State of Texas

State of Texas - December 15, 2024

Two Republicans, David Cook and Dustin Burrows are vying to become Speaker of the Texas House, and after a series of votes last weekend, both of them are declaring victory. We take a closer look at the unresolved battle. Dylan interviews Abraham George, Chair of the Republican Party of Texas, about the pressure the party is putting on members to support Cook. Plus, he speaks with House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu about how Democrats are trying to influence the process.
• DEI Next Steps - Texas law abolished most Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in higher education. But the Senator who led the fight to end DEI says there’s still work to be done. We look into a study measuring student outcomes before the ban, and speak with Sen. Brandon Creighton about why he believes the ban will help students succeed.
• Preventing Disaster Update – A devastating crash into a hospital sparks a change in the law. We look at one Texas city’s new plan to protect people, and how our 10-month investigation shed light on the issue, leading to change.

State of Texas - December 8, 2024

A deadly crash into an Austin emergency room sparks local, state and federal action to protect people at hospitals. Our team tracked hundreds of similar crashes across the country, including many here in Texas. Now, our questions, and one family's frightening experience, are prompting more policymakers to consider ways to "Prevent Disaster."
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 - December 1, 2024

This special edition of State of Texas highlights our latest investigative project -- "A Hanging on Backbone Creek."
As Texas' population grows, critics point to the need for more medical examiners in death investigations, instead of the state relying so heavily on its current process in most counties.
That process involves an elected justice of the peace — already assigned many court-related duties — who also has the power to determine cause and manner of death.
They do so with scant training and often without autopsies or forensic expertise.
During our reporting, Texas lawmakers resumed efforts to modernize that antiquated system, as a nearly-forgotten mystery resurfaced with a fresh review of a young girl's strangulation case.
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 - November 24, 2024

Texas makes a major offer to help the incoming Trump Administration's plans for mass deportations. Sandra Sanchez from Border Report joins us for insight into how land in south Texas could boost the plan. Ryan Chandler reports on how border security measures are ramping up along the Rio Grande, even as illegal crossings slow down.
State education leaders approve new materials that faced criticism for including Bible-based lessons. Ryan Chandler looks closer at some elements of the newly-approved public school curriculum, examining concerns over blurring the boundary between religion and public education.
Texas lawmakers get a call to action to fight dementia. The push could lead to a big decision for Texas voters. Grace Reader shows us how a key part of the battle calls for a research institute based on CPRIT, the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas - a model that's already seen success in Texas. Josh Hinkle interviews Kristen Doyle, CEO of CPRIT to get insight on CPRIT's work in cancer research and their process for evaluating and awarding grants.
After Governor Abbott calls for a tuition freeze at Texas public colleges and universities, the University of Texas system announces an initiative to cut tuition for thousands of Texas students. Nabil Remadna reports talks to students to get insight into their concerns about college costs.
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 - November 17, 2024

Lawmakers filed a record number of bills on the first day of filing for the next legislative session. But a big question remains: who will lead the Texas House. Former Governor Rick Perry is working to help Dade Phelan keep the gavel. Ryan Chandler speaks with Perry about why he's weighing in and making the case for bipartisan cooperation at the Capitol.
House lawmakers pushed to block a Death Row inmate's execution. Now, the Texas Supreme Court says they went too far in their effort to save Robert Roberson. We discuss the decision and see why even though the court ruled against the lawmakers, they could still get what they wanted.
As Texas grows, counties are looking to acquire land to keep up with traffic and other needs. So what should you do if they come for your property? Mercedez Hernandez investigates how eminent domain is affecting property owners, and why state legislators are now taking a closer look at the law.
A daughter heads to Washington to continue her mother's work. How the state's newest Congresswoman is honoring a decades long legacy over a short period of time.
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 - November 10, 2024

Republicans dominate on election night, and the results bring a big boost for plans to allow public funding for private schools. We look at the potential path for Governor Abbott's Education Savings Account plan after Tuesday's vote.
Historic gains for Texas Republicans brings fallout for Texas Democrats. We dig deeper into the changes happening now after losses in traditional blue strongholds. We speak with former State Rep. Larry Gonzales and NPR Texas Newsroom editor Lauren McGaughy about the potential impact on the Texas legislative session, and hear from Border Report's Sandra Sanchez about the aftermath in south Texas.
A victory in Texas helps Republicans win control of the U.S. Senate. We look at how that transfer of power could help Texas Sen. John Cornyn land one of the most powerful positions in American politics.
Texas law already bans most abortions. But voters in Amarillo considered an ordinance to go a step further. The vote rejected a proposal to add restrictions on women seeking an abortion outside the city - but supporters say the fight is not over.
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 - November 3, 2024

A Texas woman dies after pregnancy complications. Her doctors blame the state's abortion ban for preventing them from giving live-saving care. The story now an issue in the race for Senate, highlighting the divide between Ted Cruz and Colin Allred on the Texas abortion ban.
While the race for Senate is getting a lot of attention, voters in different parts of the state face important decisions at the local level. We check in with our newsrooms around Texas to learn more about the issues driving people to the polls this election season.
The state makes a major land purchase in south Texas, clearing the way for more construction of state-funded border wall. Sandra Sanchez visits the area along the Rio Grande to learn more about the state's plan.
Texas hospitals will now start asking for your citizenship status. It's the result of an executive order from Governor Abbott. While the Governor insists this will not affect a patient's care, others worry it could discourage some people from seeking the care they need.
Investigator Matt Grant takes us inside a meeting months in the making, as a family injured in a crash at an Austin hospital meets with a city leader. How their story could lead to changes that aim to save lives.
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 - October 27, 2024

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the areas where international bridges were permitted.
Texas is not a battleground state.
So what brought both Presidential candidates here in the crucial crunch time of the campaign?
We dig deeper into what's driving the push to reach voters in the Lone Star State as we move closer to election day.
Texas voters could decide who controls Congress.
We'll look closer at the battles on the ballot in south Texas - and the stakes that reach far beyond the state.
A dramatic showdown at the Capitol as a bi-partisan group of lawmakers works to save the life of a death row inmate.
But this case is now more than guilt or innocence...
How it's fueling questions over the balance of power 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.

State of Texas - October 20, 2024

An unprecedented move by state lawmakers leads the Texas Supreme Court to halt the execution of Robert Roberson. We interview State Rep. John Bucy, who was outside the Huntsville prison as the court battle played out. And we look closer at the legal back and forth with a man's life on the line and how it's bringing a death row inmate to testify at the Capitol.
Governor Abbott touted how the state removed thousands of people he labeled non-citizens from Texas voter rolls. But the numbers tell a different story. We interview reporter James Barragán about the investigative report that found U.S. citizens caught up in the purge.
Fireworks in the first and only face-off in the race for U.S. Senate. We look at new polling in the race between Colin Allred and Ted Cruz, and examine the effort to reach across party lines to sway undecided voters.
A bombshell order from a Texas federal court could bring a sudden end to a 13 year legal battle over how the state cares for children in its foster care system. Investigator Avery Travis walks us through the reasons behind the decision, and how it could affect the case moving forward.
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 - October 13, 2024

High stakes in the upcoming election is driving a surge of campaign donations. Josh brings in Ryan Chandler and Jasper Scherer to highlight a few key races in Texas that could have an impact in the state, and beyond.
A Texas law targets criminals who create counterfeit vehicle tags to cover up crimes. But a powerful group is pushing back at the Capitol. Investigator Matt Grant shows us why the new law could be in jeopardy, before it fully takes effect.
Ken Paxton sends out a lot of news releases, but when reporters ask questions, they rarely get answers. We dig into data showing how the Office of Attorney General avoids questions from the media, and why that's raising questions about accountability to the public.
There's a new effort to protect Texans' right to clean air and water. Erik Henrikson looks into why some lawmakers want you to vote on a "Green Amendment" to the Texas Constitution.
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.