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.