The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that undocumented immigrants who leave the U.S. voluntarily by the end of 2025 will now receive a $3,000 exit bonus, tripled from the previous $1,000 payment. The stipend program launched in May to encourage voluntary departures. Participants who self-deport will also have civil fines or visa overstay penalties forgiven. (Story URL)
Sen. Chuck Schumer says he will introduce legislation directing the Senate to pursue legal action against the Department of Justice for failing to fully release the Epstein files. Schumer wrote on X that the law “is crystal clear” and requires complete disclosure so “Americans can see the truth.” Some files posted Friday later disappeared, and others drew criticism for heavy redactions. (Story URL)
Paramount Skydance has revised its hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, confirming financial backing from Larry Ellison. The company said Ellison agreed to provide an irrevocable personal guarantee of $40.4 billion in equity financing and cover any damages claims. Paramount maintained its $30-per-share bid but increased its reverse breakup fee to match Netflix’s offer. (Story URL)
CBS News pulled a planned 60 Minutes report on Trump administration deportations just hours before broadcast Sunday. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi said the piece, which included interviews with deportees sent to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, was dropped for political reasons by news chief (and Trump supporter) Bari Weiss. Weiss claimed that the story “did not advance the ball.” (Story URL)
The Interior Department is pausing leases for five offshore wind farms along the East Coast due to national security concerns. Together, the projects were expected to power more than 2.5 million homes and businesses. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on X that the pause follows concerns raised by the Department of War about radar interference from turbine blades and towers. (Story URL)
Today’s Headlines (12/23/25)
