Y'all-itics

Claims of a coup. One of the state’s top leaders accused of acting like he had “a gun to his head.” Tears. And plenty of explosive back-and-forth testimony. Week one of the Ken Paxton impeachment trial is in the books and if anyone was expecting a whimper, they were sorely disappointed. In this special release Y’all-itics, take a deep dive into the week’s developments and the legal, political and practical ramifications for the suspended Attorney General. Guests Ashley Goudeau, KVUE anchor/Managing Editor of Political Content Tanya Eiserer, WFAA senior investigative reporter Jason Villalba, Attorney/former Republican state Representative

Defense attorneys for suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton did everything they could to have the impeachment charges against him dismissed. But state Senators, in this case the jurors, overwhelmingly rejected those efforts, one by one. In this special release episode of Y’all-itics, listen to the opening statements in the historic impeachment trial. State Representative Andrew Murr, a Republican who is the chair of the House board of impeachment managers, went first. He was followed by Paxton’s lead impeachment attorney Tony Buzbee and then another Paxton attorney, Dan Cogdell. Opening Statements: State Rep. Andrew Murr, (R) House board of impeachment managers chair Tony Buzbee, Paxton lead impeachment attorney Dan Cogdell, Paxton impeachment attorney

Days before the Ken Paxton impeachment trial begins in the Texas Senate, several questions loom large. Can the “prior-term doctrine” save the suspended Attorney General? Will Ken Paxton testify? And it only takes 10 Republicans to prevent impeachment. Will they? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons have a conversation with David Lethe, a Republican precinct chair in Paxton’s home of Collin County, and one of the few there to publicly support the impeachment trial. He is blunt when explaining why he thinks Paxton should resign. And they get answers from Matt Mackowiak, a GOP political consultant and chair of the Travis County Republican Party, who also gives odds for Paxton’s survival. Guests Matt Mackowiak, GOP consultant/Travis Co Republican Party Chair David Lethe, R/Precinct 119 Chair, Collin County

Former state Senator Beverly Powell is out of politics, but she's not done with fundraising. The Fort Worth Democrat started the project to build a new elementary school in Uvalde after the 2022 massacre. They need $60M. They’ve raised $48M so far. Plus, will she run for office again? Listen to what she told the Jasons in this episode recorded live at The Texas Ale Project in Dallas.GuestBeverly Powell, former state SenatorLocation Texas Ale Project 1001 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

Former state Senator Beverly Powell is out of politics, but she's not done with fundraising. The Fort Worth Democrat started the project to build a new elementary school in Uvalde after the 2022 massacre. They need $60M. They’ve raised $48M so far. Plus, will she run for office again? Listen to what she told the Jasons in this episode recorded live at The Texas Ale Project in Dallas.GuestBeverly Powell, former state SenatorLocation Texas Ale Project 1001 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

The battle over Texas’ educational soul will continue during a special session likely to be called in October when lawmakers once again grapple over the issues that have politicized Texas classrooms: education savings accounts (ESAs), per pupil spending and teacher pay. Two former superintendents turned education activists grabbed a beer to join the Jasons and discuss what’s at stake when lawmakers reconvene. Guests Dr. Brian Woods, Texas School Alliance President/Former Northside ISD Superintendent HD Chambers, Texas School Alliance Exec. Dir./Former Alief ISD Superintendent TSA: https://texasschoolalliance.org/home-2/

Synopsis: A small security company in Texas is swamped with calls from big school districts in a hurry to find enough officers to comply with a new state law that starts in September requiring an officer on every campus. The mandate is expensive, controversial, and filled with complexities. But can it prevent another Uvalde? Guest: Charlie Hollis, Director of Operations, L&P Global Security Location: Bitter Sisters Brewery 15103 Surveyor Blvd, Addison, TX 75001

SYNOPSIS:Texas Democrats should not be satisfied with legislative scraps from Republicans, says state Rep. John Bryant. At 76, this veteran Dallas Democrat ordered an IPA and shared how much the Texas legislature has changed since his first stint there in the 1970s and offered advice on how his party could regain control. This episode was recorded at the iconic Stoneleigh P in Dallas, which will be changing locations in 2024 on its 51st birthday. GUESTS Laura Garrison, Stoneleigh PState Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas (HD 114)

If you want to move grandma onto your own property, why can’t you? A growing, bi-partisan movement argues that if more people say “yes, in my backyard,” the housing crisis in Texas – affordability and availability - would begin to disappear. But as one of the leaders of that effort explains, it’s hard to convince folks that new neighbors don’t necessarily mean new problems.GuestNicole Nosek, Chair/Texans for Reasonable SolutionsTexans for Reasonable Solutions

The state of Texas is investigating claims that troopers working along the border were ordered to withhold water from migrants trying to cross… even reportedly pushing some back into the river. It’s happening in Eagle Pass, Texas, the same area where the Governor recently deployed a long line of buoys to deter crossings. Just before Mexico filed an official diplomatic complaint, a kayaker and lifelong resident became the first to sue the Governor over his wall of buoys on the Rio Grande. Not only is it destroying his business, but Jessie Fuentes says it will do nothing to stop migrants seeking asylum. Before he makes his argument in court, he’s first explaining it to the Jasons. Guest Jessie FuentesOwner, Epi’s Canoe & Kayak TeamEpi's Canoe & Kayak Team LLC - Home (episcanoekayakteam.com)

Y’all-itics early release: July 14, 2023John Scott might not be a household name, but he is a go-to for Governor Abbott. As we were releasing this episode of Y’all-itics, Scott was leaving after six weeks as the temporary Texas Attorney General. And that was not too longer after he served for more than a year as Secretary of State. Scott provides us our first glimpse inside the office since Paxton’s suspension. And he left something the office needed right now.GuestJohn ScottFormer provisional Attorney General of Texas/Former Texas Secretary of State

Y’all-itics: July 10, 2023Hours after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan announced an agreement on property taxes, Patrick took our call to explain what made the deal. And what did not. The final version of this legislation included something new.GUESTLt. Gov. Dan Patrick, (R) Texas

Y’all-itics: July 9, 2023It has been another momentous term for the U.S. Supreme Court, full of bombshell decisions, from “gutting” affirmative action in college admissions, to upholding the Voting Rights Act. The high court has always made important and controversial decisions... one of the nation’s premiere constitutional law experts, Professor Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas at Austin, says what makes this court stand out is how it is conducting its business. ** The Jasons recorded this interview hours before the SCOTUS ruling that struck down President Biden’s plan to forgive student loan debt and their decision in the case involving a Colorado website designer and LGBTQ rightsGUESTStephen Vladeck, University of Texas School of Law

Texans pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. And despite big promises, Texas Republicans still haven’t delivered relief to property owners. Can they finally agree on anything during the second special session now underway in Austin? The Jasons turn to the political insider’s insider to find out. And Scott Braddock, the editor of the Quorum Report, explains why property tax relief has become a “legislative Vietnam.”GUESTScott Braddock, Quorum Report editor www.quorumreport.com

Suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is required to attend his own trial. But will he testify? What will his defense be? The Texas Senate laid out 29-pages of rules by which the Paxton impeachment trial will happen. Travis County GOP chairman and veteran political consultant Matt Mackowiak shares what he expects to happen next.Guest:Matt MackowiakTravis County GOP Chairman and veteran political consultant

A third political party is challenging two decades of Republican dominance in Texas. Former Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang and former Republican New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman argue the two-party system has created a one-party monopoly that deprives voters of choices and solutions. And they've come to Texas to drum up support for their new Forward Party. GuestsAndrew YangForward Party Founder/Former Candidate for Presidenthttps://home.forwardparty.comChristine Todd WhitmanFormer NJ Governor

After the deadly 2021 winter blackouts that left millions of Texans in a deep freeze for days, lawmakers have now had two sessions to remedy the state's flawed power grid. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by two experts who say recently passed "fixes" haven't made the grid more reliable, but that it could have been worse. GuestsDoug LewinFounder, Stoic EnergyAuthor, The Texas Energy and Power Newsletterhttps://douglewin.substack.com/ Professor Ed HirsEnergy Fellow, University of Houston

Dick DeGuerin and Rusty Hardin have resumes and personas as big as Texas. These two legal icons will now prosecute the impeachment case against suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Their selection shows how serious House Republicans are in removing Paxton from office. But can even the best attorneys get the jury in this case – the state’s 31 senators – to put aside their next re-election and weigh the evidence in this case? This is their first extended interview together since they took the case.Guest: Dick DeGuerin, AttorneyRusty Hardin, Attorney

How serious is the Republican-led case against Attorney General Ken Paxton? He said all of it is “easily disproved”. But you’re about to hear all of the evidence collected by investigators from the Texas House General Investigating Committee – as told to lawmakers just before they voted to send up the articles of impeachment. GUEST: The General Investigating Committee from the Texas House of Representatives.

You never know what to expect in the final week of a legislative session in Texas. But 2023? Wow. The Jasons have been in Austin all week, witnessing this drama, chaos and legislative two stepping in person. Joining them for a cold brew and hot topics are two veteran political journalists, KVUE’s Ashley Goudeau and the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Bud Kennedy. GUESTS Ashley Goudeau, KVUE Anchor/Reporter Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star TelegramLOCATION: Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden

Despite months of warnings, anxiety and political battles, Title 42 appears to have ended with a whimper, not the expected bang. The pandemic-era health policy that allowed authorities to quickly expel migrants, even asylum seekers, is no longer in place. And the predicted migrant surge and chaos along our southern border simply has not happened. In fact, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says the number of illegal crossings has dropped by more than half. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, we explore why. The Jasons sit down for a cold one with Laura Collins, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative. That’s a fancy way of saying she’s an expert on immigration and the economics surrounding it, and she recently took part in a white paper about smart border policy for the 21st century. Collins says Title 42 was bad for humanitarian and enforcement reasons and tells us why its demise means we’re “back to normal” along our southern border. And she explains how a refugee crisis in the western hemisphere makes this much more than an American problem.Guest: Laura Collins, Director/Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth InitiativeLocation:George W. Bush Presidential Center

Eight innocent people dead. Seven more wounded. And hundreds more still suffering from shock and fear after being caught in the middle of a mass shooting involving another AR-15 style rifle. This time, it happened in Allen, Texas, a Dallas suburb. But at this point, it seems you can insert any Texas city’s name, like a Mad Lib. What is different is that a handful of Republicans have at least signaled they’re willing to have a discussion on guns. Will there ever be a tipping point for the Texas GOP to support even modest gun control measures? Will it take more Allens, as if Uvalde, El Paso, Sutherland Springs and Santa Fe weren’t enough already? A recent University of Texas at Austin survey found that the vast majority of Texans support raising the minimum age to buy any gun from 18 to 21 (76%, including 64% of Republicans). But the Republican-controlled Legislature has, so far, avoided a vote. In other words, no Texas Republican has yet had to go on record whether they support raising the age, or any other gun safety legislation. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by veteran WFAA journalist Teresa Woodard, who got the interview everyone’s been talking about… a Republican lawmaker who bluntly said something must be done about guns. And the Representative of the district where the Allen massacre took place explains why he thinks it will lead to legislative changes. But what kind of change? That answer is what most Texans have been waiting for.GuestsTeresa Woodard, WFAA Senior Reporter/AnchorState Rep. Frederick Frazier, R-McKinneyState Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Allen

If you plan to protest your property appraisal in Texas, you’re running out of time. In many appraisal districts, the deadline is May 15. That’s why we aren’t waiting to release this special episode of Y’all-itics, which will provide pro tips to help you take your protest to the next level. One important factor to know this year before you get started: Your 2023 appraisal is based on research the appraisal district did last year. Exactly when they did that really matters, maybe more than it did in previous years. And you’ll learn why kitchens and bathrooms could make or break your protest. The Jasons are joined once again by one of Texas’ leading experts on protesting property appraisals, realtor Chandler Crouch. And he'll help you learn more about comps, codes, full agent reports and everything else you were afraid to ask to help you lower your appraisal, which could significantly lower your property tax burden. They also discuss why lawmakers haven’t done a thing to lower property taxes, despite many promises leading into the legislative session. Guest: Chandler Crouch, Chandler Crouch RealtorsFreeTaxProtest.comJames 'Jim' ChapmanChairman, Appraisal Review Board of Dallas CountyLocation: Division Brewing CompanyArlington, TX

Before you book your summer vacation, you’ll want to hear this episode. What is going on at Southwest Airlines – a carrier known for efficiency and customer loyalty? The Dallas-based airline has had a rough go of it the last six months. The December meltdown cancelled more than 16,000 flights, impacting more than two-million passengers. Then in April, the failure of a computer firewall delayed 1,700 flights on a random Tuesday. Jason Whitely grabbed a seat next to CEO Bob Jordan on a recent flight to Hawaii as the airline marked four years of flights to the islands with a 737 sporting a newly painted Hawaiian-themed livery. Mr. Jordan took Jason’s questions on all the recent problems, the fixes in place before next winter, getting phone calls from the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, a new contract for pilots and what he has learned in his first 14 months as the top executive at the airline. But if talking to the CEO isn’t rare enough, Southwest also made the Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson, available to Whitely. What destinations are Southwest considering next? Will you be able to get from A to B? This is the episode to download before you pack your bags for your summer vacation. GUESTS:Bob Jordan, CEO, Southwest AirlinesAndrew Watterson, COO, Southwest Airlines

Catholic bishops in Texas upset some parishioners after recently asking the flock to take a political stand and support Education Savings Accounts, one of the most controversial bills this legislative session. Parishioners have now gone public with their outrage, contacting us, and even writing letters to the editor – telling the church to stay in its lane and out of politics. Catholic schools in Texas do stand to benefit financially if Texas lawmakers approve ESAs and give tax dollars to families to send their children to private schools, including parochial ones. Parishioners ask why Catholic bishops have not invested the same political energy into school violence, homelessness or healthcare. But Dr. Veronica Alonzo, associate superintendent of Catholic schools at the Diocese of Dallas, says this issue is about more than money. For 25-years, as an educator, she has advocated for school choice and spent part of this spring in Austin meeting face-to-face with state lawmakers about the topic. In this episode, she joins the Jasons to make the case for school choice and defend the church’s position to parishioners. GUEST:Dr. Veronica Alonzo, associate superintendent of Catholic schools, Diocese of Dallas

Some Texas Republicans now want to tell you what you can and cannot do on your land. SB 624, moving through that chamber right now, is one to watch. State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, wrote this one that takes specific aim at the renewable energy sector, with landowners who want to supplement their income by having wind or solar placed on their property taking some inadvertent fire. Kolkhorst wants landowners to get permits from the state and they’d have to let folks within 25-miles of any project know they were applying for a permit. If SB 624 is passed, an energy expert says Texas would be no different than the old Soviet Union, where decisions for your property are made by the state, not you. And this is just one of many bills that would regulate renewable energy in Texas different than oil and gas. We hoped to have Sen. Kolkhorst join us on this episode of Y’all-itics to explain her bill, but the Senator’s staff did not respond to our request. The renewable energy sector is talking. And it’s worried, with the Texas-based President of Advanced Power Alliance telling the Jasons this legislation is a “missile in search of a target.”GUESTJeff Clark, Advanced Power AllianceBEER SELECTIONS: WHEELER: Weisser Time (Wheat Beer) 5.4% ABV, 15 IBU Hop & Sting Brewing Co. Grapevine, TXWHITELY: Heart O' Texas (Red Ale) 6% ABV, 35 IBU Four Corners Brewing Dallas, TX

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said they were his highest priorities, from lowering property taxes to giving Texas parents money to send their kids to a new school. But with only six seeks left in the legislative session, many of those priorities are stalled in the Texas House… and he isn’t happy about that. In this special release episode of Y’all-itics, the Lieutenant Governor doesn’t hold back and takes the fight to House leaders, even calling Speaker Phelan “California Dade.” The Republican leader also made clear he won’t negotiate with what he calls the House’s “bad math” when it comes to lowering property taxes, saying “hell will freeze over” before that chamber’s plan passes. Expect the final weeks of the session to be anything but boring, as Lieutenant Governor Patrick makes crystal clear in this wide ranging interview where nothing was off topic.GUEST Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, R-Texas

Only hours after a Travis County jury unanimously found a man guilty of murder, Governor Greg Abbott promised to pardon him as soon as a request from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles hit his desk, something widely expected since he appoints those members. The unprecedented move by the Governor immediately elicited cheers from the conservative right, whose prominent figures had been calling for the pardon, and outrage and confusion just about everywhere else. The Travis County District Attorney called the Governor’s statement troubling, saying: "A jury gets to decide whether a defendant is guilty or innocent, not the governor." In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons explore what it means for the future independence of the legal system and whether it could have a chilling effect on future juries. UT School of Law professor Jennifer Laurin says we should all be concerned about the politicization of the criminal legal system. And former Travis County Criminal Court Judge David Wahlberg calls the move for a pardon outrageous, particularly since the Governor never set foot in the courtroom where jurors spent more than a week listening to several dozen witnesses.GUESTS Professor Jennifer Laurin, UT School of Law (START/9:11) Judge David Wahlberg, Senior District Judge/former Criminal District Judge (START/19:49)BEER SELECTIONS:WHITELY: Han's Pills, 5.3% ABV, 50 IBU (Pilsner) Real Ale Brewing Company/Blanco, TXWHEELER: Pretzel Stout, 6.5% ABV, 60 IBU (Stout) Martin House Brewing Co/Fort Worth, TX

Laney Hawes, a fed-up mother with children in Keller ISD, has a simple wish: make school board meetings boring again. Next month, voters can select who represents them on city councils and school boards. Most Texans don’t bother with municipal elections. Republicans figured that out and have won majorities on at least four North Texas school boards, including Keller ISD. Conservatives are now capitalizing on their wins, by reviewing and removing some books from school libraries, along with other policy changes. The popular children’s book series “Dog Man and Cat Kid” has even been pulled from some shelves. Y’all-itics first told you about this effort in February 2022. Fast forward to this episode and now, Laney Hawes and other parents are fighting back against the conservative changes. Their grassroots effort includes recruiting and supporting new candidates to run for school boards. But it’s a tough effort since many of those races have devolved into brutal partisan politics. Most importantly, they say their goal is to increase voter turnout. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons met Laney at Odd Muse Brewery in Farmer's Branch to hear about the price she’s paid for speaking out; from being called a “library porn apologist,” to doxing and physical threats. But Hawes says she’s no villain, just a moderate mom looking out for her kids and the community.GUESTLaney Hawes, Keller ISD Families for Public EducationLOCATIONOdd Muse Brewing, Farmer's Branch, TXBEER SELECTION: WHITELY: Ombibulous, Pre-Prohibition Pilsner, 4%WHEELER: Opulence (We Has It) Imperial Stout, 9%

It is no longer “likely.” Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson is running for President. But who is this Republican and why does he think he can win in 2024? Y’all-itics first introduced you to Governor Hutchinson last October. So, here is that conversation again now that he’s officially joined the field. Original Summary (October 9, 2022) The race for 2024 begins next month – as soon as the polls close in the November midterm. There’s already been lots of speculation about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis potentially running for the White House. But another Republican governor, who neighbors Texas, suggested to the Jasons he might launch his own bid for President. Asa Hutchinson is a former Congressman, the former head of the DEA, and now term-limited out as Governor of Arkansas. And unlike other Republicans today, Gov. Hutchinson is not afraid to disagree with Donald Trump. Which begs the question, can a center-right, Reagan-style Republican, survive nationally in today's GOP? Gov. Hutchinson, who was in Austin recently as a guest speaker for The Texas Tribune Festival, says leadership in that environment is a delicate balancing act. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, he has a candid conversation with the Jasons about his plan to secure the border, abortion and why he says limitations and restrictions are not the way out of gun violence. GUEST Gov. Asa Hutchinson, (R) Arkansas

Housing affordability has become such a crisis in Texas, it could be the one development that derails what’s known as the Texas Miracle, the economic engine driving the Lone Star State. But sky high demand, property taxes and inflation have combined to drive up the cost of housing to such a level, some experts say Texas no longer has a cost advantage. Put another way, before now, businesses had no problem enticing employees to the Lone Star State because most folks could easily afford a home. Now, though, that same home has become too expensive for many would be workers: homeowners, and renters alike, regardless of income level. And that’s made us more like, dare we say, California and New York than many Texans would like to admit. The problem is now such a threat, some of the brightest minds in the state sent a brief to lawmakers for the 88th Texas Legislature identifying ways to address the affordability crisis. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by two of those experts who discuss what needs to be done so we can all afford – and keep – our homes.GUESTSSteven Pedigo, LBJ Urban Lab Director/LBJ School of Public AffairsSherri Greenberg, Asst Dean-Professor/LBJ School of Public AffairsBEER SELECTIONSWheeler: Wild Texas Kolsch, 4.8 ABVTexas Beer Company/ Taylor, TXWhitely: Dot Matrix, Black Lager, 5.2 ABVEqual Parts Brewing, Houston, TX

It’s cheap, easy to conceal, and deadlier than any other drug. But what exactly is fentanyl, where is it coming from and how is it so easily ending up in our schools and on our streets? It killed three middle schoolers in Carrollton recently. And first responders in Dallas dealt with at least 27 suspected overdose cases… in one night alone. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons take their questions to a supervisor from the DEA in Dallas. Associate Special Agent in Charge Wade Sparks explains the scope of the problem in a way we haven’t heard before, revealing specific apps that parents should look for on their child’s mobile device and why it’s so hard to track these drug transactions. It has become so concerning that Texas schools are now stocking an antidote. Dallas City Councilwoman Paula Blackmon helped launch a provocative new ad campaign. And state lawmakers in Austin are debating bills to address the growing number of deaths. This is an episode every parent should download.GUESTSWade Sparks, DEAPaula Blackmon, Dallas City Council

Has the education revolution begun in Texas? Republicans have made “educational freedom” a priority in Austin this legislative session and there is now a bill they say does just that. SB 8 would provide $8,000 for families to move their children from public schools to private schools. But critics wonder who will be holding private schools accountable since public schools are held to a different standard, as they’re judged by standardized testing and private schools are not. And SB 8 goes far beyond educational savings accounts (ESAs), from requiring “age appropriate” content to having teachers upload lesson plans to a portal so parents can review them. In this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll hear from the Executive Director of the public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas. Dr. Michelle Smith explains why she thinks the bill is an attack on urban school districts. And to learn more about where the dollars will come from and behind-the-scenes political maneuvering, we head straight to the bill’s author, state Senator Brandon Creighton. The Republican chair of the Senate Education Committee explains why he thinks SB 8, and its companion bill SB 9, will lift up public schools, teachers and perhaps most importantly, Texas parents and students.GuestsDr. Michelle Smith, Raise Your Hand Texas Exec. Dir.Sen. Brandon Creighton, (R) Conroe

Texas already has the reputation for being one of the hardest states in which to vote. But the legislature is now considering ways to make it even more challenging for some voters to cast ballots. Right now, more than 100 election-related bills are up for discussion at the state capitol. These proposals would ban voting on college campuses, ban mail-in ballots for anyone over 65, give the state the authority to replace county elections administrators, increase the penalty for illegal voting to a felony – even if the person doesn’t know they’re ineligible, and more. Jessica Huseman is tracking the ins and outs of these bills closely as the editorial director for VoteBeat.org. Wheeler has the week off so Jason Whitely and WFAA’s political producer, Berna Dean Steptoe, had a drink with Jessica to get the low-down on what’s happening and also learn why Texas is a non-voting state. Hint: It’s cultural. But this episode starts with a toast to almost 40-years of Dallas’ original Blue Goose Cantina on Lower Greenville before it closes for good on March 19. GUEST:Jessica Huseman / Editorial Director, VoteBeat.orgNick Peterson / Blue Goose Cantina CEO

Businesses in Texas thrive on lower taxes and less regulation. That leads to jobs, flourishing communities, and the Texas Miracle. But does Texas now need to create an entire court system for companies here to settle their disputes? Gov. Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan call it a priority. Half the country already has business courts. Delaware’s business courts have been around since 1792. So, the Jasons called another Jason for this episode – Jason Villalba. He’s a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives who proposed this very idea in 2015. This year, though, there’s more momentum. Even the bill number this year – House Bill 19 – says something about its importance. But will juries play a role? Will the judges be elected or appointed by the governor? The Jasons have questions. A third Jason answered them. GUEST:Jason Villalba, former state representative, practicing business attorneyLOCATION: On Rotation Brewery & Kitchen BEER SELECTIONS: Jason Wheeler: Jalapeno Saison (Dallas, TX)Jason Whitely: Hans' Pils (Blanco, TX)Jason Villabla: Lake Highlands Light (Dallas, TX)

February 26, 2023Dallas’ numbers stand unmatched. Murders are down 15% over the last two years, rapes decreased 40%, robberies almost 30% and aggravated assaults are down 5% since 2021. Dallas is the only top 10 city in the country with two consecutive years of lowering crime stats across the board. It’s quite a turnaround for a city that just three years ago did not even have a crime plan and had to request the state to send extra troopers to help squelch violence. How did Dallas do it? There’s a new top cop in town and the Jasons went to headquarters to meet him. Ever since Dallas hired Eddie Garcia to lead DPD more than two years ago, morale has increased and crime has decreased. That’s just part of the story. Chief Garcia told the Jasons how he relies on criminologists from UT San Antonio to help Dallas target violent crime. It’s part of his crime plan and it’s working. P.S., Chief Garcia also enlightened the Jasons on a new craft beer they promise to try in the next episode. GUEST:Chief Eddie Garcia, Dallas Police

Y’all-itics: February 19, 2023 Less than nine-months after the mass murder at Robb Elementary, Governor Greg Abbott didn’t mention Uvalde in his state-of-the-state address. And that is symbolic of the difficult struggle ahead for Texans now pushing for gun reform after losing loved ones in mass shootings. The lawmakers who represent Uvalde have introduced several of what they call “common sense” gun reform bills this session. But is there common appeal to make any changes? How about having to show ID before buying bulk ammunition? Or requiring insurance before you can buy certain types of guns? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Sen. Roland Gutierrez joins the Jasons to discuss his proposals and an innovative marketing campaign trying to win the hearts and minds of suburban parents. A father who lost his son at Robb Elementary also tells the Jasons why he doesn’t think Republicans will allow any movement on the issue this session. GUESTS Sen. Roland Gutierrez, (D) San Antonio Brett Cross, Uvalde Father

It's stealing in broad daylight. And state lawmakers have yet to fix the problem. Thieves forge sellers’ signatures on property deeds, file them with the county clerk and take control of properties they don’t own. A four-year investigation into "dirty deeds" by WFAA has exposed thieves stealing homes, a church, a former Burger King restaurant, even an entire Sam’s Club building. Two years ago, Texas lawmakers required anyone filing a deed in the state's largest counties to show ID. But they missed the devil in the details, so the problem continues today unabated. Texas, in fact, ranks second in the nation for deed fraud cases. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons sit down with investigative reporter Tanya Eiserer, one of the few journalists in the country to track these thefts. She explains why counties still don’t have clear authority to stop them and details what lawmakers are now considering in this legislative session to protect Texas families, their property… and their money. WATCH THE WFAA "DIRTY DEEDS" SPECIAL: https://bit.ly/3YDbj2N

Where were the protests? Why didn’t activists take to the streets after Tyre Nichols was fatally beaten in Memphis, Tenn.? The city there fired five police officers before ever publicly releasing video of what they did. Was justice so swift against these five lawmen because they are all Black? Or has something changed in policing since the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Black Americans say they don’t feel any safer when they are pulled over by a Black officer than a white one. The Tyre Nichols case raises complicated and exposes new faults in the struggle to root out bad policing. Why did Memphis handle its case so differently than Minneapolis? Former prosecutor-turned civil rights attorney, David Henderson, joins the Jasons to explain why Nichols’ case might now be a blueprint for cities and police departments moving forward. GUEST:David HendersonFormer prosecutor, civil rights attorneyDallas, TexasBEER SELECTION:Jason Whitley: Nitro Gentleman's Relish, Lone Pint Brewery in Magnolia, TXJason Wheeler: Honey Citrus Blonde, Community Beer Co. in Dallas, TX

How to Escape from Afghanistan to Texas… AliveY’all-itics: January 29, 2023There will be no need for you go to a movie this week. We have all of the drama, action, political intrigue, and danger you would ever need in this latest episode of Y’all-itics. The organization Project Dynamo has made it its mission to rescue Americans, and most recently many Texans, trapped in the world’s hot spots. These men and women – most with former ties to the U.S. military – go where the U.S. government won’t, or can’t… gray spaces such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, and even Russian held territory, where this group and its founder, Bryan Stern, have even managed to make Russian President Vladimir Putin angry. That’s because they’ve managed to pull off some of the most daring rescues you could ever possibly imagine. One of their most recent missions led to the successful rescue of a mother and her five young children who live in Texas. So sit back with the Jasons and learn how this is even possible, what goes into the meticulous planning and just how extraordinarily dangerous it is. And they learn all of this from the man our foreign adversaries are now calling “The Magician.”GuestBryan Stern, Project Dynamo Founder

He is one of the first two Muslim Representatives ever elected to the Texas House as well as the first south Asian. But Rep. Salman Bhojani, a Democrat who represents Euless, Arlington, and other areas of Tarrant County, is used to being a first and he thinks that experience will help him in Austin… as will some of the bigotry and hate he endured on the campaign trail. Even the Quran he used to take the oath of office at the state Capitol is historic. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Rep. Bhojani joins a Jason and a Teresa to talk about his origin story and what he hopes to accomplish as a minority member of the minority party in a conservative state. Guest Rep. Salman Bhojani, (D) Euless

As Texas lawmakers begin their work in Austin, they are flush with cash, enjoying a whopping $32 Billion surplus. The Texas surplus is more than the entire budget in 29 other states. There’s never a shortage of ideas during the session, but this year they have the money to do more than just dream. Those dollars, though, will lead to friction and fighting as lawmakers try to decide who gets how much. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons take you to Austin and inside the Capitol to hear from the new leaders of each party’s caucus in the Texas House and how they’d like to spend billions. Beyond the budget, the Jasons are also seeing some political flashpoints emerge that could dominate the session – from whether to ban minors from social media to potentially raising the minimum age to purchase a firearm.

The 88th Texas Legislature is upon us. And as state lawmakers return to Austin with plenty of political promises and priorities, Y’all-itics is here to help you understand what they might actually do to make your life better… or worse, depending on your perspective and political bent. To do that, we went straight to the top and had a sit-down conversation with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The Texas Senate’s top Republican can make or break the legislative agenda inside the state Capitol. And he talks at length about his priorities, from saving Texas homeowners money to parental freedom to increasing police pay. The one topic he doesn’t expect to come up during the session? Adding exceptions to Texas’ abortion law.GuestLt. Gov. Dan Patrick, (R) Texas

Happy 2023! The Y’all-itics team is still on break, spending time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share our top two performing episodes of 2022 with you while they’re out. To start this new year, we’re looking back at the playbook to take down Texas public schools. Conservatives made it a priority in 2022 to attempt to reshape school boards across the state. And this effort will continue in 2023. And as we get closer to the start of the legislative session later in January, expect to hear more about this issue and school choice/vouchers. This episode originally released on February 14, 2022. And 10 months later, the Jasons add some new context to our second most listened to podcast of the year.Original summary:The right-wing is trying to take over public schools. Texas superintendents are quitting. Boards have banned books. The once obscure term Critical Race Theory is now part of our lexicon. Why is public education under attack? Who’s behind it? And how did we get here? In this episode of Y’all-itics some pastors are now pushing back. The Jasons put down their pint glasses after seeing an evangelical group tangle on Twitter with a sitting Republican Congressman over this issue. Scrolling further through their feed, an op-ed from a Baptist news organization began trending after arguing that the right-wing has had this playbook in the works for 60-years. What’s the end game for the right? What’s really at risk? The Jasons walked away with some better context on this mashup of church, state, and Texas politics. (original release date: February 14, 2022)GuestsRev. Charles Johnson / Executive Director, Pastors for Texas ChildrenMark Wingfield / Executive Director and publisher of Baptist News Global

The holiday season is upon us and the Y’all-itics team is taking a break to spend time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share our top two performing episodes of 2022 with you while they’re out. We start with your property taxes, and why 2022 might have been your best year to fight them and save yourself some money in the process. But don’t worry, the same will hold true in 2023 and the tips you pick up in this episode will carry over into the new year. This episode originally released on April 25, 2022. And eight months later, the Jasons add some new context to our most listened to podcast of the year.Original summary:Doesn’t it just seem worse this year? Many of us are still in sticker shock over our property appraisals, so this episode is all about how to reduce the amount of property taxes you pay. Turns out, your odds of winning that protest might be greater this year than ever before with half of the houses in Texas potentially overvalued. Wheeler is back for this one as the Jasons call up Chandler Crouch, a realtor, and an expert on protesting your property tax value. Chandler explains how to not only play defense in this process with the Central Appraisal District, but also go on the offensive. But the Jasons also zoom out and talk about how to reform this system politically. Texas’ property taxes are among the highest in the nation and home values have easily jumped double digits in Texas’ major cities. So, what exactly are lawmakers going to do to help us? We recently extended an invitation to Gov. Abbott to join us and have not yet heard back from his campaign staff. But his Democratic challenger this November, Beto O’Rourke, took our call even after testing positive for COVID-19 and explained his plan to lower the state’s skyrocketing property taxes. After all these years, can that even be done? (original release date: April 25, 2022)GuestsChandler Crouch, Chandler Crouch Realty

It sounds complicated, confusing, and esoteric. But if the U.S. Supreme Court legitimizes the independent state legislature theory (ISLT), many experts say it would upend hundreds of years of constitutional law and dramatically restructure the relationship between state legislatures and state Supreme Courts. The Justices have already heard oral arguments in Moore v. Harper. Now we await a ruling, expected in June 2023. But we’re impatient here at Y’all-itics. So, the Jasons called up our resident constitutional law expert, Professor Stephen Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law to learn what could happen. Vladeck says it’s not that democracy is hanging in the balance in the short term, but that future state legislatures could alter Presidential elections in profoundly undemocratic ways. Think “Stop the Steal” on steroids. And that’s one of the reasons an odd collection of bedfellows have coalesced against the theory and filed Friend of the Court briefs, including one signed by the Chief Justices of all 50 states, something that’s never happened before.GUESTStephen Vladeck, University of Texas School of Law

It’s the holiday season, so get ready for family, friends, and great food. But are you also ready to talk politics? As we get together over the holiday, many of these conversations are unavoidable… as is the stress and anxiety they can cause. You may have even seen phrases like “political stress syndrome” being thrown around. Well, the struggle is real. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons turn to a mental health expert for tips on how to keep your holiday stress from spiraling out of control. She tells the Jasons she’s seeing more and more clients with political stress and the anxiety is impacting their day-to-day lives. And if you’re looking to add some emotional armor, she says it all starts with boundaries.PS: keep this episode of Y’all-itics close during the holiday in case you need another listen to make it through that holiday meal!GUESTBrianda Diaz de Leon, Thriveworks Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW)

The kids did it again. They helped to alter the trajectory of the 2022 midterms for the third election cycle in a row, and helped prevent a predicted Republican “Red Wave.” 27% of eligible voters between the ages of 18 – 29 showed up to cast a ballot and they overwhelmingly backed Democrats, by a nearly 30-point margin. Politicians would be wise to understand why Gen Z is so important, their careers literally depend on it. Some Republicans have even responded to Gen Z’s growing political power by suggesting the legal voting age in the U.S. be raised to 21. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons have a conversation with Jack Lobel with the Gen Z political organization “Voters of Tomorrow.” And Lobel says much of the rhetoric coming from the right tells young people they’re not to be trusted and his generation is motivated by politicians who are fighting for their futures. GUEST Jack Lobel, Voters of Tomorrow Twitter: @jackplobel

Almost as soon as the election ended in Harris County calls to investigate began. Of the 782 voting locations there, 23 of them ran out of paper ballots on election day. Others opened late. But was a crime committed? Texas Republican leaders have called for investigations and even the Democratic District Attorney in Harris County, Kim Ogg, asked the Texas Rangers to get to the bottom of it. On this episode, the Jasons get two perspectives of the problem plaguing Houston and the state’s most populated county. Chris Hollins is a veteran of the Harris County Elections Office. He ran the 2020 election for Harris County and admitted even he’s surprised by the shortage of paper on election day. But Chris also tells the Jasons why he thinks these calls for investigation are rooted in politics. But one Republican state senator says not so fast. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, led significant changes to the state’s election law last year. And Sen. Bettencourt said he thinks the investigators will have no problem finding a crime. GUEST Chris Hollins, (D) Former Harris County Clerk State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, (R) Houston BEER SELECTION:Wheeler’s pick:FUBAR (Red Ale)5X5 Brewing Company, Mission, Texashttps://www.5x5brewing.com/ Whitely’s pick:Bowie BockFreetail Brewing Company, San Antonio, Texashttps://www.freetailbrewing.com/

Former congressman Beto O’Rourke is now 0-for-3 in his campaigns for higher office. So, what’s next for this former congressman from El Paso? Jason Lee was O’Rourke’s Deputy Campaign Manager and takes us inside his run for governor on this episode of Y’all-itics, explaining why Texas Democrats should be optimistic despite the loss, what Greg Abbott’s campaign did well, and the lesson for Texas Democrats in it. But what’s next for Beto O’Rourke himself? Would he run for office again? Will he remain active behind the scenes in Democratic politics? He’s leaving his successors with lots of data on donors, voters, and volunteers. And that’s one reason, Lee says, Texas Democrats have a lot to look forward to.GUESTSJason Lee, Beto O’Rourke Deputy Campaign Manager