Good morning, A congressman from Texas wants to put Donald Trump on the $100 bill. In today's One Click Survey, we want to know what you think of that idea. This is the Texas Minute for Monday, March 10, 2025.
Texas Has Five ‘Sinkhole Cities’
- A report from Truth in Accounting reveals that while three of Texas’ biggest cities are in solid financial shape, five are struggling. Robert Montoya has the details.
- In the report, Dallas was ranked among the bottom 10 least fiscally healthy cities—called sinkholes because they do not have enough money to pay their bills. The other Texas cities on that list include Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, and San Antonio.
- On the other hand, Plano, Arlington, and Corpus Christi were designated "Sunshine Cities" for having their fiscal affairs in order.
- Meanwhile, Truth in Accounting studied eight Texas cities and found their cumulative debt is a steep $37.45 billion. Austin had the highest amount of debt, owing $9.8 billion.
Texas A&M Regents Tap Hegar for Chancellor
- The Texas A&M Board of Regents on Friday announced that Comptroller Glenn Hegar was the sole finalist for the chancellorship of the institution. As Sydnie Henry reports, Hegar will replace the retiring John Sharp.
- Sharp, who was the state's last Democrat comptroller, has been the chancellor for 14 years. Among other things, the TAMU chancellor oversees the operations of the university system's 11 campuses.
- Under state law, the regents must now wait 21 days before they can officially name Hegar to the job. It is unclear when Hegar would step down after that from his statewide elected position as comptroller, but when that happens, the governor will be required to name a replacement to fill the remainder of the unexpired term.
- Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick immediately announced her 2026 candidacy for the GOP nomination for comptroller. Former State Sen. Don Huffines has also announced a run for the office.
Legislation Would End Higher Ed Instruction on Radical Gender Pronoun Use
- Building on recent efforts to curb extremist gender ideology in higher education, Valerie Muñoz reports one lawmaker is seeking to prohibit instruction on pronouns that do not align with biological sex.
- State Rep. Joanne Shofner (R-Nacogdoches) has introduced legislation prohibiting instruction on the nonbiological use of gender pronouns at state colleges and universities. While the ban would not apply to student organizations per se, universities would not be allowed to use taxpayers' dollars to fund any student groups promoting incorrect gender pronouns.
- In 2023, legislators passed SB 17, which banned DEI offices and policies in Texas public universities. While it did not prohibit specific courses or teachings, lawmakers have since signaled their intent to take the next step in combating "woke indoctrination."
- "We are doing whatever it takes to get rid of this woke nonsense out of our culture." – Joanne Shofner
High School Coach Arrested After Admitting to Sex With Student
- Erin Anderson reports that a teacher in the Corpus Christi area has been arrested after admitting he had sexual contact with a 17-year-old female student.
- Austin Barron, 24, has been the head girls' basketball coach at Robstown ISD's high school, in addition to teaching social studies, government, and history. The district issued a statement, without naming Barron, in which it was indicated he had been placed on administrative leave.
- State records show Barron does not hold a Texas teaching certificate.
MORE BAD APPLES
Zachary Barnett was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on three counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
Today In HistoryOn March 10, 1864, Abraham Lincoln promoted Ulysses S. Grant to lieutenant general of the U.S. Army. That rank had last been used in 1798.
"A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart."
The number of people who have appeared on U.S. currency.
In what he calls the Golden Age Act, U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Flower Mound) has authored legislation replacing the portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill with Donald Trump by the end of December 2028. Since 1873, U.S. law has required that only deceased individuals appear on the currency. Do you think Donald Trump should be on the $100 bill?
Once you’ve clicked an answer, reply to this email with any thoughts you’d like to share!
This information is automatically inserted based on the mailing address you provide to us. If you'd like to update your contact information, please visit our subscriber portal.
|