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
WATCH: Pritzker touts education spending as potential challenger focuses on literacy
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says increased K-12 spending during his administration is producing results. A potential competitor...
Congress returns, but Trump’s ‘pocket rescissions’ snarls govt funding process
By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square It’s Congress’ first day back in session, but President Donald Trump’s clawback of nearly $5 billion in congressionally-approved spending has alienated Democrats, whose cooperation is...
Judge rules against Trump on National Guard, Marines in California
By Dave MasonThe Center Square A federal judge Tuesday ruled against President Donald Trump’s deployment of the California National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles. U.S. District Court Judge Charles...
Permian Basin producers reduce methane intensity by 50% as production increases
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Methane emissions intensity for upstream oil and natural gas operations in the Permian Basin declined by more than 50% in two years, according to an...
FDA pushes nicotine pouch makers to use child-resistant packaging
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Food and Drug Administration is pushing nicotine pouch manufacturers to use child-resistant packaging in response to an increase in accidental exposures among children. All...
Banning AI instruction in college could stifle innovation, IL lawmaker says
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a new law prohibiting artificial intelligence being the sole instructor in community college say...
WATCH: Chicago braces for federal law enforcement; Dabrowski on public safety, education
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 gets to the...
Illinois quick hits: Eight dead after weekend violence; Mexican national’s extradition sought
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Eight dead after weekend violence Chicago Police say more than 55 people were shot, at least eight fatally, in the city...
Chinese networks use U.S. to launder billions for Mexican cartels
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Chinese networks are laundering billions of dollars in drug cartel cash through the U.S. financial system, according to a new report from the Treasury Department....
Alternative tax-hike ideas emerge to fund Illinois public transit
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are proposing more options to address a $770 million fiscal cliff for public transit. After...
Kamala Harris pro-union X post inspires major Labor Day backlash
By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square An X post from former Vice President Kamala Harris on this Labor Day has generated hundreds of mostly critical comments. “When unions are strong, our...
Speaker Mike Johnson says Shreveport ‘Democratic DA’ is to blame for high crime
By Emilee CalamettiThe Center Square When asked about crime in Caddo Parish, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the "Democratic DA" is not prosecuting as he should. Johnson appeared on...
Trump says he will sign executive order ending mail-in voting
By Elyse ApelThe Center Square President Donald Trump said he will be signing an executive order ending mail-in voting and requiring voter ID. “Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every...
