Economy
Washington state’s price of public office
The Skagit Valley Herald reports that even though “Skagit County has just two full-time mayors, both earn more than the mayors of Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima and Olympia.” An interactive map was created to compares the salaries with other mayors across the state.
Read MoreUtah’s Transit Authority officials travel the world
Documents obtained by The Salt Lake Tribune have revealed that Utah’s Transit Authority CEO has spent more than $600,000 on international travel. Trips range from China to the United Arab Emirates and also include 17 U.S. cities. “But UTA officials say they receive great value from travel, learning from mistakes and successes of other transit agencies.…
Read MoreTaxpayers foot the bill for convention parties
“WTSP-Tampa has found, through federal filings, that the Republican & Democratic national conventions promise economic windfalls to host cities but most of the money spent comes from the U.S. Treasury, including money spent on alcohol and parties.“
Read MoreChicago’s escalating public finance debt spreading to small towns
“If you live in a suburb, village or small city surrounding Chicago, the next big public debt crisis is coming your way.” “A Better Government Association investigation finds a flood of red ink is crashing over Chicago-area suburbs, threatening to sweep away basic government-backed services and support while also dramatically altering the very standard of…
Read MoreGaming boom now a bust for small town
“As a tough economy wrecked municipal budgets across the country, North Kansas City seemed to be above it all, able to afford well-kept parks, a modern community center and even a community fiberoptic network.” However, a Kansas City Star report has revealed that the once affluent community of about 4,000 residents is now facing a…
Read MoreInvestigating Texas’ public pension fund investments
“As part of its ongoing examination of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, The Dallas Morning News investigated the shadowy world of pension fund placement agents — the middlemen hired by private firms to solicit public capital.” “The article focused on one man, a politically connected Houston investment manager, and how his work as a…
Read MoreIllegal online payday loans thrive in New York
Payday loans — short-term, small dollar loans with exorbitant fees — are restricted in 18 states, and New York’s ban is one of the toughest. But reporter John Sandman found evidence that online payday lenders are circumventing these bans, illegally targeting potential borrowers in these states. The investigation, published by City Limits, was supported by…
Read MoreCompanies failed to create jobs after receiving tax-payer funded grants
“A three-month investigation by The Tampa Tribune shows at least four in every 10 companies that receive grants from the state’s jobs incentive fund have failed to meet their obligations — some slightly, others by wide margins.” “However, Enterprise Florida, the state’s chief economic development agency, paints a rosier picture, concluding Florida is exceeding its…
Read MoreGas company giants plotted to suppress land prices
“A Reuters investigation has found that under the direction of CEO Aubrey McClendon, Chesapeake Energy Corp. plotted with its top competitor to suppress land prices in one of America’s most promising oil and gas plays.” “In emails between Chesapeake and Encana Corp, Canada’s largest natural gas company, the rivals repeatedly discussed how to avoid bidding…
Read MoreThousands of crumbling Florida homes owned by the biggest banks
“Thousands of vacant homes across South Florida have deteriorated into eyesores that violate local health and safety laws, depress property values and spread blight. The owners of these homes: some of the world’s biggest banks.” “In an extensive investigation of foreclosed homes plaguing neighborhoods, the Sun Sentinel found more than 10,300 property code violations lodged…
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