Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

Anchorage is gripped by several complex local issues — widespread evidence and impact of homelessness and persistent criminal activity. And like the nation, the state of Alaska seems politically polarized; here, it is over how to fund government services while supporting a permanent fund dividend payment to its residents. The problems are big and seem […]

This summer solstice evening, Senior Judge Elaine Andrews participated in a citizen’s ride along with the Anchorage Police Department, riding with Sgt. Jeremy Conkling. Conkling also currently serves as president of the Alaska Police Department Employees Association (APDEA), a bargaining unit that represents 500 employees at APD. Conkling’s APD career began in 2011 as a […]

Terrence and Dermot Cole are smart brothers who grew up with four other siblings on a small farm in eastern Pennsylvania. These two –twins actually — followed older brother, Pat, to Fairbanks in the 1970s. Terrence became a history professor at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Journalist Dermot has written for four decades, 21 years for […]

Urban Alaskans may well celebrate snow that melts and disappears faster in spring. On the other hand, warmer summers are dramatically facilitating spruce bark beetle infestations in Southcentral. Fire and falling trees can result. Warmer winters may translate into fewer people freezing in winter sub-zero temperatures, but shoe grippers and spiked slip-ons have become more […]

Until the end of this month, People Mover is inviting citizens to vote for bus route changes they most like. Voting is done via email. Voters get to select their top three proposals out of about 30. Winning proposals will be costed out in the fall, and depending on available funding, implemented over time. Don’t […]

This is an independent, nonprofit law firm providing legal advocacy for people with disabilities anywhere in Alaska. It serves as the congressionally mandated “protection and advocacy” agency in Alaska. Each state has one, based on a public outcry in the 1970s about abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in institutional care. The law firm […]

We are still living with the aftermath of last November’s major shaker. FEMA is still here helping homeowners and the school district. Eagle River students are still adjusting their lives to different schools and municipality voters passed a bond measure to help with school repairs. People are trying to get their lives back to normal. […]

Anchorage School District Superintendent Dr. Deena Bishop joins us to take listener questions. She will share the district's strategies for coping with the current long list of challenges. She'll also speak to what it means to educate children for a world that is changing fast. And we'll learn a bit about what drives her to do this work. Thanks for listening!

Rebroadcast: First of two parts on emergency preparedness. This week, how is the state of Alaska prepared? Next week: How should you, private citizen, prepare? Thanks for listening!

What are some of the most important legal issues facing older Alaskans? Thanks for listening!