May 03, 2025

Science behind horse racing, the conclave and climate concerns

23 minutes

Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include:

What makes a Kentucky Derby champion Big hearts, immense lungs and powerful legs.

What is a conclave What to know about the secretive process to elect the next pope.

What to know as US prepares to require REAL ID for many air travelers next month.

Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety.

84% of the world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record.

Climate change is making coffee more expensive. Tariffs likely will too.

The world's biggest companies have caused $28 trillion in climate damage, a new study estimates.

Visa wants to give artificial intelligence 'agents' your credit card.

Former Jan. 6 prosecutor warns Trump's pardons could encourage future political violence.

Childcare in the Capitol As more women run for office, some are bringing their kids.

Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs.

Anti-Defamation League says anger at Israel is now the driving force behind antisemitism in the US.

Starbucks' new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giant's first 3D printed store in the US.

Advanced cancers returned to prepandemic levels, according to a reassuring report.

US maternal death rate rose slightly last year, health officials say.

Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US.

A 180-year-old private South Carolina university is closing after a $6M fundraising drive fails.

A secret note hidden in Dachau-built ‘Violin of Hope’ tells a tale of survival and craftsmanship.

A set of first editions of Shakespeare's plays could fetch $6 million at auction.

Four baby tortoises debut at Philadelphia Zoo, home to their nearly 100-year-old parents.

New York zoo feeds baby vulture with assist from a puppet vulture.

Runaway kangaroo on the loose named Sheila shuts down Alabama interstate.

Where do whale sharks mate The search to learn where the magic happens for the world's biggest fish.

—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.

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

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