State of Texas

When a car drove into an Austin hospital, it left the driver dead and an entire family among the injured. Now that family is speaking out. One key question: why didn't the hospital have safety barriers in front of the ER entrance to prevent a car from driving through? Our team looks at similar crashes around the state and across the country, as well as at the barriers that experts say could prevent disaster in the future. Plus, we examine promises of policy changes from elected leaders after watching our report and seeing the lives impacted by this crash.

As some Texas schools struggle with budget deficits, House Democrats issue a plea for the Governor to call a special session dedicated to education funding. The governor said no, spotlighting a divide over his plan to push public funds to be used for private education. Plus, the challenge to Speaker Dade Phelan has turned into the most-expensive state House race in Texas history. We dig into what’s at stake in the race and how that’s fueling the record amount of campaign cash. Meanwhile, a divide over transgender health care could become the pivotal issue in a tight runoff between two Texas Democrats. We look at why the incumbent is defending supporters who liken trans care to genocide. Last session brought forward a record number of policies impacting LGBTQ+ Texans. As another legislative session looms, we look closer at how those legal restrictions are playing out, and if policies that failed last session could return for consideration.

Voters in Lubbock reject a measure to end arrests for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Now, as other cities move toward votes on similar marijuana measures, one state lawmaker is looking at ways to keep those measures off the ballot. Senator Ted Cruz plays a key role in moving a bipartisan, multibillion dollar bill to reauthorize the FAA. Josh speaks with the senator about what the bill brings to Texas, and why Cruz took grief from fellow senators over his bipartisan approach on this bill. A medical emergency and a tip led our team to investigate Botox injectors across the state. Now state leaders are taking renewed action to crack down on this largely unregulated cosmetic industry, and protect Texas patients. 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.

This week - tension on campus between protesters and law enforcement... The crackdown raises questions over what is, and what is not allowed with protests. And the answers could have a long-lasting impact. We dig deeper into the demands of the protesters - and what comes next as U-T braces for more conflict. 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.

Protests in support of Palestine lead to conflict and arrests at the University of Texas. As the crackdown highlights concern about the limits of free speech, we speak to Sen. John Cornyn about his call on campuses to do more to protect students, as well as his vote on the foreign aid package, which includes aid for Israel and Gaza. The White House announces new rules for minimum staffing at nursing homes. Some Republicans are already leading a push to block the rules. But Congressman Lloyd Doggett has a different view. The Austin Democrat tells us why he believes the rules don't do enough to protect patients. Our investigation finds shortfalls in the state's plan to protect children. Some job candidates with red flags made it through the hiring process and went on to work around children. We look closer at why the vetting system won't be running anytime soon. 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.

Flaws in the foster care system lead a judge to order Texas to pay huge fines. But the state's pushing back. We look at what's next in the fight over keeping kids safe. As a flood of campaign cash pours into the race for U.S. Senate, we dig into comparisons to the 2018 race and why it could take record-breaking donations to win this time. And the CHIPS Act brings money and jobs to Texas. But there's more at stake as the state aims to lead the way in semiconductors. We look at the bipartisan effort to boost both our economy - and national security. 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.

Conservative challengers push a 'Contract with Texas' to change the leadership in the Texas House and diminish the power of Democrats. We look closer at the plan and how it could affect the course of the legislature. There's new progress to strengthen the state's power grid after the devastating failures in February 2021. The groundbreaking of a new plant aims to bring more megawatts to Texas. A new study raises concern about workers essential to our election system. The problem: they're quitting - and some of the problem is blamed on voters themselves. 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.

There is growing concern about avian flu spreading among farm animals in Texas. This week brought a new issue – a human case of the virus. While the risk for human spread is low, there are questions about what it means for the safety of our food supply, like milk and eggs. Josh speaks to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller about the concerns and about the effect on Texas ranchers and poultry producers. A truck driver blamed for a deadly crash with a school bus should not have been behind the wheel. Federal records show he was not allowed to legally drive, due to previous drug violations on his record. Brianna Hollis looks at how DPS tracks those violations, and why the driver in this case was not flagged before the crash. Lawyers for Texas went back to court Wednesday, arguing to restore the state's controversial immigration enforcement law. Ryan Chandler followed the hearing, and shows us why one comment from the state's attorney is getting a lot of attention from people who say the Texas law goes too far. 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.

Ken Paxton strikes a deal to end a felony case against him without a trial. We look closer at the deal to dismiss the case, and why it's not the end of the Attorney General's legal troubles. The leader of a special House investigative committee sets the stage for a hearing far from the Capitol. And a state senator sends a warning to Texas colleges about a new law banning D-E-I efforts on campus, with a deadline for compliance. 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.

A legal fight heads all the way to the Supreme Court over just how much power state authorities should have over immigration enforcement. Monica Madden looks at how local law enforcement is facing uncertainty as the legal battle over the controversial state law plays out in court. There's a push for new leadership at the Capitol. Ryan Chandler looks at the opposition to incumbent House Speaker Dade Phelan, and how one challenger for the position is promising major change to how the House does business. From tracking accidents to answering health care questions, artificial intelligence is having an impact on lives in Texas. Will DuPree looks at the work underway now to make sure AI is being used effectively – and ethically. 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 doctors may soon get new guidance on when exceptions to the state's abortion ban are allowed. Monica Madden speaks with the couple behind a legal petition calling on the Texas Medical Board to act. A state lawmaker calls for changes after reports of a high school tutor being hired amid an investigation into sexual misconduct. Investigator Kelly Wiley uncovers gaps in the state’s do-not-hire registries, and a potential fix that is not being used yet. 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.

Election night brings big changes to Texas politics. But the biggest winners weren't even on the ballot. How Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton are driving change at the Texas Capitol. A new investigation into the response to the Uvalde school shooting finds police did not violate any policies. The angry response from families and what comes now in the push for accountability after the mass shooting. Texas ranchers struggle to survive amid the largest wildfire in state history. The scale of the damage - and how people in need are getting help. 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.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump battle over immigration in dueling visits to the border. But amid the policy showdown, a different border battle played out in court. Ryan Chandler reports on the legal fight over a new state law. Plus, Border Report's Sandra Sanchez joins Josh to dissect the response to the border visits and Joshua Blank from the Texas Politics Project digs into polling on immigration issues and how that could affect Tuesday's Texas Primary election. And a wildfire disaster in the Panhandle destroys hundreds of homes and leaves scores of Texans looking for help. Monica Madden reports on the recovery efforts beginning now as the largest wildfire in Texas history continues to burn. 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.

A ruling against Attorney General Ken Paxton fuels a campaign to oust three Republican judges on the state's highest criminal court. Plus, a former Texas lawmaker tries to win his way back to the Capitol. His comeback bid against a freshman lawmaker backed by Governor Abbott mirrors trends in campaigns across the state. A new state law is supposed to make tollway bills more transparent. But some drivers are still facing auto pay problems and sky-high surprise bills. The problems even hit one state lawmaker. As trucking companies look to expand use of self-driving big rigs, a central Texas highway makes improvements to become a testing ground for smart corridor technology. 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.

This week, we feature Colin Allred and Roland Gutierrez, the top two democrats in the race for U.S. Senate. Josh Hinkle interviewed both of them separately, asking similar questions about key issues. We're putting their answers back to back, with the goal of helping Texas voters learn more about this key race. Also, we hear from the man they're trying to beat in November, Senator Ted Cruz. Ryan Chandler traveled to Houston for a one-on-one interview with the Senator, focusing on immigration. 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.

Governor Abbott leads two high-profile visits to Eagle Pass and promises to send more troops to the border. But some who live along the border are pushing back, saying the visits are more about political theater than purposeful policy. Documents reveal the multi-million dollar cost to bus migrants out of Texas. Who's paying and how does the cost compare to keeping migrants in the Lone Star State? Plus, bullying in school is a big concern for many Texas parents. Our investigation looks at why there's little state oversight when it comes to how schools handle discipline. 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 sends one of its top lawyers to Washington to defend the position that the state is under invasion at the border. The Texas Supreme Court hears a challenge to a state law that bans transgender children from receiving certain health care options. And the top Democrats running for U.S. Senate meet on the debate stage. How their different perspectives are resonating with 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.

Governor Abbott declares that Texas is under invasion, as he battles the feds over who has authority at the border. But does that statement stack up with the reality of the situation along the Rio Grande? Our team joins a night patrol, and finds the conflict between the humanitarian needs and the political reality on the border. Plus, he voted to acquit Ken Paxton, but now Republican Senator Drew Springer wants lawmakers to take a new look at impeachment. Why the AG's move to end a whistleblower lawsuit has him ready to reconsider his vote. 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.

Failures by state and local law enforcement - highlighted by a federal report on the Uvalde school shooting. We hear from families after the release - why for some, it's raising new hope for answers and accountability. Ken Paxton says he's done fighting the whistleblower lawsuit against his office, making a move that could keep him from testifying under oath. But the judge in the case has a different idea. And can anyone challenge Donald Trump in Texas? Our poll looks at what voters think of the top races for Republicans and Democrats as we get closer to the primary. Plus, the Arctic blast fueled record demand for electricity in Texas. But can the grid meet the state's growing need for power? We talk to the ERCOT CEO about what to expect when it comes to keeping the lights on. 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.

Conflict at the border ramps up tension between Texas and the federal government. We look at the stakes and the response as the state blocks federal law enforcement from one part of the Rio Grande. Plus, why concern about immigration has an influential congressman pushing a plan to kick the Homeland Security Secretary out of office. And as Texas faces an arctic blast, will your power stay on through the subfreezing weather? Why state leaders and energy experts are expressing confidence - and caution. 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.