Sharks in Alaska waters
Sharks. Alaska's waters are full of them. But they aren't just predators to be featured in horror films. Sleeper sharks, spiny dogfish and flat sharks like skates play key roles in the state's marine ecosystem keeping it healthy for all species. LISTEN HERE
Salmon science
Rivers and streams across the state are closed to king salmon fishing and sockeye returns are shockingly low in parts of Southeast Alaska. Meanwhile, commercial fishermen in parts of Bristol Bay are netting millions of sockeye. What’s happening to salmon stocks around the state? Hear from salmon scientists about what’s affecting this year’s runs on the next Talk of Alaska. LISTEN HERE
Recovery behind bars
On the next Talk of Alaska we're stepping outside of the studio and into Goose Creek Correctional Center. During the special, pre-recorded episode inmates at the prison speak with community members about substance use treatment. It's a chance to hear from people who can't call in but have something to say.
Investing in small business
Alaska has a lot of entrepreneurs. Small business owners do everything from walk dogs to design clothing. How has the small business climate evolved in the state and what's on the horizon? Where can people with big plans get support and capitalize on the interest in buying locally? LISTEN HERE
Public Safety in rural Alaska
Rural Alaska has long had a lack of adequate law enforcement. State budget cuts have exacerbated the problem and recent reporting reveals trouble with how or if some local law enforcement officers are screened before they're hired. What's being done to make rural Alaska safer? LISTEN HERE
Social worker mentors and OCS funds
Working with families in crisis is stressful and social workers have a high burn out rate. A new program within the Office of Children's Services aims to help OCS field workers by providing mentors who can help them learn the skills they'll need to not only survive, but thrive in a challenging occupation. How will that ultimately help children and families? LISTEN HERE
Health care, addiction and budget cuts
The state health care system has been stretched thin by rising rates of addiction, a growing need for more mental health treatment beds and Medicaid expansion. These needs were under the budget lens during the legislative session. How will health care providers meet the challenge of treating sick Alaskans during the funding crunch? LISTEN HERE
Improving the foster care system
Alaska's foster care system has problems. Caseworkers don't stick around for long. It can take years for young people to find permanent homes or be reunited with their families. But new legislation could provide solutions that will help everyone involved with the system. LISTEN HERE
The state park system
Alaska has the largest state park system in the nation. And with the summer season about to launch into high gear, Alaskans are preparing for state park adventures. On the next Talk of Alaska we'll hear from park managers on what they're doing to make even the most remote parks more accessible. And we'll discuss the future of the park system as the state continues to make budget cuts. LISTEN HERE
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
Adoption in Alaska
Adoption involves more than connecting children and parents -- is about navigating new relationships between families. On the next Talk of Alaska we'll speak with birth moms and adoptive moms about their experiences with adoption, how its changed over time and misconceptions about the process. LISTEN HERE
The Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame 10th anniversary
Alaskan women are smart, hardworking, innovative and tough. They have helped build the state through dedicated service to education, medicine, business, the arts and much more. The Alaska Women's Hall of Fame inducts several of them each spring and this year marks the 10th anniversary. LISTEN HERE
Restoration Ecology
Wilderness, pasture, human habitat, wildlife habitat -- what if we combined all those functions? What if we called "invasive" species "successful" species instead? Scary? You bet! But doesn't climate warming and over-population already have us scared? On the next Talk of Alaska, we'll continue hearing controversial arguments for re-aligning how we think about the human-altered environment. LISTEN HERE
Responding to accelerating life systems on Planet Earth
Most people agree that we need to aim for more resilient infrastructure and communities to effectively respond to climate change. But what are the first steps toward getting there? Your chance to talk it over with two expert panelists is coming up on the next "Talk of Alaska:" an ecologist who has documented what is actually happening with endangered species, and an experimenter who locked himself in a closed environment for two years. LISTEN HERE
The marijuana industry in Alaska
Marijuana has been legal in Alaska since a voter initiative passed in 2014. Retail businesses and commercial growers are operating and paying millions in taxes to the state, but one of only three testing facilities recently shut down and there's still no decision regarding on-site consumption. LISTEN HERE
How are Alaska State Troopers coping with lower staffing?
The Alaska State Troopers face a dilemma. They take on some of Alaska's toughest cases and are seeing increased demand. But even as state budget shortfalls have forced cuts, the agency is struggling to keep the troopers it already has. How are the troopers coping with staffing issues? Will public safety suffer? LISTEN HERE
What should an Alaska climate change policy look like?
Alaska is on the front lines of climate change. A recent report found that we are living through the warmest period “in the history of modern civilization” - and in Alaska, we’re warming twice as fast as the global average. So what should we do about it? LISTEN HERE
Preventing suicide with strength and resilience
Suicide rates for Alaska Native youth are still high -- but groups are actively working to change that. Community members and researchers are focusing on the strengths of Alaska Native peoples and cultures to reduce the risk and promote wellness. Listen now
State economy and recession. Is it time to start talking about economic recovery?
Alaska is still in recession- and the state's economic engine is significantly smaller than it was three years ago. But job losses have slowed. So is there an end in sight for the first state recession in three decades? And what will it take to stage a real recovery?
LISTEN HERE
What would happen if we tap into the Permanent Fund?
Politicians on both sides say we need to tap into the Permanent Fund in order to close the state's multi-billion dollar budget gap. But how would that draw on the $66 billion dollar fund be structured? And how might it affect the longevity of the state's largest investment account? LISTEN HERE