WFAA News Investigates

'Veterans' roof repair business has tangled legal past

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:13:38 GMT

The three men who run American Veterans Restoration and Roofing were in West to solicit repair business in the wake of the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion. Now we know more about what's behind their arrests on organized crime charges.

Few Texas counties follow federal chemical preparedness law

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:12:11 GMT

A statewide survey by News 8 has found a dramatic lack of compliance with a federal mandate that orders counties to operate a planning committee that helps anticipate and respond to emergencies at plants storing hazardous chemicals.

Some N. Texas dentists payback veteran service with dental care

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:42:05 GMT

In February a News 8 investigation sought to discover why some American Iraq veterans are losing their teeth. We highlighted the efforts of Rebuilding America's Warriors to help vets with dental repair. The project is gaining momentum.

Jailed dentist listed as 'active' by state agency

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:02:01 GMT

How can a dentist serving a 50-month sentence for Medicaid Dental fraud still have his license? Ask the Texas Dental Board, which regulates dentists in the state.

News 8 investigates Ellis County emergency readiness after 2011 plant fire

Fri, 10 May 2013 04:40:01 GMT

A News 8 investigation into emergency awareness in West, Texas is raising questions about another county -- this one in North Texas. Is Ellis County following federal law and prepared for a chemical emergency?

'Veterans' contractor may need vetting

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:44:18 GMT

The mayor of West, Texas warned citizens to beware of contractors sweeping in after the explosion that devastated much of their town. They may have reason to be concerned about the three men who run American Veterans Restoration and Roofing.

Top emergency official says he never warned West of a potential threat

Fri, 03 May 2013 02:52:19 GMT

The McLennan County Emergency Management Coordinator said Thursday he was not aware of the explosive levels of chemicals being stored in West and never met with fire officials about an emergency or disaster plan.

New questions surround McLennan County emergency planning

Wed, 01 May 2013 16:22:02 GMT

FOLLOW LIVE as investigative reporter Brett Shipp gives the latest updates from the first hearing by a House committee in Austin. State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy says the cause of the West blast may be determined by May 10.

Federal regulations, emergency protocols not followed in West

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:59:10 GMT

McLennan County officials did not follow federal regulations requiring public officials to plan for a major chemical incident such as last week's deadly fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, a News 8 investigation has found.

Recordings tell critical story of hidden danger at fertilizer plant

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:59:42 GMT

While investigators look for clues at the scene of the West explosion, a key piece of evidence can only be heard: The fire department dispatcher tapes, 19 minutes of transmissions providing a critical account of what happened before the explosion.