend speaks to David Washburn from the Older Persons Action Group and Jessica Parks from RurAL CAP to learn what's being done to address the increasing demand for elder care across Alaska.

Understanding and discussing the complexities of mental health and wellbeing isn’t easy. Finding ways to open up about who we are and what we struggle with is critical to getting help.

A new program called Permafrost Pathways has a dual aim of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community adaptation ideas.

Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.

Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.

Across the state, basketball serves as a healthy outlet for teens and a source of pride and socialization for communities in the winter. Lori Townsend speaks to players about the important cultural role basketball serves in rural communities in particular.

Alaska Congressman Don Young lies in state at the U.S. Capitol. Also, oil prices reshape the debate over state revenue and dividend payments. And the push for local input on changing derogatory place names.

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled on redistricting last week, the House plans to take up the budget in a few days — and there's yet another conflict about mask-wearing on the House floor.

Residents whose homes were cut off by an avalanche near Eagle River assess next steps. Also the Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery gets underway. Plus new investors in a Wasilla grocery store chain means expansion.

Following Rep. Don Young's death, Alaskans and members of Congress are reflecting on his half-century political career.

A new project called Black in Alaska seeks to present a more complete picture of the lives and professions of Black Alaskans, with the aim of creating a more equitable future. Lori Townsend speaks with advisory committee member Bernard Gatewood and André Horton, one of the series subjects.

The five-decade history of the Iditarod is a story filled with adventure, skill, triumph and lots of change, and it's best told by those who have experienced it, firsthand.