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 "Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)" ...
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Cross at Your Own Risk: Rails pose deadly threat
This investigation reveals a number of statistics from "nearly 3,000 public rail crossings" in Louisiana. Along with these statistics, it also reveals the people behind the numbers and how it has impacted dozens of lives. Some of the major statistics found are "nearly 1,500 defects statewide, some rail crossings haven’t been inspected over the 10-year period studied, few safety violations resulted in a fine or other penalty, and despite the denials drivers were not always responsible for the accidents."
Tags: FOIA; Federal Railroad Administration (FRA); Louisiana; railroads; rail crossings; safety equipment; accidents
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Terror on the Tracks
Prine investigated the reality of how secure rail shipments of poisons and explosives were. The investigation " uncovered shoddy security at facilities and rail lines previously inspected - and found wanting= by the Federal Railroad Administration." Prine created a database and shared it.
Tags: railroads; transportation; terrorist attacks; federal government; security; chlorine; poison; EPA; FRA
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CSX Investigation
This series of stories investigated the railroad service CSX and found the company had extensive problems concerning maintenance and staffing. These problems caused accidents and often claimed lives. The series further found that the Federal Railroad Administration had possible shortcomings in their regulation of crossing safety.
Tags: FOIA; train; Federal Railroad Administration; FRA; CSX; transportation; National Transportation Safety Board; accident; regulation
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For Railroads and the Safety Overseer, Close Ties
This story is a continued analysis of the United States' railroads with a look at the close relationship between the industry and its regulator. The article examines the longtime friendship between Betty Monro, the Federal Railroad Administration's deputy administrator, and Mary E. McAuliffe, Union Pacific's chief lobbyist. In another instance, CPX, a major railroad company offered one F.R.A. chief safety official a $324,000 per year position with the company while he was at the railroad's headquarters discussing safety problems.