November 18, 2025/
U.S. Senate passes bill to release Epstein files, heads to Trump’s desk
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday agreed to pass a bill by unanimous consent requiring the U.S. attorney general to release all documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer initiated passage of the U.S. House of Representatives bill to release the files. The U.S. House passed the measure earlier Tuesday afternoon.
“People have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough. Let transparency reign,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday.
A unanimous consent vote requires agreement from all 100 senators. No senator objected to Schumer’s call requesting the release of documents associated with Epstein.
The bill will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Once signed, the Department of Justice will have 30 days to release all unclassified records related to Epstein.
Events
Latest News Stories
Illinois audit commission members worried about ‘ghost’ health care networks
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Concerns about ghost medical insurance networks and zombie state boards and commissions were raised during a review...
Exclusive: District to repay $3 million to property owners
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The National Taxpayers Union Foundation recently secured a major legal victory in Colorado that will result in $3 million in taxpayer reimbursements for certain property...
WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor
By Christen SmithThe Center Square The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office released more than five minutes of CCTV footage that captured Cody Balmer setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro's official...
Most Americans say U.S. heading in the wrong direction, poll finds
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A new poll shows about 55% of registered voters think the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, including 74% of Latino voters, a key...
Balmer pleads guilty to attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor
By Christen SmithThe Center Square The man accused of firebombing the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in Harrisburg pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism on Tuesday. Cody Balmer also...
Cook County officials warn property tax reform could hurt homeowners
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are clashing over a Cook County property tax relief plan that restricts the types...
Maine Gov. Janet Mills officially launches U.S. Senate bid
By Chris WadeThe Center Square Maine Gov. Janet Mills formally announced Tuesday that she will seek the Democratic Party's nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in next year's...
Illinois quick hits: Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump; posthumous medal for Kirk; transit fare increase proposed
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump President Donald Trump’s economic policies are getting mixed reviews from voters. The Center Square Voters'...
AARP under fire after $9 billion payment from UnitedHealthcare revealed
By Tom JoyceThe Center Square AARP is facing new scrutiny after disclosures showed it will receive $9 billion from UnitedHealthcare under a restructured deal to market AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plans....
WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should ‘beg;’ Veto Session begins as Madigan reports to prison
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...
WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should beg for help with public safety in Chicago
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says he doesn’t want to use the Insurrection Act to help with public safety...
L.A. congresswoman insists on health insurance tax credits
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democrats won’t reopen the federal government if America’s health care remains at risk, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, told thousands of people at AIDS...
Newsom threatens university funding over Trump’s education deal
By Esther WickhamThe Center Square California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned state universities that signing the Trump administration's education agreement would put them in direct conflict with his administration. Newsom issued...
Former Los Angeles schools chief runs against city’s mayor
By Dave MasonThe Center Square Andrew Beutner, former superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, announced Monday he’s running against Mayor Karen Bass. Beutner, 65, launched his campaign during...
Illinois quick hits: WARN report layoffs total 1,689; Powerball winners in Rochelle and Colona
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square WARN report layoffs total 1,689 According to the latest Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notice, 1,689 employees across...