Talk of Alaska

Aging in Alaska is both challenging and wonderful. The state's rapidly growing population of people who are 65 and older are strengthening their communities by contributing time and wisdom, and building the economy. On the next Talk of Alaska we'll hear from elders about what it's like to grow older here and what needs to happen to make that more feasible and fun. Listen Here

Walker administration officials say the future is bright for resource development with new oil discoveries on the North Slope, potential mining opportunities and the prospect of opening ANWR. They also say the long awaited gas line deal is coming together. How much of this message is an economic wish list and how much is reality? Listen Here

During the Vietnam war, the use of a defoliate known as agent orange was supposed to affect vegetation not soldiers, but it made them sick and serious health conditions resulted in a long fight for recognition and compensation. Gulf War vets also had to fight the military over health problems linked to military toxins. What's changed since these illnesses came to light? Listen Here

Bullying is prevalent in Alaska -- about a quarter of teens say they've experienced it at school. Others have been bullied online. But why should we be concerned? How does bullying affect young people? Listen Here

For too long Alaska has been near or at the top in the nation for violence against women and sexual assault. Recent harassment and rape allegations against powerful people in Hollywood and in media have elevated the problem. But will that attention help change behavior? Listen Here

Alaska's economy has been driven by resource extraction from the land and water for decades. What will and should that look like in the future? What's the outlook for oil, mining, fisheries and renewable energy such as hydro and geothermal? Listen Here

Alaska has a housing shortage, and it's hard for many of the state's most vulnerable residents to find secure, stable places to live. Different organizations around Alaska are coming together to try to fill the gap, but it's going to require new types of collaboration. Listen Here

For many Americans, the PBS documentary on the Vietnam war brings up memories of past divisions between those who supported sending U.S. military and those who did not. It was an emotional topic for families and as the number of war casualties grew, so did the protests across the country. Listen Here

It's not a number to celebrate, but the consistently high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska need discussion and attention. Why does Alaska stay at or near the top in the nation for these terrible statistics? What's being done to combat family violence, and how can everyone help address it? Listen Here

There's been a lot of bad news in recent weeks. Devastating hurricanes, tension with North Korea and a horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. We face risks each day. How should we manage the stress that accompanies them without becoming overwhelmed and how should we talk to children about it all? Listen Here

In 2016, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 91 -- an omnibus criminal justice reform bill. Now, just over a year later, some are blaming the law for increases in crime and calling for its repeal. Join us for Talk of Alaska as we explore what SB 91 actually does, and what factors could be influencing crime rates in the state. Listen Here

It's become too common. Reports of a data breach that leaves thousands or millions of consumers vulnerable to identity theft, fraud or other types of scams. But what can you do to keep your personal information safe when online commerce is every day business? Listen Here

Almost everyone who goes to prison will eventually be released, but without the proper support network, many will likely re-offend. Organizations, individuals, and the Department of Corrections are trying to change that. Listen Here

60,000 Americans died in the Vietnam war. Thousands more died in the following years. A new documentary by filmmaker Ken Burns examines the era. In the first of a series of discussions on the war, we'll hear from Alaska Vietnam veterans about how they're doing today, decades after their service and what we've learned as a nation. Listen Here

Some runs were outstanding, some were terrible. On the next Talk of Alaska, we're discussing the state's iconic species-- salmon. Whether you fish for sport, subsistence or make your living as a commercial fisherman or woman, the summer season is wrapping up. Listen Here