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2 - Analysis / California / Campaigns / Congress / Congress / Government / Misconduct / Money & Influence / Money and Finance / Politics / Swalwell Series / Washington, DC

The Mentor and the Money: What Eric Swalwell’s Campaign Finances Reveal About His Political Network

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress amid serious sexual misconduct allegations, including rape, from five women. Despite portraying former Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a mentor, financial records reveal only minimal support from her. His political ties appear more transactional, with local donors rather than prominent figures financing his campaigns.

The Mentor and the Money: What Eric Swalwell’s Campaign Finances Reveal About His Political Network Read More
2 - Analysis / California / Congress / Congress / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Media / Media & Influence / National News / News & Media / Politics / Swalwell Series

The Man on Cable News

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

For years, Eric Swalwell built a national profile as a defender of accountability and advocate for survivors. The record now emerging tells a more complicated story—one that raises deeper questions about power, image, and how accountability is applied in Washington.

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California / Congress / Congress / Democrats / democrats / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Swalwell Series

The Open Secret

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

For years, it was an open secret in Washington. The real story isn’t just what happened — it’s what Congress chose to keep hidden.

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2 - Analysis / California / Campaigns / Congress / Congress / Corruption / Dead Reckoning / democrats / Democrats / Elections / Government / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Politics / Politics / Politics & Power / Swalwell Series

After Swalwell: The Confluence

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Swalwell situation in California exemplifies the intersection of political accountability and electoral strategy. While serious allegations against him prompted a swift Democratic response, the urgency was fueled by the state’s top-two primary system, threatening the party’s viability. Swalwell’s removal may consolidate Democratic support, reshaping the gubernatorial race.

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2 - Analysis / California / Congress / Congress / Government / Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / Government Watch / Institutions & Accountability / Politics / Swalwell Series

The 24-Hour Demolition

- by Michael Phillips - 1 Comment

A rising political career didn’t unravel over months — it collapsed in a single weekend. This analysis examines how power, pressure, and party machinery moved with unusual speed.

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3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Child Custody / Child Custody / Child Trafficking / Child Welfare / Court Corruption / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Government / Institutions / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Series / The Reichert Files / The Shadow Docket of Reichert v. Hornbeck

The 90-Day Order: How an Unprecedented Custody Decision Became Invisible Law

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In February 2022, Judge Alison L. Asti ordered Jeffrey Reichert to have no contact with his son, G.R., for ninety days, disrupting their long-established custody. The unreported appellate opinion overlooked crucial case history, raising concerns about judicial consistency and transparency in contested custody cases involving allegations of parental alienation.

The 90-Day Order: How an Unprecedented Custody Decision Became Invisible Law Read More
3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Anne Arundel County / Appellate Court / Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Civil Rights / Court Corruption / Court Reform / Domestic Violence / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Protective Orders / The Reichert Files / The Shadow Docket of Reichert v. Hornbeck

The Standard Nobody Published: Maryland’s Amended Protective Order Law, Eight Years Without a Reported Case

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A Maryland custody case once made law. Then, over six years and five more appeals, Reichert v. Hornbeck generated a body of unreported family-law rulings that resolved recurring questions but never entered the state’s published precedent. This article examines what that means for litigants, lawyers, and the public.
Grounded in the article’s opening and its explanation of the five unreported opinions and their impact.

The Standard Nobody Published: Maryland’s Amended Protective Order Law, Eight Years Without a Reported Case Read More
3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Anne Arundel County / Baltimore City / Baltimore County / Court Corruption / Family Court Reform / Institutions / Legal Reform / Maryland / Maryland Watch / The Reichert Files / The Shadow Docket of Reichert v. Hornbeck / Virginia

Five Appeals, No Precedent: How One of Maryland’s Most Litigated Custody Cases Disappeared Into the Shadows

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In 2013, the Maryland custody case Reichert v. Hornbeck set legal precedents but generated five unreported opinions that became invisible in family law discussions. These opinions addressed crucial issues like protective orders and child support yet lacked publication, highlighting systemic transparency problems in Maryland’s family law, affecting future cases significantly.

Five Appeals, No Precedent: How One of Maryland’s Most Litigated Custody Cases Disappeared Into the Shadows Read More
3 - Investigations / 4 - Cases / Brenna Gano Case / California / California Watch / Court Corruption / Family Court Reform / Institutions / The California Custody Cartel

Inside the California Custody Cartel

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Brenna Gano’s experience in California’s family court highlights a troubling system where justice is influenced by financial interests. Misled and pressured into signing agreements, she faced excessive costs and neurological biases that labeled her as unstable. Her case exemplifies a broader pattern of exploitation for profit within family court practices, jeopardizing families’ well-being.

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1 - Now / The Schaefer Files / Updates

Update: Follow the Money Series Expands as Data Raises New Questions

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The investigation into federal adoption incentives is broadening, revealing over $1 billion in bonuses and $52 billion in Title IV-E funding. Key findings include decreased foster care caseloads and increased adoption payments. Riptide Investigations is examining state funding patterns, policy changes, and the effectiveness of financial incentives in achieving child welfare goals.

Update: Follow the Money Series Expands as Data Raises New Questions Read More