ShovelWatch: Is the stimulus bill truly earmark free?

The World

There’s no bridge to nowhere or teapot museum in the economic stimulus package, but that doesn’t mean that it’s free of earmarks, pet projects, or favors to special interests. As part of the ShovelWatch joint project of the non-profit investigative journalism organization ProPublica, The Takeaway and WNYC Radio, ProPublica’s Michael Grabell and WNYC’s Matthew Schuerman join us to take a look at some examples of stimulus funds that are being allocated according to local, not national, priorities.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!