Augusta McDonnell

Augusta McDonnell is an anchor and investigative journalist at Alaska’s News Source, where she anchors the statewide evening newscast and reports on issues affecting communities across Alaska.

Her work focuses on the intersection of public policy and community impact, with reporting that examines how government decisions and systems affect communities. She leads investigative coverage of immigration enforcement in Alaska, including data-driven reporting on ICE detainee trends and cases raising concerns about due process. She also covers Arctic policy and security. Augusta reported from the press room during President Trump's 'Summit in Alaska,' hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin. She traveled to Western Alaska days after Typhoon Halong flooded villages in the region, and returned weeks later to report on recovery efforts.

Before joining Alaska’s News Source, Augusta worked as an anchor and reporter in Montana, where she launched and hosted a public affairs program focused on the state legislature and produced enterprise reporting on the environmental impacts of wildfires, Indigenous communities, refugee resettlement, and general news.

In Oklahoma City, she served as an education and Capitol reporter, leading investigations into school financial issues and abuse cases. Her reporting revealed a falsified superintendent's contract that was cited as evidence in a state lawsuit against a local school board. She also witnessed and reported on the resumption of executions in Oklahoma and traveled to Arkansas and Kentucky to cover the aftermath of the Mayfield tornado disaster.

Her work has been recognized with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Emmy recognition. She also received the E.B. Craney Award for team coverage of breaking news about the Roaring Lion Fire and the Patti Harold Service Award for her work in education reporting in Oklahoma.

Augusta has moderated journalism panels with the World Press Institute and at the 2024 Montana Free Press Fest.

Augusta is completing a Master of Arts in Global Studies at the University of Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Montana. Her reporting on refugee resettlement was featured in the Montana Journalism Review. She is a member of the National Press Photographers Association and Investigative Reporters & Editors and has completed advanced training through NPPA storytelling and video workshops, as well as the Covering Climate Now conference hosted at Columbia University.