Chris Wray got a few tough questions, but Senate, again, is ready to confirm an FBI director without real examination….--lawmakers seem committed to let FBI continue to operate above the law; in our interview later in the hour, Bill Binney notes that one appeals court has ruled that FBI national security letters are illegal
--transcript of Trump chat with reporters on Air Force One reveals his stream of consciousness, and it’s scary
--yesterday, we reported The Hill’s claim that Obama AG Loretta Lynch approved “immigration parole” for Russian lawyer, and Trump repeated it; it may be wrong
--wealthy GOP operator Peter Smith committed suicide after telling Wall Street Journal how he tried to acquire dirt on Clinton from hackers, including Russians
--Fusion GPS produced the Steele dossier while it was lobbying on behalf of Russia related to Magnitsky Act, its founder declines to testify to Senate committee
--right-wing Daily Caller replays Politico story about Clinton operative who got intelligence on Manafort from Ukraine officials
--in op-ed, Trevor Timm offers rational advice: don’t expect impeachment anytime soon
--on Facebook, my old friend and radio newsman, Dave Cooke, says I’ve “chosen the wrong side” on Trump/Russia scandal
--Jason Leopold reports on CIA Inspector General finding about 2009 data breach involving source code
--in unverified report bouncing around the web, retired CIA agent Malcom Howard says he helped blow up WTC building 7 on 9/11
--after initial deference to Supreme Court, federal judge in Hawaii expands the definitions of people excluded from travel ban and refugee ban
--annual reports shows big spike in greenhouse gases, but NOAA scientists appear to be gagged by Trump, won’t say it’s caused by human activity
--in California, Jerry Brown pops into hearing to demand extension of cap & trade plan with bills that favor oil companies and pre-empt local, regional regulation
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