Tony Plohetski
@tonyplohetski.bsky.social
Austin-based journalist. 🏆: duPont-Columbia; Pulitzer finalist for Uvalde coverage; Texas’ best print and TV journalist in ‘23. 🏳️🌈
BREAKING: Texas AG Ken Paxton will not face federal charges, according to AP sources out of DC.
Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell told me this morning he has no knowledge of this development but added, “They never had a case to begin with.”
Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell told me this morning he has no knowledge of this development but added, “They never had a case to begin with.”
April 3, 2025 at 12:48 PM
BREAKING: Texas AG Ken Paxton will not face federal charges, according to AP sources out of DC.
Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell told me this morning he has no knowledge of this development but added, “They never had a case to begin with.”
Paxton attorney Dan Cogdell told me this morning he has no knowledge of this development but added, “They never had a case to begin with.”
NEW: An unfolding federal civil rights suit stemming from Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star could give a template, experts say, for similar cases against Travis County, where people have sat in jail for weeks and months with no formal charges:
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
'A real problem': Could Travis County taxpayers be put on the hook for DA Garza’s missed indictment deadlines?
Experts say an ongoing civil rights lawsuit could serve as a template for future claims against Travis County.
www.statesman.com
March 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
NEW: An unfolding federal civil rights suit stemming from Gov. Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star could give a template, experts say, for similar cases against Travis County, where people have sat in jail for weeks and months with no formal charges:
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
NEW: Austin fire officials say they believe smoke in parts of the city, resulting in 911 calls, are the result of a 400-acre wildfire near Fredericksburg.
March 15, 2025 at 9:20 PM
NEW: Austin fire officials say they believe smoke in parts of the city, resulting in 911 calls, are the result of a 400-acre wildfire near Fredericksburg.
BREAKING: Austin police think an 18-wheeler driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash and "not capable of operating a vehicle safely," an affidavit says.
He "seemed calm and relaxed given the situation," the document says.
He "seemed calm and relaxed given the situation," the document says.
March 14, 2025 at 9:43 PM
BREAKING: Austin police think an 18-wheeler driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash and "not capable of operating a vehicle safely," an affidavit says.
He "seemed calm and relaxed given the situation," the document says.
He "seemed calm and relaxed given the situation," the document says.
UPDATE: The NTSB has opened an investigation into this crash.
NEW: A 37-year-old man has been booked into jail on five charges of intoxication assault — one for each victim — in connection to a crash on I-35 that killed 5 people including an baby and child.
March 14, 2025 at 6:06 PM
UPDATE: The NTSB has opened an investigation into this crash.
NEW: A 37-year-old man has been booked into jail on five charges of intoxication assault — one for each victim — in connection to a crash on I-35 that killed 5 people including an baby and child.
March 14, 2025 at 5:25 PM
NEW: A 37-year-old man has been booked into jail on five charges of intoxication assault — one for each victim — in connection to a crash on I-35 that killed 5 people including an baby and child.
NEW: When a firestorm hit his administration over not indicting felony cases in a state-mandated period, Travis County DA Jose Garza implied the issue is statewide.
But we found no pervasive issue in Texas.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
But we found no pervasive issue in Texas.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Travis County DA says indictment deadlines are a challenge in Texas but evidence is slim.
The American-Statesman found that local prosecutors in other major urban counties do not routinely miss the 90-day deadline to indict.
www.statesman.com
March 14, 2025 at 1:33 PM
NEW: When a firestorm hit his administration over not indicting felony cases in a state-mandated period, Travis County DA Jose Garza implied the issue is statewide.
But we found no pervasive issue in Texas.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
But we found no pervasive issue in Texas.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Whoa! As often as I travel I have never witnessed this semi-organized chaos at @AustinAirport.
Pre-check ✅ line hundreds and hundreds deep.
Thank you to nice workers on megaphones 📢 directing us.
But sheesh!
Pre-check ✅ line hundreds and hundreds deep.
Thank you to nice workers on megaphones 📢 directing us.
But sheesh!
February 21, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Whoa! As often as I travel I have never witnessed this semi-organized chaos at @AustinAirport.
Pre-check ✅ line hundreds and hundreds deep.
Thank you to nice workers on megaphones 📢 directing us.
But sheesh!
Pre-check ✅ line hundreds and hundreds deep.
Thank you to nice workers on megaphones 📢 directing us.
But sheesh!
BREAKING: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt has issued an usual rebuke to a member of her own party -- to Travis DA Jose Garza -- after what she said are "grave concerns" about the operations of his office
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Sen. Sarah Eckhardt expresses 'grave concern' over DA José Garza's administration
Sen. Eckhardt said she would like for Garza to explain the reason for the missed indictment deadlines and how his office will work to remedy the issue.
www.statesman.com
February 20, 2025 at 11:08 PM
BREAKING: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt has issued an usual rebuke to a member of her own party -- to Travis DA Jose Garza -- after what she said are "grave concerns" about the operations of his office
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
NEW: A judge has raised a murder suspect's bond to $100,000 and is returning him to custody amid a furor that erupted after the Travis DA's office failed to bring an indictment in 90 days.
There is still no explanation for the prosecutorial lapse.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
There is still no explanation for the prosecutorial lapse.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
EXCLUSIVE: Travis County prosecutors missed indictment deadlines, murder suspects released
Defense attorneys, judges say the recent instances in which suspected violent offenders were released because of a missed indictment deadline are rare.
www.statesman.com
February 19, 2025 at 4:51 PM
NEW: A judge has raised a murder suspect's bond to $100,000 and is returning him to custody amid a furor that erupted after the Travis DA's office failed to bring an indictment in 90 days.
There is still no explanation for the prosecutorial lapse.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
There is still no explanation for the prosecutorial lapse.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
NEW: Prosecutors in the Travis County DA's office have twice in 10 weeks missed crucial deadlines to indict murder suspects, leading to their release on dramatically reduced bonds.
One case sparked a weekend social media furor.
The other was not known until now.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
One case sparked a weekend social media furor.
The other was not known until now.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
EXCLUSIVE: Travis County prosecutors missed indictment deadlines, murder suspects released
Defense attorneys, judges say the recent instances in which suspected violent offenders were released because of a missed indictment deadline are rare.
www.statesman.com
February 18, 2025 at 11:25 PM
NEW: Prosecutors in the Travis County DA's office have twice in 10 weeks missed crucial deadlines to indict murder suspects, leading to their release on dramatically reduced bonds.
One case sparked a weekend social media furor.
The other was not known until now.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
One case sparked a weekend social media furor.
The other was not known until now.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
NEW: We examined holes in the state school bus seatbelt law after the deadliest crash in almost a decade in March. Now, a lawmaker looks to tighten those laws.
www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
10 months after fatal Bastrop crash, lawmaker proposes seatbelts on all school buses
Sen. José Menéndez’s proposal, which does not come with additional funding, would require districts to install seatbelts for all children.
www.statesman.com
February 12, 2025 at 1:31 PM
NEW: We examined holes in the state school bus seatbelt law after the deadliest crash in almost a decade in March. Now, a lawmaker looks to tighten those laws.
www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
www.statesman.com/story/news/s...
While Elon Musk continues his blitz of government disruption in D.C., here’s a look at what’s happening in a town just outside Austin where he is setting up his 400-acre Snailbrook: www.statesman.com/story/busine...
Elon Musk's shadow looms over this tiny Texas town. Can it cope with the rapid growth?
Bastrop residents and business owners are preparing for a boom brought on by Elon Musk's companies. But the great migration has yet to happen.
www.statesman.com
February 9, 2025 at 3:14 PM
While Elon Musk continues his blitz of government disruption in D.C., here’s a look at what’s happening in a town just outside Austin where he is setting up his 400-acre Snailbrook: www.statesman.com/story/busine...
As we continue to dig for numbers and data from ICE, this is what Austin’s top political and law enforcement leaders say they have learned from the feds about the “enhanced operations” in Austin.
Here’s our extended conversation:
youtu.be/VLO7ei37ous?...
Here’s our extended conversation:
youtu.be/VLO7ei37ous?...
Austin leaders discuss ICE operations and immigration concerns
YouTube video by KVUE
youtu.be
February 4, 2025 at 8:14 PM
As we continue to dig for numbers and data from ICE, this is what Austin’s top political and law enforcement leaders say they have learned from the feds about the “enhanced operations” in Austin.
Here’s our extended conversation:
youtu.be/VLO7ei37ous?...
Here’s our extended conversation:
youtu.be/VLO7ei37ous?...
NEW: Texas sets the base wage for caretakers at $10.60 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I've done some work in recent years (and a team project) on the issue, but this story shows how a lack of staffing can create dangerous situations:
www.kvue.com/article/news...
www.kvue.com/article/news...
Disabled man severely burned, another punched by group home worker
Group home assaults highlight unsafe conditions and staffing troubles.
www.kvue.com
February 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
NEW: Texas sets the base wage for caretakers at $10.60 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I've done some work in recent years (and a team project) on the issue, but this story shows how a lack of staffing can create dangerous situations:
www.kvue.com/article/news...
www.kvue.com/article/news...
Thanks for the invite @sunlightresearch.bsky.social
Sunlight is excited to offer an exclusive panel series w/ investigative journalists from @propublica.org, CBS, @houstonchronicle.com & more
First up @dduret.bsky.social of @themarshallproject.org & @tonyplohetski.bsky.social of the Austin American-Statesman! www.sunlightresearch.net/research-tra...
First up @dduret.bsky.social of @themarshallproject.org & @tonyplohetski.bsky.social of the Austin American-Statesman! www.sunlightresearch.net/research-tra...
January 31, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Thanks for the invite @sunlightresearch.bsky.social
NEW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued five executive orders directing state agencies to work with federal immigration officials to “investigate, arrest, detain and deport illegal immigrants in Texas” and to deploy share all information with the feds on “foreign terrorist organizations.”
January 29, 2025 at 7:55 PM
NEW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued five executive orders directing state agencies to work with federal immigration officials to “investigate, arrest, detain and deport illegal immigrants in Texas” and to deploy share all information with the feds on “foreign terrorist organizations.”
Here’s what we know — and what we don’t — so far about Sunday’s immigration operations in Austin.
January 28, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Here’s what we know — and what we don’t — so far about Sunday’s immigration operations in Austin.
NEW: Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says feds tell her that operations in Austin Sunday were to serve warrants for "wanted violent offenders." She didn't know the number or immigration status of arrestees.
It comes as anxiety increases for many, especially in Austin's immigrant community.
It comes as anxiety increases for many, especially in Austin's immigrant community.
January 27, 2025 at 1:43 AM
NEW: Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says feds tell her that operations in Austin Sunday were to serve warrants for "wanted violent offenders." She didn't know the number or immigration status of arrestees.
It comes as anxiety increases for many, especially in Austin's immigrant community.
It comes as anxiety increases for many, especially in Austin's immigrant community.
NEW: Austin leaders are taking new efforts to remove mental health response from the hands of police and put them in those of trained healthcare professions. In a rare meeting of the minds, both police and city officials agree officers should have less of a role.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Austin City Council to consider ordering study of response to mental health crisis calls
Four Austin City Council members are proposing a full-scale review of how APD and other city departments respond to mental health crisis calls.
www.statesman.com
January 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
NEW: Austin leaders are taking new efforts to remove mental health response from the hands of police and put them in those of trained healthcare professions. In a rare meeting of the minds, both police and city officials agree officers should have less of a role.
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
www.statesman.com/story/news/l...
Texas Rep. Andy Hopper, endorsed by many of the state’s ultra conservatives, has filed a bill that would require approval of the state AG or local sheriff before before the feds could arrest any Texas citizen.
He says the feds have wrongly “tormented, bankrupted and jailed” thousands.
He says the feds have wrongly “tormented, bankrupted and jailed” thousands.
January 24, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Texas Rep. Andy Hopper, endorsed by many of the state’s ultra conservatives, has filed a bill that would require approval of the state AG or local sheriff before before the feds could arrest any Texas citizen.
He says the feds have wrongly “tormented, bankrupted and jailed” thousands.
He says the feds have wrongly “tormented, bankrupted and jailed” thousands.
I've been watching and seeing amazingly fun New Orleans snow pictures, and after what happened earlier this month, I can't think of a place more worthy of a light-hearted day.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/w...
New Orleans Gets Its First Snow in 15 Years
Many roadways were impassable, classes were canceled in local schools and many businesses could not open as a winter storm essentially brought New Orleans to a standstill.
www.nytimes.com
January 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I've been watching and seeing amazingly fun New Orleans snow pictures, and after what happened earlier this month, I can't think of a place more worthy of a light-hearted day.
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/w...
Winter in Austin.
Shoal Creek and Koenig.
❄️❄️
Shoal Creek and Koenig.
❄️❄️
January 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Winter in Austin.
Shoal Creek and Koenig.
❄️❄️
Shoal Creek and Koenig.
❄️❄️
With up to 2" of snow and sleet expected for Austin on Monday night/Tuesday morning, here are the 5 biggest snow events the city has seen in 50 years:
January 1985: 7.5
February 2021: 6.4"
November 1980: 2"
January 1982: 2"
February 2004: 1.6"
January 1985: 7.5
February 2021: 6.4"
November 1980: 2"
January 1982: 2"
February 2004: 1.6"
January 19, 2025 at 11:08 PM
With up to 2" of snow and sleet expected for Austin on Monday night/Tuesday morning, here are the 5 biggest snow events the city has seen in 50 years:
January 1985: 7.5
February 2021: 6.4"
November 1980: 2"
January 1982: 2"
February 2004: 1.6"
January 1985: 7.5
February 2021: 6.4"
November 1980: 2"
January 1982: 2"
February 2004: 1.6"
BREAKING: Nate Paul, whose relationship with Texas AG Ken Paxton was a basis of a 2023 impeachment effort of Paxton, pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of making false statements to a financial institution and faces up to six months in prison. Other charges will dropped.
January 15, 2025 at 2:24 PM
BREAKING: Nate Paul, whose relationship with Texas AG Ken Paxton was a basis of a 2023 impeachment effort of Paxton, pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of making false statements to a financial institution and faces up to six months in prison. Other charges will dropped.