Alana Austin joined the Gray Television Washington News Bureau team in August 2017 after spending three years covering national and state politics in Richmond, Virginia at Gray TV's WVIR-TV.
While assigned as the only full-time, on-air television State Capitol correspondent, Alana reported on the legislative sessions of the Virginia General Assembly and on political, governmental, legal and socioeconomic matters from Governor Terry McAuliffe's administration. At the same time, Alana covered the 2016 presidential election and primaries, with a focus on vice presidential candidate, and Virginia senator, Tim Kaine. During her tenure, she broke news on the Affordable Care Act's loss of coverage for 250,000 thousand Virginians, the federal corruption conviction and appeal of former Governor Bob McDonnell, the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Mark Warner and opponent Ed Gillespie, and the Virginia Republicans' legal challenge to McAuliffe's mass restoration of rights executive order.
Alana also anchored and produced newscasts regularly at a station in Charlottesville. Previously, she worked as a general assignment reporter in Waynesboro and as a videographer in Lynchburg and Danville, Virginia. While in college, Alana reported for the Daily Tar Heel and Carolina Week, student-run publications. She was awarded various journalism internships as an investigative researcher at a TV station in Raleigh/Durham, a reporter/translator at Deutsche Presse Agentur (German Press Agency) in Washington while taking classes at Georgetown University through The Fund for American Studies, and as an intern at ZDF (German TV) in Berlin while studying at Freie Universität through InternXchange.
Alana graduated with a B.A. as a double major in broadcast journalism and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also completed the Honors Carolina and Public Service Scholars programs. Alana is a proud Tar Heel, avid traveler, voracious reader and devoted dog mom. She is a multilingual, native New Yorker who grew up in Richmond, Virginia.
By Alana Austin
Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, both Democrats, defeated Republican incumbent Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the runoff election Tuesday.
Georgia Senate runoffs rattle political world
Democrats are hoping to flip both Ga. Senate seats, delivering a win for Biden.
Georgia election to determine U.S. Senate majority control
Control of the U.S. Senate hinges on Georgia runoffs.
Sen. David Perdue off campaign trail after COVID-19 exposure
Sen. David Perdue is locked in a highly-competitive race against Democrat Jon Ossof in the Jan. 5 runoff.
Georgia Senate campaign trail intensifies as majority control hangs in the balance
The twin runoffs will decide which party controls the upper chamber in DC.
Surgeon General discusses COVID vaccinations: "The finish line is in sight"
The Surgeon General says this will be the "most highly-scrutinized vaccine in history."
Toys for Tots seeking gifts, donations amid tough economic times
Many more children are in need this holiday season amid the pandemic, while donations are down in some areas.
Veterans find comfort in craft kits amid tense times
Advocacy groups say veterans are facing unique challenges in these times, and craft therapy may help.
Doctors in Congress weigh in on President Trump's COVID-19 battle
President Trump's chief of staff says he went through a "very concerning" period Friday and the next 48 hours "will be critical."
U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $1 billion infrastructure boost
Communities across the country should get a cash infusion from the federal government to support various infrastructure projects.
War hero awarded Medal of Honor on 9/11 anniversary
President Trump honored a South Carolina native for his efforts leading a daring special operations mission to rescue hostages captured by ISIS.
9/11 teaching moves online in era of COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 9-11 museums and memorials are offering online learning tools so students can better understand the tragedy.
FEMA says it is "working to mobilize teams and supplies"
FEMA Acting Associate Administrator David Bibo says the federal government is heavily involved in assisting efforts on the ground in the thick of this crisis.
Online child exploitation reports surge in COVID-19 era
Digital crimes against children are on the rise in the COVID-19 era. Law enforcement and Congress hope to crack down on this disturbing trend.
Family, leaders honor civil rights leader and lawmaker John Lewis
Family members, lawmakers and invited guests honor the late Rep. John Lewis, the last remaining "Big Six" civil rights leader.
Small Business Administration talks about next batch of COVID-19 relief for communities
SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza talks about COVID-19 federal relief for small businesses.
Capitol Hill Exclusive: Rep. Ted Yoho addresses confrontation with Ocasio-Cortez
Florida Congressman Ted Yoho (R) responds to allegations he called New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez an expletive after a heated exchange on Capitol Hill.
Drivers, city street departments prepare for blizzard
By Cooper Seamer
As tonight's blizzard conditions set in across eastern South Dakota, street crews will be limited in what they can do to keep roads clear.
The DOT advises that portions of I-90 around and west of Sioux Falls will likely be posted as No Travel Advised with the possibility of a closure if conditions warrant.
Vermillion relies on creativity during pandemic
By Sam Wright
For college towns like Vermillion, the absence of students is felt during a pandemic; however, it might lead to future improvements down the road.
South Dakota National Guard troops called up for potential deployment to Washington D.C.