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 "Waterbury" ...
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C-HIT: Toxic Laundry Emissions
Industrial laundries in New England have recently come under intense scrutiny by the EPA, ever since the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) found that volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) were being released at a facility in Waterbury, CT. According to Steve Rapp, Chief of the Air Technical Unit, EPA Region 1, the problem is widespread and significant. “The industrial laundries are grossly under-reporting their VOCs,” said Rapp. “It’s a total sleeper.” The problem stems from the process of laundering shop towels, which are often contaminated with toxic solvents. When improperly cleaned, the solvents are vaporized and emitted to the surrounding air. This article investigated this little-known source of air pollution, shedding light on the industry’s practices and its impact on air quality and public health.
Tags: Volatile organic compunds; VOC's; DEEP; air quality; public health
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Booted
Thousands of people from the disability benefit and retirement roll are no longer receiving that aid because the Social Security Administration has labeled them as fugitive felons because of outstanding warrants.This fugitive felon program has saved about $83 million for the SSA between 1996 and 2003.
Tags: Marlo Donald; waterbury; finance; financial aid
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Caught in the Back-Tax Trap
Some localities have moved towards contracting with private companies to collect back-taxes--an option that can bring greater rewards but also carry considerable risks.
Tags: delinquent debt; back-taxes; privatizing debt collection; Waterbury; Connecticut; privatizing tax collection; Angram
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When a Bank Leaves Town
Connecticut magazine takes a look at the disappearance of the hometown bank and how many midsize local banks have been gobbled up at a quick rate by big, rich, super-regional institutions.
Tags: banks; banking; First Union Corp.; Center Financial Corp.; Centerbank; Waterbury; Conn.
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Sex, politics and patronage: The downfall of a mayor
On July 26, 2001 Waterbury Mayor Philip Giordano was arrested on federal sex charges, people in the city and the municipal government where shocked and unaware of the reason. In a five-month investigation that began on the day after the mayor's arrest the Waterbury-American found that Giordano had associated with prostitutes and possibly used drugs while serving the city. Giordano also used his political influence to secure city contracts to campaign contributors and close friends.
Tags: Local government; corruption
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Top delinquent taxpayers: Debtors owe Waterbury millions
A Republican-American investigation exposes the failure of the city of Waterbury to go after its top delinquent taxpayers who owe $6.4 million in real estate property taxes. The story reveals that "thanks to court action, environmental issues, and sale of liens, the cash-strapped city isn't likely to collect anytime soon." The analysis shows that of "the city's $27.3 million in delinquent taxes ... the top debtors owe 23 percent of the total." The author describes each of the top 10 debtor properties. The investigation is illustrated with a full list of real estate tax delinquencies as of March 22, 2001, as provided by the tax collector. The package includes also a question-and-answer section designed to help readers who find themselves on the list of delinquent taxpayers.
Tags: real estate; taxation; delinquency; property ownership; collectability; debts; notice of foreclosure; liens; bankruptcy; business
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No title (id: 2216)
New York Times articles find a Connecticut company intentionally and secretly deposited vast amounts of dangerous chemicals over a period of years into Waterbury's water and soil, October 1982.
Tags: None