Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media
Lori Townsend is the chief editor, senior vice president of journalism 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. Read more about Lori here.
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.
LISTEN: The social safety net in the Covid economy
As winter deepens and the economy continues to be hampered by COVID-19 restrictions, how much additional pressure is there on the state's social service programs for vulnerable Alaskans?
LISTEN: Alaska’s health care system struggles with capacity amid COVID-19 surge
Hospital officials, doctors and other medical support staff are raising the alarm over high coronavirus case counts in Alaska, illness among their own ranks, and the diminishing number of available beds for critical care.
LISTEN: Two weeks later, how did Alaskans vote this election?
As state election officials continue tallying ballots, major questions remain about the results, even after most races have been called.
Alaska’s election results and what they may mean for the state’s future | Alaska Insight
More than 150,000 Alaskans voted by absentee and mail. As those counts are tallied, some races have flipped, some are still too close to call, and the vote counts for the two ballot initiatives are heading in opposite directions.
LISTEN: How are educators weighing school reopening amid Covid?
Educators explain how they are assessing the risks of viral transmission against the toll taken on keeping kids out of the classroom.