Microsoft Uncovers More Russian Hacking Ahead of Midterms

(AP) Microsoft has uncovered new Russian hacking efforts targeting U.S. political groups ahead of the midterm elections. The company said Tuesday that a group tied to the Russian government created fake websites that appeared to spoof two American conservative organizations: the Hudson Institute and the International Republican Institute. Three other fake sites were designed to…

National GOP Reluctant To Weigh In On Trump’s Russia Swirl

By STEVE PEOPLES Associated Press AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — There was no sign of shock or outrage in the hotel hallways and conference rooms where Republican officials gathered to discuss party business even as politicians on both sides and foreign policy experts fretted about President Donald Trump’s cozy relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The…

Senators Aim To Force Vote On Russia Resolution

WASHINGTON (AP) —Two senators will try to force a vote Thursday on their resolution backing the U.S. intelligence community’s finding that Russia intervened in the 2016 election and commending the Justice Department for bringing charges against Russian officials. Arizona Republican Jeff Flake and Delaware Democrat Chris Coons introduced the bipartisan resolution amid fallout from President…

DOJ: Russians Stole Info on 500,000 US Voters

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the special counsel’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election (all times local): 12:30 p.m. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein says that Russian intelligence agents stole information on 500,000 U.S. voters after hacking a state U.S. election board. The allegation was part of new charges Rosenstein announced against…

Trump Threatens Syria Strike, Suggests Russia Shares Blame

By ROBERT BURNS, ZEKE MILLER and MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Promising a decision within hours, President Donald Trump threatened a military strike against Syria and declared on Monday that Russia or any other nation found to share responsibility for Saturday’s apparent chemical weapons attack on civilians will “pay a price.” The White House…

WH Involvement In Bannon Testimony Shows ‘Privilege’ Dispute

By TOM LoBIANCO, ZEKE MILLER and CHAD DAY, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s White House is relying on a sweeping interpretation of executive privilege that is rankling members of Congress on both sides of the aisle as current and former advisers parade to Capitol Hill for questioning about possible connections with Russia. The…

President Trump’s Nuclear Strategy Seeks New Weapons To Counter Russia

By ROBERT BURNS, AP National Security Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — With Russia in mind, the Trump administration is aiming to develop new nuclear firepower that it says will make it easier to deter threats to European allies. The plan, not yet approved by President Donald Trump, is intended to make nuclear conflict less likely. Critics argue…