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Sep 28

2012

iPost hosting panel on investigative reporting

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The economic decline of mainstream news outlets has lead to major cost cutting at newspapers and television stations, limiting their capacity to produce investigative reporting that is vital to our democracy. Yet advances in technology and research provide reporters more tools than ever to produce and distribute their work. Against this backdrop, Investigative Post, a non-profit investigative reporting center serving Buffalo and Western New York, is hosting a speakers panel Oct. 23 at the Burchfield Penny Art Center to discuss the challenges and opportunities for investigative journalism in the 21st Century. The panel, “The State of Investigative Reporting,” features David[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Sep 26

2012

U.S. fracking and the Niagara Falls

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If there were a mobile container that could hold one full day of water rolling from the Niagara Falls it could serve the fracking operations in the United States for the past 20 months. That’s about 66 billion of gallons of water mixed with chemicals and sand to drill deep into the ground to extract natural gas, with Texas leading the way. EcoWatch put the data together and made the connection to Niagara Falls to represent just how much water 66 billion gallons is. The water either gets reused (only some companies do this), stays in the ground or is[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Sep 25

2012

NY Health Commissioner adds delay to fracking review

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The New York State hydrofracking regulations review and environmental impact study that the Department of Environmental Conservation started in 2008 has once again hit a bump. Health Commissioner Nirav Shah wants more investigation added to the review, specifically a health impact analysis. But he refuses to take the suggestion from environmentalists to have independent university experts conduct the work. Shah said it is the government’s job to decide if the state’s moratorium should be lifted and if natural gas drilling is safe for the environment. Gov. Cuomo has been holding back on his decision until the DEC completes its review.[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Sep 25

2012

Toxic Town of Tonawanda

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There are 53 industrial plants in a 2-mile radius in Tonawanda and it has the highest concentration of air polluters in New York State. The Clean Air Coalition hosted a “Toxic Tour” Saturday morning and if you haven’t been on one, it’s worth the 90 minutes to get a feeling of what is happening in your backyard. The next tour is Oct. 13. The odor of petroleum from NOCO, the sweet-smell of benzene from Tonawanda Coke (oxymoron, I know), and the ominous puffs of smoke from the Huntley Power Plant overpower this town. Single-family homes are nestled right in the[...]

Posted 12 years ago

Sep 22

2012

Concerns of a moderate Republican

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Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs talk politics, downtown development, water authority shenanigans and lease negotiations with the Buffalo Bills.

Posted 12 years ago

Sep 22

2012

Interview: Chris Jacobs

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Chris Jacobs is that rare Republican who doesn’t hesitate to label himself a moderate or express his concern about his party’s shift to the far right. He took office as Erie County Clerk in January and is one of only two Republicans holding countywide office. (Sheriff Tim Howard is the other). Jacobs previously served 7 1/2 years on the Buffalo Board of Education. Other public service includes a stint as State Secretary of State under George Pataki during his last year as  governor. Jacobs is a developer by trade and his Avalon Development is active in the city. He earned[...]

Posted 12 years ago
Investigative Post