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 "drug testing" ...
-
Detroit Free Press: Free to Kill
“Free to Kill,” a seven-month Detroit Free Press investigation, found the Michigan Department of Corrections failed to properly supervise some of the most violent of the state’s roughly 70,000 offenders under its watch. A total of 88 parolees and probationers were suspected, arrested or convicted in 95 murders between Jan. 1, 2010, and Aug. 31, 2011. The number nearly doubled from 2010 to 2011 -- from 21 to 38. The series also revealed that dozens of offenders weren't outfitted with court-ordered electronic tethers, and others weren't sent back to prison for new crimes or failed drug tests.
Tags: Department of Corrections; violence; criminals; drug tests
-
Food and Supplement Safety
"Consumer Reports used its extensive testing and investigative resources to shine the light of foods, drugs and supplements consumed by tens of millions of Americans that account for significant safety risks, yet which consumers and government officials knew little about."
Tags: consumer safety; supplements; poultry; drugs; salmonella; campylobacter; FDA; Food and Drug Administration; protien drinks; Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database
-
"Mercury taints skin lighteners"
The Tribune decided to investigate a tip found in a New York Times story that suggested mercury might be present in certain beauty products. The Tribune tested 50 different skin-lightening creams purchased from various locations around Chicago and found that six contained enough mercury to be banned by federal law. When used over time, mercury can be cause health problems, including kidney damage.
Tags: mercury; skin-lightening cream; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; FDA; FOIA; Mercury Policy Project; EcoWaste Coalition
-
Brian Ross Investigates: Disposable Heroes
In a joint investigation with The Washington Times, ABC News Chief Investigative Correspondent Brian Ross revealed that mentally distressed veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan were being recruited by the Veterans Administration for tests on pharmaceutical drugs linked to suicide and other violent side effects.
Tags: Chantix; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; suicide; veterans; drug protocols; Pfizer; pharmaceutical drugs; violent side effects
-
Chemical Fallout
"The reporters exposed inept government programs that favor chemical makers over the needs of the public. They detailed conflicts of interest among regulators and uncovered new hidden threats for consumers. The newspaper tested common household plastics billed as "microwave safe" and found toxic levels of chemicals leaching from every item tested."
Tags: chemicals; toxins; public safety; government protection; bisphenol A; Environmental Protection Agency; Food and Drug Administration;
-
Meth Home Cover-Up
The story reveals that former meth houses, already cleaned up and declared safe to live in by the Salt Lake City Health Department are still contaminated. KSL hired a certified lab to conduct its own meth tests on two of the so-called clean homes. Both sites tested positive for meth residue, with levels reaching 14 times what the state considers safe in a child's room
Tags: meth; meth lab; methanphetamine; drugs; DEA; health department; health hazard; contamination; toxicity;
-
Chantix: Miracle cure for dangerous drug?
An investigation into the anti-smoking drug Chantix/Varenicline found many adverse reactions in the FDA's public database. The reactions included aggression, violent behavior and thoughts of suicide. "A follow report detailed how drugs are sent to market with minimal testing."
Tags: Food and Drug Administration; medicine; anti-smoking; risk; Europe; drug testing; adverse reactions;
-
Leaks in the System
KMSP-TV found that oversight for drug testing of commercial truckers was lax. This allowed truckers to adulterate or substitute specimens in order to pass a test. Also they found that despite drug test being required, companies in Minnesota and Wisconsin continue to put drivers behind the wheel without testing them first. Lastly, they exposed a loophole that allowed failed drivers to keep working in the industry.
Tags: trucking; transportation; drugs; drug testing; oversight; Minnesota; Wisconsin; commercial trucking; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration;
-
No one is watching
"The articles investigated how schools in Division I-A college athletics test for drugs and the results of the testing. The Tribune found most schools do not test for performance-enhancing drugs and there are disparities in testing and punishments from school to school."
Tags: drug testing; performance-enhancing drugs; college athletics
-
Fish Fraud
"Focusing on red snapper, a pricey fish the Food and Drug Administration red-flags as commonly substituted, Fuller had DNA testing done on samples from Chicago restaurants: None, our testing results proved, was serving genuine red snapper."
Tags: food; restaurant; DNA; red snapper; fish;