State of Texas - July 19, 2026

State of Texas - July 19, 2026

This week’s program focuses on the first major test of the flood safety changes put in place after last year’s devastating Hill Country floods. * After the tragedy at Camp Mystic, lawmakers and regulators enacted new safety requirements for Texas youth camps. Arezow Doost traveled to Kerr County during this week’s flooding to see how camps responded, what safety measures were in place, and how operators handled another high-water event. * Warning sirens installed after last year’s flooding were activated as water began rising in Kerr County. Investigator Matt Grant looks at how the system performed, the role private warning networks also played, and whether lawmakers will need to allocate additional funding to expand coverage in vulnerable areas. * State Representative Wes Virdell joins us to discuss the response to this week’s flooding, how it compared to last year’s disaster, and what lawmakers learned from seeing the new systems operate in real-world conditions. We discuss funding challenges, emergency management improvements, and whether more legislation is needed. * While the loss of life was far lower than last year’s catastrophe, communities like Uvalde were left dealing with extensive flooding, damaged homes, washed-out roads, and major disruptions. Dylan McKim reports on the challenges residents now face as they begin the long process of cleanup and recovery.

State of Texas - July 12, 2026

* Competing Affordability Plans Take Shape – Rising costs are becoming a central issue in the race for governor. Governor Greg Abbott is pushing a plan to eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads, while Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa is proposing direct payments of $1,500 per household funded through the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Adam Schwager examines the competing visions and the political hurdles each proposal faces.  * Record Money Flows Into Senate Race – The race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico is already shattering fundraising records. We break down the latest campaign finance numbers, and how controversy surrounding the Adam Hoffman case is playing out on the campaign trail. * Birth Tourism Debate Intensifies – A South Texas hospital is under state investigation after advertisements promoting maternity “birth packages” drew scrutiny from Governor Abbott. We examine how the controversy is fueling a new debate over birthright citizenship, birth tourism, and surrogacy following recent legal developments and growing interest from Texas lawmakers.  * Mental Health Lawsuit Brings Major Ruling – A federal judge has ruled Texas’ practice of holding mentally incompetent defendants in jail while they wait for state hospital beds is unconstitutional. The decision stems from a decade-long class action lawsuit and could force significant changes to the state’s mental health system. We revisit our past reporting on the issue and what advocates say happens next.  * THC Ban Fight Returns to the Capitol – Lawmakers are laying the groundwork for another attempt to ban consumable THC products when the Legislature convenes next year. Dylan McKim reports on the arguments from Republican senators, concerns raised by advocates and businesses, and the continuing legal fight over hemp regulations already being challenged in court.

State of Texas - July 5, 2026

* Story of Survival – Dylan McKim speaks with a former Camp La Junta counselor who documented the terrifying overnight hours as floodwaters rapidly filled a cabin housing dozens of campers. One year later, he shares his story of survival, leadership, and the lessons learned as camps reopen under new statewide safety requirements. * New Flood Sirens, New Funding Questions – Kerr County is installing flood warning sirens along the Guadalupe River as part of legislation passed after last year’s tragedy. Investigator Matt Grant examines how the new warning system works, why local leaders say it could save lives, and the growing concerns about whether state funding will be enough to fully implement the project.  * Rebuilding Beyond the Physical Damage – While businesses, camps, and public spaces have reopened, many Hill Country residents continue to grapple with the emotional toll of the disaster. Adam Schwager looks at the community’s ongoing recovery, including the mental health resources funded through private donations and the long-term effort to support survivors and families.  * The First Emergency Call – New records obtained by our team reveal how one county’s flood emergency began with a single 911 call from a stranded driver. Grace Reader explores what those first moments reveal about the unfolding disaster and how quickly conditions deteriorated that night.

State of Texas - June 28, 2026

Texans are voicing growing opposition to the rapid expansion of AI data centers, especially in rural and suburban areas. With more than half of Texans opposing construction in their communities, state leaders are weighing how to balance local concerns with national security and economic priorities. We examine the debate — and Governor Abbott's push to require data centers to generate their own power and reuse water resources. The rapid growth of data centers is adding pressure to an already strained water system in Texas. Adam Schwager looks at how lawmakers are grappling with dwindling aquifers, rising demand, and funding challenges — as key state programs hit capacity limits and officials warn more investment is urgently needed. The U.S. Supreme Court handed the Trump administration significant wins on immigration, allowing the end of Temporary Protected Status for certain groups and upholding tighter limits on asylum access at the southern border. We examine how those decisions could affect enforcement in Texas and the response from advocacy groups and supporters of stricter policies. A bipartisan effort to reshape college athletics is moving forward in Congress, with Senator Ted Cruz helping lead the push. We examine what the proposed changes would mean for athletes and schools — and why major conferences and some lawmakers are pushing back.A bankruptcy filing by Camp Mystic has put ongoing lawsuits on pause, raising new questions for families seeking accountability after last summer's deadly flooding. We break down how the legal process shifts to bankruptcy court, and what happens next in the fight over those claims. 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 21, 2026

A major plan to expand Texas' power grid is now on pause after regulators delayed a decision on a controversial transmission line project in West Texas. Eric Henrikson breaks down the pushback from landowners, concerns from lawmakers about the rushed timeline, and the unresolved question of whether large-scale power imports are necessary to meet future demand. State investigators have released their final report on the deadly flood at Camp Mystic, outlining a series of failures that contributed to the deaths of 25 girls and two counselors. Kevin Baskar reports on how lawmakers are now reviewing the findings and considering what changes are needed to prevent another tragedy. Texas Republicans are turning their focus to November after a high-profile state convention that highlighted key divisions and priorities. We look at platform debates, messaging from party leaders, and the challenge of unifying the party behind its candidates heading into the general election. Lawmakers are weighing competing approaches to stopping the spread of the New World screwworm, as concerns grow about its impact on Texas agriculture. We examine the ongoing debate over how best to scale up sterile fly production and new proposals pitching alternative methods. 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.