... The Texas Minute ...

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Good morning,

Yesterday, we asked readers if the federal government shutdown had impacted them. I've included below both the survey results and a sampling of responses.

This is the Texas Minute for Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan

New Documentary KICKING THE CIRCLE [[link removed]] Creating a new city in Texas is supposed to be straightforward. But what happens when a powerful judge disrupts the process? Texas Scorecard's CEO, Daniel Greer, examines the issues simmering under the surface.

" Kicking the Circle: A Scorecard Documentary [[link removed]]" is available now on multiple platforms. State Commission Reprimands Judge for Lying to Help Death Row Inmate Harris County District Judge Natalia “Nata” Cornelio (D) has been publicly reprimanded for her actions in a capital murder appeal. As Travis Morgan details [[link removed]], investigators for the State Commission on Judicial Conduct found that the judge showed bias toward the inmate and undermined confidence in Texas’ courts.

Cornelio reportedly transferred inmate Ronald Haskell to an MRI appointment by scheduling a fake court appearance that did not exist. The MRI results were to be used as evidence in his appeal.

Haskell was found guilty of murdering six members of his ex-wife’s family in Spring, Texas, in 2014. This included his ex-sister-in-law Katie Stay, her husband, Stephen, and four of their five children—aged four to thirteen. During the 2019 trial, Haskell claimed he heard voices telling him what to do. The jury rejected those claims.

The public reprimand [[link removed]] by the SCJC is merely a mark on Cornelio's public record that could affect a future reelection campaign. She was previously removed from Haskell’s capital murder appeal. University of Houston Removes ‘Oppression & Injustice’ Class As Robert Montoya reports [[link removed]], far-left academics are criticizing the University of Houston for canceling a course titled “Confronting Oppression & Injustice.”

It was widely reported that this was a required class covering topics such as critical race theory, sexual preference, and intersectionality for students pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Students have been told the cancellation would not impede their ability to complete the social work master’s program or graduate on time.

Alan Dettlaff, a professor scheduled to teach the class, complained on social media that it was canceled with "no discussion, no faculty vote." A liberal union for college professors decried [[link removed]] the cancellation, saying that "intense political pressure" was to blame.

Yet under a new state law, faculty employees do not share in university governance. Sued for Prescribing Cross-Sex Hormones to Minors, North Texas Doctor Surrenders Medical License A North Texas doctor has surrendered her medical license after being sued by Attorney General Ken Paxton for violating a state law that protects children from gender mutilating procedures. Addie Hovland has the story [[link removed]].

The attorney general's office is accusing Dr. May Lau of putting the health and safety of minors at risk by prescribing testosterone to female minors for the purpose of “transitioning” their physical appearance. Since the enactment of a 2023 law, all gender mutilating procedures for minors are prohibited in Texas. This includes surgeries, prescriptions for puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones.

Paxton said [[link removed]] that doctors who give children experimental drugs have no place in the medical field. "May Lau has done untold damage to children, both physically and psychologically, and the surrendering of her Texas medical license is a major victory for our state." Feds Bust South Texas ISD Teacher for Child Sex Abuse Material Erin Anderson reports [[link removed]] that federal agents have busted a South Texas teacher for downloading and distributing “severe” child sexual abuse material involving very young victims. Roel Flores Jr. has been a social studies teacher at the South Texas Independent School District’s Virtual Academy since 2023.

Flores was identified as part of an online investigation of offenders using BitTorrent to share and receive child sexual abuse material featuring sadomasochistic activity. The files allegedly contained explicit videos of toddlers and prepubescent children.

In a search of his home, law enforcement officers found a bag from a different school district containing sex paraphernalia and a pair of stained children’s underwear.

Flores has been certified to teach in Texas since 2016.Other Education News Collinsville Independent School District baseball coach Derrick Jenkins is on administrative leave over allegations that he engaged in inappropriate communications with a student [[link removed]]. In a press statement issued yesterday, officials indicated that the district had "immediately contacted" local and state law enforcement officials. Records indicate that Jenkins has been certified to teach special education since 2003 and previously taught in at least three other Texas school districts. Support Texas Scorecard 🔒 [[link removed]] Today in History

On Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated by President Grover Cleveland.

Quote-Unquote

"We will not forget that liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected."

– Grover Cleveland​

Number of the Day

560,000

The weight, in pounds, of the Statue of Liberty and its internal frame.

[Source: National Park Service [[link removed]]]

Y’All Answered

With the Democrats’ shutdown of the federal government entering its fourth week, we asked readers if they have been personally affected.

Just over 11 percent reported being impacted, while 88.7 percent have not.

Here is a sampling of the responses we received from folks after they answered the survey.

“Not only have I not been impacted, I forget that it’s shut down unless I’m reminded by the media.” – Randy Schroder

“What a way to find out MOST federal employees are ‘nonessential.’” – Debra Ledet

“Keep it closed indefinitely. Less chatter, noise, and damage when they are off.” – Charles Fox

“We have been watching the shutdown carefully. As a family that is on the SNAP program, we worry about how we are going to make ends meet next month and are already trying to plan what we will be able to afford to get. Both my husband and I work full-time, and the little bit we get helps a lot. I know that with lots of prayer and careful planning, we will find a way to make it. I do support the Republicans holding their ground, and I'm glad they are. I hope the shutdown ends, but if they give in to the other side, I will not be happy. I would rather struggle for a little while than have them give in to the Democrats’ demands.” – Stacia H.

“The shutdown is a result of our elected officials looking out for themselves instead of the American people.” – Martin Torres

“If the [liberal media] was not constantly harping on this, I wouldn't even know that there was a 'shutdown!' All of this can end quickly if we STOP paying those responsible!” – John Makow

“I disagree with the characterization that it is a Democratic shutdown. It is a government shutdown.” – Polly Wilson

“If only our taxes stopped being collected, the shutdown would be nearly perfect.” – Jeff Houghton

“I have not, but many people I know are missing their paychecks and working for free. Cut off Congress' pay and they will agree real quick!” – Dawn Gerstenberger

“Pay the military and shutter the rest (non-essential) permanently.” – George Rodda

“Yes, being in Ranching & Farming we carry Insurance on our row and hay crops through the USDA. The insurance we PAY for NAP and Arc/Plc have run about 2 years behind. Our crops failed 3 years in a row. We have yet to collect any insurance. Guess it will be a little longer…” – Laura McGee

“It’s really too soon to accurately answer the question. I won’t know if I’m affected until after the first of the month.” – Daniel Resley

“I arrived home from a Maine vacation last night at 3:30 am after a travel day filled with rerouted flights and delays. Each leg of the flight was a ‘developing situation’ as staff and crews very professionally and cheerfully coped with the fallout from air traffic controllers' ‘sick out.’ Kudos to the airline and airport employees for getting us home safely, and with a smile!” – Rebecca Schumacher

“The part of the federal government that takes money out of our paychecks hasn't missed a beat.” – Steven Gorman The Directory of State and Federal Officials

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