Y'all-itics

They don't even have the keys to their Capitol offices yet, or access to the computer system to file bills. But two incoming Texas Representatives have lofty goals. One is pushing for a total ban on abortion and penalties for women who end their pregnancies. The other aims to strengthen public schools and stop the Republican march toward a private school voucher system. But they both agree that the first battle of picking a new House Speaker is a horse race and that Democrats, long in the minority here, will have outsized influence in choosing a winner. How that goes will impact what does, and doesn't, get done in this once-every-two-years legislative session. GUESTS Representative-elect Brent Money, R-Greenville Representative-elect Aicha Davis, D-DeSoto

Tim O’Hare, the unapologetic conservative leader of Tarrant County, has cut $58M from the budget without any layoffs during the first half of his term. What’s planned for the next two years? What didn’t he expect about this job? And what do folks get wrong about him? Judge O’Hare is our guest this episode. Guest Judge Tim O’Hare, Tarrant County

He was the first president ever born in a hospital. With pride, Jimmy Carter recounts how the U.S. military never fired a bullet, dropped a bomb or launched a missile on his watch. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for being the first to broker peace in the Middle East. The late U.S. President Carter represents the end of an era – when a peanut farmer from Plains, Georgia could ascend to the most powerful position in the world. Crippling inflation destroyed his chances for re-election in 1980. But Jimmy Carter might be best remembered for what he did after his presidency, rather than his one-term in the White House. In this candid 2014 interview, just after his 90th birthday, Carter put down his toolbox at a Habitat for Humanity worksite in Dallas to have a conversation with Jason Whitely about his life, legacy, and politics. GUEST: Former President Jimmy Carter in 2014

In 2025, most Texans will no longer have to have their vehicles inspected. But in a development that surprises exactly no one, Texans will still pay the fee. The state actually sponsored a study that said those inspections were not only highly effective, but should likely be expanded. That study’s author says he’s surprised lawmakers dumped the program, and in this episode of Y’all-itics, he tells the Jasons why. And you’ll notice we said “most” Texans. Find out why drivers in 17 counties are still facing an annual exam. Guest Dr. Michael Murphy, University of Texas at Austin

It is the episode you’ve been waiting for, when the Y’all-itics team discusses the best and worst of politics in 2024. Who gets a cheer? Who gets a jeer? And who gets a beer? In this special holiday edition, the Jasons are joined by WFAA political producer Berna Dean Steptoe and Fort Worth Star Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy. Guests Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram

It’s been open for nearly two decades, with thousands passing through its doors. Though you’ve likely never heard of it, this small courtroom in Houston is having a big impact on homelessness by helping folks get out from under Class C misdemeanors. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the man who supervises the city of Houston’s homeless court tells the Jasons why those criminal charges can often keep the homeless from the very things they need to get off the streets and why it’s important that those who find themselves before the judge are called clients, not defendants. Guest Scot More, Houston Homeless Court Administrator

A cruise sounds like the perfect getaway, right? How about for 3 years? It could be the perfect escape from American politics. Texan Joe Rhodes did just that, but he still had to vote. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons shared a pint with him at Three Nations Brewing in Carrollton, where they learned it hasn’t all been smooth sailing (pun intended). Guest Joe Rhodes, Cruise Ship Resident

President-elect Trump is proposing steep tariffs on our North America trading partners. Those extra levies would be passed onto consumers in the form of higher prices on everything from clothing to food to cars. But the bigger price would be to the economies of all countries involved, says Waco-based economist Ray Perryman of The Perryman Group. He has crunched the numbers for governments, huge companies, and public policymakers. Perryman ran the tariff numbers for Y'all-itics and shares the staggering results that include a significant shrinking of the economy and tremendous job losses if the tariff's Trump is threatening actually materialize. Guest: Dr. Ray Perryman, President & CEO-The Perryman Group

At some point over the past four years, you’ve likely heard about Shelley Luther. Her defiant stance against COVID shutdown orders launched a movement. But everything came to an abrupt stop when a brain aneurysm nearly took her life. Now a Representative-elect heading to Austin, don’t expect her to back down from anything… or anyone. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the GOP firebrand sits down with the Jasons at Tupps Brewery in McKinney, Texas to set the record straight and fill in the blanks about her story that’s played out in front of TV cameras for the last four years. Guest Representative-elect Shelly Luther, R-Sherman

You’ve long heard about people wanting to leave the country after someone they disagree with becomes President. The sentiment could be as old as the Republic itself. But in this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll hear from a self-described “mouthy liberal” who’s actually doing it. In fact, the Jasons sit down with her inside her own home that’s now on the market. ** Warning: this podcast contains language some may find offensive ** Guest Jana Lynn Sanchez, Democratic Activist

To the victor belong the spoils. Texas Republicans won big and we’re starting to get a sense of their priorities. At the top of the list is school choice… and they now have the votes. The border will remain a top issue… and they now have “a great friend in the White House.” But what about casino gambling? Or another property tax cut? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who runs the Senate, explains how school choice will work, how big another property tax cut might be and whether you should be placing any bets on casino gambling. Guest Dan Patrick, (R) Texas Lieutenant Governor

Other than, perhaps, Senator Ted Cruz’s margin of victory over Colin Allred, there were no real election surprises in Texas. Republicans won big. Democrats are once again searching for answers. And school vouchers are closer than ever to becoming a reality. In this election night episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons and our panel of political experts break down what the vote means for you, and the future of Texas. Guests Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer

You’ve heard the headlines: billionaire newspaper owners pulling their presidential endorsements in the eleventh hour. Those controversial decisions got us thinking here at Y’all-itics, so in this early release episode we ask whether newspaper endorsements even matter. The Jasons sit down with William McKenzie, the Senior Editorial Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute and a Pulitzer Prize winning editorial columnist, and Bud Kennedy, himself an icon of Texas journalism and a member of the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s editorial board. Guests William McKenzie, Senior Editorial Advisor at the George W. Bush Institute Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram Editorial Board

The threats are real. So, for the first time, elections offices in Texas and across the country are preparing for worst case scenario situations: from panic buttons, to tabletop exercises, to learning de-escalation techniques. Votebeat Editorial Director Jessica Huseman joins the Jasons to pull the curtain back on preparing for potential violence during and after the election. Guest Jessica Huseman, Votebeat editorial director

Jane Nelson rarely gives interviews. But for years she has been one of the most influential state leaders in Texas. In this special release Y’all-itics, Nelson answers questions on election misinformation, suing for citizenship records and the state's new plan for keeping voter rolls clean. WFAA Anchor Cynthia Izaguirre scored the rare exclusive and joins the Jasons with highlights. Guests Cynthia Izaguirre, WFAA Anchor Jane Nelson, Texas Secretary of State

Can you honestly say Austin is still ‘weird’? Many now say it’s unaffordable with terrible traffic and a skyline that keeps ascending. Has all of that destroyed what made the city such a cool, hip place? Austin has had cultural booms and busts before. But can it recover from the explosive growth it’s experiencing now? The Jasons shared a beer with Author Alex Hannaford, an Austinite for 20 years who just released a book titled Lost In Austin, documenting where the capitol city went wrong – and what it can do to salvage what made it so special. GUEST Alex Hannaford, Author

Ted Cruz and Colin Allred are facing off in their first -- and only -- televised debate of their 2024 campaigns to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. The debate moderators are WFAA senior political reporter Jason Whitely and Dallas Morning News political writer Gromer Jeffers.

When have three letters ever caused such a stink? Propositions S, T and U on the November 5 ballot in Dallas would, among other things, force the city of Dallas to hire more police officers and open city leaders up to citizen-led lawsuits. Dozens of former mayors and city leaders recently came out against the propositions, arguing they would cripple Dallas for years, if not decades. In this episode of Y’all-itics, former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk tells the Jasons why he thinks passing the charter amendments would be like rolling a hand grenade into City Hall and destroying it, and why the effort to fight them isn’t too little, too late. Guest Ron Kirk, Former Dallas Mayor

There may not be any official courtrooms just yet. There aren’t even enough judges. But the new Business Court in Texas is up and running. And you can’t have Texas’ version of Wall Street, “Y’all Street,” without it. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons sit down with attorney David Harper from the huge Texas law firm Haynes and Boone. Harper explains why the court is needed, how it’s operating without any physical space to call its own and why big businesses involved in big disputes don’t want to be standing in line in district court behind a bunch of car crash cases. Guest David Harper, Haynes and Boone Location Jaquval Brewing Company 312 W Seventh St, Dallas, TX 75208

America is divided, there’s no question about it. So, how do we go about fixing our problems with so many extremes on both sides? What if it was as easy as calling an engineer, instead of a politician? We’re doing just that in this episode of Y’all-itics. Texas author William Taggart examined some of the largest issues facing our country, but searched for solutions through the eyes of an engineer. The end result? A completely different way to view some of the most intractable issues dividing the nation. Guest William Taggart, Author

We told you back in February how the state of Texas, last year, abandoned a fraud-fighting database that is designed to catch repeat voters and keep voter rolls accurate. And Texas pulled out without finding a replacement. Fast forward seven MORE months, and Texas still hasn’t found a replacement for the Electronic Registration Information Center, ERIC, because none really exists. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined once again by Jessica Huseman, editorial director of Votebeat, who explains why that could make our voter rolls “dirty” this November. Guest Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director Location Community Beer Co. / 3110 Commonwealth Dr. Dallas, TX 75247

It has been 48 hours since the first Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. But has anything really changed since the fiery exchange? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons discuss whether the political needle is moving at all here in Texas with WFAA Political Producer Berna Dean Steptoe and Fort Worth Star Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy. Guests Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram

The fundraising figures for Kamala Harris’ bid for President are staggering. $310 Million in July. Another $361 Million in August. She could raise more than $1 Billion before Election Day and she didn’t start until late July. But that money has to come from somewhere… and someone has to get it. In this episode of Y’all-itics, one of Texas’ most prolific Democratic fundraisers sits down with the Jasons to explain why Texas is a political ATM, why fundraising is an art form and how two extremes are fueling political contributions. Guest Erika Barrera, Barrera Consulting Group

It is ambitious. It is far reaching. And it is also quite expensive, with a price tag of up to $54.5 Billion. But why now? In this episode of Y’all-itics, the chairwoman of the Texas Water Development Board and the chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs explain the state’s first ever flood plan, why the price tag is so high, and why the dangers facing millions of Texans will only get worse. 2024 State Flood Plan: https://www.twdb.texas.gov/flood/planning/sfp/doc/2024_State_Flood_Plan_Volume_I.pdf?d=602725.3999999762 Guests Brooke Paup, Chairwoman/Texas Water Development Board Sen. Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), Chair/Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs

The Y'all-itics's guide to the biggest race in Texas this November. In this episode, you’ll hear interviews from both candidates; Cruz making a case for six more years and Allred explaining why voters need to make a change.

A new poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that 73% of American adults are anxious about the November election. Republicans. Democrats. Independents. Anxiety could care less about your political affiliation. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the President & CEO of The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology, Dr. Brad Schwall, joins a Jason at Jaquval Brewing Company and offers some do’s and don’ts if you want to keep that family get-together civil. Guest Dr. Brad Schwall, CEO/The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology

More and more, Texans have wondered why 'the energy state' can't deliver reliable electricity. Renewable advocates say the solution could be batteries that store power from solar and wind. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Doug Lewin, founder of Stoic Energy, a clean energy consulting firm, discusses how batteries are increasingly propping up the grid and lowering energy costs. And he explains how microgrids with solar, batteries and natural gas could have made a huge difference after Hurricane Beryl… and how your own home could even be part of the solution. But Lewin has big concerns about the upcoming election and the next Texas legislative season. GuestDoug Lewin, Founder/Stoic Energy Consulting

They voted for Republican Nikki Haley, but they now back Democrat Kamala Harris. And Haley isn’t happy about it, sending a cease and desist order. But this group of voters refuses to stop and by Labor Day, they expect to be a “substantial force” financially. And the Director of “Haley Voters for Harris” says his group could easily swing the election in battleground states. Craig Snyder also explains to the Jasons how they’re working with other like-minded groups to elevate Harris… and what they’re asking Texans to do. Guest Craig Snyder, “Haley Voters for Harris” Director

Most Texas cities do not have enough police, plain and simple. In Dallas, a group wants voters to force city leaders to raise pay and hire hundreds of cops. But at what cost? That’s just one of three proposed amendments the group successfully got on the November ballot. Oak Cliff Brewing Company hosted the Jasons and the Executive Director of Dallas HERO to discuss how they could fundamentally change the way Dallas does business and whether this effort will spread statewide. Guest Pete Marocco, Dallas HERO Executive Director

With a growing population, political influence often follows. So why aren’t Texas lawmakers paying much attention to this group? The Jasons find out why in this episode of Y’all-itics. GUEST: Albert Shen, AAAFund National Chair

2.7 million Texans in the dark. Why can’t the energy state deliver reliable electricity? And will anyone be held accountable for the apparent lack of preplanning by Centerpoint Energy. What KHOU’s veteran investigative reporter Jeremy Rogalski found has only exacerbated the problems for Centerpoint. Jeremy joins the Jasons to discuss. Guest Jeremy Rogalski / KHOU News Investigative Reporter Jeremy Rogalski interview with CenterPoint Director of Communications Alyssia Oshodi (7:42) Interview with Investigative Reporter Jeremy Rogalski (16:13)

Texas Democrats are clashing over whether President Biden should remain in the race for the White House. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett says Democrats are scared of their own shadow and have embarked on a terrible strategy, Congressman Lloyd Doggett argues that Biden must drop out and state Rep. Ron Reynolds wants to remove “Vice” from Vice President Kamala Harris’ title. Guests Congressman Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City

It was the first time a sitting President has ever debated a former President. And now that the first Biden/Trump showdown is in the books, did either candidate move the needle with voters, especially those who don’t like either candidate? In this special release, our Y’all-itics panel of political experts discusses what the candidates did right, and what they got wrong. Guests Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Michael McCardel, WFAA Political Coordinating Producer

Elliston Berry was only 14 when a classmate created fake pornographic images of her that quickly spread on social media. But the courageous teen hasn’t just shared her story, she’s also inspired the TAKE IT DOWN Act, bipartisan national legislation that would protect victims of real and deepfake non-consensual intimate imagery. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Elliston and her mother discuss the difficult odyssey they’ve endured over the past eight months. And we sat down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to discuss his legislation after his first ever field hearing held at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Guests Elliston Berry, Deepfake Victim Anna McAdams, Elliston’s Mother U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas

Think you know what happened in the Uvalde massacre? The public hasn’t seen a sliver of the evidence. Now, more than two years later, a Texas attorney walks us through the legal fight to get DPS to finally reveal what a Texas court has ordered it to release. GUEST: Laura Lee Prather, Attorney | Haynes Boone

As we get ready to simmer through another summer in Texas, keep an eye on the grid. The fragility of electricity supply in Texas has been an issue since the near total collapse of the grid in the winter of 2021. University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Hirs says the 'fixes' since haven't been enough. He sees the potential for summer days where supply might have trouble keeping up with growing demand. And even if there is enough power to go around, he explains why we are paying more for it. Guest: Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow, University of Houston

It is not a crime in Texas for someone to claim your house as their own. State lawmakers finally plan to fix it. Guest Terri Boyette, Mesquite Homeowner State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston

Johnson County ranchers say their cattle, fish and horses are dying and getting sick because of fertilizer spread on nearby farmland. That fertilizer is made from treated human waste and it comes from the city of Fort Worth in the next county over. Ranchers say runoff from the fertilizer has made their land useless, so they’re suing. And the battle has even led to a criminal investigation. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons share a pint with WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter Rebecca Lopez to discuss her investigation. One county commissioner even says ‘this is Chernobyl.’ Rebecca also shares what the company behind the biosolids says about their product. Rebecca Lopez WFAA investigation: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/investigations/texas-johnson-county-ranchers-forever-chemicals-pfas-fort-worth/287-85b7d4ce-c694-4c2a-b221-78bd94d6c8f6 Guest Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter

SYNOPSIS: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett isn’t afraid to bite back. She has gone viral again for defending herself against a personal attack from U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia. In the 10-days since she called Greene a ‘bleach blonde, bad built, butch body’, memes have popped up online, flowers have come in to her office and she says some Republican members of congress have even given her private praise. On this episode, Crockett explains how it unfolded, why she trademarked the ‘bleach blonde, bad built, butch body’ phrase and what she wants people to know about her. GUEST: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett / D-Dallas, TX-30

Less than six months before we elect our next president, a Texas attorney says there are leadership lessons that eight former U.S. presidents can teach us. Some of these led the country during badly divided times. What will history think about Biden and Trump 50 years from now? The Jasons get a history lesson in this episode from Talmage Boston, author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”. Shoutout to Oak Highlands Brewery who shared their space and some cold draft beer. GUEST: Talmage Boston, Attorney & Author

There are two groups of Republicans in four states that could decide the next presidential election. The Lincoln Project, a group of former Republican political strategists, has its eyes set on these voters, thinking they will be enough to defeat Donald Trump. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Lincoln Project reveals one line of messaging that works. And the group gives the Jasons a sneak peek at their election strategy over the next six months. Guest Stuart Stevens, Lincoln Project Senior Advisor

$11.4 Billion. That’s how much it’s costing Texas every year for failing to provide adequate childcare for working families. And researchers at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT-Austin say the crisis should be one of the paramount policy issues facing lawmakers when they return to Austin next January. Bottom line: if families can even find decent childcare, it’s costing them way too much. In this episode of Y’all-itics, one of the authors of that policy brief explains why this issue is so important for parents and non-parents alike, and how it threatens the myth of the “Texas Miracle.” Guest Steven Pedigo, LBJ School of Public Affairs

They’re Governor Greg Abbott’s biggest priorities: border security and school vouchers. But a new poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation (THPF) makes it clear that while Abbott, and Republicans, are winning big with one, the other issue is a major political loser. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons hit a patio with THPF CEO and former Republican state Representative Jason Villalba, who explains why he thinks the Governor is so hell-bent to move forward with an issue a clear majority of Texans oppose. GUEST Jason Villalba, CEO/Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation

He does not do a lot of interviews. State Rep. Glenn Rogers, a conservative Texas Republican, lost his re-election last month after a pricey misinformation campaign against him. Despite a very conservative voting record, Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, and billionaire backers campaigned against him because Rogers opposes school vouchers. So, is there still a place for him in the Texas GOP? Is Rogers responsible for enabling any of it? Will he vote for Cruz in November? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Rogers reveals the new priority he’s focusing on now. GUEST State Rep. Glenn Rogers, R-Graford

Talk of secession has gotten a little louder these days, amplified by the so-called “Take Texas Back” pledge. The site devoted to the pledge boasts that dozens of Republican candidates and officeholders have signed up, promising to support legislation that would push Texas to leave the United States under certain conditions. This has all been talked about before. So, is this time different? And how do we know when chatter about secession is something to take more seriously? The Jasons called Dr. Eric McDaniel, a government professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to learn more about the movement and what might happen if it were to succeed. Guest Eric McDaniel, University of Texas at Austin

Ken Paxton is on a winning streak: acquitted in his Senate impeachment trial, successfully defeating some fellow Republicans on Super Tuesday, and most recently Paxton got the criminal charges against him finally dropped after nine years. So, is Ken Paxton the most powerful Republican in Texas? One of the state’s top Democrats – who tried to take the AG’s job – says Paxton absolutely is. Why then would Joe Jaworski, a Houston attorney and the grandson of Leon Jaworski, the famous prosecutor in the 1973 Watergate scandal, be considering running for this position again in 2026? And if Ken Paxton is unstoppable, Jaworski explains what that means not only for his party, but also for Texas Republicans. GUEST Joe Jaworski, Houston Attorney

It’s almost time for the dreaded property tax appraisals in Texas. For the first time, Texans will get a real say in the process. The board overseeing central appraisal districts have always been appointed. A new state law requires at least three members to be elected. Chandler Crouch, a real estate broker and expert in protesting property taxes, says the new law is a game changer. He joined the Jasons at Turning Point Beer in Bedford, Texas for this episode. GUEST:Chandler Crouch RECORDING LOCATION:Turning Point BeerBedford, Texas

Ever since settling the criminal case against Attorney General Ken Paxton, special prosecutor Brian Wice told us he has been excoriated by people who think it was a bad move. So why did he do it? And why won’t specifics of the deal be made public? We had lots of questions after this bombshell news broke. Wice made the decision and he took our call from his Houston office in this special episode of Y’all-itics. GUEST: Brian Wice / Special Prosecutor in Paxton case

Turns out, Republicans made errors hand-counting votes. The GOP in Gillespie County (Fredericksburg) did not trust machines to count the votes on Super Tuesday. So, they did it themselves. By hand. 8,000 ballots. And they made mistakes in every precinct. Jessica Huseman, the editorial director of Votebeat, was there on election night and joined the Jasons for a pint on this episode to explain what happened and the bold new project her newsroom is undertaking in Gillespie County. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/texas-politics/gillespie-county-gop-primary-officials-found-multiple-errors-after-hand-count/287-9cfe3150-cf66-4d4f-ba66-ad1fc6f9feeb Guest Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director

There have been several times recently when 60% - 70% of all the power consumed in Texas came from renewables. And in January, the state set a new solar production record, topping out at over 14,000 megawatts, more than enough to power San Antonio and Austin. Life is so good for renewables in Texas, a new study funded by the oil and gas industry found that they should likely connect to the grid to get cheaper power… thanks to the influence of renewables. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons pop open a cold one with energy expert Doug Lewin who explains why Texas should no longer be considered an oil and gas state, just an energy state. Guest Doug Lewin, Stoic Energy Founder