Talk of Alaska

Last year the legislature passed a far-reaching omnibus criminal justice reform bill – SB 91. It was based on recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Commission and developed to both save money and reduce recidivism. It’s based on data from similar initiatives around the country. Opponents says it’s soft on crime and lets people off too easily. But political arguments aside – what does this 128-page tomb actually do? What’s already happening and what’s yet to come? That’s the topic on Talk of Alaska. Listen now

Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health is a massive report looking at the $500 billion impact to the United States from alcohol and drug addiction. The Surgeon General’s office wants this report to help educate citizens and build a deeper understanding about addiction much as earlier reports on tobacco, AIDS and mental illness sought to do in the '60s, '80s and '90s.

Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health is a massive report looking at the $500 billion impact to the United States from alcohol and drug addiction. The Surgeon General’s office wants this report to help educate citizens and build a deeper understanding about addiction much as earlier reports on tobacco, AIDS and mental illness sought to do in the '60s, '80s and '90s.

Alcohol can be a fun addition to a gathering, but it can also be disastrous if not used responsibly. Alaska has a difficult relationship with alcohol and the holiday season can be tough for people trying to stay sober or limit their intake. Listen Now

Alcohol can be a fun addition to a gathering, but it can also be disastrous if not used responsibly. Alaska has a difficult relationship with alcohol and the holiday season can be tough for people trying to stay sober or limit their intake. Listen Now

A new book by former public radio GM for KOTZ and KSKA, Dr. Alex Hills, tells the story of the early days of telecommunications in rural Alaska. What it took to connect the villages and who was doing the work. The book is called Finding Alaska’s Village: And Connecting Them and author Alex Hills will be on hand to discuss it. Listen Now

A new book by former public radio GM for KOTZ and KSKA, Dr. Alex Hills, tells the story of the early days of telecommunications in rural Alaska. What it took to connect the villages and who was doing the work. The book is called Finding Alaska’s Village: And Connecting Them and author Alex Hills will be on hand to discuss it. Listen Now

Lisa Murkowski has been one of Alaska’s U.S. Senators since she was appointed to the position in 2002. She’s a veteran of both state and national politics and is running for retention for the third time. She will be the final candidate on Talk of Alaska for this election cycle. Listen Now

Lisa Murkowski has been one of Alaska’s U.S. Senators since she was appointed to the position in 2002. She’s a veteran of both state and national politics and is running for retention for the third time. She will be the final candidate on Talk of Alaska for this election cycle. Listen Now

Ray Metcalfe is in the mix of candidates vying for incumbent Lisa Murkowski’s U.S. Senate seat. He’s spent years working to draw attention to political corruption within state government. He worked in the legislature as a Republican and now he’s running as a Democrat, but has told the state party, he doesn’t want their help. Listen Now

Ray Metcalfe is in the mix of candidates vying for incumbent Lisa Murkowski’s U.S. Senate seat. He’s spent years working to draw attention to political corruption within state government. He worked in the legislature as a Republican and now he’s running as a Democrat, but has told the state party, he doesn’t want their help. Listen Now

Six years ago Joe Miller won the primary for U.S. Senate as a Republican but lost the general election. He's running now as a Libertarian. Why is the Fairbanks attorney running for Senate under another party? What would he focus on if Alaskans vote to send him to Congress? We'll ask when Libertarian candidate Joe Miller is our guest on the next Talk of Alaska. Listen Now

Steve Lindbeck is running against Don Young for Alaska’s lone U.S. House position. Lindbeck is a first time candidate. He's worked for non-profits for decades including as General Manager of Alaska Public Media. We’ll find out what he would work to achieve if Alaskans decide to send him to Washington. Listen Now

Margaret Stock is running as an Independent for U.S. Senate. The first time candidate says she will promote a strong national defense and support military veterans. She’s also pro-choice. She is the first in a series of candidates we’ll feature on TOA over the next few weeks. Listen Now

Learning from the past helps inform the future. Clive Thomas’s new book on policy, people and the institutions that helped create the political structure of Alaska is an exhaustive examination of topics such as the state’s constitution and how it differs from others, being an owner state, the politics of lobbying, the federal relationship, transportation, economic realities, state courts and a wide range of political issues. I do mean wide range. The book is more than 1200 pages and weighs 5 pounds! Listen Now