NPR News: 12-23-2025 5AM EST
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Roman.
What recent congressional actions are being taken regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files?
Two members of Congress, a Democrat and a Republican, are threatening to use a rarely used congressional procedure because of what they say is the slow, much-redacted release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massey said this could include fining and arresting Justice Department officials, including the Attorney General Pam Bondi. Meanwhile, Epstein survivors are speaking out. Marinda Lasarda spoke with ABC News.
How does the Justice Department handle the release of sensitive files?
We have been through so much at this point, and we are just tired and tired of asking for just one simple thing.
The Justice Department says it's reviewing the files to make sure victims are protected. Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, the Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador by mistake, may continue to stay out of detention while his court cases play out. NPR's Himana Bushura has more.
Judge Paula Zienes in Maryland extended a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Homeland Security Department from placing Abrego Garcia in immigration detention. She gave the government attorneys until later this week to explain what they'd do should she lift that order.
What is the status of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia's immigration case?
Zienes issued the protection order earlier this month and also granted Abrego Garcia's petition to be released from custody. Abrego Garcia, who entered the U.S. illegally, had been living in Maryland, but was deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador by mistake. The government eventually brought him back to the U.S. and charged him with human smuggling. Abrego Garcia denies those allegations and is fighting this and his immigration case across several courts. Ximena Bustillo, NPR News, Washington.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed a new ambassador to Washington. Dan Karpinchuk reports Mark Wiseman takes over the duties in mid-February.
The 55-year-old Weissman will also lead Ottawa's negotiations with the U.S. on the review of the North American Free Trade Agreement, known as USMCA.
Who is Canada's new ambassador to Washington and what are his responsibilities?
Weissman is a global investment banker and a pension fund manager and a longtime friend of Carney's. He's a member of the Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, which was formed to review the current trade agreement. He was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, holds a joint Master of Business Administration and Law degree from the University of Toronto, and has worked on mergers and acquisitions in New York City and Paris. Weissman replaces Kirsten Hillman, who announced earlier this month that she would end her Washington posting. For NPR News, I'm Dan Carpinchuck in Toronto.
Legendary entertainer Barry Manilow says he has early stage lung cancer and will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous spot on his lung. He will reschedule his January concerts as a result of the surgery. Manilow said he recently had been battling bronchitis and doctors found the cancerous growth. They say it can be treated with surgery. You're listening to NPR News.
What health news has Barry Manilow recently shared with the public?
At least five people reportedly were killed Monday when a small Mexican plane on a medical mission crashed and burned in the water near Galveston, Texas. It was en route to the city's international airport. One of those who died reportedly is a two-year-old child. Mexico's Navy said eight people were on board the plane. They were transporting burn victims for treatment. Many state-run psychiatric hospitals have largely lost the ability to treat patients unless they're charged with a crime. Sarah Jane Tribble with our partner KFF Health News has more from Ohio.
More than 90 percent of the patients at Ohio State Psychiatric Hospitals have been charged with a crime. Two decades ago, about half of the patients were criminally charged. Ohio retired Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton has seen people with unmet mental health needs cycle through the courts for years.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:22
2
What recent congressional actions are being taken regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files?
0:22–0:51
3
How does the Justice Department handle the release of sensitive files?
0:51–1:33
4
What is the status of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia's immigration case?
1:33–2:16
5
Who is Canada's new ambassador to Washington and what are his responsibilities?
2:16–3:18
6
What health news has Barry Manilow recently shared with the public?
3:18–4:22
7
What challenges do state-run psychiatric hospitals face in treating patients?
4:22–4:57