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 "state transportation" ...
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Leonard Lawson
State taxes payers were forced to pay tens of millions of dollars because of the influence of blacktop contractors over the Kentucky Department of Highways. The man who headed the largest blacktop monopoly was Leonard Lawson who was indicted on charges of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Tags: contract; asphalt; Elmo Greer & Sons; transportation; roads; Phillip Dufour;
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Crusier Crashes
The Massachusetts State Troopers have caused nearly 500 cruiser crashes since 2000, most of which occurred while they were commuting or on regular patrol. However troopers are allowed to investigate themselves for accidents with less than $1000 in damages. "About 120 troopers have had four or more accidents over the past seven years."
Tags: state troopers; motor patrol; transportation; accidents; state government
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Air Wars
WBAL found that there was turf war between the Maryland State Police Aviation Unit and private air ambulance companies to transport trauma victims.
Tags: transportation; medical emergency; medivac; air medical transportation; state police;
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E-Z Pass Problems
Maryland's E-Z Pass system that "signals a computer as the motorists goes through a toll plaza to automatically subtract the cost of the toll from their E-ZPass holder account" has problems. WBAL found that batteries were wearing out but the state didn't send out notices and were denying fine appeals.
Tags: transportation; toll roads; state government; products;
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Speed Unlimited
In fiscal year 2005-06, only 2.4 percent of people with serious speeding tickets (going more than 55 mph and more than 15 miles over the limit) were convicted as charged. This series reveals loopholes in state law that encourage prosecutors and judges to let speeders get away with their crimes. This sort of leniency is dangerous, as many people each year die from speed-related collisions.
Tags: speeding; traffic accidents; highway; transportation; state government; police
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Who Deserves to Drive
This story revealed that thousands of Iowa driver’s licenses were suspended because of unpaid court fines. This story explores the impact of suspended licenses on drivers, the state and insurance companies. The story also delves into key problems that obstruct the collections process from moving forward effectively.
Tags: driving; transportation; roads; courts; state government; department of transportation
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Minnesota Department of Transportation
In response to the collapse of Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis, the Star-Tribune investigated whether it could have been prevented. The series examined what caused the collapsed, "and raised serious questions about oversight of the state's transportation infrastructure."
Tags: transportation; bridge; Minneapolis; department of transportation; traffic; construction;
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The Highwaymen
This investigation explores a recent trend: auctioning the maintenance of public highways and bridges to private companies. The article shows how privatization benefits the companies far more than the public. Private road operators charge high tolls and insist on non-compete clauses, so the government can't build other roads in the area.
Tags: transportation; privatization; bridges; roads; constructions; infastructure; driving; transit; state government
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Cuban Smugglers
"The lucrative but dangerous business of smuggling Cubans into the United States is highly organized and growing fast. It is financed mostly by Cuban-American families in South Florida and involves smugglers and financiers in the Miami area, along with arrangers and transporters in Cuba and Mexico." Coast Guards in the United States, Havana, and Cuba are "frustrated by what they see as a national security threat as hundreds of boats a year come from Florida to pick up passengers illegally on the Cuban coast."
Tags: Cuba; illegal immigrants; smuggling; Mexico; Havana; Florida
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School Bus Breakdown
This investigative series found that South Carolina owns and operates the oldest, least safe, and most polluting school bus fleet in the country. The investigation also addressed the state's failure to mandate a school bus replacement age.
Tags: education; safety; transportation; buses; schools; school districts