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 "People Works, Inc" ...
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Broken Bridges: Did City Hall's plan to fight gangs bankroll a gangster?
Ex-gang member and alleged Mexico Mafia member Hector Marroquin, Sr. founded a gang-prevention program in Los Angeles in 1997 that was supported by nearly $1.5 million from the City COuncil. Using FOIA requests and over 50 interviews, L.A. Weekly reporters Jeffrey Anderson and Christine Pelisek point out that the program had no oversight, no means of measuring its success in keeping children out of gangs. They also uncovered nepotism, and evidence suggesting Marroquin was a member of the Mexican Mafia while he ran the anti-gang program.
Tags: L.A. Bridges; gang intervention programs; Hector Marroquin; Networks Organizing for Gang Unity and Neighborhood Safety; N.O. G.U.N.S; L.A. County Probation Department; Mexican Mafia; drug trade; FOIA; Community Development Department; DEA; Drug Enforcement Administration; L.A. Sherriff's Department; Diversified Strategies for Organizing; People Works, Inc.; Central Recovery Development Project; Toberman Settlement House;
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Farming the System
The series explored loopholes across the country that allow developers to get extremely low property tax rates on land under laws intended to keep working farmers and timber growers from being taxed off their property. In many states, a developer need only cut hay on a property a couple of times a year to qualify for the benefit, and many states require no proof the "farm" actually earns any money. The reporters documented millions of dollars in savings reaped by people who fully intended to develop their land, some of whom saw their taxes drop by up to 400 times fair market value.
Tags: farmland; property tax breaks; Knapp Properties Inc.; construction; development; Lincoln Institute of Land Policy; Scythe & Spade; Hertz Farm Management; landowners; property appraisal; Vortex LLC
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The Most Powerful People in Dallas
D Magazine profiles the Dallas citizens who wield the most influence in the city. The magazine's editors did not limit their choices to merely political or business leaders; the list includes community members active in charity work. Among those who made the list are Ray L. Hunt, chairman of Hunt Consolidated Inc.; Robert Decherd, chairman, president and CEO of Belo Corp. David W. Biegler, president and COO of TXU Electric; William T. "Bill" Solomon, chairman and CEO of Austin Industries; and Roger Staubach, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and owner of Staubach Co.
Tags: Dallas; Texas; power; politics; charity; civic; local government; business; money