Cara Kelly
@carakelly.bsky.social
investigative journalist. style section alum. texas media adoptee.
current: managing editor of the barbed wire and professor at american university. past: usa today and washington post.
current: managing editor of the barbed wire and professor at american university. past: usa today and washington post.
in the same breadth, Talarico blamed the media for the recent @axios.com article about his social accounts following porn actors and escorts, calling it “clickbait” and claiming Axios published it just to make money. was quick to dismiss the notion of hypocrisy. www.axios.com/2025/11/08/t...
November 14, 2025 at 4:28 PM
in the same breadth, Talarico blamed the media for the recent @axios.com article about his social accounts following porn actors and escorts, calling it “clickbait” and claiming Axios published it just to make money. was quick to dismiss the notion of hypocrisy. www.axios.com/2025/11/08/t...
“When did pedophilia become a partisan issue?” Talarico in response to questions about the Epstein files and Trump connection. American people deserve all the information, he added. #tribfest25
November 14, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“When did pedophilia become a partisan issue?” Talarico in response to questions about the Epstein files and Trump connection. American people deserve all the information, he added. #tribfest25
back in Texas for #Tribfest25 and the James Talarico panel is packed this morning. lot of excitement as Talarico talks about faith and love for neighbors. “Politics is just another word for how we treat our neighbors.”
November 14, 2025 at 4:17 PM
back in Texas for #Tribfest25 and the James Talarico panel is packed this morning. lot of excitement as Talarico talks about faith and love for neighbors. “Politics is just another word for how we treat our neighbors.”
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Nikalie Monroe conducted what she called a social experiment on TikTok, calling churches across the country to ask for baby formula for a fictional two-month-old. The majority do not offer to help her, including three in Texas.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/11/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/11/t...
A Woman Asked 43 Churches If They'd Feed a Starving Baby. The Texas Ones Failed Her Test.
Nikalie Monroe is going viral on TikTok for calling churches across the country to ask for baby formula for a fictional two-month-old.
thebarbedwire.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Nikalie Monroe conducted what she called a social experiment on TikTok, calling churches across the country to ask for baby formula for a fictional two-month-old. The majority do not offer to help her, including three in Texas.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/11/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/11/t...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
After the verdict was read and the jury released, 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel turned to the family of slain 46-year-old Melissa Perez, including her four children.
“The jury wanted me to tell the family they were very sorry for your loss,” said Rangel.
“The jury wanted me to tell the family they were very sorry for your loss,” said Rangel.
Three former officers faced life in prison for the death of Melissa Perez, whom they shot behind a locked glass door. All were found not guilty on Monday.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/s...
‘They Were Very Sorry for Your Loss’: Ex-San Antonio Officers Found Not Guilty in City’s First Murder Trial for Police Shooting
Three former officers faced life in prison for the death of Melissa Perez, whom they shot behind a locked glass door.
thebarbedwire.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:44 PM
After the verdict was read and the jury released, 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel turned to the family of slain 46-year-old Melissa Perez, including her four children.
“The jury wanted me to tell the family they were very sorry for your loss,” said Rangel.
“The jury wanted me to tell the family they were very sorry for your loss,” said Rangel.
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Forget false bravado. Vergil Ortiz Jr., the boxer known as ‘The Texas Machine,’ is “relentless” in the ring, but in conversations, his quiet confidence and curiosity rival his athletic prowess.
Our contributor sat down with him in Saudi Arabia after his last win.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/06/v...
Our contributor sat down with him in Saudi Arabia after his last win.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/06/v...
Vergil Ortiz Jr. Might Just Be the Most Thoughtful Fighter of the Century
The professional boxer known as “The Texas Machine” is relentless in the ring, but in conversations? Forget false bravado.
thebarbedwire.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Forget false bravado. Vergil Ortiz Jr., the boxer known as ‘The Texas Machine,’ is “relentless” in the ring, but in conversations, his quiet confidence and curiosity rival his athletic prowess.
Our contributor sat down with him in Saudi Arabia after his last win.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/06/v...
Our contributor sat down with him in Saudi Arabia after his last win.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/06/v...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Are you a social media manager who is passionate about the culture and lives of Texans?
Our incredible social media manager was recruited for an exciting, glossy new opportunity, which means ...we’re hiring!
Come work with us at @thebarbedwire.com 💕
www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/...
Our incredible social media manager was recruited for an exciting, glossy new opportunity, which means ...we’re hiring!
Come work with us at @thebarbedwire.com 💕
www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/...
JournalismJobs.com - Job Listing - Social Media Manager
JournalismJobs.com has journalism and media job listings with digital media, newspapers, tv stations, radio stations, magazines, nonprofits, and academia.
www.journalismjobs.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Are you a social media manager who is passionate about the culture and lives of Texans?
Our incredible social media manager was recruited for an exciting, glossy new opportunity, which means ...we’re hiring!
Come work with us at @thebarbedwire.com 💕
www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/...
Our incredible social media manager was recruited for an exciting, glossy new opportunity, which means ...we’re hiring!
Come work with us at @thebarbedwire.com 💕
www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/...
for all the journalists on this platform — if you haven’t read about Ya’akub yet, now’s the time. his work straddles activism + journalism (documenting activism, I’d say). I feel slightly unhinged, but this is a test case for labeling media as aids of terrorists.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
As a DACA recipient, Ya'akub Ira Vijandre’s arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
for all the journalists on this platform — if you haven’t read about Ya’akub yet, now’s the time. his work straddles activism + journalism (documenting activism, I’d say). I feel slightly unhinged, but this is a test case for labeling media as aids of terrorists.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
DHS is accusing Ya’akub Vijandre of “glorifying terrorism” via social media posts. He didn’t violate immigration law, or any laws that we’re aware of. This is the most blatant case we’ve seen yet that the Trump admin is labeling dissent as terrorism.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
As a DACA recipient, Ya'akub Ira Vijandre’s arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
DHS is accusing Ya’akub Vijandre of “glorifying terrorism” via social media posts. He didn’t violate immigration law, or any laws that we’re aware of. This is the most blatant case we’ve seen yet that the Trump admin is labeling dissent as terrorism.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Ya’akub Ira Vijandre is a 38-year-old Muslim Filipino photojournalist who sheds light on human rights abuses. As a DACA recipient, his arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
As a DACA recipient, Ya'akub Ira Vijandre’s arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Ya’akub Ira Vijandre is a 38-year-old Muslim Filipino photojournalist who sheds light on human rights abuses. As a DACA recipient, his arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
Reposted by Cara Kelly
A photojournalist was arrested by ICE at gunpoint — and his DACA status revoked.
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
When Storytelling Is Called ‘Terrorism’: How My Friend and Fellow Journalist Was Targeted by ICE
As a DACA recipient, Ya'akub Ira Vijandre’s arrest holds drastic implications for the state of free speech in America.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:54 PM
A photojournalist was arrested by ICE at gunpoint — and his DACA status revoked.
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
“Ya’akub isn’t being accused of breaking immigration law — his DACA protection doesn’t expire until May 2026. In fact Ya’akub’s lawyers say he hasn’t been accused of any crime.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/04/h...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Today’s the day to vote!!! Let @briangaar.bsky.social be your guide
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
Texas Is Asking Voters to Protect the Rich and Punish the Poor. Will They Do It?
Among 17 potential constitutional amendments, voters will be deciding the fate of corporate welfare and inherited wealth.
thebarbedwire.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Today’s the day to vote!!! Let @briangaar.bsky.social be your guide
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/07/t...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Texans love to gripe about property taxes, potholes, and school funding, but when it’s time to vote for the people who actually fix (or ignore) those things, most folks suddenly remember they’ve got laundry to do.
Your Local Ballot Actually Matters More Than the Presidential One
From school funding to property taxes, Texans’ most direct political power is the one they almost never use.
thebarbedwire.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Texans love to gripe about property taxes, potholes, and school funding, but when it’s time to vote for the people who actually fix (or ignore) those things, most folks suddenly remember they’ve got laundry to do.
Reposted by Cara Kelly
"To be queer in Texas is to be enraged, joyful, desperately frustrated, emboldened by solidarity, sometimes scared for yourself and your friends, and other times grateful for a thoughtful, sparkling community."
Our EIC, @oliviamesser.bsky.social, opens up about how queer Texas really is. ⬇️
Our EIC, @oliviamesser.bsky.social, opens up about how queer Texas really is. ⬇️
Texas Is a Lot More Queer Than You Think. I Am Too.
There are 1.8 million of us, and we’re not going anywhere.
thebarbedwire.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM
"To be queer in Texas is to be enraged, joyful, desperately frustrated, emboldened by solidarity, sometimes scared for yourself and your friends, and other times grateful for a thoughtful, sparkling community."
Our EIC, @oliviamesser.bsky.social, opens up about how queer Texas really is. ⬇️
Our EIC, @oliviamesser.bsky.social, opens up about how queer Texas really is. ⬇️
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Texas is one of the queerest states in America — 1.8 million of us, more than double the number of queer New Yorkers.
Welcome to Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏 , The Barbed Wire’s new space for queer life in Texas!
Subscribe here: thebarbedwire.com/subscribe-bi...
Welcome to Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏 , The Barbed Wire’s new space for queer life in Texas!
Subscribe here: thebarbedwire.com/subscribe-bi...
October 27, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Texas is one of the queerest states in America — 1.8 million of us, more than double the number of queer New Yorkers.
Welcome to Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏 , The Barbed Wire’s new space for queer life in Texas!
Subscribe here: thebarbedwire.com/subscribe-bi...
Welcome to Big & Bright 🌈⭐👏 , The Barbed Wire’s new space for queer life in Texas!
Subscribe here: thebarbedwire.com/subscribe-bi...
So proud of @oliviamesser.bsky.social — it was almost exactly a year ago that I read her draft and we decided it wasn’t the right time to publish. It sat in our trello board until we started to build Big & Bright — our first vertical dedicated to the full spectrum of queer life in Texas.
I wrote the first version of this draft almost exactly a year ago, but I wasn’t ready.
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
Texas Is a Lot More Queer Than You Think. I Am Too.
There are 1.8 million of us, and we’re not going anywhere.
thebarbedwire.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:32 PM
So proud of @oliviamesser.bsky.social — it was almost exactly a year ago that I read her draft and we decided it wasn’t the right time to publish. It sat in our trello board until we started to build Big & Bright — our first vertical dedicated to the full spectrum of queer life in Texas.
Reposted by Cara Kelly
I wrote the first version of this draft almost exactly a year ago, but I wasn’t ready.
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
Texas Is a Lot More Queer Than You Think. I Am Too.
There are 1.8 million of us, and we’re not going anywhere.
thebarbedwire.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I wrote the first version of this draft almost exactly a year ago, but I wasn’t ready.
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
I am now.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/t...
A judge ordered Leqaa released on bond — twice — and DHS appealed and used a rare automatic stay to keep her in detention — twice.
Even compared to other pro-Palestinian protesters detained by the Trump administration her case stands out.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/l...
Even compared to other pro-Palestinian protesters detained by the Trump administration her case stands out.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/l...
After 220 Days, Leqaa Kordia Is the Last Columbia Protester in ICE Detention. She’s Still Fighting for Freedom.
While other Palestinian protesters have been released, Leqaa Kordia remains in detention as DHS has taken one rare move after the next.
thebarbedwire.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:06 PM
A judge ordered Leqaa released on bond — twice — and DHS appealed and used a rare automatic stay to keep her in detention — twice.
Even compared to other pro-Palestinian protesters detained by the Trump administration her case stands out.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/l...
Even compared to other pro-Palestinian protesters detained by the Trump administration her case stands out.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/27/l...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
“Listen we could either have groceries for a week or two or spend a day at the fair.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/21/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/21/t...
...So Was It the Price of Turkey Legs? State Fair of Texas Attendance Dropped by 400,000
Texas State Fair attendance was the lowest since 2018. Many, including U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, pointed to rising costs.
thebarbedwire.com
October 21, 2025 at 5:43 PM
“Listen we could either have groceries for a week or two or spend a day at the fair.”
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/21/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/21/t...
such wild questions to have to ask…
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
Enough of a threat they need to shoot and kill her?
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
Enough of a threat they need to shoot and kill her?
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 9:21 PM
such wild questions to have to ask…
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
Enough of a threat they need to shoot and kill her?
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
Enough of a threat they need to shoot and kill her?
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
A San Antonio jury will decide the answer, as former officers are tried for murder for the first time in the city’s history.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
A San Antonio jury will decide the answer, as former officers are tried for murder for the first time in the city’s history.
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 3:29 PM
Can a woman in her own apartment behind a locked glass patio door with a blunt object really be a threat to police officers?
A San Antonio jury will decide the answer, as former officers are tried for murder for the first time in the city’s history.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
A San Antonio jury will decide the answer, as former officers are tried for murder for the first time in the city’s history.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/10/16/s...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
If you weren’t actively rooting for the Cowboys or Texans to make it all the way this year — time to unlock your inner armchair coach.
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. And we’ve got less than 18 weeks to ensure a Texas team is there for it.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/29/m...
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. And we’ve got less than 18 weeks to ensure a Texas team is there for it.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/29/m...
Micah Parsons’ Dallas Return Resulted In a… Tie? And More Texas Football Talk
A Bad Bunny concert, er, Super Bowl halftime show is on the line. So we’re going to need more from the Dallas Cowboys to get us there.
thebarbedwire.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:28 PM
If you weren’t actively rooting for the Cowboys or Texans to make it all the way this year — time to unlock your inner armchair coach.
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. And we’ve got less than 18 weeks to ensure a Texas team is there for it.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/29/m...
Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl halftime show. And we’ve got less than 18 weeks to ensure a Texas team is there for it.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/29/m...
I’ve edited several stories in a row about federal immigration and protest-related cases. and I’m noticing a trend: at the beginning, rhetoric is hot, fingers are pointed, charges are severe.
then, as we dig in, the cases start to fall apart…
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
then, as we dig in, the cases start to fall apart…
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
‘None of It Makes Any Sense’: New Details in the July 4 ICE Attack Show Holes in Feds’ Case
Repeated changes to the official narrative after the July 4 attack have shrouded the investigation.
thebarbedwire.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:41 PM
I’ve edited several stories in a row about federal immigration and protest-related cases. and I’m noticing a trend: at the beginning, rhetoric is hot, fingers are pointed, charges are severe.
then, as we dig in, the cases start to fall apart…
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
then, as we dig in, the cases start to fall apart…
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
Reposted by Cara Kelly
NEW: @thebarbedwire.com conducted an in-depth review of the court records and statements thus far in the July 4 Prairieland case and found holes that call into question the government’s narrative.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
‘None of It Makes Any Sense’: New Details in the July 4 ICE Attack Show Holes in Feds’ Case
Repeated changes to the official narrative after the July 4 attack have shrouded the investigation.
thebarbedwire.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:21 PM
NEW: @thebarbedwire.com conducted an in-depth review of the court records and statements thus far in the July 4 Prairieland case and found holes that call into question the government’s narrative.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/09/24/n...
I still hate the male doctor who blankly stared at me while I begged for help with my migraines in 1st trimester.
and still! can’t wait to be retroactively prosecuted for whatever imagined sin I did while pregnant.
thanks @moiradonegan.bsky.social as always www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
and still! can’t wait to be retroactively prosecuted for whatever imagined sin I did while pregnant.
thanks @moiradonegan.bsky.social as always www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Trump’s absurd Tylenol claims heighten the suffering of pregnant women in the US | Moira Donegan
There is no evidence to support the president’s assertions about autism. But they exploit fears that already come with pregnancy
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I still hate the male doctor who blankly stared at me while I begged for help with my migraines in 1st trimester.
and still! can’t wait to be retroactively prosecuted for whatever imagined sin I did while pregnant.
thanks @moiradonegan.bsky.social as always www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
and still! can’t wait to be retroactively prosecuted for whatever imagined sin I did while pregnant.
thanks @moiradonegan.bsky.social as always www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...