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 "US Aid" ...
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Spy Drones Aiding Police
Government surveillance drones have been used, with no public notice, to assist local police departments inside the U.S. find suspects and conduct. A Los Angeles Times/ Tribune Co. Washington Bureau investigation uncovered for the first time over two dozen uses of the Department of Homeland Security drones to help local law enforcement in North Dakota, where two of the department's nine Predator B aircraft are based.
Tags: Government Surveillance; Department of Homeland Security; North Dakota; Drones; Security
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"Congressional Scholarship Violations"
The Dallas Morning News reports that U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson used her political power to benefit family members. Reporters revealed the Johnson "steered tens of thousands of dollars in college scholarships" during the span of several years to "four of her own relatives," and to two of a "top aide."
Tags: Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson; Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; ethics; Democrat
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"Tax Dollars to Dead Farmers"
Some farmers who have died during the last 20 years are still being paid. By comparing the "Farm Bill database" and the "Social Security Death Index," WFOR-TV found 234 deceased farmers in South Florida continue to receive taxpayer money through the U.S. Farm Bill. The amount still being paid is estimated to be $9.5 million.
Tags: Farm Aid; U.S. Farm Bill; U.S. Department of Agriculture; Environmental Working Group; General Accountability Office; Richard Wiles
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Toxic Waters
With the aid of more than 500 Freedom of Information requests, reporter Charles Duhigg uncovered major problems with the nation's Clean Water Act. He found that out of the many "chemical plants" and "large manufacturers" who broke water pollution laws over the past several years, few were punished or even fined. He also found that millions of U.S. residents "have been exposed" to water that could be damaging to their health.
Tags: Clean Water Act; Safe Drinking Water Act; E.P.A.; toxic waste; atrazine; pollution
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Mayor's Aide Accused of Dirty Tricks
"Over the past four years, we've reported so many stories of ineffective government, mismanagement; and corruption that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom refuses to speak with us for any report. In January, we learned that his Press Officer was taking it a step further- going on-line under fake names and blasting us on local blogs, including our own website. This story gave viewers an insight into the resistance all investigative reporters sometimes face, and the difficulty of pursuing hard-hitting stories."
Tags: city government; mayor; web site; blogs; identity; Gavin Newsom; San Francisco
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Collateral Damage: Human Rights and U.S. Military Aid After 9/11
This project investigated the impact of foreign lobbying and terrorism on U.S. post-9/11 military training and aid programs. Controversial U.S. allies such as Pakistan received billions of dollars in additional, new military aid to fight the global war on terror. Additionally, foreign governments spent millions lobbying the White House and the Pentagon, taking advantage of the chaotic policymaking environment to ask for their own military aid. The investigation revealed that the change in priorities often came at the cost of human rights and fiscal accountability.
Tags: human rights; foreign countries; international relations; war on terror; military expenses
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Student Loan Scandal
The story package revealed "improper payoffs from a student loan company to college financial aid officers, as well as to a key official at the U.S. Department of Education who was in charge of overseeing the lenders that participate in the federal guaranteed student-loan program."
Tags: student loans; improper payoffs; college financial aid; lenders
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Divine Intervention: U.S. AIDS Policy
"The Center’s year-long investigation revealed how rigid rules and funding earmarks of President's Bush $15-billion initiative to fight HIV/AIDS abroad- the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief- hinder effective HIV programming and frustrate countries struggling with the pandemic."
Tags: AIDS; HIV; South Africa; PEPFAR; Ethiopia; Haiti; condoms; education; generic drugs; brand name drugs
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Bitter Pills
"Medicines for cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure - even the front-line defense against bird flu - are being counterfeited by international rings." Dateline NBC examines how "loopholes in existing government regulations have allowed the fakes to reach U.S. drug stores - even major chains like CVS and Rite Aid." The investigation into this potential health risk found, among other things, a cocaine smuggler who now counterfeits Lipitor "because there was less risk and more money." Also, photos of counterfeit operations revealed some "based in caves, others using drywall, cement and highway paint among their ingredients."
Tags: Counterfeit drugs; counterfeit medicines; drug tracking; health risks
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Generic Drugs: Shop Around For the Best Deals
Consumer Reports examines the high cost of generic drugs, with the understanding that "some generic drugs cost pharmacies just pennies per pill, but they can turn around and sell them to people who lack insurance for as much as they wish." Consumer Reports asked 132 pharmacies around the U.S. their prices for five common prescription generic drugs. Costco is the least expensive pharmacy, charging $52 for a 30-day supply. Online distributor teldrug.com was the most expensive, charging $228 for the same generic drugs. The story gives consumers this information to aid in their search for the best deal on generic drugs.
Tags: generic drugs; price gouging; pharmacies; Costco; teldrug.com