State of Texas

By KXAN NewsNews Politics

State of Texas episodes

July 26State of Texas - July 26, 2026
Texas politicians call for guardrails on AI - Candidates for one of Texas' seats in the U.S. Senate called for guardrails on artificial intelligence this week, after OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced an unprecedented breach while testing a new AI model.
Push to lower electricity costs, prepare for data centers - The Public Utility Commission of Texas filed a memo to Gov. Greg Abbott that details its plans to protect Texans from rising costs due to data centers. It also, per the governor’s request, detailed ongoing projects and needs from the 2027 legislative session.
Texas data centers - Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic Party candidate for Texas Governor, on Wednesday called on Gov. Greg Abbott to immediately halt new data center development in Texas, arguing he should use his executive authority until lawmakers can pass statewide regulations. Last month, the governor proposed eliminating some tax incentives and requiring data centers pay for their own infrastructure, provide their own power generation, reuse water, and reduce electricity costs for Texans.
Calls for guardrails on prediction market apps - A new proposal from the Texas Medical Association takes aim at online prediction market platforms and calls on state lawmakers to implement guardrails to protect young users from potentially addictive behavior. Users of these apps can wager money on the potential outcome of future events, including sports and elections. The group also called for restrictions on advertising the apps, such as banning ads near schools and parks, or on social media and gaming platforms.
State of Texas revisits ‘TxTag Troubles’ toll bill investigation - Auto-payment issues, double billing, incorrect statements and customer service runaround — those were some of the complaints from users of Texas Department of Transportation toll roads and TxTag. In a From the Vault edition of Inside the Investigation, we take a look at our TxTag Troubles project and where the story could go from here.
School district challenges Texas school funding system - Midland ISD, a West Texas school district, is challenging Texas' school finance system. The lawsuit argues the state has too much control over local property taxes. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far reaching effects in Texas.
22 min
July 19State of Texas - July 19, 2026
This week’s program focuses on the first major test of the flood safety changes put in place after last year’s devastating Hill Country floods.
After the tragedy at Camp Mystic, lawmakers and regulators enacted new safety requirements for Texas youth camps. Arezow Doost traveled to Kerr County during this week’s flooding to see how camps responded, what safety measures were in place, and how operators handled another high-water event.
Warning sirens installed after last year’s flooding were activated as water began rising in Kerr County. Investigator Matt Grant looks at how the system performed, the role private warning networks also played, and whether lawmakers will need to allocate additional funding to expand coverage in vulnerable areas.
State Representative Wes Virdell joins us to discuss the response to this week’s flooding, how it compared to last year’s disaster, and what lawmakers learned from seeing the new systems operate in real-world conditions. We discuss funding challenges, emergency management improvements, and whether more legislation is needed.
While the loss of life was far lower than last year’s catastrophe, communities like Uvalde were left dealing with extensive flooding, damaged homes, washed-out roads, and major disruptions. Dylan McKim reports on the challenges residents now face as they begin the long process of cleanup and recovery.
22 min
July 12State of Texas - July 12, 2026
Competing Affordability Plans Take Shape – Rising costs are becoming a central issue in the race for governor. Governor Greg Abbott is pushing a plan to eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa is proposing direct payments of $1,500 per household funded through the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Adam Schwager examines the competing visions and the political hurdles each proposal faces.
Record Money Flows Into Senate Race – The race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico is already shattering fundraising records. We break down the latest campaign finance numbers, and how controversy surrounding the Adam Hoffman case is playing out on the campaign trail.
Birth Tourism Debate Intensifies – A South Texas hospital is under state investigation after advertisements promoting maternity “birth packages” drew scrutiny from Governor Abbott. We examine how the controversy is fueling a new debate over birthright citizenship, birth tourism, and surrogacy following recent legal developments and growing interest from Texas lawmakers.
Mental Health Lawsuit Brings Major Ruling – A federal judge has ruled Texas’ practice of holding mentally incompetent defendants in jail while they wait for state hospital beds is unconstitutional. The decision stems from a decade-long class action lawsuit and could force significant changes to the state’s mental health system. We revisit our past reporting on the issue and what advocates say happens next.
THC Ban Fight Returns to the Capitol – Lawmakers are laying the groundwork for another attempt to ban consumable THC products when the Legislature convenes next year. Dylan McKim reports on the arguments from Republican senators, concerns raised by advocates and businesses, and the continuing legal fight over hemp regulations already being challenged in court.
22 min
July 05State of Texas - July 5, 2026
Story of Survival – Dylan McKim speaks with a former Camp La Junta counselor who documented the terrifying overnight hours as floodwaters rapidly filled a cabin housing dozens of campers. One year later, he shares his story of survival, leadership, and the lessons learned as camps reopen under new statewide safety requirements.
New Flood Sirens, New Funding Questions – Kerr County is installing flood warning sirens along the Guadalupe River as part of legislation passed after last year’s tragedy. Investigator Matt Grant examines how the new warning system works, why local leaders say it could save lives, and the growing concerns about whether state funding will be enough to fully implement the project.
Rebuilding Beyond the Physical Damage – While businesses, camps, and public spaces have reopened, many Hill Country residents continue to grapple with the emotional toll of the disaster. Adam Schwager looks at the community’s ongoing recovery, including the mental health resources funded through private donations and the long-term effort to support survivors and families.
The First Emergency Call – New records obtained by our team reveal how one county’s flood emergency began with a single 911 call from a stranded driver. Grace Reader explores what those first moments reveal about the unfolding disaster and how quickly conditions deteriorated that night.
22 min
June 28 State of Texas - June 28, 2026
Texans are voicing growing opposition to the rapid expansion of AI data centers, especially in rural and suburban areas. With more than half of Texans opposing construction in their communities, state leaders are weighing how to balance local concerns with national security and economic priorities. We examine the debate — and Governor Abbott's push to require data centers to generate their own power and reuse water resources.
The rapid growth of data centers is adding pressure to an already strained water system in Texas. Adam Schwager looks at how lawmakers are grappling with dwindling aquifers, rising demand, and funding challenges — as key state programs hit capacity limits and officials warn more investment is urgently needed.
The U.S. Supreme Court handed the Trump administration significant wins on immigration, allowing the end of Temporary Protected Status for certain groups and upholding tighter limits on asylum access at the southern border. We examine how those decisions could affect enforcement in Texas and the response from advocacy groups and supporters of stricter policies.
A bipartisan effort to reshape college athletics is moving forward in Congress, with Senator Ted Cruz helping lead the push. We examine what the proposed changes would mean for athletes and schools — and why major conferences and some lawmakers are pushing back.A bankruptcy filing by Camp Mystic has put ongoing lawsuits on pause, raising new questions for families seeking accountability after last summer's deadly flooding. We break down how the legal process shifts to bankruptcy court, and what happens next in the fight over those claims.
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
June 21 State of Texas - June 21, 2026
A major plan to expand Texas' power grid is now on pause after regulators delayed a decision on a controversial transmission line project in West Texas. Eric Henrikson breaks down the pushback from landowners, concerns from lawmakers about the rushed timeline, and the unresolved question of whether large-scale power imports are necessary to meet future demand.
State investigators have released their final report on the deadly flood at Camp Mystic, outlining a series of failures that contributed to the deaths of 25 girls and two counselors. Kevin Baskar reports on how lawmakers are now reviewing the findings and considering what changes are needed to prevent another tragedy.
Texas Republicans are turning their focus to November after a high-profile state convention that highlighted key divisions and priorities. We look at platform debates, messaging from party leaders, and the challenge of unifying the party behind its candidates heading into the general election.
Lawmakers are weighing competing approaches to stopping the spread of the New World screwworm, as concerns grow about its impact on Texas agriculture. We examine the ongoing debate over how best to scale up sterile fly production and new proposals pitching alternative methods.
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
June 14 State of Texas - June 14, 2026
New state test results show Texas students are improving across multiple subjects, though some STAAR scores still lag behind pre‑pandemic levels. We break down what's driving those gains, where gaps remain, and what it means for students and schools moving forward.
As Texas works to contain the deadly screwworm parasite, the response is becoming a flashpoint in the race for Agriculture Commissioner. Dylan McKim looks at the divide between state and federal leaders and how candidates say they would handle the threat.
In a From the Vault segment, we revisit our investigation into medical debt lawsuits and the impact it had on patients. Arezow Doost joins us to explain how new state laws have improved transparency — and what challenges still remain.
Landowners across Central Texas are pushing back against plans for a massive transmission line project, raising concerns about land use, cost, and the speed of the approval process. We look at the heated hearings, what regulators must decide, and how the outcome could reshape the project.
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
June 07 State of Texas - June 7, 2026
A dangerous parasite targeting livestock has been detected in South Texas for the first time in decades, triggering a rapid response from state and federal officials. Dylan McKim reports on efforts to contain the spread, concerns from agriculture leaders about the federal strategy, and what's at stake for the state's cattle industry.
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson is leaving her post just months before the November midterms. We break down what the role oversees, how her tenure drew criticism from both parties, and the questions surrounding timing and who Governor Abbott will appoint as her replacement.
A bipartisan effort led in part by Senator Ted Cruz aims to overhaul college athletics amid growing concerns about NIL deals, transfers, and revenue sharing. We look at what the proposed legislation would change — and why it's already facing resistance from major conferences and lawmakers.
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, Congressman Greg Casar is proposing a new tax on AI companies to fund job training and employment programs. Adam Schwager examines the idea, the concerns about job loss driving it, and the pushback from industry voices and policy experts.
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
May 31 State of Texas - May 31, 2026
Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, defeating Senator John Cornyn and setting up a high‑stakes general election against Democrat James Talarico. Adam Schwager looks at how both candidates are already defining the race — and the tone voters can expect heading into November.
Body camera footage reveals new details in the case of an Austin ISD senior detained by ICE just weeks before graduation — including the use of an encrypted messaging app during the stop. Investigator Kelly Wiley examines what the video shows, the role of state‑federal partnerships, and the growing concerns about transparency and record‑keeping.
Texas is holding more than $10 billion in unclaimed property, but our investigation found thousands of entries — worth tens of millions of dollars — that Texans can't search or access online. Matt Grant looks at why the system isn't fully searchable and how state leaders are pushing for more accountability.
A new state law is now requiring autonomous vehicle companies to be authorized before operating commercially in Texas. We break down the new rules, how enforcement will work, and what it means as more driverless vehicles hit the road across the state.
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
May 24 State of Texas - May 24, 2026
President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton in the final stretch of the high‑profile Senate runoff against Senator John Cornyn. Adam Schwager looks at what early voting turnout could signal ahead of Election Day and whether the late endorsement is enough to shift momentum in one of the most expensive primaries in U.S. history. While record-breaking spending is driving this Senate runoff, a significant share of campaign funding is coming from outside Texas. Texas Tribune Washington Correspondent Gabby Birenbaum joins us to take a closer look at how national money is influencing races with implications far beyond the state.
Texas is rolling out new warning sirens in vulnerable flood‑prone areas following last year's deadly disasters. Lawmakers say the requirement is aimed at closing gaps in emergency alerts and improving response times. Matt Grant looks closer at the plan that aims to save lives in future flooding events.
A high school student detained by ICE just weeks before graduation has now been ordered released. Investigator Kelly Wiley examines the case, the legal questions surrounding detention and due process, and how it's resonating within the student's school community.
A major power line project is drawing scrutiny as Texas works to meet growing energy demand. Eric Henrikson reports on concerns from landowners and lawmakers about land use and infrastructure expansion, and how the state is navigating the balance between grid reliability and local impact.
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

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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…