State of Texas

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.

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.

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.

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.

State of Texas - May 17, 2026

Early voting begins Monday in one of the most consequential races on the Texas ballot — the fight to replace Ken Paxton as attorney general. We go one‑on‑one with all four candidates in the runoff, giving voters a chance to hear directly from each in their own words about their priorities, experience, and how they would shape the office. Congressman Chip Roy and State Senator Mayes Middleton are locked in a high‑stakes runoff to lead the GOP ticket. Adam Schwager breaks down the clash over experience, conservative credentials, and ties to Donald Trump as both candidates make their closing pitch to voters. While much of the attention is on the Republican runoff, Democrats face their own decision between State Senator Nathan Johnson and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski. Adam Schwager speaks with both candidates about how they differ on strategy, electability, and how they would take on the Trump administration if elected statewide. With no endorsement yet in the Cornyn‑Paxton Senate runoff, President Donald Trump instead turned attention toward Democrat James Talarico. Josh looks at how a visit with Barack Obama — and a seemingly simple taco order — became a political flashpoint, and what it says about messaging in the campaign for U.S. Senate.