JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1055

Washington — The Department of Homeland Security on Monday increased its voluntary-departure incentive to $3,000 and a free flight for undocumented immigrants who register via the CBP Home app and leave the United States by Dec. 31, 2025. Secretary Kristi Noem today announced the temporary raise from $1,000 as a holiday push and said participants may receive forgiveness of certain civil fines. DHS cites roughly 1.9 million voluntary departures since January 2025 and tens of thousands of app users. The agency framed the offer as a cost-saving alternative to detention and removal. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, the Trump administration paused leases for five large offshore wind projects along the East Coast on Monday, citing national security risks identified by the Pentagon and Defense Department reports. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the pause allows Interior to work with Defense, leaseholders and states to assess mitigation options. Affected projects include Vineyard Wind, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind. Developers’ shares fell and state leaders warned of higher energy costs. The administration did not disclose the classified findings. Federal agencies continue to review mitigation possibilities. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

TOPEKA, Kan. Kansas lawmakers approved a STAR bonds package Monday and the Kansas City Chiefs announced an agreement to relocate to Kansas beginning in 2031. The Legislature authorized up to 70% of a proposed stadium’s cost to be covered by STAR bonds, financed with future sales and liquor tax revenues from the development area. Officials described plans for a $3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County and new team facilities in Olathe. Governors and county leaders briefed stakeholders and rival Missouri officials presented alternative stadium proposals this week, including economic impact estimates. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

REDDING, Calif. — Heavy rain from an atmospheric river soaked Northern California, triggering flash floods that stranded motorists and residents and prompted multiple water rescues. Local police and fire departments responded to numerous calls Sunday, and an officer rescued a trapped driver who later died despite CPR, Mayor Mike Littau said. The National Weather Service reported 3 to 6 inches of rain in parts of two counties and issued flood watches as forecasters warned the pattern would intensify midweek. Officials opened an evacuation center and urged residents to prepare for additional storms. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Gas stations across multiple states reported falling pump prices this week as holiday travel approaches. GasBuddy and AAA data show national average gasoline dropped to about $2.79 per gallon, with state averages ranging from $2.35 in Arkansas to $2.85 in Peoria. Energy Information Administration data this week recorded higher gasoline production and increased inventory levels. Analysts at GasBuddy attributed declines to rising U.S., Canadian and OPEC+ production and elevated refinery output. Drivers saw weekly drops of several cents to over 30 cents in some markets, notably during peak travel periods. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the United States special envoy to Greenland, a role described as advancing U.S. national security interests in the Arctic. Officials in Denmark and Greenland expressed concern and signaled diplomatic responses this week. News reports noted prior visits to Greenland by U.S. officials and past disputes over influence operations. Landry said the role does not affect his gubernatorial duties. It remained unclear whether the envoy position requires formal confirmation or would overlap with existing diplomatic channels. All details confirmed. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

San Francisco — Waymo resumed robotaxi service on Sunday after temporarily suspending operations Saturday when a fire at a PG&E substation cut power to roughly 130,000 customers, causing traffic lights to fail and multiple Waymo vehicles to stop at intersections, blocking streets and prompting the company to pause service. Social media videos showed cars halted in intersections with hazard lights blinking; Waymo said most trips in progress ended normally and that vehicles treat non-functioning traffic lights as stop signs. The company said it will integrate lessons from the event and pursue software updates. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DENVER — Colorado officials said federal authorities denied two disaster declaration requests after August wildfires and October flooding, and the state now plans to appeal. Governor Jared Polis called the denials “political games” on Sunday, and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper criticized the decision. FEMA sent denial letters late Saturday saying the incidents did not meet criteria for federal support; the White House said the president evaluates requests carefully. Local officials warned denied aid could impede recovery efforts in affected rural counties. State leaders intend to file appeals and seek reconsideration. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.