PBC News & Comment: Was Beirut Blast an Accident, or Attack?

Megablast that leveled Beirut’s port is attributed to huge stock of ammonium nitrate—but was ignition an “attack”, as Trump suggested?...--Israel often prefers ambiguity, but has issued denial, as Trump said “our great generals” think it could’ve been an attack
--Tikun Olam blogger Richard Silverstein says a high-level Israeli source claims the blast was caused by Israel, trying to hit Hezbollah arms cache
--yesterday, your humble host wasn’t alone in noticing Trump’s schizy position on mail-in ballots: OK in Florida, not in Nevada
--in postponed primary elections, mostly conducted by mail, progressives post some wins, and Kris Kobach is vanquished in Kansas
--but to date, only 7 incumbent House members have lost primaries
--Sen. Lindsey Graham hammers former acting AG Sally Yates over Flynn investigation
--Sen. Ted Cruz repeatedly lies about Oakland murder of federal security guard, blaming antifa instead of Boogaloo
--last night, Portland police declared a riot after minor clash at their police union HQ
--feds now owe Portland $584,000 for erected unpermitted fence
--Seattle mayor and police chief try to talk Council out of more police cuts
--Facebook removes or flags false claims made in ads, except for Trump
--our daily Covid-19 update, edited by Linda Lewis; get more info on blood clots and strokes here
--data system glitch in California undercounts Covid cases
--insurance companies are denying claims for “business interruption” policyholders
--the latest State Department inspector general has quit
--Wall Street Journal reports Saudis have built facility to process yellowcake uranium, with help from China
--Pence’s former chief of staff and Don Jr. join enviros seeking to block gold mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska
--MSNBC producer Ariana Pekary quits and criticizes the network for its distorted content