Free Speech
Artificial Intelligence / Disability Rights / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / News & Media / Racism / Rights and Freedoms

From RAND to Rage: When a Researcher Can’t Handle Criticism

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Dr. Adejare Atanda, a RAND researcher, faces criticism for attacking an independent journalist using AI images instead of addressing arguments. His insults and decision to block the journalist suggest a lack of accountability. This behavior undermines RAND’s credibility and highlights a double standard in discourse between elites and independent creators.

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Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Education / Education / Free Speech / parental rights / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / Schools / Virginia / Virginia Watch

Loudoun County’s War on Privacy: How Policy 8040 and Title IX Are Being Weaponized Against Students

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Loudoun County has once again landed at the center of a national firestorm—this time for punishing two boys who expressed discomfort about sharing a locker room with a biological female identifying as male. Instead of disciplining the student who illegally recorded them, school officials branded the boys as Title IX violators, handing down suspensions and permanent marks on their records. With Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and now U.S. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon weighing in, this case could become a landmark battle over privacy, parental rights, and the misuse of Title IX.

Loudoun County’s War on Privacy: How Policy 8040 and Title IX Are Being Weaponized Against Students Read More
Free Speech / Government / Government / Governor / Maryland / Politics / Rights and Freedoms

Wes Moore Just Got a Constitutional Slapdown

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Governor Wes Moore’s administration faced scrutiny after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a gag rule linked to Maryland’s Digital Advertising Tax, exposing intentions to shield political accountability. This ruling highlighted the administration’s failure to maintain transparency, undermining Moore’s credibility as a leader committed to integrity and reform.

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Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Free Speech / Government / Government / Governor / Local News / Maryland / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / Taxes / Taxes and Fees

Maryland’s Digital Ad Tax Gag Rule Gets Smacked Down

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a Maryland law banning companies from disclosing a digital advertising tax to customers, affirming First Amendment rights. This ruling allows firms to transparently communicate price increases, holding politicians accountable. It highlights Maryland’s trend of imposing questionable taxes while restricting corporate speech.

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Accountability / bias / Corruption / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Misconduct / News & Media / Rights and Freedoms

Medium’s War on Independent Journalists: How the Platform Silences the Wrong Voices

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips laments Medium’s suppression of investigative journalism, detailing his experience of having his accounts abruptly suspended without explanation. He argues that the platform discriminates against serious topics like political corruption and family court issues, prioritizing corporate interests over independent reporting. This trend threatens freedom of the press and accountability.

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Accountability / Attorneys / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Corruption / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government Corruption / Judges / New York / New York Watch / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / The Corruption Series / The Last Free Press: How Substack Became a Crime Scene

The McMahon Machine: Where Feelings Are Felonies and Substack Is a Crime Scene

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Staten Island, free speech isn’t just under fire — it’s apparently a criminal offense. DA Mike McMahon, rattled by a Substack post that bruised his ego, is now treating satire like sabotage and dissent like a felony. If feelings are the new felony standard, we might need to build more jails — for writers, bloggers, and anyone with a spine. Welcome to McMahon’s America, where the Constitution takes a backseat to crybaby prosecution.

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Accountability / Attorneys / Civil Rights / Constitutional Rights / Corruption / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government Corruption / Judges / New York / New York Watch / Politics / Rights and Freedoms / The Last Free Press: How Substack Became a Crime Scene

The Ballad of Staten Island’s Fearless DA: Michael “Stranger Danger” McMahon

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael E. McMahon, Staten Island’s District Attorney, wields power in a troubling legal environment marked by alleged misconduct. Claims of abuse, campaign fraud, and familial connections to the judiciary highlight a system where justice is compromised. McMahon’s actions raise questions about ethics, accountability, and the meaning of free speech in Staten Island politics.

The Ballad of Staten Island’s Fearless DA: Michael “Stranger Danger” McMahon Read More
Attorneys / Corruption / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Government Corruption / New York / New York Watch / Rights and Freedoms / The Last Free Press: How Substack Became a Crime Scene

Free Speech Under Attack: Staten Island DA Issues Arrest Warrant Over Substack Email

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Staten Island DA Michael McMahon has issued an arrest warrant for Richard Luthmann, a disbarred attorney, over a Substack post deemed threatening. Critics argue this is an infringement on First Amendment rights and an abuse of power, raising concerns about political retaliation and the implications for free expression in America.

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Advocacy / Censorship / Constitutional Rights / Equality & Equal Opportunity / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / News & Media / Policy / Rights and Freedoms / Spotlight / Thunder Flash Reports

The Platform That Censors the Truth: How Medium Betrayed Its Writers and Silenced My Journalism

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Since 2020, journalist Michael Phillips used Medium as a platform for impactful writing on systemic injustice. After building a loyal audience and gaining traction, his account was suspended without explanation for supposedly violating rules. He criticizes Medium’s censorship as corporate control over journalism, urging a move to platforms that uphold free speech.

The Platform That Censors the Truth: How Medium Betrayed Its Writers and Silenced My Journalism Read More
Civil Rights / Constitutional Law / Constitutional Rights / Free Speech / Freedom of the Press / Opinion / Rights and Freedoms

Silenced Without Cause: How Medium Is Failing Journalists and Censoring Investigative Reporting

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Michael Phillips highlights the troubling suspension of his journalism account by Medium without clarity on policy violations. He argues that the platform’s vague moderation policies threaten accountability, particularly for independent journalists. Medium’s practices risk censoring vital investigative work, raising concerns about digital publishing’s commitment to free speech and transparency.

Silenced Without Cause: How Medium Is Failing Journalists and Censoring Investigative Reporting Read More