Hometown, Alaska - Alaska Public Media

Brooke Gladstone has spent 25 years in the news business, the past dozen years taking its temperature and analyzing its strengths and weaknesses on NPR's "On the Media." She does it on our behalf, as news consumers. Gladstone is in Alaska this week, her very first time, to talk about our uneasy relationship with news as detailed in her book, "The Influencing Machine." KSKA: Wednesday, 2/26, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Tradition is an important part of politics. The Alaska Legislature has long followed the tradition of keeping the state's capital budget process confidential until the last minute, and then releasing and voting on it in the final days of the session. Some people think that leads to bad decisions. We'll talk about Anchorage's recent tennis court controversies, and other impacts of how the legislature does its job. Is there a better way? KSKA: Wednesday, 2/19, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

The work world is changing. More and more creatives toil on contract and can work anywhere they want: the kitchen table, the local coffee house, or now, new co-working environments. KSKA: Weds. 2/12 at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Listen now:

Tulips and green grass in January? Road to Valdez closed by the mother of all avalanches? Will there be an Iditarod, a Fur Rondy, an Iron Dog? Let's talk about our recent weather and its implications on the next Hometown Alaska. KSKA: Weds. 2/5 at 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm  Listen Now

Volunteers are the heart of many organizations and causes. At this time of year, KSKA provides an opportunity to thank them for their contributions to the community. In the studio, our guests address what volunteers accomplish and how organizations can attract and make effective use of a volunteer workforce. KSKA: Wednesday 12/18 at 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm Listen Now

You say snow gives you hives? Not to worry. Anchorage hosts two winter film festivals that promise to transport your mind and imagination to places you never dreamed of visiting. Come enjoy the best getaway in the world: the movies. We'll feature program directors for the Anchorage International Film Festival and the Indigenous World Film Festival, They'll share highlights and don't-miss surprises for each festival. KSKA: Wednesday, 12/4 at 2:00pm and 9:00pm Listen Now

Churches have fought racial prejudice or gone along with it at different times and places in Alaskan history. These deep, moral issues put spiritual leaders in a complex position, and they see their duties very differently.On the next Hometown, Alaska host Charles Wohlforth talks with two pastors about how religious faith might be relevant to issues of prejudice, how churches talk about those issues, and the pitfalls of broaching them. KSKA: Wednesday 9/18, at 2:00 pm (LIVE) and 9:00 pm Listen Now

School is starting in Anchorage, once again with a new superintendent. After a year of turmoil, the Anchorage School District is headed by a local educator, Ed Graff. Superintendent Graff looks ahead to coming school year and how he plans to guide the district. We're on the air the first day of school. Listen Now KSKA: Wednesday 8/21 at 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Sometimes the news you hear and read gets so complicated and insider you want to tune out, but when it comes to the Alaska gasline, that would mean ignoring one of the most important issues that could determine the state's future for generations. On the next Hometown Alaska, we hold a clarifying discussion about gasline options and issues, a gasline 101 to get up to speed and form our own opinions. KSKA: Wednesday, 5/29, at 2 pm and 7 pm Download Audio

Writing well is not an easy task and writing about painful family breakups is even harder. On the next Hometown Alaska, Lori Townsend hosts guest Leigh Newman, author of the new book Still Points North: One Alaskan Childhood, One Grown up World and one long journey home. Leigh's riveting story tells of her struggles growing up between two homes; her father's in Anchorage and her mother's in Baltimore. KSKA: Wednesday 4/24 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm