Talk of Alaska

A new Department of Defense regional center for security studies based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage will track the region’s shifting priorities and changing climate.

The disturbing trend of gun violence in schools continues to force school districts to look for ways to protect students and staff, and to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Celebration planners and culture bearers share the significance of coming together once again on a special Juneau edition of Talk of Alaska.

Improved efficiencies, less pollution and independence from relying on expensive fuel shipments are making renewable systems attractive to urban and rural Alaskans. What’s been done so far and what’s on the horizon for the summer building season? 

What would a transition to a post-oil future look like? A group of community organizations from around the state are convening to explore sustainable concepts, and how we can build a more equitable economy.

How is climate change fueling early season fire conditions and prolonging them through the summer?

In many places, traditional subsistence has seen repeated interruptions in recent years, causing food insecurity and cultural disruption for Indigenous communities that rely on these foods.

Many people who are involved with the criminal justice system have mental health issues, substance use disorders, or both. Instead of going to prison, some people choose to participate in the Alaska Therapeutic Court System where a team of people helps them heal.

The war in Ukraine has strained the international community’s relationship with Russia, a key player in Arctic affairs. How are other nations and Arctic residents working to continue collaboration on safety, vessel traffic, climate change and development? 

Our polar position means the effects of increasing temperatures are creating problems for coastal and Interior communities. New tools for measuring carbon emissions from melting permafrost could change future cap and trade policies.

With 48 candidates in the running to serve the remainder of Congressman Don Young’s term, Alaskans have a big decision to make in the upcoming pick-one primary election.

Two councils recently established by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s office are tasked with addressing missing and murdered Indigenous people and human and sex trafficking.

The pandemic brought on a level of loneliness that many of us haven’t encountered before. Even two years in, we’re just beginning to understand how our communities and relationships have been affected.

For nearly 50 years, Rep. Don Young’s bombastic style both helped draw attention to Alaska's legislative need and often found him crossed up in less than flattering headlines. Constituents, former colleagues and journalists share memories of Alaska’s longest serving Republican.

Will cases spike in coming weeks? What do Alaskans need to know to help keep infection rates down? Alaska’s top doctors help to clarify the way forward.