Sebastian Jones was an intern at ProPublica. He has written for The Nation and contributed to the websites of Harperâs and The American Prospect.
Sebastian Jones
Intern
New Democrat Coalition Loses Big in Midterms
The business-friendly New Democrat Coalition will likely lose a third of its members when the last votes are finally tallied.
The New Democrats: The Coalition Pharma and Wall Street Love
When the Democrats took control of Congress they promised a new era that would end the excesses of what they labeled a Republican "culture of corruption." Today, many of the same techniques and tactics are still in use, this time by Democrats.
Contrary to Citizens United Opinion, Campaign Contribution Records Lack Transparency
Tracing who gave money to candidates to attend the Springsteen fundraisers is nearly impossible, even with open campaign finance records, calling into question part of the Supreme Court’s rationale in ending corporate election spending limits.
Revised Tax-Cut Figure Pushes Stimulus Spending Higher
Over 47 percent of the roughly $800 billion federal stimulus package is now out the door, according to government figures. With a recent adjustment in the government's tax-cut numbers, a total of $378 billion of the stimulus money has now moved into the economy.
Lobbyists and Lawmakers Bond During Springsteen Concerts
At least 19 congressional fundraisers were held at Bruce Springsteen’s two Washington concerts last year, almost half of them in skyboxes rented from companies or organizations with business before the committees of the lawmakers who used them.
Stimulus Spending Update: $329 Billion Out the Door
The latest figures from Recovery.gov show that about $210 billion in stimulus spending and $119 billion in tax cuts have entered the economy. In total, that's just over 41 percent of the nearly $800 billion stimulus package.
Off the Radar: Private Planes Hidden From Public View
ProPublica has obtained a list of private planes whose flights are blocked from public tracking sites, and among them are the planes of politicians, business executives, colleges, churches and even news organizations.
Stimulus Spending Update: Nearly 41% of Funds Out the Door
Roughly $327 billion in stimulus money has now entered the economy, according to the latest figures on Recovery.gov. That's just under 41 percent of the nearly $800 billion total in the Recovery Act package.
PR Firm Behind Propaganda Videos Wins Stimulus Contract
HHS has hired a PR firm to win consumer trust in the privacy of health information systems. But the tactics of the firm, Ketchum, have come under fire in the past.
