Josh Hinkle
Verified- Investigations and Innovation Director, KXAN-TV (Austin, TX)
- Investigations and Innovation Director, KBVO-TV (Austin, TX)
Austin
Dir. of Investigations & Innovation @KXAN_News. Host, State of Texas/Cause & Effect/Catalyst. @IRE_NICAR Pres. @TxFOIFT Board. SPJ/NLGJA Josh.Hinkle@kxan.com
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Articles by Josh Hinkle
Q&A: What another body found in Lady Bird Lake means for ongoing safety concerns
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s investigative team revisits deaths in Lady Bird Lake following the recovery of another body near the Wishbone Bridge pedestrian trail. Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma, and the latest death isn’t being investigated as a homicide.
State of Texas: Who’s showing up? Early voting data offers clues about November Original
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – This weekend marks the middle of the early voting period in Texas. The state is on pace to have around four million people vote early before the end of the weekend. The participation rate in first days of early voting has exceeded the percentage turnout for the comparable period in the midterm election of 2022.
Another body found in Lady Bird Lake: What we know
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Another body was recovered from Lady Bird Lake on Oct. 16, renewing attention to deaths in the waterway that have raised questions about public safety. Austin police said the latest death isn’t being investigated as a homicide, and investigators found no obvious signs of trauma. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN revisits its “Beneath the Surface” investigation, which examined at least 30 drowning victims, their autopsy reports and law enforcement findings.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don't want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week's segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it's getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
State of Texas: Tight races test voters, parties and a new political map
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The race for U.S. Senate is the biggest story in Texas politics, and it’s getting nationwide attention. Campaign spending between Ken Paxton and James Talarico is on pace to set records, and the race appears to be tight.
Texas eyes oversight as data centers boom across the state Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas leaders are pushing for oversight on data centers to protect the state’s power grid and water resources. It’s become a high-stakes issue during the current election cycle, with Gov. Greg Abbott calling for a pause in data center development until an audit is conducted. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN breaks down the surge in rapid expansion of data centers statewide. KXAN Capitol Reporter Dylan McKim details the impact as lawmakers weigh regulations.
Q&A: What we know about Camp Mystic’s criminal investigation
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Arezow Doost and Ann Pierret unpack what’s next after search warrants are issued in the Camp Mystic criminal investigation. More than a year after the deadly Hill Country floods, search warrants reveal the owners of Camp Mystic could be held criminally responsible.
Camp Mystic Warrants: What they reveal and why the owners are fighting it Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – A criminal investigation is now underway into the role of the family who owns Camp Mystic, following the deaths of 25 girls and two counselors after deadly floods in July 2025. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN shares court document details from the Eastland family and their response to the investigation. KXAN Investigator Ann Pierret breaks down what’s next and the charges the family could face.
Q&A: Austin ICE shooting. What we know and what remains unclear Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Arezow Doost and Grace Reader take an in-depth look at the unanswered details surrounding an ICE officer’s shooting of a man in north Austin. Two weeks after the shooting, key details about what happened before, during and after the incident remain unclear.
KXAN investigates unanswered questions surrounding Austin ICE shooting Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Nearly two weeks after an ICE officer shot and injured a man in north Austin, questions remain about what happened before, during and after the encounter. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN Investigates takes a closer look at the shooting and the ongoing investigation. KXAN Investigator Grace Reader examines the circumstances surrounding the incident, what officials have revealed and the next steps in this complicated story.
From the Vault: KXAN revisits ‘A Hanging on Backbone Creek’ project
From the Vault: KXAN revisits ‘A Hanging on Backbone Creek’ project Thu, October 1, 2026 at 7:15 AM EDT From the Vault: KXAN revisits ‘A Hanging on Backbone Creek’ project AUSTIN (KXAN) – KXAN's ongoing investigation into Texas' outdated death inquest system began with questions about how justices of the peace make some of the most consequential decisions after a person dies.
From the Vault: KXAN revisits ‘A Hanging on Backbone Creek’ project
AUSTIN (KXAN) – KXAN’s ongoing investigation into Texas’ outdated death inquest system began with questions about how justices of the peace make some of the most consequential decisions after a person dies. In many Texas counties, justice of the peace – who are not required to have medical training – determine causes of death, raising concerns about the accuracy and consistency of the system.
Q&A: Texas hospital safety. Why the fight isn’t over
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Arezow Doost and Matt Grant examine the KXAN’s reporting uncovered similar safety concerns across the country and helped bring the issue to Texas lawmakers. We examine the investigation’s impact, a state senator’s plans to re-file hospital safety legislation and the risks that remain.
After KXAN investigation, Texas lawmaker plans new push for hospital safety
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas hospitals could face new safety requirements after KXAN’s reporting exposed risks that contributed to a deadly Austin crash and revealed similar concerns across the country. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN Investigates looks back at how the investigation began, the impact it has already had and a Texas senator’s plans to re-file legislation requiring stronger hospital safety measures.
Q&A: Who gets a shot? Inside Texas’ HUB program shakeup Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Arezow Doost and Dylan McKim examine the dramatic overhaul of Texas’ Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. KXAN has found thousands of businesses are no longer eligible for the program after the state shifted its focus toward service-disabled veterans.
State of Texas: Race for Texas senate, governor heating up
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AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As we quickly approach the start of early voting in Texas, a new poll released by Nexstar Media and Emerson College showed that both the Texas Governor's race and the Texas Senate race are heating up. The poll found that the Texas Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is in a deadlock. The poll showed 47% of state voters supported Talarico, while 46% were for Paxton.
By Sydney Gray Verified, Adam Schwager Verified, Anthony Torres, Dylan McKim Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified
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Yahoo
Verified
Q&A: Solar sales under scrutiny as Texas tightens rules
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN Investigators Arezow Doost and Josh Hinkle examine a new law directly impacting solar panel retailers and salespeople across the state. KXAN has been tracking a growing number of solar panel-related complaints filed with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
State of Texas: Paxton and Talarico in their own words
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New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – At the Republican party’s first-ever midterm convention, President Donald Trump called upon attendees in Dallas to support Ken Paxton in the upcoming Texas senatorial race. “I’ll be coming back to Texas because we have to elect Ken Paxton. We have to,” Trump said Wednesday at the convention.
By Ella Bradford, Adam Schwager Verified, Daniel Marin, Daniel Felipe Marín Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified, JOHN F THOMAS
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The Hill
Verified
Burned by solar? New Texas rules target bad sales practices Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – A new Texas law now protects homeowners purchasing solar panels by requiring businesses and salespeople to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The state agency will provide oversight, investigate complaints, and take enforcement action, if violations occur. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN investigates a growing number of solar panel-related complaints filed with the Office of the Texas Attorney General.
Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody
Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody Mon, September 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM EDT Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of "Inside the Investigation" – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, "Cause & Effect" – KXAN investigators Grace Reader and Josh Hinkle examine what happened to 5-year-old Liam Tadeo after he was taken into ICE custody alongside his father...
Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of "Inside the Investigation" – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, "Cause & Effect" – KXAN investigators Grace Reader and Josh Hinkle examine what happened to 5-year-old Liam Tadeo after he was taken into ICE custody alongside his father in Austin. KXAN has been following Liam’s case since his detention in August and the difficult choices his family faced.
Q&A: KXAN investigates family’s tough choices amid ICE custody
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN investigators Grace Reader and Josh Hinkle examine what happened to 5-year-old Liam Tadeo after he was taken into ICE custody alongside his father in Austin. KXAN has been following Liam’s case since his detention in August and the difficult choices his family faced.
State of Texas: Congressman takes fight over Flock cameras to DC
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don't want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week's segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) - The debate over Flock safety cameras has accelerated, with communities across the country taking steps to shut down the system. The cameras can capture images of passing cars, creating a searchable record of a vehicle's license plate, location, and more.
State of Texas: Congressman takes fight over Flock cameras to D.C.
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The debate over Flock safety cameras has accelerated, with communities across the country taking steps to shut down the system. The cameras can capture images of passing cars, creating a searchable record of a vehicle’s license plate, location, and more.
State of Texas: Congressman takes fight over Flock cameras to D.C.
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The debate over Flock safety cameras has accelerated, with communities across the country taking steps to shut down the system. The cameras can capture images of passing cars, creating a searchable record of a vehicle’s license plate, location, and more.
Family’s difficult decision amid ICE custody, Texas immigration reality
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Our team has been following the case of 5-year-old Liam Tadeo, who was taken into ICE custody alongside his father in Austin in August. Immigration attorney Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch said that Liam’s mother, an undocumented immigrant, cannot secure his release despite DHS claims that children can be placed with designated caregivers. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN examines what happened to Liam — and why his family has opted for voluntary deportation to Mexico.
From the Vault: KXAN revisits ‘A Fatal Fall’ scooter death investigation Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Following a KXAN investigation, the Austin Police Department re-opened the case of Treysuhr Carter, a 14-year-old girl who died in early 2024 after being found unresponsive with catastrophic injuries on a northeast Austin residential street. APD initially closed the case shortly after the incident and classified it as an accidental death caused by a fall from a non-motorized push scooter.
State of Texas: Meta settlement to bring social media child safety changes
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New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Meta, the social media giant, will pay $1 billion and implement new child safety regulations on its platforms as part of a settlement with the state of Texas. The agreement settles a lawsuit over accusations that the companies social media platforms harmed children.
By Adam Schwager Verified, Dylan McKim Verified, Cora Neas Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified, John Thomas
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KDAF-TV (Dallas, TX)
Verified
Q&A: Insights from a two-year investigation into Texas’ unexpected deaths Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” — an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” — KXAN Investigators Arezow Doost and David Barer discuss the station’s two-year investigation into how Texas handles unexpected deaths.
State of Texas: Meta settlement to bring social media child safety changes
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New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Meta, the social media giant, will pay $1 billion and implement new child safety regulations on its platforms as part of a settlement with the state of Texas. The agreement settles a lawsuit over accusations that the companies social media platforms harmed children.
By Adam Schwager Verified, Dylan McKim Verified, Cora Neas Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified, JOHN F THOMAS
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The Hill
Verified
KXAN reporting puts Texas’ unusual death investigation system under new scrutiny Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Nearly two years ago, KXAN launched “A Hanging on Backbone Creek,” an ongoing investigation that began with the mysterious death of 13-year-old Daynon Lewis in 1965. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN explores what her case revealed about Texas’ unusual system for investigating unexpected deaths — one that relies heavily on elected justices of the peace rather than medical examiners. KXAN found only 14 of Texas’ 254 counties have medical examiner offices.
Q&A: The hidden costs of Texas school closures, takeovers
AUSTIN (KXAN) – On this edition of “Inside the Investigation” – an extended discussion first featured in the latest episode of our weekly investigative program, “Cause & Effect” – KXAN’s Josh Hinkle and Nabil Remadna talk about the growing number of school closures across Texas, including why some campuses with strong academic ratings are still shutting down.
Texas schools face closure, even as some earn top ratings
AUSTIN (KXAN) – More than 170 public and charter school campuses across Texas have closed, or are being considered for closure, since the 2023-24 school year, according to an analysis by nonprofit Our Schools Our Democracy. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN Investigates examines why so many schools are closing, including campuses that were not failing under the state’s accountability system. More than 20 schools received an A rating when their closures were approved.
Who investigates when Texans die? Lawmakers rethink state’s death system Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Texas lawmakers will discuss the merits of medical examiner offices and potentially expand them across the state at a House Subcommittee on County and Regional Government hearing Tuesday. House Speaker Dustin Burrows put the medical examiner issue on a list of interim charges for lawmakers to prioritize and study, which could be the basis for potential legislation in the upcoming legislative session at the Capitol.
State investigation, officer exodus raise new questions over Leander ISD police Original
LEANDER, Texas (KXAN) – A new school police department is facing questions about hiring, staffing and internal operations – but what’s happening in Leander ISD could be a preview of challenges facing school districts across Texas. This week on “Cause & Effect,” KXAN Investigates examines the Leander ISD Police Department, more than a year after the district launched its own agency.
KXAN launches ‘Cause & Effect’: A unique investigative program for Central Texas viewers Original
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Truth. Accountability. Results. KXAN is set to launch “Cause & Effect,” a new investigative program premiering Aug. 28. The half-hour show, airing Fridays at 4:30 p.m., is dedicated to providing Central Texans with a thorough examination of significant stories, going beyond the surface to uncover the factors and implications behind the news.
State of Texas: Big Bend construction paused, but for how long?
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The Trump administration temporarily stopped construction on a controversial border security infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park. The move comes after bipartisan pushback to the plan.
State of Texas: Big Bend construction paused, but for how long? Original
New episodes of State of Texas are on KXAN or the KXAN+ app every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Don’t want to wait? Scroll down to continue watching this week’s segments now. AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The Trump administration temporarily stopped construction on a controversial border security infrastructure project in Big Bend National Park. The move comes after bipartisan pushback to the plan.
State of Texas: One point separates Paxton, Talarico in Senate poll
AUSTIN (Nexstar) – The Texas race for a U.S. Senate seat is still extremely close, according to the latest poll from Emerson College Polling and Nexstar Media The poll had Texas Republican candidate Ken Paxton at 47% and Texas Democratic candidate James Talarico at 46%. The remaining voters were undecided (5%) or said they planned to vote for another candidate (2%). Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, pointed out that the biggest demographic gap in the poll was by age.
State of Texas: As Texans worry about AI, lawmakers push proposals on jobs and safety
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AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Texas politicians on both sides of the aisle are proposing different ways to address artificial intelligence, from taxing AI to requiring safeguards that could shut down powerful systems. The rapid pace of new AI proposals comes as lawmakers struggle to keep up with a technology that is advancing faster than government regulation.
By Carolina Hauger, Adam Schwager Verified, Dylan McKim Verified, Matt Grant Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified
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MSN
Verified
State of Texas: As Texans worry about AI, lawmakers push proposals on jobs and safety
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AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Texas politicians on both sides of the aisle are proposing different ways to address artificial intelligence, from taxing AI to requiring safeguards that could shut down powerful systems. The rapid pace of new AI proposals comes as lawmakers struggle to keep up with a technology that is advancing faster than government regulation.
By Carolina Hauger, Adam Schwager Verified, Dylan McKim Verified, Matt Grant Verified, Josh Hinkle Verified, Eric Henrikson Verified
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KRQE-TV (Albuquerque, NM)
Verified
From the Vault: KXAN revisits investigation into ‘homosexual conduct’ ban
AUSTIN (KXAN) – In 2023, a fifth of all state-level bills filed impacting the LGBTQ+ community came from Texas, according to a Human Rights Campaign analysis. Equality Texas tracked a record 141 such bills that year up from just 12 in 2015. Because the state does not readily compile these statistics, we relied on those advocacy groups’ data.
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