Valerie Kern
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.
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.
As Alaskans age, what options are there for staying in the state? | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend speaks to David Washburn from the Older Persons Action Group and Jessica Parks from RurAL CAP to learn what's being done to address the increasing demand for elder care across Alaska.
Advocates for mental health say talking is the first step to healing | Alaska Insight
Understanding and discussing the complexities of mental health and wellbeing isn’t easy. Finding ways to open up about who we are and what we struggle with is critical to getting help.
Tracking permafrost thaw will help Alaska communities better adapt to climate change | Alaska Insight
A new program called Permafrost Pathways has a dual aim of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and supporting community adaptation ideas.
Alaska law enforcement and health professionals take on fentanyl | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend speaks to U.S. Attorney John Kuhn and Epidemiology Specialist Jessica Filley about the dangers of fentanyl and the work being done to help Alaskans find treatment for addiction.
Crabbing beneath the Bering Sea Ice in Nome, Alaska | INDIE ALASKA
Phillip Pryzmont fishes for crab beneath the Bering Sea near Nome, Alaska.
Alaskans prepare for state’s first ranked choice election cycle | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.