Home » Archives for September 2026

Month: September 2026
2 - Analysis / Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence / Business / Dead Reckoning / Jobs / Tech / Technology / Technology

The Entry-Level Apocalypse That the Data Won’t Quite Confirm

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The consensus is growing that artificial intelligence is impacting entry-level white-collar jobs, with companies cutting junior positions. However, research shows the trend involves raising experience requirements rather than outright job loss. While concerns about the job market are valid, claims of AI-induced job apocalypse lack solid evidence and often come from conflicted sources.

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2 - Analysis / Accountability / Business / Cybersecurity / Cybersecurity (U.S. systems) / Dead Reckoning / Federal Oversight / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Technology / Technology

What Actually Counts Toward the FBI’s Riptide Numbers

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The FBI’s “Operation Riptide” resulted in over 200 arrests, $50 million in seized assets, and the extradition of six suspects. However, questions arise regarding the timeframe of arrests, accounting methods for financial figures, and the distinction between FBI and partner agency contributions. Clarity on these metrics is needed for transparency.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Economy & Policy / Government / Politics / Politics

The Hike Nobody in the White House Wanted

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, targeting a range of 3.75%-4.00%, with expectations for another hike by year’s end. This hike reflects a strong economy rather than a failing one, although some inflation pressures relate to current administration policies. The next FOMC meeting is critical, coinciding with the election season.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Freedom of the Press / Media / Media & Influence / News & Media / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Rights and Freedoms

When the Pool Closes, Everyone Gets Out of the Water

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico produced the predictable lawsuit. The bigger development came when the five-network presidential TV pool suspended coverage rather than replace CNN — exposing a sharp split between institutional conservative media and parts of Trump’s online media ecosystem.

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2 - Analysis / 2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / California / Dead Reckoning / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Maryland / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power

Two Coasts, One Ceiling

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Republican candidates Steve Hilton in California and Dan Cox in Maryland face significant polling deficits against their Democratic opponents. Both struggle to convert discontent with incumbents into voter support due to entrenched party identification. While Hilton attempts to distance himself from Trump’s influence, Cox’s strategy lacks the same proactive appeal, limiting his effectiveness.

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2 - Analysis / Accountability / Dead Reckoning / First Responders / Government / Government Accountability / History / Institutions & Accountability / Law Enforcement / New York / Public Safety / Retrospective

The Brotherhood That Would Not Break

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On September 11, 2001, 403 New York first responders died running toward the disaster. Twenty-five years later, more than 600 FDNY members have also died from illnesses linked to Ground Zero. This is the story of the brotherhood that absorbed an unimaginable loss — and kept answering the bell.

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2 - Analysis / Commentary / Dead Reckoning / Editorial

Two Sites, One Fall: A Personal Reckoning with September 11

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Twenty-five years after September 11, a personal reckoning with Ground Zero, the Pentagon, a wounded New York City, and the people and moments that kept connecting one life to that morning long after the smoke cleared.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Political Violence / Politics / Politics

A Year After Kirk: Is the Rate Actually Up, or Is the Coverage Just Louder?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A year after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the numbers show a genuine rise in threats and targeted violence. What they don’t show is an unprecedented era of political bloodshed—or that every high-profile death belongs in the same statistical bucket.

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2 - Analysis / Cybersecurity (U.S. systems) / Dead Reckoning / Executive Power & Civil Liberties / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / National Security / National Security & Governance / National Security & Systems Failures / Politics / Politics & Power / Power / Security / Technology

Dead Reckoning: The Post-9/11 Security State, Twenty-Five Years On

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article examines the lasting impact of post-9/11 security measures, particularly focusing on the Department of Homeland Security and its shift towards immigration enforcement. While some policies have been rolled back, such as bulk phone metadata collection, many core structures remain intact or have adapted to new purposes without proper reassessment by Congress, illustrating an enduring security state.

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Domestic Policy / Federal Court / Government / Government / Intelligence & National Security / Judicial / Justice & Governance / National Security / Retrospective

No Verdict: Twenty-Five Years On, the 9/11 “Trial of the Century” Still Hasn’t Started

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, identified as the 9/11 attacks’ mastermind, was captured in 2003 but remains in pretrial proceedings at Guantanamo Bay, now targeting a trial date of June 2028. The case has faced numerous delays and legal complications, including issues stemming from previous torture during CIA custody, significantly complicating prosecution.

No Verdict: Twenty-Five Years On, the 9/11 “Trial of the Century” Still Hasn’t Started Read More