Rio de Janeiro state acting Gov. Francisco Dornelles yesterday warned that the Rio Games "could be a 'big failure,' because of budget shortfalls that threaten to compromise security and mobility" during the Games, according to Jenny Barchfield of the AP. Dornelles said that the state "is still awaiting" an $860M payout from the federal government "aimed at shoring up state coffers ahead of the Aug. 5-21 event." He said, "I'm optimistic about the games, but I have to show reality. We can have a great Olympics, but if some steps aren't taken, it can be a big failure" (AP, 6/27). USA TODAY's Kevin Johnson notes U.S. intelligence officials now "are warning Americans" traveling to the Games and other destinations abroad that proprietary information stored on electronic devices "is at high risk for theft by spies and cyber criminals who are increasingly targeting global events as troughs rich in valuable intelligence." The U.S. government today "is launching a multimedia campaign" to advise travelers of the increasing threat (USA TODAY, 6/28). Meanwhile, USA TODAY's Taylor Barnes notes the state of public security 38 days before the Games "is hardly what Rio imagined when it embarked on what were once well-regarded reform projects." Rio will put 85,000 security agents "on its streets for the Games, including 38,000 members of the armed forces responsible for securing roadways" (USA TODAY, 6/28).
