LISTEN: 32 rural Alaska communities still lack running water. Infrastructure builders are trying to change that.
For most Americans, in home running water and flushing toilets are considered basic utilities, but across rural Alaska more than 30 villages are still living without piped systems. What are the challenges of providing water infrastructure to these communities?
LISTEN: Protests have erupted across the country and the world. But what will it take to make lasting change?
The calls for respect and equality are not new, but what should the next steps be to create real change? What does it take to reform police departments and address public safety in a way that all citizens can trust?
LISTEN: State government reporters discuss legislative priorities
Lawmakers are meeting in Juneau for an unusual and challenging legislative session. What’s likely to happen this year with permanent fund dividends and pandemic relief?
The race for U.S. Senate: Joe Miller
Six years ago Joe Miller won the primary for U.S. Senate as a Republican but lost the general election. He's running now as a Libertarian. Why is the Fairbanks attorney running for Senate under another party? What would he focus on if Alaskans vote to send him to Congress? We'll ask when Libertarian candidate Joe Miller is our guest on the next Talk of Alaska. Listen Now
The emerging science of addressing violence, health care and law enforcement
October is domestic violence awareness month, but in Alaska, the consistently high rate of violence and sexual assault presents a year round need for education and assistance. What needs to change for people to have better outcomes? On the next Talk of Alaska, University of Alaska legal and medical experts discuss the evolving science and intersection between law enforcement, victim services and health care. Listen now
Bear awareness and safety
In Alaska, the wilderness is also bear country. What type of bear deterrent should you carry? And what should you do if you encounter a bear?
LISTEN: Homelessness services are working to keep Alaskans sheltered as statewide cold snap continues
The recent, severe cold weather has turned difficult conditions into life threatening ones. How are shelter managers and others who work to end homelessness grappling with extreme need for those who are most vulnerable during this extended cold snap?
LISTEN: Not every student in Alaska has access to reliable internet. How are officials handling distance education in rural Alaska?
How will rural students access course materials in areas with little or no broadband? And how will teachers build relationships with students that can’t log on?
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.
Talk of Alaska: Renewable Energy
The options for renewable energy are increasing. There are new sources for power generation; there is better insulation, amd more efficient appliances,...
Nonprofits
Alaska has a lot of nonprofit organizations that do a lot of good work. Community groups, social service organizations, advocacy groups. Alaskans are supportive and contribute a lot of money, but many nonprofits are struggling financially. The needs are there, but what’s the future for Alaska’s nonprofits? LISTEN HERE
The road back to accreditation
An ambitious plan to recruit and train more Alaskans for teaching positions hit a snag recently when UAA's teacher education program lost its national accreditation.
Renewable energy in Alaska
From hydropower to solar energy, renewable and alternative energy projects are taking root statewide. What are the challenges -- and emerging opportunities -- when it comes to developing new power sources in the Land of the Midnight Sun?
LISTEN: Can Alaska’s economy bounce back after COVID-19?
Tens of thousands unemployed, nearly $2 billion in lost state GDP, these are the economic projections in a new report by ISER examining the negative effects of the COVID-19 virus on Alaska’s economy. How much will federal spending help Alaskan businesses and individuals?
LISTEN: Two weeks later, how did Alaskans vote this election?
As state election officials continue tallying ballots, major questions remain about the results, even after most races have been called.
Food To Schools From Farms
A national effort to bring fresh food from farms to schools has resulted in $385 million in purchases for school lunches and other meals across the country. More than half the school districts in Alaska are participating in the Farm to School program, feeding more than a hundred thousand kids in the state.
APRN: Tuesday, 1/9 at 10:00am
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Challenging systemic racism in Alaska
Over the past few centuries in the United States, laws and policies have favored some racial and ethnic groups over others. It's led to racial inequity in Alaska and beyond. Now different groups are working together to educate people about these problems and develop solutions. LISTEN HERE
The decline of sea ice in the Arctic
The decline in seasonal sea ice affects more than just arctic communities. That ice helps regulate world temperatures. Less ice means coastal communities are at risk of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
LISTEN: As the Arctic climate warms, the growing season lengthens. Will rural Alaska become more agricultural?
As winter approaches, farmers and gardeners make plans for spring crops. Climate change effects on the growing season in Alaska means new opportunities and challenges for the future. Will residents, even in the arctic, be able to grow enough food for their winter use?
LISTEN: What does it take to ensure human rights across Alaska? A conversation with the Human Rights Commission and state Ombudsman.
Protests demanding equality have rippled across the state and nation in recent weeks. Communities of color and their supporters demand reform of policing, but inequality also exists within many other government agencies and programs that create barriers to social justice.