Sarah Al-Shaikh
After graduation, Sarah pursued her passion for storytelling at Syracuse University, earning a master's degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism. She began her professional journalism career as a weekend anchor and reporter in Lansing, Michigan. During her time there, Sarah covered major stories including the race for Governor of Michigan, the Oxford High School shooting, and Black Lives Matter protests. While she loved the mid-Michigan community, Sarah was ready to move back home to Texas to be closer to family.
Sarah joined KXAN in Austin as a multimedia journalist, initially covering Hays County - one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. There, she closely followed the fentanyl crisis affecting a local school district, where multiple student overdoses rocked the community. After about a year, she was promoted to a reporter role focused on business, workforce and development in Austin. Sarah also covered several major breaking news events - from wildfires to a funeral home director accused of experimenting on corpses.
Outside the newsroom, Sarah loves spending time with her family and friends. When football season rolls around, you'll likely find her glued to the TV, cheering on her Houston Texans. GO TEXANS!
Sarah is incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to tell the stories of Houstonians - hoping to give back to the city that has given her so much.
ABC13's Stories
TCEQ report shows five air contaminants released during Texas City plant fire
While officials said air monitoring showed no chemicals during the fire, residents in Texas City said these events have become a familiar part of life.
Driver told deputies Tesla was on Autopilot during crash through Katy-area home, killing woman: HCSO
A woman is dead after a Tesla crashed into a home in the Katy area, Harris County investigators say. The driver, who was also rushed to the hospital, told deputies the vehicle was on Autopilot at the time of the crash.
Overcrowding remains high in parts of Houston, report shows
The Kinder Institute's 2026 State of Housing Report found that in Harris County there's a high rate of people living in overcrowded homes.
More than half of Houston renters struggle with housing costs, report finds
A new report showed Houston's housing challenge is no longer just about building enough homes, but it's about who can actually afford to live in them.
Man flew into NY, drove to Texas to steal money from senior couple in Chambers Co.: investigators
A traffic stop in Chambers County led deputies to what they said is an international operation targeting senior citizens.
Fans turn out for Houston's first World Cup match day despite weather hiccups
Despite the rain at FIFA's Fan Festival, soccer fans remained undeterred, and Houston's first World Cup match is now officially in the books.
Houston man charged with capital murder in fatal assault allegedly used screwdriver, records show
A 90-year-old man was fatally stabbed with a screwdriver nearly a year ago in southeast Houston. This week, court records indicate capital murder charges were finally presented.
HISD to start new 'Kinder Bridge' grade level for some students
HISD said the program will be treated as a separate grade level, which will be between kindergarten and first grade, with a new curriculum for students who are behind in reading.
Nanny describes terrifying baseball bat attack while with baby in Sugar Land
The woman described the alleged attack on her with a baseball while she was with the bay she was nanying, stating, "He just was swinging and swinging. The baby was crying hysterically."
Father of 5 shot, killed after tracking son's stolen truck in north Houston, HCSO says
Investigators said the father of the carjacking victim tracked the car and confronted the suspect, leading to the shooting, the sheriff's office said.