Jared Austin
Weekend Morning Anchor / Multimedia Journalist
Knoxville
Jared joined the WVLT News team in October of 2021.
Before moving down south, Jared spent all of his life in the Midwest. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, Illinois. He's a fan of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears, but roots for the Minnesota Twins in baseball.
Jared went to school at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he got a Bachelor's of Journalism in 2019.
His first job out of school took him to Lincoln, Nebraska: the home of the University of Nebraska. Jared covered several topics up there including capitol coverage, casino gaming and severe weather coverage.
Jared wanted to get to a warmer climate and set his sights on East Tennessee. He is very excited to be so close to the Smoky Mountains and several great places to hike. In his spare time, he enjoys checking out all of trails and going to they gym in his spare time.
If you ever have any story ideas, please send them to jared.smith@gray.tv!
14 Tennessee state lawmakers have requested immediate action into the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Center after claims it breaks state law.
State lawmakers asked for immediate action to be taken after a ProPublica article was released about the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Service Center.
AMR has worked on plans to provide efficient and better care to Knox County patients.
State officials said the federal government is currently looking at the state’s proposal to build passenger rail systems across the state.
An East Tennesse man has come back home after traveling on his motorcycle to all 48 mainland states in one trip. His friends said it inspired them, but they also know he’s a little quirky with the way he decides to do things.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for 84-year-old Charles Jones.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol and state lawmakers came together Tuesday to put an end to TDOT help trucks being hit responding to people on the side of the road.
Smoke continued to roll through the heavily wooded area of Edwards Rd. in Harriman Monday.
Incumbent Knoxville city judge John Rosson will face off against Tyler Caviness for city judge in the November election.
A retired Knox County deputy continues to honor deputy Tucker Blakely after he was killed in the line of duty.
Drone shows continue to hit the nighttime sky across East Tennessee. UT Athletics recently showcased a custom drone show during its Market Square Madness event.
People across East Tennessee have been in contact with several in Israel and are waiting for them to come back home.
Non-profit Running 4 Heroes has started to raise money for Deputy Tucker Blakely’s family after the KCSO deputy was killed responding to a domestic call.
Law enforcement experts said domestic violence calls are the most dangerous for police to respond to because of all the factors and dangers that come with it.
The future of the Tennessee Smokies Stadium in Kodak remains up in the air, but Sevierville and Sevier County officials said they have plenty of options.
A Tennessee woman is sharing her story of surviving the Cookeville tornado in 2020.
Second Harvest Food Bank is worried about the people they serve if there is the government does shut down. Officials with the food bank said most of the people they serve rely on SNAP or other federal food aid.
All across East Tennessee low-level offenders are staying with convicted felons in county jails. District 9 DA Russell Johnson said this is because the state pays counties to house some of their convicted felons.
The Knoxville Area Urban League wants disadvantaged business enterprises to bid on contracts for the new multi-use stadium. These businesses include black, Hispanic, veteran and women-owned businesses.
Five women inmates were taken back into custody after they briefly escaped from the jail Sunday night. The Union County Sheriff’s Office said they were able to escape because a door to the outside was not locked and the jail was overcrowded.
East Tennessee is susceptible to severe weather year-round and the National Weather Service wants people to prepare in case of an emergency. September is considered National Preparedness Month making it the perfect time to create a plan in case severe weather hits your area.
The Southeastern Conference has turned into a powerhouse for College Football and other sports over the years. The conference was created in 1932 right here in Knoxville.
Creator of Knox County Red Book of Resources asking for donations, helps give resources to homeless
The Tennessee Smokies and Young-Williams will partner for Smokies Beer Fest on Aug. 26.
Jules, formerly known as Selah, was stabbed by 24-year-old Darian Farley, according to police.
John LaMacchia will travel 4,400 miles by September.
The iconic plane-shaped building started as a gas station in the 1930s.
A Blount County church will host a free backpack and school supply drive at its church starting Wednesday. Lakeview Baptist Church in Rockford will host the event for the third year in a row as they hope to help more than 150 kids get school supplies before the year starts.
Goodwill will offer school supplies and back-to-school clothes tax-free this coming weekend. The stores across East Tennessee will have discounted supplies students need to get ready for the year.
Peanut butter, treats and toys are a few things people can donate to the shelter.
Installing smoke detectors and practicing escape routes can help save everyone in your home.
Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban for teens and children went into effect after the 6th Circuit Court revoked an injunction approved by the District Court.
Cyclists from across the country made their way to Knoxville this week to determine the national champion of pro-road cycling. More than 80 women trekked 68 miles in downtown and south Knoxville. More than 100 men competed Sunday, going 115 miles.
Families from across Tennessee and the country met in Loudon for a memorial ride to remember those who’ve died from fentanyl. Sounds of motorcycles and others showing love to each other helped put several families at ease Saturday.
Network security company RSA Security said more than 60% of fraud starts on your smartphone.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is working to spread the love for music across the world. The principal clarinetist for Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Gary Sperl, is visiting Tanzania this summer for his 13th year.
The Tennessee Public Utility Commission has added the area code 729 in East Tennessee to merge with the 423 area code. Officials said the 423 area code will run out of numbers by the fall of 2025.
Young-Williams Animal Center is asking everyone interested in bringing a pet home to try fostering in National Foster a Pet Month.
he Lady Vols softball team is set to play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first round of the Women’s College World Series Thursday.
The Knoxville Rehab Hospital is using virtual reality to treat some of its patients to help them with their physical and mental health. Occupational therapists use it for several patients which includes those who’ve suffered a stroke, orthopedic, neurological or other injuries.
As summer approaches many pet owners are likely looking for things to do outdoors with their pets. There are a couple of things pet owners should know beforehand to make sure their pets stay safe in the heat.
Currently, Knoxville Police Department or Knox County Sheriff’s Office officers handle animal control, but Young-Williams Animal Center is looking to change this.
Memorial Day has a touching meaning for everyone at the Knoxville National Cemetery.
U.S. Cellular has created something for all smartphone users to get them off their phones to help their mental health.
May is National Pet Month and Young-Williams said it’s the perfect time to spoil your pet even more than pet owners already do.
Metro Drug Coalition is working to bring awareness to the growing problem of fentanyl overdoses on National Fentanyl Awareness Day Tuesday.
Young-Williams Animal Center is trying to find their cats and dogs new forever homes during the ‘Empty the Shelters’ event.
Hundreds of members of law enforcement honored fallen volunteer fireman Roy Sewell Saturday. Agencies statewide went to Claiborne County to pay their final respects.
WVLT’s Jared Austin will participate in Dancing for the Horses on Friday May 12 as a way to raise money for Horse Haven of Tennessee.
Young-Williams Animal Center volunteers worked more than 36,000 in 2022 to help care for the thousands of animals the shelter takes every year.
