Talk of Alaska

Every 10 years, Alaskans vote on whether or not to hold a constitutional convention. The state constitution has been amended many times, but Alaskans have always voted down a second convention in the past. This year there are active campaigns on both sides and on a special edition of Talk of Alaska, we’ll air a recent debate that was held in Anchorage on the pros and cons of reopening the entire constitution to potential change.

What has been learned, or not, from the global pandemic that for more than two years drove medical facilities to the breaking point and killed more than a million Americans. The fast spreading disease also shut down huge swaths of our national and state economy in a manner that most of us have never experienced. Even though President Joe Biden said in September that the pandemic is over, nationally more than 300 people are still dying every day from Covid. So how have Alaskans coped with mandates, anxiety, vaccines and illness? We’ll discuss pandemic lessons and stories on this Talk of Alaska.

Dozens of different minerals are required to make everyday items like cell phones and batteries. Now new federal climate legislation includes a provision that could spur efforts to develop more of these critical minerals right here in Alaska. But what are those minerals? And what does the growing global demand for them mean for mining in the state? We'll discuss the future of critical minerals on the next Talk of Alaska.

The legacy of boarding schools affected generations of Native people, from the children who were ripped away to their grandparents, parents, siblings and communities. While the pain and loss of that oppressive era should not be forgotten, moving into a healthier educational future is critical for the wellbeing of all. What does it mean to decolonize education? And who is doing the work? We’ll discuss new paths forward for Native education on Talk of Alaska.

Alaskans in communities along hundreds of miles of coastline from the YK Delta to Point Hope are grappling with the aftermath of a historic storm that flooded towns, floated homes off foundations and sank boats. The good news is there have been no reports of injury or death, but the recovery will be difficult and winter is approaching. How are communities coping and what are state and federal leaders doing to help?

For generations, Alaska Native people along the Yukon River have depended on a steady supply of salmon for a healthy source of protein to sustain them through the long winter. But king and chum salmon subsistence fishing has been closed to Yukon River families for the past two years, affecting both diets and cultural tradition. What are the factors behind the low runs? We’ll discuss it on the next Talk of Alaska.

The results of Alaska’s first ranked choice election may have surprised some Alaskans. Democrat Mary Peltola prevailed in the special election for the current U.S. House term, beating two Republicans. Now the real race is on for November where candidates are also competing for Governor, U.S. Senate and state legislative races. What have we learned from this first ranked choice experience and what might it reveal for November? Alaska reporters join us for a campaign discussion on the next Talk of Alaska.

High rates of substance abuse and addiction have long plagued Alaska, but in recent years, fentanyl has greatly increased the number of overdose deaths. New forms of the illicit drug are raising alarms for prevention advocates. The combination of pills that look like candy and the lethal risk of even small amounts of fentanyl means everyone should know what to watch for to help keep themselves and children safe. We’ll discuss how Fentanyl is getting to Alaska and what’s being done to stop it.

High rates of substance abuse and addiction have long plagued Alaska, but in recent years, fentanyl has greatly increased the number of overdose deaths. New forms of the illicit drug are raising alarms for prevention advocates. The combination of pills that look like candy and the lethal risk of even small amounts of fentanyl means everyone should know what to watch for to help keep themselves and children safe. We’ll discuss how Fentanyl is getting to Alaska and what’s being done to stop it.

Ready or not, school season is upon us. After two years of pandemic interruptions, many districts are hopeful for consistent in-person instruction. But a shortage of teachers, bus drivers and other staff is creating a stressful start to the school year for administrators and parents alike. Some districts are looking outside the country for help, and others hope new legislation will attract more teachers to Alaska schools.

Thousands of people move in and out of Alaska every year. But people who moved to Alaska in recent years are not staying as long as they used to. There are plenty of available jobs, so what are the factors that contribute to higher rates of outmigration and what might it indicate for Alaska’s future?

Whether you’re excited or dismayed with the change, Alaskans will have their first experience with the state’s new ranked choice voting method on August 16 for the special U.S. House race to fill the term ending in January. Voters will also decide on a wide range of other primary candidates. Confused? Election officials and voter advocates answer your questions.

For Indigenous chefs, reviving traditional harvest and preparation techniques is a mission to both create healthier bodies and healthier, more vibrant connections to family and community.

Every year, people from all over the world arrive in Alaska to escape conflict at home. Many of them have language barriers, and need assistance to find housing and jobs to build a new life.

High prices at the gas pump and the grocery store are putting pressure on Alaskans just as federal COVID relief programs are coming to an end.