School is back in session and teachers are back at work. The importance of educators is often overlooked, but they can have a major impact on a young person's life. This episode of Addressing Alaskans features an event called "Teacher Tales." It was presented in the format of The Moth and Arctic Entries and celebrates educators and all that they do…

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation's 2024 Economic Development Luncheon. AEDC President and CEO, Jenna Wright, presents results of economic confidence surveys and updates on Anchorage's job market. AEDC also discusses their economic proposal to invest in the city called "Choose Anchorage." Pr…

Candidates respond to questions related to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the city. This event was recorded on Saturday, March 16 at Northwood Elementary School and was edited for broadcast length. NOTE: Bill Popp is a former chair for Alaska Public Media’s board of directors. LINKS: Asian Alaskan Cultural Center AACC Facebook…

This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage mayoral candidate forum presented by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce's Make it Monday forums. Candidates respond to questions regarding business and the city's economy. This program was recorded via livestream on February 26 from the Dena'ina Center and was edited for broadcast. NOTES: Bill Po…

The Anchorage Mayoral election takes place on Tuesday, April 2. This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage Mayoral candidate forum presented by Alaska Children's Trust. Find out more about the candidates and hear how they would address city issues related to children and families. This program was recorded via Facebook Live on March 6 an…

The Anchorage Mayoral election takes place on Tuesday, April 2 and there are lots of options to choose from. This week on Addressing Alaskans we have an Anchorage Mayoral candidate forum presented by the Alaska Black Caucus. Find out more about the candidates and hear how they would lead the city if chosen by voters. This program was recorded on Fe…

This program comes from the recent Bettye Davis African American Summit. This moderated discussion focuses on education and how it relates to the theme of the summit – “Marching till Equity, Equality & Justice is Won!” Speakers include educators and community and public leaders. This event took place on February 10th at Bettye Davis East High Schoo…

Vulnerable populations like our homeless youth have been shown to be more susceptible to trafficking, but the issue is global and increasingly complex—even in Alaska. Tyson Wright is the founder and director of the International Coalition for Prevention and Empowerment, a nonprofit focused on the prevention of human trafficking. He discusses the is…

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation's 2024 economic forecast for the city. The report covers demographics and employment, updates of various sectors of the economy and expectations for the future. Keynote speaker Patience Fairbrother discusses national relocation trends and talent attraction a…

Caribou are a vital resource and cultural icon in Alaska, but they are not immune to changes in their environment. This episode of Addressing Alaskans features an in-depth discussion hosted by Alaska Public Media on the future of the state’s caribou. This event was recorded at the Alaska Native Heritage Center on December 13, 2023. MODERATOR: Joaql…

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features sessions from the Anchorage Assembly's Community Housing Action Summit. The event was open to the public and consisted of speakers discussing the issues behind the city's housing shortage, solutions to the issue and breakout sessions for more in-depth discussions. This program includes the session "Ancho…

The Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention is only a few weeks away and there will be plenty of speakers, crafts and traditional music. But what about contemporary music? On this episode of Hometown, Alaska we have two very different in-studio performances from some up-and-coming Alaska Native musicians. Join host Dave Waldron as he speaks …

Every year at the end of August in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada, Black Rock City is built, and for about a week it becomes the third largest city in Nevada, with around 60,000 inhabitants. It is the host city for the annual event called Burning Man and it has all the amenities you’d expect to see in any other city of this size. It has …

What makes an outdoor expedition successful? Most trips in the outdoors, whether one day or two weeks, are enjoyable and fun, that's why Alaskans, even on wet summers like this one, flock to the outdoors. But some outings turn into epics and even tragedy. On this Outdoor Explorer host Paul Twardock talks about what makes a good expedition happen wi…

Temperatures are dropping quickly and hundreds of Anchorage residents are currently living unsheltered in camps and on the street across the city. What’s the plan to keep them safe this winter and beyond? Join host Anne Hillman as she speaks with three city leaders who are working on this problem. HOST: Anne Hillman GUESTS: Alexis Johnson, Anchorag…

The stigmas and statistics of mental health awareness are important issues for Alaskans, especially as it relates to suicide prevention. On this episode of Hometown, Alaska host Justin Williams leads a conversation about how to discuss mental health and suicide prevention with Blaze Bell of Standing Together Against Rape and Recover Alaska as well …

Alaska author Don Rearden grew up in Southwest Alaska living and observing rural life. His books "Raven's Gift," a novel, and "Without A Paddle," a collection of poems, reflect his Alaska experiences and life. Don also co-authored books featuring two of Alaska's professional military rescuers. Don joins host Paul Twardock to discuss Alaska's cultur…

When most people think of Alaska sports, hockey, basketball and mushing are top of mind. But, as the Alaska Rugby Union celebrates its 50th anniversary, they are poised to make the sport of rugby an Alaska staple. On paper, the objective of rugby is simple—carry a ball across the scoring zone to secure more points than your opponent. It sounds easy…

Thousands of Alaskans could lose their Medicaid benefits. Plus, Southcentral Alaska is under a flood watch this weekend.

Biking single track trail on mountain bikes has become very popular in Southcentral Alaska. Trails have proliferated and more are planned. Long trails like the Alaska Traverse will help connect communities and increase non-motorized recreational opportunities. In the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Chugiak/Eagle River individuals and groups are busy b…

Business leaders share the economic impact of Alaska's child care crisis. Plus, with a looming natural gas shortfall and expensive imports, are Southcentral utilities taking renewable energy seriously?

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has a uniquely Alaskan experience during his visit. Plus, a small fire on the ferry Columbia sent some passengers to the hospital for smoke inhalation. And, a rural Alaska airline celebrates 70 years of business.

Federal officials tout funding to increase broadband access in rural Alaska. Plus, officials haven't been able to reach the site of a plane crash in Denali National Park, nearly a week after it happened.

This week on Addressing Alaskans we’ll hear how the Anchorage economy has been progressing and what issues lie ahead. This program features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s three-year outlook luncheon. It covers topics including population, employment, and other local industries. Speakers include Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, AEDC p…

A new report quantifies the economic impact of National Park tourism in Alaska. Plus, Petersburg joins a growing list of communities trying to solve its housing crisis. And, new signage is part of a movement to recognize Dena'ina history around Anchorage.

45 years ago KSKA flipped a switch and became the very first public radio station in Southcentral Alaska. On the next Hometown, Alaska we revisit some of the station's best memories with KSKA’s original general manager and the station's longtime program director of nearly 40 years. HOST: Dave Waldron GUESTS: Alex Hills, KSKA’s original general mana…

For Alaska's foster families, the shortage of available child care is hitting especially hard. Plus, Sitka state Sen. Bert Stedman shares a warning about the Permanent Fund Dividend.

The Air National Guard rescues two sheep hunters clinging to the side of a cliff. Plus, the U.S. Assistant Health Secretary visits Alaska to talk public health, including opioid addiction treatment.

Joe Kurtak embodies a modern day Alaskan. He was raised at a remote mining camp in eastern California, went to college, then came to Alaska in 1971 for a summer job. He quickly fell for everything the Great Land had to offer, especially its geology. Joe worked for 40 years mapping Alaska's geology while working for both private firms and the federa…

Scientists work to understand Juneau's glacial outburst flooding. Plus, new federal funding will help salmon in Alaska cross under roadways.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visits the Port of Alaska. Plus, new wildfire smoke forecasts are popular with Interior residents.

Alaskans help out in the wake of the devastating wildfires on Maui. Plus, one woman's tragic battle with opioid addiction becomes a warning for students. And, Juneau schools and the state education department debate a federal law that determines local school funding.

Kake, Alaska is currently populated by about 500 people but it’s the hometown of many more. This week on Hometown, Alaska we take a trip on a seal hunting vessel and into a kitchen as we explore the community through interviews about its past and present with the hosts of the podcast "A Piece of Kake." HOST: Anne Hillman GUESTS: Mona Evan and Sarah…

A new report shows Alaska students missed school at a higher rate than in any other state. Plus, federal authorities investigate a plane crash in Denali National Park. And, school administrators struggle to find staff for a rural school on the Kenai Peninsula.

The Alaska Attorney General sues a group of car dealerships on allegations of false advertising. Plus, black cod threaten hatchery-bound chum salmon. And, humpback whales are moving into new territory — the Arctic.

On the next Outdoor Explorer our guest is Nicole Chamberlain and the Meowtaineer, Petra the Adventure Cat. Petra is a Siberian Forest Cat, well-adapted to the cold, and Nicole has taken her on many adventures on the snow and the water. They recently spent time at the Sheldon House in Denali and Petra became the first cat to ski on the Ruth Glacier.…

Alaska wildfires have now burned over a quarter-million acres this year. Plus, fish processors announce another low price, this time for chum salmon. And, Angoon prepares for a hydro-electric project four decades in the making.