Jala Washington is the weekend morning anchor and weekday reporter at KXAN in Austin.

She’s been with the NBC local news affiliate since November 2020, when she started as the Hays County Reporter covering stories in nearly a dozen communities.

From there, she transitioned into a statewide role— Austin Capitol correspondent. In this position, she covered big Texas news and politics for 14 Nexstar television stations across the state. Some of Jala’s most extensive coverage in that role included the Uvalde mass shooting and school safety changes afterward, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and the impact to Texas of Roe v. Wade ending.

Jala is passionate about telling the stories of underserved/minority communities. She loves being a part of the KXAN team and how it prioritizes compelling journalism and in-depth coverage.

Before Austin, Jala worked as a multimedia journalist/reporter in El Paso and Amarillo, Texas. She’s covered a wide range of stories over the course of her career thus far, including the border immigration crisis, presidential visits, the Aug. 3 Walmart mass shooting, a COVID-19 government shutdown feud and Black Lives Matter protests.

Though born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Jala considers Texas a second home. She loves the warm weather, a good rooftop with a view, exploring new outdoor places and is always down to try a new restaurant.

If you have a story idea or would just like to say hello — don’t be a stranger! You can reach her via email at Jala.Washington@kxan.com.

Be sure to also like Jala’s Facebook Page at, “Jala L. Washington.” And you can follow her on Twitter @Jala__WashTV and on Instagram @JalaWashTVTexas.