The Senate finalized legislation requiring the Justice Department to release files from the criminal case of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. The chamber gave unanimous approval, following a 427-1 House vote for the Epstein Files Transparency Act. President Trump then signed the bill last night. Epstein survivors said the bill’s passage brought a renewed hope for accountability. (Story URL)
The Justice Department has filed new charges against former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, 44, accused of ordering a witness’s murder in his U.S. drug trafficking case. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the witness was shot five times in the head at a Colombian restaurant in January. Authorities allege Wedding believed the killing would help dismiss charges and block his extradition. (Story URL)
Federal officials say more than 250 people have been arrested in an immigration crackdown across North Carolina, mainly around Charlotte. Homeland Security said Wednesday the arrests are part of “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” targeting people in the country without legal status and those with criminal records. Some schools and small businesses closed as residents tried to avoid contact with agents. (Story URL)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral will take place Thursday at Washington National Cathedral at 11 a.m. ET. President Joe Biden plans to attend. Former President George W. Bush, whom Cheney served for two terms, will deliver a tribute. Cheney’s daughter, former congresswoman Liz Cheney, and his grandchildren are also scheduled to speak. Cheney died November 3rd at age 84. (Story URL)
U.S. labor officials say the full October employment report will not be issued after the government shutdown. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will instead release October payroll totals. Officials said the October unemployment rate will be omitted because those numbers “could not be collected” during the shutdown. Economists say the missing data has added uncertainty for financial markets. (Story URL)
