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 "Kern County, CA" ...
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Public Pays for Toxic Trails
Reporters Sarah Ruby and James Burger look into the reason why California's Kern County has so many toxic waste dumps. They found that many companies came to the county as recycling companies in recent decades, promising to turn hazardous waste into road base or other useful things. Instead, they made toxic dump piles. The Kern County Health Department had turned a blind eye to these activities, trying to "work" with the companies, but this strategy failed. BY the time the state had to step in to try to solve the problem, the culpable companies were gone, and taxpayers had to foot the cleanup bill.
Tags: Toxic waste; pollution; Kern County, CA; Bakersfield, CA; environmental health
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Kern's Hidden Epidemic
There are many reasons Kern County, CA, has a high poverty rate. Two of the major reasons are the increasing influx of poor, uneducated immigrants with a culture of poverty. As well as examining the causes of Kern's problems, the story outlines some possible solutions such as schools focusing on educating poor children and creating various immigration reforms.
Tags: immigration; education; poverty; poverty culture