Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.
Sexual assault survivors advocate for change in Nome and statewide | Alaska Insight
The high rates of sexual assault and violence against women in Alaska are long-standing problems. In Nome, survivors have been speaking out about how law enforcement has handled assault cases in the community.
LISTEN: Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses pandemic recovery
Economic recovery from the pandemic and long term budget stability are some of the big tasks in front of state leaders during the current legislative session. How closely aligned are the Governor’s priorities with state lawmakers?
LISTEN: As Alaska grapples with high rates of sexual assault, what can we learn from Nome?
High rates of sexual assault and violence against women have plagued Alaska for decades. The collective damage affects entire communities. Survivor advocates and journalists have helped uncover how widespread the problems are. In Nome, some advocates are working to raise awareness and push for change.
Recognizing women’s contributions in Alaska | Alaska Insight
The accomplishments of Alaska women are as varied as they are wide ranging. From CEOs running major corporations to vessel captains to community leaders
Alaska businesses look for relief to make it through another dry tourism season | Alaska Insight
Business owners, workers and communities reliant on tourism are facing another summer without cruise ships. Will the latest federal relief package be enough to keep them afloat until next season?
LISTEN: Examining the often overlooked role of women in Alaska’s history
Women in Alaska are known for being hard working, resourceful and tough, but their role has often been overlooked. Join us as we celebrate the kick off to Women’s History Month.
LISTEN: Alaska communities prepare for another lean tourism season amid slow economic recovery
No major cruise lines will return to the state in 2021. How will tourist-dependent communities weather this extended dry season? When federal relief does arrive, will it be enough for businesses to survive?
Collaborative research aims to better predict landslides in Southeast Alaska | Alaska Insight
geologists learned from destructive landslides in Alaska and how might that science inform future development plans and early warning systems for communities?
LISTEN: How Alaskan communities are adapting to a warmer climate with more landslides
As Alaska warms, landslides are projected to be a growing problem. What have we learned from the deadly landslides in Sitka and the more recent event in Haines?
Celebrating Black History Month by honoring Alaskan trailblazers and the work still to come | Alaska Insight
After an intense year of political, social and racial unrest across the country, what does February mean for Black Alaskans this year and what do they hope to see for change in the future?
LISTEN: After a tumultuous 2020, what priorities do Black Alaskans have looking ahead?
How do Black Alaskans see the current issues facing our society and what do they want in policy and social change for greater equity in the future?
How Alaskans with disabilities are dealing with pandemic challenges | Alaska Insight
loneliness, how have people who require daily, in-home assistance balanced the need for care with the risk of catching the virus?
LISTEN: Addressing pandemic impacts for Alaskans with disabilities
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for everyone, but many people with physical, developmental and cognitive challenges have had to adapt to even more uncertainty and frustration.
Legislative priorities amid a pandemic and disorganization in the Alaska House | Alaska Insight
Alaska lawmakers are in session in the capitol city. A lot of careful planning and work has gone into keeping lawmakers and Juneau residents safe from COVID-19, but uncertainty looms about the state budget and pandemic relief.
LISTEN: The first-ever lease sale was held in the Arctic refuge this month. What does it mean for oil development in Alaska?
Repeated attempts by Alaska’s congressional delegation to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to development finally prevailed with a lease sale held in early January. What does the lack of industry interest mean for the future of oil in Alaska?
Vaccine rollout continues in Alaska with coordination between state and tribes | Alaska Insight
As more Alaskans get vaccinated against COVID-19, health care officials are working hard to make the process easy, accessible and trustworthy.
Preventing Youth Suicide in Alaska: There’s Hope, There’s Help | Alaska Insight Special
Alaska Public Media and Well Beings team up for a community conversation about preventing youth suicide in a state with one of the highest per-capita rates in the nation. Healing from the contributing factors facing young Alaskans is strengthened by attention.
LISTEN: Who’s next for COVID-19 vaccination in Alaska?
As more vaccines arrive, how will you know when you can get one? There’s been a lot of confusion as the state works to ensure Alaskans get the shot. Once you are vaccinated, when are you actually protected from the virus? We’re seeking clarity on the COVID-19 vaccine process and timeline.
LISTEN: How is the pandemic changing what, how, and where Alaskans eat?
More people are cooking at home, restaurants have closed, and there have been shortages of everything from yeast to canning jars. Alaskans have had a unique and self-reliant food culture for generations. We’ll discuss how the coronavirus is affecting it
LISTEN: Ideas for nonpartisan political cooperation
At a time when political divisions are intensifying, we'll discuss strategies for finding compromise with former Alaska Governor Bill Walker.