Social Media Regulation Push – Recent jury verdicts finding Meta and YouTube liable for harms to young users are reigniting calls in Texas to rein in social media. Josh speaks with State Rep. Jared Patterson about his renewed push to ban minors from social platforms altogether, and the debate over whether that’s necessary protection or government overreach.
Texas Hemp Crackdown – A looming state ban on smokable, intoxicating hemp products is shaking the industry, with retailers warning of store closures and tens of thousands of potential job losses. Adam Schwager explains how new rules grew out of Governor Abbott’s veto of a broader ban, and why legal challenges appear inevitable.
Data Center Concerns Grow Across Texas – Communities statewide are pushing back against massive data center projects, raising alarms about water use, grid strain, and local control. Grace Gates reports on how lawmakers are responding, including new rules forcing large users to pay for power connections and bipartisan efforts to craft guardrails before development accelerates further. Will DuPree interviews State Rep. Erin Zwiener about her move to create a working group to address citizen concerns about data centers.
Border Wall ‘Mission Accomplished’ – State leaders say Texas is finished building its border wall after more than $3 billion and just over 80 miles constructed. Sandra Sanchez looks at what was built and what gaps remain. Also, we look at how new federal funding could shift the next phase of border construction — including potential impacts on wildlife preserves along the Rio Grande.
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.