CTV National News for Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2025: Thousands of Epstein files released by Trump DOJ ahead of deadline

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.

What travellers who have upcoming flights booked with Air Transat should know if the airline's pilots go on strike; Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab introduced a new express entry category for foreign-trained doctors; The stressful working conditions that nurses face across the country, which include dealing with aggressive behaviour in patients.

There was no shortage of excitement at World Cup draw watch parties across the country, especially with the announcement of a potential Canada-Italy matchup; Sideline chats between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. while attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw; What Canadians think is most important as Canada looks to procure new fighter jets from either the U.S. or Sweden.

A closer look at the factors causing soaring grocery prices across Canada and why experts are projecting those costs to continue to rise in 2026; Tensions are high and expectations are low as the three North American leaders meet in Washington for the FIFA World Cup draw celebration; More on the stories that captured Canadians' attention and what personalities dominated the conversation in 2025, as Google reveals what Canadians clicked on.