Resource Center

Stories

The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast.

These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need.

Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:



Search results for "Detroit Public Schools" ...

  • "Looting the Public Trust"

    In three different investigations, Jennifer Dixon reveals a single consistency: "piercing government bureaucracies." Bribes, questionable wire transfers and hundreds of millions lost in "bad deals" are all part of the investigative reports that reveal startling government misconduct in Detroit.

    Tags: Synagro Technologies; Detroit Public Schools; pension; bribes; U.S. Attorney; Detroit City Council

    By Jennifer Dixon

    Detroit Free Press

    2010

  • Detroit Public Schools

    The investigation dealt with major ongoing problems at Detroit Public Schools. An audit revealed mismanagement, misspending, and waste. When WXYZ learned of these audits, their requests for the auditing records were continually denied. The station also learned the school system was spending millions to move its headquarters, which was to be renovated, therefore using taxpayer money. Even with a FOIA request, access to these records was denied for the most part. After taking these issues to court, WXYZ obtained the records. They found the "head honchos" were working in luxurious offices, while students were surrounded by filth and weren't even provided with enough books. Funds were clearly misused.

    Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; audits; taxpayer; education; Detroit Public Schools; renovation; Huntington Construction

    By Steve Wilson;Lori Webster;Dan Zacharek;Jack Johansson;Ramon Rosario;Bill Carey

    WXYZ-TV (Southfield, Mich.)

    2003

  • Vacant buildings, empty promises

    A Detroit News investigation found that there are 1,181 vacant structures within one block of Detroit public schools; parents and students have had to deal with rapes, drug deals, and other violence in the areas surrounding some public schools; the article also outlines a resolution that would force the Michigan Legislature to create emergency demolition zones within 750 feet of all Detroit public schools.

    Tags: Education; schools; property; crime

    By David Josar;Cameron McWhirter;Brian Harmon

    Detroit News

    2000

  • Rosa Parks aides plunge charities into legal tangle

    At 84, civil rights icon Rosa Parks still signs books, speaks at schools and fights racism. Until a series of Detroit News stories, the public never knew that Parks was being exploited by her closest advisors.

    Tags: Charity IRS Internal Revenue Service

    By Josar

    Detroit News

    1997

  • No title (id: 7350)

    Detroit News compiles computer data on 2,000 corporations, 35,000 licensed builders and real estate agents, subdivisions, developments, campaign contributions, government aid to developers and bonded indebtedness of school districts and communities to determine that public officials have hidden interests in real estate and use their official positions to benefit; also reveals conflict of interests by S&L officials, Oct. 21 - 26, 1990.

    Tags: real estate; speculation; housing; CAR

    By

    Detroit News

    1990

  • No title (id: 7348)

    Detroit News discovers convicted child molesters, murderers, drug dealers and other criminals driving public and private school buses in Michigan; led to legislature passing law mandating criminal checks on all bus driver applicants, June - October 1990.

    Tags: MI CR Smith

    By None

    Detroit News

    1990