Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media

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Lori Townsend is the news director 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.

Confronting antisemitism in Alaska on Holocaust Remembrance Day | Alaska Insight

Recent attacks and vandalism targeting Jewish people have highlighted concerns over a rise in bigotry in our country. This week marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the terrible legacy of antisemitism. Lori Townsend examines that legacy with Rabbi Abram Goodstein of Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage and Anti-Defamation League advisory board member Robin Dern.

Alaskans advocate for state recognition of Tribal sovereignty | Alaska Insight

What does it mean to be a sovereign tribe and what would state recognition mean for Alaska’s indigenous nations?
A woman in a grey sweater and short reddish hair gestures in front of a white man at a desk

Why former Permanent Fund Corp. director believes firing was ‘political retribution’

The abrupt firing of Permanent Fund Corporation Director Angela Rodell in December surprised and concerned many Alaskans, including some lawmakers. Senate President Peter Micciche said this week that he was surprised by Rodell’s firing.

Lawmakers hope for compromise and consensus as next Legislative session approaches | Alaska Insight

Long-term fiscal solutions for Alaska’s budget have been elusive so far, and political frustration is boiling over. State lawmakers are returning to Juneau for the regular legislative session starting next week.
A trail through grass that overlooks the water.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, December 24, 2021

A look back at the long fight over the Tongass roadless rule. Also, a shortage of Alaska crab creates challenges for local restaurants.
Female television host talks to guests via Zoom.

ANCSA at 50 | Special Edition of Alaska Insight

Fifty years ago this December, Alaska Native leaders joined forces with national lawmakers to create legislation that ensured certain native land rights in our state. How has that legislation evolved over the decades? What does the next generation of Alaska Native leaders want to see moving forward?
TV host talks with guests via Zoom.

As more nations eye the Arctic as a strategic resource, what is the U.S. military’s plan? | Alaska Insight

Alaska's Arctic region is opening to increased vessel traffic and global interest. What are the American military’s plans to ensure security?
Woman talks to guest on TV monitor on a television set.

Rural Alaska communities have largely been left behind in the digital revolution — until now | Alaska Insight

Better internet access is coming to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, but other regions of the state are still waiting to bridge the digital divide. How will new technology and funding resources help?

What do the results of the 2020 U.S. Census mean for Alaskans? | Alaska Insight

The demographic landscape is changing in the United States, and new data from the 2020 Census shows that Alaska is no different. Our population is growing and is more diverse than ever.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, September 10, 2021

The legislature stalls out on delivering relief to hospitals overwhelmed with patients suffering from covid-19. Plus, villages on the Yukon survive a summer with abysmally low salmon returns.
Rows of cots and plastic totes in a large arena.

Housing insecurity continues to grow as another pandemic winter approaches | Alaska Insight

Homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are perennial issues in communities throughout Alaska. But the pandemic has made an already difficult situation worse.

Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Alaska lawmakers grapple with the fallout from a dispute that involves the state's dwindling piggy bank. Plus, Elders in Chignik vow to fight for their salmon fishery after years of dismal returns.
a person speaks from behind a podium, next to an art installation, in front of a lagoon

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, September 7, 2021

With COVID hospitalizations hitting new records every day, Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson holds firm against a mask mandate. Also, supply chain woes are making it difficult for Newtok to finish relocating.
A man stands in the snow with ski poles, his dog nearby.

How a man survived a bear attack during a morning walk in Seward

Almost five years ago, Ronn  Hemstock went for his regular 6 a.m. walk around the airport runway in Seward with his dog, Dax. It wasn't long until his morning stroll turned terrifying.
Two people stand in zipper-up jackets and sweatshirts in front of a cruise ship.

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, July 23, 2021

Cordova experiences its worst outbreak of COVID-19. And, a Seward resident tells the story of surviving a brown bear attack on the town runway. Plus, a new app allows fishermen to contribute their ocean observations to science.
A wooden fish wheel on a large river

“It’s the fabric of our culture coming apart”: Yukon River communities face chinook and chum closure

Ben Stevens, a tribal resources manager for Tanana Chiefs Conference says with both the chum and king salmon fisheries closed, Yukon River communities are scared of losing their protein source for the winter. They're also worried about losing their way of life if low runs continue.
A canada flag next to a us flag

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, July 19, 2021

A new lawsuit aims to protect funding for subsidized electricity in rural Alaska. Plus, new music celebrates the work of Indigenous Alaska musicians. Also today, Canada announced it will open the border to vaccinated travelers in August. But is it enough for struggling tourism businesses?
Goose Creek Prison. Photo by Ellen Lockyer, KSKA - Anchorage.

LISTEN: Why are Alaska’s parole numbers so low, and what awaits those who get out?

In the last five years, the rate of Alaskans granted parole dropped by 50%. The reasons are complicated. With fewer people being granted parole, we discuss the ripple effect on lives and the legal system.
A girld in a purple tank top gets a shot from a white man in a red masik

LISTEN: What will it take for Alaska to return to normal after the pandemic?

Nearly 50 percent of Alaskans are now fully vaccinated. What does this mean for what people can do in public, while traveling and when visiting businesses? And what are the plans for convincing more Alaskans to get the shot to protect those with vulnerable immune systems?

Alaskans discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend speaks with Lucy Hansen, president of the Polynesian Association of Alaska, Filipino Community, Inc. President Edric Carrillo and community organizer Kengo Nagaoka about the rich history of Asian and Pacific Islanders and their hopes for the future.