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Child Protective Services / Child Welfare / Government / Judicial / Laws / Legislation / Legislation / Ohio / State Lawmakers / State Legislators

Ohio GOP Pushes Child-Care Camera Mandate, Exposing Divide Over Fraud Oversight

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Ohio Republican lawmakers are advancing a proposal to mandate video cameras in publicly funded child-care centers to enhance oversight and protect taxpayer funds. Supporters argue it enables better accountability amidst fraud concerns, while critics highlight privacy issues and financial burdens on providers. The discussion reflects broader tensions around government surveillance and public funding.

Ohio GOP Pushes Child-Care Camera Mandate, Exposing Divide Over Fraud Oversight Read More
Government / Government Accountability / Government Ethics & Accountability / National Affairs / Politics

$68 Million Medicaid Fraud Case Shows How National Safety-Net Programs Are Still Being Exploited

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A federal health care fraud case in New York highlights vulnerabilities in the Medicaid system, as two residents pleaded guilty to defrauding Medicaid of over $68 million. This fraud scheme involved recruiting beneficiaries and billing for non-existent services. Critics warn that without stronger enforcement, Medicaid remains susceptible to abuse, impacting taxpayer resources and patient care.

$68 Million Medicaid Fraud Case Shows How National Safety-Net Programs Are Still Being Exploited Read More
Accountability / Government / Government / Government Waste

Federal Workforce Shrinks to 2014 Levels: Efficiency Win or Risky Gamble?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The U.S. federal civilian workforce has decreased to 2.74 million, its lowest in over a decade, following significant job cuts in 2025, driven by various strategies including hiring freezes and buyouts. While proponents claim increases in efficiency and reduced waste, critics warn of negative impacts on specialized knowledge and service backlogs.

Federal Workforce Shrinks to 2014 Levels: Efficiency Win or Risky Gamble? Read More
Accountability / California / California Watch / Government / Government / Investigations / Public Records & Transparency

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom.

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Los Angeles and San Diego officials are withholding public records related to the prosecution of Giselle Farias Smiel, raising concerns about transparency and due process. Despite legal obligations under the California Public Records Act, agencies have issued denials and delays, undermining public trust and accountability in the justice system.

The Public Has a Right to Know Whether Government Agencies Followed the Law Before Taking Someone’s Freedom. Read More
Accountability / Child Custody / Child Protective Services / Child Welfare / Family Court / Family Court Reform / Family Values / Government / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Parental Rights / Politics / Public Safety / transparency

Half a Billion for Failure: Maryland’s Foster Care Expansion Ignores the Real Crisis

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland’s $465 million contract to expand foster care placements has raised concerns following an audit highlighting severe issues, including safety risks for children and excessive spending. Lawmakers are demanding accountability while the state’s response focuses on more contracts instead of addressing underlying family issues. The system appears to prioritize financial growth over child safety.

Half a Billion for Failure: Maryland’s Foster Care Expansion Ignores the Real Crisis Read More
Accountability / Board of Education / Education / Infrastructure / Infrastructure / Maryland / Montgomery County / Student Safety / Uncategorized

Montgomery County’s School Infrastructure Crisis: Fixing the Basics Before Funding the Buzzwords

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Montgomery County’s public briefing on its six-year Capital Improvements Program reveals significant infrastructure issues in schools, including aging facilities and massive repair backlogs. Despite buzzwords like “equity” and “transparency,” parents demand immediate action on critical problems like HVAC failures and mold rather than long-term plans lacking urgency and funding.

Montgomery County’s School Infrastructure Crisis: Fixing the Basics Before Funding the Buzzwords Read More
Fiscal Spending / Fiscal Spending / Government / Infrastructure / Infrastructure / Maryland / Public Safety / Transportation / Transportation

Maryland’s $21.5 Billion Transportation Plan: Big Spending, Old Problems

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Draft Consolidated Transportation Program for Fiscal Years 2026–2031 proposes a $21.5 billion budget aimed at improving safety and infrastructure. However, concerns arise about whether the spending will effectively address transportation challenges or merely support political agendas, as past investments have not yielded significant improvements.

Maryland’s $21.5 Billion Transportation Plan: Big Spending, Old Problems Read More
2026 Election Cycle / 2026 Elections Cycle / 2028 Elections Cycle / Accountability / Baltimore City / Crime & Violence / Democrats / Government / Government / Government Corruption / Government Waste / Governor / Maryland / Maryland Watch / Politics / The Corruption Series

Wes Moore’s Italian Getaway Raises Questions About Gifts, Priorities, and Accountability

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland Governor Wes Moore faces scrutiny for vacationing on George Clooney’s yacht in Italy amid unresolved crime issues in Baltimore. Critics question the funding of the trip and the lack of transparency, raising concerns about ethics and his leadership image. The optics contrast sharply with the struggles of Maryland families.

Wes Moore’s Italian Getaway Raises Questions About Gifts, Priorities, and Accountability Read More
Business / Frederick / Frederick County / Government / Hospitality / Maryland / Money and Finance / Politics / Taxes / Taxes and Fees

Luxury for the Few, Bills for the Rest: Maryland Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Frederick’s $100M Hotel Dream

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland Governor Wes Moore approved a $7.5 million grant for the Downtown Frederick Hotel and Conference Center, aiming to create a tourism hub. Critics argue this reinforces corporate welfare, using public funds amidst a $3 billion budget deficit. Local needs like roads and hospitals remain unmet while prioritizing luxury development.

Luxury for the Few, Bills for the Rest: Maryland Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Frederick’s $100M Hotel Dream Read More
Education / Education / Government / Government / Politics / Schools

UVA President Resigns Under Pressure—A Turning Point for Accountability in Higher Education

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The resignation of UVA President Jim Ryan on June 27, 2025, reflects a critical shift in addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in public universities. Ryan stepped down due to noncompliance with federal laws regarding DEI initiatives, highlighting the necessity for accountability in higher education and signaling a move towards prioritizing merit and intellectual diversity.

UVA President Resigns Under Pressure—A Turning Point for Accountability in Higher Education Read More