Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
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.
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?
LISTEN: Future sustainability of the permanent fund
Lawmakers are still grappling with how to settle on a budget plan for Alaska's future and permanent fund earnings are at the center of the debate. What's the best way forward to ensure the sustainability of the fund and a dividend, while also providing vital state services?
Fire officials talk preparedness amid a changing landscape | Alaska Insight
Spring is finally here and as the snowpack recedes, wildfire becomes a concern, especially before greenup. What’s the outlook for this year’s fire season and how much will standing, dead spruce affect it?
LISTEN: Fire season is getting longer. How can Alaskans better prepare?
Better coordination between state and federal agencies can not only help with responding to fires, but preventing them too. How are the experts planning for the coming summer?
Farm advocates discuss agriculture resources and sustainability | Alaska Insight
Farming in Alaska has changed and expanded in recent years. As seasons lengthen and innovations in farming techniques advance, advocates for eco-friendly farming see big potential.
LISTEN: Former foster youth in Alaska push for repayment of benefits
An investigation by NPR has highlighted that many states, including Alaska, take the dependent child’s social security benefits, often leaving them with no money to help them when they turn 18 and age out of foster care.
LISTEN: How are school districts planning to support students this summer?
School districts have worked hard to piece together in-person and distance learning curriculum for students. Now that the end of the regular school year is fast approaching, what are the plans for summer school to help students catch up?
Here’s how small airlines in Alaska are surviving the pandemic travel slow-down | Alaska Insight
Air travel came to a halt last year as the pandemic caused closures across the country. In rural Alaska, where planes are a lifeline for many communities, airlines had to pivot and adjust to the changes quickly.
LISTEN: Alaskans asked to weigh in on Arctic Research Plan
Researchers are planning out what the next five years of scientific investigation in the Arctic will look like, and they want Alaskans to weigh in.
How the pandemic has further strained recovery resources | Alaska Insight
has consumed the attention of many of us over the past year, but another killer has continued to claim lives. Overdose deaths are on the rise, and the need for substance abuse resources in Alaska is pressing. How have recovery programs around the state adjusted their services to meet the demand?
LISTEN: The other epidemic
Overdose deaths are on the rise, and the need for resources in Alaska is pressing. How have recovery programs around the state adjusted their services to meet the demand amid the pandemic?
Alaskans discuss some of the state’s biggest boondoggles | Alaska Insight
Alaskans have dreamed and schemed some big tourism and economic ideas for the 49th state through the decades. Everything from a giant styrofoam igloo lodge, to a city under a dome and a freshwater pipeline to California.
PBS American Portrait on Alaska Insight | Special LIVE Episode
Alaskans have a lot of can-do spirit and a deep sense of connection to Alaska. In this episode of Alaska Insight we explore some of what it means to be an Alaskan in this time of social and political unrest and how we can come together to create an Alaska that is a leader in the nation for equity, health, and wellness.
LISTEN: Medical professionals answer Alaskans’ questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
Alaska is leading the nation in COVID-19 vaccination rates, bringing us closer to the herd immunity needed to return to normal life. But some people still have concerns about getting the shot and other questions.
LISTEN: Alaskans discuss the power of storytelling
What do you love about living and working in Alaska? The PBS American Portrait series invites people to submit videos and narratives on a range of issues, and Alaskans responded.
Alaskans address violence against Asian Americans and racial bias in tech | Alaska Insight
Racial bias permeates government policy and justice systems. It's also ubiquitous in the technology that we engage with on a daily basis.
Sexual assault survivors advocate for change in Nome and statewide | Alaska Insight
The high rates of sexual assault and violence against women in Alaska are long-standing problems. In Nome, survivors have been speaking out about how law enforcement has handled assault cases in the community.