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2 - Analysis / 2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / Elections / elections / Elections & Democracy / Politics

USPS Finalizes New Mail-Ballot Tracking Rules — Now Voting Groups Want a Judge to Stop Them Again

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. Postal Service has finalized a rule regarding mail-in and absentee ballots for federal elections, requiring standardized preparation and tracking. This rule, which does not determine voter eligibility, faces legal challenges due to an existing injunction. The outcome may impact mail voting in the upcoming November midterms.

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2 - Analysis / Artificial Intelligence / Artificial Intelligence / Business / Data Centers / Dead Reckoning / Jobs / Media / News & Media / Technology / Technology

The Vacancy Behind the Anchor Desk

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Recent industry shifts show how AI is justifying job cuts in newsrooms, music, and freelance writing. Major companies like E.W. Scripps have reduced staff citing AI-driven efficiencies, while music platforms face declining payouts due to increased AI-generated content. This trend raises questions about accountability and the real motivations behind layoffs.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Elections / elections / Politics

The Odds Are Everywhere Now. Are They Any Good?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket present real-time odds on elections, raising questions about their accuracy and legal status. While some studies suggest they may predict outcomes comparably to polls, biases and the influence of large traders complicate interpretation. Legal battles are ongoing, affecting their future operations.

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2 - Analysis / Business / Business / Business & Markets / Business Growth / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Economy & Policy / Jobs

The Private Sector Grew. Government Shrank. The Headline Blurred Both.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, primarily due to a 53,000 decrease in local government employment, particularly in education. However, private payrolls rose by 30,000. This complex picture indicates a cooling labor market, with misleading headline statistics overshadowing the nuances of private sector growth and labor force participation decline.

The Private Sector Grew. Government Shrank. The Headline Blurred Both. Read More
2 - Analysis / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Dead Reckoning / Government / Immigration / National Affairs / Politics / Supreme Court / Supreme Court

Dead Reckoning: After Barbara, Trump Charts a Narrower Course on Citizenship

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

President Trump signed two executive orders targeting commercial birth tourism and tightening citizenship eligibility for children of foreign enemies. This move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling asserting that children born in the U.S. are automatically citizens, despite their parents’ immigration status. The orders aim to enforce existing regulations with more rigor.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Government / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Public Health

The Forecast Outlives the Fame

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article compares two historical figures, Col. Irving P. Krick and Group Capt. James Stagg, who provided competing weather forecasts during WWII. It parallels their experiences to Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent Senate hearing, exploring the relationship between fame and expertise. Both stories highlight how public perception can overshadow scientific accuracy.

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2 - Analysis / Business / Business / Business & Markets / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Tech / Technology / Technology

The iPhone Now Comes With a Credit Check

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Apple has launched the Apple Upgrade leasing program, replacing its previous financing options. This program requires a credit check and excludes the cheapest models, potentially disadvantaging those who need affordable payments. By partnering with Klarna to manage risk, Apple shifts financial responsibility while presenting the program as a lower-cost alternative amid expected price increases.

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2 - Analysis / Dead Reckoning / Government / Intelligence & National Security / National Affairs / National News / National Policy / National Security / Politics / Politics

What the Documents Actually Say — And Why Nobody Wanted to Hear It

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips reviews the implications of declassified documents following President Trump’s speech on election security. While some claims in the speech are substantiated, others are exaggerated or misconstrued. The central argument—that China aimed to influence the 2020 election—contradicts intelligence assessments, highlighting discrepancies between presented narratives and actual judgments.

What the Documents Actually Say — And Why Nobody Wanted to Hear It Read More
2 - Analysis / Congress / Congress / Dead Reckoning / Government / National Affairs / National News / Politics / South Carolina

The Man Who Was The Process: What Lindsey Graham’s Death Actually Breaks

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Lindsey Graham’s death has left a significant void in the Senate, impacting ongoing legislative efforts, particularly regarding Russia sanctions and tax cuts. His unique relationships with Trump and Zelenskyy were critical in navigating these issues. His successor will lack the trust and accumulated influence necessary to continue such negotiations effectively.

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2 - Analysis / Business of Sports / Dead Reckoning / Economy / Economy & Policy / Family Court / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Health & Medical / Health, Policy & Regulation / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Sports

The Access Tax: How America Privatized the Cost of Belonging

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. sports, legal, and healthcare systems increasingly burden families financially, as seen in soccer and custody costs. While Europe typically subsidizes these expenses, the U.S. places the financial risk on households, leading to barriers based on socioeconomic status. This structural inequity permeates various sectors, reflecting deeper systemic issues.

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