State of Texas

The race for Governor is expanding, as a new candidate makes her case to lead the state. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa hopes to take on Greg Abbott in 2026, but first she'll face a packed field of candidates hoping to win the Democratic nomination. Demand for high skilled workers is growing in Texas, particularly for those with the right skills.  But some believe the state needs more resources to train them. Now, voters face a choice over a multi-million dollar plan that aims to get more Texans ready to work. A Republican congressman says he represents the "next generation of leadership" in the race for U.S. Senate.  Why he says his age is a factor that voters should consider in this tight primary race. Access to health care can depend on where you live, and people in rural areas can face challenges. We report on a new effort to bring a billion dollar boost to improve care. 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's a big change in the race for U.S. Senate, as Congressman Wesley Hunt joins an already heated Republican primary.  Capitol Correspondent Adam Schwager looks into how Hunt's campaign is already changing the equation for Republicans.  Plus, we dig into polling that shows how someone who's not in the race could shake things up for Democrats. A court blocks the execution of Robert Roberson.  It comes as the Death Row inmate is receiving renewed bipartisan support from lawmakers in his calls for a new trial.  But others are pushing back.  Dylan McKim looks closer at the case. The legal battle over deploying Texas National Guard troops to Illinois continues to evolve.  Amid the debate, we look at the bigger picture of how deployments get authorized, and what makes this latest mission different. Plus, a start-up company could give homeowners a new way to keep the lights on when the electric grid has power problems.  Science reporter Eric Henrikson gives us an inside look at the operation and explores how they aim to provide savings and peace of mind for customers. 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.

Three decades after the crime, new advancements help investigators link a suspect to Austin's infamous Yogurt Shop Murders.  The break in the case highlights how new technology could lead to breakthroughs in other unsolved cases.  Dylan McKim interviews Congressman Michael McCaul to get his perspective on the new developments, and how legislation he led could help investigators crack more cold cases. Texas voters will soon decide if the state will spend billions of dollars to boost dementia research.  The plan has widespread support, but the cost has some people pushing back. A Democrat stronghold is now set up to send a Republican to Congress.  We look at the effect redistricting is having in one redrawn district, and how Republican candidates are rushing in to campaign for a seat in Congress. 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 deadly attack in Dallas raises calls to tone down political rhetoric.  Some of the messages from some state leaders transcend politics, some do not. New age restrictions take effect for sales of products containing THC.  The requirements have widespread support, but they could be just the beginning of new regulations for the products. Texas Democrats have not won a statewide election in more than 30 years.  Now the state party leader is implementing a new plan to end the losing streak.  Adam Schwager interviews Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder about the move and at why some are skeptical of the plan.  An invasive pest that could wreak havoc on the cattle industry is spreading closer to Texas.  Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller s pushing a new way to fight back, but he says not everyone is on board. 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.

Comments made after the assassination of Charlie Kirk lead to some Texas educators losing their jobs.  It's raising questions about the limits of free speech.  We look closer at the debate underway now and how Texas lawmakers are getting involved. Ten Commandments posters appeared on the walls in one Texas school district.  But it's not the only new poster in campus classrooms.  Investigator Kelly Wiley explores how it's sparking debate among students and teachers about freedom and religion. After more than 20 years in office, Texas Congressman Michael McCaul says it's time to move on.  He speaks with our team in Washington to discuss his decision and reflect on the changes he's seeing now on Capitol Hill that are raising concern. In the wake of the deadly summer floods, job openings at the National Weather Service are on the rise.  Investigator Matt Grant examines why some worry the vacancies could put public safety at risk and the agency's efforts to address the concerns. 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.

Another U.S. Senate Candidate - Democrat Colin Allred has a new challenger. State Rep. James Talarico announced his run in the Democratic primary for one of Texas's U.S. Senate seats this week. In the latest Texas Politics Project poll, Talarico's favorability ratings slightly edged out his unfavourability ratings, but more than half of people surveyed said they didn't know enough about him to have an opinion. Dylan McKim sat down with the candidate to ask him about the name recognition hurdle.   Crowded AG's Race - Adam Schwager sat down with Sen. Joan Huffman who tells us in a crowded field of candidates running for Attorney General, it's her wide-ranging experience that makes her the best pick to replace Ken Paxton.   Still Practicing - Two years after it was passed, a patient protection law sparked by a series of our investigations is now finally taking full effect. The law requires stricter scrutiny of doctors and more transparency for patients when it comes to discipline records, but one Texas lawmaker says it doesn't go far enough.

Lawmakers ended the special session after pushing through bills in response to the deadly July floods.  With families of the girls who died at Camp Mystic watching, Gov. Abbott signed them into laws.  Adam Schwager reports on the changes meant to protect children, and how one family is responding to the new laws. Improvements to the state's troubled Crime Victims' Compensation Fund are in place, after a new law takes effect. The changes come after our investigative reports uncovered months-long delays for victims of violent crimes trying to get help.  Investigator Matt Grant digs into how the changes can be a lifeline for people looking to recover after a crime. Big changes are underway at the Texas Lottery.  Dylan McKim reports on how a new agency is taking over and how the transition could affect people who play the games. A new state law is supposed to cut down on delays for people receiving child support payments.  But our investigation found frustration among single parents who are still facing problems.  Investigator Arezow Doost looks closer at the concerns, and why some parents say they're not hopeful that the new law will help them. 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.

Parental Rights Bill Challenged - Senate Bill 12 is now being challenged in court.  Supporters call it the Parental Bill of Rights.  But opponents call it censorship.  One provision outlaws student groups linked to race or LGBTQ+ identity.  Capitol Correspondent Adam Schwager looks closer at the court challenge ahead. Healthcare Investment - State leaders announce a major investment in healthcare for rural Texans.  It comes during a visit from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.  Sam Stark reports on how one community in central Texas could benefit from the influx of funding. Senate Race Shift - Polls show signs of a shift in the race for U.S. Senate, with John Cornyn closing the gap on Ken Paxton.  The shift could have an impact on who gets the coveted endorsement from President Trump.  Meanwhile, a familiar face returns to the campaign trail.  Dylan McKim speaks with Colin Allred on why he believes his second run for Senate will have a different outcome.  Plus, we hear from retired astronaut Terry Virts about what's behind his decision to join the race.

Texas lawmakers approve plans to redraw voting lines in to boost Republican power in Congress. But Democrats say the battle is not over.  We look at the impact the redistricting map is already having, including how it's shaking up a race for Congress in central Texas.  Plus, Julia Manchester from The Hill explores the tie between redistricting in California and the fight in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott adds access to ivermectin to the Special Session #2 call.  Adam Schwager interviews East Texas Representative Joanne Shofner about her efforts to allow over-the-counter purchases of the drug, and why some are raising concerns about the proposal. Families of the 27 girls killed in the floods at Camp Mystic share stories of grief with lawmakers at the Capitol.  Our team looks at how their testimony led lawmakers to act quickly to pass legislation to improve disaster preparedness at camps across Texas. Dylan McKim reports on the new momentum to change the standardized test used in Texas schools.  We look at what's in store for students and why some lawmakers are questioning the plan. 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.

Lawmakers launch a new special session as Texas Democrats prepare to head back to the Capitol.  Dylan McKim reports on what's changed and what's next in the fight over drawing new voting lines in Texas.  In addition, Adam Schwager speaks with Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu on why he believes the quorum break sets Democrats up for a win. This, as Speaker Dustin Burrows makes the case for Republican victories in the next special session. Governor Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announce new plans to stop the spread of screwworms in Texas.  The flesh-eating parasite could cost the state billions in livestock losses.  Senior Science Reporter Eric Henrikson looks closer at the risk and the plan to protect Texas livestock. People from other countries who trying to enter the United States are facing significant challenges with the visa application process.  Investigator Kelly Wiley explores how the problem is affecting students seeking to study in Texas, and what that could mean for enrollment. While flood response legislation has been delayed at the Capitol, some flood victims are looking beyond the government to find help.  Dylan McKim looks at who's stepping up to help as people work to rebuild and recover. 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.

Most of the Democrats in the Texas House left the state, breaking quorum to block a plan to give the GOP more seats in Congress.  We've seen quorum breaks before, but the response this time is different.  Adam Schwager looks closer at the legal fight surrounding the efforts to block redistricting.  Also, we hear from State Sen. Mayes Middleton, who's pushing legislation to prevent future quorum breaks, and State Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez gives insight into the financial and personal impact of breaking quorum. Youth camp leaders face questions at the State Capitol, as lawmakers look for ways to keep children safe from future floods.  Investigator Matt Grant looks at the proposals and the pushback on ideas to make camp sites safer after the deadly Texas floods. The response to the July floods could bring improvements to the way Texas handles death investigations.  We look at how new legislation being considered could help address challenges facing the system. A lottery winner hit the jackpot, but questions over how she bought the ticket led to a legal challenge that kept her from getting the money.  But now there's a big change.  Dylan McKim reports on why the winner is getting paid despite an ongoing push to change how Texans play the lottery.

Flood Fact-Finding – A legislative hearing in the heart of the disaster zone reveals new information about the deadly Texas floods.  Investigator Matt Grant digs into the search for answers and accountability after the tragedy, while Capitol correspondent Adam Schwager looks into testimony from people whose lives were changed by the floods, and what they need from lawmakers now. Doubling Down on the Ban – When Governor Abbott vetoed a bill to ban hemp-derived THC, he called on lawmakers to find ways to regulate those products.  But Texas senators are doubling down on the ban.  A new bill moving forward is almost identical to the one Abbott rejected. But some lawmakers are pushing back against the ban, calling for change in how the state handles cannabis. Drawing the Lines – Republicans reveal the plan to redraw voting lines in Texas, with maps that meet President Donald Trump’s call to give the GOP five more seats in Congress.  Dylan McKim reports on reaction to the proposal from both Republicans and Democrats in the first hearing on the plan. Plus, we look closer at how changing the lines could change who represents you in Congress and why the plan could lead to what some call the “nuclear option” for Texas Democrats. Seeking Accountability – The push for answers continues after the deadly Texas floods.  Josh Hinkle explains the approach our team has taken to find facts, with the goal of crafting stronger solutions to safe lives in future storms.

Search for Solutions – Lawmakers get back to work at the State Capitol, working toward ways to prevent future disasters.  Jala Washington reports on public pressure to keep lawmakers focused on flood safety legislation.  Matt Grant looks closer at the first hearing on flood-related bills and the push for accountability. Backing the Ban – Gov. Abbott vetoed a bill to ban THC products and pushed lawmakers to regulate the products instead.  But there’s a backlash. We examine the looming conflict at the Capitol as senators renews their push for a full ban. Redistricting Pressure – Pressure from the White House sets up a battle over voting lines in Texas.  Dylan McKim digs deeper into the fight over redistricting and the tactics Democrats could use to fight back. Joining the Race – When it comes to the race to replace Ken Paxton, Republican candidates have dominated the news.  But now, two Democrats have launched their campaigns.  Our team goes one-on-one with both Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski and hear their message to voters in the race for Texas Attorney General.

Redistricting– A rare mid-decade redistricting in Texas after pressure from President Donald Trump. How we got here, the reaction from leaders and the impact it could have on the midterms. Deadly Flash Flood on the Agenda – After the Independence day flood, the number of people who lost their lives reached triple digits. More than two weeks later people are still searching for missing loved ones. State leaders promised action and on the eve of the special session, some bills have already been filed. Scrapping the STAAR Test– A second chance to end the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. (STAAR) The debate between chambers with the same goal, but with different ways of making it happen.

Looking for Solutions– Deaths reached the triple digits this week after heavy rain caused flash floods across the Hill Country. President Donald Trump took some time to survey the area while Governor Greg Abbott added 4 items to the special session to explore and address the aftermath.   Remembering those Lost in the Flood – The number of victims of this storm keeps rising as search and rescue teams continue their search along the Guadalupe River. Investigator Kelly Wiley and Digital Data Reporter Christopher Adams have been working to collect the names of those who were lost in this tragedy. Audio surfaces in CodeRED timeline – In the early hours of July 4th people were still sleeping in their beds when the wall of water swept through the area. Between 4 and 5 a.m. The Guadalupe River went from being 6 feet above flood stage to 27 feet. Dispatch audio from the critical hours before the flood hit it's height is helping piece together the timeframe local officials have yet to provide.    

Texas Democrats have a familiar face in the race for U.S. Senate, as Colin Allred kicks off his campaign for the seat currently held by John Cornyn.  But some in Allred's party are skeptical about his chances.  Capitol correspondent Adam Schwager interviews Terry Virts, a former astronaut and fighter pilot who's also in the race.  He describes a different path for Democrats as the party aims to end a decades-long losing streak in Texas. The state faces two lawsuits over its plan to place the Ten Commandments in Texas classrooms.  Dylan McKim looks closer at the court challenge, and why some believe the legal battle is part of the point of the law. When Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his run for Senate, candidates started lining up to take his job.  We speak with Aaron Reitz, a former Paxton deputy who's now campaigning for Attorney General, and hear why he believes his work for Paxton and President Trump sets him up as the best candidate for the job. Texas takes a new approach to make it harder for criminals to make fake temporary license plates.  The change to color-coded metal plates comes after reports of fraud and abuse tied to fake paper plates. Investigator Matt Grant looks at what the change means for drivers and law enforcement. 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.

As election season looms larger, there are new developments when it comes to Republican candidates running for statewide office.  But it's not clear which Democrats will take on the biggest statewide races.  Adam Schwager speaks with former congressman Beto O'Rourke, who's been holding town hall events across Texas.  We ask about meetings with other Democrats aiming to run in 2026 and how his plans mesh with theirs.  Governor Abbott calls lawmakers back for a special session.  He's looking for a plan to regulate THC products in Texas.  But Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is still set on a full ban.  We look at the conflict to come, and what hemp advocates are pushing for when lawmakers return to the Capitol.  Glenn Hegar has been the State Comptroller for more than 10 years.  Now he's taking on a new challenge, leading the Texas A&M System.  Josh Hinkle interviews Hegar to discuss the challenge ahead, and the critical job he's leaving behind. 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.

 Comptroller Change – Political maneuvering helps now-former State Senator Kelly Hancock on the verge of becoming the state's acting Comptroller.  Adam Schwager speaks with Hancock, as well as the two high-profile Republicans who are vying for votes in next year's race to lead the office.  Nuclear Waste Decision – A Supreme Court decision revives plans to store nuclear waste in west Texas.  Vinay Simlot examines concerns about what comes next after the ruling.  Plus, we look at the larger landscape of nuclear power in Texas, as the state pushes to lead the nation in nuclear energy investments.  Promises Kept – Governor Abbott signs legislation tied to two of his emergency items.  But the bill signings are just one step toward making the measures reality.  We look closer at the push to cut property taxes and the move to improve the state's water infrastructure, and why Texas voters still need to give their approval.  Fit to Serve? – Texas Senator John Cornyn helps lead a hearing into what he claims was a coordinated cover up of President Joe Biden's health while he was in office.  We hear from the Senator about the hearing, which happened one day before the former President came to Texas for a Juneteenth celebration.  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.

 Immigration raids ramp up, with some targeting workers on the job.  It's bringing backlash in the streets in the form of protests, but also from businesses.  We hear how President Trump is addressing the concerns, plus look at the crackdown from the perspective of a migrant deported after being detained on his way to work.  A Texas law that allowed some students not legally in the country to qualify for in-state tuition at public universities has been reversed.  Adam Schwager reports on how the outcome is leaving many questions unanswered for schools and students.  A new law opens the door for expanded research into Ibogaine, a psychedelic plant medicine.  Sam Stark reports on how stories from veterans helped push legislation to use the medicine to treat conditions like PTSD and addiction.  Also, we speak with former Governor Rick Perry, who has taken an active role in promoting psychedelics to help veterans.  President Trump announces plans to restore the name of Fort Hood.  Currently, the army post is named after General Richard Cavazos, a native Texan who became the Army's first Hispanic four-star general.  We hear how a relative of Cavazos is responding to the change, and look at how the move skirts a federal law banning bases from being named for people who served in the Confederacy.  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.

Gov. Greg Abbott approves billions of new dollars for Texas school districts.  It’s record funding at a critical time for education, but is it enough?  Dylan McKim examines why some worry the money falls short of the needs. The Governor declares victory in his push for bail reform.  But opponents of his plan are also claiming a win. Adam Schwager looks at why some backers of bail reform say more needs to be done. The plan to ban THC is now in the hands of Governor Abbott. Opponents of the ban want a veto; supporters want the Governor’s signature. We hear how the Governor is responding to questions about his plan for the ban. From schools and health care to criminal justice and constitutional law, our team’s investigations sparked legislation at the Capitol.  We track what passed, and what could come back in the next legislative session. Sometimes, it’s personal at the Capitol. Will DuPree checks in with Rep. Don McLaughlin and Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, lawmakers who just finished their first session, exploring how their experiences close to home led to new state laws. 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.