State of Texas

State of Texas - May 26, 2024

When a car drove into an Austin hospital, it left the driver dead and an entire family among the injured. Now that family is speaking out. One key question: why didn't the hospital have safety barriers in front of the ER entrance to prevent a car from driving through? Our team looks at similar crashes around the state and across the country, as well as at the barriers that experts say could prevent disaster in the future. Plus, we examine promises of policy changes from elected leaders after watching our report and seeing the lives impacted by this crash.

State of Texas - May 19, 2024

As some Texas schools struggle with budget deficits, House Democrats issue a plea for the Governor to call a special session dedicated to education funding. The governor said no, spotlighting a divide over his plan to push public funds to be used for private education. Plus, the challenge to Speaker Dade Phelan has turned into the most-expensive state House race in Texas history. We dig into what’s at stake in the race and how that’s fueling the record amount of campaign cash. Meanwhile, a divide over transgender health care could become the pivotal issue in a tight runoff between two Texas Democrats. We look at why the incumbent is defending supporters who liken trans care to genocide. Last session brought forward a record number of policies impacting LGBTQ+ Texans. As another legislative session looms, we look closer at how those legal restrictions are playing out, and if policies that failed last session could return for consideration.

State of Texas - May 12, 2024

Voters in Lubbock reject a measure to end arrests for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Now, as other cities move toward votes on similar marijuana measures, one state lawmaker is looking at ways to keep those measures off the ballot.
Senator Ted Cruz plays a key role in moving a bipartisan, multibillion dollar bill to reauthorize the FAA. Josh speaks with the senator about what the bill brings to Texas, and why Cruz took grief from fellow senators over his bipartisan approach on this bill.
A medical emergency and a tip led our team to investigate Botox injectors across the state. Now state leaders are taking renewed action to crack down on this largely unregulated cosmetic industry, and protect Texas patients.
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 - May 5, 2024

This week - tension on campus between protesters and law enforcement...
The crackdown raises questions over what is, and what is not allowed with protests.
And the answers could have a long-lasting impact.
We dig deeper into the demands of the protesters - and what comes next as U-T braces for more conflict.
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 - April 28, 2024

Protests in support of Palestine lead to conflict and arrests at the University of Texas. As the crackdown highlights concern about the limits of free speech, we speak to Sen. John Cornyn about his call on campuses to do more to protect students, as well as his vote on the foreign aid package, which includes aid for Israel and Gaza.
The White House announces new rules for minimum staffing at nursing homes. Some Republicans are already leading a push to block the rules. But Congressman Lloyd Doggett has a different view. The Austin Democrat tells us why he believes the rules don't do enough to protect patients.
Our investigation finds shortfalls in the state's plan to protect children. Some job candidates with red flags made it through the hiring process and went on to work around children. We look closer at why the vetting system won't be running anytime soon.
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 - April 21, 2024

Flaws in the foster care system lead a judge to order Texas to pay huge fines. But the state's pushing back. We look at what's next in the fight over keeping kids safe.
As a flood of campaign cash pours into the race for U.S. Senate, we dig into comparisons to the 2018 race and why it could take record-breaking donations to win this time.
And the CHIPS Act brings money and jobs to Texas. But there's more at stake as the state aims to lead the way in semiconductors. We look at the bipartisan effort to boost both our economy - and national security.
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 - April 14, 2024

Conservative challengers push a 'Contract with Texas' to change the leadership in the Texas House and diminish the power of Democrats. We look closer at the plan and how it could affect the course of the legislature. There's new progress to strengthen the state's power grid after the devastating failures in February 2021. The groundbreaking of a new plant aims to bring more megawatts to Texas. A new study raises concern about workers essential to our election system. The problem: they're quitting - and some of the problem is blamed on voters themselves.
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 - April 7, 2024

There is growing concern about avian flu spreading among farm animals in Texas. This week brought a new issue – a human case of the virus. While the risk for human spread is low, there are questions about what it means for the safety of our food supply, like milk and eggs. Josh speaks to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller about the concerns and about the effect on Texas ranchers and poultry producers.
A truck driver blamed for a deadly crash with a school bus should not have been behind the wheel. Federal records show he was not allowed to legally drive, due to previous drug violations on his record. Brianna Hollis looks at how DPS tracks those violations, and why the driver in this case was not flagged before the crash.
Lawyers for Texas went back to court Wednesday, arguing to restore the state's controversial immigration enforcement law. Ryan Chandler followed the hearing, and shows us why one comment from the state's attorney is getting a lot of attention from people who say the Texas law goes too far.
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

Ken Paxton strikes a deal to end a felony case against him without a trial. We look closer at the deal to dismiss the case, and why it's not the end of the Attorney General's legal troubles. The leader of a special House investigative committee sets the stage for a hearing far from the Capitol. And a state senator sends a warning to Texas colleges about a new law banning D-E-I efforts on campus, with a deadline for compliance.
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 - March 24, 2024

A legal fight heads all the way to the Supreme Court over just how much power state authorities should have over immigration enforcement. Monica Madden looks at how local law enforcement is facing uncertainty as the legal battle over the controversial state law plays out in court.
There's a push for new leadership at the Capitol. Ryan Chandler looks at the opposition to incumbent House Speaker Dade Phelan, and how one challenger for the position is promising major change to how the House does business. From tracking accidents to answering health care questions, artificial intelligence is having an impact on lives in Texas. Will DuPree looks at the work underway now to make sure AI is being used effectively – and ethically.
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.