“Several prominent Russians, some in President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle or high in the Russian Orthodox Church, now have been identified as having contact with National Rifle Association officials during the 2016 U.S. election campaign, according to photographs and an NRA source.” More …
Elections
Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats: Russia is Attempting to Influence US Midterms, Divide Transatlantic Alliance
“Coats said Russia had already undertaken an “unprecedented influence campaign to interfere in the US electoral and political process” in 2016. Russia, Coats pointed out, has also meddled in France, Germany, Norway, Spain, and Ukraine. “It is 2018, and we continue to see Russian targeting of American society in ways that could affect our midterm elections,” he said.” More …
Just in Time for Elections: White House Eliminates Top Cyber Adviser Post
“The Trump administration has eliminated the White House’s top cyber policy role, jettisoning a key position created during the Obama presidency to harmonize the government’s overall approach to cybersecurity policy and digital warfare.” More …
Cambridge Analytica dismantled for good? Nope: It just changed its name to Emerdata
“The company formerly known as Cambridge Analytica shocked the media today when it announced an immediate shutdown and liquidation of its business.That ‘shutdown,’ however, may be short-lived as official documents indicate those behind the controversial analytics company will be launching as a new firm with a less-toxic brand.” More …
Paul Ryan’s Move to Replace Election Agency Leader Stirs Outcry
“House Speaker Paul Ryan faced Democratic criticism Thursday after choosing not to renew the term of a federal agency head who has helped lead the charge on securing elections from hackers.” More …
The Republican Nightmare Is Just Beginning
“In 2018, party strategists fret, they’ll face a tough electoral landscape—and a bumper crop of fringe candidates.” More …
The Recruitables: Why Trump’s Team Was Easy Prey for Putin
“A former CIA officer looks at the personality traits that might have allowed Russian intelligence to manipulate key members of the president’s inner circle.” More …
How Facebook, Google and Twitter ’embeds’ helped Trump in 2016
“A study reveals employees the companies placed in the Trump campaign played a surprisingly active role in shaping its message and targeting voters.” More …
Report: Russian Lawyer Coordinated With Kremlin Before Trump Tower Meeting
Its starting to look a lot like collusion. More …
Rigged: How Voter Suppression Threw Wisconsin to Trump
” … and possibly handed Trump the whole election.” More …