Morning Briefing: Top 10 U.S. News Stories for Dec. 23, 2025

1. Justice Department Releases Massive 11,000-Page Epstein File Cache

The DOJ released a new, substantial batch of Jeffrey Epstein documents early Tuesday. The release includes thousands of pages of records and photos made public under new transparency laws, though survivors and some lawmakers have criticized the redactions and “limited scope” of previous disclosures.

2. Trump Administration Pauses All East Coast Offshore Wind Projects

Citing national security and potential interference with military radar, the Interior Department has suspended work on five major offshore wind projects. Supporters of green energy have pushed back, noting these projects previously cleared years of federal military reviews.

3. Federal Judge Orders Return of Deported Venezuelan Migrants

In a major legal blow to recent immigration policies, a D.C. federal judge has ordered the administration to submit a proposal to return several deported Venezuelan migrants to the U.S. The ruling follows legal challenges regarding the speed and process of recent removals.

4. U.S. Military Strike on Drug Vessel in Pacific Leaves One Dead

The Pentagon confirmed a “lethal” strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific on Monday. This is part of an ongoing, months-long naval campaign targeting low-profile vessels near Latin America, a mission that has faced increasing scrutiny from some members of Congress.

5. Heritage Foundation Shakeup: Staff Depart Amid Leadership Rift

The prominent conservative think tank announced the departure of over a dozen staff members this morning. The exodus follows internal turmoil over the organization’s mission and leadership, with some former staffers reportedly being hired by Mike Pence’s “Advancing American Freedom” group.

6. FDA Approves New Oral Weight-Loss Pill Version of Wegovy

In a major development for the healthcare industry, the FDA has approved a pill version of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy. The new oral option is expected to increase accessibility and competition in the booming market for GLP-1 medications.

7. U.S. Shifts Foreign Aid Strategy with New African Health Deals

The Trump administration signed health funding agreements with nine African nations, including Nigeria and Kenya. The new “performance-based” model replaces traditional USAID programs, requiring local governments to match U.S. funds and hit specific health benchmarks.

8. George Conway Files Paperwork for Congressional Run in New York

Vocal Trump critic and conservative lawyer George Conway has officially filed to run for Congress as a Democrat in New York City. The bid is expected to be one of the most high-profile and well-funded House races of the upcoming cycle.

9. Experts Race to Decode New Tariff Rules Before Year-End

Customs brokers and logistics experts are working around the clock this morning to interpret a flurry of new trade regulations and tariff rules set to take effect. Businesses are bracing for significant shifts in costs for imported goods ranging from lumber to electronics.

10. Flu Season Warning: Doctors Raise Alarms Over New H3N2 Strain

Health experts issued a warning this morning that the 2025-2026 flu season could be exceptionally tough. A new version of the H3N2 virus is spreading rapidly across the U.S., leading some hospitals to implement early masking and visitation restrictions.