 Voices of Transit
Voices of Transit is a compilation of interviews from those that depend on Northeastern Illinois transit. The stories compiled document perspectives from riders in their own words; perspectives that statistics can't provide. Read the report.
 A Better Way to Go
America's automobile-centered transportation system was a key component of the nation's economic prosperity during the 20th century. But our transportation system is increasingly out of step with the challenges of the 21st century. Rising fuel prices, growing traffic congestion, and the need to address critical challenges such as global warming and America's addiction to imported oil all point toward the need for a new transportation future. Read the report. | Read the release.
 Not So Squeaky Clean: A Study of Phthalates in Toys
2007 was the year of the toxic toy, in which major toy companies recalled millions of toys due to lead contamination. Despite the recalls, testing of 1,200 toys by the Washington Toxics Coalition, the Michigan-based Ecology Center and others in late 2007 found that the problem hasn’t been solved: more than a third of the toys tested positive for lead, and nearly 50% were made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride, also known as vinyl), a plastic associated with the use of toxic additives. The testing also revealed that toys made of PVC were more likely to contain toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Read the report. | Read the release.
 Trouble in Toyland: The 22nd Annual Toy Safety Report
For several years, we have reported that toys are safer than ever before, thanks to decades of work by product safety advocates and parents and the leadership of Congress, state legislatures and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Yet, as many have noted, 2007 has been described as the “year of the recall.” Millions of toys, including famous playthings like Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie, have been recalled in 2007. Many of these toys have been from leading manufacturers like Mattel, and most were imported from China. Most of the recalls have been for hazards previously identified in this report—excessive levels of toxic lead, dangerous small magnets, and choking dangers. Read the report. | Read the release.
 Forgiving Fraud and Failure: Profiles in Federal Contracting
Companies with immediate past histories of shoddy work and fraudulent practices are being rewarded with billions of dollars in federal contracts. The data suggest that the process by which the federal government currently spends $422 billion per year in taxpayer funds is insufficient to ensure that the American people receive good quality for goods and services purchased for the American people. Read the report. | Read the release.
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