Hot Off The Wire

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 24 at 7 a.m. CT: MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Donald Trump has easily won the New Hampshire primary. He has swept the opening contests for the Republican presidential nomination and delivered a fresh setback to his last major rival, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Trump’s margin of victory Tuesday is still coming into focus. But it’s clear his hold on the Republican Party hasn’t wavered despite the multiple criminal cases he is facing. The results are disappointing for Haley, but she vowed to stay in the race, declaring it “far from over.” Trump bragged about following up his Iowa win with a victory in New Hampshire but also repeatedly insulated Haley, declaring, “Lets not have someone take a victory when she had a very bad night.” Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukrainian forces of shooting down a military transport plane, killing all 74 people aboard, including 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war being swapped. It said the POWs were being transported to Russia’s Belgorod region. Ukrainian officials did not comment on the crash and The Associated Press could not confirm who was aboard. Officials in Kyiv cautioned against sharing unverified information. In addition to the 65 POWs, the Il-76 transport carried a crew of six and three other passengers, the ministry said. According to the statement, Russian radar registered the launch of two Ukrainian missiles from Ukraine’s Kharkiv region that borders Belgorod. The ministry called the attack “a terrorist act.” BEIJING (AP) — Chinese officials say at least 25 people died after a fire broke out in southeastern Jiangxi province. Local authorities for the Yushui district of Jiangxi province said a fire broke out in the basement of a shopping area in mid-afternoon on Wednesday. They say 120 rescue, firefighters, police and local government officials were deployed to the scene. Search and rescue operations are underway, and the cause of the fire is under investigation. DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 1.9 million Explorer SUVs in the U.S. because a trim piece can fly off and create a hazard for other drivers. The recall covers Explorers from the 2011 through 2019 model years. Documents posted Wednesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that clips holding the trim that covers the roof supports by the windshield can come loose. If that happens, the trim can fly off. The recall comes after U.S. regulators opened an investigation into the problem last year after receiving consumer complaints. Canadian regulators also inquired about the problem. Dealers will inspect the trim pieces to make sure the clips are engaged and add adhesive to hold them in place. Owners will be notified starting March 13. NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Osgood, who anchored “CBS Sunday Morning” for more than two decades, hosted the long-running radio program “The Osgood File” and was referred to as CBS News’ poet-in-residence, has died. He was 91. CBS reported that Osgood died Tuesday at his home in Saddle River, New Jersey, and that the cause was dementia, according to his family. Osgood proved to be a broadcaster who could write essays and light verse as well as report hard news, a man who continued to work in both radio and television with equal facility. He joined the CBS network in 1971. MANASSAS, Va. (AP) — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have joined forces at a rally in Virginia as they push for abortion rights. First lady Jill Biden and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were also there Tuesday at what was the first joint appearance by all four of them since the 2024 campaign began. It's a reflection of the importance that Democrats are placing on abortion as they face a likely rematch against Donald Trump, the former Republican president. Trump helped pave the way for overturning Roe v. Wade by nominating three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, a fact that the Biden campaign plans to remind voters of at every opportunity. WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has hit three facilities in Iraq and two anti-ship missiles in Yemen within hours of each other in its continued effort to keep violence from the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into a wider conflict. Both strikes were targeting Iranian-backed proxy weapons sites that the United States has said are involved in the strikes against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and in launching anti-ship missiles and drones that threaten commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The strikes came hours after the U.S. said on Tuesday that militants fired two one-way attack drones at the al-Asad Air Base, injuring U.S. service members and damaging infrastructure. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators have barred TurboTax maker Intuit Inc. from advertising its services as “free” unless they are free for all customers, or if eligibility is clearly disclosed. In an opinion and final order, the Federal Trade Commission ruled that Intuit engaged in deceptive practices by running ads claiming consumers could file their taxes for free using TurboTax — when in fact many taxpayers did not qualify for such free offerings. In addition to prohibiting Intuit from marketing its products or services as free unless there’s actually no cost for everyone, the FTC said Intuit must disclose what percentage of consumers are eligible and note if a majority of taxpayers do not qualify. Inuit said it had appealed the decision, which it called deeply flawed. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama intends to put a man to death with nitrogen gas this week unless stopped by the courts. It would be the first execution attempt with the method in the United States. Kenneth Eugene Smith is scheduled to be executed Thursday evening at a south Alabama prison. Alabama plans have a gas mask put over the 58-year-old's face to replace his breathing air with pure nitrogen gas and kill him. The Alabama attorney general’s office says using nitrogen gas is the most painless and humane method created. But some doctors and critics say what exactly Smith will feel is unknown. ATLANTA (AP) — Dexter Scott King, the younger son of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, has died after battling prostate cancer. The King Center in Atlanta says the 62-year-old son of the civil rights leader died in his sleep on Monday at his home in Malibu, California. Named for the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father once served as pastor, he was just 7 years old when his father was assassinated in 1968. He became chairman of the King Center, where he shepherded his parents' legacy and focused on protecting the King family's intellectual property. The Baseball Hall of Fame makes room for three new members, the Bucks fire a first-year coach with an excellent win-loss record, the Nuggets rely on their big guns to win at Indiana, South Carolina shocks AP sixth-ranked Kentucky, and the Oilers' long win streak gets longer. NEW YORK (AP) — The 2024 Oscar nominations have been announced. The nominees for best picture are: “American Fiction”; “Anatomy of a Fall”; “Barbie”; “The Holdovers”; “Killers of the Flower Moon”; “Maestro”; “Oppenheimer”; “Past Lives”; “Poor Things”; “The Zone of Interest.” Lily Gladstone, star of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” became the first Native American nominated for best actress. For the 10th time, Scorsese was nominated for best director. Leonardo DiCaprio, though, was left out of best actor. Among the nominated films is the Ukraine war documentary “20 Days in Mariupol,” which is a joint production between The Associated Press and PBS' “Frontline” and will compete in the best documentary category. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 25 at 7:15 a.m. CT: AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — With graduations looming, student protesters continue to double down on their discontent of the Israel-Hamas war on campuses across the country as universities, including ones in California and Texas, have become quick to call in the police to end the demonstrations and make arrests. Police peacefully arrested pro-Palestinian student protesters at the University of Southern California Wednesday evening without incident. The arrests came hours after police at a Texas university aggressively detained 34 demonstrators. It was the latest clash between law enforcement and those protesting the Israel-Hamas war on campuses nationwide. ISTANBUL (AP) — A top Hamas political official has told The Associated Press the Islamic militant group is willing to agree to a five-year truce with Israel and that it will lay down its weapons and convert into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. Khalil al-Hayya made the comments Wednesday amid a stalemate in months of cease-fire talks. But it's unlikely Israel would consider such a scenario. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up former President Donald Trump's bid to avoid prosecution over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Trump and his legal team are putting to the test the foundational belief that no one is above the law, not even the president. The Supreme Court hears the case Thursday. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A technical problem caused aviation authorities in Norway to temporarily close the airspace over the south of the country, leading to significant delays at Oslo airport. The state-owned airport operator said the airspace was gradually reopened after more than three hours, but delays would continue throughout the day.  NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. births fell last year. It was the lowest count in more than 40 years. A little under 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2023, about 76,000 fewer than the year before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the provisional statistics on Thursday. In other headlines:  Arizona grand jury indicts 11 Republicans who falsely declared Trump won the state in 2020. Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights. Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by US to hit Russian-held areas, officials say. Arizona House advances a repeal of the state's near-total abortion ban to the Senate. No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP. Microsoft and Amazon face scrutiny from UK competition watchdog over recent AI deals. Russia vetoes a UN resolution calling for the prevention of a dangerous nuclear arms race in space. Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes. A barrage of three pointers aided one team to win in NBA playoff action, three playoff games in the NHL (one going overtime) plus a coach getting the pink slip and some big individual and team performances in Major League Baseball. Correspondent David Schuster reports. Lions agree to contract extensions with St. Brown and Sewell worth combined $200M, AP source says. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 24 at 7:15 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday after the House had approved the package Saturday. Biden is expected to quickly sign the legislation and start the process of sending the money to Ukraine. The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Also passed Tuesday was legislation that would force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that’s expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income. NEW YORK (AP) — What began last week when students at a New York Ivy League school refused to end their protest against Israel’s war with Hamas has turned into a much larger movement. Students across the nation set up encampments, occupied buildings and ignored demands to leave Tuesday. Protests against Israel’s war with Hamas had been bubbling for months. They kicked into a higher gear after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia University’s upper Manhattan campus were arrested last week. Dozens more protesters have been arrested at other campuses since. Many now face charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct. TOKYO (AP) — Japan's public broadcaster says smoke was seen coming from an All Nippon Airways plane as it landed safely at Shin Chitose airport in northern Japan. NHK television says the ANA flight was carrying about 200 people, and no injuries were reported when it landed Wednesday. It says the smoke, coming from the wing area, subsided when the engines stopped. Tesla’s first-quarter net income plummeted 55%, but its stock price surged in after-hours trading Tuesday as the company said it would accelerate production of new, more affordable vehicles. The company said it made $1.13 billion from January through March compared with $2.51 billion in the same period a year ago.  In other headlines: Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Donald Trump campaign's "eyes and ears" during 2016 race. Casey, McCormick to face each other as nominees in Pennsylvania's high-stakes U.S. Senate contest. Moscow court rejects Evan Gershkovich's appeal, keeping him in jail till at least June 30. Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired. Ashley Judd, Aloe Blacc help announce White House campaign on suicide prevention. NFL draft has been on tour for a decade and the next stop is Detroit, giving it a shot in spotlight. The Pacers snap a long postseason losing streak, the Mavericks come back to even their playoff series, the Timberwolves earn a second straight win over the Suns, the Rangers use special teams to defeat the Capitals, the Panthers earn an overtime win over the Lightning, the Avalanche and Predators get road wins to even up their respective first round series, Shohei Ohtani's blast helps lead the Dodgers over the Nationals, the Mariners use their hot run to springboard into first place in the American League West and Caitlin Clark adds one more award to her historic collegiate career. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 23 at 7:30 a.m. CT: NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University’s main campus will switch to hybrid learning for the rest of the semester amid protests over Israel’s war with Hamas that have roiled colleges across the U.S. University officials announced the move late Monday after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia’s New York City campus were arrested last week. Students have protested against Israel’s war in Gaza at many campuses. That includes New York University a few miles south of Columbia. An encampment there swelled to hundreds of protesters, and police began to make arrests Monday night. A police spokesperson said he did not know how many NYU protesters had been arrested. NEW YORK (AP) — The National Enquirer's former publisher is expected to return to the stand in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial as testimony continues in the first-ever criminal trial against a former U.S. president. David Pecker was the first and only witness Monday following opening statements. Prosecutors say Pecker worked with Trump and Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, on a “catch-and-kill” strategy to buy up and then spike negative stories during the 2016 campaign. Testimony resumes Tuesday. It's the first of Trump's four indictments to go to trial and the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president. He has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is returning to Washington to vote on $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Lawmakers on Tuesday are taking the final steps in Congress to send the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk after months of delays and contentious internal debate over how involved the United States should be abroad. The $61 billion for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower and as Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his attacks. Soldiers have struggled to hold the front lines as Russia has seized the momentum on the battlefield and forced Ukraine to cede significant territory. PARIS (AP) — French police have evicted migrants from a makeshift camp in Paris a few steps away from the Seine River. It's the latest operation in what aid groups call a campaign of “social cleansing” ahead of the Summer Olympics. Around 30 teenage boys and young men from West Africa were awakened by police officers and urged to pack their tents and belongings. The operation came days after police carried out a large-scale eviction at France’s biggest squatter camp. Such evictions happen every spring. But aid groups say these efforts are intensifying ahead of the Olympics. Paris police say the operation was carried out for security reasons. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health and weather officials are unveiling a new color-coded system to warn Americans about heat danger, and it will set magenta as the most dangerous level. The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used Earth Day on Monday to explain the new online heat risk system. It combines meteorological and medical risk factors with a seven-day forecast that’s simplified and color-coded for a warming world of worsening heat waves.  In other headlines: With homelessness on the rise, the Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors. The Supreme Court will decide whether Trump is immune from federal prosecution. Here's what's next. The Biden administration tightens rules for obtaining medical records related to abortion. Vice President Harris announces final rules mandating minimum standards for nursing home staffing. Four Germans caught marking Hitler's birthday outside Nazi dictator's birthplace in Austria. The Denver Nuggets win their NBA playoff game on a buzzer beater, Carolina rallies to stun the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oakland As score in the 9th inning to beat the New York Yankees and one-time NFL MVP Matt Ryan retires. The Jets trade quarterback Zach Wilson to the Broncos and the Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as coach. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 22 at 8 a.m. CT: NEW YORK (AP) — Opening statements in Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial are set to begin. The statements expected Monday will set the stage for weeks of testimony about the former president’s personal life and placing his legal troubles at the center of his closely contested campaign against President Joe Biden. Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016. GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. labor organization is warning that over 70% of the world’s workforce is likely to be exposed to excessive heat during their careers, citing increased concern about exposure to sunlight. It also warned of air pollution, pesticides and other hazards that could lead to health problems including cancer. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The head of Israel’s military intelligence directorate has resigned over Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, becomes the first senior Israeli figure to step down over the failures surrounding Hamas’ attack. The federal government is for the first time requiring nursing homes to have minimum staffing levels after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed grim realities in poorly staffed facilities for older Americans. Vice President Kamala Harris announced the final rules Monday before a trip to Wisconsin, where she'll speak with nursing home care workers and hold a campaign event related to abortion rights.  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider whether banning homeless people from sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Monday's case is considered the most significant on homelessness to come before the high court in decades. Pope Francis has renewed calls for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Two top climate monitoring organizations are reporting that Europe is the fastest-warming continent and its temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average. In other headlines: The House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle. That could cost Speaker Mike Johnson his job. Crush of lawsuits over voting in multiple states creates a shadow war for the 2024 election. Earth Day: How one grocery shopper takes steps to avoid "pointless plastic." Ozzy Osbourne, Cher among Rock Hall inductees08 "Civil War" continues box-office campaign at No. 1. The Celtics blow out the Heat to begin their postseason, the Clippers earn a Game 1 win without Kawhi Leonard, the Bucks take a 1-0 series lead over the Pacers, the Thunder hold on to beat the Pelicans to start their first-round playoff series, the NBA announces its awards finalists, all four home teams earn Game 1 wins in the NHL playoffs, Shohei Ohtani reaches another baseball milestone, Cole Irvin breaks a long losing streak for the Orioles, a wild finish in Talladega spells victory for Tyler Reddick, and the world's top-ranked golfer is on the verge of another tournament win. Israelis prepare for a somber Passover, and Hindu nationalists expect a strong showing in India. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 20 at 6 a.m. CT: Each Saturday Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: Starbucks is introducing a cold drink cup made with less plastic. Business boom: Record numbers of people are starting up new small businesses. The Fed's Jerome Powell: Elevated inflation will likely delay rate cuts this year. 420 grew from humble roots to marijuana's high holiday. First major attempts to regulate AI face headwinds from all sides. Maine is the latest to join an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote. Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from 'Star Trek' boldly goes home after twisting voyage. New study calculates climate change's economic bite will hit about $38 trillion a year by 2049. Are Americans feeling like they get enough sleep Dream on, a new Gallup poll says. As syphilis cases among US newborns soar, doctors group advises more screening during pregnancy. Biden administration announces new partnership with 50 countries to stifle future pandemics. UN report points to yawning gap of inequality in sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation. This ancient snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a ton. Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing. Macron says Olympic opening ceremony on Seine River could be scrapped if security risk is too high. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 19 at 7:30 a.m. CT: CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago is one of several big American cities grappling with a surge of migrants. With help from state and federal funds, the city has spent more than $300 million to provide housing, health care and more to over 38,000 mostly South American migrants. The speed with which these funds were marshaled has stirred widespread resentment among Black Chicagoans. But community leaders are trying to ease racial tensions and channel the public’s frustrations into agitating for the greater good. The outcry is having wider implications in an election year: The Biden administration is advocating a more restrictive approach to immigration in its negotiations with Republicans in Congress. NEW DELHI (AP) — Millions of Indians are voting in a six-week election that’s a referendum on Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first round of voting is being held across 21 states. Modi is seeking a rare third term in office. He is up against a broad opposition alliance that hasn’t named their candidate for prime minister if they win. India’s voters will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament during the staggered elections running until June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4. NEW YORK (AP) — A jury of 12 people has been seated in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial in New York. Alternates are now being selected. The rapid progress Thursday afternoon propels the case closer to opening statements and weeks of testimony in a case charging the Republican with falsifying business records to suppress stories about his sex life in the final days of the 2016 election. The jury includes a sales professional, a software engineer, an English teacher and multiple lawyers. The case centers on $130,000 Trump’s lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen paid to porn actor Stormy Daniels. Trump faces 34 felony counts. He denies any wrongdoing. UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States has vetoed a widely backed U.N. resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine. The resolution that faced a vote Thursday would have raised the Palestinians' status from a non-member observer state to full membership. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood told the Security Council that the U.S. veto “does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood, but instead is an acknowledgment that it will only come from direct negotiations between the parties.” This is the second Palestinian attempt for full membership and it comes as the war in Gaza has put the more than 75-year-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict at center stage. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defenses at a major air base and a nuclear site near the central city of Isfahan. The assault Friday comes in retaliation for Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country. Speaking at the G7 meeting in Capri, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the U.S. received “last-minute” information from Israel about the attack on Isfahan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not dispute that immediately after Tajani’s remarks, but said: “We were not involved in any offensive operations.” The apparent attack came on Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s 85th birthday, with Israeli politicians also making comments hinting that the country had launched an attack. In other headlines: US and UK issue new sanctions on Iran in response to Tehran's weekend attack on Israel. Kennedy family makes "crystal clear" its Biden endorsement in attempt to deflate RFK Jr.’s candidacy. Average long-term US mortgage rate climbs above 7% to highest level since late November. Sluggish start for spring homebuying season as home sales fall in March with mortgage rates rising. Justice Department ramps up efforts to reduce violent crime with gun intel center, carjacking forces. Sweeping gun legislation approved by Maine lawmakers after mass shooting. Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickey Betts dies. The NBA play-in final games will be played without some key players, the Stanley Cup playoff matchups are set for Round One, Salt Lake City officially joins the NHL and the Giants put it all together to beat the defending National League champions. Light pole installation hits fiber line, knocks out 911 service in several states. Rural Texas towns report cyberattacks that caused one water system to overflow. Britain's Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a US resident. UK police say they disrupted cyber fraud network that stole personal data from thousands. 9 are facing charges in what police in Canada say is the biggest gold theft in the country's history. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 18 at 7 a.m. CT: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will decide whether and how to respond to Iran’s major air assault earlier this week, brushing off calls for restraint. Israel has vowed to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack, leaving the region bracing for further escalation after months of fighting in Gaza. Israel’s allies have been urging Israel to hold back on any response that could spiral. The pressure came as Iran’s president warned that even the “tiniest” invasion would bring a “massive and harsh” response. WASHINGTON — Jury selection in the hush money trial of Donald Trump enters a pivotal and potentially final stretch as lawyers look to round out the panel of New Yorkers that will decide the first-ever criminal case against a former president. Seven jurors have been picked so far. Eleven more people must still be sworn in, with the judge saying he anticipated opening statements in the landmark case to be given as early as next week. NEW YORK — Donald Trump’s legal team says it tried serving a subpoena on Stormy Daniels as she arrived for a screening of her documentary at a gay bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor and hush money trial figure refused to take it and walked away. Newly filed court documents show a process server working for the former president’s lawyers approached Daniels with papers demanding information but was forced to “leave them at her feet." WASHINGTON — The Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border and ending his trial before arguments even began. Senate Democrats argued that the articles were unconstitutional. In other headlines: President Joe Biden is off on details of his uncle's WWII death as he calls Trump unfit to lead the military. An Abu Ghraib military contractor warned bosses of abuses two weeks after arriving, testimony reveals. Ford recalls over 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick cars due to loss of drive power risk. A communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without alerts amid Maui fire. The NBA's Play In Tournament continues, the New Orleans Pelicans lose their stars to injury, the NBA issues a lifetime ban to one of its players, every MLB team was in action, and the NHL's regular season inches closer to a conclusion.  —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 17 at 7 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats could end the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas before arguments even begin. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected on Wednesday to call votes to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas after senators are sworn in as jurors midday, a move that could scuttle the trial and frustrate Republicans who have demanded that House prosecutors be able to make their case. Democrats appear to be united in opposition to moving forward. The House narrowly voted in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, arguing in the two articles that he refused to enforce immigration laws. HONOLULU (AP) — An after-action report released Tuesday says that despite devoting nearly  all the personnel and vehicles it had to the wildfire effort on the island of Maui last August, the firefighters were outmatched by the unprecedented blazes that left 101 people dead in Lahaina. The report makes more than 100 recommendations including adding more equipment. The Hawaii Attorney General is expected to release another report Wednesday. LOS ANGELES (AP) — The University of Southern California has canceled a commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian, a Muslim student who has expressed support for Palestinians. The university is citing substantial security risks for the event, which draws 65,000 people to campus. The decision was announced in a statement Monday by Andrew T. Guzman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Guzman cited the “alarming tenor” of reaction to the school's choice of valedictorian. WASHINGTON (AP) — A voting technology company targeted by bogus fraud claims related to the 2020 presidential election has settled a defamation lawsuit against a conservative news outlet. The settlement reached Tuesday between Florida-based Smartmatic and One America News Network is the latest development in a larger legal pushback by voting equipment companies that became ensnared in wild conspiracy theories falsely claiming they had flipped votes and cost former President Donald Trump reelection.  In other headlines: First seven jurors are chosen for Donald Trump's hush money criminal trial; 11 more still needed. Facing a Republican revolt, House Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on US aid for Ukraine, allies. Only 1 in 3 US adults think Trump acted illegally in New York hush money case, an AP-NORC poll shows. Bob Graham, ex-U.S. senator and Florida governor, dies at 87. The IMF Outlook for the world's economy is brighter, though still modest by historical standards. ABBA, Blondie, and the Notorious B.I.G. enter the National Recording Registry. The first two games of the NBA Play In schedule are contested, a six time All Star announces his retirement, positional battles in the NHL, injuries to key players in MLB and a Hall of Fame manager dies. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 16 at 7:45 a.m. CT: NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is set to return to a New York courtroom as a judge works to find a panel of jurors who'll decide whether the former president is guilty of criminal charges alleging he falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal during the 2016 campaign. The first day of Trump’s history-making trial in Manhattan ended with no one yet chosen to be on the panel of 12 jurors and six alternates. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A fire has swept through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings, causing the collapse of the iconic spire from the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange. Passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. The Danish culture minister said it was “touching” to see how many people helped. The fire began in the copper roof of the Old Stock Exchange. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth while lawsuits over the law proceed, reversing lower courts. The justices’ order Monday allows the state to put in place a 2023 law that subjects physicians to up to 10 years in prison if they provide hormones, puberty blockers or other gender-affirming care to people under age 18. WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing for a vote on aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan this week. He has unveiled a plan to contort the package to squeeze it through the House’s political divides on foreign policy.  NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — NASA says it determined that an object that crashed through the roof of a Florida home last month was a chunk of space junk from equipment discarded at the International Space Station. The debris struck a home in Naples on March 8. NASA recovered the object from the homeowner and took it to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral for analysis.  In other headlines: The Biden administration agrees to provide $6.4 billion to Samsung for making computer chips in Texas. Trump Media stock slides again to bring it more than 66% below its peak as euphoria fades. Tesla plans to lay off 10% of workforce after dismal quarterly sales, multiple news outlets report. Justice Clarence Thomas misses the Supreme Court session Monday with no explanation. Review says Abbey Gate bombing wasn't preventable, refutes claims troops sighted the would-be bomber. The gun supervisor for the movie "Rust" gets 18 months in prison for fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin on set. 190 decaying bodies were found at a Colorado funeral home. The owners are charged with COVID fraud of $880,000. The second high-profile stabbing to rock Sydney in recent days is declared a terrorist attack. Women's college basketball's top star turns pro, winners are crowned in the Boston Marathon, the Mets climb to the .500 mark and the Islanders extend their season. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 15 at 7 a.m. CT: Today is the deadline to file your 2023 income tax return. We offer tips for those that have waited until the last minute to file. BEIRUT (AP) — Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel marks a change in approach for Tehran, which had relied on proxies across the Middle East since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. All eyes are now on whether Israel chooses to take further military action against Iran, while Washington seeks diplomatic measures instead to ease regional tensions. NEW YORK (AP) — The hush money trial of former President Donald Trump begins Monday with jury selection. It's a singular moment for American history as the first criminal trial of a former U.S. commander in chief. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian police are examining why a lone assailant who stabbed six people to death in a busy Sydney shopping mall and injured more than a dozen others targeted women while avoiding men. In other headlines: 02 Executor of O.J. Simpson's estate plans to fight payout to the families of Brown and Goldman 03 Maine lawmakers approve shield law for providers of abortion and gender-affirming care 04 Robert MacNeil, creator and first anchor of PBS 'NewsHour' nightly newscast, dies at 93 08 Divisive? Not for moviegoers. "Civil War" declares victory at box office. "The Talk" on CBS will wrap after one more season and No Doubt performed for the first time in a decade at Coachella. Scottie Scheffler wins the Masters, the matchups are set for the NBA Play-In Tournament, Major League Baseball's top-rated prospect gets his first hit and a NASCAR winless drought comes to an end. AP correspondent Walter Ratliff reports on how Cambodia's famous temples facing a slow comeback and new challenges on this week's AP Religion Roundup. —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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 12 at 6:30 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that more than half of U.S. adults think Joe Biden’s presidency has hurt the country on cost of living and immigration. Meanwhile, nearly half think Donald Trump’s presidency hurt the country on voting rights and election security, relations with foreign countries, abortion laws and climate change. The poll numbers also show Americans generally think that in the White House, both did more harm than good. Meanwhile, when asked which president did more to help people like them, roughly one-third say Donald Trump and about one-quarter say Joe Biden. Yet roughly 30% of adults said neither Biden nor Trump benefitted them. BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has announced an investigation into suspected Russian interference in Europe-wide elections in June. He says that his country’s intelligence service has confirmed the existence of a network in several European countries trying to undermine support for Ukraine. He said Friday that Moscow wants to help “elect more pro-Russian candidates to the European Parliament and to reinforce a certain pro-Russian narrative.”  LAS VEGAS (AP) — O.J. Simpson has died. The decorated football star who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend but wound up in prison years later in an unrelated case died Wednesday. He was 76. His family made an announcement Thursday in a statement on Simpson's X account. Simpson said last year that he was battling prostate cancer. Simpson’s gridiron legacy was forever overshadowed by the 1994 knife slayings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. A criminal court jury found him not guilty of murder, but a separate civil trial jury found him liable. Simpson's nine-year prison stint in Nevada was for the armed robbery of two sports memorabilia dealers. NEW YORK (AP) — A dozen Manhattan residents are soon to become the first Americans ever to sit in judgment of a former president charged with a crime. Jury selection is set to start Monday in former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial. WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans will again try to advance a bill reauthorizing a crucial national security surveillance program. The second attempt Friday comes just days after a conservative revolt prevented similar legislation from reaching the floor. Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to bring forward a Plan B that would reform and extend a section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act known as Section 702 for a shortened period of two years, instead of the full five-year reauthorization first proposed. In other headlines: Trump is testing the limits of a gag order with post insulting two likely witnesses in his criminal trial. Biden says he's considering Australia's request to drop prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Shouts of "Shame! Shame!" erupt in Arizona House as fight over abortion ban engulfs lawmakers. Environmentalists protest as Biden administration approves huge oil export terminal off Texas coast. Former interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani faces bank fraud charges in sports betting case. Round One of the Masters was highlighted by two magnificent performances, but numerous players were unable to finish due to darkness, Jalen Brunson does it again for the NY Knicks, a polarizing football figure has passed away, news both on and off the field in the MLB, and the latest from the NHL. Agency probes Philadelphia fatal crash involving Ford that may have been running on automated system. Average long-term US mortgage rate edges closer to 7%, rising to highest level since early March. US producer prices rose 2.1% from last year, most since April, but less than forecasters expected. Fewer Americans file for jobless claims as labor market continues to shrug off higher interest rates. Vietnam sentences real estate tycoon Truong My Lan to death in its largest-ever fraud case. Coast Guard Academy cadets disciplined over homework cheating 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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 13 at 6 a.m. CT: Each Saturday Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: Manhattan court must find a dozen jurors to hear first-ever criminal case against a former president. More Republican states sue to block Biden’s student loan repayment plan. Measles cases are up in 2024. What's driving the increase? AI-operated fighter jet will fly Air Force secretary in a test of military's future drone warplanes. Alcohol is still illegal in some New York towns. A proposed law would ban 'dry' communities. Almost 10% of Florida's youngest children were missed during the 2020 census. A healthy US economy's secret ingredient Immigrant workers, eager to fill jobs. The Small Business Administration offers assistance for small businesses hurt by the Maryland bridge collapse. Instagram begins blurring nudity in messages to protect teens and fight sexual extortion. JPMorgan CEO James Dimon warns inflation, political polarization and wars are creating risks not seen since WWII. Company that made millions of defective sleep apnea machines ordered to overhaul manufacturing. Tesla settles lawsuit over man's death in a crash involving its semi-autonomous driving software. The women's NCAA title game outdrew the men's championship with an average of 18.9 million viewers. As many cities sour on hosting the Olympics, Salt Lake City's enthusiasm endures. Nine Major League Baseball teams cut payroll this winter, and the average salary is up just 1.5%. Track and field becomes the first sport to pay prize money at Olympics. Paris gold medalists get $50,000. Maryland lawmakers OK plan to rebuild Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness. Simona Halep tells the AP she was nervous about returning to tennis after her doping ban appeal. Teaching refugee women to drive goes farther than their destination. Russian soldiers who quit Russian President Vladimir Putin's war get no hero’s welcome abroad as asylum claims surge. A dengue fever outbreak in Argentina leads to a shortage of a must-have item mosquito repellent. Istanbul Airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring five therapy dogs. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 11 at 7:30 a.m. CT: SLIDELL, La. (AP) — Officials in a Louisiana city are assessing the damage from a tornado spawned by a system of severe weather also blamed for a death in Mississippi and damage from Texas to the Florida panhandle. No deaths or critical injuries were reported when the suspected tornado hit Slidell, Louisiana, on Wednesday. The storm ripped off roofs and partially collapsed some buildings. The storms dumped close to 8 inches of rain on parts of the New Orleans area as the city dealt with problems with the antiquated system of pipes and pumps that drains the streets. PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A joyful celebration of the end of Ramadan devolved into panic Wednesday in Philadelphia after rival groups exchanged gunfire, leaving at least three people injured. Hundreds of parents and children fled the Eid al-Fitr event in the city's Parkside neighborhood after the 2:30 p.m. shooting. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says about 30 shots rang out during a gunfight between rival groups. Bethel says that five people are in custody. They include a 15-year-old boy who police say had a gun and was shot in the leg and shoulder. Officials say one man was shot in the stomach and a juvenile victim suffered a wound to the hand. BEIJING (AP) — China has announced rare sanctions against two U.S. defense companies over what it says is their support for arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-governing island democracy as its own territory to be recovered by force if necessary. The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. It also bars their management from entering the country. Filings show General Dynamics operates a half-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China. General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the U.S. military. General Dynamics helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan. DETROIT (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a March crash near Philadelphia that killed two people and involved a Ford electric vehicle that may have been operating on a partially automated driving system. The agency says a Mustang Mach E sport utility vehicle hit two stationary passenger cars on Interstate 95 at 3:19 a.m. March 3. Both drivers of the stationary cars were killed. In a posting Wednesday on X, the agency said it will coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police. The Mach E hit a parked Toyota Prius and rammed it into a Hyundai Elantra. Ford said it is researching the crash and collaborating with investigators. The crash is the second this year involving a Mach E that the NTSB is investigating. The first occurred on Feb. 24 in San Antonio, Texas. OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Canada’s emergency preparedness minister is warning the country’s wildfire season could be more explosive than last year that unprecedented smoke conditions across much of the country and into the United States. Persistent drought and months of above-average temperatures have raised the risk of a repeat of last year’s record-breaking wildfires, prompting federal ministers to wave a red warning flag about the desperate need to address climate change. Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan says they can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner, end later and potentially be more explosive. The 2023 fire season was Canada’s worst on record, burning more than 15 million hectares and forcing more than 230,000 people from their homes. In other headlines: Donald Trump says Arizona's abortion ban goes too far while defending the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Speaker Mike Johnson will meet with Trump as the Republican House leader fights for his job. apanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cracks jokes and invokes "Star Trek" as he and President Joe Biden toast US-Japan alliance at a state dinner. The Biden administration imposes a first-ever national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS. Former Trump executive Allen Weisselberg is sentenced to 5 months in jail for lying in civil fraud case. Ukraine will be outgunned by Russia 10 to 1 in weeks without US help, top Europe general says. Six former Mississippi law officers to be sentenced in state court for torture of two Black men. Ford recalls nearly 43,000 SUVs due to gas leaks that can cause fires, but remedy won't fix leaks. John Calipari is headed to coach Arkansas, Dallas wins the Southwest Division, baseball's top prospect makes his debut, and Caitlin Clark to have her jersey retired by Iowa. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 10 at 7:15 a.m. CT: TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza a mistake. In remarks aired late Tuesday, Biden ramped up his criticism of Israel, demanding a cease-fire so that more aid be sent to Gaza. That widened a rift between the two staunch allies that has worsened as the war has dragged on. Biden has been an outspoken supporter of Israel’s war against Hamas since the militant group launched a deadly assault on Oct. 7, but in recent weeks his administration has taken a more stern line with Israel. Palestinians in Gaza marked a muted start to the Eid al-Fitr holiday with visits to the grave of sons and daughters killed in the war. PHOENIX (AP) — A near-total ban on abortions is set to take effect in Arizona. The state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Arizona can enforce its long-dormant law making abortion illegal in all cases except when a mother’s life is at stake. Enforcement won't take effect for at least two weeks. The ruling examined an 1864 law that predates Arizona’s statehood. It provides no exceptions for rape or incest. The state’s high court ruling reviewed a 2022 decision by the state Court of Appeals that said doctors couldn’t be charged for performing the procedure in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Opening statements are expected in the trial of an Idaho man charged with killing his wife and new girlfriend’s two youngest children, in an unusual case involving claims about zombies. Chad Daybell is charged with murder, insurance fraud and other counts in the deaths of Tammy Daybell, 7-year-old Joshua “JJ” Vallow and JJ’s big sister, Tylee Ryan. Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday. LONDON (AP) — The University of Edinburgh says Nobel prize-winning physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed the existence of a sub-atomic particle that came to be known as the Higgs boson, has died at 94. Higgs predicted the existence of the particle in 1964. But it would be almost 50 years before the its existence could be confirmed at a particle collider in Switzerland called the Large Hadron Collider. Higgs’ work helps scientists understand of the most fundamental riddles of the universe: how the Big Bang created something out of nothing 13.7 billion years ago. Higgs won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work, alongside Francois Englert of Belgium. In other headlines: Norfolk Southern agrees to $600M settlement in fiery Ohio derailment. Locals fear it’s not enough. Michigan school shooter's parents sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. New WIC rules include more money for fruits and veggies. They also expand food choices. New EPA rule says 200 US chemical plants must reduce toxic emissions that are likely to cause cancer. GOP's Marjorie Taylor Greene delivers fresh threats of ousting Speaker Johnson in scathing rebuke. Appeals court rejects Donald Trump's latest attempt to delay April 15 hush money criminal trial. Six northern European nations sign a deal to protect North Sea infrastructure from hostile actors. Luke Combs leads the 2024 ACM Awards nominations, followed by Morgan Wallen and Megan Moroney. Paula Cole releases Lo, her first album of new songs in a decade. John Calipari departs Kentucky after 15 years, saying the program "needs to hear another voice." The Yankees become the first American League team to ten wins, the Orioles spoil the Red Sox home opener, Tyler Glasnow ties a career-best to help the Dodgers beat the Twins, Alex Ovechkin reaches another scoring milestone, the Hurricanes get a highlight-reel goal to knock off the Bruins, the Bucks hold the Celtics without a free throw, but lose their star in the process, and college basketball's leader in wins announces she is retiring. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 9 at 7:30 a.m. CT: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated his pledge to invade Rafah. In a video statement Monday, he declared: “It will happen. There is a date,” without elaborating. He spoke as Israeli negotiators are in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Israel has insisted on sending troops into Rafah, saying the city on the Egyptian border is Hamas’ last stronghold. However, this has raised international alarm over the fate of the around 1.4 million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah, most of whom are displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip. Israel’s top ally, the U.S., has said invading Rafah would be a mistake and has demanded to see a credible plan to protect civilians. WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith’s team is urging the Supreme Court to reject former President Donald Trump’s claim that he is immune from prosecution in a case charging him with scheming to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The brief from prosecutors was submitted just over two weeks before the justices will take up the legally untested question of whether an ex-president is shielded from criminal charges for official actions taken in the White House. The outcome of the April 25 arguments is expected to help determine whether Trump faces trial this year in a four-count indictment that accuses him of conspiring to block the peaceful transfer of power after losing the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden. SALEM, Mass. (AP) — Police in Massachusetts say someone threw an explosive device onto the porch of The Satanic Temple at a time when no one was inside, and the device and damage it caused were not found until nearly 12 hours later. No injuries were reported. Police said in a news release Monday that state police bomb technicians ensured that the device was no longer a danger. Police dogs swept the location for other devices and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting with the investigation. Police did not provide details on the damage. Police have responded to the temple previously for bomb threats and hate crimes. WASHINGTON (AP) — For the 10th consecutive month, Earth in March set a new monthly record for global heat — with both air temperatures and the world’s oceans hitting an all-time high for the month, the European Union climate agency Copernicus said. March 2024 averaged 57.9 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the previous record from 2016 by a tenth of a degree, according to Copernicus data. In other headlines:  New York appeals judge rejects Donald Trump’s request to delay his April 15 hush money trial. Person comes forward to claim $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot in Oregon. Disney allowed to pause its federal lawsuit against Florida governor as part of settlement deal. Colorado politics reporter's expulsion from a Republican gathering causes uproar. Woman shoots interstate drivers, says she shot people because of the eclipse, Florida police say. Morgan Wallen has been arrested after police say he threw a chair off of the roof of a 6-story bar. Clarence "Frogman" Henry, the New Orleans R&B singer behind the 1956 hit 'Ain't Got No Home,' dies. UConn repeats its national championship, John Calipari is about to switch SEC schools, Caitlin Clark helps set another record, the Yankees and Pirates continue their hot starts, and Auston Matthews gets 65. The NAIA all but bans transgender athletes from women's sports. NCAA vows to ensure "fair competition." —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 8 at 7:30 a.m. CT: MESQUITE, Texas (AP) — Millions of spectators in the U.S., Mexico and Canada are eagerly anticipating the total solar eclipse. It's expected to be North America's biggest eclipse crowd ever, thanks to the densely populated path. But cloud cover is threatening to spoil the view for many. Clear skies are only promised in northern New England to Canada. During the eclipse, the moon will pass in front of the sun and obscure it for up to 4 1/2 minutes. The rest of North America will see a partial eclipse, weather permitting. NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has declined to endorse a national abortion ban and says he believes abortion should be left to the states. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee released a video outlining his position on Monday after months of mixed messages and speculation. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is traveling to Wisconsin to announce details of a new plan to help millions of people with their student loan debt. The Democratic president will visit Madison, the capital, on Monday, a week after primary voting in the Midwest battleground state highlighted weaknesses for him and Republican challenger Donald Trump. VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has declared that gender-affirming surgeries and surrogacy are grave violations of human dignity. A new document from the doctrine office puts them on par with abortion and euthanasia as practices that violate God’s plan for human life. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A senior Ukrainian official has denied Russian accusations that his country’s army fired drones at a nuclear reactor at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant. The Kremlin’s forces have been occupying and running the plant in southern Ukraine since shortly after the war began more than two years ago. In entertainment, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher say they filed for divorce last year after more than 20 years as a couple. It has been 21 years since Sean Paul’s dancehall anthem “Get Busy” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced new audiences to his Jamaican genres. Fans are celebrating 50 years since ABBA won a major battle with “Waterloo.”  In other headlines: An Oregon Powerball player wins a $1.3 billion jackpot, ending more than 3 months without a grand prize. Sen. Bernie Sanders's office in Vermont caught fire. Arson is suspected, but the motive is unclear. New York City's skyscrapers are built to withstand most earthquakes. Christiania, Copenhagen’s hippie oasis, wants to rebuild without its illegal hashish market. P&G recalls 8.2 million bags of Tide, Gain and other laundry detergents over packaging defect. "Godzilla x Kong" maintains box-office dominion in its second weekend. South Carolina denies Caitlin Clark a national championship in her collegiate finale, Jalen Brunson powers the Knicks past the Bucks, Zion Williamson and Paul George have clutch performances, the Braves slug three homers to complete a sweep, the Red Wings and Capitals jockey for playoff position, and more. In relgion, Palestinians pray in Jerusalem on the last Friday of Ramadan, while a Bronx mosque supports migrants flowing into New York. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 6 at 6 a.m. CT: Each Saturday Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: Here's how to protect yourself from common scams this tax season. IRS claws back money given to businesses under fraud-ridden COVID-era tax credit program. Which states could have abortion on the ballot in 2024? Workers had little warning as Maryland bridge collapsed, raising concerns over safety, communication. Federal report finds 68,000 guns were illegally trafficked through unlicensed dealers over 5 years. Ford to delay production of new electric pickup and large SUV as US EV sales growth slows. U.S. traffic deaths fell 3.6% in 2023, the 2nd straight yearly drop. But nearly 41,000 people died. A biased test kept thousands of Black people from getting a kidney transplant. It's finally changing. ALS drug will be pulled from US market after study showed patients didn't benefit. J&J to pump another $13B into its MedTech business with Shockwave deal. Iowa's victory over LSU is the most-watched women's college basketball game on record. Blind people can hear and feel April's total solar eclipse with new technology. Invaders from underground are coming in cicada-geddon. It's the biggest bug emergence in centuries. Does your dog understand when you say "fetch the ball?" A new study in Hungary says yes. Americans star on an Iraqi basketball team. Its owners include forces that attacked US troops. NATO marks its 75th birthday as Russia's war in Ukraine gnaws at its unity —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 5 at 6:45 a.m. CT: LEUVEN, Belgium (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that measures the Israeli government has announced to expand the flow of aid into Gaza are welcome but may not be enough to meet the Biden administration’s demands for dramatic improvements in humanitarian conditions in the territory. Blinken said Friday that opening more border crossings, if fully implemented, has the potential to surge assistance to Palestinians caught in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. However, the U.S. also wants to see tangible steps to bolster the protection of civilians and aid workers. Blinken called for an independent investigation into the killing earlier this week of seven aid workers in Israeli airstrikes, which sparked international outrage. An early spring nor'easter is hammering the Northeast with heavy snow, rain and high winds, with some northern areas expected to get up to 2 feet of snow. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses remained without power Thursday night from West Virginia to Maine.  DALLAS (AP) — Clouds could obscure views of Monday's total solar eclipse in some parts of North America. There is still plenty of time for forecasts to change, but meteorologists predict that a storm front could bring clouds to many locations along the eclipse's path, including parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas.  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is expected to get a firsthand look at efforts to clear away the hulking remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Cranes, ships and diving crews are working to reopen one of the nation’s main shipping lanes and prepare for eventually erecting a new bridge. Biden's planned visit Friday to the site of a tragedy that killed six bridge workers lays bare the cleanup's high political stakes.  DETROIT (AP) — New vehicle sales in the U.S. rose 5.1% from January through March, as buyers stayed in the market despite high interest rates. But electric vehicle sales growth slowed to 3.3% during the quarter, with mainstream buyers wary of limited range and a lack of charging stations. Automakers sold nearly 3.8 million vehicles in the first quarter versus a year ago.  In other headlines: Engineers clearing the collapsed Baltimore bridge say limited-access channel to port to open in four weeks. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in China, calls for a level-playing field for US workers and firms. No Labels won’t run a third-party campaign after trying to recruit a centrist presidential candidate. Judge rejects Donald Trump's request to dismiss classified documents prosecution. Judge rejects Trump's First Amendment challenge to his indictment in the Georgia election case. Rudy Giuliani can remain in Florida condo, despite judge's concern with his spending habits. Oklahoma executes man convicted of double slaying in 2002. Six inmates who sued New York over its prison lockdown order will get to view solar eclipse after all. Two million Black & Decker clothing steamers are under recall after dozens of burn injuries. Kiss sells catalog, brand name and IP. Gene Simmons assures fans it is a "collaboration." Only five games on the NBA schedule Thursday but all had playoff consequences, a big injury update off the court as well, nine games in the NHL and NFL news on two prolific wide receivers. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 4 at 7:15 a.m. CT: President Joe Biden will have a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen staff members in Gaza. Israel faced growing isolation Wednesday over the deaths of six foreign aid workers and a Palestinian driver helping deliver desperately needed food to isolated and starving residents.  HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP) — Rescuers are searching for dozens of people still missing a day after Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century damaged buildings, caused multiple rockslides and killed 10 people. MADRID (AP) — Spanish authorities say a cruise ship stuck in the northeastern port of Barcelona will be able to resume its route after a group of Bolivian passengers with visa problems were taken off the vessel.  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says a new rule making it harder to fire thousands of federal employees is a “step toward combatting corruption and partisan interference." Advocates hope the rule will head off former President Donald Trump’s promises to radically remake the federal workforce along ideological lines if the Republican wins back the White House.  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma is preparing to execute a death row inmate for shooting and killing two people in Oklahoma City more than two decades ago. Michael Dewayne Smith is scheduled to receive a lethal injection on Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Smith was convicted and sentenced to die for killing Janet Moore and Sharath Pulluru in separate shootings in February 2002. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say thieves stole as much $30 million in a burglary at a Los Angeles money storage facility in one of the largest cash heists in city history. A police official said Wednesday that the burglary occurred Sunday night at an unnamed facility in the Sylmar area of the San Fernando Valley. Cash from businesses across the region is handled and stored there. The official says the burglars were able to breach the building and the safe where the money was stored. The Los Angeles Times says the break-in is among the largest cash burglaries in city history. In other headlines: A new election law battle is brewing in Georgia, this time over voter challenges. Jill Biden says the nation's top teachers will be recognized at their own White House state dinner. Prosecutors in Donald Trump's classified documents case chide judge over her 'fundamentally flawed' order. George Carlin's estate settles with podcasters over a fake comedy special purportedly generated by AI. After voters reject a tax measure, the Chiefs and Royals look toward future, whether in Kansas City or elsewhere. Women's Final Four tickets on the resale market are selling for an average of $2,300, twice as much as for men. The Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans make a trade, Major League Baseball's number of undefeated and winless teams is down to one, three teams are within one game of the top spot in the NBA's Western Conference, the Rangers and Devils came out fighting in the NHL, and an LSU women's basketball star makes a career decision. —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. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.