State of Texas

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.

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.