KXAN Investigates

KXAN Investigates – E59: Austin’s challenge in ticketing driverless cars (May 9, 2026)

This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley explains why, despite hundreds of documented issues with autonomous vehicles, local police have cited driverless cars fewer than a dozen times in three years. Plus Waymo, the company operating the most AVs in town, shares its mission to make roads safer and addresses the viral videos raising safety concerns.

KXAN Investigates – E58: Mental competency concerns surface amid Texas jail deaths (May 2, 2026)

On a “From the Vault” edition of “Inside the Investigation,” KXAN Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle and Senior Investigative Producer David Barer revisit KXAN's "Mental Competency Consequences" investigation into treatment backlogs and deaths in Texas jails.

KXAN Investigates -- E57: State contractors untouched in Abbott’s H-1B freeze (April 25, 2026)

Amid increased immigration enforcement and widespread deportation, Texas is making it harder for foreign workers to obtain temporary legal status. This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Matt Grant found Texans tax dollars are likely still supporting the system some state leaders criticize.

KXAN Investigates -- E56: Murder charge dropped in 'Lady in the Lake' case (April 18, 2026)

20 years after the disappearance of Holly Marie Simmons, prosecutors are dropping the charge against the man who was accused of killing her. This week, on "Inside the Investigation," Senior Investigative Producer David Barer takes us inside the case he has followed for over a decade and explains the challenges investigators have faced trying to find her killer.
 
 
 
 

KXAN Investigates -- E55: ‘Multiple explosions,’ fires cause homeless camp concerns in Austin (April 11, 2026)

A series of fires believed to be started at homeless camps throughout the city of Austin are leaving neighborhoods in fear. This week on Inside the investigation, Investigator Matt Grant explains the conditions elevating concern for wildfires and solutions city officials are considering following his reporting.

KXAN Investigates – E54: ‘Home cooking’ concerns surface in Texas corruption prosecutorial past (April 4, 2026)

On a “From the Vault” edition of “Inside the Investigation,” KXAN Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle and Senior Investigative Producer David Barer revisit KXAN's "Justice for Some" investigation into public integrity and corruption cases outside Texas' capital.

KXAN Investigates -- E53: Florida teen’s death prompts attorneys demand to stop Austin thrill ride (Mar. 28, 2026)

A family is fighting to hold a foreign ride maker accountable for the death of their 14-year-old son. Four years ago this week, Tyre Sampson fell to his death while riding a drop tower at an amusement park in Orlando.  A KXAN investigation found the same foreign company that manufactured the Orlando ride is producing a new drop tower at COTALAND in Austin — despite the manufacturer being found negligent in the teen’s death. This week, on “Inside the Investigation,” Investigative Reporter Matt Grant explains how COTALAND says its drop tower will be significantly different and safer than the Orlando ride and the complex nature of holding a private foreign company legally accountable.

KXAN Investigates – E52: Trump 2.0 brings rise in ATX minors' detained by ICE (March 21, 2026)

The largest school district in Central Texas, Austin Independent School District, said it believes increased immigration enforcement is one factor driving a decline in enrollment at several schools serving immigrant and refugee populations.  This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Kelly Wiley breaks down the fears rising locally, as immigration enforcement takes center stage nationally under the Trump administration.

KXAN Investigates -- E51: Texas officials warn of unlicensed childcare risks (Mar. 14, 2026)

Texas officials say there are hundreds of childcare providers operating out of their homes without a license, lacking oversight and potentially putting kids a risk. This week on Inside the Investigation, Investigative Reporter Arezow Doost explains why child advocates and licensed providers believe the situation could get worse.

KXAN Investigates – E50: Texas police don’t always follow custodial death reporting rules (March 7, 2026)

On a “From the Vault” edition of “Inside the Investigation,” KXAN Director of Investigations & Innovation Josh Hinkle and Senior Investigative Producer David Barer revisit KXAN’s “Dead & Undone” investigation into police reporting custodial deaths to the state, along with updates to the topic still playing out today across Texas.