Kayla Brooks
Augusta County Bureau Reporter
Augusta County, VA
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Kayla Brooks joined the WHSV team in June. She is from Middle Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science.
Throughout high school, Kayla competed in National Speech and Debate Association competitions. At UT Martin, she worked for the campus radio station, WUTM 90.3 The Hawk, contributed to UTM-TV and interned at WPSD Local 6 in Paducah, Kentucky.
In her free time, Kayla likes to read a good book, work out, spend time with her family (which includes her two dogs and cat). Kayla is a dedicated storyteller who wants to get to the bottom of issues that matter to you.
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A large group gathered in Churchville Friday, Jan. 21 to talk about a proposed bio-solids waste pit.
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The City of Staunton is making adjustments Thursday as they welcome an acting city manager.
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After many days and many speeches, the U.S. Senate failed to advance voting rights legislation.
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It seems like it would be difficult to spot, but law enforcement officials say if you know the signs of human trafficking, you can help end the cycle.
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Staunton Mayor Andrea Oakes announced during the open session Rosenberg has resigned.
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Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s first executive orders and executive directives have local colleges and universities making changes to their employee vaccination policies.
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Those high infection rates, along with effective vaccines, leads some experts to think we could reach an endemic phase of COVID-19.
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Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin said day-one orders are often symbolic.
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Staunton City Council wants to take over as the fiscal agent for the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center.
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Mary Baldwin University is expanding its financial aid to undergraduate students Fall 2022.
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A new report shows COVID-19 was the leading cause of death for police officers for the second year in a row.
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People known as “COVID long-haulers” experience COVID-19 symptoms longer than the average person.
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Staunton City Council conducted a work session and a regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 13.
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Now, mental health professionals say they’re seeing TikTok-users, especially teens and young adults, self-diagnosing in videos about mental health disorders like anxiety or ADHD.
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It’s been over a month since devastating tornados ripped through parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas.
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Three Staunton City Council members called a special meeting to talk about the Augusta County Courthouse’s potential move out of the city, but too few members attended to allow for the meeting.
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It’s been about four months since we first learned the name Khaleesi Cuthriell, and the investigation continues.
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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam put an emergency declaration in place Monday, Jan. 10, which is meant to help hospitals during this surge of COVID-19.
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Although masking is important, Shelton said the main thing that will keep your child healthy is vaccination.
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The White House announced plans to make free at-home COVID-19 tests available to all Americans, but there’s no word on when the tests will be shipped.
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Rockingham County’s home value estimates have gone up with this year’s reassessment.
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As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, hospitals have to adapt to meet increased local need.
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On the one-year anniversary of the Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021, activists in the Shenandoah Valley will remember the day with a democracy vigil.
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As the omicron variant spreads, Sentara Healthcare is reporting higher-than-ever caseloads.
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Rockingham County investigators say a Christmas morning fire that destroyed a mobile home was arson.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed their COVID-19 quarantine guidance last week and have continued to update and clarify the changes.
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Mental health professionals report many incarcerated people struggle to manage their mental health.
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Backups and closures on Interstate 95 continue to affect the commonwealth widely.
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As we start 2022, gas prices are down from their highest point in November, but still higher than in years past.
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A crowd gathered Saturday evening at Waynesboro High School to remember the life of a young man who, loved ones say, was larger than life itself.
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For anyone still hanging on to their real Christmas trees, the City of Staunton can come pick it up.
Health officials say the omicron variant is extremely contagious, and many health systems are reporting record-breaking positivity rates.
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Oral antiviral medications being used to treat COVID-19 are becoming more available, but they’re still being distributed.
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As we get ready to turn our calendars to 2022, new laws are on the horizon, and there are a handful of changes set for the commonwealth.
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Augusta County’s first ever AMBER Alert was safely resolved.
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A grant of nearly $50,000 will restore eight Augusta County historical volumes dating back to the 1740s.
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The City of Staunton is asking for the community’s opinions through two surveys that close on Dec. 31.
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Almost 100 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday, Dec. 27 in the Valley. That’s lower than the seven-day average of 123 cases.
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Middle River Regional Jail continues to navigate safety measures and cases of COVID-19.
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The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office made several special deliveries Friday morning before Santa Claus could.
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A federal law will soon protect everyone against surprise emergency room bills.
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The Berry family’s food drive is in its 14th year, and they say community response is stronger than ever.
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Many people are set to travel on the roads Thursday night, as they make their way to holiday gatherings.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports about 64% of people with mental illness said the holidays make their conditions worse.
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The Shenandoah LGBTQ Center has a natural fresh start with the appointment of their new executive director.
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Faye and Janice say getting to bring the child home for the holidays would be their Christmas miracle.
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Many nonprofits are in their busiest season this week, and Valley Mission in Staunton is no different.
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Shenandoah Valley libraries are hoping for a restock of their COVID-19 at-home rapid tests.
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As the week goes on, you can expect to see more cars out on the roads.
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The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is investigating a series of thefts they believe are all linked.