What Kind of Local News Does KHNS FM Cover?
Updated
KHNS FM covers hyperlocal public affairs and community news for the Upper Lynn Canal region of Alaska — specifically Haines, Klukwan, and Skagway. Its reporting centers on local government decisions, infrastructure projects, public safety, elections, and station programming updates, rather than statewide or national news. If you live in or follow that region, KHNS is a primary source for borough assembly actions, transportation changes, and candidate coverage.
Core Coverage Areas
Based on the stories featured on the site, KHNS news falls into a few recurring categories:
Local Government and Civic Decisions
KHNS reports on actions taken by local governing bodies. One example from the site: the Skagway Assembly asked the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to rename the local airport after a local pilot — a story that tracks a formal request moving through a government process.
Infrastructure and Transportation
Road and facility projects affecting daily travel get dedicated coverage. KHNS reported that the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will be rehabilitating the Klondike Highway from the Skagway River bridge onward, and that Skagway is planning for the upcoming construction. This kind of story tells residents what is changing, where, and what to expect.
Public Safety and Courts
KHNS covers local law enforcement and legal proceedings. One example: a bench warrant was issued for a former Skagway employee charged with assault stemming from an on-the-job incident.
Elections and Candidate Coverage
During election season, KHNS produces candidate interviews and forums. Recent items include:
- 2026 Candidate Interviews with Haines Planning Commission candidates Kim Rosado and Nick Szatkowski
- 2026 Candidate Coverage with George Campbell and Zeke Frank
- The 2026 Haines Mayoral/Assembly Candidate Forum, hosted by KHNS and the Chilkat Valley News
These are published as audio recordings, so listeners can hear candidates in their own words.
Station and Programming Updates
KHNS also posts its own news — programming changes, surveys, and staffing. Examples include Summer 2026 programming updates, a programming survey inviting listener feedback, and a note from Kyle Clayton about resigning as station manager.
What This Means for Listeners
| If you want… | KHNS provides… |
|---|---|
| Skagway/Haines/Klukwan government news | Assembly requests, local decisions |
| Road and travel impacts | Klondike Highway construction coverage |
| Court and safety news | Warrant and assault case reporting |
| Election information | Candidate interviews and forum recordings |
| Station changes | Programming updates and surveys |
The through-line is geography: KHNS's news is built around the Upper Lynn Canal communities it serves, not a broader regional or national feed. The station notes it broadcasts in Lingít Aaní, on the ancestral land of the L'koot Kwaan.
How to Follow the News
The site organizes content into a "Latest News" section and a "Station Updates" section. News items are dated (for example, September 29–30, 2026 entries), and many include audio. If you want to track a specific topic — like the Klondike Highway project or the airport renaming request — check the Latest News list for follow-up stories as those processes develop.