CTV National News for Monday, Dec. 23, 2025: New Epstein files intensify scrutiny of Trump

U.S. political analyst Eric Ham weighs in on another release of heavily redacted Epstein records and new FBI findings about a disputed letter; An Ontario judge has granted bail to the lawyer accused of ties to fugitive Ryan Wedding’s international drug trafficking operation; Tensions are escalating between the U.S. and Venezuela over access to oil resources and the seizure of oil tankers. 

Canada has appointed Mark Wiseman as its next ambassador to the United States, a key change as Ottawa prepares for trade talks; Fake AI images are fueling confusion, leaving people unsure what to believe and casting doubt on legitimate photos and real events; Canada’s sovereignty has faced pressure during U.S. President Trump’s second term, leading PM Carney to prioritize military investment; and more.

A new report seeks to address some of the reasons why the NDP faltered in 2025; Canada’s high cost of living has deterred some Canadians from local this holiday season; residents in Atlantic Canada say the increasing food casts are making it harder to feed their families; and more.

The latest on the U.S. Justice Department releasing thousands of redacted files related to the Epstein case, including photos and call logs; Daniel Jolivet, 68, who has maintained his innocence since being convicted of a quadruple murder in 1994, was granted release Friday by a Quebec Superior Court; A Toronto man is facing terrorism-related charges linked to ISIS, along with other offenses, allegedly targeting the Jewish community. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney met virtually with Canada’s premiers Thursday as his government navigates a complex mix of energy policy disputes, U.S. trade pressure and growing regional tensions.

Emergency crews are facing dangerous conditions in southern Alberta after heavy snow and strong winds wreaked havoc across the region; U.S. President Donald Trump attributing some of his successes to the use of tariffs as he addressed the nation on Wednesday evening; Canada’s population fell by about 76,000 in the third quarter, a rare decline outside the pandemic, driven by immigration changes.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's accusation that PM Mark Carney is encouraging backroom deals to secure a majority government; More on the investigation after director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead in their Brentwood, CA, home; Jewish communities across Canada are on high alert following the deadly attack in Australia and the rise in hate crimes at home.

More on Ottawa’s Children’s hospital sounding the alarm and their advice to the public as Canada’s flu season surges; Major flooding in B.C.'s Fraser Valley and how it's impacting communities as officials confirm that there is more rain in the forecast; A closer look at the Epstein photos released by House Democrats, including whose picture it is and what they're doing.

Australia’s world-first law banning social media for kids under 16 and the Canadian mother pushing for similar protections. Canadians are feeling the pinch this season as experts urge smarter spending while inflation holds near 2 per cent. Health Canada’s approval of Zuranolone, a new drug that offers faster relief for moms with postpartum depression.  

A tentative deal has been reached between Air Transat and the pilots’ union, bringing relief to thousands of passengers; The family of 15-year-old Nooran Rezayi's $2.2M suit claiming racial profiling and unjustified force in his death; Canadian potash producers say the U.S. potash supply can't be replaced quickly, which could cause potential job and production impacts.