Kate Smith
Investigative Reporter
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Kate Smith is the 48 News Team’s Investigative Reporter.
Before moving to Huntsville, Kate zigzagged her way across the United States. She began her broadcasting career in Elmira, New York, where she produced and anchored the only two-hour morning show in the area. After that, she headed south to Chattanooga, Tennessee where she was the lead reporter at the NBC affiliate. She also spent time in Oklahoma City as an evening anchor.
Kate has covered stories that have gained national attention throughout her career. She was in Tennessee for the deadly Woodmore Bus Crash where five children were killed on their way home from school. She also covered the aftermath of the July 16th terrorist attack at a local military recruiting center in Chattanooga.
Kate knew she wanted to become a journalist at a young age. Kate was raised close to New York City and witnessed the resiliency of the city following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She knew then she wanted to share stories of peoples’ strength and courage.
Kate strives to fulfill her responsibility as a journalist to shed an impartial light on all angles of every story.
When she’s not chasing breaking news, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, going on walks with her puppy Pippa, and finding excuses to avoid the gym.
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On Friday, the jury will meet again to deliberate the fate of Huntsville Police Officer William Darby.
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On Thursday afternoon, the judge charged the jury after closing arguments. Now, 12 men and women have to determine if Darby will be charged with murder.
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Darby took the stand in his own defense Wednesday explaining why he shot and killed 49-year-old Jeffery Parker.
In 2018, Parker was shot in the face by Huntsville Police Officer William Darby. Darby is now on trial for murder.
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Prosecutors and the defense questioned a 60-person pool of jurors to find the best 12 men and women who will determine Darby’s fate. Two alternates were also chosen for a total of 14.
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According to a new report, southern markets like Knoxville, Memphis, and Huntsville are the most in-demand renter hubs.
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According to the report, uninsured Alabamians represented nearly half of the total COVID-19 cases and 38% of COVID deaths.
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On Monday, the defense argued they have located and mapped out a handheld GPS that proves the defendant was not in Huntsville during the time of the murder.
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On Friday, WAFF heard from officers, captains, and sergeants with the Huntsville Police Department about what they say happened in a downtown protest on June 3rd.
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Getting a peaceful night’s sleep has turned into a nightmare for one Albertville woman.
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Six educators are accused of enrolling private school students in virtual schools and getting your tax dollars.
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Spectators are encouraged to come cheer on the athletes as they compete for a spot-on Team USA.
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In a story you will see only on 48 News, our Kate Smith shows you some of the police body camera footage and shares how the former police chief wants to clear up any speculation from that night.
WAFF learned the judge decided not to allow the jury to hear the fact that a Huntsville Police Department internal review board cleared Darby of any wrong doing.
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The photos prompted several viewers to reach out asking if any rules were broken in this at-home appointment.
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Infrastructure in Alabama is ranked one of the lowest in the country.
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It allows for both open and concealed carrying of handguns for people 21 and older without a permit as well as for military members ages 18 to 20.
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The Suez Canal is more than 6,000 miles away, but the lasting effects will be felt right here in Huntsville for weeks or maybe even months to come.
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Senator Tuberville's legislation would prohibit people living in the country illegally from being released into the United States without notice to appear in court.
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Monday, a ribbon cutting was held for Building 100 Secured Gateway; the first of many new projects near Gate 9.
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Eviction notices were given earlier this month and now it is a race against time to get the remaining 20 residents moved out.
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This praise just one day after the senator told reporters he was unhappy with the vaccine rollout.
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The Attorney General is asking a judge to decide if Madison County is responsible to pay the required $25,000 fine for breaking the Memorial Preservation Act.
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If you do decide to travel, expect to carry with you your vaccination card to prove you’ve been vaccinated.
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One week from Monday, two thirds of Alabamians will be eligible for the vaccine.
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The DoD pilot program will provide employees a new, quicker method for getting through the gates.
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Beginning Monday March 22nd, the state will open Phase 1C of the state’s vaccine allocation plan.
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Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA’s Eligibility web page to learn more.
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The Madison County Jail is one of dozens of entities hit by this hacktivist group based in Switzerland.
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The mobile units will move from one location to the next, targeting counties in the black belt region of the state.
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There was a mask order in Madison County prior to the governor's mandate. We spent Friday trying to figure out whether that stays in place.
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48 EXCLUSIVE: In the recording you will hear Tom Sisk, the former Limestone County Schools Superintendent, being questioned about the virtual schools and how the students were accounted for.
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On Monday, the exit ramp for Town Madison remains closed, a potential traffic nightmare for opening day.
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In the last year this woman has endured two serious tragedies.
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We looked into if one vaccine was better than the other.
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Attorney Shane Sears who represents former Limestone County Human Resources Director Doctor Mark Isley spoke with our Kate Smith about the investigation.
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Governor Kay Ivey said she welcomes the scrutiny.
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If you need road assistance, contact the county roads department.
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Brandon said his crews have enough brine and salt to treat roads later this week if another storm hits the area.
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Leaders with Huntsville Hospital said to prevent chaos, anyone who wants a vaccine must make an appointment.
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The county has owned the building for less than two years but according to employees with the county engineering department, the building has not been inspected for at least a decade.
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5,000 extra doses were given to the hospital from the Alabama Department of Public Health as part of a statewide initiative to vaccinate as many people as possible.
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Agents with the IRS are preparing for things to get even worse as tax filing season approaches.
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Huntsville reports crime decrease in 2020.
The junior senator said the announcement was not politically motivated.
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Over the last few weeks, there has been a 16% increase in the virus among children.
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Our Kate Smith spoke with the President and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association for what to watch for in the days ahead.
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Our Kate Smith took some of those questions to an OB/GYN with Huntsville Hospital.
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Our Kate Smith talked to a local doctor who said the virus hasn’t mutated enough to make the vaccine ineffective, but monitoring it will be crucial.
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