Home » 2 - Analysis

2 – Analysis
2 - Analysis / 3 - Investigations / Dead Reckoning / Energy / Energy / Environment / Environmental Justice / Government / Judicial / Lawfare & Intelligence / Laws / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

A Brooding Federal Interest

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Supreme Court will hear Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, a significant climate case affecting fossil fuel companies. The Court must determine if federal law prevents Boulder from pursuing state tort claims against these firms for climate-related damages. The case touches upon critical issues of state versus federal authority and potential implications for similar lawsuits nationwide.

A Brooding Federal Interest Read More
2 - Analysis / Big Tech & Regulation / Business / Dead Reckoning / Domestic Policy / Domestic Policy / Economy & Policy / Energy / Energy / Government / Government / National Policy / Policy / Politics / Tech / Technology / Technology

Bring Your Own Power

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Senate stalled the Ratepayer Protection Act, which aimed to make major tech companies bear the costs of grid upgrades they trigger. While the bill passed the House overwhelmingly, it failed to gain sufficient support in the Senate. The debate highlights political divisions over rising energy costs and the impact of data centers on utility bills.

Bring Your Own Power Read More
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.

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

What Actually Counts Toward the FBI’s Riptide Numbers Read More
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.

The Hike Nobody in the White House Wanted Read More
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.

When the Pool Closes, Everyone Gets Out of the Water Read More
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.

Two Coasts, One Ceiling Read More
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.

The Brotherhood That Would Not Break Read More
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.

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

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