
Colin Powell was a soaring star until he got trapped
CNN
As the nation mourns Colin Powell's passing, his role in helping to lay the groundwork for the US invasion of Iraq, even though he had grave doubts about it, is certain to be a centerpiece of discussion, writes Julian Zelizer. So is his passionate advocacy for democratic values as his party drifted further right.
Representing a kind of voice which has faded from his party, Powell described himself as "a Republican of a more moderate mold," one of the voices who urged the Party of Lincoln not to become the Party of Trump.

A remarkable scene is playing out in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday: In an effort to avoid votes on releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein, Republicans are shutting it down early and heading out on a weekslong August recess. Nevermind that the Trump administration promised to release these files, and many Republicans want them to do so.