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.
I caught the worlds 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.
Learn about Alaska’s candidates running for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate before Election Day 2022
Lori Townsend and reporters discuss candidates running Governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate.
At the last saloon in a national park, order a drink from Daddy Long Legz | INDIE ALASKA
Michael George is a black, queer, nonbinary bartender in the tiny, historic town of McCarthy, Alaska.
A new generation of Alutiiq speakers fight language loss in Kodiak
Half of the people whose first language is Kodiak Alutiiq have died over the last few years. But that’s not stopping new speakers from learning Alutiiq and passing along a distinct culture and worldview to the next generations.
Watch the debate on whether Alaska should hold a constitutional convention
Organized by Alaska Public Media & UAA’s Seawolf Debate Program, proponents and opponents of the constitutional convention question make their case.
Should Alaska hold a Constitutional Convention? Both sides of the question make their case | Alaska Insight
Advocates both for and against a constitutional convention discuss why they think Alaskans should or should not support the ballot question.
What’s behind the crash in Yukon salmon? Fishery experts discuss factors behind the closures
For thousands of years, Alaska Native people have depended on strong salmon runs to sustain their diets and their culture, but that reliable source of protein is in jeopardy.
The important role of water taxis in Alaska | INDIE ALASKA
When a massive, unexpected landslide blocked the only road to Lowell Point, Tom Miller knew his water taxi service was the only way to move residents, school children, and tourists back and forth to the nearby town of Seward.
Will this Alaskan be the first U.S. Olympic breakdancer in 2024? | INDIE ALASKA
Bri “Snap1” Pritchard is a b-girl from Anchorage who has competed and won breaking competitions across the country. She may be one of the first Olympic breakdancers.
How Running Ultramarathons Saved Carol Seppilu’s Life | INDIE ALASKA
Carol Seppilu describes jogging with a tracheotomy as “trying to breathe through a straw while running.” She's even dealt with her trach freezing shut while running in the frigid winter temperatures in Nome, Alaska where she lives.