Just in time for today's Webinars on tracking stimulus dollars, Poynter's Al Tompkins interviews a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter who looked carefully at the number of jobs reportedly created by federal government spending in his state.

With just a bit of reporting, Ben Poston learned the estimate of Wisconsin jobs is inflated by at least several hundred jobs, more likely by thousands.

Poston discovered data entry errors, jobs counted twice and money for marginal cost of living adjustments credited for saving jobs. Read a Q-and-A at Al's Morning Meeting to learn more about how Poston compiled the data, "interviewed" the numbers, then spoke to contractors and people working at agencies to explain the discrepancies.

The Journal Sentinel happens to be a great example of how to track the flow of stimulus dollars where you live. Check out its interactive graphic on how much cash Wisconsin gets and where that money goes. Be sure to see its roll-up of stimulus-related stories in the "Following the Money" section of its Web site.

Finally, check out APME's Stimulus Watchdog Webinars. Two are scheduled today. Two more are scheduled Tuesday.