Y'all-itics

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 Bakery Owner

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.

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.

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 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 ban, how the state might respond, and you’ll hear some pretty harsh words coming from a Republican… about Republicans.

GUESTS

Council Member Amanda Rodriguez, San Marcos – Place 6

Commissioner Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture

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