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…

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…

(Image courtesy of Alaska Eating Disorder Alliance) This episode features a panel discussion moderated by two-time Olympian and professional counselor Holly Brooks with medical experts and athletes discussing the issue of eating disorders in sports and how to combat the issue. This program was recorded on February 23rd at the Bear Tooth Theater aft…

This episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2023 economic forecast. We hear reports on jobs and employment, housing, consumer optimism, and business confidence. We’ll also hear about Choose Anchorage, a framework intended to revitalize the city. DISCLAIMER: Bill Popp is a member of Alaska Public Med…

Prototype of a ranked-choice ballot. (Alaska Division of Elections) With a special primary for US representative on June 11 and upcoming elections this fall, representatives from Alaska Division of Elections and Alaskans for Better Elections explain how the voting process works and answer audience questions. This program was presented by Alaska Com…

Today’s episode features a panel discussion celebrating International Women’s Day with the next generation of Indigenous women leaders. This program was presented by the Alaska World Affairs Council. MODERATOR: Hallie Bissett PANNELISTS: Dena Sommer-Pedebone, Chief Executive Officer of Gana-A’Yoo, Limited, is responsible for working with the Board …

Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit civil rights activist. (Courtesy image) Today’s episode features a panel discussion celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovitch Day. GBH Kids, producer of Molly of Denali, the Rasmuson Foundation and Alaska Public Media partnered together to host an event to honor the important figure in Alaska’s history and to view a spe…

This week’s episode of Addressing Alaskans features the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2022 economic forecast luncheon. AEDC president and CEO Bill Popp gives an update on how the Anchorage economy has changed since last year and presents the results of employment, housing and business reports. SPEAKERS: Bill Popp: President and CEO, …

This week’s episode of Addressing Alaskans continues with speakers from the 2021 Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Speakers discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the local and national economy and how the pandemic has affected the local justice system. SPEAKERS: Segment 1: Bill Popp, president and CEO of Anchorage Economic Development C…

This week’s episode of Addressing Alaskans features speakers from the 2021 Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Christian religious leaders speak about the intersection of personal faith and the importance of making the choice to help push back against the pandemic. SPEAKERS: Pastor Leon D. May I, River in the Desert; President, Interd…

This week on Addressing Alaskans is the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 economic outlook. Learn how Anchorage’s economy is performing after taking a hit in 2020 and where the trends are headed. Read the full report HERE BROADCAST: Sunday, August 29, 2021 RECORDED: Wednesday, August 8, 2021 ABOUT: Addressing Alaskans features local…

Allen Lavont Jefferson talks about his plans for volunteer work in his tent in Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood in August, 2021 (Lex Treinen/Alaska Public Media) This episode of Addressing Alaskans features a panel representatives from local organizations examining solutions to homelessness. The event was hosted by Rep. Ivy Spohnholz and mode…

The Juneteenth flag was raised on June 11, 2021, at Anchorage City Hall. (Jeff Chen/Alaska Public Media) The 19th of June has long been celebrated in African American communities to commemorate the end of slavery. Earlier this month President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday. This program includes a moderated youth discussion from the Al…

Former Air Force and commercial pilot Dave Bronson (left) and Assembly member and Alaska Army National Guard Captain Forrest Dunbar pictured in April, 2021 (Jeff Chen/Alaska Public Media) The runoff election for Anchorage’s mayor ends Tuesday, May 11. The candidates have been narrowed down to Forrest Dunbar and Dave Bronson. In this episode of Addr…

Stacked can goods at the Homer Community Food Pantry. (Photo by Shady Grove Oliver) As part of their series examining Anchorage’s Climate Action Plan, Alaska Common Ground hosted a diverse panel featuring growers, hunters, educators and advocates who want to improve Anchorage and Alaska’s food system. SPEAKERS: Micah Hahn – Moderator Edible Alaska …

China’s State Councilor Wang Yi exits the US-China talks at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage on March 18, 2021. (Jeff Chen/Alaska Public Media) Representatives from the United States and China met face-to-face for the first time since President Joe Biden’s term began. The meeting took place last month and the Alaska World Affairs council hosted …

On Tuesday, April 6, Anchorage voters will choose the city’s next mayor. That person will face the continued COVID-19 pandemic, a struggling economy, and other new and legacy city issues. In this forum, Anchorage mayoral candidates answer questions from non-profit organizations about how they would respond to various children and youth related prob…

This week on Addressing Alaskans we have a community conversation from the Alaska Black Caucus. Local veterans share their experiences about what their service was like and give advice to the next generation. LINKS: Alaska Black Caucus BROADCAST: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021 RECORDED: Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021 ABOUT: Addressing Alaskans features local lecture…

The COVID-19 pandemic and a continued recession was tough on the Anchorage economy in 2020. Job losses permeated nearly every business sector and consumer confidence is low, but 2021 could show some improvement. This week on Addressing Alaskans we hear the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 economic outlook. The presentation includes…

Garrett Morgan was an inventor who developed a three-position traffic light, an early gas mask and built a company with his hair care products. This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re celebrating Black History Month. This episode features an hour of speakers, profiles and stories, including a virtual event hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus.…

This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re hearing a moderated conversation between educators and community leaders about how to best enact culturally responsive teaching methods. The speakers share personal stories and their expertise in this “Community Conversation” from the Alaska Black Caucus. Moderator: Margo Bellamy, UAA Adjunct Professor, ASD Sc…

American Ninja Warriors Nate DeHaan and Nick Hanson on DeHann’s Warped Wall (Photo by Katie Basile, KYUK – Bethel) This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re hearing from Nick ‘Iligutchiak’ Hanson, better known as ” The Eskimo Ninja” from the T.V. show “American Ninja Warrior.” Hanson was the first Inuit to compete on the physically demanding show requ…

Voters mark their ballots at Ketchikan’s Precinct No. 2 at The Plaza on Nov. 6, 2018. (Leila Kheiry/KRBD) This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 2, regarding ranked-choice voting and campaign finance disclosures. Proponents say Alaskans need more options and transparency in their elections. Opponents say the in…

The Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs alongside the Dalton Highway near the Toolik Field Station on June 9, 2017, in the North Slope Borough. (Photo by Rashah McChesney/Alaska’s Energy Desk) This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re hearing a debate about Ballot Measure 1, the North Slope oil production tax increase initiative. Proponents say that oil compan…

Polling place at City Hall in downtown Anchorage. (Alaska Public Media photo) On November 3, Alaskans will vote on Ballot Measure 2. The measure would enact ranked choice voting, open primaries and increased campaign finance transparency. This week on Addressing Alaskans we hear a local debate about the measure. We’ll also balance out an argument a…

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation recently held a virtual luncheon for their annual 3-Year Outlook. The event featured speakers and a presentation on how COVID-19 has affected the economy, a look at employment statistics and the Consumer Optimism Index. FULL PROGRAM: SPEAKERS: Anchorage Mayor Ethan Burkowitz AEDC Board Chair Lynn Rust …

This week on Addressing Alaskans we’re hearing from retired United States Air Force General Howie Chandler. His talk focuses on the United States’ relationship to China and the Pacific at large through the lens of his three-decades of experience. This program was presented by the Alaska World Affairs Council. BIO: Carrol H. “Howie” Chandler General…

Cover of the municipality’s Climate Action Plan. The underlying city photo is from the Lu Liston Collection, Anchorage Museum. A UAA student designed the cover. (Municipality of Anchorage) This discussion focuses on the recently adopted Anchorage Climate Action plan. Speakers explain what the city is doing to address climate change and what the com…

(Via Flickr user Arthur T. LaBar) This episode of Addressing Alaskans features Dr. Katharine Hayhoe. She’s a climate scientist and professor at Texas Tech University. Her talk focuses on what we can do to fight climate change while keeping up with our energy needs. This event was hosted by The Wilderness Society, Alaska Climate Action Network, UAA/…

The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation released their yearly economic forecast at a luncheon in downtown Anchorage today. The 2019 three-year Outlook Report forecasts a continued recession based on proposed cuts to the state budget. This stands in stark contrast to last year’s report which predicted an economy in recovery. AEDC President Bi…

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaking to the press about his line item budget vetoes on June 28, 2019 (Photo by Sam McChesney/360 North) With state politicians facing off over Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s recent budget vetoes, an economist at the University of Alaska Anchorage says the cuts could do more harm to an already delicate financial situation. Mouhcine Guet…

PETERSON AFB, Colo. – NORAD intercepts Russian bombers and fighters entering Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. (NORAD and USNORTHCOM PA) The United States and Canada share a border well over 5,000 miles long. Alaska’s border with Canada makes up more than 1,500 miles of that total. It should come as no surprise that the security of Alaska, a…

(Via Flickr user Daniel Hoherd) This week, we hear about policy efforts that are underway to address Anchorage’s priority housing issues, as well as how community members can get involved. This event was presented by Alaska Common Ground. Speakers: Robin Ward, Municipality of Anchorage Chris Schutte, Municipality of Anchorage Bryan Butcher, Alaska …

(From Flickr user Jon Konrath) This is the second discussion of a three-part series called “The Housing Continuum: Building a Vibrant Community,” presented by Alaska Common Ground. This week, we’ll hear about the difficulties of addressing Anchorage’s housing needs. Speakers: Shanna Zuspan, Agnew::Beck Tyler Robinson, Cook Inlet Housing Authority M…

(Photo via Flickr user Kevan Dee) This is the first discussion of a three-part series called “The Housing Continuum: Building a Vibrant Community,” presented by Alaska Common Ground. This week, we’ll hear about the supply and demand of Anchorage’s housing needs. Speakers: Janelle Pfleiger, RE/MAX Dynamic Properties Jasmine Khan, Anchorage Coalition…

(Via Flickr user Arthur T. LaBar) This week’s show is “The Hidden Curse of Natural Resources: Economic Impacts at Home and Abroad,” presented by the Alaska World Affairs Council. This talk and discussion features Dr. Alexander James, a professor of economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage. His presentation focuses on what is sometimes called…

On the next Addressing Alaskans we have “The Costs of Alaska’s Economic Roller Coaster” presented by Alaska Common Ground. It’s a panel discussion featuring representatives from various sectors of the business community discussing the ups and downs of the state’s economy and how we can fix it. Moderator: John Tracy Panelists: Angela Libal, Owner, T…

(Photo via Flickr) The warming Arctic doesn’t just affect the northern regions of the globe. Its impacts can be felt all across the world. On Addressing Alaskans we present “After the Arctic Ice Melts” with Chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, Fran Ulmer. We also feature a piece from KZMU Moab Public Radio about the how the changing Arctic…

Glacier Bay, Alaska (Photo by Flickr user John 6536) This week’s show is a deep dive into Alaska’s unique big-mountain tourism industry. Forest Wagner, assistant professor of outdoor studies at the University of Alaska Southeast, reflects on his 12 years of teaching in the backcountry and discusses his findings from interviewing big-mountain guides…

Erin Ennis, Senior Vice President of the US- China Business Council. (Photo courtesy of the Alaska World Affairs Council) The United States and China are major trade partners, but current economic tensions between the two countries could have far-reaching affects. Erin Ennis, Senior Vice President of the US-China Business Council spoke at the Alask…