Lauren Harksen

Birmingham, Alabama

While she was born in Texas, Lauren is an Alabama native. She grew up in Madison and spent much of her life in North Alabama. Lauren joined the WBRC 6 News team in March 2022 as a reporter/multimedia journalist. She was promoted to weekend anchor/reporter in August 2023.

Lauren previously worked at WHNT News 19 in Huntsville for over three years. While there, she worked as weekend morning anchor, reporter/multimedia journalist, television producer, and digital producer. In 2021, Lauren was nominated for two Emmy Awards for her work in '10 Years After the Storm' and 'COVID & the Classroom: Coping with the Struggle.'

Lauren graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in dance from Troy University. Go Trojans! While there, she was an anchor, reporter, photographer, and producer for TROY TrojanVision News and earned an SPJ Mark of Excellence Award in 2017.

Lauren loves getting creative with her stories and being the voice for the voiceless... If you have any ideas, comments, or story pitches, feel free to email Lauren at lauren.harksen@wbrc.com. Of course, don't forget to follow her on social media too!

National

Paris Halo was born on March 4 at 7:21 a.m. to mother Pamela Mann at the Grandview Medical...

‘OMG ... this is a big baby!’: Mom gives birth to 13-pound baby girl

Updated: 16 hours ago

By Sara Hampton, Lauren Harksen and Jordan Gartner

A healthy 13-pound baby was born at Grandview Medical Center in Alabama this week.

National

The story of a mother struggling to get out of jury duty while nursing her infant pushed the...

Breastfeeding mother’s struggle to get out of jury duty sparks change with new exemption

Updated: Jan. 20, 2025 at 3:24 AM MST

By Lauren Harksen and Gray News staff

Only days after the incident, public outry led to a new state order excusing breastfeeding women from jury duty.

National

Some power companies say raising your thermostat temperature a little can help save money.

Power company says everyone should follow ‘20-degree’ rule when setting thermostat on hot days

Updated: Jun. 26, 2024 at 2:10 PM MDT

By Lauren Harksen and Akim Powell

It’s that season. Yes, summertime, but also "my light bill will be higher than usual" season.

National

Keontranice Bester found an opossum on top of her pillow, right as she was headed to sleep, in...

Woman finds opossum sitting on pillow, moves out of apartment

Updated: Apr. 10, 2023 at 3:25 AM MDT

By Lauren Harksen and Gray News staff

She decided to move out of the apartment for her safety and that of her three young children.

National

Officials in South Walton say they're dealing with thousands of Portuguese man o' war on the...

Officials warn spring breakers about Portuguese man o’ war infestation

Updated: Mar. 14, 2023 at 10:46 AM MDT

By Lauren Harksen and Debra Worley

The creature is similar to a jellyfish but can be more dangerous. Those with the South Walton Fire District say the venom is quite powerful and could send you to the hospital.

National