Olivia Messer
@oliviamesser.bsky.social
texan. editor in chief, the barbed wire. words in rolling stone, marie claire, slate, the daily beast, texas monthly, texas observer etc
for texas tips, email: olivia@thebarbedwire.com
for texas tips, email: olivia@thebarbedwire.com
Pinned
Just a reminder as we approach the 2025 #txlege session: My email is in my bio, and I always welcome tips. www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
Finally catching up on my period dramas — the kind with heavy metal plot armor — and have so little emotional bandwidth for turmoil I gotta fast forward through the bits where things go wrongly (briefly, before everyone realizes there’s been a small misunderstanding)
November 11, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Finally catching up on my period dramas — the kind with heavy metal plot armor — and have so little emotional bandwidth for turmoil I gotta fast forward through the bits where things go wrongly (briefly, before everyone realizes there’s been a small misunderstanding)
I still can’t believe The Witcher’s new season was so bad -- I genuinely couldn’t make it through an episode. Guys, I made it through every season of Selling Sunset. Completed The Office. Game of Thrones. The Walking Dead! All the way to the finale of And Just Like That.
But I could not do this.
But I could not do this.
November 11, 2025 at 2:24 AM
I still can’t believe The Witcher’s new season was so bad -- I genuinely couldn’t make it through an episode. Guys, I made it through every season of Selling Sunset. Completed The Office. Game of Thrones. The Walking Dead! All the way to the finale of And Just Like That.
But I could not do this.
But I could not do this.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Bari Weiss’ interest in high-profile journalists under contract at rival networks has struck insiders as naïve, and raised questions about her recruiting tactics. Meanwhile, CBS News staffers are bracing for another round of layoffs.
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/bari-weiss...
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/bari-weiss...
Weiss’ Anchor Wishlist
Bari Weiss’ interest in high-profile journalists under contract at rival networks has struck insiders as naïve, and raised questions about her recruiting tactics. Meanwhile, CBS News staffers are bra...
www.status.news
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Bari Weiss’ interest in high-profile journalists under contract at rival networks has struck insiders as naïve, and raised questions about her recruiting tactics. Meanwhile, CBS News staffers are bracing for another round of layoffs.
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/bari-weiss...
Details in @status.news: www.status.news/p/bari-weiss...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
There absolutely is a way! Climate change affects every single bread and butter issue. From fertility risks to the price of chocolate.
My TED talk explains more, and then every week I have a newsletter that makes this connection!
www.talkingclimate.ca
My TED talk explains more, and then every week I have a newsletter that makes this connection!
www.talkingclimate.ca
The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it
How do you talk to someone who doesn't believe in climate change? Not by rehashing the same data and facts we've been discussing for years, says climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe. In this inspiring, ...
www.ted.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:49 AM
There absolutely is a way! Climate change affects every single bread and butter issue. From fertility risks to the price of chocolate.
My TED talk explains more, and then every week I have a newsletter that makes this connection!
www.talkingclimate.ca
My TED talk explains more, and then every week I have a newsletter that makes this connection!
www.talkingclimate.ca
Reposted by Olivia Messer
call your girlfriend and let her know that there’s a
NEW ROBYN SINGLE IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
call your girlfriend and let her know that there’s a
NEW ROBYN SINGLE IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!
November 11, 2025 at 1:40 AM
NEW ROBYN SINGLE IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Gut punch:
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.
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.
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 11, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Gut punch:
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.
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.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
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.
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 11:42 PM
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...
Government shutdown nightmares continue.
This weekend saw more than 3,700 flight delays in Texas, with 552 flights cancelled.
Sen. John Cornyn himself was hours late to a Senate vote on a bill that would fund the government — due to a delayed flight.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/t...
This weekend saw more than 3,700 flight delays in Texas, with 552 flights cancelled.
Sen. John Cornyn himself was hours late to a Senate vote on a bill that would fund the government — due to a delayed flight.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/t...
The Government Shutdown Caused More Nightmare Flight Delays in Texas This Weekend
Even lawmakers attempting to end the shutdown have been hit by the airport chaos. Sen. John Cornyn was hours late to a Senate vote Sunday.
thebarbedwire.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Government shutdown nightmares continue.
This weekend saw more than 3,700 flight delays in Texas, with 552 flights cancelled.
Sen. John Cornyn himself was hours late to a Senate vote on a bill that would fund the government — due to a delayed flight.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/t...
This weekend saw more than 3,700 flight delays in Texas, with 552 flights cancelled.
Sen. John Cornyn himself was hours late to a Senate vote on a bill that would fund the government — due to a delayed flight.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/10/t...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
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/...
“We interviewed 40 of the men who were imprisoned: They described being beaten, sexually assaulted by guards and driven to the brink of suicide.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
‘You Are All Terrorists’: Four Months in a Salvadoran Prison
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 10:51 PM
“We interviewed 40 of the men who were imprisoned: They described being beaten, sexually assaulted by guards and driven to the brink of suicide.”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/08/w...
This was a really hard week but the hat y’all told me to buy arrived!!!!
November 7, 2025 at 11:56 PM
This was a really hard week but the hat y’all told me to buy arrived!!!!
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Y'all this is super scary. We need to protect each other.
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 7, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Y'all this is super scary. We need to protect each other.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Ortiz Jr. is a next generation fighter — he’s got an undefeated record of 23 wins and zero losses.
But he breaks the mold in many ways. He plays guitar and dabbles in piano. He writes music. He’s a chess fan. He listens to heavy metal; he’s a voracious reader, and fan of science and space.
But he breaks the mold in many ways. He plays guitar and dabbles in piano. He writes music. He’s a chess fan. He listens to heavy metal; he’s a voracious reader, and fan of science and space.
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 6:19 PM
Ortiz Jr. is a next generation fighter — he’s got an undefeated record of 23 wins and zero losses.
But he breaks the mold in many ways. He plays guitar and dabbles in piano. He writes music. He’s a chess fan. He listens to heavy metal; he’s a voracious reader, and fan of science and space.
But he breaks the mold in many ways. He plays guitar and dabbles in piano. He writes music. He’s a chess fan. He listens to heavy metal; he’s a voracious reader, and fan of science and space.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
i think this is a pretty good take on pelosi, who is unquestionably one of the most consequential house speakers in the history of the institution
Opinion | Nancy Pelosi Is an American Political Giant
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
i think this is a pretty good take on pelosi, who is unquestionably one of the most consequential house speakers in the history of the institution
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 Olivia Messer
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 Olivia Messer
"Rather, the Trump administration is alleging he’s “glorifying terrorism” via social media posts. However, Ya’akub’s online history instead reflects a consistent belief in favor of human rights and solidarity through community activism."
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 6, 2025 at 3:22 AM
"Rather, the Trump administration is alleging he’s “glorifying terrorism” via social media posts. However, Ya’akub’s online history instead reflects a consistent belief in favor of human rights and solidarity through community activism."
Reposted by Olivia Messer
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 6, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Texas "voters approved 17 new amendments that collectively read like a love letter to the state’s tax-averse elite...(and) will cost Texas ~$50 billion next budget cycle — money that could’ve gone to, say, public schools or infrastructure, but instead will help fund slightly nicer second homes."
Fewer than 3 million Texans bothered to vote this week, but that didn’t stop them from rewriting the state’s constitution — again — mostly in ways that make life easier for property owners, business interests, and the already comfortable. ⬇️
‘We Gave Tax Cuts to the Rich and Made Life Sh*t for the Poor.’ Texas Just Passed 17 New Constitutional Amendments.
All told, these new breaks (along with other recent efforts to reduce property taxes), will cost Texas around $50 billion next budget cycle.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Texas "voters approved 17 new amendments that collectively read like a love letter to the state’s tax-averse elite...(and) will cost Texas ~$50 billion next budget cycle — money that could’ve gone to, say, public schools or infrastructure, but instead will help fund slightly nicer second homes."
Reposted by Olivia Messer
"It’s becoming clearer to me that the government is attempting to lay a foundation for dissenting political beliefs as grounds for terrorism."
- Sam Judy in @thebarbedwire.com
- Sam Judy in @thebarbedwire.com
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 10:25 PM
"It’s becoming clearer to me that the government is attempting to lay a foundation for dissenting political beliefs as grounds for terrorism."
- Sam Judy in @thebarbedwire.com
- Sam Judy in @thebarbedwire.com
Reposted by Olivia Messer
"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 Olivia Messer
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 Olivia Messer
Fewer than 3 million Texans bothered to vote this week, but that didn’t stop them from rewriting the state’s constitution — again — mostly in ways that make life easier for property owners, business interests, and the already comfortable. ⬇️
‘We Gave Tax Cuts to the Rich and Made Life Sh*t for the Poor.’ Texas Just Passed 17 New Constitutional Amendments.
All told, these new breaks (along with other recent efforts to reduce property taxes), will cost Texas around $50 billion next budget cycle.
thebarbedwire.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Fewer than 3 million Texans bothered to vote this week, but that didn’t stop them from rewriting the state’s constitution — again — mostly in ways that make life easier for property owners, business interests, and the already comfortable. ⬇️