Happy Friday, Dippers!
Here’s what’s making headlines today: an Epstein model scout was found dead in France, a Secret Service agent is suspected of leaking info on JD Vance, and more.
Today’s estimated reading time is 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
- The Daily Dip Editor
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Nostalgia Nerd
On this day in 1911, Hiram Bingham revealed which 'lost' Incan city to the world? (answer revealed below!)
(hint: world wonder)
Before We Dip In (TL;DR)
In today’s issue:
Epstein associate dies before questioning. ⚖️
Secret Agent suspected of leaking on Vance. 🏛️
Trump admin pulls support for bike lanes. 🚴
Plus, take today’s poll and check out the Nostalgia Nerd quiz answer down below!
LAW & ORDER
⚖️ Epstein Model Scout Found Dead in France Before Questioning
Daniel Siad, a 69-year-old model scout who allegedly recruited women and girls for Jeffrey Epstein, was found dead at his home near Paris on Monday, before investigators could question him.
Siad appeared in over 1,000 Epstein files released this year, which show he spent roughly a decade sourcing women, some underage, for Epstein in exchange for payments. His is at least the second death of an Epstein associate during an investigation.
The fallout: In February, a former model accused Siad of rape, and French prosecutors named him among those who could be questioned. Investigators had identified 24 victims or witnesses. His death closes the case against him, though the broader Epstein inquiry continues.
POLITICS
🏛️ Secret Service Agent Suspected of Leaking Details About Vance’s Travel
A Secret Service agent is reportedly on leave and under internal review over a suspected leak about Vice President JD Vance’s travel habits.
A recent report said Vance’s detail is frustrated by his last-minute personal and family trips, calling his use of government resources unusual. One example: he reportedly considered arriving at his son’s golf lesson by Marine helicopter, then dropped the idea.
The context: The report angered the White House, Secret Service, and FBI, as the administration cracks down on unauthorized leaks to the press. Officials say the agent will stay on leave during the review. It isn’t the first such agent scandal in recent months.
Dipper Poll
:📈 Today’s Poll: Travel Trouble
A Secret Service agent is on leave over a suspected leak about JD Vance’s last-minute travel, which a report said frustrated his detail. Supporters call it a security matter, while critics question the resources involved.
What’s the real story with the Vance travel leak?
LAW & POLICY
🚴 Transportation Department Drops Bike Lanes From Safety Guidance
The Trump administration is scaling back federal support for bike lanes, which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has labeled wasteful “DEI” spending.
The Federal Highway Administration removed bike lanes from its list of proven safety measures and cut cycling-safety materials from its website. Duffy says the money is being redirected to roads, bridges, and ports.
The pushback: Safety experts warn the move undermines tools that reduce crashes, noting more than 1,000 cyclists were killed on U.S. roads in 2024. A department spokesperson defended it as common sense. Some agency staff say they are unsure of the rationale.
Sweet Dip
Let’s end the week with another good news roundup.
A 16-year-old Illinois teen named Randy Gerlach trusted his gut, turned around, and found an unconscious woman in a car stuck in a ditch that everyone else drove past! Doctors said 20 minutes later she likely wouldn’t have made it. Trust that instinct. 🚗💪
After one woman’s on-air plea, an anonymous donor gave $100,000 to save a Pennsylvania program that feeds vulnerable seniors, just as it was about to shut down! Sometimes strangers show up in the biggest way. 🥫❤️
French Polynesia just locked in full protection for 30% of its waters, a huge no-fishing, no-mining haven for sharks, turtles, and reefs! An ocean sanctuary bigger than most countries. 🐠🌊
Fun Facts
🎨 Science: Vantablack absorbs about 99.96% of visible light, making 3D objects look like flat black holes. Your eyes just quit.
🏯 History: The world’s oldest continuously operating company is a Japanese temple builder founded in 578 AD. Older than most countries.
🐧 Animals: A king penguin named Sir Nils Olav has been formally knighted and promoted up the ranks of Norway’s King’s Guard. Outranks your boss.
🤯 WTF: The world’s quietest room is so silent that visitors can hear their own heartbeat and blood flowing. Silence gets loud fast.
TODAY’S QUIZ ANSWER:
Machu Picchu
On July 24, 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham was led to Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Incan citadel high in the Peruvian Andes. Locals already knew the site, but his expedition brought it to global attention. It's now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Poll Results From July 23, 2026
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Show Notes
Looking for more specific details on each story? Click here for the full show notes for yesterday’s PDS episode.
Over and Out...
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