Advertise on podcast: State of Texas

With early voting just weeks away and no debate on the schedule, Texas voters are finally getting an apples-to-apples comparison between Ken Paxton and James Talarico. Both agreed to separate interviews with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council - answering the same questions on topics like affordability, immigration, health care, and the economy. This week's program puts Paxton and Talarico's responses side by side to highlight similarities, differences, and how each hopes to win over undecided 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.

Just weeks before the November election, counties across Texas are scrambling to process thousands of delayed voter registration and address update records after a state data transmission error went undetected for nearly a year. Adam Schwager examines what caused the backlog, how counties are responding, and what voters should do to ensure their registration information is correct before Election Day. Newly released search warrants reveal that Camp Mystic owners and staff are under criminal investigation following last year's deadly floods. No one has been charged. Investigator Matt Grant breaks down the potential charges being examined by the Texas Rangers, the allegations outlined in the warrants, and what investigators hope to learn from phone and electronic records tied to camp leadership and employees. With diesel prices hovering near record highs, Texas farmers and ranchers are searching for relief. Dylan McKim looks at a proposal being considered by the Trump administration to restrict diesel exports, why agriculture groups support the idea, and why the oil and gas industry warns it could ultimately make fuel prices even worse. Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace is expanding production capacity with a new facility designed to support future lunar missions. Eric Henrikson takes us inside the project, explains how state investments are helping grow Texas’ aerospace industry, and explores the role Texas companies are expected to play in NASA’s long-term plans for the Moon. 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.

Paxton Talarico Polling – There's a lot to unpack from this poll - Matt Taglia, senior director of Emerson College Polling, joins us for a deeper dive into the numbers. Gaming Safeguards – Child advocates, pediatricians and mental health experts urged Texas lawmakers on Monday to expand online safety protections for children, arguing that today’s gaming platforms pose many of the same risks as social media and are increasingly affecting children’s mental health, sleep, academic performance and overall development.  Prediction Markets Debate – On Tuesday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee and the Texas House State Affairs Committee both met with experts on prediction markets. The rapidly growing industry has become a de facto replacement for sports gambling for many Texans — as traditional sports betting violates the Texas Constitution. Lottery operations - More than 18 months after his first appearance in the Capitol to describe an alleged scheme to rig a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot, Manfred Sternberg was back under the dome to call on lawmakers to take action against individuals and companies that allegedly profited from the drawing.

Speaking to a Republican convention audience, Ken Paxton highlighted what he calls the "Protecting the Texas Promise" plan, including proposed tax deductions for homebuyers, medical expenses, and healthy living expenses. He also outlined his case against James Talarico and framed the Senate race as a choice between two very different futures for Texas. In a one-on-one interview, Talarico discusses affordability, border security, health care costs, and the national debt. While making his case as an alternative to Paxton, he also identifies issues where he says he could work with President Trump, including housing affordability, and prescription drug costs.  We examine a noticeable shift in Governor Greg Abbott's approach toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa.  The changing campaign approach could alter the race for Governor. The race for campaign cash - Daniel Marin breaks down how a recent Supreme Court ruling could reshape campaign fundraising in Texas and potentially give Paxton access to new sources of political support as Talarico continues to hold a significant fundraising advantage.  State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused 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.

What started as a local debate over surveillance technology has become a national conversation. We speak with Texas Congressman Keith Self, who's pushing federal legislation that would require warrants before federal agencies can access surveillance data. We examine the growing privacy concerns, the argument from law enforcement that the cameras help solve crimes, and the broader debate over how much surveillance is too much. While data centers have sparked concern across much of Texas, one Panhandle community sees potential benefits. Dylan McKim looks closer at developments in Turkey, Texas, where a proposed $10 billion data center project could help fund long-overdue water and wastewater upgrades. City leaders say the partnership could provide critical infrastructure improvements while supporting future growth. New polling shows Governor Greg Abbott holding a one-point lead over Democrat Gina Hinojosa, marking the third poll in five weeks to show a highly competitive race. Adam Schwager breaks down the numbers, the role President Donald Trump's approval ratings may be playing, and how issues like data centers are emerging as factors in the campaign. A new survey projects the largest increase in employer health care costs in more than two decades, raising concerns that many Texans could be paying more for coverage next year. We look at the factors driving the increase and explore the bipartisan ideas lawmakers are considering to improve transparency and affordability. 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 has reached a $1 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed children's mental health. Dylan McKim examines the new safety measures Meta has agreed to implement, the limits of those changes, and why some psychologists and lawmakers argue the biggest concerns surrounding social media still haven't been addressed. New polling from the Texas Politics Project shows broad skepticism toward data center development, with opposition spanning both political parties and extending beyond rural communities into the suburbs. We break down what voters are concerned about, how those concerns could influence the November elections, and why even supporters of data center growth are adjusting their message. Texas' new Education Freedom Account program is already having a measurable impact on schools. Dylan McKim visits a private school that has doubled enrollment since the rollout and explores how rising participation is affecting both private school expansion plans and nearby public school districts losing students to the program. A new Texas 2036 report estimates child care challenges cost Texas employers nearly $8 billion annually. Adam Schwager looks at the growing economic impact, how businesses are adapting, and why lawmakers are being urged to treat child care as a workforce issue rather than simply a family issue. 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.

The Trump administration has temporarily halted a border infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park after bipartisan backlash over construction activity inside the iconic landscape. Josh speaks with State Senator César Blanco about his meeting with the head of Customs and Border Protection, concerns about environmental impacts, and what happens next as federal officials decide whether work will resume. Corpus Christi narrowly avoided a major water crisis earlier this year, but a new report argues the state's long-term water planning process failed to anticipate the shortage. Jeremy Mazur of Texas 2036 joins us to explain how Texas forecasts water needs, why the system missed warning signs, and what reforms lawmakers should consider as they prepare to invest billions in new infrastructure. Governor Abbott's audit of proposed data center projects is putting a spotlight on water use, power demand, tax incentives, and local impacts. Matt Grant examines the growing pushback from residents and elected officials, the calls for stronger guardrails, and how Texas is grappling with balancing AI-driven growth against concerns from communities hosting these facilities. Landowners are escalating their battle against a proposed network of high-voltage transmission lines by urging Governor Abbott to call a special session. Eric Henrikson reports on the latest effort to stop the project, the concerns property owners are raising, and why the controversy is becoming one of the most closely watched infrastructure fights in Texas. 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.

Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow one-point lead over State Representative James Talarico in the race for U.S. Senate, according to new polling from Emerson College/Nexstar Media. Adam Schwager speaks with Talarico to discuss his strategy heading into the final stretch, while we also examine how both campaigns are framing the race and what the latest numbers reveal about key voting blocs.  A complex custody battle involving a baby born through a surrogacy arrangement is raising questions about the future of surrogacy in Texas. Dylan McKim examines the legal dispute, why some families are concerned about potential legislative changes, and how the case intersects with a growing debate among Republican lawmakers over commercial surrogacy.  As artificial intelligence systems become more powerful, Congressman Nathaniel Moran is leading a bipartisan effort to require certain large AI models to include mechanisms that allow developers to shut them down or limit their capabilities if they pose public safety or national security risks. We speak one-on-one with Moran to discuss the proposal and the broader debate over regulating rapidly evolving AI technology.  Texas lawmakers are being warned that advances in drone technology could create serious risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Daniel Marin reports on testimony from security experts who say Texas must invest in detection and counter-drone systems to protect everything from border communities to major events and energy facilities.  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 leaders from both parties are weighing how government should respond to the rapid rise of AI. We examine proposals ranging from Congressman Greg Casar's plan to tax large AI companies and fund job training programs, to Republican-backed efforts focused on national security safeguards and oversight of advanced AI systems.  Nearly four years after our investigations uncovered significant delays in the Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund, state officials say reforms are improving performance. Matt Grant examines what has changed, how wait times have improved, and why some victims are still waiting months for reimbursement.  Don Huffines has taken over as Texas Comptroller after being appointed by Governor Abbott and is already pledging major changes to the agency. Dylan McKim sits down with Huffines to discuss his plans to focus on property tax relief, government spending oversight, school choice programs, and what taxpayers can expect as he takes over one of the state's most influential financial offices.  Governor Abbott is proposing legislation that would open city-owned electric utilities, including Austin Energy and CPS Energy, to retail competition. Supporters say it could lower costs for consumers, while critics warn deregulation could increase expenses and disrupt local government finances. Eric Henrikson breaks down the proposal and its potential impact on Texans.  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.

Data Center Incentives - A Texas Senate Finance Committee hearing held July 27 examined the state's sales tax exemptions for data center projects, which could cost the state $3.3 billion in forgone taxes during the 2028-29 budget cycle. Concrete Cancer - Alkali-silica reaction (ASR), also called "concrete cancer," happens when minerals in rocks and sand react with cement, forming a gel that swells as it absorbs water. The state is known nationally as a hot spot for this type of structural defect that costs thousands of dollars to fix. There are now lawsuits and previous legislation attempts to address the problem. Talarico Leads Paxton Among Black Voters, But Voter Turnout Concerns Persist - Since defeating Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico vowed to earn the vote of her supporters in his race against Republican candidate Ken Paxton. Talarico has held town halls in Dallas and Houston for Black voters to listen and question him. On July 22, he acknowledged that he faced some tough questions from the town halls.

Texas politicians call for guardrails on AI - Candidates for one of Texas' seats in the U.S. Senate called for guardrails on artificial intelligence this week, after OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced an unprecedented breach while testing a new AI model. Push to lower electricity costs, prepare for data centers - The Public Utility Commission of Texas filed a memo to Gov. Greg Abbott that details its plans to protect Texans from rising costs due to data centers. It also, per the governor’s request, detailed ongoing projects and needs from the 2027 legislative session. Texas data centers - Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic Party candidate for Texas Governor, on Wednesday called on Gov. Greg Abbott to immediately halt new data center development in Texas, arguing he should use his executive authority until lawmakers can pass statewide regulations. Last month, the governor proposed eliminating some tax incentives and requiring data centers pay for their own infrastructure, provide their own power generation, reuse water, and reduce electricity costs for Texans.  Calls for guardrails on prediction market apps - A new proposal from the Texas Medical Association takes aim at online prediction market platforms and calls on state lawmakers to implement guardrails to protect young users from potentially addictive behavior. Users of these apps can wager money on the potential outcome of future events, including sports and elections. The group also called for restrictions on advertising the apps, such as banning ads near schools and parks, or on social media and gaming platforms. State of Texas revisits ‘TxTag Troubles’ toll bill investigation - Auto-payment issues, double billing, incorrect statements and customer service runaround — those were some of the complaints from users of Texas Department of Transportation toll roads and TxTag. In a From the Vault edition of Inside the Investigation, we take a look  at our TxTag Troubles project and where the story could go from here. School district challenges Texas school funding system - Midland ISD, a West Texas school district, is challenging Texas' school finance system. The lawsuit argues the state has too much control over local property taxes. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far reaching effects in Texas.

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.

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.

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.

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.