April 17, 2025

Van Hollen pushes for Abrego Garcia's release; IRS Direct File may end

18 minutes

On today's episode: Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to push for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia; stocks in Europe opened lower; Italy's prime minister will visit the White House and officials from Japan are also in Washington; China is promoting iteself as a steady trade partner in Southeast Asia; Puerto Rico is dealing with a power outage; and Holy Week is underway at the Vatican.

DOGE wanted to assign staff to the nonprofit Vera Institute of Justice because it got federal funds.

US Army engineers decide to fast-track Great Lakes tunnel permits under Trump energy emergency order.

California sues to stop Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs.

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says US autism cases are climbing at an 'alarming rate.'

Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, AP sources say.

Judge finds probable cause to hold Trump administration in contempt for violating deportation order.

Harvard's challenge to Trump administration could test limits of government power.

Trump administration sues Maine over participation of transgender athletes in girls sports.

Arson attack at Pennsylvania governor's residence prompts an independent security review.

10 guards charged over the fatal beating of a New York inmate, including 2 with murder.

Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial continues with jury selection.

US stocks drop as Nvidia slides and the fog of Trump's trade war thickens.

Retail sales rise 1.4% in March as shoppers stock up on big ticket items ahead of tariffs.

The Heat and Mavericks save their seasons in the NBA’s Play-In Tournament; the Dodgers’ biggest stars shine in a high-scoring win; an Original Six team grabs the final Stanley Cup Playoffs spot; and pro football nears a return to the nation’s capital.

Israeli strike kills family of 10 in Gaza as UN raises alarm over food cutoff.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

Theme music

The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

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