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PBC News & Comment: Is Russian Hacking Story Latest “War of the Worlds”?

Like Orson Welles’ 1938 radio drama, “War of the Worlds”, US media generate hysteria—with no evidence—around “Russian hacking”….–in 25-page report, NY Times adds new details and timeline of events, but cites no new evidence from its anonymous intelligence sources

–based on the same information, and no evidence, Times also claims that Congressional races were interfered with, too

–at The Intercept, Sam Biddle combs through the reports, finds major lack of evidence, especially to support US retaliation against Russia

–curiously, the Director of National Intelligence, proven perjurer James Clapper, has not endorsed CIA assessment leaked last week

–in my latest in-depth interview, Vice reporter Jason Leopold also challenges the evidence-free assertions, and in this excerpt, comments on the fate of Senate’s CIA torture review

–Leopold’s latest FOIA suits demand FBI release records on Clinton email investigation, FBI internal dissension, and FBI contacts with Breitbart “News”

–in separate suit, NY Judge orders FBI to produce any warrants issued to Anthony Weiner for his laptop

–on Monday, Ninth Circuit appeals court in San Francisco heard arguments in war crimes case against Bush, covered only by Daily Kos and Russia’s Sputnik

–in Ohio, Gov. Kasich vetoes “fetal heartbeat” abortion ban, and signs 20-week ban with limited exception

–in last gasp, Obama administration issues rules to bar states from withholding federal money from Planned Parenthood

–2 versions of EPA report on drinking water contamination from fracking: Shadowproof and AP

–as Syria claims victory in Aleppo, IS retakes Palmyra and nearby chemical weapon attack is reported

–the beleaguered city of Oakland is being shaken down by the NFL Raiders, again, and pledges $250 million in cash and property to keep the team

New report shows that pubic hair groomers get more STD’s