Today’s edition of quick hits:
* Can we have another chat about Trump’s unsecured phones? “A federal study found signs that surveillance devices for intercepting cellphone calls and texts were operating near the White House and other sensitive locations in the Washington area last year.”
* He really shouldn’t have done this: “With a Friday morning tweet spotlighting confidential job numbers, President Donald Trump again broke with long-standing protocol designed to prevent investors from getting an early indication of the latest round of monthly figures.”
* Spain: “Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain lost a no-confidence vote on Friday, ousting one of Europe’s longest-serving leaders from office over a major corruption scandal within his conservative party.”
* Richard Gerson: “A close friend of Jared Kushner has come under scrutiny by Special Counsel Robert Mueller for his proximity to some key meetings between Trump associates and foreign officials, according to five people familiar with the matter.”
* An update for those keeping track of Scott Pruitt’s many controversies: “EPA’s Pruitt spent $1,560 on 12 customized fountain pens from Washington jewelry store.”
* A worthwhile policy: “Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday signed into law a bill that will require all New Jersey residents to have health coverage or pay a penalty, making the state the second in the country to enact an individual health insurance mandate.” * Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy (D), meanwhile, yesterday hosted a ceremony where he “signed a bill banning bump stocks into law.” * And speaking of governors signing notable measures into law: “Hours before he was to leave office, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens on Friday signed into law a measure that makes it a crime to try to blackmail a person using a private sexual image — the same allegation that led to his downfall.” Anything to add? Consider this an open thread.
Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MS NOW political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past." Recommended
