State investigators are stepping in as Camp Mystic seeks to renew its operating license following last summer's deadly floods that killed 27 campers and counselors. Avery Travis joins Josh to walk through the allegations in the lawsuits from families, and a court fight that could keep the camp closed as judges weigh whether the site must be preserved as potential evidence. From AI to cloud computing, massive data centers are driving new demand for electricity across Texas. Adam Schwager reports on lawmakers' growing concerns about power and water use, how companies are pitching their projects as an economic boost, and why interim hearings could shape how Texas connects these facilities to the grid in the years ahead. Governor Abbott's freeze on H‑1B visas at state agencies is leaving major exceptions untouched. Investigator Matt Grant examines why private contractors receiving millions in taxpayer dollars can still rely on foreign workers, how state leaders justify the distinction, and why lawmakers are now ordering a deeper review of the visa program. A new state law is set to dramatically change how food trucks operate in Texas, replacing city‑by‑city permits with a single statewide license. Eric Henrikson looks at what the change means for small business owners, why cities are pushing back, and how the law fits into a broader effort to limit local regulation. 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 regulators have officially banned intoxicating hemp flower, a move supporters say closes a loophole but critics warn could cripple a billion‑dollar industry. Adam Schwager looks at how retailers are scrambling to adjust, what products remain legal, and why some business owners believe the change will push buyers back toward the illicit market. Texas is investing $50 million into clinical trials for ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic some veterans say helped them overcome PTSD and addiction. Dylan McKim examines why the research plan hit a roadblock with private partners, the state's decision to fund the studies, and questions about how much more Texas may need to spend to pursue FDA approval. More than a decade after lawmakers overhauled how Texas investigates public corruption, critics argue powerful officials still rarely face consequences. In a From the Vault edition of Inside the Investigation, Josh and investigative producer David Barer revisit our reporting on dozens of investigations that led to few prosecutions and examine why calls for reform have stalled. Changes to SNAP benefits are now in place across Texas, restricting the purchase of candy and sugary drinks. Nabil Remadna breaks down what's different, the policy goals behind the update, and how state and federal officials say the new rules are meant to improve public health. 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.

• Social Media Regulation Push – Recent jury verdicts finding Meta and YouTube liable for harms to young users are reigniting calls in Texas to rein in social media. Josh speaks with State Rep. Jared Patterson about his renewed push to ban minors from social platforms altogether, and the debate over whether that’s necessary protection or government overreach.
• Texas Hemp Crackdown – A looming state ban on smokable, intoxicating hemp products is shaking the industry, with retailers warning of store closures and tens of thousands of potential job losses. Adam Schwager explains how new rules grew out of Governor Abbott’s veto of a broader ban, and why legal challenges appear inevitable.
• Data Center Concerns Grow Across Texas – Communities statewide are pushing back against massive data center projects, raising alarms about water use, grid strain, and local control. Grace Gates reports on how lawmakers are responding, including new rules forcing large users to pay for power connections and bipartisan efforts to craft guardrails before development accelerates further. Will DuPree interviews State Rep. Erin Zwiener about her move to create a working group to address citizen concerns about data centers.
• Border Wall ‘Mission Accomplished’ – State leaders say Texas is finished building its border wall after more than $3 billion and just over 80 miles constructed. Sandra Sanchez looks at what was built and what gaps remain. Also, we look at how new federal funding could shift the next phase of border construction — including potential impacts on wildlife preserves along the Rio Grande.

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.

Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are officially locked into the May runoff. With Donald Trump still withholding a key endorsement, both campaigns are navigating intense pressure as they court conservative voters. Dylan McKim speaks with New York Times correspondent Lauren McGaughy about the ideological split defining the race and how a Trump endorsement could reshape the contest. New projections show Corpus Christi could enter a water emergency as early as May, threatening supplies for half a million residents and the state's vital energy industry. Dylan examines the drought-driven shortages, growing public frustration, and the city's scramble to bring new water projects online. He also looks at why other regions of Texas face similar risks unless long‑term water planning changes. Texas leaders confront the political and cultural shockwaves following sexual abuse accusations against Cesar Chavez. Cities including Austin and Dallas are considering renaming streets and landmarks, while community advocates call for attention on survivors and strengthening local support systems. A conversation with Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and Travis County Attorney Delia Garza highlights how Latino communities are processing the revelations and preparing for next steps. A renewed push from Republicans aims to overturn Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruling that guarantees undocumented children access to public schools. Dylan breaks down the congressional debate, the arguments for and against reversing the 40‑year precedent, and how new legislation could trigger a fresh legal challenge before the high court. 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.

Gasoline prices in Texas have surged as the war with Iran disrupts global oil shipments. Uncertainty over the evolving situation is rattling both consumers and oil companies. Our team speaks with Texas Oil and Gas Association President Todd Staples, who outlines the state's unique role in the stabilizing supply in a volatile market. After the deadly West Sixth Street mass shooting, Austin police explain why no active shooter alert was sent to the public. Investigators say officers neutralized the threat so quickly that the incident didn't meet the criteria for the statewide alert system. With key reservoirs at historic lows and little rain expected, Corpus Christi leaders warn the city could face a water emergency by the end of the year. Dylan McKim examines what went wrong, the projects underway to prevent disaster, and how the shortage could ripple across the Texas energy sector. Jeremy Mazur from Texas 2036 joins us to explain how drought and population growth are simultaneously squeezing resources across Texas. He discusses long‑term modeling showing looming statewide deficits and the major policy and infrastructure decisions lawmakers must prioritize. A new partnership is bringing major foreign investment into a planned South Texas refinery, raising questions about what the deal means for state energy policy. Adam Schwager looks at who's taking credit for the project and how it fits into larger national debates about oil production and 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.

Four Republican candidates hit the debate stage in the race for Attorney General. The debate revealed that they have similar positions on policy, but that didn't stop the political fireworks. Adam Schwager looks at how the debate played out and how it could affect the outcome in the race to replace Ken Paxton. Taylor Rehmet made national news with his stunning win as a Democrat in a red district. He's officially a Texas State Senator, for now. But it's not clear if he'll ever get a chance to make a vote in a legislative session. It can be tough to find child care in Texas. Many parents turn to providers operating out of homes - without a license. Investigator Arezow Doost looks at the risks raising calls for regulation, and policy changes that could help protect children. Nearly half-a-million Texans live with Alzheimer's and related dementia. Now, Congress is spending big to help search for solutions. Avery Travis examines how new funding could boost research into causes and cures. 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 voters are just days away from the start of early voting, and new polling is showing us the state of some key races. We look at the numbers at the top of the ticket and beyond, including races down ballot that are shaping the story of the Texas primary. Our investigation uncovers millions of dollars meant for crime victims is being withheld by the state. Investigator Matt Grant looks into the reason, and why Texas appears to operate differently compared to other states. Data centers are booming in Texas, bringing the promise of jobs. But with that promise comes concern about the impact on the water supply. Will DuPree reports on how the state is taking a new step to track the water use of these 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.