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 "cabs" ...
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Criminal Cab Drivers
This story reveals that “hundreds of criminals are behind the wheels of Houston cabs”. This is allowed to happen because if it falls outside of a 10 year period it won’t show up and they are allowed to get their cab license. It has become a standard on criminal background checks because people can change and straighten up their lives. But when one of these cab drivers commits a crime as a driver, people begin to question these tactics.
Tags: transportation; passengers; travel; cabbie; streets; taxicab; ordinance; FOIA; city council; Ricardo Steele; Yellow Cab
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Taxicab Deception
"This undercover series exposed widespread fraud and criminal behavior in Los Angeles' taxicab industry. During a three-month investigation, KNBC-TV showed how many of the cities [sic] 6000 cabs have had their meters rigged, so they can illegally over charge thousands of customers. We also uncovered how the Los Angeles Department of Transportation had known about this fraud for years, but did very little to stop it."
Tags: fraud; taxi; taxicab; rigged meters; drivers
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Taken For a Ride
This investigation "exposed significant flaws in the systems used to license and regulate taxicabs in the District of Columbia." The reporter found that taxicabs often fail inspections and that consumer complaints are typically ignored. When reporters from the Washingtonian tested the cab system, they found that they were charged an incorrect fare almost fifty percent of the time.
Tags: cabs; taxis; transportation; fares
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Who's Driving Your Cab?
A WOOD-TV investigation reveals that "the city of Grand Rapids licenses taxi drivers who have significant criminal and bad driving records despite claims that public safety is the primary goal." The investigation started when a reporter saw drug dealing between a cab driver and another motorist at a gas station.
Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; safety; law enforcement; criminal records; licensing; state corrections system; alcohol; driving offenses
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Boston's trashy taxis
In two hours at Logan Airport --where Massachusetts Port Authority inspectors claim to examine vehicles for cosmetic and safety violations each time cabbies make a trip -- the Globe spotted dozens of taxis with unanchored seats, ripped interiors, burned-out brake lights, and parts hanging precariously.
Tags: taxis; inspections; cabs; vehicles; consumer; client; control
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Bandit Cabs
An undercover investigation reveals scores of unlicensed taxi cabs overcharging for their services, cutting out legitimate cab drivers - unfairly and illegally.
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Risky Cabbies
WMAQ-TV reports a "three-month investigation uncovered potentially dangerous cab drivers. Half of the drivers we investigated had criminal records We found most of those drivers had been arrested for assaults and batteries. Some drivers had been caught with guns, buying drugs, even committing sexual offenses. We also uncovered poor driving records...."
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Wheels of Fortune
The Sentinel investigates the watchdogs of Florida's wheels-for-the-needy service, a program that provides transportation for the poor, elderly and disabled. This service is paid for by taxpayers, and The Sentinel discovered those who are appointed to oversee the program spend even more of the public's money and profiting from doing so. Many of those who sit on the Board of Directors for the program are the same people whose businesses benefit form how the money is spent. Some of the board members have ties to contributions to many legislators who have helped keep the board active and have made lenient regulations for the appointment and expansion of board members.
Tags: Michael Griffin; Jim Leusner; Florida's wheels-for-the-needy program; Companies; Commissioners; Taxi cab companies
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IRE Feed 1 "New Adventures in Computer Assisted Reporting."
A compilation of 12 stories: 1.) "Stolen Dreams" News 12 Long Island, Employees and Salesmen stealing pensions and retirement money. 2.) "Felon Voters" WCCO, Minneapolis, Convicted felons voting illegally. 3,) "Where Crime Happens." WBNS, Columbus, High-crime neighborhoods. 4.) "Ride At Your Own Risk" WTVJ, Miami, Cab drivers driving without licenses because of violations. 5.) "What's in the Tank?" KNXV, Phoenix, Gas incorrectly labeled. 6.) "The Dirty Dozen" WDIV, Detroit, Unclean restaurants with health violations. 7.) "Occupational Hazards" WSMV, Nashville, Unsafe work conditions ignored. 8.) "Unlucky 13" WRAL, Raleigh, A dangerous stretch of Interstate 95. 9.) "Owning Up" WNEM, Saginaw, Unpaid property taxes. 10.) "Hot Cars" WBNS, Columbus, The most frequently stolen cars. 11.) Wheel of Government" News 12 Long Island, Government cars used for non-government business. 12.) "Nursing Home Abuses." WDIV, Detroit, Health department violations, neglect, whistle blowers, cover up, sexual assaults, inadequate care and more.
Tags: TAPE; News 12 Long Island; WCCO; WBNS; WTVJ; KNXV; WDIV; WSMV; WRAL; WNEM.
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No title (id: 10025)
WJLA-TV (Washington, D.C.) runs a four-part series on problems with the taxi industry in that city, finding that cabs often overcharge passengers and that the D.C. taxi commission is rife with inaction, fraud and other problems, March 1 - 4, 1993.