Talk of Alaska

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (LIVE) repeating at 8 p.m.This is Alaska’s only statewide call-in forum for discussing the issues impacting life on the Last Frontier. Politics, science, culture and current events are covered by hosts from the Alaska Public Media news team along with guests and callers.

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?

Alaska’s summer heatwave

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.

Arctic dinosaurs and ancient ecosystems

Dr Anthony Fiorillo has spent more than two decades searching remote areas in Alaska for evidence of dinosaurs that once roamed the state. Find out more about his work and what ancient ecosystems can teach us about our future on the next Talk of Alaska.
molly of denali

The work of eradicating stereotypes

All cultures need a correct reflection of who they are in media. There has been progress, such as the new PBS kids program Molly of Denali, but a lot of work remains. We'll discuss the good, the bad and the 'still needs to be changed' on the next Talk of Alaska.
YKHC consists of a regional hospital in Bethel. Photo Courtesy of YKHC.

Rural public health

Access to health care in rural Alaska can be a challenge. How will reductions in medicaid and other funds affect health in rural communities?

The burn season

With extreme heat and dry conditions, wildfires are burning across the state. What's the outlook for the rest of the summer and what should we all do to help reduce the risk of causing a fire or losing property to one?

The future of the UA system

Governor Mike Dunleavy's vetoes cut 41 percent of the state's contribution to the University of Alaska system budget.. How will UA handle the deep cuts to programs, staff and students? And could UA could lose national accreditation?

Law enforcement in rural Alaska

Rural Alaska communities suffer some of the highest rates of violence and lawlessness in the country. Recently AG Barr visited southwest Alaska communities and pledged millions in emergency funds to begin addressing the problem. We'll ask what else is needed on the next Talk of Alaska.

The PFD debate

The permanent fund dividend has become a political hot potato. Some want a $3000 dividend, under the original law, others say a new formula is needed to avoid deeper state budget cuts and to keep the fund healthy into the future. What's the best path forward?
Photo by Jason Sear, KDLG - Dillingham

The Pebble Mine

A comment period for the Pebble Mine project ends July 1st. Supporters of the mine say it would bring good jobs to the Bristol Bay region but opponents worry about potential long term effects to the world's largest wild salmon fishery.

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?

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?

The future of agriculture in Alaska

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?

Federal policy in Alaska

Federal military policy will increasingly focus on the arctic region. How will U.S. tensions with Russia, North Korea and China affect Alaska? U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan joins us for the next Talk of Alaska.

6 months after 7.1

It's been 6 months since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake rattled southcentral Alaskans. Repair and recovery efforts are ongoing. What are the lessons learned?
Port of Alaska

The future of the Port of Alaska

Two billion dollars. That's the cost estimate to repair the port of Alaska. Why the big price tag and how will it be paid for?

The trades and workforce development for Alaska

Should young people today go to a 4 year university or enter the trades? Some students do both: Get a job through a technical program so they can make enough money to support their plan for college. Is there a best approach?

The first forensic nursing academy in the US

A new forensics program at the University of Alaska Anchorage will provide training for evidence collection for both types of abuse. The new program is the first in the nation.
Bean's Cafe at Brother Francis Shelter in Anchorage.

The effort to end homelessness

The annual point in time homelessness count for Alaska has for years revealed that about 2000 people across the state, do not have their own home. Is it possible to get to zero?

The role of nonprofits in Alaska

Alaska has a high number of nonprofit organizations that assist communities with a wide range of services. What could state budget cuts mean for their funding and how will it affect their ability to provide services?