Extra, Extra

Different Hoax for Different Folks: Over and over we were told that Russian interference in our elections was just a hoax. A “new indictment reinforces that it wasn’t. Russia began trying to influence American politics a decade ago, ultimately finding a sympathetic ally in Donald Trump. Now, instead of trying to make fake personalities who can elevate contentious issues to Russia’s benefit, there’s a stable of Trump-allied voices who already are.” WaPo (Gift Article): A new reminder that Russian interference was never a ‘hoax‘. “It just succeeded in a way that Russia could never have predicted.” (Funny how the people calling everyone a communist were actually spreading messages from the Russians.) More from AP: Right-wing influencers were duped to work for covert Russian influence operation, US says. And from the NYT, a specific case that helps to explain how these influence campaigns work: Activists Charged With Pushing Russian Propaganda Go on Trial in Florida.

+ Case Scenario: “I understand that there is an election … I’ve said before … that the electoral process and the timing of the election … is not relevant here. The court is not concerned with the electoral schedule.” The Trump election interference case is back in session (and back to what will be a long, long path toward a trial – if one ever happens).

+ Cheney Reaction: “As a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this. Because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting for Kamala Harris.” Republican Liz Cheney endorses Kamala Harris. The backing of Harris by some prominent GOP officials is one of the more welcome signs in this election. But it’s beyond comprehension that this is still the exception to the GOP rule.

+ Phoenix Rising: Phoenix, Arizona, hits its 100th consecutive day of 100F weather. (I could never take this. If I don’t hear fog horns for a few hours, I panic.)

+ Does This Register? “The move escalates Texas Republicans’ brewing fight with urban counties over initiatives to proactively send applications to unregistered voters.” Ken Paxton sues Bexar County over voter registration outreach effort. (Rule: Vote for people who want people to vote.)

+ Hand to Forehand Combat: Aryna Sabalenka has the loudest grunt/scream in tennis. And it works. At the US Open, she’s been hitting forehands at speeds faster than anyone else on either side of the draw.

+ Dog Bytes: According to a recent study, dogs can remember names of toys years after not seeing them.