State of Texas

Emotions ran high during a tense court hearing over the future of Camp Mystic, as camp leaders testified and families pressed allegations tied to last summer's deadly floods. Dylan McKim and Adam Schwager report as lawmakers prepare to visit the site amid ongoing lawsuits, a contested injunction, and an unresolved licensing decision that could determine whether the camp reopens this summer.Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales has resigned following reporting on allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former staffer. Josh speaks with journalist Bayliss Wagner about how the story came to light, why more could still emerge, and whether the scandal opens a real opportunity for Democrats to flip the South Texas seat.As death investigations rise, Williamson County is weighing new options for handling autopsies and forensic work. Arezow Doost examines why justices of the peace are struggling to keep up, what it would take to establish a medical examiner's office, and how lawmakers are revisiting statewide policies that critics say are long overdue for modernization.Resistance is growing in rural Texas over the rapid expansion of large‑scale data centers, with concerns including strain on the electric grid and water use. Dylan McKim looks at how local leaders are pressing lawmakers for oversight and why one state representative is now urging the governor to call a special session on the 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.

State investigators are stepping in as Camp Mystic seeks to renew its operating license following last summer's deadly floods that killed 27 campers and counselors. Avery Travis joins Josh to walk through the allegations in the lawsuits from families, and a court fight that could keep the camp closed as judges weigh whether the site must be preserved as potential evidence.From AI to cloud computing, massive data centers are driving new demand for electricity across Texas. Adam Schwager reports on lawmakers' growing concerns about power and water use, how companies are pitching their projects as an economic boost, and why interim hearings could shape how Texas connects these facilities to the grid in the years ahead.Governor Abbott's freeze on H‑1B visas at state agencies is leaving major exceptions untouched. Investigator Matt Grant examines why private contractors receiving millions in taxpayer dollars can still rely on foreign workers, how state leaders justify the distinction, and why lawmakers are now ordering a deeper review of the visa program.A new state law is set to dramatically change how food trucks operate in Texas, replacing city‑by‑city permits with a single statewide license. Eric Henrikson looks at what the change means for small business owners, why cities are pushing back, and how the law fits into a broader effort to limit local regulation.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.

Texas regulators have officially banned intoxicating hemp flower, a move supporters say closes a loophole but critics warn could cripple a billion‑dollar industry. Adam Schwager looks at how retailers are scrambling to adjust, what products remain legal, and why some business owners believe the change will push buyers back toward the illicit market.Texas is investing $50 million into clinical trials for ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic some veterans say helped them overcome PTSD and addiction. Dylan McKim examines why the research plan hit a roadblock with private partners, the state's decision to fund the studies, and questions about how much more Texas may need to spend to pursue FDA approval.More than a decade after lawmakers overhauled how Texas investigates public corruption, critics argue powerful officials still rarely face consequences. In a From the Vault edition of Inside the Investigation, Josh and investigative producer David Barer revisit our reporting on dozens of investigations that led to few prosecutions and examine why calls for reform have stalled.Changes to SNAP benefits are now in place across Texas, restricting the purchase of candy and sugary drinks. Nabil Remadna breaks down what's different, the policy goals behind the update, and how state and federal officials say the new rules are meant to improve public health.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.

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.

Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are officially locked into the May runoff. With Donald Trump still withholding a key endorsement, both campaigns are navigating intense pressure as they court conservative voters. Dylan McKim speaks with New York Times correspondent Lauren McGaughy about the ideological split defining the race and how a Trump endorsement could reshape the contest.New projections show Corpus Christi could enter a water emergency as early as May, threatening supplies for half a million residents and the state's vital energy industry. Dylan examines the drought-driven shortages, growing public frustration, and the city's scramble to bring new water projects online. He also looks at why other regions of Texas face similar risks unless long‑term water planning changes.Texas leaders confront the political and cultural shockwaves following sexual abuse accusations against Cesar Chavez. Cities including Austin and Dallas are considering renaming streets and landmarks, while community advocates call for attention on survivors and strengthening local support systems. A conversation with Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and Travis County Attorney Delia Garza highlights how Latino communities are processing the revelations and preparing for next steps.A renewed push from Republicans aims to overturn Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that guarantees undocumented children access to public schools. Dylan breaks down the congressional debate, the arguments for and against reversing the 40‑year precedent, and how new legislation could trigger a fresh legal challenge before the high court.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.