Lauren McGaughy
@lmcgaughy.bsky.social
Investigative reporter + editor at The Texas Newsroom | @kutnews.bsky.social @npr.org | Covering Texas politics + Elon Musk | FOIA nerd📍Austin, TX
Signal: lmcgaughy.40
📧: [email protected] [email protected]
☎︎: 512-436-3641
Signal: lmcgaughy.40
📧: [email protected] [email protected]
☎︎: 512-436-3641
Pinned
Gov. Abbott released 1,400 pages of emails about Elon Musk. Most are blacked out.
Abbott fought for months to keep secret emails between his office and Elon Musk. Now, hundreds of pages have been released.
www.kut.org
NEW: Remember that story we broke a few months ago with
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
Reposted by Lauren McGaughy
UPDATE: I re-requested a bunch of records about the Hays County multi-agency raid, since the only criminal charges were dropped in October.
DPS declined to release more records, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
DPS declined to release more records, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
Prosecutors Drop Only Criminal Cases from Hays County Airbnb Raid
Pending drug charges have been abandoned from the multi-agency April operation that supposedly targeted Tren de Aragua and led to multiple deportations.
www.texasobserver.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:51 PM
UPDATE: I re-requested a bunch of records about the Hays County multi-agency raid, since the only criminal charges were dropped in October.
DPS declined to release more records, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
DPS declined to release more records, citing an ongoing FBI investigation.
www.texasobserver.org/prosecutors-...
NEW: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argues divorce records should remain private, accuses press of invading his personal life.
www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
[h/t to @dallasnews.com for beating me to posting about this]
www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
[h/t to @dallasnews.com for beating me to posting about this]
Ken Paxton argues divorce records should remain private, accuses press of invading his marital life
The attorney general’s wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce this summer, alleging adultery.
www.kut.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
NEW: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argues divorce records should remain private, accuses press of invading his personal life.
www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
[h/t to @dallasnews.com for beating me to posting about this]
www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
[h/t to @dallasnews.com for beating me to posting about this]
Reposted by Lauren McGaughy
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
“Ticking Time Bomb”: A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn’t Get an Abortion in Texas.
Walker is one of several women ProPublica found with underlying health conditions who died when they couldn’t access abortions.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:08 AM
NEW:
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
In 2024, Tierra Walker was sick and getting sicker. She was also pregnant.
She knew abortion was illegal in Texas, but thought there was an exception for women like her, whose health was at risk. Doctors told her there was no emergency.
Then she died.
www.propublica.org/article/texa...
NEW: Remember that story we broke a few months ago with
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
Gov. Abbott released 1,400 pages of emails about Elon Musk. Most are blacked out.
Abbott fought for months to keep secret emails between his office and Elon Musk. Now, hundreds of pages have been released.
www.kut.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM
NEW: Remember that story we broke a few months ago with
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
@propublica.org @texastribune.org?
We reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did not want to release his office's emails with #Elon #Musk. Well, we have an update. www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege #FOIA #transparency #Texas
NEW: Gov. Abbott has declared CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist groups.
The declaration prohibits both groups from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas and allows "increased enforcement" against both groups, the governor said Tuesday.
www.keranews.org/politics/202... #txlege
The declaration prohibits both groups from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas and allows "increased enforcement" against both groups, the governor said Tuesday.
www.keranews.org/politics/202... #txlege
Gov. Abbott declares CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood terrorist groups
Gov. Greg Abbott filed the designation letter Tuesday.
www.keranews.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:11 PM
NEW: Gov. Abbott has declared CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist groups.
The declaration prohibits both groups from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas and allows "increased enforcement" against both groups, the governor said Tuesday.
www.keranews.org/politics/202... #txlege
The declaration prohibits both groups from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas and allows "increased enforcement" against both groups, the governor said Tuesday.
www.keranews.org/politics/202... #txlege
1/ The Trump admin has targeted the president's perceived enemies with allegations of mortgage fraud.
Letitia James. Adam Schiff. Lisa Cook
But recently one Texas Republican tapped the tactic to allege a statewide official here may also be guilty: Ken Paxton. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Letitia James. Adam Schiff. Lisa Cook
But recently one Texas Republican tapped the tactic to allege a statewide official here may also be guilty: Ken Paxton. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Trump uses mortgage fraud to target Democrats. A Texas Republican is using it against Ken Paxton.
The Trump administration has aggressively investigated the president’s adversaries for mortgage fraud. But it’s unclear whether the federal housing agency will probe allegations against the Texas atto...
www.kut.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
1/ The Trump admin has targeted the president's perceived enemies with allegations of mortgage fraud.
Letitia James. Adam Schiff. Lisa Cook
But recently one Texas Republican tapped the tactic to allege a statewide official here may also be guilty: Ken Paxton. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Letitia James. Adam Schiff. Lisa Cook
But recently one Texas Republican tapped the tactic to allege a statewide official here may also be guilty: Ken Paxton. www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
BREAKING NEWS: Sale of Austin queer bar Cheer Up Charlies called off.
www.kut.org/austin/2025-... #ATX #LGBTQ #LGBT #queer
www.kut.org/austin/2025-... #ATX #LGBTQ #LGBT #queer
Sale of Austin queer bar Cheer Up Charlies called off
The deal for Pride Holdings Group to take over the struggling LGBTQ+ club was canceled Tuesday, according to one of Cheer Up Charlies’ owners.
www.kut.org
November 4, 2025 at 11:13 PM
BREAKING NEWS: Sale of Austin queer bar Cheer Up Charlies called off.
www.kut.org/austin/2025-... #ATX #LGBTQ #LGBT #queer
www.kut.org/austin/2025-... #ATX #LGBTQ #LGBT #queer
Guy takes job.
Guy resigns from job under pressure.
Taxpayers pays guy $3.5M.
Good public records hit from @houstonchronicle.com @samanthakett.bsky.social.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston... #txlege #FOIA #TPIA
Guy resigns from job under pressure.
Taxpayers pays guy $3.5M.
Good public records hit from @houstonchronicle.com @samanthakett.bsky.social.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston... #txlege #FOIA #TPIA
Texas A&M to pay $3.5M to former president Mark Welsh after resignation
Welsh agreed to release the university system, its regents and employees from any past or potential legal action related to his employment, according to the agreement.
www.houstonchronicle.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Guy takes job.
Guy resigns from job under pressure.
Taxpayers pays guy $3.5M.
Good public records hit from @houstonchronicle.com @samanthakett.bsky.social.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston... #txlege #FOIA #TPIA
Guy resigns from job under pressure.
Taxpayers pays guy $3.5M.
Good public records hit from @houstonchronicle.com @samanthakett.bsky.social.
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston... #txlege #FOIA #TPIA
ICYMI: Houston ISD has sued the Texas AG Ken Paxton after he ordered them to release records of a contract with Los Angeles public relations firm.
abc13.com/post/houston... #FOIA #TPIA
abc13.com/post/houston... #FOIA #TPIA
Houston ISD sues state AG to keep PR firm emails from 13 Investigates
13 Investigates has been formally requesting information about the district's relationship with the agency for months and hasn't gotten any answers, so sending an open records request for emails was o...
abc13.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
ICYMI: Houston ISD has sued the Texas AG Ken Paxton after he ordered them to release records of a contract with Los Angeles public relations firm.
abc13.com/post/houston... #FOIA #TPIA
abc13.com/post/houston... #FOIA #TPIA
So fun dressing up as my boy Jinu for Halloween! 😈
I made this jacket myself. Can’t wait to repurpose it into my regular wardrobe. Now, the Mardi Gras countdown starts!
#SajaBoys #kpdh #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #kpop
I made this jacket myself. Can’t wait to repurpose it into my regular wardrobe. Now, the Mardi Gras countdown starts!
#SajaBoys #kpdh #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #kpop
November 1, 2025 at 9:18 PM
So fun dressing up as my boy Jinu for Halloween! 😈
I made this jacket myself. Can’t wait to repurpose it into my regular wardrobe. Now, the Mardi Gras countdown starts!
#SajaBoys #kpdh #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #kpop
I made this jacket myself. Can’t wait to repurpose it into my regular wardrobe. Now, the Mardi Gras countdown starts!
#SajaBoys #kpdh #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #kpop
NEW: We got a letter from the City of Uvalde today that says the investigation into the Tony Gonzales staffer who burned to death last month is expected to be "closed in the near future without resulting in criminal prosecution against any person."
www.tpr.org/government-p...
www.tpr.org/government-p...
Uvalde PD investigation into death of staffer to Rep. Tony Gonzales expected to conclude
The investigation into the death of 35-year-old Regina Santos-Aviles is expected to conclude without criminal charges.
www.tpr.org
October 30, 2025 at 7:48 PM
NEW: We got a letter from the City of Uvalde today that says the investigation into the Tony Gonzales staffer who burned to death last month is expected to be "closed in the near future without resulting in criminal prosecution against any person."
www.tpr.org/government-p...
www.tpr.org/government-p...
NEW: Immigration enforcement has been very visible in places like Chicago and LA. But what about in red states like Texas?
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reports it may be quieter but it’s still on the rise — with ICE doing sometimes twice daily sweeps at jails. www.kut.org/apple-news/2... #txlege
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reports it may be quieter but it’s still on the rise — with ICE doing sometimes twice daily sweeps at jails. www.kut.org/apple-news/2... #txlege
ICE is removing more people from Austin’s jails. Sometimes coming twice a day.
Data shows a growing number of people in Travis County jails find themselves facing deportation after sometimes routine run-ins with the police.
www.kut.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:26 PM
NEW: Immigration enforcement has been very visible in places like Chicago and LA. But what about in red states like Texas?
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reports it may be quieter but it’s still on the rise — with ICE doing sometimes twice daily sweeps at jails. www.kut.org/apple-news/2... #txlege
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reports it may be quieter but it’s still on the rise — with ICE doing sometimes twice daily sweeps at jails. www.kut.org/apple-news/2... #txlege
BREAKING: Cards Against Humanity settles lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX.
“Soon, the land will be returned to its natural state: no space garbage, and still completely free of pointless [expletive] border walls,” the game company told fans. www.kut.org/crime-justic...
“Soon, the land will be returned to its natural state: no space garbage, and still completely free of pointless [expletive] border walls,” the game company told fans. www.kut.org/crime-justic...
Elon Musk, Cards Against Humanity settle lawsuit over South Texas land
Cards Against Humanity sued SpaceX alleging Musk’s employees trespassed on a piece of land in South Texas and dumped trash.
www.kut.org
October 20, 2025 at 7:22 PM
BREAKING: Cards Against Humanity settles lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX.
“Soon, the land will be returned to its natural state: no space garbage, and still completely free of pointless [expletive] border walls,” the game company told fans. www.kut.org/crime-justic...
“Soon, the land will be returned to its natural state: no space garbage, and still completely free of pointless [expletive] border walls,” the game company told fans. www.kut.org/crime-justic...
Do you live in the U.S. and recently saw your @Tesla #Powerwall go dark?
Powerwall 2s were recalled in Australia bc batteries could catch fire. But I've seen no recall here. I asked @teslaenergy but got no response.
DM me if this has happened to you!
Powerwall 2s were recalled in Australia bc batteries could catch fire. But I've seen no recall here. I asked @teslaenergy but got no response.
DM me if this has happened to you!
October 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Do you live in the U.S. and recently saw your @Tesla #Powerwall go dark?
Powerwall 2s were recalled in Australia bc batteries could catch fire. But I've seen no recall here. I asked @teslaenergy but got no response.
DM me if this has happened to you!
Powerwall 2s were recalled in Australia bc batteries could catch fire. But I've seen no recall here. I asked @teslaenergy but got no response.
DM me if this has happened to you!
Friday marked the start of an historic trial, the first murder case for a San Antonio police officer to date.
For Alexis Trovar, the case is simpler. It’ll determine whether the man who shot her mother is held criminally liable.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
For Alexis Trovar, the case is simpler. It’ll determine whether the man who shot her mother is held criminally liable.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
‘The Video Speaks for Itself.’ An Historic Murder Case Puts San Antonio Officers on Trial.
San Antonio police officers had never been charged with murder for an on-the-job shooting. Now, a courthouse is packed for an historic trial.
thebarbedwire.com
October 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Friday marked the start of an historic trial, the first murder case for a San Antonio police officer to date.
For Alexis Trovar, the case is simpler. It’ll determine whether the man who shot her mother is held criminally liable.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
For Alexis Trovar, the case is simpler. It’ll determine whether the man who shot her mother is held criminally liable.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
🧵 Police in some Texas cities get a heads up before ICE raids. Austin is not one of them.
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reached out police and sheriffs across the state. He found out ICE provides advance notice to some local agencies, while keeping others in the dark.
www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reached out police and sheriffs across the state. He found out ICE provides advance notice to some local agencies, while keeping others in the dark.
www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
Austin police don’t know when ICE is coming. The chief says that could be dangerous.
ICE doesn’t appear to have a consistent policy of how and when to notify local law enforcement about immigration raids.
www.kut.org
October 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
🧵 Police in some Texas cities get a heads up before ICE raids. Austin is not one of them.
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reached out police and sheriffs across the state. He found out ICE provides advance notice to some local agencies, while keeping others in the dark.
www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
@mosebuchele.bsky.social reached out police and sheriffs across the state. He found out ICE provides advance notice to some local agencies, while keeping others in the dark.
www.kut.org/crime-justic... #txlege
BREAKING: Austin queer bar Cheer Up Charlies sold to investment firm buying up #LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs. www.kut.org/business/202...
Cheer Up Charlies sold to investment firm buying up LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs
As part of the deal, Maggie Lea and Tamara Hoover stepped down as owners of the queer-friendly venue. Pride Holdings will handle Cheer Up Charlies' rent, payroll, taxes, insurance and the cost of live...
www.kut.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:34 PM
BREAKING: Austin queer bar Cheer Up Charlies sold to investment firm buying up #LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs. www.kut.org/business/202...
A man burned to death after he was accused of starting a fire inside his cell in a prison in Amarillo, Texas.
Two COs have been charged for failing to save him, with local TV reporting one officer was ordered to "smoke (him) out."
abc7amarillo.com/news/local/c...
Two COs have been charged for failing to save him, with local TV reporting one officer was ordered to "smoke (him) out."
abc7amarillo.com/news/local/c...
Exclusive: Corrections officer charged in inmate's death ordered to 'smoke (him) out'
One of the two former corrections officers charged in the death of an inmate at the Clements Unit was ordered to "smoke (him) out."According to the arrest repor
abc7amarillo.com
October 10, 2025 at 10:18 PM
A man burned to death after he was accused of starting a fire inside his cell in a prison in Amarillo, Texas.
Two COs have been charged for failing to save him, with local TV reporting one officer was ordered to "smoke (him) out."
abc7amarillo.com/news/local/c...
Two COs have been charged for failing to save him, with local TV reporting one officer was ordered to "smoke (him) out."
abc7amarillo.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by Lauren McGaughy
I am reporting on the trial of three former San Antonio Police officers in the shooting death of Melissa Perez. It is the first time in the city's history that an officer involved shooting resulted in murder charges.
October 10, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I am reporting on the trial of three former San Antonio Police officers in the shooting death of Melissa Perez. It is the first time in the city's history that an officer involved shooting resulted in murder charges.
Need another reason to love K-Pop Demon Hunters? @iamleslierangel.bsky.social’s got it. thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/09/k...
We’re Claiming Arden Cho of ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ as a New Texas Icon
As you’re picking out your Rumi costume for Halloween, know that the voice behind the character is a Texas Hold ‘Em champion.
thebarbedwire.com
October 9, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Need another reason to love K-Pop Demon Hunters? @iamleslierangel.bsky.social’s got it. thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/09/k...
Huge congrats to @paulflahive.bsky.social for winning the first Collier Spotlight award for his coverage of failures in the Texas CPS system.
Read his whole series here: whenhomeisthedanger.org #txlege
Read his whole series here: whenhomeisthedanger.org #txlege
October 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Huge congrats to @paulflahive.bsky.social for winning the first Collier Spotlight award for his coverage of failures in the Texas CPS system.
Read his whole series here: whenhomeisthedanger.org #txlege
Read his whole series here: whenhomeisthedanger.org #txlege
NEW: Media orgs seeking to unseal Ken Paxton's divorce records have a hearing set for Dec. 19, according to court docket.
Background: www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
Background: www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
News organizations fight to unseal Texas AG Ken Paxton's divorce case records
A group of eight state and national media organizations want the records in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s divorce case released to the public.
www.kut.org
October 7, 2025 at 9:21 PM
NEW: Media orgs seeking to unseal Ken Paxton's divorce records have a hearing set for Dec. 19, according to court docket.
Background: www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
Background: www.kut.org/politics/202... #txlege
NEW: Ken and Angela Paxton sealed their divorce records. It doesn’t always mean you can. Story by @kera.org.
www.keranews.org/government/2... #txlege
www.keranews.org/government/2... #txlege
Ken and Angela Paxton sealed their divorce records. It doesn’t always mean you can — here's why
A Collin County man's unsuccessful request to seal his divorce records highlights the high standard of proof required to keep even deeply personal court proceedings private and the unpredictability of...
www.keranews.org
October 7, 2025 at 5:26 PM
NEW: Ken and Angela Paxton sealed their divorce records. It doesn’t always mean you can. Story by @kera.org.
www.keranews.org/government/2... #txlege
www.keranews.org/government/2... #txlege
Update: South Texas advocacy groups want to add the Texas Space Commission and Starbase to its lawsuit over beach closures near SpaceX in Brownsville.
This after the #txlege passed new laws giving those two entities control over the beach.
Background:
www.kut.org/politics/202...
This after the #txlege passed new laws giving those two entities control over the beach.
Background:
www.kut.org/politics/202...
October 7, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Update: South Texas advocacy groups want to add the Texas Space Commission and Starbase to its lawsuit over beach closures near SpaceX in Brownsville.
This after the #txlege passed new laws giving those two entities control over the beach.
Background:
www.kut.org/politics/202...
This after the #txlege passed new laws giving those two entities control over the beach.
Background:
www.kut.org/politics/202...
Reposted by Lauren McGaughy
Bastrop wants to build a pedestrian tunnel under Buc-ee's and they're turning to Elon Musk for help.
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
This Texas city wants tunnels to connect its trails. It’s asking Elon Musk for help.
Officials in the city of Bastrop have asked Musk’s tunneling firm, The Boring Company, to build several tunnels to connect the area’s trails. If approved, the city manager anticipates the million-doll...
www.kut.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Bastrop wants to build a pedestrian tunnel under Buc-ee's and they're turning to Elon Musk for help.
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...