Valerie Lake

Valerie Lake
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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.
A Latino man with tattoos on his arms hands food to a customer.

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.
A woman smiles at the camera next to an image of a butchered salmon.

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.
A woman in an apron smiles at a young man in an apron.

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.
A woman smiles at the camera in front of a clothing mannequin.

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...
Two reporters sit at a desk with a third reporter on a zoom monitor.

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.
Two young Alaska Native men hold their hands over their hearts and bow their heads.

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.
A woman holds up a large salmon

I caught the world’s largest silver salmon with a pole spear | INDIE ALASKA

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A girl rides on a mechanical salmon carnival ride.

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.
High school graduates hug friends and family after graduation.

In Toksook Bay, it’s akutaq, elder blessings and throw parties for graduating class

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Two women and a military servicemember sit around a news desk.

Supporting Alaska’s veterans | Alaska Insight

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A female television host talks to guest on a screen.

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.
A woman rolls a marijuana cigarette in a weed cafe.

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Three people sit at a desk talking together.

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In late February, Catholic Social Services in Anchorage will open its new 3rd Avenue Navigation Center.
Two men and a woman sit at a desk on a television set.

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Three people sit at a desk while a screen displays a logo that says "Alaska Insight"

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An older woman shows off the words "Boss" and "Soul" on her knuckles. In the background a person bungee jumps.

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3 people sit around a desk, another joins them on a TV over Zoom.

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.
A bartender faces the camera next to a photo of a small town bar

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.