Today’s edition of quick hits:
* A heartbreaking disaster: “More than 1,000 people were feared dead in Mozambique four days after a cyclone slammed into the country, submerging entire villages and leaving bodies floating in the floodwaters, the nation’s president said.”
* Overdue scrutiny: “The United States transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, on Tuesday asked her agency’s internal watchdog to conduct an audit of the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of the Boeing 737 Max 8.”
* The latest on Cohen: “The investigation of Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s former lawyer, began at least nine months before federal agents raided his home and office, according to search warrants made public Tuesday.”
* The latest 5-4 decision: “The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday against a group of immigrants in a case about the government’s power to detain them after they’ve committed crimes but finished their sentences.”
* Filling in the blanks: “Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos and his allies have publicly speculated about how the National Enquirer acquired racy texts he sent to his girlfriend…. The reality is simpler: Michael Sanchez, the brother of Mr. Bezos’ lover, sold the billionaire’s secrets for $200,000 to the Enquirer’s publisher, said people familiar with the matter.”
* Change of plans at the DOJ: “Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein will stay at the Justice Department ‘a little longer,’ according to a senior department official.”
* I hope this doesn’t give Trump any ideas: “Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law which will allow the punishment of individuals and online media for spreading what Russia calls ‘fake news’ and information which ‘disrespects’ the state.”
* Again? “President Donald Trump doubled down on his criticism of the late Sen. John McCain on Tuesday, telling reporters that he ‘was never a fan’ of the Arizona lawmaker ‘and never will be.’” * Imagine that: “Facebook’s effort to establish a service that provides its users with local news and information is being hindered by the lack of outlets where the company’s technicians can find original reporting.” * A GOP state representative in Pennsylvania resigned yesterday, “days after a woman made a complaint to the state’s Republican caucus alleging that he sexually assaulted her in 2015 when she was blacked out.” 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
