For the second time in a week, House Republicans blocked a resolution aiming to release the “Epstein Files,” despite continued pressure from some of President Trump’s supporters. This time, Democrats, led by Congressman McGovern, attempted to attach a bipartisan resolution, sponsored by a Republican and a Democrat, to a rescissions bill, which would have made the files public, excluding sensitive information. However, the amendment failed along party lines, with Republicans voting it down. This followed a non-binding resolution introduced by the Republican majority, which would only request the release of the files rather than mandate it.
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Senator Ron Wyden, a senior Democrat, reported viewing confidential Epstein files from the Trump administration. These files reveal approximately $1.5 billion in wire transfers to and from Epstein’s accounts, involving thousands of transactions with undisclosed associates. The Senator, who has been investigating Epstein’s finances for three years, raised concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of the case, particularly in light of its recent decision to close the investigation. Wyden’s statements were made as Republicans resisted releasing the findings of a related investigation into the late sex offender.
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Investigative journalists have identified Dr. Ilya Sorokin as the alleged perpetrator of torture against Ukrainian prisoners of war at Penal Colony No. 10 in Mordovia, Russia. Sorokin, nicknamed “Dr. Evil,” reportedly subjected detainees to beatings, stun gun use, humiliation, and denied medical care. These prisoners endured grueling conditions, including forced standing for extended periods, constant exposure to Russian patriotic songs, and coerced recitations of the Russian national anthem, with at least 177 soldiers experiencing severe physical and psychological abuse. Sadly, at least four prisoners died during this period.
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Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was targeted in a police raid on Friday, with the Supreme Court imposing restrictions including an ankle monitor, a ban on contact with foreign officials, and social media usage limitations. These measures were taken due to concerns he might flee the country amid his trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election results. Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo, was also accused of conspiring to impose sanctions on Brazilian officials. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump threatened Brazil with tariffs, linking it to Bolsonaro’s trial, which has drawn criticism from current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who stated the judiciary is independent.
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Senators Adam Schiff and Elizabeth Warren have requested information from CBS regarding the cancellation of “The Late Show” with Stephen Colbert, suspecting potential political motivations. The senators’ inquiry aims to uncover any undue influence that may have led to the show’s removal from the network. This follows mounting speculation about the circumstances surrounding the show’s potential departure. The investigation seeks transparency into CBS’s decision-making process.
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The European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia, described as one of the strongest to date, in response to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Key components of the package include lowering the price cap on Russian oil, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” and imposing restrictions on the Russian banking system and Nord Stream gas pipelines. Additionally, the sanctions extend to the Russian defense and finance sectors, entities involved in indoctrinating Ukrainian children, and tighten restrictions on oil product imports via third-party countries. President Zelensky and other European leaders have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of applying pressure to Russia.
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In El Salvador, a growing exodus of journalists, activists, and human rights advocates is taking place due to the increasingly authoritarian government of President Nayib Bukele. This exodus is spurred by targeted harassment, threats, and the implementation of laws designed to silence dissent and criminalize criticism. The situation has worsened with the U.S. government’s collaboration with Bukele, who is seen as part of a global network of right-wing leaders employing similar tactics to consolidate power and suppress opposition, especially anyone critical of his administration. Facing no recourse in a system that has no guarantees of justice, these individuals are fleeing the country, hoping to continue their work from abroad while also advocating for the freedom of those who remain imprisoned.
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Brazil police serve search warrants against former President Bolsonaro. This news certainly has a lot of people talking, and the initial reaction seems to be a mix of satisfaction and anticipation. There’s a clear sense that this action is a direct response to how some feel about certain individuals and their actions. It’s also interesting how the situation in Brazil is being viewed through the lens of American politics and the potential implications for figures like Trump.
Brazil police serve search warrants against former President Bolsonaro. The details of the investigation are emerging. Reports indicate that the warrants were executed at Bolsonaro’s home and the headquarters of his Liberal Party.… Continue reading
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming is alleged to have had child exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices, which has been revealed after a court dismissed an application to prevent media reporting on the nature of the objectionable material. McSkimming resigned from his position in May amidst separate investigations into alleged misconduct. A “rapid review” of police’s information security controls was ordered after the investigation into McSkimming, identifying several key issues, including weaknesses in technology configuration, lack of visibility over user activity, and gaps in governance. No notice of appeal was filed after the court’s decision, leading to the release of this information.
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On July 17, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reportedly launched a cyberattack against Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, causing significant disruptions. The attack allegedly targeted systems used by Gazprom and its subsidiaries, which Ukraine claims support the Russian war effort. The operation resulted in the destruction of data, the installation of damaging software, and the disabling of internal systems for thousands of administrators across hundreds of subsidiaries. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, and neither Gazprom nor Russian authorities have commented publicly.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood