Talk of Alaska

Lobbyists are often viewed with skepticism. But many who lobby the local, state and federal government are citizens — often volunteers — who seek better healthcare, improved schools or advocate for policies that address local concerns over clean air and water.

Alaska’s economy is built on oil, and a measure going to the ballet box on November 3rd could have a huge impact on the future of oil in the state.

Repeated attempts by Alaska’s congressional delegation to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to development finally prevailed with a lease sale held in early January. What does the lack of industry interest mean for the future of oil in Alaska?

For Alaskans who experience homelessness, the looming colder weather creates additional stress. What are the plans in Anchorage and across Alaska to ensure that residents without stable housing have help?

The village of Shishmaref voted to move their village and along the coast of Alaska, discussions are taking place about how to adapt to survive into the future. Workshops designed to move beyond studying change to look for solutions within communities are happening and our guest host will lead the discussion about their findings. Listen Now

Alaska Pacific University or APU in Anchorage is working towards becoming a tribal university, so what does that mean? On the next Talk of Alaska, artists Joe and Martha Senungetuk will discuss their work as APU's elders in residence. They're teaching art and culture and bringing in other Native artists for classes.

It's planting time for farmers and backyard garden enthusiasts. What's new with the changing ag scene in Alaska and what will it mean for raising more food right in our state? And how will a changing climate affect food production?

Next Tuesday, legislators return to Juneau to start the 2020 session. Will the Dunleavy administration and state lawmakers find common ground on how to pay for state services and a permanent fund dividend without draining the Constitutional Budget Reserve?

COVID-19 has thrown higher education into turmoil. State budget cuts, loss of research funds and the sudden departure of the University system president are also challenging education leaders at an already difficult time. What’s the outlook?

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?

2017 is nearly gone. There were lots of big news stories in the past year. What was important, and what was just plain interesting. What were your local top stories of the past year? Listen Here

What makes you want to stay in the community where you live? Is it easy to get around? Do you feel connected to your neighbors? Everything from building new playgrounds to giving people access to computers helps make a livable community.

How has this summer affected marine mammal, fish and seabird populations? And what does the hot weather mean for the state as Alaskans adapt to the reality of climate change? We'll discuss the summer heat wave on the next Talk of Alaska.

Congress has put together the largest financial relief package in history. Will it be enough to blunt the economic decline in the U.S? And what will it mean for Alaska's economy and workers?

Educators explain how they are assessing the risks of viral transmission against the toll taken on keeping kids out of the classroom.

The recent discovery of the remains of more than 200 Indigenous children at a residential school in Canada has prompted discussion, grief and memories of past trauma here in Alaska, where thousands of Native children were sent to boarding schools in and outside the state.

Indian Country is a term used to describe reservation and other trust lands. The designation allows tribes to have greater economic and legal control of the land that is held in trust for them by the federal government. It can unlock federal funds for development and also precludes state and borough governments from taxing the trust property. The authority has only been in place since 2014 after years of legal battles. Now it’s on hold. How much land has been placed in to trust in 4 years and what does the review mean for future applications? LISTEN HERE

The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 is often talked about as an unprecedented, unthinkable event, but it was, in fact thinkable, and people tried to prevent it.