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 May 6 at 7:15 a.m. CT: JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli army has ordered some 100,000 Palestinians to begin evacuating from the southern city of Rafah in Gaza. That signals that a long-promised ground invasion there could be imminent and would further complicate efforts to broker a cease-fire. The looming operation in Rafah has raised global alarm and Israeli’s closest allies have warned against it.  Weekend commencement ceremonies largely went off without many disruptions, although one death was reported at Ohio State after a spectator fell from the stands. HOUSTON (AP) — Floodwaters have closed some Texas schools after days of heavy rains pummeled the Houston area and left hundreds of people in need of rescue. Authorities say a 5-year-old boy died after riding in a car that was swept away in fast waters. NEW YORK (AP) — Witness testimony in Donald Trump’s hush money trial is set to resume. That will set the stage for an even deeper dive into the events and people involved in what prosecutors have said was a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election by buying and burying negative stories about the candidate. Russia's Defense Ministry says it plans to hold drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The announcement Monday came days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine.  WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) — It's six months before Election Day, and Joe Biden and Donald Trump are locked in a presidential rematch. The race is highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 contest.  In other news: A $400 million boost in federal funds proposed for security at places of worship. A driver dies after crashing into a security barrier around the White House complex, authorities say. The SEC charges Trump Media's newly hired auditing firm with "massive fraud." As the US moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, could more states legalize it. Profit drops at Warren Buffett's firm but thousands still want to hear from the investing guru. Biden awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 politicians, activists, athletes and others. "The Fall Guy" gives Hollywood a muted summer kickoff with a $28.5M opening. Mick Jagger wades into politics, taking verbal jab at Louisiana state governor at performance. In the NBA playoffs, the Cavaliers get out of the first round, ditto for the Stars in the NHL after each wins a Game 7, the Twins' winning streak ends, Taylor Pendrith gets his first PGA Tour win and Kyle Larsen captures the NASCAR event at Kansas Speedway in a photo finish. Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby by a nose in a 3-horse photo finish at Churchill Downs. The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in. A Holocaust survivor is marking that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7. —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 May 4 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: For ex-Derby winner Silver Charm, it's a life of leisure and Old Friends at Kentucky retirement farm. Fraudsters target small businesses with scams. Here are some to watch out for Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health. Utah cat with a fondness for cardboard takes surprise trip to California in an Amazon box. A wild orangutan used a medicinal plant to treat a wound, scientists say. America's Catholic Church sees an immense shift toward the old ways. At time of rising antisemitism, Holocaust survivors take on denial and hate in new digital campaign. News organizations have trust issues as they gear up to cover another election, a poll finds. US drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift, AP sources say. Mammograms should start at 40 to address rising breast cancer rates at younger ages, panel says. Pregnancy-related deaths have fallen to pre-pandemic levels, new US data says. The USDA is testing ground beef for bird flu. Experts are confident the meat supply is safe. The botched FAFSA rollout leaves students in limbo. Some wonder if their college dreams will survive. To fend off tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mount Fuji. Want to spend the night in a Paris museum or a house owned by Prince Airbnb plans to list them. Five takeaways from the global negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution. —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 May 3 at 6:45 a.m. CT: BEIRUT (AP) — Hamas says it's sending a delegation to Egypt as soon as possible to continue talks in the latest sign of progress in the fragile cease-fire process. The group’s supreme leader Ismail Haniyeh said Thursday he had spoken to Egypt’s intelligence chief and Hamas negotiators would travel to Cairo "to complete the ongoing discussions with the aim of working forward for an agreement.” LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses across the United States in recent weeks, sometimes using riot gear, tactical vehicles and flash-bang devices to clear tent encampments and occupied buildings. Torrential rain is causing flooding in the Houston area. Officials on Thursday ordered some residents along a river to leave and are telling others they may wind up stranded.  HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont says the major traffic artery linking New England with New York will be closed for days around the area where a tanker fire damaged a bridge over Interstate 95.  NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump will return to court as his hush money trial enters its 11th day. Friday will cap a frenzied second week of witness testimony. Lawyer Keith Davidson concluded his testimony Thursday after more than six hours on the stand over two days. WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS says it's taken steps to address a wide disparity in audit rates between Black taxpayers and others filers. And the agency is more closely examining the returns of larger numbers of wealthy people and major companies.  In other news: President Joe Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over Gaza. Student journalists are covering their own campuses in convulsion. Here's what they have to say. Arizona's Democratic governor signs a bill to repeal 1864 ban on most abortions. Body of 5th missing worker found more than a month after Baltimore bridge collapse, officials say. Judge declares mistrial after jury deadlocks in lawsuit filed by former Abu Ghraib prisoners. Man who bragged that he 'fed' an officer to the mob of Capitol rioters gets nearly 5 years in prison. Maui sues cell carriers over wildfire warning alerts that were never received during service outages. Average long-term US mortgage rate rises for again, reaching highest level more than five months. Number of Americans applying for jobless claims remains historically low. Artists from Universal Music Group are heading back to TikTok as new licensing deal reached. Mary J. Blige enlists Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin and more for women's summit in New York. Halle Berry shouts from the Capitol, 'I'm in menopause' as she seeks to end a stigma and win funding. The Knicks and Pacers win their opening round series in six games, the Maple Leafs force a Game 7 without their star center Auston Matthews, Mike Yastrzemski homers in the ballpark his Hall of Fame grandfather called home for more than two decades, Tiger Woods will have a chance to win another major, and Kirby Smart cashes in. Former Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías pleads no contest to misdemeanor domestic battery charge. Death toll jumps to at least 48 as a search continues in southern China highway collapse. —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 May 2 at 7:15 a.m. CT: LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police have removed barricades and begun dismantling a pro-Palestinian demonstrators’ encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles. Thursday morning’s law enforcement action comes after officers spent hours threatening arrests over loud speakers if people did not disperse.  PHOENIX (AP) — Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is following through on promises to undo a long-dormant law that bans all abortions except those done to save a patient’s life. A signing ceremony was scheduled for Thursday on a bill to repeal the state's near-total abortion ban. NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump faces the prospect of additional sanctions in his hush money trial as he returns to court for another contempt hearing followed by testimony from a lawyer who represented two women who have said they had sexual encounters with the former president. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A senior Ukrainian military official says the situation on the front line in eastern Ukraine is worsening but local defenders are so far holding firm against a concerted push by Russia’s bigger and better-equipped forces. NEW YORK (AP) — Duane Eddy, a pioneering guitar hero whose reverberating electric sound on instrumentals such as “Rebel Rouser,” “Forty Miles of Bad Road" and “Cannonball” helped put the twang in early rock ‘n’ roll and influenced George Harrison, Bruce Springsteen and countless other musicians, has died at age 86.  ROME (AP) — A European court has upheld Italy’s right to seize a prized Greek statue from the J. Paul Getty Museum in California. The European Court of Human Rights rejecting the museum’s appeal on Thursday and ruled that Italy was right to try to reclaim an important part of its cultural heritage. The court determined that Italy’s years-long efforts to recover the “Victorious Youth” statue were not disproportionate.  In other headlines: Secretary of State Antony Blinken presses Hamas to seal cease-fire with Israel, says "the time is now" for a deal. The Federal Reserve says interest rates will stay at two-decade high until inflation further cools. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene vows to force a vote next week on ousting House Speaker Mike Johnson. Prosecutors seek September retrial for Harvey Weinstein after rape conviction was tossed. Ford recalls Maverick pickups in US because tail lights can go dark, increasing the risk of a crash. Florida's 6-week abortion ban takes effect as doctors worry women will lose access to health care. Some North Carolina abortion pill restrictions are unlawful, federal judge says. Police killed student outside Wisconsin school after reports of someone with a weapon, official says. United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy. Lebron James faces an uncertain futures with the Lakers after being eliminated from playoffs by Nuggets again. Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail. Milwaukee reliever Abner Uribe was suspended for six games and starter Freddy Peralta for five for their roles in a brawl during a Brewers’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Tampa Bay outfielder Jose Siri was suspended for three games, a penalty later cut to two, and Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy for two.  Tennis legend Boris Becker discharged from bankruptcy court in England. —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 May 1 at 7 a.m. CT: Dueling groups of protesters have clashed at the University of California, Los Angeles, grappling in fistfights and shoving, kicking and using sticks to beat one another. Hours earlier, police burst into a building at Columbia University that pro-Palestinian protesters took over and broke up a demonstration that had paralyzed the school.  JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Israeli leaders in his push for a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas to impress on them that “the time is now" for an agreement that would free hostages and bring a pause in the nearly seven months of war. BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s ban on most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy has gone into effect, and some doctors are concerned that women in the state will no longer have access to needed health care.  A subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson is now proposing paying approximately $6.48 billion over 25 years as part of a settlement in the U.S. to cover allegations that its baby powder containing talc caused ovarian cancer.  WESTMORELAND, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say one person died when a tornado ripped through the small northeastern Kansas city of Westmoreland and destroyed houses, RVs and outbuildings.  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Trade Commission is challenging patents on 20 brand-name drugs, including the blockbuster weight-loss injection Ozempic. Tuesday's announcement is part of a wider effort by the Biden administration targeting pharmaceutical industry practices that contribute to high prices.  In other news: The ship that brought down a Baltimore bridge to be removed from collapse site in the coming weeks. The Fed's Jerome Powell will likely to signal that lower inflation is needed before Fed would cut rates. Four law officers serving warrant are killed, four wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say. Judge finds Donald Trump violated gag order in hush money trial nine times, fines him $9,000. US drug control agency will move to reclassify marijuana in a historic shift, AP sources say. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah "with or without a deal" as cease-fire talks with Hamas continue. McDonald's plans to step up deals, marketing to combat slower fast food traffic. Chinese scientist who published COVID-19 virus sequence allowed back in his lab after sit-in protest. "Hell's Kitchen" and "Stereophonic" lead Tony Award nominations, shows honoring creativity's spark. Late heroics in NBA playoff action, big goals in NHL playoffs, a long win streak in major league baseball continues and a star player will be sidelined again.  —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 30 at 7 a.m. CT: NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University in New York has limited campus access to students and essential employees after dozens of protesters took over a building. They barricaded the entrances and unfurled a Palestinian flag out of a window in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war.  Israel and Hamas are negotiating a cease-fire agreement meant to free hostages and bring some relief to the Palestinians in the besieged enclave. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Four officers trying to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and four other officers were wounded in a shootout in North Carolina. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said the officers killed the suspect outside the Charlotte home Monday after he fired on them.  NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s hush money trial will resume with testimony from the third prosecution witness, Gary Farro, a banker who helped Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen open accounts. LONDON (AP) — King Charles III is returning to public duties with a visit to a cancer treatment charity, beginning his carefully managed comeback after the monarch’s own cancer diagnosis sidelined him for three months.  SHANGHAI (AP) — The first scientist to publish a sequence of the COVID-19 virus in China staged a sit-in protest outside his lab after authorities locked him out of the facility. It's a sign of the Beijing’s continuing pressure on scientists conducting research on the coronavirus. Zhang Yongzhen wrote in an online post Monday that he and his team had been suddenly notified they were being evicted from their lab.  LONDON (AP) — London police say a man wielding a sword attacked members of the public and two police officers on Tuesday in the east London community of Hainault before being arrested.  In other headlines: A massive Powerball win draws attention to a little-known immigrant culture in the US. Politicians and dog experts vilify South Dakota governor after she writes about killing her dog How Columbia University's complex history with the student protest movement echoes into today. West Virginia's and North Carolina's transgender care coverage policies discriminate, judges rule. Supreme Court rejects Musk appeal over tweets that must be approved by Tesla. Philips will pay $1.1 billion to resolve US lawsuits over breathing machines that expel debris. Supreme Court will hear case claiming CBD product got trucker fired. Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' hits No. 1, experiences largest streaming week ever. Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial. Two teams advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, Florida puts away Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup playoffs,the top two teams in the AL East meet in baseball, the Cubs get a 9th inning homer to beat the Mets. The Seattle Kraken fire coach Dave Hakstol. The Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott are reuniting. Ahead of the Paris Olympics, police clear a migrant camp near City Hall. —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 29 at 7:30 a.m. CT: SULPHUR, Okla. (AP) — Small towns in Oklahoma are beginning a long cleanup after tornadoes flattened home and buildings and killed at least four people, including an infant. The damage Monday was extensive in the community of Sulphur, where a weekend tornado crumpled many downtown buildings and sheared the roofs off houses across a 15-block radius. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said hospitals across the state reported about 100 injuries, including people apparently cut or struck by debris. White House officials said President Joe Biden spoke to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Sunday and offered the full support of the federal government. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Protests are roiling college campuses across the U.S. as upcoming graduation ceremonies are threatened by disruptive demonstrators, with students and others sparring over the war in Gaza and its mounting death toll. About 275 people were arrested on Saturday at campuses including Indiana University at Bloomington, Arizona State University and Washington University in St. Louis, pushing the number of arrests nationwide to nearly 900 since April 18. Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah have killed at least 22 people, including six women and five children. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday begins his seventh diplomatic mission to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Police in Kenya say at least 40 people have died after a dam collapsed in the country’s west. The floodwaters swept through houses and cut off a major road. HOUSTON (AP) — The Rolling Stones are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. They kicked off their latest tour Sunday night at Houston’s NRG Stadium.  The sexy tennis drama “Challengers” won the box office this weekend with $15 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. The film was considered a test for Zendaya's star power on her own outside of supporting roles in big brands like “Spider-Man” and “Dune.”  SAN DIEGO (AP) — A pair of giant pandas will soon make the journey from China to the U.S., where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo. It's all part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two nations. In other headlines: Donald Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial. Trump promised big plans to flip Black and Latino voters. Many Republicans are waiting to see them. Have you heard the one about Trump? President Joe Biden tries humor on the campaign trail. Class of 2024 reflects on college years marked by COVID-19, protests and life's lost milestones. In this week's entertainment roundup, prosecutors say they are preparing for a Harvey Weinstein retrial, Nicole Kidman won the AFI Life Achievement Award and Jerry Seinfeld's "Unfrosted" movie about Pop Tarts is coming to Netflix. Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves to round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are up three games to one, the Rangers advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, while the Avalanche, Canucks and Oilers all move within one game of winning their series, the top teams in the American and National Leagues meet on the diamond, and a thrilling finish on the NASCAR track.  A long flu season winds down in the U.S. Biden officials indefinitely postpone ban on menthol cigarettes amid election-year pushback. CDC says it's identified the first documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles. Russian President Vladimir Putin likely didn’t order death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, U.S. official says. It's 30 years since apartheid ended. South Africa's celebrations are set against growing discontent. Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution. Pope visits Venice to speak to the artists and inmates behind the Biennale's must-see prison show. On this week's AP Religion Roundup, college campuses across the U.S. erupt in protests, and a group of teens are arrested in the stabbing of a bishop. —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 27 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: Cyberattacks are on the rise, and that includes small businesses. Here's what to know. Minnesota and other Democratic-led states lead pushback on censorship. They're banning the book ban. More than 1 in 4 US adults over age 50 say they expect to never retire, an AARP study finds. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge shows price pressures stayed elevated last month. Dozens of deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police. Work starts on bullet train rail line from Sin City to the City of Angels. Chicago's "rat hole" removed after city determines sidewalk with animal impression was damaged. Cicadas are so noisy in a South Carolina county that residents are calling the police. Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson pledged $10M for Maui wildfire survivors. They gave much more. UN report says 282 million people faced acute hunger in 2023, with the worst famine in Gaza. Haiti health system nears collapse as medicine dwindles, gangs attack hospitals and ports stay shut. US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections. Andrew Tate's trial on charges of rape and human trafficking can start, a Romanian court rules. European Space Agency adds 5 new astronauts in only fourth class since 1978. Over 20,000 applied. —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 26 at 6:30 a.m. CT: U.S. poultry producers will have to reduce salmonella bacteria in certain chicken products to very low levels to prevent food poisoning. That's according to a new rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The rule says salmonella is a contaminant in frozen breaded and stuffed raw chicken products — like frozen chicken cordon bleu or chicken Kiev that appears to be fully cooked but isn't. Those products have been linked to more than 200 illnesses since 1998. The rule is a first step to curb salmonella poisoning, which causes more than 1.3 million infections each year. The University of Southern California has canceled its main graduation ceremony and dozens more students were arrested on other campuses as protests against the Israel-Hamas war continued to spread. USC announced the cancellation of its May 10 ceremony Thursday. College officials across the U.S. are worried the protests could disrupt commencement ceremonies next month.  NEW YORK (AP) — Defense lawyers in Donald Trump’s hush money trial are poised to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election. David Pecker returns to the witness stand Friday for the fourth day as defense attorneys try to poke holes in his testimony, which has described helping bury embarrassing stories Trump feared could hurt his campaign.  BEIJING (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials in Beijing. He warned of the dangers of misunderstandings and miscalculations as the United States and China butted heads over a number of contentious bilateral, regional and global issues. 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: New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial. Net neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate internet providers. FTC sends $5.6 million in refunds to Ring customers as part of video privacy settlement. US growth slowed sharply last quarter to 1.6% pace, reflecting an economy pressured by high rates. US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role. Arkansas woman pleads guilty to selling 24 boxes of body parts stolen from cadavers. Quarterback Caleb Williams is the first player taken in Thursday's NFL Draft, selected by the Chicago Bears, the Sixers, Magic and Nuggets are NBA playoff winners, the Panthers and Hurricanes win in the NHL and in Major League baseball, the American League's best keeps getting better. Rush hour chaos in London as 5 military horses run amok after getting spooked during exercise. French president outlined his vision for Europe as an assertive global power amid war in Ukraine. With war in Ukraine on its border, Poland wants to be among the countries setting Europe's agenda. —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 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.