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Good morning,

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, this week's One Click Survey focuses on what's really important: what dessert you look forward to indulging in.  

This is the Texas Minute for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Paxton Launches Investigation Into Social Media Ad Conspiracy

• Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an investigation into a potential anticompetitive scheme involving advertising companies coordinating to withhold ad revenue from certain social media platforms. Sydnie Henry reports on the investigation into the World Federation of Advertisers.
        
• At issue is an alleged conspiracy to suppress advertising on platforms—specifically 𝕏—deemed undesirable by leftwing interest groups.
        
• According to Paxton, such a coordinated effort could harm market competition and violate state law. While companies have the right to choose where and when they place ads, the attorney general is arguing that a collective effort to block advertising from particular platforms could distort competition, limit opportunities for advertisers, and restrict free enterprise.
       
• “It is completely unacceptable and un-American that the Department of Justice under the Biden Administration failed to enforce antitrust laws against its perceived political allies.” — Ken Paxton

UPDATE: SBOE Approves of New Curriculum

• Updating a story from last week, the State Board of Education has given its final approval to Bluebonnet Learning, a new curriculum available for the 2025-26 academic year.
      
• The Texas Education Agency describes the new instructional materials as Open Education Resources, which means they are owned by the state, free to everyone, and can be modified over time.
       
• The SBOE adopted the curriculum by a vote of 8-7, with three Republicans—Evelyn Brooks, Pam Little, and Pat Hardy—joining the four Democrats in opposition.

Illegal Alien Arrested for Raping Child

• A 21-year-old man from Guatemala, who entered the country illegally near Eagle Pass, has been arrested in Massachusetts and charged with raping a child. Will Biagini has the details.
       
• After crossing into Texas in September 2020, the man was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents. However, he was given a notice to appear before an immigration judge and released into the country. 
      
• Nearly four years later, in February 2024, the man was arrested in Boston on rape charges. Federal immigration officials issued a detainer notice, but that was ignored by Boston officials who released him on bond. He is now back in custody after being re-arrested.

Report Reveals Deep Flaws in Texas Ethics Commission

• A new report from the Texas Sunset Commission offers a scathing look at the Texas Ethics Commission and its attempts to squelch Texans' First Amendment rights. Brandon Waltens breaks down the findings.
     
• Nearly all agencies and programs in state government must undergo a periodic "sunset" review. Unless renewed or reformed by the legislature, the agencies and programs are ended. The TEC is among those agencies under review in 2025.
     
• The report identifies numerous issues that have plagued the TEC for years, including an inefficient and overly punitive sworn complaint process. According to the findings, the agency spends significant resources pursuing minor technical violations while failing to prioritize more serious ethical breaches. This approach has left many citizens unfairly stigmatized as ethics violators simply for trying to engage their government.
       
• Despite its criticism of the TEC, the report recommends weakening judicial oversight of the agency. Currently, TEC decisions can be appealed in district court through a de novo review process, which allows for a fresh examination of cases. The report suggests replacing this standard with a “substantial evidence” review, which would significantly limit the court’s ability to challenge TEC rulings.
       
• “Many Texans are shocked to learn that we have secret speech police that operate out of the basement of the Texas Capitol. But if you say the wrong thing about candidates or elections or legislation without filing the correct forms, you’ll learn quickly about the TEC,” said Tony McDonald, an attorney who focuses on First Amendment issues.

Law Enforcement Officers Rescue a Child and Arrest Traffickers

• Michael Wilson reports on a three-day investigation in Montgomery County that resulted in rescuing a minor from a trafficking ring. Numerous arrests associated with prostitution, child trafficking, and drug offenses also sprung from Operation Safe Haven.
     
• The Houston area has long been known as a hotspot for human trafficking. Law enforcement officials say this is largely due to the city’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, its dense population, access to major roadways and seaports, and a large sex industry.
     
• In 2016, the Greater Houston area accounted for 41.6 percent of all human trafficking tips reported in Texas. As of 2020, Texas ranked second in the nation for human trafficking, only behind California.
       
• “The arrests made are just the beginning of the investigation. Typically, these traffickers—especially those who prey on juveniles—have other victims,” said Lt. Freddie Croft of the Houston Police Department. “We will continue investigating to identify additional victims and bring offenders to justice.”

Houston Mayor Proposes Plan to Combat Homelessness

• A $70 million plan was unveiled this week by Houston Mayor John Whitmire to address the city's homeless crisis. Charles Blain reports the plan is designed to get the homeless off the streets and reclaim public property.
      
• Whitmire's plan would be funded by city and county tax dollars, as well as money from other governmental entities and charitable foundations. The mayor said he would propose changing the city's ordinance to ban sleeping on city streets after 9 p.m.
     
• Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas wants clarity on how law enforcement will engage the homeless, the reasons for a shift from a “housing-first” approach, and what role federal funding will play.

Recount Begins in Narrow Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Race

• Democrat incumbent Eric Fagan led Republican challenger Marshall Slot by just over 1,000 votes in the race for sheriff in Fort Bend County. Now, reports Luca Cacciatore, a recount is underway that should conclude later this week.
      
• Because nearly 342,000 votes were cast in the race, Slot formally requested a recount because of the narrow margin.
      
• Located adjacent to Harris County, Fort Bend has emerged as a crucial electoral battleground in recent years.

Today In History

On Nov. 25, 1835, the Texas Navy was created with the purchase of four ships: Liberty, Independence, Invincible, and Brutus. In 1846, the Texas Navy's ships were transferred to the U.S. Navy.

Quote-Unquote

"It is the function of the Navy to carry the war to the enemy so that it is not fought on U.S. soil."

– Chester W. Nimitz​

One Click Survey

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