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 "special interest countries" ...
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Border Insecurity
The series examined the vulnerability of America's borders despite the millions spent to secure them after September 11, 2001. Stories focused on smuggling networks that channel thousands of illegal immigrants from 'special interest countries' (nations identified by the government as fostering terrorism)into the US; on the so-called 'catch and release' policy that frees large numbers of illegal immigrants with a court notice-to-appear that many ignore; and on the continued lack of monitoring on large stretches of the U.S.-Canada border, which has allowed some serious breeches.
Tags: border security; gangs; human trafficking; terrorism; Department of Homeland Security; special interest countries; catch-and-release policy; Border Patrol; FOIA
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Health care influence at the Rhode Island General Assembly
This series of stories raised a number of ethical concerns involving state legislators. The stories detailed how the president of the senate made hundreds of thousands of dollars selling Blue Cross Insurance to CVS pharmacy employees, while as a legislator he used his position to kill pharmacy choice legislation. Other stories showed how another senator worked as a "consultant" for health care concerns and how the national drugstore industry entertained state legislators from around the country at luxury resorts. Following the newspaper's reports, the senate president and the head of Blue Cross resigned, while the state police and the FBI began an investigation.
Tags: politics; health care industry; pharmaceutical industry; drugstores; ethics; corporate influence; lobbying; special interests
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Show and Tell Tape #1
2004 IRE National Conference (Atlanta) Show and Tell Tape #1 features the following stories: 1)Phil Williams (WTVF-Nashville) A hidden camera investigation proves that special interest lobbyists are buying Tennessee lawmakers. 2)Stephen Stock (WESH-Orlando) An investigation into new home inspections found inspectors conducting too many inspections daily with a passing rate as high as 99 percent in one county. 3)Anna Werner and David Raziq (KHOU-Houston) Children as young as 11-years-old were being physically abused at the juvenile probation department in Harris County, Texas. 4)Tony Pipitone (WKMG-Orlando)The Brevard School District in Orlando requested additional funding from the federal government for poorer schools but put that money toward helping the district as a whole. 5)Brian Collister (WOAI-San Antonio) A national report claimed that San Antonio police were among the best in the country for not targeting minority motorists, but an investigation proved police officers skewed the data. 6) Jacqueline McLean (KGMB-Honolulu) A cemetery that hasn't been licensed in nine years makes room for more bodies by removing old ones. 7) Chris Halsne (KIRO-Seattle) Mapping software found 605 sex offenders living near day cares statewide. None of the day cares were ever notified. 8) Bog Segall (WITI-Milwaukee) Many inmates use their phone privileges to call their victims, intimidating them in the hopes they won't show up at trial. 9)Larry Posner (Inside Edition) An investigation into Pitts, one of the largest door-to-door magazine sellers in the country, found the company charging high rates, abusing employees and hiring felons. 10)Randy Travis (WAGA-Atlanta) This undercover investigation found a state court judge having 19 drinks and then getting in his car to drive. 11)Jim Strickland (WSB-Atlanta) This investigation exposed forgery and fraud by an Atlanta Booting company. 12)Bebe Emerman (KIRO-Seattle) A problem with the powercord of one brand of oscillating fans was linked to 20 house fires. 13)Elisabeth Leamy (WTTG) This story discusses the lives of those held in concentration camps and the Nazi tattoos they received.
Tags: tape; show and tell; investigative; Atlanta; no transcripts; IRE
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No title (id: 10817)
The Akron Beacon Journal documents the flow of money from special interest groups to state officials. Among the findings are free trips to Israel coupled with legislation that sent state funds to the country; a scheme that allowed Senate members to write off their income for federal tax purposes; and millions of dollars in contributions to the governor from people who recieved favors. As a result federal and state investigations begun, a state senator withdrew from the race for the US Sente and a tough ethics bill was passed, January - November, 1994.
Tags: OH Zajac McKnight Snell Curry Brown Focus groups CAJ Campaign Contributions 64 pages
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Secrets of the Chamber
The Herald-Journal's 11 - part computer-assisted investigation provided the first detailed account of legislative spending in New York. The best-staffed, best-paid Legislature in the country spends taxpayers' money on everything from popcorn and paper cups to high-speed computers and high-priced Lincolns.
Tags: CAR State government Wasteful spending Lawmakers Special interest groups Lobbyists