Y'all-itics

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

How do you beat a Republican in Texas? Move further to the right. And in many ways, that’s exactly what happened in Texas during the primary. But one of the biggest surprises of the night happened on the Democratic ballot. In this election hangover edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons and our panel experts discuss the results of the GOP civil war, the fallout from the results and what it all means for the future of Texas. Guests Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Michael McCardel, WFAA Political Coordinating Producer

Mexicans elect a new president this summer and two women are competing for the top job. How might they impact our politics, our shared border, and the hundreds of billions of dollars in trade that move across it? Laura Collins, an immigration expert at the Bush Institute and Jennifer Apperti, a former Mexican diplomat who now leads SMU’s Mission Foods Texas-Mexico Center join the Jasons to explain how immigration impacts politics on the other side of the border. Guests Jennifer Apperti, Director/SMU Mission Foods Texas-Mexico Center Laura Collins, Director/Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

The border politics dominating conversations have long overshadowed the importance of all the other stuff flooding over the border from Mexico. And the bickering, bloviation and incessant battling is negatively impacting the Texas economy and our wallets, a loss of more than a billion dollars in output and thousands of jobs. Dr. Ray Perryman is the brains behind this new report, which is a political hot potato. But Dr. Perryman tells the Jasons why he thinks it’s a good thing he’s called an “equal opportunity offender” and why it’s vital Texans – and politicians – hear this information. Texas-Mexico trade report: https://www.perrymangroup.com/media/uploads/brief/perryman-the-economic-benefits-of-texasmexico-trade-02-15-24.pdf Guest Dr. Ray Perryman, CEO/The Perryman Group

It is an election system designed to find cases of illegal voting, keep voter rolls accurate, and make elections cheaper and more efficient. But Texas, and eight other Republican-led states, abandoned the program without any plan to replace it. That is bad news for Texas voters and the bill comes due on Super Tuesday, March 5. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons crack open a cold one at Celestial Beerworks with Jessica Huseman, the editorial director of Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization that reports on elections across the country. Jessica explains why Texas’ decision to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, couldn’t have come at a worse time and how Texas voters could feel this impact when they go vote. GuestJessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director

She’s the only major Republican presidential candidate left standing not named Donald Trump. And former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley hit Texas recently to raise cash and build momentum leading up to Super Tuesday on March 5. But everything’s bigger in Texas, including Trump’s lead. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, candidate Haley explains her views on everything from Texas’ abortion law to whether we should be taking guns away. GuestNikki Haley, Republican Candidate for President

Many residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, say they’ve had enough. But they’re angry with the Texas Governor, not the migrants crossing the border. They just sent him a letter, accusing his rhetoric of putting the community in danger now that armed militias are actively showing up after hearing the Governor’s words. In this episode of Y’all-itics, a local business owner who’s already sued the state tells the Jasons what life is truly like now on the ground in Eagle Pass. And you’ll learn why Congressman Michael McCaul calls the failed Republican-led effort to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary, who oversees federal border policy, an embarrassment. Guests Jessie Fuentes, Eagle Pass Business OwnerCongressman Michael McCaul, (R) Austin

Our guest this week decided to go public with what so many Republican lawmakers have said in private. State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, does not have a primary opponent and is free to speak openly and boy does he in this episode with the Jasons. Patterson goes unplugged about Paxton, the far right disruptors in the Texas GOP, Republicans in Congress who trot down to the Texas border for photo ops and much more. This episode was recorded at Community Beer Co. in Dallas. GUEST:State Rep. Jared Patterson (R) Frisco / District 106

One of the nation’s foremost experts on the U.S. Supreme Court says its current session is likely “the biggest term of our lifetimes.” That’s because the docket is chock-full of cases that will impact your daily life, many of them originating here in Texas. The Justices have already waded deep into the immigration battle taking place in the Rio Grande along the Texas-Mexico border. Will Texans still have access to a widely prescribed abortion pill? Will Trump even be on the ballot in 2024? Constitutional law expert and best-selling author Steve Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law explains how our lives could be different by summer when the term ends. Guest Steve Vladeck, University of Texas School of Law

The state of Texas just did something that will make it near impossible for the Uvalde families to sue over the law enforcement failures the day of the massacre at Robb Elementary, failures recently described in detail inside a Department of Justice investigative report. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by an attorney who is waist deep in the effort to make the evidence file public. And she says Texans still have no idea what truly happened on May 24, 2022. GuestLaura Lee Prather, Attorney

After surviving subzero temps, a blizzard and a surprising cut of meat, the Jasons get into the nitty gritty of the Iowa Caucuses.

Three major candidates remain in the Republican race for president. What happens on Monday night in Iowa might reduce that even further. And the winter weather that’s freezing Texas has socked in Iowa with snow, briefly paralyzing politics and adding another factor campaigns didn’t count on. The Jasons braved a blizzard warning to get beer, barbecue and this this conversation with Averi Harper, the Deputy Political Director at ABC News.Guest: Averi Harper ABC News Deputy Political Director

Reality doesn’t live up to reputation when it comes to freedom in Texas. The Lone Star State is dead last in personal freedoms in an annual study by The Cato Institute. Which states are more free? How did Texas get so restrictive? The Jasons have questions for William Ruger, a Texas native himself, who prepares the freedom report every year. “Freedom in the 50 States” report: Freedom in the 50 States 2023 | Cato Institute Guest William Ruger, CATO Institute

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share two of our top performing episodes of 2023 with you while they’re out. In this rewind episode, you’ll once again hear about an issue that was never resolved in 2023, despite the Governor’s best efforts and multiple special sessions. And we’re still waiting for word whether Governor Abbott will call a fifth special session to address school choice. We first released this episode on March 17, 2023. Guests Dr. Michelle Smith, Raise Your Hand Texas Exec. Dir. Sen. Brandon Creighton, (R) Conroe

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share two of our top performing episodes of 2023 with you while they’re out. In this rewind episode, you’ll learn more about whether the minority political party in Texas will stay that way forever. We first released this episode on August 6, 2023. GUESTSState Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas (HD 114)

On the last day she could file to run, state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado confirmed the rumors and announced she wants to unseat fellow Democrat, state Senator Nathan Johnson. But neither time nor money are on her side. The Texas Democratic primary is 80 days away and Johnson has a lot more money. So, why is Neave Criado taking the gamble? And will this race help or hurt the Texas Democratic Party in a high-stakes election year? GUESTS:State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado / D-DallasState Sen. Nathan Johnson / D-Dallas

You may not have noticed, but the Houston area has been quietly, and quite successfully, addressing its homelessness problem for years now. And the coalition leading this effort has a simple mantra: housing first. They’ve learned it’s more expensive to leave people on the street or put them in temporary shelters than it is to permanently house them. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the CEO of the “Coalition for the Homeless” tells the Jasons the secret to their success comes down to three things: organization, pragmatism and scale. And you’ll learn why cities from across the country may soon follow Houston’s lead. Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.homelesshouston.org Guest Mike Nichols, CEO/Coalition for the Homeless