Valerie Lake
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Valerie joined Alaska Public Media in July 2017. She creates original video content for the station's TV and digital platforms while also overseeing the Production Department. Before moving to Alaska, Valerie worked as an ENG Editor at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also served in the U.S. Air Force as a TV and Radio Broadcast Journalist where she traveled around Europe, Africa, The Baltics, Australia, and the Southern United States reporting on military events, exercises, and missions. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, yoga, and traveling.
Rising star wrestler overcomes tragedy in Wrangell | INDIE ALASKA
Wrestling is more than just a sport for young people living in many parts of rural Alaska. In Wrangell, the high school wrestling team is dominating the competition. Della Churchill leads the coed wrestling team as the team captain despite surviving tragedy in her family and in her small Southeast Alaskan community. Della's resilience, gratitude, and compassion for others has shaped this athlete into a powerful force in her community.
Reviewing Alaska’s election results | Alaska Insight
Alaska Insight host, Lori Townsend, is joined by Alaska Public Media reporters Liz Ruskin and Eric Stone to discuss the results and implications of Alaska’s 2024 election.
How to age gracefully? Try island homesteading in Alaska | INDIE ALASKA
https://youtu.be/PjAA7kTQAjI
After serving time, this cook now serves the night owls of Anchorage | INDIE ALASKA
Ricky Vazquez is a proud Puerto Rican who rarely slows down. After spending almost a decade in incarcerated, he doesn't like to get bored. These days he prefers the adrenaline of the busy Saturday night rush at one of Anchorage's most beloved historic taverns.
How to heal your soil on an island covered in volcanic ash | INDIE ALASKA
Marion Owen is learning how to repair Kodiak's dense, ashy soil through the power of compost to grow the garden of her dreams.
Alaskan dog treat bakery gives a head start for youth with learning disabilities | INDIE ALASKA
Daisy Nicolas first discovered her knack for baking dog treats while caring for her beloved aging dog, Dallas. Now pet treats are her full-time job as owner of Drool Central: A Mum and Pup Barkery in Anchorage, Alaska. When Daisy realized the demands of the business were too much for her, she developed a working partnership with the Anchorage School District to employ young adults with learning and developmental disabilities.
This Alaska artist hopes you’ll draw on your vintage clothes | INDIE ALASKA
https://youtu.be/UkHs-4vvPRs
Meg Kelley has been crafting since she was a kid learning to live with an ADHD diagnosis. Now as an adult in Anchorage, Alaska, Meg is realizing the uniqueness of her internal world helps...
What to expect from the 2024 legislature | Alaska Insight
On this episode of Alaska Insight, host Lori Townsend is joined by Alaska Public Media's Legislative Reporter Eric Stone, and Anchorage Daily News Politics Reporter Iris Samuels to discuss what to expect from this year's session.
Talk to the Tundra: How a Yup’ik Village Heals Together | INDIE ALASKA
The Yup'ik village of Toksook Bay has been grappling with grief and a lack of mental health resources for young people after they finish school.
I caught the world’s largest silver salmon with a pole spear | INDIE ALASKA
Katya Karankevich is breaking records in the spearfishing scene but she's doing it in Alaska while battling tides, tourists, and glacial silt.
Locals and tourists celebrate the summer solstice in downtown Anchorage
Downtown transformed into a giant block party on Saturday, during the Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Summer Solstice festivities.
In Toksook Bay, it’s akutaq, elder blessings and throw parties for graduating class
On May 12, all the attention was on the 11 graduating seniors in the Southwest Alaska community.
Supporting Alaska’s veterans | Alaska Insight
Helping veterans and active duty military members cope with service-related trauma to lead healthy, happy lives, takes normalizing the need for mental health care and connecting with people who know the struggle.
Understanding the Bering Sea snow crab collapse | Alaska Insight
The Bering Sea snow crab season was canceled this year after billions of crabs disappeared – devastating a commercial fishing industry worth $200 million dollars and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
These Alaskans are using cannabis to heal humans and the planet | INDIE ALASKA
Alaska was the third U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana use, but it recently became the first state to introduce an on-site consumption cafe.
How an accident turned this skier into a force for good | INDIE ALASKA
As a lifelong skier, Ira Edwards had early access to some of the most world-class ski terrain in the world in his backyard in Palmer, Alaska. After a devastating fluke accident in 2010, Ira was eventually able to return to skiing but found his life purpose shifting to philanthropy and fundraising for others.
New developments in Anchorage’s homeless services | Alaska Insight
In late February, Catholic Social Services in Anchorage will open its new 3rd Avenue Navigation Center.
Unstable January Snowpack Causes Avalanches in Southcentral Alaska | Alaska Insight
In this episode of Alaska Insight, Lori Townsend talks with avalanche experts Elliot Gaddy, a local guide and avalanche instructor, and John Sykes, a forecaster with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center.
Expanding renewable energy in rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
Alaskans seeking relief from high energy prices and unreliable supplies are finding success in transitioning to renewable energy. What projects are in the works, and where do opportunities exist for further development?
Bucket List Bungee Jumping in Rural Alaska | INDIE ALASKA
Meet Angelique Echols. After a tragic loss, she's now living in remote Chitina, Alaska knocking items off her bucket list.