Posts by hdcoadmin
Prescription narcotic abuse rampant in Nevada
Marshall Allen and Alex Richards of the Las Vegas Sun investigated the prevalence of use and abuse of prescription narcotics in Nevada. The Sun’s analysis showed that “Nevadans consume about twice the national average of several prescription painkillers,” including hydrocodone, methadone and oxycodone. Data from the Clark County coroner’s office shows that deaths from prescription…
Read MoreHazardous flame retardant being used in household products
Susanne Rust and Meg Kissinger of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel detailed how a chemical flame retardant that was taken out of children’s pajamas 30 years ago has found its way back as a popular flame retardant used in sofa cushions, baby carriers and bassinet mattresses. As part of their ongoing Chemical Fallout series, the reporters…
Read MoreReasonable Doubt
A five-part investigative series by the East Valley Tribune (Phoenix, Ariz.) looks at the efforts of Joe Arpaio, sheriff of Maricopa County, to crack down on illegal immigration. Noted as one of the most aggressive enforcement efforts in the U.S, it has come at a cost to other law enforcement efforts including “slower response times…
Read MoreSuspect Soldiers series
“A yearlong examination by The Sacramento Bee of more than 250 applicants for military service found that the Army, Navy and Marines accepted ex-felons, people with serious drug and alcohol or mental health problems and dozens of others with significant criminal backgrounds or otherwise troubling histories.” In the series, Russ Carollo reports on how trouble…
Read More$3.4 million in overtime paid out to little-known police unit
“A little-known police force that patrols state institutions and accompanies child welfare workers to potentially dangerous homes piled up $3.4 million in overtime last year, boosting the payroll 34 percent,” reported Lawrence Ragonese and Susan K. Livio of The Star-Ledger (Newark, N.J.). The review of state payroll records showed one employee averaged 45 hours of…
Read MoreWho killed Chandra Levy?
A year-long investigative project by The Washington Post explores the murder investigation of Chandra Levy. The in-depth investigation shows critical leads were ignored in the investigation into her disappearance and murder. Seven years later, the murder remains unsolved.
Read MoreCompany receives subcontract despite link to bridge collapse
A company under investigation for its role the Minneapolis bridge collapse has received a substantial subcontract as part of the reconstruction project, reports Brian Bakst of the Associated Press. “Progressive Contractors Inc. will make nearly $3.6 million for paving and barrier work on the Mississippi River bridge project, according to records reviewed by the Associated…
Read MoreU.S. trade with Iran flourished under Bush
“U.S. exports to Iran grew more than tenfold during President Bush’s years in office,” reports Sharon Theimer of the Associated Press. The AP’s analysis of U.S. trade data revealed a wide variety of items being shipped to Iran – from bull semen to military rifles. Efforts by the U.S. government to limit trade with Iran…
Read MoreConstruction deaths on rise in Vegas development boom
A package by the Las Vegas Sun looks at the steep increase in construction fatalities during the most recent development boom in the area. In less than 19 months, twelve construction workers have died, eclipsing the total number of fatalities during the growth and development of the 1990s. Experts blame the rise on poor oversight…
Read MoreCandidate cancels campaign after background questioned
Reporter John Frank and researchers at the St. Petersburg Times exposed the murky past of Congressional candidate Jim King. King, a Republican running against the incumbent in the GOP primary, fudged his professional medical credentials and biographical information for years. The investigation “found he made inaccurate claims about his professional background and his time with…
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