Talk of Alaska

Queer and trans youth are at increased risk of homelessness across the nation. In Alaska, limited resources compound the problem, and that makes it more likely young people will become chronically homeless. How are advocates working to address the shortfalls?

Now that they're back in the classroom, the long term impacts of virtual learning and social isolation are making themselves known. Teachers are reporting issues with learning loss, with students falling behind where they should be academically, and behavior.

International and national shipping delays are rippling down the supply line to Alaska. What’s causing the issues, and what does it mean for consumers and businesses in our state?

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is 50 years old in December and the economic effect of the Native Corporations ripples across the state, representing an increasingly larger piece of the state’s economy and jobs.

Permanent Fund Dividends will arrive soon, but the plan to pay for them going forward hasn’t materialized. Legislators have yet to agree on a solution, despite starting a fourth special session and a list of recommendations made by a bipartisan working group this summer.

In his newest book, longtime Alaska writer Tom Kizzia explores the history of McCarthy, digging into the bygone days of the tiny community nestled into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Cold Mountain Path explores forgotten stories of mining, homesteading and loss.

Chum salmon numbers collapsed this fall on the Yukon River and all subsistence and commercial salmon fishing was shut down. That left fishermen and families without a vital source of income and food for the coming winter.

Alaska hospitals are in crisis. The state is setting new records for COVID case numbers and hospitalizations, overwhelming medical facilities and forcing providers to make difficult decisions about who gets an ICU bed and who has to wait. What needs to happen to bring things back to a manageable level?

With no more federal relief coming, what do economists see on the horizon for Alaska’s labor shortage? How much did tourism’s return over the summer make up for the last year of deep loss? Was it enough to help businesses survive the winter? How does the pandemic continue to affect supply lines and commerce?

For many Alaskans, fall’s cooler temperatures and wet weather signal the peak of mushroom season. Two regional fungus festivals are happening this month, and whether you're a veteran forager or a budding mycologist, there’s so much to learn about and discover in the woods and your own backyard.

Students are back in school amid rising COVID-19 cases and community divisions over how to keep them safe.

For Alaskans who experience homelessness, the looming colder weather creates additional stress. What are the plans in Anchorage and across Alaska to ensure that residents without stable housing have help?

As the third special legislative session gets underway to work on stabilizing the state budget, Gov. Dunleavy describes why he believes his proposals are the best way forward.

With a new surge in COVID cases, how are child care providers balancing the need for safety with parents’ needs to work? 

The rapid spike in COVID cases in Alaska has prompted the state health department to recommend that ALL Alaskans, vaccinated or not, should again consider wearing a mask indoors to reduce transmission of the virus. But elected leaders have been hesitant to reinstate lapsed pandemic protocols. What do health officials think the next several weeks will look like and what should Alaskans do to prepare?