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 "Smithsonian" ...
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"Smithsonian Freedom of Information stories"
The implementation of a new "open-records policy" by the Smithsonian Institution arose after persistent reporting by Washington Post reporters, James V. Grimaldi and Jacqueline Trescott. The journalists revealed "accountability gaps" within the institution, and exposed the Smithsonian's somewhat murky adherence to the Freedom of Information Act.
Tags: FOIA; Smithsonian Institution; Lawrence Small; Richard Pullman; Charles E. Grassley; Shirley Ann Jackson; Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents
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Pattern of Mistakes Found in Zoo Deaths
This investigation uncovered years of neglect, misdiagnosis and other mistakes that caused or contributed to 23 animal deaths at the National Zoo. Zoo euthanasia forms weren't kept when animal went into surgery and the keepers couldn't provide any notes about two rare zebras that starved to death. Veterinary records show that zoo vets did not respond promptly when animals were ill and failed to run standard tests on animals to make sure they were healthy.
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Dangerous Game
ABC News investigates the Safari Club International, an elite big game hunting club with many famous and powerful members. Among them is Kenneth Behring, a billionaire who gave $100 million to the Smithsonian; Behring also has been involved in controversy surrounding his hunting of several endangered species. Despite his support for trophy hunting, the Smithsonian stands behind their largest donor.
Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; big game hunting; Safari Club International
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The Case of the Purloined Pots
The Smithsonian magazine reveals that "in the deserts of the Southwest, pothunters are stealing a priceless heritage of native American art." The story describes how in February 2000 Cathy Van Camp, a Forest Service cop, found signs of looting at the prehistoric ruins along the remote East Fork of the New Mexico's Gila River. The author analyses the lawsuit against the arrested looters, and reports the final verdict: "guilty on all counts."
Tags: judges; courts; litigation; Forest service; excavation; lawyers; graves; Celtic; sherds; archeological conservation; pottery; James and Mike Quarrel
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No title (id: 2053)
Washington Post series investigates the ethics of the curator of the Smithsonian museum's gems and minerals collection; curator broke donor's stipulations and traded items to better the collection; secret sales of items out of display cases; tax abuses by donors, March 1983.
Tags: None