Kristen Durand
Morning Edition Anchor
Anchorage, AK
Born and raised in New Orleans, Kristen graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University, which is where she got her start in journalism, as a reporter and anchor for the university's award-winning newscast, "Northshore News."
In Gulfport, MS, Kristen served as the weekday morning and noon anchor for NBC affiliate WXXV-TV's "News 25 Today." There, she covered the impact of the BP Oil spill, ongoing revitalization efforts following Hurricane Katrina and several active hurricane seasons.
In her spare time, Kristen enjoys the search for - and discovery of - new breakfast spots, relaxing with a good mystery novel or cheering on her beloved New Orleans Saints.
If you have a story idea (or a breakfast spot suggestion!) for Kristen, email her at kdurand@ktuu.com.
(Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photography)
Kodiak Island Brewing Company has been bringing the Kodiak people together over a cold glass for 20 years.
There are games, races, competitions, dozens of vendors this year — and it all started to celebrate the end of crabbing season, hence the name.
Our Roadtrippin’ crew stopped by the Alutiiq Museum, a place with a mission to preserve and share ancient cultural traditions.
Our Roadtrippin' crew takes a trek in beautiful Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park.
Harborside Coffee and Goods has been caffeinating Kodiak for the 29 years, much to the delight of locals and our Roadtrippin' crew.
The Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska’s state-owned ferry system, is one of the greatest ways to see the state.
After battling a cancerous brain tumor, the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted 17-year-old Reese his wish of visiting the PAX West gaming expo with his family.
The delay in payment is tied to how each resident submitted their completed PFD application.
The four-time Iditarod champion was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2001 but overcame the illness after undergoing both surgery and radiation therapy. He then announced his second bout with cancer in August 2021.
Anchorage police are investigating an officer-involved shooting at Centennial Park.
A young man is dead following a deadly crash along the Seward Highway Thursday, shutting down the highway for several hours.
The Anchorage Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that happened at Taku Lake Park.
A man is dead after his helicopter crashed while assisting in firefighting efforts on the Clear Fire, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was evacuated Thursday night due to a potential threat.
A man is dead after he was struck by a car on Northern Lights Boulevard Thursday night.
A partnership between the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Wasilla Middle School is letting students get hands on safe gun handling experience and their hunter certification through a course at school.
Alaska Native remains believed to be somewhere between 300 and 550 years old are now back where they belong at Point Spencer.
A labor shortage across the country is forcing some businesses to close for several days of the week, or even altogether, but a program at the University of Alaska Anchorage aims to get people back on the job — and fast.
As temperatures continue to drop, and the snow falls, it can be tough to keep your pet active during the wintry months. So, why not take take them swimming?
While there's no penalty for not having winter tires in Alaska, state troopers say they encourage them, or at least tires with adequate tread heading into the wintry months.
There’s an effort to restore a historic piano in Palmer, but it’s not just any piano. It’s believed to be the first grand piano ever in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
You won’t find a brown recluse spider in the wild in Alaska. They just can’t survive our climate, but that didn’t stop one from hitching a ride here inside a U-Haul from Kansas.
Anchorage family seeks help raising money for service dog that could be life changing for 5-year-old
For kids and adults with mental or physical disabilities, a service dog could make a world of difference in quality of life and peace of mind for parents or caregivers.
The coronavirus pandemic initially put the brakes on coworking spaces, but now as more people become vaccinated and are looking for different options, there’s been an increase in demand.
An international research team, including researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is taking an unprecedented peek into the life of a wooly mammoth that lived in Alaska 17,000 years ago.
According to the Blood Bank of Alaska, one in seven hospital patients needs blood during their treatment and that supply is running low.
Mobile Medics International consists of medical volunteers that travel the globe, bridging the gap between the time devastation occurs and the time larger organizations are able to mobilize and provide care.
The highway was closed in both directions for about six hours hours while emergency services responded and police investigated.
Recovery crews have recovered the remains of the victims who died in Thursday’s deadly plane crash in Ketchikan.
According to the Coast Guard, the float plane crashed shortly after takeoff, but the two occupants were able to escape with no injuries.
If you see an emergency playing out at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on Saturday, don’t be alarmed. It’s only a drill.
The recommended mitigation plan would require masking indoors, with some exceptions.
In a letter addressing the UA community, Interim President Pat Pitney wrote that since all university locations in Alaska fall into a “substantial” or “high” category, he finds it necessary for the university system to follow the CDC’s recommendation.
The Anchorage Police Department’s Major Collision Investigation Unit (MCIU) is investigating.
A hot shower can be hard to come by for some who are experiencing homelessness. One local woman has made it her mission to make them more accessible.
Troopers say 72-year-old Clare Harkema disappeared around 12:50 p.m. while he swam in the lake at Victory Bible Camp in Chickaloon.
Her body has yet to be found, but Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane, who went missing nearly two years ago from Homer, is presumed dead.
Anchorage residents who haven’t yet been vaccinated have the chance to score a gift card worth up to $50.
A dedicated bench is currently in the works, in which the family hopes serves as a memorial not only to Duffy, but all missing and murdered women and children.
2021 Kids Count nationwide results were released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the numbers show Alaska staying near the bottom in a handful of categories.
There’s a new unique way to unplug and unwind in the Matanuska-Susitna, and it involves more than 10,000 pounds of salt.
Seafler and his nephew Doug Post live on opposite ends of the country, but this life saving procedure for Seafler brought them together.
On Saturday night the fire was initially thought to be 2 acres in size. As of Sunday morning, firefighters said the fire has grown to approximately 5.8 acres.
The direct admission program guarantees admission to Willamette College of Law’s J.D. program for qualified UAA students and alumni who meet certain academic requirements.
Anchorage police are investigating a shooting at the Black Angus Inn that sent one man to the hospital.
If exploring untouched, pristine Alaska wilderness in an eco-friendly way is on your bucket list, you’ve found your next vacation.
With atmospheric clouds drifting over the peaks, a soothing pebble beach and wildlife just off the shore, if you’re staying the night on Fox Island, you’re staying at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge.
About 12 miles off the coast of Seward, in the heart of Resurrection Bay, adventure awaits on Fox Island.
A group of college students is trading in a traditional summer break to do some volunteer work here in Alaska.
The driver was able to safely pull into a nearby parking lot which was recently constructed for hooligan fisherman.
