Science & Tech
Why Fake News Spreads: A Neurological Explanation
The logical part of your brain really, really likes listening to the social part, which just wants to fit in.
Policy
GOP Lawmaker to FBI: Stop the Leaks in Russia Probe or Lose A Key Surveillance Tool
After top cop confirms investigating the Trump campaign, a House member threatens to hold investigatory powers hostage.
Science & Tech
US Army to Test Powerful New Truck-Mounted Laser ‘Within Months’
New solid-state lasers plus ever-more-powerful mobile generators brings directed energy weapons a big step closer to reality.
Science & Tech
Yahoo, Erectile Dysfunction Meds, and the Sloppy Future of Russian Spying
Two hackers hired by FSB agents started running side scams. Now Moscow has account data on half a billion Yahoo users.
Policy
Flynn, Turkey, and the Long Paper Trail Trump Missed
An Erdogan government insider had contracts with Flynn’s group going back to the campaign, documents filed by Trump’s former national security advisor’s firm show.
Science & Tech
As Missile Defense Technology Improves, So Do Odds of an Arms Race in the Pacific
Next year, the U.S. plans to deploy a shipboard interceptor to help protect Japan. China and Russia will not be amused.
Science & Tech
CIA Claims No Wrongdoing As Wikileaks Claims to Publish Thousands of Agency Files
The group says the 8,000-plus files detail the existence and function of key hacking tools.
Threats
Iraq Agreed to Share More Information With US to Avoid Travel Ban
Other countries will have a harder time pulling the same trick.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Advisers Want Cyber ‘Tiger Teams,’ More Authorities for Cyber Command
Pentagon advisers: We need more infrastructure cybersecurity. Congress: We want more election-hacking security.
Threats
UN Report Alleges Syrian War Crimes in Aleppo, Rebutting Russian Denials
The document backs up open-source and think-tank reporting on the Assad regime’s use of chlorine gas.
Science & Tech
Counter-Terror Chief: Expect Terrorist Drone Swarms 'Soon'
An upcoming competition will spotlight systems for downing enemy UAVs attacking solo or in groups.
Science & Tech
How Trump’s Immigrant Dragnet Might Catch Your Personal Data, Too
A DHS rule change aimed at undocumented immigrants could invade the personal privacy of fare more people than the ones they’re targeting.
Policy
How McMaster Could Change the Way the US Goes to War
How did Trump’s new National Security Advisor win over the President — and what changes might he make in his new role?
Science & Tech
The Man who led the Syrian Train-and-Equip Effort Wants A Cultural Translation App
The complex, delicate missions of today and tomorrow need a better way to bring fused intelligence to operators.
Policy
Will Trump Repeal Sanctions on Russia? A Conversation with an NSC Planner
We asked Kevin Harrington, deputy assistant to the president for strategic planning, whether he could square the mixed signals coming from the White House.
Science & Tech
For the US Army, 'Cyber War' Is Quickly Becoming Just 'War'
Combat brigades will soon head into firefights with cyber specialists…and possibly IT lawyers.
Science & Tech
Did Russia’s Election Meddling Break International Law? Experts Can’t Agree
Right now, that’s a gray area — and it’s hindering the U.S. response to influence operations.
Science & Tech
As Fighting Resumes, Ukraine Extends a Wary Hand to Washington
Past missteps and half-measures have undermined trust in the U.S, but commanders still say there are ways to help.
Science & Tech
Some DHS Employees Are Suspicious of 'Extreme Vetting'
The Department of Homeland Security has 30 days to figure out what "extreme vetting" means. Some DHS officials and counterterrorism experts find the concept dubious.
Science & Tech