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wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Wells Dunbar
@wellsdunbar.bsky.social
340 followers 190 following 120 posts
Audience and engagement editor for Texas Standard, comin' dine with The Talk of Texas each week. Here for the news, politics, movies, music and esoterica. El Paso born Austin native. Reskeets are not ratification lol
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wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Austin's downtown music fest 'Free Week' returns for one weekend only 🧐 in January

Had a blast hopping around over Hot Sumer Nights, happy to see the tradition continuing
🧐Flyer text announcing Austin Free Week in downtownATX's Red River Cultural Distirct Jan 9 & 10, 2026
October 22, 2025 at 3:27 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
speaking of, I see cancellation is just simply the worst for Brian Hugh Warner
'Sick New World: Texas' poster with MM featured prominently. Like I told my dawgs, this fest would have to suck like 60% less to consider wandering around the motor speedway
October 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
I watched Nightmare with the boy last night and vaguely troubled by all the impact on his 11yo psyche, I worked up a question guide for after. Productive!
Nightmare on Elm Street question guide What does the movie say about the relationship between parents and their children? What does it say about secrecy? What is the connection between secrecy and dreams? Have you ever had a dream that felt incredibly realistic? Thinking about the themes of the movie, what do you think it was trying to say about life in America at that time?
October 20, 2025 at 1:33 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Here to check this out. Been an Aronofsky stan since the jump but missed his last few films. This looks fun.
A lot of Austin Butlers
August 13, 2025 at 11:11 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Reactions starting to come in – this from @gregcasar.bsky.social, who would need to square off against Lloyd Doggett to keep representing Austin should the maps take effect:
Casar Statement on Proposed Illegal Voter Suppression Casar: United, we will fight back with everything we’ve got. AUSTIN, TX -- Following the release of a proposed map to further gerrymander Texas' congressional districts, Congressman Greg Casar issued the following statement: “Merging the 35th and the 37th districts is illegal voter suppression of Black and Latino Central Texans. By merging our Central Texas districts, Trump wants to commit yet another crime— this time, against Texas voters and against Martin Luther King’s Voting Rights Act of 1965. United, we will fight back with everything we’ve got. If Trump is allowed to rip the Voting Rights Act to shreds here in Central Texas, his ploy will spread like wildfire across the country. Everyone who cares about our democracy must mobilize against this illegal map.”
July 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
I asked the chat robot to analyze differences between the current maps and the new one. It did pretty good!
🔀 Austin area (Travis & Williamson counties) Current (PLANC2193): Travis is split primarily between Districts 10, 17, 21, and 37. Proposed (PLANC2308): Travis is now dominated by District 37, which is much more compact, centered on Austin proper. District 10 now loses its Austin chunk and extends more into rural Central Texas. This consolidates Democratic voting power in one urban seat, potentially weakening their influence in surrounding districts. Classic "packing" strategy. 🏙️ Houston area (Harris County) Current: Multiple seats split Harris County: 2, 7, 8, 9, 18, 29, 36, 38 — leading to a patchwork. Proposed: Still highly fractured, but lines shift: District 18 appears weakened, no longer centered as strongly on central Houston. District 29 becomes more jagged and extends further west. Could result in reduced influence for Houston’s urban voters, especially communities of color. 📍 Dallas-Fort Worth area Current: Tarrant and Dallas counties have several compact urban districts (e.g. 24, 30, 32, 33). Proposed: Major shifts: District 33, a minority opportunity district, is redrawn extensively, splitting key communities in Dallas County. District 24 shifts further west, possibly favoring Republicans. District 26 in Denton County now grabs more of the exurbs. These changes may dilute minority representation in the Metroplex. 🌵 South Texas & Rio Grande Valley Current: Districts 15, 28, and 34 cover the RGV and stretch north. Proposed: District 34 becomes more compact and coastal (Cameron & Willacy). District 15 consolidates Hidalgo County, but loses territory to 28, which shifts north. May make District 15 more competitive or even lean Republican — a major flashpoint. 💡 Key Patterns & Takeaways Urban "Packing": Districts like 37 (Austin), 18 (Houston), and 30 (Dallas) are made more compact, likely concentrating Democratic votes. Suburban "Cracking": Swing suburbs in Williamson, Denton, and Collin counties are split across more districts, which could dilute Democratic or minority influence. Legal Vulnerabilities: Changes may invite Voting Rights Act challenges, particularly in DFW and South Texas where minority representation is fractured.
July 30, 2025 at 3:23 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Proposed congressional redistricting map, via @punchbowlnews.bsky.social #txlege
A big ol proposed redistricting amp I have not had the time to parse yet
July 30, 2025 at 2:37 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Texas Dems stage a mini-quorum bust to protest Republican redistricting push in the special. NYT reporting says two groups returning later today. A faux-libuster? #txlege

Read more:
AUSTIN, TEXAS — As Governor Greg Abbott’s special session devolves into chaos over his attempt to rig elections for Donald Trump, members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus departed Texas this morning for California and Illinois. Their mission: to meet with Governors and state leaders who haven’t abandoned their constituents to see how they’re confronting the multibillion-dollar cuts to programs their citizens rely on under Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The move signals a new phase in the fight against the Governor's agenda, as Democrats continue to refuse to legitimize a special session they say is full of “partisan distractions” when it should be focused exclusively on flooding and disaster relief. “Since Governor Abbott is acting like a child, we are going to find adults to go talk to,” said Rep. Gene Wu, Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, who is leading the trip to meet with Gov. Pritzker in Illinois. “We’re headed out to states already dealing with the fallout from the billions of dollars that Trump's allies have crammed down our throats. We need a real plan from the Governor to protect Texas families from the damage Trump and his allies have caused and continues to cause. It doesn’t matter if you are a Republican, a Democrat, or an Independent — we know this extremist agenda is not what you voted fo “Texas is a vital part of America’s future. What is going on with this mid-decade redistricting is not just about Texas — it’s about the future of the entire country,” said Rep. Richard Raymond. We intend to let Gov. Pritzker know this is a national battle, and we have high hopes he’ll engage in it.” 15 Texas Democratic House members will participate in the delegation meetings: In California: Rep. Rafael Anchía Rep. Nicole Collier Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Rep. Jessica González, Chair of the Texas LGBT Caucus Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos, Chair of the Texas Legislative Progressive Caucus Rep. Ramón Romero, Chair of the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus Rep. Chris Turner In Illinois: Rep. Linda Garcia Rep. Donna Howard, Chair of the Texas Women’s Health Caucus Rep. Ana Hernandez Rep. Christina Morales Rep. Richard Raymond Rep. Toni Rose Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, Chair of the Texas Labor and Workforce Caucus Rep. Gene Wu, Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus (Minority Leader)
July 25, 2025 at 2:57 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Yeah, why would Dems want to make a big deal about this? www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-naked...
The Journal says alongside Trump’s drawing is as an imaginary conversation between Trump and Epstein–who met in the late 1980s–and is typewritten in the third person. “Voice Over: There must be more to life than having everything,” the note began. Donald: Yes, there is, but I won’t tell you what it is. Jeffrey: Nor will I, since I also know what it is. Donald: We have certain things in common, Jeffrey. Jeffrey: Yes, we do, come to think of it. Donald: Enigmas never age, have you noticed that? Jeffrey: As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you. Trump: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.
July 18, 2025 at 1:38 AM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Apparently Austin is getting its own Monopoly board, which would be heaven to the snarky city communist (if Austin still had any)
For Immediate Release MR. MONOPOLY SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT FOR AUSTIN EDITION Search kicks off for local brands, places and events to be featured in a special edition AUSTIN, TX (July 17, 2025) – Mr. Monopoly made his way to Austin, Texas, earlier today – to extend an invitation to the community to be a part of his next quest. Specifically, he wants the public’s input on which beloved local brands, hot spots and events should be featured as part of this historic way to honor Austin’s culture. That’s because MONOPOLY: Austin Edition will make its debut sometime in 2026, as game maker Top Trumps USA, the American division of Winning Moves International and creators of classic games and puzzles, is producing a fully customized, Austin edition under license from Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company. “Austin has a culture unlike anywhere else across the world – and we aim to ensure MONOPOLY: Austin Edition features an authentic portrayal of what local residents and visitors alike love about the Lone Star State’s capital city,” said Top Trumps Spokesperson Josie Cole. “As such, we’re hoping the community gets on board and sends us recommendations of their favorite local businesses, landmarks and nonprofit organizations.”
July 18, 2025 at 12:24 AM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Please no one show this photo to Bill Bunch or any other professional, full-time homeowners
Mayor Kirk Watson next to the freakishly proportioned Mr Monopoly holding a sign reading Monoply Austin TX Edition
July 18, 2025 at 12:15 AM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Here's @kutnews.bsky.social GM Debbie Hiott on the Senate public media rescission vote:

-House deadline: Friday, 11:59 p.m.
-We may lose $926K in CPB funding (6% of budget)
-CPB also covers key services (music licensing, more)
-We're facing a $1.2M hit overall

donate.texasstandard.org
As you may know, federal funding for public media has been a hot topic this summer in Washington, D.C. with various calls to eliminate funding for public broadcasting. Early this morning, the Senate passed a rescission bill from The White House — rescinding two years of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) allocated for public media — that the House of Representatives had already passed. However, the Senate passed an amended version that the House of Representatives must now vote on. The deadline to pass the bill is Friday, July 18 at 11:59 p.m. Should they fail, the request would expire. If Congress fails to approve the measure, federal funding is potentially still in peril during the upcoming appropriations process. I’ve mentioned in previous updates that KUT and KUTX annually receive what’s called a community service grant from the CPB. It accounts for approximately 6% of our budget ($926,796 for the next year). Additionally, there are other services that are paid for directly by the CPB on our behalf (e.g. music rights licensing and the public radio satellite system). We do not yet know the full cost of those services locally. Our best guess is about $1.2 million that we will need to replace annually if CPB funding is eliminated. As we face this ongoing uncertainty around federal funding, your support is more critical than ever. We promise to stay true to our mission, to be here for you and our neighbors — to help you get through your day informed, entertained and connected to the Austin community. We will continue to keep you updated as we learn more. With gratitude, Debbie Hiott Executive Director and General Manager
July 17, 2025 at 2:11 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
I want to hear your thoughts on the Central Texas floods - what can be done going forward, where we go from here, any questions you may have.

Whatever you need to say,

Go to texasstandard.org/talk to record yourself so I can share your voices on the show. Or call ‪(512) 893-2361‬.

Thanks y'all.
July 15, 2025 at 7:26 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
NYT on Camp Mystic:

- A $5 million expansion project in 2018 failed to relocate most flood-prone cabins
- Local officials approved new cabins in another section, including some within designated flood-risk zone.
-The camp passed a state inspection two days before the flood
Map of Camp Mystic in floodplain, with headlines: Texas Camp's Cabins Stood in an 'Extremely Hazardous Floodway An analysis of Camp Mystic shows that several buildings were in known hazard zones. A $5 million expansion in 2019 did nothing to alleviate the problem. As Texas Flood Raged, Camp Mystic Was Left to Fend for Itself Flash floods hit during the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.
July 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Hollywood Reporter headline: Hollywood Studios Are Buying Ads On X Again Amid Elon Musk’s Political Ascension Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Apple, Amazon, Comcast and Lionsgate, among others, have resumed advertising, some starting last year.
July 8, 2025 at 10:04 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Kerr County judge, on whether the deadly flooding might make the county pay for a warning system: “I don’t know.”
In an interview, Rob Kelly, the Kerr County judge and its most senior elected official, said the county did not have a warning system because such systems are expensive, and local residents are resistant to new spending. “Taxpayers won’t pay for it,” Mr. Kelly said. Asked if people might reconsider in light of the catastrophe, he said, “I don’t know.”
July 6, 2025 at 2:34 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Sounds like a replay of some of the early Uvalde press conferences: effusive praise for government and responders, little about … what actually happened

From Guardian: www.theguardian.com/us-news/live...
Officials praise Trump as viewers express frustration during press conference Before taking any questions, Texas’s governor Greg Abbott, the homeland security secretary Kristi Noem, the Texas senator John Cornyn and the representative Chip Roy opened today’s press conference with long statements of self-congratulation and praise for the response from local, state and federal officials. They also repeatedly thanked Donald Trump in effusive terms. It was not until reporters pressed for numbers, towards the end of the press conference, that officials began to share the valuable information sought out by the public. Commenters watching the live feed expressed frustration at the lack of information in the first 25 minutes of the event. “Quit talking about yourselves relentlessly,” one commenter said. “Most useless conference!!!” another commenter said. “Get to the point that matters to us the people of texas,” another said. Get to the point that matters to us the people of texas,” another said. Much of the statements from Abbott, Noem, Cornyn and Roy focused on praising their own efforts, thanking Trump and the White House and encouraging people to pray. “Prayer matters,” Abbott said. Prayers “could have been the reason why water stopped rising”. Later during the press conference, in response to questions from the press, the local sheriff confirmed the number of dead had risen to 32, including 18 adults and 14 children.
July 6, 2025 at 12:30 AM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Latest out of Kerrville area is devastating. From Houston Chron: www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
Death toll rises to 43, Kerr County officials say, including 15 children At least 43 people have been confirmed dead in Kerr County as a result of the Fourth of July floods in Central Texas, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference Saturday evening. That includes 15 children. Twelve of the adults remain unidentified, Leitha said, as do five of the children. City Manager Dalton Rice said that search and rescue operations will continue through the night, and could lead to an updated death toll. "We are finding bodies. We knew today was going to be that day. So our numbers are going to be constantly changing," he said. Dozens more remain missing, Rice said, with the official missing count of 27 reflecting only those people who are known to be missing. The real number, he suggested, could be much higher.
July 6, 2025 at 12:17 AM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Crazy rain and runoff in the central NE/Cameron Rd area
July 5, 2025 at 5:11 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
New Beto O'Rourke interview on today's @texasstandard.bsky.social. Tune in! txst.us/e1uyvd
What Beto O’Rourke learned on his Texas listening tour Former congressman and presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke has been crisscrossing Texas on a listening tour, from Laredo to Amarillo. O’Rourke joins the Standard with what he heard from voters – and what it may signal about the political mood ahead of 2026.
June 30, 2025 at 2:56 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Emil Bove › Age About 44 years 1981
June 25, 2025 at 2:22 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
I'll never get over the photo on Dan Patrick getting ready to fucken' PARTY
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick holds an edible bag during a media briefing about Senate Bill 3, a bill that would ban all THC products, at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Patricia Lim/KUT News
June 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
Fascinating: In the veto language, Abbott shares suggestions for how THC products could be regulated. Similar to some initial House proposals before they were stripped out.

Special session starts July 21. #txlege
Commission. A sample of potential regulations could include some of the following: •Selling or providing a THC product to a minor must be punishable as a crime; • Sales must be prohibited near schools, churches, parks, playgrounds, and other areas frequented by children; • Packaging must be child-resistant, tamper-evident, and resealable; • Products must not be made, packaged, or marketed in a manner attractive to children; Any store selling these products must have a permit and restrict access to anyone under the age of 21, with strict penalties for any retailer that fails to comply; • Products containing THC may not contain other psychoactive substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, kratom); Testing must be required at every phase of production and manufacturing, including for both plants and derivative consumable products; • Manufacturing and processing facilities must be subject to permitting and food safety rules; • Permit and registration fees must suffice to support robust enforcement and testing by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, in partnership with other state agencies; • An operator's permit and warning/danger signs must be posted at any store selling these products; • Sales must be limited to the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and prohibited on Sundays; • The amount of THC permissible in each product must be restricted and an individual may make only a limited number of purchases in a given period of time; • Labels must include a surgeon general-style warning, a clear disclosure of all ingredients, including the THC content, and a scannable barcode or QR code linking to test results; Fraudulently creating or displaying manifests or lab results must be punishable as felony offenses; • Public consumption, consumption on the premises of any store that sells these products, and possession of an open container in a vehicle must be punishable as crimes; The Attorney General, district attorneys, and county attorneys must have authority to pursue
June 23, 2025 at 2:29 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
In more #txlege THC news: Weed suppositories, huh?
The governor of Texas has approved a bill to to significantly expand the state’s medical marijuana program. As advocates and stakeholders await the fate of a separate measure banning consumable hemp products, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Saturday signed into law the medical cannabis legislation from Rep. Ken King (R). The new law will expand the state’s list of medical cannabis qualifying conditions to include chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, while also allowing end-of-life patients in palliative or hospice care to use marijuana. The measure additionally allows patients to access a wider range of cannabis product types—including patches, lotions, suppositories, approved inhalers, nebulizers and vaping devices.
June 23, 2025 at 1:08 PM
wellsdunbar.bsky.social
ICYMI: Greg Abbott VETOES SB 3, the blanket ban on THC products.

BUT! He's announced a special session where SB 3 is back on the agenda. #txlege
Governor Abbott Announces Special Session Date, Initial Agenda Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott's veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items. “Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.” All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law: Property Tax Relief Generational Investment in Water Raise Teacher Pay Expand Career Training School Choice Bail Reform Creation of the Texas Cyber Command Additionally, Governor Abbott: Signed 1,155 bills Vetoed 26 bills Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration: Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products. Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property. Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee. Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution. ...
June 23, 2025 at 1:01 PM