From the Community: Murdoch hacking update, Ron Paul, and New York rainfall

We're taking a look at some of the most popular stories from the Current community, and we've rounded up some highlights to share. Check them out and add your two cents:

New Evidence of Cover-up in Murdoch Hacking Scandal
Submitted by chew_chew

A newly released document from former News of the World staffer Clive Goodman states that phone hacking was indeed "widely discussed" at editorial meetings.

In a 2007 letter addressed to the paper's HR department, former royal correspondent Clive Goodman said he acted "with the full knowledge and support" of other senior journalists. "This practice was widely discussed in the daily editorial conference, until explicit reference to it was banned by [Andy Coulson]," said the paper's former editor, who went on to serve as an aide to prime minister David Cameron. Tom Watson, who questioned Rupert and James Murdoch last month, called the letter "absolutely devastating" to their defense.

"Clive Goodman's letter is the most significant piece of evidence that has been revealed so far," said Watson. "It completely removes News International's defense. This is one of the largest cover-ups I have seen in my lifetime." Goodman's letter can be seen in full here.

Our community offer its thoughts:

wynnmeg61: "This is interesting, not a bit surprising though. However, if you think that the Murdochs or their empire will suffer any legal consequences, you are dreaming. Rupert has entirely too much power, and frankly too much dirt on others, to have to face any consequences."

Vic_Romano: "I just hope that people keep digging. Not only do I want to see News Corp. totally destroyed, but I'd like to see the other corporate media outlets dismantled as well."

EdJoyProductions: "I would have been more surprised if there was no evidence of a cover up. I would like to think more heads will roll but these things have way of fixing themselves when billionaires are involved. There will probably be some more sacrificial lambs but it will probably not effect the Murdoch empire significantly."

Ron Paul Breaks With Mitt Romney: ‘People Are Individuals…Not Companies’
Submitted by Dagum

Republican Congressman Ron Paul of Texas spoke out against Mitt Romney's view that "corporations are people." 

"Obviously they’re not. People are individuals, they’re not groups and they’re not companies. Individuals have rights, they’re not collective. You can’t duck that. So individuals should be responsible for corporations, but they shouldn’t be a new creature, so to speak. Rights and obligations should be always back to the individual."

New York sees record one day rainfall and flooding
Submitted by JanforGore

New York just recorded the all-time record for a one-day rainfall Sunday. As much as 8 inches of rain drenched the city, caused power outages, flooded streets and disrupted trains.

"The normal rainfall for all of August in New York is 4 inches - which means the city was socked with two months worth of rain in a single day."

"This is what you would expect in a major hurricane," said Steve Wistar, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather."

The community shares its struggles with the erratic weather conditions:

coolplanet: "We are the same way in here in western Pennsylvania. Actually the entire Appalachian region from Georgia to Maine is the most stable landmass on Earth because it is the oldest mountain chain. The oldest rivers run here. Our hills were once higher than the Himalayan mountains millions of years ago."

lazloman: "We had the rainiest July ever in Chicago this year, with most of that rain coming after the 21st. The 9 inches we had on the 23rd, is second rainiest day on record."

Join the discussion -- or head over to the Community page for more popular stories from the community.