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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
2 - Analysis / 3 - Investigations / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Welfare / Domestic Policy / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Institutions / Institutions & Accountability / Justice & Governance

The Same Tools

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The article examines how tactics for controlling partners in marriage are mirrored in family court environments, highlighting systemic failures to recognize and address coercive control. Through multiple cases, it illustrates how these controlling behaviors persist in legal proceedings, resulting in devastating outcomes for parents and children, often exacerbated by institutional biases and inadequate judicial training.

The Same Tools Read More
2 - Analysis / 3 - Investigations / Circuit Court / Civil Court / Civil Rights / Civil Rights / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Domestic Policy / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Institutions / Institutions & Accountability / Justice & Governance / Maryland / Maryland Watch

No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

An investigation reveals a significant accountability gap in Maryland’s family court system, where civil rights complaints against judges lack external oversight and transparency. Complaints filed are often sealed and unreported, leading to systemic noncompliance without recourse for litigants. This raises critical issues about judicial accountability and the structures that enable potential misconduct.

No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice Read More
3 - Investigations / Crime & Violence / Crime Violence / Domestic Policy / Five Years Later: The Donovon Lynch Shooting / Government / Government Accountability / Justice & Governance / Law Enforcement / Laws / Virginia / Virginia Watch

Chaos, Seconds, and a Fatal Shot

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On a chaotic night at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in March 2021, three shootings erupted within minutes. Amid sirens, crowds fleeing, and police rushing toward gunfire, Officer Solomon Simmons encountered 25-year-old Donovon Lynch — an innocent bystander walking back to his car. Seconds later Lynch was dead. Five years later, critical questions remain about what really happened in those final moments.

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Domestic Policy / Government / Health & Medical / Health Wellness / Health, Policy & Regulation / Justice & Governance / Mental Health / Public Health / Public Safety

Locked Up Instead of Helped: How America Is Failing Kids in Mental Health Crisis

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

An NPR investigation reveals a troubling trend where mentally ill children end up in juvenile detention due to a lack of available psychiatric treatment options. This crisis stems from decades of reduced psychiatric capacity and insufficient community care. Lawmakers must address this moral failure by expanding treatment options and rebuilding local support systems for vulnerable youth.

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Domestic Policy / Economy / Economy & Policy / Government / Government / Justice & Governance / Law and Order / Law Enforcement / Laws

$100 Million Fraud Case Highlights Scale—and Limits—of White-Collar Accountability

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A La Jolla couple faces charges in a federal fraud case allegedly involving over $100 million in losses. Prosecutors claim they misled investors with false promises, diverting funds for personal gain. This case highlights the significant impact of white-collar crime on everyday individuals and emphasizes the need for effective enforcement of existing laws.

$100 Million Fraud Case Highlights Scale—and Limits—of White-Collar Accountability Read More
Big Tech & Regulation / Business / Domestic Policy / Government / Policy / Tech / Technology / Technology

Artificial Intelligence and the Great Divergence: Promise, Power, and the Risk of a Split Economy

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The White House’s report, “Artificial Intelligence and the Great Divergence,” highlights AI’s potential to enhance productivity while increasing economic inequality. It acknowledges that gains may favor high-skilled workers and tech-dominant regions. The paper stresses the importance of U.S. AI leadership for national security and suggests careful policy interventions to avoid exacerbating disparities.

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Constitutional Law / Domestic Policy / Domestic Policy / Explainers / Government / Government / Government Power / Immigration / Judicial / Law & Courts / Law Enforcement / Lawfare & Intelligence / Laws / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Money & Incentives

Legal Risk Explainer: Federal Preemption and Funding Exposure in Local ICE Restrictions

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Local governments, like Montgomery County, face legal risks when restricting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, particularly regarding federal preemption and funding exposure. While they can non-cooperate, crossing into obstruction invites lawsuits and potential funding cuts. This situation underscores a national trend, affecting local jurisdictions’ autonomy and creating varied immigration enforcement across the country.

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Domestic Policy / Government / Government Accountability / Justice & Governance / Opinion / Politics / Voice

What Is Actually Happening in American Institutions Right Now (And Why Everyone Feels It)

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

American institutions are undergoing a fundamental shift, leading to rising distrust and frustration. Power has become centralized, with decisions made by distant systems rather than accountable actors, causing people to feel powerless and ignored. As this unfolds, alternative systems emerge, and calls for transparency grow, highlighting a critical moment for trust in governance.

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Domestic Policy / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Governor / Immigration / Law Enforcement / Politics / Politics & Power / Public Safety / Virginia

Spanberger Sworn In as Virginia’s First Female Governor, Quickly Reverses Youngkin Immigration Order

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

On January 17, 2026, Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated as Virginia’s first female governor after winning a decisive election. She swiftly enacted a “Day One” agenda, including reversing former Governor Youngkin’s immigration enforcement policy, arguing it impeded public safety. This marked a significant shift in Virginia’s political landscape towards progressive governance.

Spanberger Sworn In as Virginia’s First Female Governor, Quickly Reverses Youngkin Immigration Order Read More