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Good evening, everyone. Todd Blanche’s confirmation is in jeopardy as another Epstein survivor prepares to testify before Congress. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed a massive spending package, with six Democrats joining Republicans to approve legislation that includes a provision supporting U.S.-Israeli military cooperation. This comes as Trump considers bombing an eighth country and grants Saudi Arabia a pathway that critics warn could enable it to obtain a nuclear weapon. In West Virginia, a Republican state lawmaker has also been arrested on a federal charge of enticing a minor through Roblox. Our next paid-subscriber livestream is tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET. The link is here. I truly look forward to the day when we are no longer trapped in this relentless news cycle. Not because of politics, but because I know how emotionally draining and exhausting it has become for so many of you. I read your messages, and I know some people have even unsubscribed because it all feels overwhelming. But I also see this community making a difference every day. Together, we are reaching millions of people without the support of a single billionaire. Every subscription, share, and message of support helps us cut through the noise and hold those in power accountable. If you are able, please subscribe today and help us continue this work.
Here’s the news: The House passed the $1.15 trillion fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act by a vote of 216–212. The bill authorizes military pay raises of 5% to 7%, expanded weapons production, and investments in missile defense, autonomous systems, and hypersonic technology. Section 219 creates a Pentagon official responsible for expanding defense research, testing, production, and technology cooperation with Israel. Critics warn that this structure could entrench Israel within the U.S. defense supply chain, while supporters say it strengthens existing cooperation without merging command structures. The measure also contains restrictions on gender-affirming care, looser rules for carrying personal firearms on military installations, and provisions renaming the Defense Department the Department of War. Six Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting final passage, while seven Republicans voted against it. Thomas Massie, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ro Khanna, Jim McGovern, Jesús “Chuy” García, and Rashida Tlaib were among those opposing Section 219 or seeking its removal. The bill authorizes spending but does not provide the money itself, and its future remains uncertain in the Senate.
Iran War: Donald Trump claimed, without offering evidence, that four U.S. soldiers whose remains were returned at Dover Air Force Base strongly supported his position that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon. The White House did not explain how Trump knew the views of Tyler James Feehan, Isabella Gonzales, Angel S. Rampersad, and Michael Emmanuel Swinton, who were killed in attacks in Jordan and Iraq. His remarks followed a Truth Social post comparing the war’s 18 American military deaths with the much larger death tolls in Vietnam and Korea, drawing accusations that he was minimizing the casualties.
 Trump also disputed evidence that Americans broadly oppose the war, although recent polling indicates about 58% are opposed and only 34% are supportive. The nearly five-month conflict has reportedly killed at least 18 U.S. troops and 3,000 people in Iran, wounded roughly 500 Americans, and cost U.S. taxpayers $37.5 billion, with the administration requesting another $67 billion. Trump threatened to destroy one Iranian bridge or power plant every time Iran attacks a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi promised an “eye for an eye” response to any strike on the country’s infrastructure. Iran’s military warned that carrying out Trump’s threat would expand the war across the region and possibly beyond it. Tehran also threatened to halt all Gulf oil shipments and attack regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic infrastructure. Iranian officials argued that if their country cannot export oil, no other producer in the region will be allowed to do so.
The U.S. completed its 11th consecutive night of attacks on Iran, striking aircraft hangars and drone-storage facilities as ceasefire efforts continued to collapse. An American missile also reportedly struck Iran’s Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, while Britain authorized continued U.S. use of its air bases for missions against Iran. U.S. Central Command said American forces had redirected nine commercial vessels and disabled another since restoring a naval blockade on July 14. President Trump attended the dignified transfer of four service members killed in Jordan and Iraq, marking the third such ceremony he has attended since launching the war in February. Iran’s deputy foreign minister claimed the conflict had produced no strategic gains for Washington and called on European governments to condemn the attacks. The escalating conflict is threatening two of the world’s most important energy-shipping routes. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi Arabia and transmitted radio warnings to vessels operating nearby. Their threat to attack ships carrying Saudi oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has added to concerns about Iran’s restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas before the war. Brent crude briefly exceeded $95 per barrel, up sharply from less than $72 at the beginning of July. Economists warn that higher energy prices could accelerate inflation, encourage central banks to raise interest rates, and slow global economic growth. The fighting is also spreading instability across neighboring countries and worsening conditions for civilians. Jordan intercepted four Iranian missiles, while two others landed in uninhabited areas without causing reported casualties or damage, and European aviation authorities advised airlines to avoid Jordanian airspace. Iranian civilians are enduring repeated airstrikes, water shortages, and increased government repression, with residents describing the crisis as their “new normal.” Meanwhile, U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are scheduled for August 4 in Italy, as Lebanon seeks a complete Israeli withdrawal from its southern territory. Despite these diplomatic efforts, mutual threats against critical infrastructure and regional shipping suggest the conflict could broaden further.
Epstein News: Sources tell me Todd Blanche’s confirmation is no longer a slam-dunk for Republicans as two Republican Senators remain on the fence: John Cornyn from Texas and Thom Tillis from North Carolina. Epstein survivor Liz Stein argued that Todd Blanche has not demonstrated the judgment, independence, or commitment to the rule of law needed to serve as U.S. attorney general. She emphasized that her criticism is not politically motivated. Instead, she said it stems from the Justice Department’s alleged failure to faithfully implement the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Stein framed the issue as one of institutional accountability and compliance with federal law. Her statement directly challenges Blanche’s fitness to lead the Justice Department.
 Stein criticized Todd Blanche’s meeting with survivors, suggesting it may have been held merely to satisfy a condition for his advancement. The survivor noted that Sen. Thom Tillis had urged Blanche to meet with them before Tillis would consider supporting his confirmation. She questioned whether Blanche approached the meeting sincerely or treated it as a procedural requirement. The statement implies that Tillis expected meaningful engagement rather than a symbolic exercise designed to secure his vote. It adds to concerns about Blanche’s judgment and commitment to addressing survivors’ demands for accountability.
 Stein urged the Senate committee to reject Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general, arguing that his confirmation should concern every American. She characterized support for Blanche as a vote against crime victims nationwide. Her statement suggests that she does not trust him to protect victims or uphold the responsibilities of the nation’s highest law-enforcement office. She framed the nomination as a broader test of the government’s commitment to accountability and survivors.
Other news: President Trump has reached a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could eventually give the kingdom the capability and technology needed to develop nuclear weapons. The plan would permit a study of uranium enrichment on Saudi soil while requiring U.S. companies to supply reactors and control the enrichment technology. Although the agreement includes safeguards against producing weapons-grade fuel, it exempts Saudi Arabia from the rigorous international inspections required in comparable deals. Nonproliferation experts and Israeli officials warn that the arrangement could weaken global safeguards and trigger a regional nuclear arms race, particularly because Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said Saudi Arabia may pursue nuclear weapons if Iran obtains them. Congress will have 90 days to review the deal, but President Trump could veto any resolution rejecting it. According to the Washington Post, the Trump administration is considering military strikes in Mali against JNIM, a powerful al-Qaeda affiliate that has expanded across West Africa, although senior U.S. officials disagree over whether to intervene. If approved, Mali would become the eighth country attacked by U.S. forces during Trump’s second term, following strikes in Yemen, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, and Venezuela. Supporters argue that action could prevent al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates from gaining a stronger foothold, but critics warn that it could entangle the United States with Mali’s repressive military government and create tensions with Russian forces operating there. Experts also caution that weakening JNIM could strengthen its Islamic State rival, encourage attacks on Americans, and repeat failed French and Russian military campaigns that did not resolve the region’s instability. Some specialists instead recommend diplomacy between Mali’s junta, militants, and political opponents, arguing that another military intervention could worsen violence and squander opportunities for negotiation and demobilization. West Virginia Republican Del. Elliott Pritt, a 36-year-old public school teacher and assistant House majority leader, was arrested and charged federally with one count of enticing a minor. A criminal complaint alleges that Pritt began communicating with a 15-year-old girl through Roblox when she was in eighth grade in 2024 before moving their conversations to Snapchat. Investigators allege that he sent sexually explicit images, requested nude photographs, and later arranged sexual encounters with the girl in his classroom at Oak Hill High School between five and 10 times. The complaint says Pritt urged her to remain silent, warning that disclosure would appear in the news and cause him to lose his entire life. Lawmakers from both parties called the allegations disturbing, with several demanding Pritt’s resignation, while House officials emphasized that he is presumed innocent and remains in office unless he resigns or is removed. Former CDC officials warn that staffing and funding cuts have left the United States less prepared for outbreaks of measles, Ebola, hantavirus, cyclospora, bird flu, and other infectious diseases. Between 25% and 30% of the CDC’s workforce is gone, about 80% of senior leadership roles lack permanent appointees, and teams specializing in parasites and rare diseases have been severely reduced. Cuts to foreign-aid programs and mRNA vaccine research, combined with state laws limiting emergency health measures, have further weakened prevention and response capabilities. Experts also say politically driven and contradictory federal guidance has created confusion for state health departments handling hantavirus and monitoring travelers for Ebola. Regional and state organizations are attempting to fill the leadership gap, but rebuilding the CDC’s lost scientific expertise could take years even if its funding is restored. The United States is holding about $13 billion in revenue from Venezuelan oil sales following the January 3 military intervention that resulted in Nicolás Maduro’s arrest and Delcy Rodríguez becoming interim leader. An executive order placed Venezuela’s state oil company under American oversight and directed the proceeds into U.S. Treasury accounts for stabilization projects intended to benefit both countries. However, public records reportedly show that only about $300 million has been returned to Venezuela since March, despite commitments that included $386 million in earthquake relief. The discrepancy has prompted lawmakers, economists, and other observers to question why reconstruction funds are moving so slowly. Critics are demanding a detailed accounting of the money as the administration promotes the oil revenue as a major financial gain. Arizona Republicans nominated three prominent 2020 election deniers for statewide office: Rep. Andy Biggs for governor, state Rep. Alexander Kolodin for secretary of state, and state Senate President Warren Petersen for attorney general. All three played roles in challenging or casting doubt on Joe Biden’s Arizona victory, including supporting overturn efforts, representing fake electors, filing unsuccessful lawsuits, and launching a taxpayer-funded election audit. Their primary victories demonstrate the continuing influence of Donald Trump’s false election claims among Republican voters, but party strategists warn those positions could repel independents and moderates in November. Arizona Republicans who embraced similar claims lost major statewide races in 2022 and 2024, even though Trump carried the state in the latter election. Democrats, including Gov. Katie Hobbs, plan to frame the general election as a choice between competent governance and conspiracy-driven candidates who could threaten oversight of the 2028 presidential election. France recorded an estimated 5,764 excess deaths during a historic heat wave from June 17 to July 2, according to the country’s public health agency. The affected regions registered 21,674 deaths from all causes, about 36% more than the 15,910 expected without extreme heat. France experienced its hottest recorded days on June 24 and 25, with temperatures exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit in many places and unusually hot conditions continuing overnight. The Paris region was hit hardest, recording nearly 2,000 excess deaths, while hospitals and mortuaries struggled with the surge. Officials cautioned that the estimate remains preliminary and that many heat-related deaths may be attributed to conditions such as heart attacks rather than formally classified as caused by heat. Israeli authorities plan to build crocodile-filled moats around a high-security prison wing holding suspected members of Hamas’s elite Nukhba force who are accused of participating in the October 7 attacks. Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir says the measure will reduce costs and provide security, with approvals secured and funding allocated. Israel changed wildlife rules protecting crocodiles so security agencies could legally keep them outside zoos for this purpose. The proposal was inspired by Florida’s now-closed “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility. Civil-rights advocates, animal-welfare critics, and local officials have condemned the plan as cruel, impractical, expensive political theater that diverts attention from more effective public-safety measures. Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall Wednesday in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish, about 40 miles east of New Orleans, with sustained winds of approximately 45 mph. Tropical-storm-force winds extended more than 100 miles from its center, prompting warnings from the Alabama-Florida border through metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain. Forecasters warned of storm surges reaching three feet, widespread rainfall of two to four inches, and locally higher totals. Beaches, parks, piers, and low-lying roads were closed, while authorities distributed sandbags across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. Bertha, the Atlantic season’s second named storm, is expected to weaken as it moves toward Texas. Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, a 28-year-old Mexican tourist, was struck and killed by a semi-truck after fleeing federal immigration officials at a Florida gas station on July 14. Reports indicate that he held a tourist visa, had arrived in the United States three weeks earlier, and was visiting Florida’s beaches after seeing relatives and friends in Atlanta. His wife learned of his death from news coverage and traveled to the United States for assistance, leaving the couple’s seven-year-old son and seven-month-old daughter without their father. Coronilla’s death was one of four connected to ICE operations or custody in less than a week, including two fatal shootings and a death during a detention transfer. The incidents have intensified demands from lawmakers and the public for greater oversight of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security during the Trump administration’s mass-deportation campaign. NATO’s 32 members approved a €27 billion, multi-decade overhaul of the alliance’s Cold War-era military fuel network after Turkey withdrew its last-minute opposition. The project will modernize NATO’s 10,000-kilometer pipeline system, expand storage, and build new infrastructure in eastern and southeastern member countries to improve readiness for a potential war with Russia. Described as NATO’s largest and most expensive jointly funded project, the work could take up to 30 years and includes dozens of pipeline and energy-storage initiatives. Allies also agreed to increase NATO’s common budget from €5.3 billion in 2026 to as much as €6.5 billion next year and approved five-year investment priorities. Turkey had sought faster funding for its own projects, but pressure from Secretary-General Mark Rutte and NATO’s top commander helped secure unanimous approval. California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed entrepreneur, professor, and podcaster Scott Galloway to the University of California Board of Regents, subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Galloway would help oversee the 10-campus system and its approximately 300,000 students as a member of the powerful 26-person board. An NYU marketing professor and prominent commentator, he has focused on loneliness among young men and criticized elite universities for restricting enrollment while raising tuition. However, he has praised the UC system for expanding access through larger entering classes and additional summer and evening courses. A UCLA and UC Berkeley graduate, Galloway has donated $12 million to support nontraditional students and $4.4 million for fellowships benefiting students from immigrant families. More than 1,000 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak, with 2,473 cases officially recorded since it was declared on May 15. The Bundibugyo strain responsible has no approved vaccine or treatment, and the World Health Organization estimates the outbreak’s true scale could be two to four times larger than reported. Armed conflict, attacks on health workers, unpaid personnel, shortages, slow testing, and community resistance to safe burials are severely hindering containment efforts. About 80% of new cases are outside known transmission chains, fewer than 9% of contacts are being monitored, and more than 60% of victims die before receiving medical care. Health experts warn that without immediate funding and a stronger coordinated response, the outbreak could become one of the worst ever recorded.
See you soon. — Aaron You’re currently a free subscriber to the Parnas Perspective. For the full experience, more content, and to support Aaron, upgrade your subscription. COMMENTS: All 6 dems who voted for the ndaa should be recalled by their constituents. Unconscionable. We need dems unafraid to set a strong line in the sand and STICK TO IT. Colluding with Israel will get the usa in an even more dangerous situation than we are in already. And doing anything that makes Hegseth’s small mijded policies seem acceptable is just plain WRONG
Absolutely 100% Unbelievable!!!
unforgiveable
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