Topic: Mcclatchy

McClatchy reporter Greg Gordon defended a story claiming that Michael Cohen’s cell phone "pinged" in Prague, which would suggest Cohen lied about his travels and colluded with Russian officials. The report relies on four anonymous sources who allegedly received information from foreign intelligence agencies. Critics point out the lack of physical evidence or direct intercepts, comparing the story's reliance on hearsay to the controversial Steele dossier.

During an interview on MSNBC with Joy Reid, McClatchy reporter Greg Gordon admitted he has not personally seen the intercepts placing Michael Cohen in Prague. Gordon acknowledged the competitive nature of the news business influenced the timing of the report. The reliance on "sources who know government sources" is criticized as a sign of declining standards in established news organizations.

NPR reports on Alexander Torshin, a deputy governor of the Bank of Russia and Putin ally, who spent years cultivating ties with the NRA. Torshin reportedly attended every NRA convention between 2012 and 2016, meeting with high-level leadership and Donald Trump. The FBI is investigating whether Torshin illegally funneled money through the NRA to assist the Trump campaign. The hosts discuss the media's attempt to link the Russia investigation with the gun control debate.