NPR News Now: 12-23-2025 5AM EST

Main Theme:
This NPR News Now episode offers a brisk, five-minute snapshot of major headlines, focusing on congressional tension over Jeffrey Epstein files, an immigration rights case, diplomatic shifts in Canada, Barry Manilow’s health disclosure, tragedy involving a Mexican medical flight, mental health system challenges, and a campus security shakeup.

Key News Highlights & Insights

1. Congressional Clash Over Epstein Files

• Details:
  • Two U.S. Congress members, Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie, are threatening usage of rarely invoked congressional procedures (such as fines or arrests) targeting Justice Department officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi.
  • The push is due to frustration over the “slow, much redacted release” of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
• Support from Survivors:
  • Epstein survivors are speaking out about their ongoing struggle.
    • Notable Quote:

      "We have been through so much at this point, and we are just tired and tired of asking for just one simple thing."
      — Epstein survivor, Marinda La Sarda [00:47]

• DOJ Response:
  • The Justice Department says they’re reviewing the files for victim protection.

2. Immigration Rights Case: Kilmar Abrego Garcia

• Latest:
  • A Maryland judge extended a restraining order preventing Homeland Security from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia while his court cases proceed.
• Background:
  • Abrego Garcia, mistakenly deported to El Salvador, is back in the U.S., fighting charges of human smuggling and immigration violations.
• Insight:
  • The judge is pressing the government for clarity on next steps if the order is lifted.
• Reporter Attribution:
  • Ximena Bustillo, NPR News, Washington [01:54]

3. Canada Appoints New Ambassador to Washington

• Appointment News:
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney names Mark Wiseman, a global investment banker and close associate, as ambassador.
  • Wiseman will lead USMCA (North American Free Trade Agreement) negotiations.
• Profile Highlights:
  • 55 years old, experienced in global banking, member of PM's Canada-U.S. relations council, academic credentials from University of Toronto.
• Quote & Attribution:
  • Dan Karpenschuk, Toronto [02:50]

4. Barry Manilow Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

• Announcement:
  • Manilow reveals he has “early stage lung cancer” and is scheduled for surgery.
  • January concerts will be rescheduled due to treatment.
• Health Update:
  • Diagnosis came following a bronchitis case; prognosis is hopeful with surgery.

5. Mexican Medical Flight Crash Near Galveston

• Tragedy:
  • Minimum of five fatalities, including a 2-year-old, when a small plane on a medical mission crashes and burns near Galveston, Texas.
• Details:
  • Plane had eight people on board, all involved in transporting burn victims for treatment.

6. Mental Health System Strain in Ohio

• Issue:
  • Over 90% of patients in Ohio psychiatric hospitals now have a criminal charge, compared to only 50% two decades ago.
• Systemic Impact:
  • Scarcity of treatment options for non-criminal patients.
  • Long stays for criminally charged patients exacerbating bed shortages.
• Expert Insight:
  • Ohio’s retired Supreme Court Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton notes the hardship for families in need of non-criminal mental health care.
    • Notable Quote:

      “It hurts everybody who has someone who needs to get a hospital bed that's not in the criminal justice system.”
      — Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton [03:48]

• Reforms:
  • Efforts underway to expand mental health treatment in jails.
• Reporter Attribution:
  • Sarah Jane Tribble with KFF Health News [04:25]

7. Brown University Police Chief Placed on Leave

• Situation:
  • After a mass shooting on campus left two dead, Brown University’s chief of police is placed on leave.
  • Providence’s former police chief steps in as acting chief during the investigation.

Notable Quotes

• Marinda La Sarda (Epstein survivor):

  “We have been through so much at this point, and we are just tired and tired of asking for just one simple thing.” [00:47]

• Justice Evelyn Lundberg Stratton:

  “It hurts everybody who has someone who needs to get a hospital bed that's not in the criminal justice system.” [03:48]

Key Segments and Timestamps

• Congressional push over Epstein files: [00:14–01:15]
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia immigration case: [01:15–01:54]
• Canadian diplomatic change: [01:54–02:50]
• Barry Manilow health news: [02:50–03:10]
• Mexican medical plane crash: [03:10–03:48]
• Ohio psychiatric hospital strain: [03:48–04:25]
• Brown University police chief investigation: [04:25–04:53]

This episode delivers swift, comprehensive coverage of significant political, legal, health, and international stories, echoing the urgency and compassion of those affected and those reporting.