Hot Off The Wire

Hot Off The Wire

By Lee EnterprisesNews Sports News Entertainment News Daily News

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

Hot Off The Wire episodes

December 13, 2024Senate aims to expand Social Security; White House targets overdraft fees
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
WASHINGTON (AP) — As several of President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for high-level positions in his administration face scrutiny on Capitol Hill, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Americans have their own doubts.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot even though the bureau did prepare for the possibility of violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a watchdog report. It also says no undercover FBI employees were present that day and none of the bureau’s informants was authorized to participate.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments.
Stanley is recalling approximately 2.6 million of its switchback and trigger action stainless steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. because of a potential burn hazard.
Dick Vitale said he’s cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years. The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst posted Thursday on X that he got the news after a morning scan, saying: “SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called & said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Thursday it's capping overdraft fees at $5 with a rule set to take effect in October 2025, if it isn't overturned by Congress or altered under a Trump administration. President Joe Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35, “exploitative,” while the banking industry has lobbied extensively to keep the existing fee structures in place.
In other news:
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast.
Trump is named Time's Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell.
Meta donates $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund.
US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey should be 'shot down, if necessary.'
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing.
NATO chief warns that Putin wants long-term confrontation with Europe after Ukraine.
Stock market today Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its record.
Elon Musk wants to turn SpaceX's Starbase site into a Texas city.
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated.
Average rate on 30-year mortgage hits 6.6%, its third straight weekly decline.
Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case.
3 men say in lawsuits that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drugged and sexually assaulted them.
The Rams close in on the Seahawks by beating the Niners, North Carolina makes it official with Belichick, Celtics roll without Tatum, Oilers blast Wild behind Draisait.
US Olympic and Paralympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations.
Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months.
Crown of Thorns returns to Notre Dame cathedral for public veneration.
—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
24 min
December 12, 2024American released from Syrian prison; Bill Belichick has a new coaching job
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — An American who turned up in Syria says he was detained after crossing into the country by foot on a Christian pilgrimage seven months ago. Travis Timmerman appears to have been among thousands of people released from the country’s notorious prisons after rebels reached Damascus over the weekend, overthrowing President Bashar Assad and ending his family’s 54-year rule.
The U.N. General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and expressing support for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees that Israel has moved to ban.
WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray says he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. The announcement Wednesday comes a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the position.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he’s picking Kari Lake as director of Voice of America, installing a staunch loyalist who ran unsuccessfully for Arizona governor and a Senate seat to head the congressionally funded broadcaster that provides independent news reporting around the world.
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is back in his hometown of New York where he's been honored as Time magazine’s Person of the Year and will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
The gun found on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson matches shell casings found at the crime scene, New York’s police commissioner said Wednesday. Commissioner Jessica Tisch also said lab results matched suspect Luigi Mangione’s prints to a water bottle and protein bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing.
ROVANIEMI, Finland (AP) — More than 600,000 people annually visit Santa Claus Village, a winter-themed amusement park in the small town of Rovaniemi in Finland. They frolic in the snow, take a reindeer sleigh ride or even meet Saint Nick himself.
GREEN LAKE, Wis. (AP) — Authorities say a Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning and left his wife and three children for Eastern Europe has willingly returned to the U.S. Ryan Borgwardt is charged with obstruction, a misdemeanor. A not-guilty plea was entered by a judge Wednesday, a day after Borgwardt's return.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats failed in their bid to confirm a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board after the Senate rejected a razor-thin vote that hinged on the pivotal rejections of independent Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
In other news:
Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single-day act of clemency.
Blinken faces GOP critics in Congress who say Afghanistan withdrawal 'lit the world on fire.'
House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors.
Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey.
Supreme Court allows investors' class action to proceed against microchip company Nvidia.
US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in 'coming days.'
Stock market today Wall Street gets back to climbing, and the Nasdaq tops 20,000.
US inflation ticked up last month as some price pressures remain persistent.
Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger.
Luxury real estate brokers charged with sex trafficking in NYC.
Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe.
George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89.
Bill Belichick has a new coaching job, the NBA Cup completes its Final Four, the Rangers and Senators win the only two NHL games, and Garret Crochet is changing Sox in a big trade.
FIFA names Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup host; Spain, Portugal and Morocco to co-host 2030 edition.
South Korea's Yoon defends martial law as an act of governance and vows to 'fight to the end.'
—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
23 min
December 11, 2024Accused CEO killer fights extradition; Kroger-Albertsons merger blocked
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The man charged with murder in the killing of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare has made it clear he isn't going to make things easy for authorities. Luigi Mangione shouted unintelligibly and writhed in the grip of sheriff’s deputies as he was led into court Tuesday. And he objected to being taken to New York to face trial.
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Weather conditions are forecast to improve this week in Southern California and aid firefighters in their battle against a wildfire that’s forced up to 20,000 people from their homes. Celebrities, including performers Cher, Dick Van Dyke and his wife, were among the evacuees.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter after earlier promising he'd do no such thing. That's according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
A federal judge has rejected the sale of the conspiracy platform Infowars to The Onion satirical news outlet after Alex Jones claimed that a recent bankruptcy auction was fraught with illegal collusion. The Onion was named the winning bidder on Nov. 14 over a company affiliated with Jones. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez’s decision Tuesday night means Jones can stay at Infowars in Austin, Texas.
NEW YORK (AP) — Macy’s is reporting a decline in profits and sales for its third quarter with many customers of the department store chain continuing to divert spending to basics like groceries amid elevated prices. Company shares tumbled 7% before the opening bell Wednesday.
In other news:
Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO.
DA suggests unusual idea for halting Trump’s hush money case while upholding his conviction.
Biden says he was 'stupid' not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did.
Task force probing attempts to kill Trump urges Secret Service to limit protection of foreigners.
US says it will support new Syrian leaders who protect women and renounce terrorism.
Woman killed in crash as officer responds to threat at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's home.
FBI says 2 Homeland Security agents in Utah sold illegal drugs for profit through informant.
Stock market today: Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss.
Proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons is halted by federal, state judges.
Homes burn as wind-driven wildfire prompts evacuations in Malibu, California.
Nikki Giovanni, poet and literary celebrity, has died at 81.
The Bucks and Thunder advance to the NBA Cup semi-finals, AP top-ranked Tennessee beats Miami, the Yankees and lefty Max Freid agree to a big-money contract of historic proportions, and PGA star Scottie Scheffler wins another award.
Taiwan demands that China end its military activity in nearby waters.
Ex-defense chief in South Korea tried to kill himself after being arrested over martial law.
Organized crime gangs expanded into a third of cities in Brazil’s Amazon, report finds.
—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
22 min
December 10, 2024Suspect in CEO killing charged with murder; Heisman Trophy finalists revealed
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — Court records show New York prosecutors have charged a man with murder in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Luigi Nicholas Mangione is currently being held without bail in Pennsylvania after he was arrested and arraigned on gun, forgery and other charges on Monday. He’s expected to be extradited to New York eventually.
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at media during testimony at his corruption trial, which involves media moguls. He is accused of exchanging regulatory favors with media bosses for more positive coverage of himself and his family. He has denied wrongdoing.
PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — Dozens of reported drone sightings across New Jersey in recent weeks can be frustrating, but they don’t appear to pose a public safety concern. That's what Gov. Phil Murphy stressed Monday.
MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters are battling a brushfire early in Malibu, California, near Pepperdine University that is prompting evacuations.
PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a law to prohibit book bans in the state and enshrine protections against civil and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law.
NEW YORK (AP) — The oldest known stone tablet inscribed with the Ten Commandments, dating from 300 to 800 A.D., will be sold in New York this month.
In other news:
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria fallout.
Trudeau says Americans are realizing that Trump's tariffs on Canada make life a lot more expensive.
Lara Trump steps down as RNC co-chair and addresses speculation about Florida Senate seat.
Biden creates Native American boarding school national monument to mark era of forced assimilation.
Trump Organization leases brand to 2 new projects in Saudi Arabia.
Military pauses Osprey flights again after more metal failures are found in near-crash in November.
US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice.
US says terror designation doesn't bar talks with Syrian rebel group.
A long road ahead to decide Syria’s future after rapid end to Assad’s rule.
Stock market today Nvidia drags Wall Street from its records as oil and gold rise.
TikTok asks federal appeals court to bar enforcement of potential ban until Supreme Court review.
Boeing lays off hundreds in Washington and California as part of cuts announced previously.
Veteran Daniel Penny is acquitted in NYC subway chokehold case over Jordan Neely's death.
Polygamous sect leader gets 50 years in prison in scheme to orchestrate sex involving children.
'Emilia Pérez' leads Golden Globe nominations with 10, followed by 'The Brutalist' and 'Conclave.'
Jay-Z says lawsuit accusing him of raping a child at MTV awards party is part of an extortion ploy.
Joe Burrow’s late touchdown leads Bengals past Cowboys on Monday Night Football, Heisman Trophy finalists are announced, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns out-duels former Knick R.J. Barrett and the Raptors, Taylor Hall helps the Blackhawks snap a lengthy skid with a win over the Rangers, and more.
Is it a military drill China deploys ships and planes around Taiwan but remains mum
—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
24 min
December 09, 2024Biden addresses state of Syria, Trump talks tariffs and the Mets land Soto
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but that it's “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Mideast. Speaking at the White House on Sunday, Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria's backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah.
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday.
NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Officials says two Turkish military helicopters have collided in midair, causing one of them to crash. Monday's crash in the southwestern province of Isparta left six military personnel dead, including one who died of injuries in a hospital.
IZIUM, Ukraine (AP) — A volunteer group is trying to fulfill the holiday dreams of thousands of children living near the frontlines in Ukraine. The St. Nicholas’ Reindeers initiative publishes letters online detailing the children's wishes.
In other news:
The DNC chair candidates discuss Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and winning Latino voters.
Military leaders are rattled by a list of 'woke' officers that a group urges Hegseth to fire.
Trump receives a Paris welcome full of presidential pomp from France's Macron.
Bureau of Prisons agrees to court monitor, public acknowledgement of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse.
Kennedy Center pays tribute to Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Raitt, Sandoval and The Apollo.
‘Moana 2’ cruises to another record weekend and $600 million globally.
Stolen ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in 'The Wizard of Oz' are auctioned for $28 million.
Margie Szaroleta has the AP Entertainment Report, featuring an inconic prop from the Wizard of Oz.
The college football playoff field is set. The Chiefs win another division title. The Vikings and Eagles keep pace with the NFC leading Lions, Baseball's biggest free agent chip has dropped and college basketball's top team goes down again.
Earth's lands are drying out. Nations are trying to address it in talks this week.
Hemingway look-alikes visit Cuba and some of the late writer's favorite places.
South Korean prosecutors detain ex-defense chief over martial law imposition.
Syrian rebels free prisoners from Assad's notorious dungeons who celebrate in Damascus streets.
—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
21 min
December 07, 2024Effectiveness of obesity drugs, bracing for tariffs and 'AI Jesus'
Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include:
Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight.
How to sum up 2024 The Oxford University Press word of the year is 'brain rot.'
A list of mispronounced words provides a retrospective of 2024, from Kamala to Chappell
Small business owners brace for Trump's proposed tariffs.
Small business owners breathe easier over labor costs after decision to strike down overtime rule.
Trump won about 2.5M more votes than in 2020, some in unexpected places.
Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election.
Cryptocurrency entrepreneur who bought banana art for $6.2 million eats the fruit in Hong Kong.
'AI Jesus' avatar tests man's faith in machines and the divine.
Police deny sitting on evidence as Netflix doc brings renewed attention to JonBenet Ramsey's killing.
Mexico's Senate votes to charge cruise ship passengers $42 per head for port calls.
Rats feast on New York’s City's bagged garbage. Can putting it in bins end the smorgasbord.
Libraries are offering free health and wellness classes across the US.
Scientists gather to decode puzzle of the world's rarest whale in 'extraordinary' New Zealand study.
These Native tribes are working with schools to boost attendance.
Hong Kong launches panda sculpture tour as the city hopes the bear craze boosts tourism.
A chef whose van was stolen with 2,500 pies inside is urging the thieves to donate the loot.
Ailing kids wait months for Israeli permission to leave Gaza for treatment. Some die in the meantime.
—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
18 min
December 06, 2024Hunt continues for CEO's killer; Biden considering preemptive pardons
NEW YORK (AP) — As the investigation into a masked gunman who stalked and killed the head of one of the largest U.S. health insurers moves into its third day, possible leads have emerged about his travel before the shooting and a message scrawled on ammunition.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is weighing whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The preemptive move would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is naming former U.S. Senator David Perdue of Georgia to be his ambassador to China. Trump says that as a former CEO, Perdue will bring “valuable expertise” to the U.S. relationship with China.
A Hamas official says international mediators have resumed negotiations with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he is hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war is within reach.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hiring in the United States likely rebounded last month from a dismal October, when hurricanes and strikes reduced job growth to its lowest level in nearly four years. Friday’s jobs report is expected to show that employers added roughly 208,000 jobs in November.
DALLAS (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a deal that would have let Boeing to plead guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and pay a fine for misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and 346 people died.
NEW YORK (AP) — About half of working women reported feeling stressed “a lot of the day,” compared to about 4 in 10 men, according to a Gallup report published Wednesday.
In other news:
House rejects Democratic efforts to force release of Matt Gaetz ethics report.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are bringing Trump's DOGE to Capitol Hill.
Secret Service director vows reorganization as members of Congress press him over major lapses.
On its way out, the Biden administration renews a push for airline-consumer protections.
The US government is closing a women's prison and other facilities after years of abuse and decay.
Feds say they could sue to force reforms at Memphis' police department if the city won't play ball.
'Deny,' 'defend' and 'depose' Ammunition used in CEO’s killing had writing on it, AP source says.
Russia's top military officer gave his US counterpart advance notice of Mediterranean Sea drills.
Senior UK commander warns of 'Third nuclear age.'
The National Weather Service cancels tsunami warning for the U.S. West Coast after 7.0 earthquake.
Stock market today Wall Street edges back from its records as bitcoin briefly pops above $100,000.
US applications for jobless benefits rise last week but remain at low levels.
US judge rejects Boeing's plea deal in a conspiracy case stemming from fatal plane crashes.
GivingTuesday estimates $3.6B was donated this year, an increase from 2023.
Taylor Swift 'Eras' tie-in book is a smash, selling more than 800,000 copies in first week.
A high scoring affair in the NFL isn't decided until the last second, the Cavaliers keep rolling and another coaching pink slip in the NHL.
30 Hamas official says Gaza ceasefire talks have resumed after weekslong hiatus
—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
24 min
December 05, 2024UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in NYC; senators grill airlines over fees
NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk Wednesday became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50.
PALERMO, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say two children have been wounded in a shooting at a tiny religious school in Northern California and the gunman is dead. The Butte County sheriff says the boys aged 5 and 6 were hospitalized in “extremely critical condition” following Wednesday’s shooting at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, a small town north of Sacramento.
CAIRO (AP) — Amnesty International accuses Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip during its war with Hamas, saying it has sought to deliberately destroy Palestinians by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing the delivery of humanitarian aid.
NEW YORK (AP) — Fifty-thousand multi-colored lights are shining on Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas tree, with crowds gathering to witness the annual New York City tradition. The giant Norway spruce, which this year hails from a tiny Massachusetts town, is also topped with a Swarovski star crown featuring 3 million crystals.
MAKAWAO, Hawaii. (AP) — Conservationists say five Hawaiian crows have been released on Maui for the first time as part of an ongoing effort to return the species to its home. Officials with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance say the alala were released on Maui Wednesday.
In other news:
Trump considers DeSantis for the Pentagon with Hegseth under pressure over allegations AP sources.
Trump seeks to have Georgia election case dismissed, citing presidential immunity.
Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on medical treatments for transgender minors.
US senators grill officials from 5 airlines over fees for seats and checked bags.
GivingTuesday estimates $3.6B was donated this year, an increase from 2023.
Stock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records.
Bitcoin tops $100,000 as big rally sparked by Trump election win rolls on.
Memphis police use excessive force and discriminate against Black people, Justice Department finds.
Detroit Mayor Duggan, a longtime Democrat, will run for Michigan governor in 2026 as independent.
Rescuers reassess the safety of their search for a woman they believe fell into a sinkhole.
District of Columbia says Amazon secretly stopped fast deliveries to 2 predominantly Black zip codes.
LeBron James’ bounce-back night isn’t enough for Lakers, the top two teams in college basketball suffer upset losses, Auston Matthews rallies the Maple Leafs past the Predators and more. Juan Soto starting to eliminate teams from negotiations, agent Scott Boras says. LPGA and USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before male puberty. Suns star Kevin Durant out at least one week with a sprained ankle suffered vs. Spurs.
Yoon replaces the defense minister as South Korea's parliament moves to vote on their impeachments.
Philippine police checking reports that a kidnapped American has died after being shot.
—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
24 min
December 04, 2024Great Lakes region braces for more snow; Trump transition updates
Cleanup work is still taking place around parts of the Great Lakes region socked by lake-effect snowstorms that dropped several feet of snow over the weekend. Forecasters are warning that another storm system could add a few more inches and maybe even more later this week. Many school districts in western Pennsylvania remained closed Tuesday as the storms were finally slowing after several days of lake-effect snow that also fell on parts of western New York, Ohio and Michigan. Snow totals since Thanksgiving in some places are nearing six feet.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday in just its second major transgender rights case, a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for minors. The justices’ decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spent a second day Tuesday on Capitol Hill meeting privately with Republican senators. This comes amid rising questions about his ability to effectively lead the Pentagon.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of job postings in the United States rebounded in October from a 3 1/2 year low in September, a sign that businesses are still seeking workers even though hiring has cooled. Openings rose 5% to 7.7 million from 7.4 million in September. The increase suggests that job gains could pick up in the coming months.
TORONTO (AP) — A Canadian minister who attended a dinner between President-elect Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Trump was joking when he suggested Canada become the 51st U.S. state.
In other news:
Trump signs agreement to allow Justice Department to conduct background checks on nominees, staff.
A look at what's next for U.S. House elections, as Donald Trump taps legislators to fill roles in his Cabinet.
Joe Biden ducks questions on his decision to pardon his son Hunter.
Biden says the US is 'all in' on Africa during his Angola visit meant to counter China.
Jill Biden's final foreign trip as first lady will close with her and Trump at Notre Dame cathedral.
'Amtrak Joe' Biden uses his visit to Angola to promote a major African rail project.
Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record on the year's biggest day for online shopping.
Stock market today Wall Street inches higher to set more records.
GM adds over 132,000 heavy duty pickups to recall for tailgates that can open unexpectedly.
US closes investigation into E. coli outbreak linked to onions in McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
Melinda French Gates plans to match $1M in GivingTuesday gifts to groups that support women.
Some shuffling in the college football playoff rankings, Michigan football makes a coordinator change, a few teams lock up berths in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, and 4th ranked Kentucky falls in college basketball. Red Sox agree with LHP Aroldis Chapman to one-year, $10.75 million deal, AP source says.
South Korea’s opposition parties submit a motion to impeach President Yoon over sudden martial law.
French government faces no-confidence vote over Barnier's austerity budget.
Philippines says China's coast guard fired water cannons and sideswiped its patrol vessel.
Finnish police don't suspect criminal activity regarding damaged data cables in south of country.
Police quiz UK nurse convicted of killing 7 babies over more infant deaths.
—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
25 min
December 03, 2024Biden pardon frustrates Democrats; Notre Dame Cathedral set to reopen
Some storm-weary residents of the Great Lakes region have seen continued snowfall and are facing the prospect of even more accumulations this week. Lake-effect snow continues to fall on parts of western New York that were already blanketed with a foot or more over the past four days. Lake-effect snow warnings are in effect through Tuesday night in parts of Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania.
ATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeat at the polls, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden's pardoning of his son for a federal felony conviction — after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who operates above the law. The White House on Monday struggled to defend the pardon, claiming the prosecution was politically motivated — a page out of Trump's playbook. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats who are angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump.
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY.”
NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump will attend the reopening celebration for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris this weekend, his first foreign trip since the election. The cathedral will reopen after more than five years of reconstruction following a devastating 2019 fire.
BANGKOK (AP) — China has announced a ban on exports to the United States of gallium, germanium and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The Chinese Commerce Ministry announced the move after the Washington expanded its list of Chinese companies subject to export controls on computer chip-making equipment, software and high-bandwidth memory chips.
A woman who admitted to drinking and who was driving well over twice the speed limit when she smashed into a golf cart killing a bride who had just got married at a South Carolina beach has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty Monday to reckless homicide and three felony driving under the influence charges.
In other news:
Biden's broken promise on pardoning his son Hunter is raising new questions about his legacy.
It's the final holiday stretch at the Biden White House. The theme is 'A Season of Peace and Light.'
More than 3 million travelers screened at US airports in a single day. That's a record.
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday it's time for Giving Tuesday.
Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record on the year's biggest day for online shopping.
Stock market today Rising tech stocks pull Wall Street to another record.
California lawmakers begin special session to protect state laws from second Trump presidency.
Ex-Kansas detective accused of sexually assaulting Black women is dead, prosecutors say.
The Broncos pick off the Browns, the 49ers lose two running backs, the Celtics lead a night of one-sided wins in the NBA, defending champ UConn plunges in the AP men's poll, and two veteran pitchers sign with new teams for next season. 21 Trent Williams' wife, Sondra, says their son was stillborn.
Stars, heads of state, solemn rituals and high-security celebrations for Notre Dame's reopening.
NATO's chief avoids talk of Ukraine's membership. He says the priority is helping Kyiv defend itself.
Israeli strikes kill 11 in Lebanon after fire exchanges with Hezbollah that test ceasefire’s limits.
Chief of International Criminal Court lashes out at US and Russia over threats and accusations.
—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
23 min

About Hot Off The Wire

From the publisher's feed

Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press.