| | | | June 2, 2011 | | Obama’s Limo Uptick | |  Share on Facebook |  Share on Twitter | |  This may be more about safety than style, but the number of limos owned by Uncle Sam increased by 73 percent during the first two years of the Obama administration, according to an analysis of records by iWatch News. Most of the increase was recorded in Hillary Clinton’s State Department. Administration officials said most of the increase reflects an enhanced effort to protect diplomats and other government officials in a dangerous world. But the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste says the abundance of limos sends the wrong message in the midst of a budget crisis. The increase in limos comes to light on the heels of an executive order from President Obama last week that charges agencies to increase the fuel efficiency of their fleets.
| | | | | | Some Credit Unions Turn Payday Lenders | | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter | |  To millions of member-customers, credit unions are the financial equivalent of a trusted uncle, dispensing prudent loans for cars, homes, and education without the profit motive of traditional banks. But encouraged by federal regulators, an increasing number of credit unions are competing directly with traditional high-interest payday lenders, iWatch News discovered. Some credit unions are selling lucrative loans at prices far higher than they are permitted to charge for any other product. One credit union now charges the equivalent of 876 percent annual interest.
Photo: I-5 Design and Manufacture
|
| | Currying Favor the Washington Way | | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter | |  Veteran influence peddlers have a soft touch. Transportation lobbyist Bernie Robinson planned a June 13 fundraiser at his home for Illinois State Senator Darrin LaHood. Nice. But who is Darrin’s father? Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Robinson works for the Livingston Group, which earned at least $280,000 in the first quarter of this year from transportation and construction interests that could be impacted by decisions from the Department of Transportation, according to an iWatch News analysis of public records. Such “coincidences” are common in Washington and usually go unnoticed. After our inquiry, LaHood changed the venue to the Capitol Hill Club.
|
| | Lavish Junkets for Health Insurance Sales Execs | | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter | |  Ever wonder where your health insurance premium dollars go? Some end up being spent on lavish junkets for sales executives, says iWatch News resident whistleblower and News Analyst Wendell Potter. Once again, the former health insurance PR man pulls back the curtain. Cigna’s annual “Gold Circle” resort retreat for top sales people has historically delivered every comfort and luxury so these hard workers can “relax and enjoy.” Meanwhile, more and more American’s can’t afford health insurance.
Photo: Valerie Close Evans
| | | |
Until next week,
  Bill Buzenberg
Executive Director | | | |  |
Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Keep a civil tongue.