Y'all-itics

The Texas Education Agency is inserting itself right into classrooms across the state. If just one school fails for 5 years, the TEA can take over the whole district, installing appointed leaders who can make wholesale changes without being accountable to district voters. It’s happening in 8 districts right now, with more additions possible. To see what the start of the school year looks like under recent state takeover, the Jasons check in on Fort Worth ISD, which one close observer now calls "T-E-A ISD." Guests: Dia Wall, Education reporter at WFAA-TV Dallas Steven Poole, Exec. Director of the United Educators As...

In the August 9 episode, Congressman Craig Goldman remembers Kay Granger, the legend he succeeded in Congress. And the Republican tells us if sees a role for the federal government in regulating data centers. Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare discusses a controversial plan to reduce election day voting locations and defends his decision to arrest a former state lawmaker. And Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux on why he supports a proposed public safety bond and why he thinks it would help recruit the best officers to Dallas.

This week marks 90-days until the November election. Two new polls – one from FOX News – show James Talarico leading Ken Paxton. Democrats are now hoping Talarico’s momentum pushes them into a majority in the legislature. But Texas Republicans are coming off a big show of unity. State Representatives Shelley Luther, R-Sherman, and Christina Morales, D-Houston, join us on this episode of Y’all-itics.

In the August 2 episode, state Representative Shelley Luther explains why she doesn’t think the bad blood from the GOP primary will last through the midterms, and why independents remain crucial. State Representative Christina Morales tells us why Democrats are confident with three months to go, and why the party truly believes Texas is in play in 2026. And Dallas Council Member Zarin Gracey discusses the city’s $51 million budget hole and whether he thinks jobs are on the line

Life is not easy for female small business owners and women in the food service industry… unless you happen to work at the intersection of food and public policy near the Dallas Zoo. Kuluntu Bakery is a female-centered nonprofit that’s trying to empower women by changing the rules of engagement in the workforce from closing the wage gap to providing childcare stipends to building safer kitchens. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, Kuluntu’s owner tells us what Texas lawmakers can do during the next legislative session to make life easier for many working women. GUESTS Stephanie Leichtle-Chalklen, Kuluntu...

In the July 26 episode, Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne explains why she calls a vote to end the Iran War a “messaging bill” and why she supports providing $73 billion more in funding to help continue the conflict. Dallas Council Member Paula Blackmon reveals how much revenue the naming rights for the new convention center might provide Dallas and why she’s not ready to get rid of the current namesake. And Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis tells us exactly how large the county deficit is and why it will lead to some dramatic cost cutting measures.

They both have experience in the oil and gas industry… but that’s where the similarities stop. The messaging and the tone of the campaigns couldn’t be more different. And both candidates will tell you that voters face a binary choice in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner, leading the state’s oldest regulatory agency that oversees the energy industry in Texas, from oil and gas, to coal, to pipelines. In this episode of Y’all-itics, hear from both Republican Bo French and Democrat Jon Rosenthal in their own words.

In the July 19 episode, GOP nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner Bo French explains why he’s busy discussing issues that seemingly have nothing to do with the agency and the regulations he’d rip up. Former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa tells us why he announced a run for Dallas Mayor so early, 15 months ahead of that election. And Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo on why she thinks the city’s water crisis will cost some council members their jobs in November.

In the July 12 episode, San Marcos Council Member Amanda Rodriguez tells us city residents of all political stripes demanded action and explains why the city thinks it has the authority to pass Texas’ first data center ban. And Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses why he’s asking for an immediate special session to address data center regulation, and why he’s calling out the Governor in the process.

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says Democrats are right on the issue and is blasting Governor Greg Abbott for not calling an immediate special session to address data center regulation. Meantime in the first Texas city to ban data centers, San Marcos Council Member Amanda Rodriguez says it was the people who forced the ban and those folks were Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and a bunch of Texans who’ve never even engaged with politics before. You won’t find a bigger issue in the state right now. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll learn more about that first ba...

A new state law will make it easier for developers to bring multi-family housing to a neighborhood near you. While the goal is affordability, some city leaders are warning about unintended consequences, such as unchecked growth that overwhelms local infrastructure. We headed to the Dallas suburb of Plano for this episode of Y’all-itics, where the Jasons learned flushing toilets could be a sign of development danger. GUEST Christina Day, City of Plano Director of Planning

In the July 5 episode, newly elected Republican Party of Texas chair D’rinda Randall tells us why the GOP is holding a midterm convention in Dallas and why they think it’s important. Meantime, newly re-elected Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder explains why he thinks the midterm convention is a sign the GOP fears the midterms. And State Board of Education member Tiffany Clark says now that the Bible will be required reading in public schools, the government is taking control of classrooms.

Camp Mystic filed for bankruptcy just before this week’s tragic anniversary of the lives lost at the storied summer camp. Now, one year after the deadly flash floods, what safety improvements were made and what remains to be done. State Senator Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, led on some of reforms. He joined the Jasons to discuss the state response to the tragedy and whether Camp Mystic can ever regain the trust of Texans. GUEST: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston

In the June 28 episode, Rep. Gene Wu talks a newly launched effort by house Democrats to build cross-state legislative coalitions across the American South to counter Republican legislation. Rep. John Rosenthal lays out his qualifications for the railroad commission, and Senator Bettencourt looks back at the legislative aftermath of the devastating Hill Country flash floods.

Two candidates, and possibly a third, are running for Lieutenant Governor. Texans are very familiar with incumbent Republican Dan Patrick. Democratic nominee Vikki Goodwin, a state Representative, is looking to build up her profile with voters outside of the Austin area. And then there’s Mike Collier, who’s trying to run as an independent, but a court will have to decide if he makes the ballot at all. In this episode of Y’all-itics all three candidate make their pitches to the Jasons… and Texas voters. GUESTS Dan Patrick, R – Nominee for Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin, D - Nominee for Lieute...

In the June 21 episode, Texas voters hear from the candidates who want to be Lieutenant Governor. Incumbent Republican Dan Patrick explains what else he’d like to accomplish if elected to a fourth term. Democratic nominee Vikki Goodwin, a state Representative, is looking to build up her profile with voters outside of the Austin area. And Mike Collier is trying to run as an independent, but a court will have to decide if he makes the ballot at all.

According to Corpus Christi’s own dashboard, the city will move into a level 1 water emergency in just a few months in December. That will lead to dramatic cuts in water usage for residents, businesses, and industry. If city leaders have known about this problem for years, why haven’t they been able to fix it? A recent 17.5-hour council meeting provides some insight. Instead of voting on a new desalination plant, council members kicked the can down the road for another 90 days. In this episode of Y’all-itics, At-Large Council Member Mark Scott joins the Jasons to discuss the dysfun...

In the June 14 episode, Democratic nominee for Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa’s campaign is focused on public education and she explains why she’d fire the TEA Commissioner on day one and why she would pause the A-F accountability system. Mayor John Muns discusses traffic concerns surrounding the Dallas Stars’ move north to Plano. And state Senator Paul Bettencourt reacts to the Governor’s call for data center regulation. GUESTS Gina Hinojosa, D – Candidate for Texas Governor Mayor John Muns, Plano State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R – District 7

In the June 7 episode, former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said businesses have lost confidence in elected leaders at Dallas City Hall. He also proposes remaking Dallas' municipal government to make the mayor more accountable to voters. Corpus Christi Council Member Kaylynn Paxson explains why her city has again postponed a vote on a new desalination plant, and state Rep. Ramon Romero questions why the state revoked more than 6,000 driver's licenses of immigrants in the country legally.

A turnaround plan was already in the works before the bombshells started dropping last week. But how does downtown Dallas reinvent itself without two pro-sports teams, major corporate headquarters and an iconic department store? Jennifer Scripps, President & CEO at Downtown Dallas, Inc., invited the Jasons downtown to hear about some of the “wacky” ideas to restart the city center. They got a preview of the plan that’s due out in September over a beer at The Midnight Rambler in the Joule Hotel. GUEST: Jennifer Scripps President & CEO Downtown Dallas Inc.

In the May 31 episode, Republican Party of Texas chair Abraham George and Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder discuss whether either party can truly unite after bitter primaries and how Ken Paxton and James Talarico can win over independents. And the co-chair of “Say Yes to Downtown,” Tré Black, explains why the group just released a new ad urging younger people to reimagine the future of Dallas City Hall.

00:00 - The Unofficial Off-The-Record Rule

00:30 - Y'all-itics @ Pensacola Brewing Company

02:14 - Ken Paxton’s Landslide Victory Over John Cornyn

04:10 - The Trump Endorsement Effect in Texas Politics

06:55 - How the US Senate is Reacting to MAGA

11:58 - MAGA Voters Getting Paxton Over In November

16:47 - Political Ads Heading Into November

23:45 - Big Night For MAGA and Their Future in the GOP

30:17 - Election Results From CD-33 Race

33:16 - Elections Results from CD-9 Race

35:28 - Election Results from CD-18 Race

In the May 24 episode, U.S. Representative Julie Johnson and former Congressman Colin Allred provide voters in the 33rd District one final pitch before the runoff election. The Democrats also tell you how they differ from one another in one of the most combative races in the runoff cycle. And Republican candidate for Texas Comptroller Don Huffines explains why he’d audit TXDOT if elected, and what he has to say about Texas still spending billions on the border even after President Trump virtually sealed it. GUESTS Julie Johnson, D – Candidate for 33rd District Colin Allred, D – Candidate for 33rd Distri...

That escalated quickly. In the weeks and days leading up to the May 26 runoff election, campaigns have increasingly turned bitter on both the right and the left. Are the ugly campaigns working? Are they turning off voters? Will it impact turnout? In this runoff election primer, the Jasons turned to Votebeat Editorial Director Jessica Huseman and Fort Worth Star Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy for answers and everything else you need to know before heading to the polls. GUESTS Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram

The threat is only dozens of miles from Texas’ southern border. And if it takes hold, it could lead to an economic loss in the billions. The New World Screwworm (NWS) seeks out wounded animals, but could also infest our pets, even hunters. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons learn about the steps Texas leaders are taking to keep the pests out of Texas, and the plan to deal with it when it crosses the border. And a Texas rancher with hundreds of head of cattle explains what’s keeping him up at night. GUESTS Dr. Thomas “TR” Lansford...

In the May 17 episode, Republican candidates for Texas Attorney General Chip Roy and Mayes Middleton throw barbs at one another and press their cases to voters before the May 26 runoff election. And Sarah Eckhardt, the Democratic nominee for Texas Comptroller tells us her day one priority if she’s elected in the fall.

Violent offenses, murder in particular, may have dropped in Dallas, but gun violence involving juveniles has not. There are many causes, but few solutions. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Joe Sexton who worked for months on a story focused on a Dallas mother who survived unimaginable loss and whose story is a real-life personification of this crime conundrum. GUEST Joe Sexton, Journalist

In the May 10 episode, U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran tells us why he endorsed a candidate in a Republican primary for the first time ever, while the roundtable discusses whether the GOP can reunite after a bruising U.S. Senate race. Council Member Chad West on why money is suddenly tight at Dallas City Hall. And U.S. Rep. Roger Williams explains why he thinks the World Cup is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for large and small businesses alike.

Texas is not the Big Apple, but these days it seems everyone wants a big bite. Not one. Not two. But three stock exchanges now have addresses in the Lone Star State, including a homegrown rival to the long-established exchanges from New York. Big Money is banking on Texas being central to this country’s future growth. Why are the exchanges here? How will this change Texas? And is even Texas big enough for all three of them? The Jasons hear from Edward Crawford with NYSE Texas about the Texas stock market stampede. Wheelers digital article: https://www.wfaa.com/ar...

In the May 3 episode, U.S. Rep. Keith Self discusses his votes on three critical pieces of legislation passed in the U.S. House: the farm bill, a controversial spy program extension and funding for most of DHS. But does he support a blank check for the Iran war? Houston Council Member Abbie Kamen explains why she thinks the city’s new ICE policy violates the Fourth Amendment. And Dallas Council Member Maxie Johnson tells us why he’s asking for random gunfire to be classified as a higher priority crime.

Already operating on thin margins, Texas farmers are being squeezed yet again, this time by a war 7,300 miles away. The cost of fertilizer and diesel have skyrocketed since Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. And farmers have no choice but to pay the price… in more ways than one. In this episode, Y’all-itics heads to the farm to speak with farmer and rancher James Foster who explains why this is the toughest situation he’s faced in his 25 years of farming and why that group is sticking with President Donald Trump. Guests James Foster, Texas Farmer Sid Miller...

In the April 26 episode, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller tells us how Texas farmers are being squeezed by a war 7,300 miles away, and whether rising fertilizer and diesel costs will impact your grocery prices. Corpus Christi Council Member Mark Scott discusses the city’s impending water emergency and why residents may have to cut water usage by 25%. And Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder talks about keeping the party focused during an internal fight over party leadership. 00:00 — Texas Political Headlines: EARLY VOTING, GOP TO DROP LAWSUIT, AND NEW AIR FORCE ONE 03:03 — INTERVIEW: Sid Miller on Rising Fuel Costs & Farming Pressures 07:28 — ROUNDTAB...

Governor Abbott wants to freeze property appraisals statewide for five years, but Tarrant County just tried a two-year version—and the results are shocking. Chandler Crouch joins the Jasons on the patio at Manhattan Project Brewing Co. and shares the data he tried to show the Governor and the Tarrant County Appraisal District. Crouch also gives the one thing you MUST do before the next deadline to protect your wallet. GUEST Chandler Crouch, Chandler Crouch Realtors/FreeTaxProtest.com Eric Crile, TAD Board of Directs Member

In the April 19 episode, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, pushes back against proposed budget cuts to NASA and argues that Iran will not be a forever war. On Tuesday, Arlington city council votes to spend $273-million dollars to keep the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T stadium through 2055.  Council Member Bowie Hogg takes our questions on whether voters should get a say in it. And state Senator Royce West, D-Dallas, says his 1999 law to help minority- and women-owned state businesses get a cut of state contracts needs some tweaking - even as he defends it in court.

Long waits in juvenile detention. Cases languishing in court. High recidivism. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot called it a failure of responsibility and set out to change it. And some four years later, it appears to be working. Earlier intervention and a better understanding of risk factors appear to be lowering the bad numbers and raising the good numbers across the board. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Creuzot discusses how and why they changed the way they thought about juvenile justice and the new report that says the results are substantial. GUEST John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney

In the April 12 episode, Fort Worth District 3 Council Member Michael Crain explains what he wants state lawmakers to do when it comes to regulating data centers, and why his residents don’t think leaders should be providing tax breaks. State Representative John Bucy III tells us why he’ll file legislation to prevent one party from dictating how another party runs elections at the local level. And State Representative Jared Patterson on why he thinks recent jury verdicts against social media will help him pass legislation banning under-16s from using it in Texas.

Texas leads the nation in new solar installations — and now, a massive factory just south of Dallas is churning out 25,000 Texas-made panels every day. Y’all-itics hit the road to meet Jaime Gualy, a former oil and gas guy turned solar exec, who says despite political headwinds, the future of solar in Texas is shining bright.

In the April 5 episode, state Rep. Carl Tepper, R-Lubbock, says annexing part of New Mexico is no joke. He explains what it might take to get it done. Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne on the House Republicans rare pushback against the President, the Senate and Speaker Johnson, plus Dallas Council Member Paul Ridley on whether he still has confidence in the city manager after new revelations on the future of the iconic city hall building.

NASA’s Artemis II mission is a go. And four astronauts will soon travel farther from Earth and closer to the Moon than any human in more than 50 years. The mission will be full of “firsts” and “farthests” in an effort to get humans ready to once again step foot on the lunar surface and eventually travel to Mars. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, retired, and highly decorated, NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy explains why it matters, what it means when the astronauts wave across the ditch, and how in the world they take a toilet break among four people...

The deadline to drop out of the runoff has come and gone, so Republican voters in Texas will have a Cornyn vs. Paxton ballot in the May 26 Primary runoff election. And just like the gladiatorial combat made famous in the Mad Max series - - this political grudge match has already been vicious and unrelenting. In this episode of Y’all-itics, our political experts tell the Jasons this is only the beginning, and it will get nastier. Meantime, by the fall, the U.S. Senate race could become a $200 million campaign, a spending level never reached before. GUESTS Vinny Minchillo, GO...