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 "cronyism" ...
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Social network analysis of high-ranking officials in S. Korean government
It is a social network analysis-based investigative reporting on high ranking public officials in the Lee Myung-bak administration and his presidential office. Since its launch in 2008, the Lee administration has been criticized for the dark side of spoils system or cronyism in personnel affairs. The JoongAng Ilbo investigated on the "chain of relationships" among 944 high-ranking officials and President Lee for the last four years. We also used text-mining methodology on social media, such as Internet blogs and twitter, which showed the public's sentiments toward the cronyism of the Lee government.
Tags: Social network; public officials; presidential office; cronyism
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"FEMA's Toxic Bureaucracy"
After nearly a year of reporting, the CBS News Investigative Unit reported a string of "discrimination, sexual harassment and cronyism in the New Orleans" FEMA office. Several staff members went on camera to share stories revealing the "toxic environment" of the FEMA office. Just a day after the story aired, an internal investigation was launched by FEMA, and the Chief of Staff was quickly transferred.
Tags: Gulf Coast Recovery; Nancy Ward; Federal Emergency Management Agency; FEMA Louisiana Transitional Recovery; Doug Whitmer; Joseph Cao; Jim Stark; Mary Landrieu
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Ohio Attorney General: Price of Corruption
WBNS-TV (Columbus, Ohio) revealed a pattern of corruption inside the state's highest law enforcement office including cronyism, misuse of state funds and property, improper use of campaign funds, ethics violations and cover-up. The reporters found that the Attorney General had used campaign funds to rent a condominium for two of his friends/employees that was later tied to sexual harassment,alleged crimes involving state vehicles and the hub for cronyism. Their reporting revealed that the Attorney General created a "transition fund" as an unregulated 501 c4 non-profit account. Through law enforcement, the station learned that this fund funneled at least $2,000 in inappropriate payments to the Attorney General's friend/employee/condo-mate.
Tags: Ohio Attorney General's Office; corruption; 501 c4 non-profit; cronyism; abuse of public funds; misappropriation of funds; abuse of power
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The Protected
One million cars owned by California public employees have license plates that shield their information from prying eyes. That secrecy can enable them to run toll booths and red lights and avoid parking citations. They also signal police that the drivers are "one of their own" or related to someone who is, causing many to let these public employees off with a warning.
Tags: license plates; California; law enforcement; traffic violations; cronyism; red light cameras; speeding tickets
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Congressional Corruption
The Wall Street Journal turns its eyes on the United States Congress, examining "how special-interest spending and out-of-control lobbying fed cronyism and corruption in 2006." The newspaper looked at how "earmarks" were "an invitation to corruption," how "Republicans and Democrats alike steered millions in public funds to their friends and family for personal and political gain." The Journal also looked at the relationships that can influence people as the worlds of lobbyists and lawmakers intertwine.
Tags: Congress; lobbyists; political corruption; political cronyism; earmarks
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City Hall Hiring Scandal
The reporters revealed widespread political patronage in the administration of Mayor Richard J.Daley. Over six months they reported how city jobs and favors are routinely handed out to those who work for organizations that support Daley. The newspaper found that over 1200 people who belong to such groups also hold city jobs.
Tags: FOIA; patronage; cronyism; Hispanic Democratic Organization; 11th Ward Democratic Organization; Richard J. Daley; Democratic machine
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Badge of Privilege/Highway Patrol Coverage
The authors investigated the Tennessee Highway Patrol and found an organization rife with cronyism, where political connections mattered more than skill at a traffic stop or enforcing the law, and a department that turned a blind eye to its own officers when they got in trouble.
Tags: highway patrol; law enforcement; cronyism; State Troopers; honorary programs; FOIA
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Policing Hollywood
The author investigated the Hollywood (FL) Police Department. The three articles look at the cronyism and nepotism in the police force and the firm grip the Police Benevolent Associationon held on the police force. The union largely runs the police force and those that don't fall in step are punished, while loyalists are rewarded with promotions and lucrative off-duty deals even if their police work is sub-standard.
Tags: nepotism; cronyism; Hollywood (FL) Police Department; Police Benevolent Association; criminal convictions; psychological evaluations; police unions; public records
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Cash Cow
The author investigated the use of public funds going to political insiders, conflicts of interest, cronyism, nepotism and a reluctance for transparency in the little- scrutinized town of Southwest Ranches, Florida. The investigation showed how a "contract" form of government could spin out of control and defy all tenets of good public policy.
Tags: Southwest Ranches; public funds; conflicts of interest; cronyism; nepotism; contract government; public disclosure; Sunshine laws
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State Land Deal
Real estate developers used their close contacts to Polk County and Des Moines city officials to buy publicly subsidized land outside the city for little money, and then sell it back for an 866 percent profit. Part of the land was then used by the county to build a new driver's license renewal office. However, since it was the only one in the county, the public not only paid an 866 percent mark-up for the land, but also must now travel farther, at greater inconvenience, in order to visit the office.
Tags: fraud; cronyism; public officials; real estate deals; eminent domain