Samantha Watson
News ReporterSamantha (she/her) is a news reporter at KYUK. Originally from Massachusetts, she attended the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Maine where she figured out that if she could be a reporter, she could make a career out of having interesting conversations. She is a Report for America corps member. When away from her microphone, Samantha can be found writing, hiking, and playing the guitar.
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On Nov. 3, voters took to polls across the country to cast their votes in the midterm election. In Bethel, poll workers and community members said that it appeared to be a stand-out voting year. KYUK asked voters what made this election important. -
Polls across Alaska are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Preliminary election results will be released late on Nov. 3, though the Alaska Division of Elections does not expect ballots to be certified until Nov. 25. -
The two were identified as 43-year old Kenneth Andrew of Bethel and 35-year-old Kayla Hendrickson of Emmonak. -
On Oct. 24, the Alaska Federation of Natives approved half a dozen resolutions proposed by the Association of Village Council Presidents. -
The resolution was presented to Y-K Delta leaders at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage on Oct. 23, 2026. -
Basile was the annual recipient of the Alaska Federation of Natives award recognizing a non-Native individual who has been a longtime supporter of the Alaska Native community, particularly in rural Alaska. -
This summer, Patrick Andrew’s family returned to the coastal village of Kipnuk while he and his wife worked as part of the community’s rebuild in the wake of ex-typhoon Halong. -
Over the past year, Kipnuk residents and contractors have been working to repair the storm-battered village. Crews on the ground say it’s a physical — and emotional — investment, even as the long-term future of the community remains in question. -
Across the U.S, communities held events for “9-2-5 Day” on Sept. 25, celebrating the legacy of country singer Dolly Parton who passed away last month. The Kuskokwim Consortium Library hosted a celebration to raise money to continue Parton’s literary legacy. -
First responders said that a snowcat machine was found ablaze on the evening of Sept. 28, and that the flames did not spread and no injuries were reported.
