Senate makes headway on crypto market bill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Wednesday dismissed the House GOP's efforts to repeal a provision in the government shutdown bill that would allow senators to sue the Justice Department over phone surveillance. Thune argued that the provision, which grants Republican senators the ability to seek $500,000 in damages, was narrowly focused and unnecessary.

Dolly Parton is set to announce plans for her first-ever travel center, with further travel center announcements expected next year. This initiative marks a significant expansion of Parton's business ventures.

A Senate hearing on lowering health care costs highlighted significant partisan divisions, suggesting that a compromise may not be achievable this year. The discussions reflect ongoing challenges in addressing the high costs of health care in the United States.

The Trump administration is actively pursuing its promise to abolish the Education Department, a move that has garnered significant attention. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to reshape federal education policy and reduce the federal government's role in education.

The U.S. Congress has formally approved the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, with the Senate voting in favor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This legislation requires the Justice Department to disclose all unclassified materials concerning Epstein. The White House is now awaiting President Trump's decision on the bill, which has garnered significant bipartisan support.

Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury Secretary, has resigned from the board of OpenAI following the emergence of emails revealing his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The board acknowledged his decision in a statement, emphasizing respect for his choice. This resignation comes shortly after Summers announced a retreat from public commitments amid growing scrutiny.

The Senate has swiftly approved a bill mandating the release of investigative files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives. This bipartisan effort, supported by Donald Trump, marks a significant step in addressing public interest in Epstein's case.

A bill aimed at clarifying oversight of the cryptocurrency industry is progressing in the Senate, with the Senate Agriculture Committee releasing the second half of the draft legislation. However, significant policy questions remain as lawmakers aim to pass the bill early next year.