LISTEN: What should the future of Alaska’s government look like? AFN has a few ideas.
The Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention theme last month was Good Government-Alaskan Driven. How does AFN leadership see their role in driving political change and how do they work with tribal leaders to accomplish it?
LISTEN: How important is removing statues in the larger context of systemic racism?
For many Americans, monuments, statutes and other historical markers are tributes to past figures, but for Native and Black Americans, these relics are painful reminders of racism and colonization. Some want them torn down, others say they should remain with accurate historical context. Is this the right fight?
Talk of Alaska: Wind Power in Rural Communities
Windmills are beginning to make a difference in Alaska’s energy picture. Utilities have invested an estimated 87 million dollars in wind power, and...
Alaska suicide prevention
Yes, suicide rates appear to have gone up in 2015, but there are solutions. We’ll talk to researchers who have been working with communities in the YK Delta for 20 years developing prevention programs based on Yup’ik values instead of Western systems and about the effectiveness of some Western systems. We’ll also delve into both historical trauma and historical resiliency – what makes our communities and people stronger. Listen Now
Criminal records redaction recommendations
Having a criminal record can hamper efforts to find a job, get a loan or even a place to live. The Alaska Criminal Justice Commission has new recommendations to redact or hide from public view, some past convictions. Will it help those who are working to improve their lives after completing their sentences? What about the public's right to know?
Senior living in Alaska
Alaska’s senior population is booming. Meanwhile, the state is experiencing what experts call a housing "crisis." How are communities working to meet the growing need for senior housing and long-term care options?
LISTEN: To combat teen vaping in Alaska schools, educators and state officials work together
Teen vaping is a growing problem nationwide, with the CDC reporting that one in four students use vaping products. But what’s inside the liquid being vaporized? And how will it affect teenager’s health?
LISTEN: U.S. Senate candidate Al Gross is here to answer your questions
Making his first run for public office, Al Gross wants to win the race for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat, currently held by incumbent Dan Sullivan. Gross is running as an Independent with support from state democrats.
Talk of Alaska: Mental Health
Many people in Alaska are looking for effective strategies to deal with epidemic rates of domestic and substance abuse. On the next “Talk of...
What does it take to legally immigrate to America?
Immigration has been in the news a lot this year. Most of the coverage involves undocumented immigrants. But what does it take to cross the border legally? The requirements for entry into the U.S. can vary widely from one country to the next and it can be surprisingly hard. LISTEN HERE
Exploring the past and future of life in Alaska for Black residents
A lot of that diversity starts with the first people of the state but many people from other ethnicities came to Alaska for military or government service, to work in the oil industry, fisheries or for adventure. Black Alaskans fill roles in all these areas plus more.
How does affordable energy and broadband affect community health?
Affordable energy and access to high-speed broadband is essential for engaging in modern commerce, education, telemedicine and for economic development initiatives. How is the rural energy infrastructure need being addressed?
LISTEN: Dr. Anne Zink and Gov. Mike Dunleavy discuss reopening the economy on Talk of Alaska
Reopening Alaska's economy is something some Alaskans desperately want while others urge caution as the coronavirus pandemic continues. THow will this work in practice and how do we know it isn’t too soon?
Historical Gardening in Alaska
Picture Alaska 100 years ago - the open tundra, the dense forests - and the gardens. We're looking at the state's horticultural past with guests from the Alaska Botanical Gardens. We'll talkabout historical planting methods and how they can still be used today.
APRN: Tuesday, 4/7 at 10:00 a.m.
Download Audio
Climate change in Alaska and The Big Thaw podcast
Alaskans have a front row seat to climate change, and Alaska's Energy Desk is telling the stories of our changing state in a new podcast called The Big Thaw. On the next Talk of Alaska- the stories behind the podcast. Join us for a conversation with Energy Desk journalists about what they learned reporting on climate change in our state. LISTEN HERE
Alcohol awareness month
April marks alcohol awareness month, a time for public health and treatment advocates to highlight the dangers of excessive drinking. Alcoholism is a big problem in Alaska and recent public events have promoted having fun without having alcohol. Will the sans concept catch on?
LISTEN: The Nov. 30 earthquake, one year later: what did we learn?
It's been a year since the largest earthquake to shake Alaska since 1964 hit the Southcentral region. Even with millions of dollars in destruction happening in seconds, no one was killed. Was it building codes, epicenter location or just luck?
LISTEN: The annual five year Arctic Research plan is inviting public comment before the plan is written. Here’s what you need to know.
Which federal agencies decide what it will include and how can you weigh in to help shape the focus of the science?
Talk of Alaska: Environmental Writing
Nature has always been dramatic in Alaska, but now those dramatic changes are coming faster. Alaska’s nature writers see this as a...
The state of our education system
Alaskans love a challenge, and our educational system has plenty of them - with shrinking budgets, serious workforce deficits, and poor retention rates for teachers and students. Listen Now