Significant developments unfolded this week as Congress passed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. President Donald Trump signed the legislation on Wednesday, granting the Justice Department 30 days to disclose its case files related to Epstein. This decision follows a series of revelations regarding prominent figures linked to Epstein, including billionaire Tom Pritzker, whose communications with Epstein surfaced in documents released by the estate last week.
On the political front, bipartisan cooperation emerged in Washington as Democrats and Republicans joined forces to condemn U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García for his last-minute retirement announcement, which facilitated a seamless transition for his chosen successor. In Chicago, the Cook County Board approved a substantial budget of $10.12 billion for 2026, while the Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget that included a contentious corporate head tax.
In public safety news, a Chicago man faces federal terrorism charges after allegedly attacking a woman on a Blue Line train by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire. The 50-year-old suspect is also suspected of igniting a fire at City Hall the previous Friday. Mayor Johnson addressed public safety concerns, asserting that the incident does not signal a trend, attributing the violence to the suspect’s extensive criminal history.
Immigration Enforcement and Vatican Visits
Immigration enforcement appears to be decreasing in Chicago, as Border Patrol reallocates its resources to other cities such as New Orleans and Charlotte. The courts remain active, with a judge dismissing charges against a woman shot by Border Patrol, and a federal appeals court halting the release of detainees from Operation Midway Blitz. A notable ruling concerning the use of force by immigration agents was temporarily stayed by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which deemed it overly broad.
In a notable diplomatic encounter, Pope Leo XIV expressed support for U.S. bishops who condemned the mass deportation of migrants. He also shared his concerns regarding immigration enforcement in Chicago during a meeting with Governor JB Pritzker at the Vatican. Furthermore, Justin Ishbia, the prospective owner of the Chicago White Sox, met with the Pope, inviting him to throw the first pitch at the team’s future ballpark and presenting him with an autographed 2005 World Series jersey.
Sports Highlights: Bears and Blackhawks
In sports, the Chicago Bears achieved a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Vikings, winning 19-17 with a dramatic 48-yard field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired. The Bears now lead the NFC North with a 7-3 record and will aim to extend their winning streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday at Soldier Field.
The Chicago Blackhawks celebrated their tenth win of the season on Tuesday, highlighted by Connor Bedard’s second career hat trick. However, they faced a setback with a recent defeat against the Seattle Kraken. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois men’s basketball team fell short against Alabama, losing 90-86 at the United Center.
As the holiday season approaches, the Tribune’s Quotes of the Week quiz will take a break next week for Thanksgiving, with plans to return in early December. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to enjoy the holiday and stay safe.
