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: [email protected]
for texas tips, email: [email protected]
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...
When we launched, it took weeks to even get @thebarbedwire.com indexed on Google search. Apple News verified us in April. Google News verified us last month.
Today, a story that we’ve spent weeks reporting and editing —because it felt really important — is on Apple News’ top stories.
It’s No. 4.
Today, a story that we’ve spent weeks reporting and editing —because it felt really important — is on Apple News’ top stories.
It’s No. 4.
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
When we launched, it took weeks to even get @thebarbedwire.com indexed on Google search. Apple News verified us in April. Google News verified us last month.
Today, a story that we’ve spent weeks reporting and editing —because it felt really important — is on Apple News’ top stories.
It’s No. 4.
Today, a story that we’ve spent weeks reporting and editing —because it felt really important — is on Apple News’ top stories.
It’s No. 4.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Another good reason to avoid being on X is that Isaac Chotiner could start asking you questions there at any time
November 25, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Another good reason to avoid being on X is that Isaac Chotiner could start asking you questions there at any time
Reposted by Olivia Messer
“The more that marginalized voices disappear from legacy outlets, the more it matters to fight for our corner instead of abandoning it.
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
“Texas desperately needs a place where we can tell our stories, where we can be ourselves, mourn our losses, and celebrate our victories,” writes @kitoconnell.com.
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
I’m a Trans Journalist Choosing to Live in Texas. Here’s Why That Matters.
My name is Kit O’Connell. I’ll be covering queer and trans life in Texas for Big & Bright — The Barbed Wire’s first underwritten vertical.
thebarbedwire.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“The more that marginalized voices disappear from legacy outlets, the more it matters to fight for our corner instead of abandoning it.
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
“The more that marginalized voices disappear from legacy outlets, the more it matters to fight for our corner instead of abandoning it.
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
“Texas desperately needs a place where we can tell our stories, where we can be ourselves, mourn our losses, and celebrate our victories,” writes @kitoconnell.com.
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
I’m a Trans Journalist Choosing to Live in Texas. Here’s Why That Matters.
My name is Kit O’Connell. I’ll be covering queer and trans life in Texas for Big & Bright — The Barbed Wire’s first underwritten vertical.
thebarbedwire.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 PM
“The more that marginalized voices disappear from legacy outlets, the more it matters to fight for our corner instead of abandoning it.
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
It matters to have places in journalism, in media, where we belong and where we can see ourselves.”
Reposted by Olivia Messer
If you fill this out for me, I will choose a gif or emoji that suits your vibes. I will bribe you!!!! To tell me about a gift you enjoyed receiving.
November 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
If you fill this out for me, I will choose a gif or emoji that suits your vibes. I will bribe you!!!! To tell me about a gift you enjoyed receiving.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
The fauna at this clothing-optional camp (in certain areas) sport Pikachu tails, pup masks, and Winnie the Pooh ears. Sometimes nothing at all. On this particular weekend, one man blows out birthday cake candles, in his birthday suit, as friends cheer.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/20/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/20/t...
Come Inside Texas’ Gayest Campground
The first rainbow pride flag used green to signify nature. Now, LGBTQ+ communities are rediscovering the peace of camping and hiking.
thebarbedwire.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The fauna at this clothing-optional camp (in certain areas) sport Pikachu tails, pup masks, and Winnie the Pooh ears. Sometimes nothing at all. On this particular weekend, one man blows out birthday cake candles, in his birthday suit, as friends cheer.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/20/t...
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/20/t...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Emmanuel’s story enraged many Houston residents as community members grappled with the cruelty of keeping a disabled child locked away from his mother.
This article was published in partnership with @thebarbedwire.com:
This article was published in partnership with @thebarbedwire.com:
A disabled child’s mom reported him missing. He was in federal custody for 48 days.
When Emmanuel Gonzalez walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October, Houston Police called ICE instead of reuniting them.
19thnews.org
November 24, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Emmanuel’s story enraged many Houston residents as community members grappled with the cruelty of keeping a disabled child locked away from his mother.
This article was published in partnership with @thebarbedwire.com:
This article was published in partnership with @thebarbedwire.com:
Reposted by Olivia Messer
“Texas desperately needs a place where we can tell our stories, where we can be ourselves, mourn our losses, and celebrate our victories,” writes @kitoconnell.com.
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
I’m a Trans Journalist Choosing to Live in Texas. Here’s Why That Matters.
My name is Kit O’Connell. I’ll be covering queer and trans life in Texas for Big & Bright — The Barbed Wire’s first underwritten vertical.
thebarbedwire.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:14 PM
“Texas desperately needs a place where we can tell our stories, where we can be ourselves, mourn our losses, and celebrate our victories,” writes @kitoconnell.com.
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
Meet our newest newsletter writer and contributor, who’ll be spearheading our queer coverage 💕
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/25/t...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:53 AM
Maaan why is Poldark always crashing out, on trial, or in danger??? Every time I think we hit a smooth patch, he messes it up again
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Maaan why is Poldark always crashing out, on trial, or in danger??? Every time I think we hit a smooth patch, he messes it up again
Reposted by Olivia Messer
1/ THREAD: This year ICE has sent a record 600 immigrant kids into federal shelters, more than in the previous four years combined. Data suggests some are being separated from their families.
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
1/ THREAD: This year ICE has sent a record 600 immigrant kids into federal shelters, more than in the previous four years combined. Data suggests some are being separated from their families.
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
For one 15-year-old, it began with a cracked windshield 👇
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Riley Gaines climbed the MAGA ladder by vilifying trans women in sports. Now, teammates are speaking out about the real problems on her team: abusive coaching, sexual harassment, eating disorders. ow.ly/o3wq50XuCzp
How right-wing superstar Riley Gaines built an anti-trans empire
The swimmer tied a trans woman for fifth. The MAGA industrial complex took care of the rest.
ow.ly
November 23, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Riley Gaines climbed the MAGA ladder by vilifying trans women in sports. Now, teammates are speaking out about the real problems on her team: abusive coaching, sexual harassment, eating disorders. ow.ly/o3wq50XuCzp
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Breaking: Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died
Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old.
www.whatimreading.net
November 24, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Breaking: Viola Ford Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died. She was 111 years old
Reposted by Olivia Messer
It actually goes deeper. Given how many autistic kids rely on Medicaid, there is a huge risk right now that #ActuallyAutistic kids who are citizens but have mixed-status parents might not get screened because their parents fear deportation or separation.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:35 PM
It actually goes deeper. Given how many autistic kids rely on Medicaid, there is a huge risk right now that #ActuallyAutistic kids who are citizens but have mixed-status parents might not get screened because their parents fear deportation or separation.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Hey! @alisonleiby.bsky.social, the funniest writer there is, wrote a whole damn book and you can preorder it now! www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746320...
I'm a Lot by Alison Leiby: 9780593731628 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
In this witty, absurd, and surprisingly moving memoir-in-essays, comedian Alison Leiby unpacks the multitudes women are told to be—and the joy of refusing to pick just one. Have you ever frozen...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Hey! @alisonleiby.bsky.social, the funniest writer there is, wrote a whole damn book and you can preorder it now! www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/746320...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
They say they're getting the dangerous criminals. This is the reality.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:21 PM
They say they're getting the dangerous criminals. This is the reality.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Emmanuel walked away from his mom’s fruit stand to find a bathroom. She looked for him all over Houston, and after several hours, she filed a missing person’s report with Houston PD. Houston firefighters found him within 24 hours. But police turned him over to ICE, who held him captive for 48 days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Emmanuel walked away from his mom’s fruit stand to find a bathroom. She looked for him all over Houston, and after several hours, she filed a missing person’s report with Houston PD. Houston firefighters found him within 24 hours. But police turned him over to ICE, who held him captive for 48 days.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Judge dismisses cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed.
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — Judge dismisses cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed.
Reposted by Olivia Messer
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
November 24, 2025 at 5:36 PM
BREAKING: Comey case dismissed without prejudice. Halligan invalidly appointed, judge rules. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
“In front of the entire world, they tried to make others believe I was a bad mother,” she said. “They failed my family, they failed my son, they failed me, and they’re failing all of us.”
This breaks my heart. 💔
This breaks my heart. 💔
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
“In front of the entire world, they tried to make others believe I was a bad mother,” she said. “They failed my family, they failed my son, they failed me, and they’re failing all of us.”
This breaks my heart. 💔
This breaks my heart. 💔
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Good lord, this story. Kid with intellectual disabilities trapped in immigration detention for weeks as mom tried desperately to get him out
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Good lord, this story. Kid with intellectual disabilities trapped in immigration detention for weeks as mom tried desperately to get him out
Reposted by Olivia Messer
Art Briles has been hired as the head football coach at a D2 school and so is back in the news. If you want to understand why this hire is upsetting for many, here's the long piece @dansolomon.com and I wrote back in 2019 about How Baylor Happened: web.archive.org/web/20190208...
How Baylor Happened
WACO, Texas — There’s not much to recommend spending four years in Waco. Driving into town up Interstate 35 from the south, the endless stretch of Texas nothing fills out slowly. It’s flat in the way ...
web.archive.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Art Briles has been hired as the head football coach at a D2 school and so is back in the news. If you want to understand why this hire is upsetting for many, here's the long piece @dansolomon.com and I wrote back in 2019 about How Baylor Happened: web.archive.org/web/20190208...
Reposted by Olivia Messer
The article is worse than the headline suggests. I am trying to avoid American politics online but as the brother of someone like this, this story really upset me. The idea of him being separated from his mother for 54 days, seeing her only 3 times, facing emergency surgery alone, is heartbreaking
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old with intellectual disabilities, wandered away from his mom’s fruit stand in October.
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
She reported him missing to Houston police. But instead of reuniting them, the city turned him over to ICE.
“They’re failing all of us,” his mom said.
thebarbedwire.com/2025/11/24/d...
A Disabled Child’s Mom Reported Him Missing. He Was Locked Away by Federal Immigration Authorities for 48 Days.
Emmanuel, a 15-year-old who has an intellectual disability, walked away from his mom’s fruit stand in October. Houston Police called ICE.
thebarbedwire.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:56 PM
The article is worse than the headline suggests. I am trying to avoid American politics online but as the brother of someone like this, this story really upset me. The idea of him being separated from his mother for 54 days, seeing her only 3 times, facing emergency surgery alone, is heartbreaking