Madilyn Rose

More than 70% of Alaskans live in the communities along the road system stretching from Fairbanks, through Anchorage, to Kenai, known as the railbelt. Residents of those communities are facing a spike in energy costs that will bring up prices statewide, due to a looming shortage of Cook Inlet natural gas. On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by John Sims, CEO of ENSTAR Natural Gas, to discuss the future of railbelt energy and Cook Inlet gas production.

Alaskans are facing a spike in electric and heating costs within a few years because of declining supplies of Cook Inlet natural gas, but research suggests the cheapest path forward for consumers is a transition to more renewable energy. On this Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Chris Rose, Executive Director of the Renewable Energy Alaska Project, and Jenn Miller, CEO of Renewable Independent Power Producers, to discuss how realistic a transition to renewable energy is, and how long it could take.

The Atwood Concert Hall is the largest theater in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. (Ernesto Andrade/Creative Commons)

Judy Woodruff joins Lori Townsend to discuss political division on this Alaska Insight.

Host Lori Townsend and her guests discuss paths to success for incarcerated Alaskans on this Alaska Insight

The Anchorage Hillside is at high risk of wildfires, and between the abundance of flammable materials and the low number of roads, residents of the area could be in danger if a large fire breaks out. On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend and her guests discuss the ways researchers and the local fire department are working to help inform and prepare for wildfires in Anchorage.

The challenges of funding Alaska government services, education, and the permanent fund dividend have become more intense as the state’s fiscal situation grows tighter.

Eklutna Lake is tucked into the Chugach Mountains not far from Anchorage. (Abbey Collins/Alaska Public Media)

Outdoor safety experts and other Alaskans share their best advice for avoiding disaster on outdoor adventures.

Boaters anchor in Juneau’s harbor to watch its Fourth of July fireworks. (Heather Bryant/KTOO)