State of Texas

By KXAN NewsNews Politics

State of Texas episodes

October 04 State of Texas - October 4, 2026
With early voting just weeks away and no debate on the schedule, Texas voters are finally getting an apples-to-apples comparison between Ken Paxton and James Talarico. Both agreed to separate interviews with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council - answering the same questions on topics like affordability, immigration, health care, and the economy. This week's program puts Paxton and Talarico's responses side by side to highlight similarities, differences, and how each hopes to win over undecided voters.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

22 min
September 27 State of Texas - September 27, 2026
Just weeks before the November election, counties across Texas are scrambling to process thousands of delayed voter registration and address update records after a state data transmission error went undetected for nearly a year. Adam Schwager examines what caused the backlog, how counties are responding, and what voters should do to ensure their registration information is correct before Election Day.
Newly released search warrants reveal that Camp Mystic owners and staff are under criminal investigation following last year's deadly floods. No one has been charged. Investigator Matt Grant breaks down the potential charges being examined by the Texas Rangers, the allegations outlined in the warrants, and what investigators hope to learn from phone and electronic records tied to camp leadership and employees.
With diesel prices hovering near record highs, Texas farmers and ranchers are searching for relief. Dylan McKim looks at a proposal being considered by the Trump administration to restrict diesel exports, why agriculture groups support the idea, and why the oil and gas industry warns it could ultimately make fuel prices even worse.
Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace is expanding production capacity with a new facility designed to support future lunar missions. Eric Henrikson takes us inside the project, explains how state investments are helping grow Texas’ aerospace industry, and explores the role Texas companies are expected to play in NASA’s long-term plans for the Moon.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
September 20State of Texas - September 20, 2026
Paxton Talarico Polling – There's a lot to unpack from this poll - Matt Taglia, senior director of Emerson College Polling, joins us for a deeper dive into the numbers.
Gaming Safeguards – Child advocates, pediatricians and mental health experts urged Texas lawmakers on Monday to expand online safety protections for children, arguing that today’s gaming platforms pose many of the same risks as social media and are increasingly affecting children’s mental health, sleep, academic performance and overall development.
Prediction Markets Debate – On Tuesday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee and the Texas House State Affairs Committee both met with experts on prediction markets. The rapidly growing industry has become a de facto replacement for sports gambling for many Texans — as traditional sports betting violates the Texas Constitution.
Lottery operations - More than 18 months after his first appearance in the Capitol to describe an alleged scheme to rig a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot, Manfred Sternberg was back under the dome to call on lawmakers to take action against individuals and companies that allegedly profited from the drawing.
22 min
September 13 State of Texas - September 13, 2026
Speaking to a Republican convention audience, Ken Paxton highlighted what he calls the "Protecting the Texas Promise" plan, including proposed tax deductions for homebuyers, medical expenses, and healthy living expenses. He also outlined his case against James Talarico and framed the Senate race as a choice between two very different futures for Texas.
In a one-on-one interview, Talarico discusses affordability, border security, health care costs, and the national debt. While making his case as an alternative to Paxton, he also identifies issues where he says he could work with President Trump, including housing affordability, and prescription drug costs.
We examine a noticeable shift in Governor Greg Abbott's approach toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. The changing campaign approach could alter the race for Governor.
The race for campaign cash - Daniel Marin breaks down how a recent Supreme Court ruling could reshape campaign fundraising in Texas and potentially give Paxton access to new sources of political support as Talarico continues to hold a significant fundraising advantage.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
September 05 State of Texas - September 6, 2026
What started as a local debate over surveillance technology has become a national conversation. We speak with Texas Congressman Keith Self, who's pushing federal legislation that would require warrants before federal agencies can access surveillance data. We examine the growing privacy concerns, the argument from law enforcement that the cameras help solve crimes, and the broader debate over how much surveillance is too much.
While data centers have sparked concern across much of Texas, one Panhandle community sees potential benefits. Dylan McKim looks closer at developments in Turkey, Texas, where a proposed $10 billion data center project could help fund long-overdue water and wastewater upgrades. City leaders say the partnership could provide critical infrastructure improvements while supporting future growth.
New polling shows Governor Greg Abbott holding a one-point lead over Democrat Gina Hinojosa, marking the third poll in five weeks to show a highly competitive race. Adam Schwager breaks down the numbers, the role President Donald Trump's approval ratings may be playing, and how issues like data centers are emerging as factors in the campaign.
A new survey projects the largest increase in employer health care costs in more than two decades, raising concerns that many Texans could be paying more for coverage next year. We look at the factors driving the increase and explore the bipartisan ideas lawmakers are considering to improve transparency and affordability.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 30 State of Texas - August 30, 2026
Texas has reached a $1 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed children's mental health. Dylan McKim examines the new safety measures Meta has agreed to implement, the limits of those changes, and why some psychologists and lawmakers argue the biggest concerns surrounding social media still haven't been addressed.
New polling from the Texas Politics Project shows broad skepticism toward data center development, with opposition spanning both political parties and extending beyond rural communities into the suburbs. We break down what voters are concerned about, how those concerns could influence the November elections, and why even supporters of data center growth are adjusting their message.
Texas' new Education Freedom Account program is already having a measurable impact on schools. Dylan McKim visits a private school that has doubled enrollment since the rollout and explores how rising participation is affecting both private school expansion plans and nearby public school districts losing students to the program.
A new Texas 2036 report estimates child care challenges cost Texas employers nearly $8 billion annually. Adam Schwager looks at the growing economic impact, how businesses are adapting, and why lawmakers are being urged to treat child care as a workforce issue rather than simply a family issue.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 23 State of Texas - August 23, 2026
The Trump administration has temporarily halted a border infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park after bipartisan backlash over construction activity inside the iconic landscape. Josh speaks with State Senator César Blanco about his meeting with the head of Customs and Border Protection, concerns about environmental impacts, and what happens next as federal officials decide whether work will resume.
Corpus Christi narrowly avoided a major water crisis earlier this year, but a new report argues the state's long-term water planning process failed to anticipate the shortage. Jeremy Mazur of Texas 2036 joins us to explain how Texas forecasts water needs, why the system missed warning signs, and what reforms lawmakers should consider as they prepare to invest billions in new infrastructure.
Governor Abbott's audit of proposed data center projects is putting a spotlight on water use, power demand, tax incentives, and local impacts. Matt Grant examines the growing pushback from residents and elected officials, the calls for stronger guardrails, and how Texas is grappling with balancing AI-driven growth against concerns from communities hosting these facilities.
Landowners are escalating their battle against a proposed network of high-voltage transmission lines by urging Governor Abbott to call a special session. Eric Henrikson reports on the latest effort to stop the project, the concerns property owners are raising, and why the controversy is becoming one of the most closely watched infrastructure fights in Texas.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 16 State of Texas - August 14, 2026
Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow one-point lead over State Representative James Talarico in the race for U.S. Senate, according to new polling from Emerson College/Nexstar Media. Adam Schwager speaks with Talarico to discuss his strategy heading into the final stretch, while we also examine how both campaigns are framing the race and what the latest numbers reveal about key voting blocs.
A complex custody battle involving a baby born through a surrogacy arrangement is raising questions about the future of surrogacy in Texas. Dylan McKim examines the legal dispute, why some families are concerned about potential legislative changes, and how the case intersects with a growing debate among Republican lawmakers over commercial surrogacy.
As artificial intelligence systems become more powerful, Congressman Nathaniel Moran is leading a bipartisan effort to require certain large AI models to include mechanisms that allow developers to shut them down or limit their capabilities if they pose public safety or national security risks. We speak one-on-one with Moran to discuss the proposal and the broader debate over regulating rapidly evolving AI technology.
Texas lawmakers are being warned that advances in drone technology could create serious risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Daniel Marin reports on testimony from security experts who say Texas must invest in detection and counter-drone systems to protect everything from border communities to major events and energy facilities.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 09 State of Texas - August 9, 2026
Texas leaders from both parties are weighing how government should respond to the rapid rise of AI. We examine proposals ranging from Congressman Greg Casar's plan to tax large AI companies and fund job training programs, to Republican-backed efforts focused on national security safeguards and oversight of advanced AI systems.
Nearly four years after our investigations uncovered significant delays in the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund, state officials say reforms are improving performance. Matt Grant examines what has changed, how wait times have improved, and why some victims are still waiting months for reimbursement.
Don Huffines has taken over as Texas Comptroller after being appointed by Governor Abbott and is already pledging major changes to the agency. Dylan McKim sits down with Huffines to discuss his plans to focus on property tax relief, government spending oversight, school choice programs, and what taxpayers can expect as he takes over one of the state's most influential financial offices.
Governor Abbott is proposing legislation that would open city-owned electric utilities, including Austin Energy and CPS Energy, to retail competition. Supporters say it could lower costs for consumers, while critics warn deregulation could increase expenses and disrupt local government finances. Eric Henrikson breaks down the proposal and its potential impact on Texans.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 02State of Texas - August 2, 2026
Data Center Incentives - A Texas Senate Finance Committee hearing held July 27 examined the state's sales tax exemptions for data center projects, which could cost the state $3.3 billion in forgone taxes during the 2028-29 budget cycle.
Concrete Cancer - Alkali-silica reaction (ASR), also called "concrete cancer," happens when minerals in rocks and sand react with cement, forming a gel that swells as it absorbs water. The state is known nationally as a hot spot for this type of structural defect that costs thousands of dollars to fix. There are now lawsuits and previous legislation attempts to address the problem.
Talarico Leads Paxton Among Black Voters, But Voter Turnout Concerns Persist - Since defeating Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico vowed to earn the vote of her supporters in his race against Republican candidate Ken Paxton. Talarico has held town halls in Dallas and Houston for Black voters to listen and question him. On July 22, he acknowledged that he faced some tough questions from the town halls.
22 min

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State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on…