Lauren Rangel
Lauren Rangel is the Williamson County reporter for Fox 7 Austin.
She graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she received a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in political science. She grew up in Farmers Branch, a suburb of Dallas.
Lauren started her broadcast journalism career as a multimedia journalist at KXII in Sherman, Texas. She covered historical growth in Grayson County with the announcement of Texas Instruments building one of the largest production facilities in the state in Sherman. She also spent time investigating an all-bills paid complex that failed to pay its electric and water bill, leaving hundreds of tenants in the dark in winter-like weather. Her continuous reporting led to new ownership of the properties. She also spent months investigating a small town’s fight for cleaner air while pressing nearby concrete batch plant owners and politicians for answers. Some of her favorite stories are about people who gave back to their community in times of need.
Before working at KXII, Lauren interned at NPR’s Dallas affiliate KERA during college. She worked alongside an award-winning news team and reported for the local Morning Edition, All Things Considered, the statewide newsmagazine Texas Standard, and the local/national podcast Consider This. She also helped produce and write for the nationally syndicated talk show, Think.
Lauren is passionate about telling meaningful stories that connect local audiences with important news. You can email her story ideas at lauren.rangel@fox.com.
When she’s not working, you can find her exploring new trails and neighborhoods in Central Texas with her beagle Delilah, trying out a local restaurant, or reading a book on her patio with a hot cup of tea.
The latest from Lauren Rangel
Florence is set of new movie premiering at the Austin Film Festival
Florence, Texas, is the heart of a new movie premiering at the Austin Film Festival this weekend. It takes place at the Gault School of Archaeological Research.
Georgetown Fire's ESD 8 puts sales tax on the ballot after seeing an increase in calls for help
The Georgetown Fire Department said it's concerned about not being able to respond to emergencies fast enough anymore, especially for residents living just outside city limits. On the ballot, they are asking for a new sales tax that would help them pay to expand services to areas with longer wait times.
Williamson County's Fair and Rodeo raises scholarship money for students ahead of expansion project
The Williamson County Fair and Rodeo is back for it's fourth year. This time, organizers say they are using the momentum to return the love to the community.
Alzheimer's Association in WilCo prepares for annual walk, asks for more Hispanic volunteers
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Georgetown will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19.
Williamson County agrees to $2.5M settlement in Live PD case
Williamson County has agreed to pay a multimillion dollar settlement to a Cedar Park man who claims the sheriff’s office staged his son's arrest for reality TV.
Leander ISD could fall short nearly $30M for next year's budget
Leander ISD is facing a nearly $30 million budget deficit next school year. That is more than double what it was this year.
Cedar Park teens host donation drive for hurricane victims
A couple of Cedar Park teens teamed up together to accept donations for The Austin Disaster Relief and Red Cross to help hurricane victims.
We Are Blood sends donations to help Hurricane Milton victims
In Central Texas, We Are Blood, is helping SunCoast Blood Centers, a blood site located just outside of Siesta Key, Florida.
Covington Middle School stabbing: Student hospitalized, another apprehended
One student was stabbed and another was apprehended by officers following an altercation at Covington Middle School in Southwest Austin.
How Central Texans can help hurricane victims
The American Red Cross urgently needs help from Central Texans after Hurricane Helene strained its resources when it hit the coastline less than two weeks ago.