Aug 9, 2017

Trump endorses McConnell-backed candidate in Senate primary

Axios

The president has offered his endorsement to Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who replaced Jeff Sessions earlier this year and has the backing of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a 3-way primary that could end in a runoff:

Of note: One of Strange's opponents, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), has hit him for being tied to McConnell. Brooks quote to Breitbart: "Well, it's quite clear that Luther Strange, if he wins, will be because of loyalties to Mitch McConnell."

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Margaret Harding McGill

Trump administration backs Oracle in Google fight

Photo illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios. Photo via The Washington Post.

The Trump administration is siding with Oracle in the database giant's dispute with Google before the Supreme Court — a move that comes as Oracle's founder hosts a high-dollar fundraiser for the president.

Why it matters: Billions of dollars — and, Google argues, the future of software innovation — are at stake as a long-running copyright dispute between the two giant companies heads to the Supreme Court next month.

Go deeperArrow2 mins ago - Technology
Kia Kokalitcheva

Established VCs turn to "super angels" to grow their network

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

Thanks to companies like AngelList and Carta that make it easier than ever to set up small VC funds, a new generation of so-called “super angels” is cropping up — and established venture funds are backing them.

Why it matters: Just like the boom in scout programs a number of years ago, it’s all about the deal flow.

Go deeperArrow5 mins ago - Economy & Business
Jonathan Swan

Scoop: Top NSC official reassigned to Energy Department amid "Anonymous" fallout

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates will be reassigned as a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, the National Security Council said Thursday — and a senior White House official said that the administration "rejects" the rumors that she is "Anonymous."

Why it matters: Coates has battled claims that she is the still-unknown Trump administration official that penned a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump.

Go deeperArrow1 hour ago - Politics & Policy