Valerie Kern
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Valerie joined Alaska Public Media in July 2017. 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/Radio Broadcast Journalist where she got the opportunity to travel around Europe, Africa, The Baltics, and Australia reporting on military events, exercises, and missions. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, skiing, backpacking, learning piano, yoga, and trying new foods.
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.
How Basketball brings communities across Alaska together | Alaska Insight
Across the state, basketball serves as a healthy outlet for teens and a source of pride and socialization for communities in the winter. Lori Townsend speaks to players about the important cultural role basketball serves in rural communities in particular.
Remembering Congressman Don Young’s legacy | Alaska Insight
Following Rep. Don Young's death, Alaskans and members of Congress are reflecting on his half-century political career.
Mushers celebrate the 50th running of the Iditarod | Alaska Insight
The five-decade history of the Iditarod is a story filled with adventure, skill, triumph and lots of change, and it's best told by those who have experienced it, firsthand.
Talk to your Neighbor: Anchorage community members continue to encourage COVID-19 vaccination | Alaska Insight
On this episode of Alaska Insight, hear from your neighbors about why they chose to get vaccinated or not.
Housing providers search for solutions to overcrowding in rural Alaska | Alaska Insight
Alaska Insight host, Lori Townsend, talks to experts about rural housing challenges.
New Alaska documentary examines dangers for teens online | Alaska Insight
Alaska Insight host, Lori Townsend, interviews guests about teen safety online.
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?
Search and Rescue Airman uses her training to fly Alaska’s smallest planes | INDIE ALASKA
Jasmine Chavez is an Air Force veteran aspiring to be a bush pilot in Alaska.
Redistricting is underway in Alaska. But who gets to decide where the lines fall? | Alaska Insight
Redistricting is a lengthy process that takes place every ten years. Various draft proposals have already come under fire. Will the redistricting board be able to avoid litigation this time around?
Alaska is leading the nation in new farm growth. Is it enough to address food security concerns? | Alaska Insight
Alaska offers an abundance of wild foods, but when it comes to locally grown crops, we’re often at a disadvantage. What programs and efforts are underway to help lower our dependence on outside shipments?
Alaskan Latinos discuss culture and an upcoming documentary during Hispanic Heritage Month | Alaska Insight
Hispanics make up a growing share of the population in Alaska, and their stories are intertwined with the state's culture. How has life changed for the Hispanic and Latino community through the decades?
Dinosaurs once roamed the Arctic. What can they tell us about adapting to a changing climate? | Alaska Insight
Scientists are learning more about how dinosaurs adapted to the climate in Alaska. Studying what these prehistoric giants left behind may reveal clues to help better adapt to warming temperatures brought on by climate change.