State of Texas

State of Texas - October 6, 2024

Some of the most progressive figures in American politics come to Texas, hoping to sway voters.
We sit down with Senator Bernie Sanders, and find out why he sees opportunity for progressives in a state that has been reliably red for nearly three decades.
A tentative deal stopped the port strike that fueled a surge of panic buying. We look at the unresolved issue that could still cause problems at our ports.
Is Texas about to execute an innocent man? New evidence in the case of Robert Roberson has state lawmakers pushing to stop his execution.
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.

State of Texas - September 29, 2024

In the race for U.S. Senate, polls show a Colin Allred closing in on Ted Cruz. We dig deeper into the numbers, and look at the new campaign cash flooding into this crucial race.
Neither presidential campaign is making an earnest effort to win Texas, and least not our votes. But the campaigns are hoping that dollars from Texas will make a difference in November. Ryan Chandler reports on the rush for campaign cash in the Lone Star State.
A new law is boosts efforts to teach young Texans about the deadly threat of fentanyl. We speak to the mom who pushed for that law about the work happening now to save lives, and plans to work with lawmakers for future change. Some state leaders are sending a stark warning: Texas is running out of water. We look closer at the need and the possible price tag – amid the new call for lawmakers to take action.
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 - September 22, 2024

School threats across Texas - Just weeks into the school year, school districts across Texas are responding to numerous threats of violence from students and outsiders alike. Nabil Remadna explains what penalties students could face if they threaten a school.
A Cell phone ban in Texas Schools - The idea of banning cellphones in Texas public schools received a big endorsement from the state’s top education leader. Will Dupree reports on the endorsement that came this week, which could help this idea become reality.
A Crackdown on a Venezuelan Gang - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed Texas’ new database aimed to help identify and stop the “threat” of Venezuelan gang members entering the United States. Ryan Chandler sat down with Texas Tribune's Pooja Salhotra to learn more about the gang and the politics at play.
Kids Online Safety Act - A House committee advanced sweeping online protection for kids this week, but many lawmakers did so begrudgingly. Jessi Turnure breaks down the debate from Washington, D.C.

State of Texas - September 15, 2024

It's a new version of an old problem – a growing threat of a government shutdown. We hear from two Texas Congressmen on opposite sides of the fight to keep the government running, to look closer at why it's happening again and what could come next.
Abortion. Immigration. Energy policy. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris laid out contrasting ideas on the debate stage. We take an in-depth look at how their positions could have a distinct impact on Texas.
The need is great, but Texas is falling short when it comes to meeting the demand for mental health care. We look at who's sounding the alarm, and what's happening now to recruit the psychologists of the future.
House lawmakers dig into complaints about delayed payments from the state's Crime Victims' Compensation Fund. Investigator Matt Grant follows up on our reporting into the problems, and looks at what lawmakers are doing to improve transparency and efficiency.
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 - September 8, 2024

Just days before the big presidential debate, a pair of polls shows the race getting tighter in Texas. We look at what's driving the numbers, and what the polls have to say about the high-profile race for Senate.
The longest-serving governor in Texas history is back in the spotlight at the Capitol. We look at what Rick Perry is doing to help Dade Phelan hold on to power, and why the race for Texas House Speaker matters to Texans.
It could be the next phase in plans for property tax relief: ending the property tax altogether. Senate lawmakers are doing the math, but it's not adding up. We look at the ongoing push for tax relief, and why some plans could be off the table.
Texas voters approved more than a billion dollars to expand broadband in the state. But even though money's available, there are still big challenges to overcome.
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 - September 1, 2024

The state ramps up efforts to investigate election fraud and clean up registration rolls. That's raising concern about a chilling effect on voters. We look closer at what you need to know to make sure your vote counts in November.
Texas leads the country in home building permits. So why is it getting harder to afford a home here? State Comptroller Glenn Hegar joins Josh to talk about his new report and how it could lead to solutions in the next legislative session.
Artificial intelligence tools can mimic the styles and sounds of your favorite musicians. Now some Texas artists are taking the spotlight at the Capitol to try to shut it down. We look at what they're asking lawmakers to do to protect creators.
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 - August 25, 2024

As Democrats nominate Kamala Harris at their convention, new polling suggests the race is tightening in Texas.
A new rule blocks Texans from changing the gender on their driver's license.
We look into what's behind the order that tightens restrictions on transgender Texans.
As students return to class, some school districts face a budget crisis - and tough choices over what to cut.
Our special report digs into what's at stake and why state lawmakers are divided over how to solve the problem.
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 - August 18, 2024

As students across Texas go back to school, lawmakers head to the Capitol to do some studying of their own - weighing plans to let parents use public money to pay for private school.
We look at how lessons from smaller states could bring big changes for schools in Texas.
A court order releases hours of video and audio, highlighting the response to the Uvalde School Shooting.
We go in-depth with a state lawmaker about what the release means for accountability after the failures that day.
Democrats are counting on Kamala Harris to bring new energy to boost their chances in November.
But will it be enough to turn Texas into a campaign battleground?
Why one leader is raising hope - despite a lot of skepticism.
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 - August 11, 2024

Ranger Reinstated 2 years after Uvalde - After previous plans for termination, the Texas Department of Public Safety has reinstated a Texas Ranger who was suspended for more than a year over his response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde. Monica Madden gives us insight on the initial suspension and why he was reinstated after 2 years.
Recruiting Texas Medical Workers - New Mexico’s governor is running a new coordinated campaign aimed at recruiting Texas medical workers to work in her state. Will Dupree takes a look at how politics factored into her pitch and how Texas doctors are reacting.
Preventing Disaster - Video shows the moments a drunk driver sped into an Austin hospital waiting room. Matt Grant sat down with those injured in the crash, and why they feel it's important to share. Viewer discretion advised.
An A.I. Election year - The Federal Communications Commission is rushing to finalize a rule mandating TV and radio advertisers disclose when they’re using AI technology in political ads. Raquel Martin shows us the debate over regulating deep fake technology.

State of Texas - August 4, 2024

Biden in Austin - President Joe Biden commemorated the 60th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin Monday, calling for major reforms to the justice system as his solution for preserving those liberties. Matt Grant breaks down what those reforms look like and the chances it will get through Congress.
Texas Prison Heat - Inmate advocates asked a federal judge to declare the state prison system’s lack of air conditioning as unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment. In a multi-day hearing former prisoners described the suffocating heat in Texas lockups.
School Voucher Poll - A new survey of Texas voters revealed seemingly contradictory feelings about a contentious issue that could dominate next year’s legislative session. Our Will Dupree dove into the numbers and found some contradictory information.
Crosswalk Crimes - The Lisa Torry Smith Act went into effect in September 2021, making it a crime to kill or hurt a person in a crosswalk. Statewide data shows more drivers are being arrested and prosecuted for breaking the law, but as Arezow Doost shows us some worry challenges are impacting enforcement.