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

Small businesses can capitalize on Small Business Saturday with some planning.
Here are new guidelines for preventing stroke, the nation's 4th biggest killer.
Trump won more young voters, but many don't agree with him on issues AP VoteCast.
Birth control and abortion pill requests have surged since Trump won the election.
FACT FOCUS: Election officials knock down Starlink vote rigging conspiracy theories.
1 million migrants in the US rely on temporary protections that Trump could target.
New York 'Subway Therapy' has commuters talking life, Trump, and the Knicks.
The Army's answer to a lack of recruits is a prep course to boost low scores. It's working.
US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline.
Money in NCAA sports has changed life for a few. For many athletes, college degree remains the prize.
My Little Pony finally hits the Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Phase 10 and Transformers.
Insurers say bear that damaged luxury cars was actually a person in a costume.
Social media star squirrel euthanized after being taken from home tests negative for rabies.
The Boy Scouts inspired Norman Rockwell. His works will now help pay abuse survivors.
What makes walking so great for your health and what else you need to do.
Bluesky has added 1 million users since the US election as people seek alternatives to X.
Businesses at struggling corner where George Floyd was killed sue Minneapolis.
The world's most polluting cities are revealed at COP29 as frustration grows at fossil fuel presence.
COP29 activists are using creative measures against restrictions on demonstrations, and to get their message across.
Painter Frank Auerbach, who fled the Nazis and became a major artist, dies at 93.
Vatican, Microsoft create AI-generated St. Peter's Basilica to allow virtual visits, log damage.
On this week's religion roundup, the Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over his handling of an abuse scandal.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

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NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Trump also announced Thursday that he has chosen Doug Collins, a former congressman from Georgia, to run the Department of Veterans Affairs, and said he was nominating North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A California man convicted of stabbing to death a gay University of Pennsylvania student in an act of hate is expected to be sentenced to life in prison.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Some 80 firearms, 309 pounds of ammunition and a hand grenade likely dating to World War II that a man found when he was clearing a house have been handed over to Danish police.

WASHINGTON (AP) — New rules require drugmakers to be clearer about explaining the risks and side effects of prescription drugs. The new guidelines from the the Food and Drug Administration are designed to do away with pharmaceutical industry practices that downplay or distract viewers' attention from risk information.

In other news:

Matt Gaetz once faced a sex trafficking investigation by the Justice Department he could now lead.
Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures.
New Pentagon report on UFOs includes hundreds of new incidents but no evidence of aliens.
Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones' Infowars at auction with Sandy Hook families' backing.
Stock market today Wall Street weakens as its post-election boom slows some more.
US wholesale inflation picks up slightly in sign that some price pressures remain elevated.
Ford agrees to pay up to $165 million penalty to US government for moving too slowly on recall.
Man who stole and laundered roughly $1B in bitcoin is sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Earth's projected warming hasn't improved for 3 years. UN climate talks are still pushing.
Justice Department says jail conditions in Georgia's Fulton County violate detainee rights.
Conviction and 7-year sentence for Alex Murdaugh's banker overturned in appeal of juror's dismissal.
Worker rescued from rubble after construction accident in Kentucky.
Burt Bacharach, composer of classic songs, will have papers donated to Library of Congress.
Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue and Billy Porter to perform at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Veteran NBC host Craig Melvin tapped to replace Hoda Kotb for the first hours of 'Today' show.
Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old's fight with Jake Paul.
NFL Week 11 kicks off with another Eagles win, the NHL's hottest team hits a speed bump while one of the league's stars hits a major milestone, the Rays find new digs for next season and a former runner-up at Wimbledon is ready to make his return to tennis.
Los Angeles Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela died of septic shock, death certificate says.
North Korea tests exploding drones as Kim calls for mass production.
Head of UN's nuclear watchdog visits Iran as Mideast wars and Trump's return raise worries. —The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have won enough seats to control the U.S. House, completing the party’s sweep into power and securing their hold on U.S. government alongside President-elect Donald Trump. A House Republican victory in Arizona, alongside a win in slow-counting California earlier Wednesday, gave the GOP the 218 House victories that make up the majority. Republicans earlier gained control of the Senate from Democrats. With hard-fought yet thin majorities, Republican leaders are envisioning a mandate to upend the federal government and swiftly implement Trump’s vision for the country.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he will nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida to serve as his attorney general, opting for a loyalist who has built a national reputation as a disruptor and has vowed to dramatically overhaul the Justice Department.

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — For the third straight year, efforts to fight climate change haven’t lowered projections for how hot the world is likely to get. T

MEXICO CITY (AP) — U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar has lashed out at Mexico's failure to accept aid in the fight against drug cartels, claiming the country "closed the doors" on security cooperation.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a California teenager pleaded guilty Wednesday in a case involving the swatting of a Florida mosque, among other institutions and individuals. Swatting is the practice of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about the dispatch of a large number of armed police officers to a particular address.

In other news:

Trump makes a victor's return to Washington and pledges a smooth transition of power.
Trump promises to turn Washington upside down. He's being welcomed back anyway.
Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected the next Senate majority leader.
Prosecutor failed to show that Musk’s $1M-a-day sweepstakes was an illegal lottery, judge says.
US federal worker charged in classified documents leak about Israel's earlier plans to strike Iran.
US and Polish officials open missile defense site that Russia has long protested.
Investigation into Chinese hacking reveals 'broad and significant' spying effort, FBI says.
Insurance magnate pleads guilty as government describes $2B scheme.
Stock market today Wall Street drifts to a mixed finish after an inflation update.
US inflation rose slightly last month after 2 years of steady cooling but remained low.
E. coli cases climb to 104 in McDonald's outbreak tied to slivered onions.
Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to 'let go.'
John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive.
The Cavaliers stay unbeaten and a pair of big scoring nights in the NBA, the defending college basketball champs continue their early season success, an NFL great plans to return for another season, a couple of overtime thrillers in the NHL and more.
Eagles host Commanders with NFC East supremacy on the line.
Homes of Chiefs' quarterback Mahomes and tight end Kelce were broken into last month.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery.
South African government says it won't help 4,000 illegal miners inside a closed mine.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. Trump has picked someone who's largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world’s largest and most powerful military.

Trump will meet with President Joe Biden today at the White House for a transition meeting.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The Federal Aviation Administration is prohibiting U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs shot two planes. The United Nations also said Tuesday that it temporarily suspended flights to the capital, limiting humanitarian aid coming into the country.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A company says two employees have died following an explosion at a Louisville, Kentucky, factory that caused a partial collapse of the building and blew out windows in nearby homes and businesses.

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge has sentenced a Massachusetts Air National Guard member to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to leaking highly classified military documents about the war in Ukraine. Jack Teixeira pleaded guilty earlier this year to six counts of willful retention and transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act.

In other news:

Trump spends first week as president-elect behind closed doors at Mar-a-Lago.
Judge delays ruling on whether to scrap Trump's conviction in hush money case.
Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are “ready to deliver” on Trump's agenda.
Trump has promised to 'save TikTok'. What happens next is less clear.
Trump says Musk, Ramaswamy will form outside group to advise White House on government efficiency.
Trump ally Steve Bannon blasts 'lawfare' as he faces New York trial after federal prison stint.
Pentagon secrets leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in prison by a federal judge.
Jury awards Abu Ghraib detainees $42 million, holds contractor responsible.
Stock market today Wall Street drifts lower as the Trump trade cools.
Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments.
Man jailed after Tuskegee University shooting says he fired his gun, but denies shooting at anyone.
Eminem, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, N.W.A. and Janet Jackson get Songwriters Hall of Fame nods.
Hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field can be fixed for about $55M in time for 2026 season, per report.
Joel Embid's first NBA game this season, the Winnipeg Jets continue to be the toast of the NHL, and top match ups in college basketball. Correspondent David Schuster reports.
USC football placed on 1 year of probation, fined $50,000 by NCAA for violating coaching staff rules.
Wander Franco charged with illegally carrying a gun in the altercation that led to his arrest.
US says it intends to shore up support for Ukraine until Trump takes office.
U.S. wants Israel to do more to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
At UN climate talks, nations big and small get chance to bear witness to climate change.
Dutch appeals court overturns landmark climate ruling against Shell.
Russia strikes Kyiv with a combined drone and missile attack, the first in months.

—The Associated Press

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President-elect Donald Trump is starting to fill key posts in his second administration, putting an emphasis so far on aides and allies who were his strongest backers during the 2024 campaign. Among his picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Elise Stefanik for United Nations ambassador, and Tom Homan and Stephen Miller for a pair of roles that will include immigration enforcement. Miller will be deputy chief of staff for policy while Homan will be “border czar,” a role in which he'll oversee Trump's promised largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s international airport was shut down after gangs opened fire at a commercial flight landing in Port-Au-Prince. The shooting Monday prompted some airlines to temporarily suspend operations as the country swore in a new interim prime minister.

BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese police say a driver has killed 35 people and injured another 43 severely when he deliberately rammed his car into people exercising at a sports center in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai.

RINGWOOD, N.J. (AP) — Fire crews are battling small wildfires across the Northeast U.S. The East Coast fires were burning Monday as much larger wildfires raged in California. Firefighters continued making progress against a wildfire northwest of Los Angeles in Ventura County.

CHURCH CREEK, Md. (AP) — Revered abolitionist Harriet Tubman has been posthumously awarded the rank of general. Tubman was the first woman to oversee an American military action during a time of war. Dozens gathered on Veterans Day at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Maryland’s Dorcester County for a formal ceremony making Tubman a one-star brigadier general in the state’s National Guard.

In other news:

Judge set to rule on whether to scrap Trump's conviction in hush money case.
Biden EPA to charge first-ever ‘methane fee’ for drilling waste by oil and gas companies.
Congress returns to unfinished business and a new Trump era.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom will spend part of week in DC as he tries to Trump-proof state policies.
Shelley Adler reports on President Joe Biden’s remarks on Veterans Day.
Julie Walker reports on the Veterans Day Parade in New York City.
Shelley Adler reports on a Veteran's Day event honoring the greatest generation.
Cruise ship rescues 4 from disabled catamaran hundreds of miles off Bermuda, officials say.
Engines on 1.4 million Honda vehicles might fail, so US regulators open an investigation.
Stock market today Wall Street rolls higher as bitcoin bursts above $87,000.
Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto's post-election rally.
The Rams get a road win on Monday Night Football, the Bears stay with Williams at quarterback, the Cavs remain perfect, and the Hurricanes continue to dominate. And the Rays' Wander Franco, who awaits sex abuse trial, arrested in armed altercation.
Biggest name world leaders missing at United Nations climate talks, but others try to fill the void.
Afghanistan attends United Nations climate talks for first time since Taliban's return to power.
Israeli strikes kill 11 in Gaza as US deadline to Israel to surge aid expires.

—The Associated Press

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POMPTON LAKES, N.J. (AP) — Fire crews on both coasts of the U.S. are battling wildfires, including one in New York and New Jersey that killed a parks employee. In Southern California, crews northwest of Los Angeles made progress Sunday against a fire that prompted thousands of residents to flee and destroyed more than 130 structures.

NEW YORK (AP) — A Manhattan judge is poised to decide whether to uphold Donald Trump's hush money verdict or dismiss it on presidential immunity grounds. Judge Juan M. Merchan has said he will rule Tuesday on the president-elect's request to toss his conviction because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that gave presidents broad protection from prosecution.

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says that Tom Homan, his former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, will serve as “border czar” in his incoming administration. Trump wrote late Sunday on his Truth Social site that he was pleased “to announce that the Former ICE Director, and stalwart on Border Control, Tom Homan, will be joining the Trump Administration, in charge of our Nation’s Borders.” Homan was widely expected to rejoin Trump’s second administration in a border-related role.

President Joe Biden will visit Arlington National Cemetery on Veteran's Day.

This week's entertainment update touches on Sean "Diddy" Combs, Beyonce's Grammy nominations and the death of "Candyman" actor Tonny Toddy.

In other news:

Biden and Trump will meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday, the White House says.
'I got my life back.' Veterans with PTSD making progress thanks to service dog program.
FBI, Justice Department investigating racist mass texts sent following the election.
Haul out the holly! Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree arrives in New York City.
'Heretic' and Hugh Grant debut with $11 million, but 'Venom The Last Dance' tops box office again.
'Saturday Night Live' taps comedian-actor Bill Burr and Charli XCX as hosts for after the election.
Children's book by chef Jamie Oliver is withdrawn after criticism from Indigenous Australians.
The Lions and Chiefs win in dramatic fashion, NASCAR crowns a repeat champ, the Bucks early season struggles continue, and the Wild and Devils get upset on the ice.
Remembering Armistice Day Starmer joins Macron to celebrate Franco-British friendship in Paris.
UN nuclear head to visit Iran for talks on country's nuclear program as next Trump presidency looms.
Climate talks open with calls for a path away from the 'road to ruin.' But the real focus is money.
6.8 magnitude earthquake shakes Cuba after hurricanes and blackouts.
Attacks on Israeli fans in the Netherlands prompts prime minister to cancel climate talks trip.
China delimits a contested South China Sea shoal in a dispute with Philippines.
While Syrian refugees don't want to return, officials in Lebanon and Syria see exodus as opportunity.

—The Associated Press

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

Many retailers offer 'returnless refunds.' Just don't expect them to talk much about it.
Don't wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
The story of how Trump went from diminished ex-president to a victor once again.
Who will certify Donald Trump's presidential win Kamala Harris, that's who.
Rita Foley reports on how many people watched the election night excitement on TV.
A Texas border county backed Democrats for generations. Trump won it decisively.
Beyonce' leads Grammy nominations.
Elwood Edwards, the man behind the voice of AOL's 'You've got mail' greeting, dies at 74.
Small Business Administration-backed financing rose 7% to $56B in fiscal 2024.
CDC calls for expanded testing for bird flu after blood tests reveal more farmworker infections.
Florida’s iconic Key deer face an uncertain future as seas rise.
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon drops by nearly 31% compared to previous year.
Pompeii archaeological park sets daily visitors' limit to combat over-tourism.
Evangelicals and Catholics provide crucial votes in the presidential election.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, the manager of his victorious campaign, as his White House chief of staff. She would be the first woman to hold the influential role. Wiles is widely credited within and outside Trump’s inner circle for running what was, by far, his most disciplined and well-executed campaign.

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Israeli fans and protesters have clashed overnight after a soccer match in Amsterdam. Police said Friday that five people were hospitalized and 62 arrested. Dutch authorities said attackers systematically targeted Israeli fans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Racist text messages invoking slavery raised alarm across the country this week after they were sent to Black men, women and students, including middle schoolers, prompting inquiries by the FBI and other agencies.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — Southern California firefighters working to contain a wildfire that has destroyed 132 structures in two days could be assisted by a forecast of fierce wind gusts easing.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Prince William described the past year as “brutal” as he faced work while his wife and father were treated for cancer.

NEW YORK (AP) — “The Handmaid’s Tale” is selling again. Since President-elect Trump clinched his return to the White House, Margaret Atwood’s dystopian classic about a country in which women are brutally repressed has been high on the Amazon.com best seller list. “The Handmaid’s Tale” was popular throughout Trump’s first term, along with such dark futuristic narratives as George Orwell’s “1984” and Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” both of which were in the Amazon top 40 as of Thursday afternoon. Another best-seller from Trump’s previous time in office, Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” was in the top 10.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A former health care worker who illegally accessed the health records of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before she died has been sentenced to two years in prison. Thirty-four-year—old Trent Russell of Bellevue, Nebraska, worked at the time as a transplant coordinator in the Washington, D.C., region and had access to hospital records.

In other news:

Federal Reserve cuts its key interest rate by a quarter-point amid postelection uncertainty.
How 5 key demographic groups voted in 2024: AP VoteCast.
Biden gets blamed by Harris allies for the vice president's resounding loss to Trump.
Pentagon chief presses military to carry out a smooth transition and obey all lawful orders.
California governor calls special session to protect liberal policies from Trump presidency.
Republican David McCormick flips pivotal Pennsylvania Senate seat.
Judge strikes down Biden administration program shielding immigrant spouses from deportation.
Defiant Giuliani says he's a victim of 'political persecution' as he's told again to give up assets.
Stock market today: Most of Wall Street rises after the Fed cuts interest rates.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises for 6th straight week.
Slightly more American apply for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain at low levels.
43 monkeys escape from a South Carolina medical lab. Police say there is no serious danger.
Jury convicts man of killing girlfriend and hiding her body in rural Minnesota.
Beyonce' leads Grammy nominations.
Argentine prosecutors charge 3 people linked to the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.
The Ravens hold on to beat the Bengals in a Thursday night thriller, the Cowboys may be without their starting quarterback for a while, the Timberwolves flex their muscles in the fourth quarter to beat the Bulls, and the NHL-best Jets just keep getting better.
Canada orders TikTok's Canadian business to be dissolved but won't block app.
Banning UNRWA will lead to a vacuum and suffering for Palestinians, the agency's chief says.
UK doctor gets 31 years for poisoning mother's partner with fake COVID vaccine.
When should kids start using social media Australia's government proposes age limit of 16.

—The Associated Press

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Donald Trump looks ahead to his second stint in the Oval Office with a potentially unified government behind him as the Senate has already returned to Republican control and and the House closes in on remaining in GOP hands.

Federal Reserve officials are poised Thursday to reduce their key interest rate for a second straight time, responding to a steady slowdown of the inflation pressures that exasperated many Americans and contributed to Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.

CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire fueled by heavy winds is tearing through a community northwest of Los Angeles for a second day after destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee when it exploded in size in only a few hours.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Around 50 European leaders will be reassessing their trans-Atlantic relations in the hope that Donald Trump's second U.S. presidency will avoid the strife and political pitfalls of his first administration.In other news:

Stocks and bitcoin jump after Trump's victory. So do worries about inflation as Dow surges 1,500.
Democrat Vindman, known as a Trump whistleblower, wins competitive Virginia House race.
Rudy Giuliani ordered to appear in court after missing deadline to turn over Mercedes, other assets.
5 people are killed in Arizona when a plane crashes through an airport fence and collides with a car.
Ohtani has surgery, the Padres extend manager Schlidt, the Cavs stay perfect and Kalkbrenner drops 49 points for Creighton.
Bank of England is set to cut interest rates despite potential new inflation worries.
Rescue workers pull 30 bodies from apartments in Lebanon after Israeli strike.
Court drops all charges against a Thai woman in a 2015 bombing at a Bangkok shrine that killed 20.

—The Associated Press

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Get a recap of Tuesday's election results that are lead by former President Donald Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Republicans also captured the Senate and could make it a trifecta if they secure the House of Representatives.

In other news:

The FBI says there are disinformation videos impersonating the FBI.
Economy ranked as a top issue, but concerns over democracy drove many voters to polls.
Abortion rights advocates win in 6 states and clear way to overturn Missouri ban but lose in 3.
Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware to become first openly transgender person to serve in Congress.
What is the Electoral College and how does the US use it to elect presidents.
In Arizona, puppies hit the polls on Election Day.
Rudy Giuliani ordered to appear in court after missing deadline to turn over assets.
'Fat Leonard,' Navy contractor behind one of the military's biggest scandals, sentenced to 15 years.
Ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' are for sale nearly 2 decades after they were stolen.
The first glimpse of the CFP rankings, comings and goings at the NFL trade deadline, the NHL takes center stage, the NBA’s reigning MVP is punished, the Dodgers’ best slugger has surgery and a multi-car pileup of penalties in NASCAR.
UK introduces a bill that would eventually make the purchase of cigarettes illegal.

—The Associated Press

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Election Day is here. Voters are gearing up to head to the polls to cast their ballots for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in one of the nation’s most historic presidential races. They’ll also be determining which party will control the House and Senate. Seven states will likely determine the winner.

SEATTLE (AP) — A strike by 33,000 Boeing factory workers is coming to an end after more than seven weeks. The aerospace giant's unionized machinists voted on Monday to accept a company contract offer that includes a 38% wage increase over four years.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Kyiv official says North Korean troops recently deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine have come under Ukrainian fire. It is the first time a Ukrainian official has said that Pyongyang’s units were struck, following a deployment that has given the war a new complexion as it approaches its 1,000-day milestone.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Retired Eagles center Jason Kelce has apologized after grabbing the phone of an unruly fan and spiking it to the ground before the Ohio State-Penn State game last weekend.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Department of Justice says federal agents have arrested a Tennessee man who they say was trying to destroy a Nashville electrical substation. Skyler Philippi is accused of attempting to use a drone loaded with what he thought were explosives to destroy the Nashville energy facility.

Prince William is in Cape Town, South Africa, for four days of events aimed at promoting his Earthshot environmental awards.

In other news:

A federal command center that will quickly respond to any reports of voting security issues.
Federal agencies say Russia and Iran are ramping up influence campaigns targeting US voters.
Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes can proceed, a Pennsylvania judge says.
Ohio sheriff's lieutenant apologizes for 'won't help Democrats' post, blames sleep medication.
A tiny village in India where Kamala Harris has ancestral roots is praying for her victory.
Supreme Court will weigh in on new mostly Black Louisiana congressional district, after election.
Voters in battleground Arizona to decide if local agencies can police illegal immigration.
US agency ends investigation into Ford engine failures after recall and warranty extension.
An ex-officer is found guilty in the 2020 shooting death of an unarmed Black man in Ohio.
Jury sees video of subway chokehold that led to veteran Daniel Penny's manslaughter trial.
Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91.
The butchered remains of a dolphin were found on a New Jersey beach. Feds are investigating.
Kareem Hunt helps keep the Chiefs unbeaten in overtime, Dennis Allen is out in New Orleans, Gerrit Cole stays with the Yankees, the Cavaliers and Thunder remain unbeaten and a light schedule in the NHL.
US gives Israel a 'fail' grade on improving aid to Gaza so far.
Palestinian officials say an Israeli airstrike has killed 20 people in northern Gaza.
South Korea and EU worry about Russia's technology transfer in return for North Korea troops.
UK leader tells Interpol meeting world must 'wake up' to threat from people-smugglers.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Election Day marks the final chapter in one of the most bewildering, unpredictable and consequential sagas in political history. Now, Americans will choose between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. It may take days to know the final result, which could be just another surprise in a campaign that's been full of them.

Quincy Jones has died at age 91. His publicist says he died Sunday night at his home in Los Angeles. Jones' historic career ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s record-setting “Thriller” to prize-winning film and television scores and collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.

Unionized factory workers at Boeing are voting on Monday whether to accept a contract offer or to continue their strike. The walkout has lasted more than seven weeks, shut down production of most Boeing passenger planes and cut off a key source of cash for the company.

Israel says it's terminated the agreement facilitating the work of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza. It appears to be a first step to implement legislation passed last month that would sever ties with the agency and prevent it from operating in Israel. Israel says the agency, known as UNRWA, has been infiltrated by Hamas, while UNRWA denies the allegations.

BEIJING (AP) — Three Chinese astronauts have returned to Earth after a six-month stay on China’s Tiangong space station.

In entertainment news, Vice President Kamala Harris appears on "Saturday Night Live," rapper Young Thug is set free and it was a "Brat" summer.

In other news:

Julie Walker reports on the last days of campaigning for Kamala Harris and Donald Trump leading up to Election Day.
TGI Fridays files for bankruptcy protection as sit-down restaurant struggles continue.
Local sheriff asks FBI to investigate death of Black man found hanging in Alabama.
Severe storms hit Oklahoma, causing injuries and leaving thousands without power.
Orphaned squirrel who became social media star was euthanized after being seized from home.
‘Venom 3’ tops box office again, while Tom Hanks film struggles.
The Field is set for next weekend's NASCAR Championship, the Lions win their six straight game to stay on top in the NFC, The Cowboys struggles continue, the NHL's Jets stay red hot, and the Royals lock up a starting pitcher.
Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands and Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya win the New York City Marathon.
Delegates establish Indigenous subsidiary body and rules for genetic information at COP16 summit.
Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers and cut emissions.
Mpox cases in Congo may be stabilizing. Experts say more vaccines are needed to stamp out virus.
UK Conservatives pick Kemi Badenoch as new leader, first Black woman to head a big British party.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy urges allies to act before North Korean troops reach the front.

—The Associated Press

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

Apple AirPods Pro's new hearing aid feature could help people face a problem they'd rather ignore.
Google ad change could affect millions of small businesses.
Business owners in disaster areas should be wary of possible scams.
AI is being used to send some households impacted by Helene and Milton $1,000 cash relief payments.
Hospitals' IV fluid shortage may impact surgeries for weeks.
In battleground Georgia, poor people see no reason to vote. That decision could sway election.
Most voters think the economy is poor, but split on whether Trump or Harris can fix it AP-NORC poll.
Should the minimum wage be lower for workers who get tipped Two states are set to decide.
Women in states with bans are getting abortions at similar rates as under Roe, report says.
McDonald's and Boar's Head outbreaks may have you worried. Experts say the food supply is safe.
The White House public tour has been upgraded so visitors can see, hear and touch more.
South Carolina to build first monument to an African American. Meet Robert Smalls.
They made 36 million Corn Poppers. Here's how they pick the right ones for the Toy Hall of Fame.
A New Zealand airport wants you to hug goodbye faster.
Flying air taxis move closer to US takeoff with issuing of FAA rule.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a movie about intrigue behind the election of the Pope promises to thrill audiences.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers added just 12,000 jobs in October, a total that economists say was held down by the effects of strikes and hurricanes that left many workers temporarily off payrolls. The report provided a somewhat blurry view of the job market at the end of a presidential race that has pivoted heavily on voters’ feelings about the economy.

Democrat Kamala Harris says recent comments by her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, are “offensive” and that it’s clear he doesn’t understand women. Trump is traveling to New Mexico and Virginia in the campaign’s final days.

White House press officials altered the official transcript of a call in which President Joe Biden appeared to take a swipe at supporters of Donald Trump, drawing objections from the federal workers who document such remarks for posterity, according to two U.S. government officials and an internal email obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

MOSCOW (AP) — A court in Russia’s far-eastern city of Vladivostok has convicted a former U.S. Consulate worker charged with cooperating with a foreign state and sentenced him to four years and 10 months in prison. Robert Shonov, a Russian citizen and former employee of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok, was arrested in May 2023.

In other news:

Trump won't vote early, though he said he would.
'Obamacare' enrollment opens, as Republicans threaten the health insurance program used by millions.
Republicans ask Pennsylvania court to put on hold decision on mail ballot envelope rules.
Arizona enlists county employees to help tackle a surge of 2-page early ballots.
Texas hospitals must now ask patients whether they're in the US legally. Here's how it works.
Inflation gauge closely watched by the Fed falls to lowest level in 3 1/2 years.
Boeing workers will vote on a new contract offer to end 7-week-old strike.
‘Dances with Wolves’ actor is again indicted on sexual abuse charges in Nevada.
Rapper Young Thug will be released from jail after he pleaded guilty to gang, drug and gun charges.
'Saturday Night Live' taps comedian-actor Bill Burr and Charli XCX as hosts for after the election.
Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets to their first win since Week 3, the NFL’s reigning MVP misses another day of practice, baseball’s first trade of the offseason comes one day after a highly-viewed World Series, the Bucks struggles continue while Alex Ovechkin inches closer to Wayne Gretzky and more.
Americans helping Ukraine's war efforts say the US hasn't done enough.
Britain has banned protests outside abortion clinics, but silent prayer is a gray area.
About 8,000 North Korean troops now at Ukraine's border are expected in combat soon, US says.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans are feeling a lot of emotions heading into Election Day, but excitement is not one of them. A new poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that about 7 in 10 Americans report feeling anxious or frustrated about the 2024 presidential campaign, and a similar share say they’re interested. Only about one-third say they feel excited. About 7 in 10 Americans say “anxious” describes how they are feeling ahead of Tuesday.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris crisscrossed several swing states on Wednesday, passing each other in Wisconsin, where the former president appeared in Green Bay with a one-time local icon, retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre. Mumford & Sons, Gracie Abrams, Remi Wolf and members of the band The National appeared at Harris’ rally Wednesday night in Madison.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia judge is set to hold a hearing in the city prosecutor’s bid to shut down Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day sweepstakes in battleground states. The giveaways come from Musk’s political organization, which aims to boost Donald Trump’s presidential campaign through Election Day.

People prone to seasonal depression are bracing themselves as winter approaches. Many have found strategies to get through the dark days. Depression that begins in the fall and eases in the spring or summer is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

In other news:

Democrats are leaning on celebrity star power. Will it matter?
Abortion-rights groups outspend opponents by more than 6 to 1 in ballot measure campaigns.
Presidential candidates fight for battleground Nevada.
Supreme Court's conservative justices allow Virginia to resume its purge of voter registrations.
Donald Trump boards a garbage truck to draw attention to Biden remark.
Nicky Jam withdraws endorsement of Donald Trump over comedian's 'garbage' comment about Puerto Rico.
Report says crowd-sourced fact checks on X fail to address flood of US election misinformation.
Teen Trump supporter charged with threatening Harris backers at polling place with machete.
Police say the man behind ballot box fires has metalworking experience and might plan more attacks.
More former cadets accuse US Coast Guard Academy of failing to prevent campus sexual assaults.
US economy grew at a solid 2.8% pace last quarter on strength of consumer spending.
California voters consider controversial vacation homes tax in iconic Lake Tahoe area.
The Dodgers win the World Series, White Sox tab Venable as manager, Commanders quarterback Daniels is recovering from injury, and the Celtics fall from the ranks of the NBA's unbeaten.
Saudi startup Riyadh Air orders 60 Airbus A321neo planes.
A new push to wind down the Middle East wars faces familiar challenges.
Banning UNRWA will lead to a vacuum and more suffering for Palestinians, the agency's chief says.
North Korea test-launches a suspected long-range missile designed to strike US, South Korea says.
North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are heading toward Ukraine, US says.
Russia and Ukraine exchange drone strikes as North Korea's top diplomat visits Moscow.

—The Associated Press

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Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered her campaign’s “closing argument” from the same spot in Washington where former President Donald Trump helped incite a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Harris used her address from the grassy Ellipse near the White House on Tuesday to encourage Americans to visualize their alternate futures if she or Trump takes over the Oval Office in less than three months. Trump met reporters at his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida, in the morning. He then headed to Pennsylvania for his evening rally in Allentown.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is reacting to a comic calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at a Donald Trump rally by saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization says more than 8 million people were diagnosed with tuberculosis last year. That's the highest number recorded since the U.N. health agency began keeping track.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on imports of new iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models by the U.S. tech giant Apple. That's according to an announcement on Wednesday. The ban had been in place since 2023.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four days before Election Day, the government will issue its final snapshot of hiring and unemployment in the United States after a presidential race in which voter perceptions of the economy have played a central role. Yet Friday’s report will include some of the most distorted monthly employment figures in years, with job growth having been held down temporarily in October by hurricanes and worker strikes.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The federal government is handing out $2.4 billion in railroad grants to help pay for 122 projects nationwide with more than half of the money going to smaller railroads.

In other news:

AP-NORC poll finds Democrats and Republicans split on Israel's responsibility for war's escalation.
American consumers feeling much more confident as Election Day nears.
About 475 damaged ballots retrieved from burned drop box in Washington state, auditor says.
Hundreds of Pennsylvania voters are challenged based on postal service's change-of-address database.
Trump says his New York rally marked by crude and racist insults 'was like a lovefest'.
New York City's Mayor, under federal indictment, avoids criticizing Donald Trump following his Madison Square Garden rally.
Supreme Court rejects push to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from ballot in two swing states.
Nebraska uses a unique method to find election workers It drafts them.
Trump's social media company is now worth more than Musk's X after recent surge in stock price.
Man who threatened Fani Willis and sheriff over Trump investigation gets nearly 2 years in prison.
Elon Musk wins court victory in a dispute over a 2018 post during a labor dispute.
NTSB preliminary report details fiery but safe emergency landing of a Frontier Airlines plane.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused in new lawsuits of sexually assaulting 10- and 17-year-old boys.
Court approves Tupperware's sale to lenders, paving way for brand's exit from bankruptcy.
Colorado teen fights kidney failure after eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
‘I’m walking here!’ Jaywalking legalized in New York City.
World Series Game 3 averages 13.64 million, beats 'Monday Night Football.'
The Bonbers don't get the Bums' rush, the Mavs win a grudge match, the Capitals knock off the team that eliminated them last spring and NFL receiver news.
As Halloween approaches, tourists visit a home with a gruesome past and tunnels said to be haunted.
'Halloween comet' breaks apart after flying close to the sun.
Costume-wearing Halloween fans flock to spooky Bucharest festival.
Police say British teen accused of fatally stabbing 3 girls also made poison and had a terror manual.
South Korean military says the North appears poised to conduct nuclear and ICBM tests.
Spanish authorities report multiple victims from flash flooding.

—The Associated Press

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Sen. JD Vance defended the Trump campaign’s Madison Square Garden rally on Monday after critics condemned the racist remarks of some speakers and equated the event to the 1939 neo-Nazi rally that took place in the same venue. “It was a celebration of America,” Vance said during a political rally in Wausau, WI. He dismissed claims that the event was racist or featured discriminatory language.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Incendiary devices have been set off at two ballot drop boxes — one in Portland, Oregon, and another in nearby Vancouver, Washington — in what one official called a “direct attack on democracy." The Monday morning fire at the drop box in Portland was extinguished quickly thanks to a suppression system inside the box as well as a nearby security guard, and just three ballots were damaged there. But another fire at a transit center drop box in Vancouver destroyed hundreds of ballots.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says an Israeli strike on a five-story building where displaced Palestinians were sheltering in the northern Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people, more than half of them women and children. Also on Tuesday, Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah said it has chosen Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new top leader following the killing of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month.

Newspaper owners across the country have been ditching presidential endorsements, figuring they shouldn't alienate readers with something most of them don't care about. Yet in following that trend this past week, the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times found their readers cared very much. Thousands have canceled subscriptions, and journalists worry the fallout will lead to jobs lost.

In other news:

Uncertainty reins entering the final full week of the 2024 campaign.
Republicans ask US Supreme Court to block counting of some provisional ballots in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk's America PAC over its $1 million giveaway.
Virginia asks US Supreme Court to reinstate removals of 1,600 voter registrations.
Fitness app Strava gives away location of Biden, Trump and other leaders, French newspaper says.
Trump ally Steve Bannon to be released after serving 4 months in prison for contempt of Congress.
'Bob's Burgers' actor sentenced to 1 year in prison for role in Capitol riot.
Authorities launch 'interagency operation' at federal jail in New York housing Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Israel passes laws to restrict the work of a UN agency that is a lifeline for Gaza.
North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, Pentagon says.
Volkswagen's employee council says the automaker plans to close at least 3 German plants.
This year's Rockefeller Center tree will travel to New York from Massachusetts.
Matthew Perry's family look ahead on one-year anniversary of his death.
The Dodgers are close to a World Series sweep, the Steelers win again, the Celtics and Cavaliers are undefeated, the Jets are no longer undefeated, and the Sharks win one.

—The Associated Press

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NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has hosted a rally featuring crude and racist insults at New York’s Madison Square Garden, turning what his campaign had dubbed as the event where he would deliver his closing message into an illustration of what turns off his critics.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kamala Harris is seeking to energize voters in Philadelphia, a crucial Democratic stronghold. She needs strong turnout in the city to overcome Republican Donald Trump's strength in Pennsylvania's rural areas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that American voters are approaching the presidential election with deep unease about what could follow. They are worried about the potential for political violence, attempts to overturn the results and the implications for democracy. The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research speaks to persistent concerns about the fragility of the world’s oldest democracy.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — McDonald's says testing has ruled out beef patties as the source of the outbreak of E. coli poisoning tied to its Quarter Pounders. The company said Sunday it will resume selling Quarter Pounders at hundreds of affected restaurants in the coming week. McDonald's said in a statement that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to believe that slivered onions from a single supplier are the likely source of contamination.

RAMAT HASHARON, Israel (AP) — Egypt’s president says his country has proposed a two-day cease-fire between Israel and Hamas during which four hostages held in Gaza would be freed.

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) — The Rev. David Peck is an Episcopal priest in the heartland of Pennsylvania, a swing state at the center of the tense presidential election. As a result, he is teaching ancient prayer and meditation techniques to survive the political turmoil.

In other news:

Latin superstar Bad Bunny backs Harris for president after comedian's racist jokes at Trump event.
Biden calls out Musk over a published report that the Tesla CEO once worked in the US illegally.
Trump's deportation plans worry families with relatives in US illegally.
Harris and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on top issues in presidential race.
A century after Native Americans got the right to vote, they could put Trump or Harris over the top.
An elections worker wanted to serve her country. A stew of conspiracy theories and vitriol awaited.
Russian actors made fake video depicting mail-in ballots for Trump being destroyed, FBI says.
The 'Black Insurrectionist' was actually white. The deception did not stop there.
Here's a look at Musk's contact with Putin and why it matters.
Biden marks anniversary of Pittsburgh synagogue attack that killed 11.
Researchers say an AI-powered transcription tool used in hospitals invents things no one ever said.
This Halloween, be safe when trick-or-treating by watching for cars.
It's almost Halloween. That means it's time for a bat beauty contest.
'Venom The Last Dance' misses projections as superhero films' grip on theaters loosens.
AP correspondent Margie Szaroleta has the AP Entertainment Update, with news about Hallmark movie actors..
Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest after police shut down crowded event.
Phil Lesh, founding member of Grateful Dead and influential bassist, dies at 84.
Hail Mary to the rescue in the NFL Sunday, quarterbacks enjoy some prolific performances around the league and will Shohei play in Game 3 of the World Series?
US approves $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan including advanced missile defense system.
The trajectory of Ukraine's fight against Russia hangs on the outcome of the US election.
Artisan cheese seller in a pickle after thieves made off with massive cheddar haul.
Russian forces thwart attempted cross-border assault from Ukraine, official says.
Souls to the Polls battles Believers for Trump in wooing religious voters in the presidential election.

—The Associated Press

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Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Texas after stopping in Atlanta, while former President Donald Trump appeared at the Arizona border as well as in Las Vegas with less than two weeks until Election Day.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Four astronauts are back on Earth after a space station mission that lasted almost eight months. A SpaceX capsule carrying the crew parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast before dawn Friday.

BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli strikes have killed 38 people in Gaza and three journalists in Lebanon on Friday. Worries are growing about supply shortages in Gaza and international pressure for a cease-fire is mounting.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Tropical storm Trami has blown away from the northwestern Philippines, leaving at least 82 people dead mostly in extensive flooding and landslides.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — President Joe Biden says he will formally apologize on for the nation's role in forcing Indigenous children into boarding schools, where for more than 150 years many were physically, emotionally and sexually abused, and more than 950 died.

In other news:

Beyoncé, whose ‘Freedom’ is Harris’ campaign anthem, is expected at Democrat's Texas rally on Friday.
Trump's lawyers seek dismissal of federal election case, call special counsel illegally appointed.
Republican election official in crucial Georgia appeals order saying she must certify results.
Georgia officials say they thwarted an attempt to crash a state election website.
Florida sues Garland for blocking state probe into Trump assassination attempt.
In rare move, Pentagon denies falsehood about troops allowed to use force during election.
The Biden administration is launching an investigation of competition in air travel.
The EPA imposes stricter standards to protect children from exposure to lead paint.
Owner, operator of ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse to pay $100M in settlement with US.
Prosecutors to recommend resentencing Erik and Lyle Menendez in 1989 killings of their parents.
McDonald's says onions from California-based produce company linked to deadly E. coli outbreak.
US applications for jobless benefits fall, but continuing claims rise to highest level since 2021.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises again to highest level in nearly 3 months.
Argentine police raid the Buenos Aires hotel where One Direction’s Liam Payne died.
Grammy-winning crooner Jack Jones, known for singing 'The Love Boat' theme song, dies at 86.
County judge strikes down Ohio abortion ban, citing voter-approved reproductive rights amendment.
Georgia men who killed Ahmaud Arbery want a new trial.
The Vikings lose their second straight game, Klay Thompson has a successful Mavericks debut, the NBA is investigating why a 76ers star sat out the season opener, and Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky records a milestone victory.
Valenzuela to be honored by Dodgers with No. 34 uniform patch during World Series and 2025 season.
Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers are elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
World on pace for significantly more warming without immediate climate action, report warns.

—The Associated Press

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ASTON, Pa. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris says she believes Donald Trump “is a fascist” after his longest-serving chief of staff said the former president praised Adolf Hitler while in office and put personal loyalty above the Constitution. In interviews with The New York Times and The Atlantic, John Kelly warned that the Republican nominee meets the definition of a fascist and that while in office he suggested that the Nazi leader “did some good things.” At a CNN town hall Wednesday, Harris was asked if she believed that Trump is a fascist. She replied twice, “Yes, I do.” Kelly is the retired Marine general who worked for Trump in the White House from 2017 to 2019.

DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Republican Donald Trump is pushing supporters in Georgia to get out and vote for him in a state that could be crucial in the presidential election. He spoke Wednesday before a rally organized by Charlie Kirk, a conservative provocateur.

SEATTLE (AP) — Boeing factory workers have voted against the company’s latest contract offer and will remain on the picket lines six weeks into a strike that has stopped production of the aerospace giant’s bestselling jetliners.

WASHINGTON (AP) — New research shows Russia has worked to amplify false and misleading claims about the U.S. government's response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton as part of the Kremlin's efforts to manipulate Americans before the Nov. 5 election.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike on a school where displaced people were sheltering in the central Gaza Strip has killed at least 17 people, mostly women and children.

DENVER (AP) — Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou, and Jambo have lived in Colorado Springs for decades in the elephant exhibit at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Now an animals rights group is trying to get them released from what they say is essentially the equivalent of a prison for such highly intelligent and social animals known to roam for miles a day in the wild. Colorado’s highest court will hear arguments Thursday on whether the elephants should be legally able to challenge their captivity under a longheld legal process used by prisoners to dispute their detention.

In other news:

Trump wanted generals like Hitler's and said Nazi leader 'did some good things,' John Kelly claims.
Efforts by Russia, Iran and China to sway US voters may escalate, new Microsoft report says.
More than 1,600 voters have registration revoked under Virginia program targeting noncitizens.
Suspect in shootings of Democratic office in Arizona had over 120 guns in his home, officials find.
Quarter Pounders are off the menu at 20% of McDonald's in US amid an E. coli investigation.
New rules for US national security agencies balance AI's promise with need to protect against risks.
Apple and Goldman Sachs must pay $89 million for mishandling Apple Card transactions, CFPB orders.
US home sales slowed again in September, falling to weakest annual pace in nearly 14 years.
Before Taylor Swift show in New Orleans, a homeless encampment is forced to move.
MusiCares names The Grateful Dead 2025 Persons of the Year.
Ron Ely, TV's 'Tarzan' in the 1960s, dies at 86.
'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz lands full-time NASCAR ride in 2025.
The Clippers get clipped in their first game in their new arena, Steph Curry gets the Warriors off to a strong start, Joel Embiid sits out as the Sixers lose their opener, the Caps hand the Flyers their 6th straight loss, and Patrick Mahomes gets a titan of a receiver in a trade.
St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas out 6 weeks with a broken ankle.
US confirms North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia for training and possible Ukraine combat.
G7 allies are moving ahead with a $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian funds.
King Charles III's Commonwealth visit to Samoa will highlight climate change ... and dance.
Macron says France will provide 100 million-euro aid package to support Lebanon.
Trash carried by a North Korean balloon again falls on the presidential compound in Seoul.

—The Associated Press

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DALLAS (AP) — The U.S. government is fining American Airlines $50 million for failing to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities and damaging thousands of wheelchairs over a five-year period. The Transportation Department announced the civil penalty on Wednesday. American will only have to pay half of the fine because it is receiving credit for money it spent to improve wheelchair handling and to compensate affected passengers.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Voters lined up across battleground Wisconsin to cast their ballots as Democrats and Republicans spread across the state to get their voters out.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there is evidence that North Korea has sent troops to Russia on Monday, and South Korea’s spy chief told lawmakers that 3,000 North Korean troops are in the country receiving training on drones and other equipment before being deployed to battlefields in Ukraine.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace who inspired “Fernandomania” in the early 1980s, has died. He was 63. The Mexican-born phenom won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. His death comes as the Dodgers are preparing to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees.

Denny’s says it’s closing 150 of its lowest-performing restaurants in an effort to turn around the brand’s flagging sales. About half of the closures will happen this year and the rest in 2025.

In other news:

Deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders sickens 49 people in 10 states.
A 2nd major recall for Honda in October, this time for pumps that can crack, leak fuel.
Rudy Giuliani ordered to turn over NYC apartment, 26 watches to Georgia election workers.
Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Mike Jeffries has been arrested on federal sex trafficking charges.
Starbucks reports weak quarterly results despite the arrival of Pumpkin Spice Latte season.
North Carolina county surrounding Asheville overcounted Helene deaths by as many as 30, sheriff says.
Teen in custody after 5 found dead in shooting at home in Washington state, police say.
Eyewitness video captures frantic efforts to save lives after deadly collapse of dock walkway.
Court upholds freedom for woman whose conviction was overturned after 43 years behind bars.
ABBA, Radiohead and The Cure musicians sign AI protest letter against 'unlicensed use' of works.
AARP to honor Glenn Close with Movies for Grownups career achievement award.
Opening Night in the NBA had some milestones, Dodgers great Valenzuela passes away, starting pitchers announced for World Series Game One, the Rays look for a temporary home, and plenty of NHL action.
Ohtani's historic 50-50 ball sells at auction for nearly $4.4M amid ongoing dispute over ownership.
Watkins, Bueckers headline preseason AP All-America team in women's hoops; 3 sophomores for 1st time.
Israel says it killed a Hezbollah official expected to be the group's next leader.
South Korea warns it can send arms to Ukraine after reports of North's troops in Russia.
Poland alleges Russian sabotage and is closing one of Moscow's consulates.
Navalny's memoir details isolation and suffering in a Russian prison — and how he never lost hope.
Hong Kong bars services like WhatsApp and Google Drive from government computers.

—The Associated Press

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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel on his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. He is expected to meet with top officials as the United States looks to revive cease-fire efforts after the killing of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but so far none of the warring parties appear to be backing down on longstanding demands. Israel is still at war with Hamas more than a year after the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack, and with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it launched a ground invasion earlier this month. Israel is also expected to strike Iran after its ballistic missile attack on Oct. 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pennsylvania voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the Nov. 5 general election, with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress and the state Legislature hanging in the balance. With its 19 electoral votes, the commonwealth is the largest prize among the battleground states and an important piece of both campaigns’ paths to victory.

FALL CITY, WASH. (AP) — Law officers have arrested a teenager in connection with the deaths of five people found fatally shot inside a home southeast of Seattle.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — An initial toxicology report for ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died last week after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, shows that he had cocaine in his system after his death, an Argentine official said.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces seven more lawsuits, including one alleging the rape of a 13-year-old girl. His lawyers meanwhile are complaining about a “fresh wave of publicity.” They asked a judge to order potential witnesses and their lawyers to stop making statements that could prevent a fair trial.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican officials say schools have six months to implement a government-sponsored ban on junk food or face heavy fines. Authorities are confronting what they call the worst childhood obesity problem in the world.

In other news:

Biden is 'deeply concerned' about the release of secret documents on Israel's possible attack plans.
Trump makes more debunked claims about FEMA as he surveys storm damage in North Carolina.
Arizona official who delayed 2022 election certification pleads guilty.
Central Park Five sues Donald Trump for 'defamatory' remarks made at presidential debate.
Writer Olivia Nuzzi, New York magazine part ways after relationship with political source revealed.
Supreme Court won’t revive Michael Cohen’s lawsuit against Trump claiming retaliatory imprisonment.
General Motors overcomes US sales drop and China losses to post 3rd quarter profit of $3 billion.
Anderson, Burton, Keith inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame.
Disney names Gorman to serve as next chairman; anticipates naming new CEO in early 2026.
The Ravens extend their winning streak as the Buccaneers lose two wide receivers, the Cardinals rally to beat the Chargers, the Maple Leafs improve to 4-2, the NBA season approaches and WNBA players want a new contract sooner than later.
King Charles III ends first Australian visit by a reigning British monarch in 13 years.
Storm causes at least 6 deaths in Cuba, where a long power outage is raising tempers.
Peru’s ex-president Toledo gets more than 20 years in prison in case linked to corruption scandal.
Brazil environmental disaster victims take case against mining giant BHP to UK court.
Moldovans narrowly vote to secure the country's path toward EU membership.

—The Associated Press

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With just over two weeks to go before the 2024 presidential election and the race in a dead heat, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are hitting the campaign trail in strategic battleground states.

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston authorities are investigating a helicopter that might have crashed into a radio tower, killing four people on board, including a child.

The Israeli military has apologized for a strike that killed three Lebanese soldiers in southern Lebanon, saying it is not battling the country’s military and its troops believed they were targeting a vehicle belonging to the Hezbollah militant group. Israeli strikes meanwhile hit nearly a dozen branches of a Hezbollah-run financial institution that Israel says is used to fund attacks but where many ordinary people keep their savings.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. His trip comes hours after a Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital and as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushes Western partners to keep providing military support for the war.

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets in Game 6 of the NLCS to advance to the World Series, where they will face the New York Yankees.

Hundreds of frozen waffle products sold in leading retailers including Walmart and Target are being recalled. The manufacturer says they could be contaminated with the listeria bacteria.

In other news:

White House says health insurance needs to fully cover condoms, other over-the-counter birth control.
The US is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents on Israel's attack plans.
Judges punishing Jan. 6 rioters say they fear more political violence as Election Day nears.
North Carolina early voters, still recovering from Helene, exceed 2020 voter turnout.
Boeing is making a new offer to the union in hopes of ending a strike now in its second month.
Mail carriers reach tentative contract with USPS that includes pay raises and air-conditioned trucks.
Man who vowed to ride out Florida hurricanes on his boat is arrested in Tampa.
Man charged in NYC subway chokehold death set to stand trial.
In New York, a constitutional amendment provides election fodder for the left and the right.
Georgia islanders rushed to rescue survivors after dock walkway collapse that killed 7.
California foster dad sentenced to 7 years for abusing child torture victims.
A rare copy of the US Constitution sells for $9 million at auction.
‘Smile 2’ grinning to No. 1 at box office; ‘Anora’ glitters in limited release.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame turns up starpower to induct Cher, Foreigner, Mary J. Blige, Ozzy and more.
Singer Zayn postpones US tour after the death of his former bandmate Liam Payne.
Liam Payne’s 1D bandmates, Cheryl, Simon Cowell and more mourn singer.
The Dodgers win the National League pennant, the New York Liberty win the WNBA Finals, four starting quarterbacks get knocked out of their NFL games, the Chiefs are the last undefeated team, and Joey Logano inches closer to another NASCAR Cup Championship.
Cubans struggle with an extended power outage and a new tropical storm.
'You are not my king,' Indigenous Australian senator yells at visiting King Charles.
South Korea calls for immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops allegedly in Russia.
Train hits and kills 2 wild elephants in Sri Lanka as 2 of its fuel-carrying tankers derail.
Prague bans nighttime pub crawls to deal with drunk and rowdy visitors.
A massive settlement for victims of clergy sex sbuse, and saying goodbye to Gospel music great Cissy Houston.

—The Associated Press

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

Ahead of the presidential election, small biz owners are growing more uncertain about the economy.
Missed out on the northern lights Scientists expect more solar storms to produce auroras.
US retail trade group expects holiday season sales to grow more slowly.
Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy.
Most AAPI adults think legal immigrants give the US a major economic boost: AP-NORCAAPI Data poll.
What's behind the widening gender wage gap/
Amazon, Google make dueling nuclear investments to power data centers with clean energy.
Whooping cough is at a decade-high level in US.
Another study points to correlation between helmet use on motorcycles and odds of survival.
Lowriding is more than just cars. It's about family and culture for Mexican Americans.
His country trained him to fight. Then he turned against it. More like him are doing the same.
Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest.
A full-scale replica of Anne Frank's hidden annex is heading to New York for an exhibition.
Canadian doctors who provide euthanasia struggle with the ethics of killing vulnerable patients.
Who am I? A South Korean adoptee finds answers about the past — just not the ones she wants.

—The Associated Press

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NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump laced into Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats in a pointed and at times bitter speech as he headlined the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York. Trump, in remarks that often felt more like a rally speech than a comedy bit, repeatedly criticized Harris over her decision to skip the event as she campaigned in Wisconsin.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine police say a search is underway after four gunmen reportedly abducted an American national, who was shot in the leg as he tried to resist before being spirited away by speedboat.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court has halted the scheduled execution of a man who would have become the first person in the U.S. put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

BEIRUT — A statement issued by one of Hamas’ political leaders abroad Friday tacitly — but not directly — confirmed the death of the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza, and said that Israel is mistaken if it “believes that killing our leaders means the end of our movement and the struggle of the Palestinian people.”

Dozens of farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin are scrambling to feed their flocks after a struggling organic broiler chicken producer abruptly closed a year after getting a $39 million federal loan. Pure Prairie Poultry shuttered its Charles City, Iowa, processing plant after filing for bankruptcy in September.

In other news:

Panel looking into Trump assassination attempt says Secret Service needs ‘fundamental reform.’
Battleground North Carolina sees strong early voting, despite obstacles created by Helene.
A father and son are both indicted on murder charges in a mass school shooting in Georgia.
Death of ex-One Direction member Liam Payne at 31 sends shockwaves around the world.
Diablo and Santa Ana winds are to descend on California and raise wildfire risk.
Colsen recalls nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits after reports of serious burn injuries.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises to the highest level in 8 weeks.
US shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth.
Mitzi Gaynor, 'South Pacific' star among the last actors of the Hollywood musical era's golden age, dies at 93.
A tough night for New York in baseball’s championship series, a beatdown by the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, a surprising retirement in college basketball, a late rally sends the Lighting past the Golden Knights and more.
South Korean intelligence says North is sending troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine reports.

—The Associated Press

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HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas man who could be the first person in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome is facing a lethal injection. Robert Roberson is scheduled to be put to death Thursday evening for his conviction in the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter.

Two U.S. states plan to execute convicted killers Thursday. Alabama is preparing to put to death a man who admitted to killing five people with an ax and gun during a drug-fueled rampage in 2016. Derrick Dearman is to be executed by lethal injection at Holman prison in southern Alabama.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Fans, music-industry figures and fellow musicians are paying tribute to former One Direction member Liam Payne. The singer died aged 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. long-range B-2 stealth bombers launched airstrikes targeting underground bunkers used by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Las Vegas-area Democratic elected official was sentenced Wednesday to serve at least 28 years in Nevada state prison for killing an investigative journalist who wrote articles critical of his conduct in office two years ago. A judge invoked a sentencing enhancement for Robert Telles’ use of a deadly weapon to add eight years to the minimum 20-year sentence that a jury set in August after finding Telles guilty of stabbing Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German to death in September 2022.

In other news:

Jimmy Carter, at age 100, casts his 2024 ballot by mail.
A federal judge halts an Alabama program that purged thousands of legal voters.
Nebraska’s high court says people with felony records can register to vote.
Rare copy of the US Constitution up for auction is expected to sell for millions.
Many schools are still closed weeks after Hurricane Helene. Teachers worry about long-term impact.
Man charged with abandoning dog in floodwaters as Florida residents evacuated ahead of hurricane.
US agency adopts rule to make it easier for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions.
Defense contractor Raytheon agrees to pay $950 million to resolve bribery, fraud allegations.
The US Navy says a fighter jet with two on board crashed in Washington state during training.
Bloomberg Philanthropies launches its largest Mayors Challenge ever.
Family of Erik and Lyle Menendez call for their release and say they're victims who were vilified.
Lawyers for Sean 'Diddy' Combs ask judge to release identities of his accusers.
The Dodgers go up two games to one in the NLCS, the Liberty have the same two-games-to-one lead in the WNBA Finals, Caitlin Clark adds another honor from her rookie season, Evgeni Malkin nets an historic goal in the Penguins win, the Steelers appear ready to start Russell Wilson at quarterback on Sunday and a rule change in NCAA football.
Newly acquired wide receiver Davante Adams expects to play for Jets on Sunday night vs. Steelers.
Serena Williams says she had a benign cyst removed from her neck and 'all is OK.'
Mexico’s ex-public security chief sentenced to 38-plus years in US for taking cartel bribes.
Ukrainian president Zelenskyy seeks backing for his 'victory plan.'

—The Associated Press

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Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both making pushes to energize key constituencies that their allies worry might be slipping away. The vice president is looking to reach Black men, and the former president is focusing on women. Harris appeared Tuesday at a town hall-style event in Detroit hosted by Charlamagne Tha God. Trump is attending a Fox News Channel town hall in Georgia moderated by host Harris Faulkner featuring an all-female audience. It’s yet another sign that in a razor-tight race, each side is trying to cut into the other’s margin of support.

In hard-hit western North Carolina following Hurrican Helene, some districts warn students will miss up to a month of school, and others say they can’t yet determine a timeline for returning to classrooms.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his plan to win his country’s fight against Russia’s invasion could bring peace next year. But it contains a step that some crucial Western allies have so far refused to countenance: inviting Ukraine to join NATO before the war ends

QANA, Lebanon (AP) — Officials say Israeli airstrikes have pounded areas across Lebanon, killing at least 21 people, including 15 in a southern town where Israeli bombardments in previous conflicts are seared into local memory.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says more than 800 military personnel have seen their service records upgraded to honorable discharges after previously being kicked out of the military under its former “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

In other news:

Florida residents hard hit by hurricane Milton are getting back on their feet.
FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformation.
Small business disaster loan program is out of money until Congress approves new funds.
US warns Israel to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza or risk losing weapons funding.
Georgia judge blocks ballot counting rule and says county officials must certify election results.
Protesters demand Kellogg remove artificial colors from Froot Loops and other cereals.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a law aimed at preventing gas prices from spiking.
California health care workers get a pay bump under a new minimum wage law.
Idaho revamps execution chamber so docs can access deep veins after failed lethal injection attempt.
The pandas are coming! The pandas are coming!
Home town fans in the Bronx went home happy for the second straight night, big time wide receivers are changing teams in the NFL, and Tom Brady goes from player to announcer and now owner.
Phillies enter the offseason confident that bulk of roster is good enough to win the World Series.
76ers forward Paul George's hyperextended left knee 'checks out OK,' coach Nick Nurse says.

—The Associated Press

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ELLENTON, Fla. (AP) — Florida counties hard hit by Hurricane Milton are returning to a semblance of normalcy with power being restored to most areas, gas stations reopening and students returning to school this week. Still, some neighborhoods remained without power Monday, and neighborhoods with many severely damaged homes and business will take longer to recover.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris each made stops in Pennsylvania Monday touting their agendas.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico authorities are grappling with a growing number of migrants dying in the state's border region, with the remains of more than 100 found in the first eight months of the year in the state. Many were discovered just miles from the El Paso, Texas, port of entry.

Israeli strikes in the southern Gaza Strip killed at least 15 people overnight, including six children and two women.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea says North Korea blew up the northern parts of inter-Korean roads no longer in use. Tuesday's action came after the rivals exchanged threats of destruction amid rising animosities over North Korea’s claim that South Korea flew drones over its capital.

CENTERVILLE, Mass. (AP) — Members of the Kennedy family gathered Monday for the funeral of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. She died on Thursday at age 96.

In other news:

FEMA workers change some hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina after receiving threats.
Florida neighbors band together to recover after one-two punch from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Biden admin to provide $750 million to North Carolina-based Wolfspeed for advanced computer chips.
Voters in California and Nevada consider ban on forced labor aimed at protecting prisoners.
Minnesota city says Trump campaign still owes more than $200,000 for July rally.
Lilly Ledbetter, an icon of the fight for equal pay, has died at 86.
6 people accuse Diddy of sexual assault in new lawsuits, including man who was 16 at the time.
NASA spacecraft rockets toward Jupiter's moon Europa in search of the right conditions for life.
The pandas are coming! The pandas are coming!
India recalls ambassador from Canada in growing dispute over assassination of Sikh activist.
Operator dies and more than a dozen passengers hurt as New Jersey commuter train hits tree.
The Mets even up the NLCS, the Yankees take Game One of the ALCS, Bills get a late field goal to win, Lion's Hutchinson has surgery, and the AP pre-season top 25 college basketball poll is out. And Clayton Kershaw says he plans to return to Dodgers for 18th season in 2025.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing a series of proposals designed to give Black men more economic opportunities as she works to energize a key voting bloc that has Democrats concerned about a lack of enthusiasm. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is also looking to increase his appeal to both Black and Hispanic voters.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Nobel memorial prize in economics has been awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson for research into why societies with poor rule of law and exploitative institutions do not generate sustainable growth. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said that their work helps understand why societies with a poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a hospital courtyard in the Gaza Strip early Monday killed at least four people and sent flames sweeping through a packed tent camp for people displaced by the war.

NEW YORK (AP) — The choices on the movie marquee this weekend included Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a film about Donald Trump, a “Saturday Night Live” origin story and even Pharrell Williams as a Lego. In the end, all were trounced by an ax-wielding clown. Gory, low-budget slasher “Terrifier 3” topped the weekend box office with an estimated $18.3 million.

In other news:

Vice President Harris responds to Trump's accusations FEMA isn't doing enough for hurricane victims.
Harris' doctor reports she's in 'excellent health.' Her campaign wants to draw a contrast with Trump.
Former President Donald Trump traveled to Colorado to drive his anti-immigration message.
JD Vance refused five times to acknowledge Donald Trump lost 2020 election in podcast interview.
In an engineering feat, mechanical SpaceX arms catch Starship rocket booster back at the launch pad.
If you let your flood insurance lapse and then got hit by Helene, you may be able to renew it.
TikTok was aware of risks kids and teens face on its platform, legal document alleges.
Boeing will lay off 10% of its employees as a strike by factory workers cripples airplane production.
Fisher-Price recalls over 2 million 'Snuga Swings' following the deaths of 5 infants.
1 dead and 9 wounded when groups exchange gunfire after Tennessee university celebration.
The Dodgers dominate the Mets in the NLCS opener, The Liberty draw even in the WNBA Finals, the NFC North goes 3-and-0, and the Stars get a stellar performance from their new goaltender.
Excerpts from Russian opposition leader Navalny's memoir show he knew he would die in prison.
North Korea is preparing to destroy northern parts of inter-Korean roads, Seoul says.
Netanyahu mulls plan to empty northern Gaza of civilians and cut off aid to those left inside.
Middle East latest Iran indirectly threatens US forces against operating in Israel.
Norway introduces temporary border checks after its terror threat level was raised.
People in Lebanon, tired of the government, take matters into their own hands to feed the displaced.
Ukrainian recruiters descend on Kyiv's nightlife in search of men not registered for conscription.
An Australian police sergeant likely to be charged over a Nazi salute.

—The Associated Press

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

Don't expect human life expectancy to grow much more, researcher says.
As affordable housing disappears, states scramble to shore up the losses.
Rita Foley reports on the bickering presidential nominees in the continuing AP series, 'The Contenders.'
New analysis suggests national debt could increase under Harris, but it would surge under Trump.
The money behind the politics Tracking campaign finance data for Pennsylvania candidates.
Harris viewed more positively by Hispanic women than by Hispanic men AP-NORC poll.
More Black and Latina women are leading unions - and transforming how they work.
Pennsylvania military members overseas face unique vpting challenges.
Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month.
Back-to-back hurricanes reshape 2024 campaign’s final stretch.
Why Milton's 'reverse surge' sucked water away from flood-fearing Tampa.
A hurricane scientist logged a final flight as NOAA released his ashes into Milton’s eye.
NFL says the preseason saw its fewest number of concussions since tracking started.
In Wrexham, the ‘Rob and Ryan effect’ goes beyond the soccer club as tourism and investments grow.
Takeaways from AP investigation on the struggle to change a police department.
Grazer beats the behemoth that killed her cub to win Alaska's Fat Bear Contest.
Hot days and methamphetamine are now a deadlier mix.
Avian enthusiasts try to counter the deadly risk of Chicago high-rises for migrating birds.
Solar power companies are growing fast in Africa, where 600 million still lack electricity.
Africans recruited to work in Russia say they were duped into building drones for use in Ukraine.
Oklahoma hopes to turn the page on a patriotic Bibles controversy, and the Mormon church encourages members to be political peacemakers.

—The Associated Press

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The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization of survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for its activism against nuclear weapons. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said Friday the award was made as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.”

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida residents are repairing the damage caused by Hurricane Milton and figuring out what to do next. The storm smashed through coastal communities, tore homes to pieces, flooded streets and spawned a barrage of deadly tornadoes. At least eight people are dead, but many are relieved Milton wasn't worse. The hurricane spared Tampa a direct hit, and the lethal storm surge that scientists feared never materialized. The state’s vital tourism industry is beginning to return to normal. Florida theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld planned to reopen Friday.

DENVER (AP) — Authorities say one person has been killed and 12 people have been rescued after being trapped for hours about 1,000 feet below ground at a former Colorado gold mine when an elevator malfunctioned at the tourist site.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says his predecessor Donald Trump should “get a life” and try to help people impacted by a pair of devastating hurricanes, rather than spread misinformation about the federal response.

In other news:

Blinken tells ASEAN the US is worried about China's 'dangerous' actions in disputed sea.
Immigrants brought to the US as children ask judges to keep protections against deportation.
Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living boost in 2025, smaller than in recent past.
Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died.
May trial date set for Sean 'Diddy' Combs to face sex trafficking charges.
A former DEA agent is convicted of protecting drug traffickers.
Company recalls nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry dishes for listeria contamination.
US inflation reaches lowest point in 3 years, though some price pressures remain.
US jobless claims hit 258,000, the most in a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene, Boeing strike.
The Yankees advance to the ALCS, the Guardians stay alive against the Tigers, the 49ers were finer than the Seahawks, the Lynx win a Game 1 thriller in the WNBA Finals, and a tennis great serves notice he is retiring.

—The Associated Press

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton is barreling into the Atlantic Ocean after plowing into Florida as a Category 3 storm. It pounded cities with ferocious winds and rains, whipped up a barrage of tornadoes and caused at least four deaths. It compounded the misery wrought by Helene. But it spared Tampa a direct hit. The storm tracked to the south in the final hours and made landfall Wednesday night in Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to the South Korean author Han Kang for what the Nobel committee called her “intense poetic prose.” Nobel committee chairman Anders Olsson praised Han’s “physical empathy for the vulnerable, often female lives” of her characters.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced people in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 27. The Israeli military said it targeted militants hiding in a school in the central city of Deir al-Balah.

NEW YORK (AP) — A rare, bright comet will be visible in October, clear skies permitting. The comet will make its closest approach to Earth on Saturday.

In other news:

Biden and Netanyahu hold their first conversation in weeks. Trump recently called the Israeli leader.
Severe solar storm could stress power grids even more as US deals with major back-to-back hurricanes.
How Waffle House helps Southerners — and FEMA — judge a storm's severity.
Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, suffers stroke.
Las Vegas blows a kiss goodbye — literally — to the Tropicana with a flashy casino implosion.
Pilot dies aboard Turkish Airlines flight, forcing emergency landing in New York.
The Mets close out their division series, the Dodgers stay alive and the Tigers and Yankees take control, the Rangers open their season with a blowout win, the WNBA Finals are on top, quarterback changes and a safety in trouble.

—The Associated Press

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton is churning closer to the west coast of Florida. Some residents are insisting they will ride out the potentially catastrophic storm. The National Hurricane Center predicts Milton will make landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday near the Tampa Bay region, which hasn’t seen a direct hit from a major storm in a century. The storm has been a Category 5 hurricane during much of its approach.

Israel's offensive has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters. It has said women and children make up over half of the dead. The offensive has also caused staggering destruction across the territory and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million people, often multiple times.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry to David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for their work with proteins. Baker works at the University of Washington in Seattle, while Hassabis and Jumper both work at Google DeepMind in London.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 “Miracle on Ice" Olympic hockey team. February marks the 45th anniversary of the Americans beating the heavily favored Soviet Union on the way to the gold medal on home ice in Lake Placid.

Scientists say human-caused climate change boosted the rainfall of deadly Hurricane Helene by about 10% and intensified its winds by about 11%. The rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution comes just as another big hurricane, Milton, is taking aim at the Florida coast less than two weeks after Helene hit.

In other news:

Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld will all close ahead of Milton.
Biden cancels trip to Germany and Angola because of hurricane.
Tampa Bay hasn’t been hit directly by a major hurricane since 1921. Milton may be the one.
The National Hurricane Center warns residents about the dangers of Milton as some ignore evacuation orders.
Woodward book reveals Trump's calls with Putin and Biden's private remarks on Obama and Netanyahu.
FBI arrests Afghan man who officials say planned Election Day attack in the US.
States sue TikTok, claiming its platform is addictive and harms the mental health of children.
Supreme Court takes up death row case with a rare alliance. Oklahoma inmate has state's support.
A former aide to New York Mayor Eric Adams is charged with destroying evidence as top deputy quits.
Luis Tiant, the charismatic Cuban who pitched the Red Sox to the brink of a championship, dies at 83.
The Mets get within a game of advancing to the National League Championship Series, the Padres push the Dodgers to the brink of postseason elimination, the Panthers open the defense of the Stanley Cup by beating the Bruins, the NFL sees its first head coach get fired this season, the Patriots look to make a change at quarterback. and the Lynx set the WNBA Finals matchup.
Musk's X to be reinstated in Brazil after complying with Supreme Court demands.
North Korea vows to block border with South Korea and build front-line defense structures.
Ishiba dissolves Japan's lower house to set up an Oct. 27 parliamentary election.
MI5 spy chief says Russia and Iran are behind a 'staggering' rise in deadly plots.
UN Human Rights Council presents report on Ukraine.

—The Associated Press

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Milton has strengthened into a major hurricane on a path toward Florida not even two weeks after Hurricane Helene swamped the state's coastline. Milton is expected to hit the densely populated Tampa metro area, which has about 3.3 million people. Traffic was thick on Interstate 75 heading north Monday as evacuees fled in advance of the Milton.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Black registered voters have an overwhelmingly positive view of Vice President Kamala Harris. That's according to a recent poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About 7 in 10 Black voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, with few differences between Black men and women voters on how they view the Democratic candidate.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing a challenge to a Biden administration regulation on ghost guns, the difficult-to-trace weapons with an exponentially increased link to crime in recent years. Tuesday's case is centered on gun kits that are sold online and can be assembled into a functioning weapon in less than 30 minutes.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two pioneers of artificial intelligence have won the Nobel Prize in physics. John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the prize Tuesday for discoveries and inventions that formed the building blocks of machine learning.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The cost of a Mega Millions lottery ticket will soon more than double, but officials said they’re confident players won’t mind paying more after changes that will lead to larger prizes and more frequent winners. Lottery officials announced Monday that it will cost $5 to play Mega Millions beginning in April. That is up from the current $2 per ticket.

In other news:

Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene response.
FEMA administrator continues pushback against false claims as Helene death toll hits 230.
Hurricane Milton is the latest blow in a bizarre hurricane season.
Home insurers argue for a 42% average rate hike in North Carolina.
Trump says migrants who have committed murder have introduced 'a lot of bad genes in our country'.
Intelligence officials say US adversaries are targeting congressional races with disinformation.
Federal judge orders Google to open its Android app store to competition.
President Biden has marked the Hamas attack's first anniversary with a solemn ceremony.
US spends a record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since last Oct. 7.
Supreme Court declines to hear appeal from singer R. Kelly, convicted of child sex crimes.
Supreme Court lets stand a decision barring emergency abortions that violate Texas ban.
Another top aide to New York City mayor resigns amid federal probe.
Chicago mayor names new school board after entire panel resigns amid a fight over district control.
Georgia Supreme Court halts ruling striking down state's near-ban on abortions as the state appeals.
Michigan gun owner gets more than 3 years in prison for accidental death of grandson.
American Water, the largest water utility in US, is targeted by a cyberattack.
A spacecraft is on its way to a harmless asteroid slammed by NASA in a previous save-the-Earth test.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother and a Grammy-winning singer, dies at 91.
Road teams win in baseball's playoff games, Mahomes leads Chiefs to a victory, Jets' Rodgers has an ankle sprain, a win for college athletes, and an NFL player faces charges in Massachusetts.
NCAA's $2.78 billion settlement with colleges to allow athlete payments gets preliminary approval.
Middle East latest Israeli military says it killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut strike.
Five Russian climbers die in a fall on the world’s seventh-highest peak.
A Pakistani separatist group claims bombing that killed 2 Chinese near Karachi airport.

—The Associated Press

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Nobel Prize in medicine honors American duo for their discovery of microRNA.
Supreme Court taking the bench with ghost guns, a capital case and transgender rights on the docket.
Florida prepares for massive evacuations as Hurricane Milton takes aim at major metro areas.
North Carolina is distributing Benadryl and EpiPens as yellow jackets swarm from Helene flooding.
After the deluge, the lies Misinformation and hoaxes about Helene cloud the recovery.
Homeowners hit by Hurricane Helene face the grim task of rebuilding without flood insurance.
Russian court sentences a 72-year-old American to nearly 7 years in prison for fighting in Ukraine.
Projectiles launched from Gaza set off sirens in central Tel Aviv, Israeli military says.
A year into the Israel-Hamas war, students say a chill on free speech has reached college classrooms.
Pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli crowds rally across the world on the eve of Oct. 7 anniversary.
Born on Oct. 7, Ali's first year has played out against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.
Colorado judge who sentenced election denier Tina Peters to prison receives threats.
Toilet paper makers say US port strike didn't cause shortages.
4 voters charged with intentionally voting twice in Michigan primary election.
Judge denies an order sought by a Black student who was punished over his hair.
Pope names 21 new cardinals, significantly increasing the pool who will one day elect his successor.
Thousands of Jewish pilgrims come to Ukraine for Rosh Hashana despite official warnings.
‘Joker 2’ stumbles at box office amid poor reviews from audiences and critics.
Garth Brooks accused of rape in lawsuit from hair-and-makeup artist.
The Sunday sports landscape is highlighted by the NFL and the National League Division Series in Major League Baseball as well as playoff action in the WNBA.

—The Associated Press

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

Cutting food waste would lower emissions, but so far only one state has done it.
Taxpayers in 24 states will be able to file their returns directly with the IRS in 2025.
Marketing plans are key for small businesses ahead of a tough holiday shopping season.
Awareness of 'Latinx' increases among US Latinos, and 'Latine' emerges as an alternative.
Civilization 7 makers work with Shawnee to bring sincere representation of the tribe to the game.
Republicans are more likely than Democrats to see Israel as a US ally, according to an AP-NORC poll.
How one preschool uses 'PAW Patrol' to teach democracy.
Helene’s powerful storm surge killed 12 near Tampa. They didn't have to die.
Southerners stay in touch the old-fashioned way after Helene cuts roads, power, phones.
Toilet paper makers say US port strike didn't cause shortages.
Thousands of shipping containers have been lost at sea. What happens when they burst open.
Google's search engine's latest AI injection will answer voiced questions about images.
The fate of Nibi the beaver lands in court as rescuers try to stop her release into the wild.
Spider lovers scurry to Colorado town in search of mating tarantulas and community.
Peru celebrates 2 decades of a fast-growing breed of guinea pigs eaten as a delicacy.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, New York steps up security for the Jewish High Holy Days, and the Vatican veers away from ordination for women.

—The Associated Press

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Dockworkers' union suspend strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate new contract.
President Joe Biden is pledging support to those recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Kirk could cause dangerous surf conditions along the US East Coast.
Melania Trump says she supports abortion rights, putting her at odds with the GOP.
Liz Cheney campaigns with Harris in Wisconsin while Trump holds a rally in Michigan.
Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme.
Jobs report is likely to show another month of modest but steady hiring gains.
More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain historically low.
Mixed verdict for 3 Memphis officers convicted in Tyre Nichols' fatal beating.
Los Angeles prosecutors to review new evidence in Menendez brothers' 1996 murder conviction.
A 5th recall for Tesla Cybertruck within a year, the latest due to rearview display.
The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat was on display in Major League Baseball Thursday night, a two time world champion is returning to the dugout, it was a passing display on the NFL's Thursday night game, and Caitlin Clark gathers more laurels.
Augusta chairman confident Masters will go on as club focuses on community recovery from Helene.
Chiefs put WR Rashee Rice on injured reserve after hurting his knee in a win over the Chargers.
Israeli airstrikes rock southern suburbs of Beirut and cut off a key crossing into Syria.
Israel extends evacuation warnings in Lebanon, signaling a wider offensive.
New NATO chief Mark Rutte visits Ukraine in his first trip since taking office.
A small town in central Thailand is mourning the 23 who died in a school bus fire.
Dozens of zoo tigers die after contracting bird flu in southern Vietnam.

—The Associated Press

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Florida communities hit three times by hurricanes grapple with how and whether to rebuild.
Mayorkas warns FEMA doesn't have enough funding to last through hurricane season.
The president could invoke a 1947 law to try to suspend the dockworkers' strike. Here's how.
Dockworkers may have the negotiating advantage in their strike against US ports.
Prosecutors Trump 'resorted to crimes' after losing 2020 election in failed bid to cling to power.
Cybersecurity head says there's no chance a foreign adversary can change US election results.
Doctor who helped supply Matthew Perry ketamine pleads guilty to drug charge.
Prosecutors say they may bring additional charges against New York City mayor and indict others.
NYC stepping up security as High Holy Days and Oct. 7 anniversary coincide.
NASA's Webb telescope detects traces of carbon dioxide on the surface of Pluto's largest moon.
The Tigers and Royals reach the ALDS, the Padres play their way into the NLDS, the Brewers force a Game 3 in their wild-card series, the NFL gets ready to kick off Week 5, Luka Doncic suffers an injury in practice, another WNBA coach gets fired, and a racing team owned by a Hall-of-Famer sues NASCAR.
Middle East latest Israeli strike in Beirut killed 7 health and rescue workers.
Typhoon Krathon makes landfall on Taiwan, packing fierce winds and torrential rain.
Two boats carrying migrants sink in the Red Sea off Djibouti's coast killing 45, UN says.

—The Associated Press

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Tim Walz and JD Vance go in depth on policy while attacking each other’s running mates in VP debate.
Donald Trump won't participate in interview for '60 Minutes' election special.
11 workers at a Tennessee factory were swept away in Hurricane Helene flooding. Only 5 were rescued.
Hurricane Helene's death toll passes 150 as crews search for survivors.
Kirk becomes a hurricane as North Carolina reels from Helene.
US job openings rise to 8 million as labor market remains sturdy.
Watchdog blasts DEA for not reporting waterboarding, torture by Latin American partners.
US job openings rise to 8 million as labor market remains sturdy.
Another top aide to New York City mayor quits in wake of corruption indictment.
Justice Department finds Georgia is 'deliberately indifferent' to unchecked abuses at its prisons.
Montana man gets 6 months in prison for cloning giant sheep and breeding it.
John Amos, patriarch on 'Good Times' and an Emmy nominee for the blockbuster 'Roots,' dies at 84.
Doctor charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death is expected to plead guilty.
Attorney says 120 accusers allege sexual misconduct against Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
The Tigers, Royals, Mets and Padres begin MLB's Wild Card round with victories, a Bills defensive standout is suspended, Gonzaga is moving to the Pac-12 conference and the WNBA's two-time defending champs are on the brink of elimination from the playoffs.
Bills' Von Miller suspended by NFL for 4 games for violating personal conduct policy.
Canadiens winger Patrik Laine expected to be out 2 to 3 months with knee sprain.
Ukraine's military says it is pulling out of Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine after more than two years of intense fighting.
Iran fires at least 180 missiles into Israel as regionwide conflict grows.
Palestinian officials say 32 killed in Israeli strikes on southern Gaza.
Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as 1st female president of Mexico.
Nigeria’s independence anniversary is marked by protests and frustration over economic hardship.
Thai police arrest driver and work to identify victims of the school bus fire that killed 23.

—The Associated Press

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The Israeli military has warned people to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing the start of ground operations against the Hezbollah militant group. Hezbollah on Tuesday denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon but said it was ready to battle them.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas have started walking picket lines in a strike over wages and automation that could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on more than a few weeks. The contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association expired at midnight, and even though progress was reported in talks on Monday, the workers went on strike early Tuesday.

BANGKOK (AP) — Officials and rescuers say a school bus carrying young students and their teachers on a school trip caught fire in suburban Bangkok, leaving more than 20 feared dead. The bus with 45 passengers — six teachers and 39 elementary and junior high school students — was traveling from the central Uthai Thani province.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet for their first and possibly only vice presidential debate Tuesday. It may also be the last debate for both campaigns to argue their case before the election.

NEW YORK (AP) — Another top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams has resigned. Timothy Pearson, one of the mayor's closest advisers, submitted his resignation Monday evening. The resignation comes weeks after his attorney says federal agents seized cellphones, documents and cash from his Long Island home.

In other news:

Former President Donald Trump injects politics into the hurricane recovery effort.
A long recovery is ahead for hurricane victims in westen North Carolina.
Pete Rose, baseball’s banned hits leader, has died at age 83.
Fed Chair Powell says the US economy is in 'solid shape' with gradual rate cuts coming.
A concert and 30 new homes mark Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday and long legacy of giving.
Movie armorer's conviction upheld in fatal ‘Rust’ set shooting by Alec Baldwin.
FBI to pay $22M to settle claims of sexual discrimination at training academy.
DirecTV buys rival Dish as satellite mainstays hunker down against onslaught of streaming services.
Judge strikes down Georgia ban on abortions, allowing them to resume beyond 6 weeks into pregnancy.
Arkansas sues YouTube over claims that the site is fueling a mental health crisis.
Baseball's Pete Rose and NBA's Dikembe Mutombo pass away, the Mets and Braves both get into the Wild Card playoffs, the Lions win behind Jared Goff, the Titans score a win behind backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, and partial owner Buster Posey takes a front office job with the San Francisco Giants.
NATO's long-time chief hands over to a former Dutch premier.
WikiLeaks' Julian Assange says he pleaded 'guilty to journalism' in order to be freed.
Along Mexico's Pacific coast, flooding from Hurricane John left devastated towns and 17 dead.
Hunger in Haiti reaches famine levels as gangs squeeze life out of the capital and beyond.

—The Associated Press

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MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian court has sentenced a man convicted over a car bombing that seriously wounded nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin to life in prison. Prosecutors said the May 2023 bombing in the Nizhny Novogorod region was conducted at the direction of Ukraine’s security services.

BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah’s acting leader has vowed to continue battling Israel and said the Lebanese militant group was prepared for a long fight even after much of its top command was wiped out, including its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days, and have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon.

DirecTV is buying Dish and Sling, a deal it has sought to complete for years, as the company seeks to better compete against streaming services that have become dominant. DirecTV said Monday that it will acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that includes a payment of $1, plus the assumption of debt.

A crisis is unfolding in Asheville as officials pledged to get more water, food and other supplies to flood-stricken areas that still lack power and cellular service days after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across the U.S. Southeast. The death toll from the storm topped 90 people across several states. Authorities have struggled to get supplies to isolated areas. Massive rains brought by Helene left many people stranded or homeless around the region.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kris Kristofferson, a Rhodes scholar who became a superstar songwriter, singer and actor, has died. A family spokeswoman says Kristofferson died at his home in Hawaii on Saturday. He was 88.

In other news:

Biden says he'll speak with Israeli leader, vowing all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided.
US retailers brace for potential pain from a longshoremen's strike.
Why Tuesday's vice presidential debate could matter more than history suggests.
Gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson treated for burns received at appearance, campaign says.
SpaceX launches rescue mission for 2 NASA astronauts who are stuck in space until next year.
Titan implosion testimony paints a picture of reckless greed and explorer passion.
Minnesota reports rare human death from rabies.
October's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse will dazzle parts of South America and the Pacific.
'Megalopolis' flops, 'Wild Robot' soars at box office.
Maggie Smith, scene-stealing actor famed for Harry Potter and 'Downton Abbey,' dies at 89.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs faces new sex assault allegations in woman's lawsuit.
Nail biters and blowouts in Week 4 of the NFL, MLB's National Leagues wild-card chase will be decided in overtime and the U.S wins another President's Cup.
Pope wraps troubled visit to Belgium by praising victims and demanding abusers be judged.
Russia invokes its nuclear capacity in a UN speech that's full of bile toward the West.
China, at UN, warns against 'expansion of the battlefield' in the Ukraine war.

—The Associated Press

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

FBI finds violent crime declined in 2023. Here's what to know about the report.
Here's how to avoid getting pressured into signing up for store credit cards.
Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI.
Severe obesity is on the rise in the US.
How colorful, personalized patches bring joy to young cancer patients.
It's time to roll up sleeves for new COVID, flu shots.
Funds are cutting aid for women seeking abortions as costs rise.
Brewing a cold beer on a warming planet is hard. Germany uses education to fight climate change.
Hotter summers are making high school football a fatal game for some players.
Harris owns a gun Trump wants to cap credit card rates Party lines blur in campaign's last stretch.
Harris is more popular than Trump among AAPI voters, a new APIA VoteAAPI Data survey finds.
Are Trump and Harris particularly Christian That's not what most Americans would say AP-NORC poll.
Americans are more likely to see Harris' gender as a hurdle than they were for Clinton AP-NORC poll.
A new mystery firm enters Trump's orbit, rekindling criticism of his presidential campaign spending.
A Pennsylvania bakery known for its election cookie poll is swamped with orders.
Takeaways from an AP and Texas Tribune report on 24 hours along the US-Mexico border.
Tyreek Hill's traffic stop can be a reminder for drivers' constitutional rights.
The number of rhinos is slightly up but poaching has increased too.

—The Associated Press

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CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Authorities are rescuing people trapped by floodwaters and more than 3 million customers are in the dark across much of the southeastern U.S. as Hurricane Helene weakens to a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday. The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm overnight amid warnings from the National Hurricane Center that the enormous system could create a “nightmare” storm surge. There were at least three storm-related deaths. Hurricane warnings and flash flood warnings extend far beyond the coast up into northern Georgia and western North Carolina.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams could make his initial court appearance on charges that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and free overseas trips from people looking to buy his influence in city government.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines executives have unveiled their vision for turning the carrier into an airline that gives passengers assigned seats, charges them extra for more legroom and offers red-eye flights but bags still fly free. The airline announced on Thursday that it plans to end the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and start flights with assigned seats in early 2026.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium’s prime minister has blasted Pope Francis for the Catholic Church’s horrific legacy of clerical sex abuse and cover-ups. Alexander De Croo demanded “concrete steps” to come clean with the past and put victims’ interests over those of the institution as he delivered a blistering welcome Friday at the start of Francis’ visit.

In other news:

Harris blasts Trump proposals for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia during Zelenskyy meeting.
Harris says the right to be safe is a civil right, as Biden signs order on gun technology.
Appeals court signals it might be open to altering Donald Trump's $489 million civil fraud penalty.
Prosecutors file sealed brief detailing allegations against Trump in election interference case.
Rudy Giuliani disbarred in DC after pushing Trump's false 2020 election claims.
Top Haitian official denounces false claim, repeated by Trump, that immigrants are eating pets.
Free COVID tests are back. Here's how to order a test to your home.
NASA, Boeing describe limited roles despite Titan's owner touting aerospace ties.
Police in small Mississippi city discriminate against Black residents, Justice Department finds.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage slips to 6.08%, lowest level in two years.
Oklahoma executes a man for a 1992 killing despite board recommending his life be spared.
X requests it be reinstated in Brazil after complying with judge's orders, source says.
Hoda Kotb is leaving NBC's 'Today' show early next year.
Judge hears arguments on possible retrial of movie armorer in fatal set shooting by Alec Baldwin.
Memphis man gets life sentence for killing rapper Young Dolph.
The Cowboys win Thursday night, two MLB teams clinch division titles, a former NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP retires, a Major League Baseball player is facing a criminal trial, the Athletics play their last game in Oakland, and the United States gets off to a great start at the Presidents Cup.
Japan's soon-to-be prime minister faces big challenge as he tries to move past ruling party scandals.
Families of 43 missing students in Mexico are still demanding justice 10 years later. —The Associated Press

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Helene has strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane as it barrels across the Gulf of Mexico on a path to Florida. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued the update Thursday moring. The huge storm’s center is expected to make landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida’s northwestern coast as soon as late Thursday. The governors of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have all declared emergencies in their states.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal charges that are still sealed. That's according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Adams said after the indictment that he would not resign.

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S., France and other allies are jointly calling for an immediate 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has killed more than 600 people in Lebanon.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma is preparing to execute a man for his role in the 1992 shooting death of an Oklahoma City convenience store owner during a robbery. Fifty-two-year-old Emmanuel Littlejohn is set to receive a three-drug lethal injection on Thursday despite a clemency recommendation from the state's Pardon and Parole Board.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is preparing to carry out the nation’s second nitrogen gas execution. Alan Eugene Miller is scheduled to be executed Thursday with nitrogen gas at a south Alabama prison. The state carried out the first nitrogen gas execution in January. Miller was convicted of killing three men in back-to-back workplace shootings in 1999.

Derided by Donald Trump as a “communist,” Vice President Kamala Harris is playing up her street cred as a capitalist. Attacked by Harris as a rich kid who got $400 million from his father on a “silver platter,” Trump is leaning into his raw populism. The two presidential candidates delivered dueling speeches Wednesday that reflect how they’re honing their economic messages for voters in battleground states.

In other news:

Congress passes temporary bill to avoid shutdown as lawmakers punt spending decisions to December.
Biden says all-out war is still possible as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates.
Trump says Ukraine is 'dead' and dismisses its defense against Russia's invasion.
Ukraine urges world leaders not to seek 'an out' from Russia's war instead of true peace.
Intelligence officials have briefed the Trump campaign on Iranian threats. A look at what's known.
Harris plans to campaign on Arizona's border with Mexico to show strength on immigration.
10th death reported in Boar's Head deli meat listeria outbreak.
NTSB engineer says carbon fiber hull from submersible showed signs of flaws.
Judge approves $600 million settlement in fiery Ohio derailment.
Suspect is detained after an explosion at a California courthouse injures 5 people.
Former Houston officer convicted of murder in deaths of couple during drug raid.
Union workers at Hawaii's largest hotel go on strike.
The Orioles play spoiler to the Yankees again, a National League playoff race is postponed by Hurricane Helene, the Tigers and Royals keep pace in the American League postseason hunt, Caitlin Clark’s first WNBA Playoff come to an end and more.
Parkinson's diagnosis came after Favre began struggling with his right arm, he tells TMZ Sports.
UNLV QB to sit out season after agent says $100,000 promised for transfer has not been paid.
Hong Kong welcomes new giant pandas gifted by Beijing, raising hopes for tourism boost.
Thailand approves same-sex marriage.

—The Associated Press

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Forecasters say they expect Tropical Storm Helene in the Caribbean Sea to strengthen rapidly and become a hurricane as it moves north across the Gulf of Mexico toward the United States. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for northwestern Florida's coastline and part of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Helene is forecast to be “near hurricane strength” when it passes near the Yucatan Peninsula before becoming a hurricane Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Multiple Secret Service failures ahead of the July rally for former President Donald Trump where a gunman opened fire were “foreseeable, preventable, and directly related to the events resulting in the assassination attempt that day." That's according to a bipartisan Senate investigation released Wednesday.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Hezbollah hurled dozens of projectiles into Israel, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv that was the militant group’s deepest strike yet. The missile firing early Wednesday marked a further escalation after Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed hundreds of people.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre told a congressional committee Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Favre made the announcement as part of his testimony about a welfare misspending scandal in Mississippi.

In other news:

What polls show about Tim Walz and JD Vance before Tuesday's VP debate.
Man who staked out Trump at Florida golf course charged with attempting an assassination.
FBI: Son of suspect in Trump assassination attempt arrested on child sexual abuse images charges.
Biden in farewell U.N. address says says peace still possible in conflicts in Mideast and Ukraine.
Head of United Nations calls global situation 'unsustainable' as annual meeting of leaders opens.
Congress moving swiftly to fund government and avert shutdown before heading home to campaign.
Johnny Cash statue unveiled at U.S. Capitol.
Department of Justice sues Visa, alleges the card issuer monopolizes debit card markets.
US to send $375 million in military aid to Ukraine, including medium-range cluster bombs.
American consumers are feeling less confident as concerns about jobs take center stage.
Kmart's blue light fades to black with the shuttering of its last full-scale US store.
Tearful Caroline Ellison gets two years in prison over her role in FTX fraud.
Capitol rioter mistakenly released from prison after appeals court ruling, prosecutors say.
Haitian group in Springfield, Ohio, files citizen criminal charges against Trump and Vance.
OceanGate employee pushes back against idea of 'desperation' to complete missions.
Another woman sues Sean 'Diddy' Combs over sexual misconduct allegations.
Texas man who waived his right to appeal death sentence is executed for killing infant son.
Missouri executes a man for the 1998 killing of a woman despite her family’s calls to spare his life.
California governor signs bills to bolster gun control.
Dangerous chemical leak spurs evacuation order in Ohio town.
Invitation Homes agrees to pay $48 million to settle claims it saddled tenants with hidden fees.
The Astros clinch the AL West title while the Yankees fail to do the same in the AL East, the Tigers and Royals move closer to AL Wild Card berths and the Braves tighten the race for an NL wild-card spot, Brett Favre reveals a concerning medical condition and last year’s WNBA finalists advance to the second round of this year’s playoffs.
Pac-12 files a federal lawsuit against Mountain West over $43 million in 'poaching' penalties.
Home address of Detroit Lions head coach posted online following team's playoff loss.

—The Associated Press

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UNITED NATIONS (AP) — World leaders will open their annual meeting at the U.N. General Assembly under the shadow of increasing global divisions, major wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and the threat of an even larger conflict in the wider Middle East. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres previewed his opening “State of the World” speech to presidents, prime ministers, monarchs and ministers at Sunday’s “Summit of the Future,” saying “our world is heading off the rails — and we need tough decisions to get back on track.” One notable moment at Tuesday’s opening assembly meeting: U.S. President Joe Biden’s likely final major appearance on the world stage, a platform he has tread upon and reveled in for decades.

Lebanese health authorities have raised the death toll from two days of Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah militants in Lebanon to 558. Palestinian officials in Gaza, meanwhile, said new Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least seven people in the southern city of Khan Younis.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm John has struck Mexico’s southern Pacific coast with life-threatening flood potential. John rapidly grew from a tropical storm to a major hurricane before coming ashore near Punta Maldonado late Monday night. It has since weakened back to tropical storm status and is expected to weaken rapidly.

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas man with a history of mental illness who has repeatedly sought to waive his right to appeal his death sentence is facing execution for killing his 3-month-old son. Travis Mullis is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Tuesday evening at the state penitentiary in Huntsville.

MUNICH (AP) — Alcohol-free beer has been gaining popularity in recent years as beer consumption shrinks. At Weihenstephan, the world's oldest brewery in Germany, non-alcoholic wheat beer and lager now make up 10% of volume. The increase over the last few years, since they started making alcohol-free drinks in the 1990s, mirrors the statistics for the rest of Germany’s beer industry. At Oktoberfest this year, all but two of the 18 large tents at the festival offer the drink.

The lines that have long defined each party’s policy priorities are blurring as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump seek to expand their coalitions in the final weeks of a fiercely competitive presidential election. The contest may well hinge on how many disaffected suburban Republicans vote for Harris and how much of Democrats’ traditional base — African Americans, Latinos, young people and labor union members — migrates to Trump.

In other news:

Texas jury clears most 'Trump Train’ drivers in civil trial over 2020 Biden-Harris bus encounter.
Man accused in apparent assassination attempt left note indicating he intended to kill Trump.
Biden administration seeks to ban Chinese, Russian tech in US autonomous vehicles.
The Fed sees its inflation fight as a success. Will the public eventually agree.
US is sending more troops to the Middle East as violence rises between Israel and Hezbollah.
California sues ExxonMobil and says it lied about plastics recycling.
Gunman in Colorado supermarket shooting is the latest to fail with insanity defense.
Boeing makes a 'best and final offer' to striking union workers.
OceanGate co-founder says he hopes submersible tragedy yields renewed interest in exploration.
AP senior NFL writer Rob Maadi reports there are no more winless teams in the NFL.
The Bills and the Commanders get big performances from their quarterback while scoring Monday Night wins, the Phillies clinch their first NL East title in more than a decade, while the tight American League Wild Card race gets tighter.
Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12 and NCAA to seek NIL compensation from football career 2 decades ago.
Iran's President accuses Israel of seeking wider Mideast war and laying 'traps' to lead Iran into it.
Lebanon sees deadliest day of conflict since 2006 as Israeli strikes kill more than 270.

—The Associated Press

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Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 100 people. The Israeli military called on residents to immediately evacuate places where it claimed the Hezbollah militant group stores weapons.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has confirmed that plans remain in place for Pope Francis to go to Belgium and Luxembourg. That follows the cancellation of all of his audiences on Monday because of a “slight flu-like state.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Authorities in Alabama are investigating whether the shooting of three more people in Birmingham on Sunday night is connected to the mass shooting a day earlier that killed four and injured more than a dozen.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have a deal on a short-term spending bill that will fund federal agencies for about three months. The agreement announced Sunday averts a possible partial government shutdown when the new budget year begins Oct. 1 and pushes final decisions until after the November election.

MOSCOW (AP) — A Soyuz capsule carrying two Russians and one American from the International Space Station has landed in Kazakhstan, ending a record-breaking stay for the Russian pair.

Get an update of recent entertainment news.

In other news:

Trump's goal of mass deportations fell short. But he has new plans for a second term.
Harris raises $27 million in New York fundraiser, promises economic speech this week.
The head of Boeing's defense and space business is out as company tries to fix troubled contracts.
High insulin prices spur a federal lawsuit against three pharmacy benefit managers.
Court rules nearly 98,000 Arizonans whose citizenship hadn't been confirmed can vote the full ballot.
New York City interim police commissioner says federal authorities searched his homes.
Jury awards $116M to the family of a passenger killed in a New York no-door helicopter crash.
California governor signs law to protect children from social media addiction.
More shelter beds and a crackdown on tents mean fewer homeless encampments in San Francisco.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ scares off 'Transformers' for third week as box office No. 1.
Alec Baldwin urges judge to stand by dismissal of involuntary manslaughter case in 'Rust' shooting.
Kathryn Crosby, actor and widow of famed singer and Oscar-winning actor Bing Crosby, dies at 90.
Mercury Morris, part of Dolphins' two Super Bowl wins and their perfect season, dies at 77.
Backup quarterbacks with big days in the NFL, a full slate of MLB action and the Chicago White Sox reach another record low.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, makes first public appearance after cancer treatment.
Britain's Labour Party gathers after a rocky start in government and a scandal over clothes.
Secret Service’s next challenge Keeping scores of world leaders safe at the UN General Assembly.
Birds, bees and ballots Swiss voters to decide on plan to bolster country's fragile biodiversity.
Marxist Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lanka's president.

—The Associated Press

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

Voters split on whether Harris or Trump would do a better job on the economy AP-NORC poll.
Tourists can finally visit the Oval Office. A replica is opening near the White House on Monday.
Navy will use lessons from Ukraine and the Red Sea battles to prepare for future conflict with China.
How small businesses can recover from break-ins and theft.
Railroads and regulators must address the dangers of long trains, report says.
Refugees in New Hampshire turn to farming for an income and a taste of home.
Haitians in Ohio find solidarity at church after chaotic week of false pet-eating claims.
Americans can now renew passports online and bypass cumbersome paper applications.
Feds rarely punish hospitals for turning away pregnant patients.
Scientists show how pregnancy changes the brain in innumerable ways.
Dogs bring loads of joy but also perils on a leash.
A union leader freed from prison vows to continue a strike against Cambodia's biggest casino.
Balloons, trampoline and Apples to Apples are finalists for the Toy Hall of Fame.
A bewildered seal found itself in the mouth of a humpback whale.
Rampant adoption fraud separated generations of South Korean children from their families, AP finds.

—The Associated Press

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JERUSALEM (AP) — Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets. The strikes came a day after the militant group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to retaliate against Israel for a mass bombing attack. Israel’s military said the rockets came in three waves Friday afternoon targeting sites along the ravaged border.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Authorities say a judge in a rural Kentucky county was fatally shot at the local courthouse. The local sheriff has been charged with murder in the killing. The governor says the judge was fatally shot Thursday in his chambers. Police say the sheriff opened fire following an argument.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris made campaign stops on Thursday with time before November's election winding down.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson has vowed to remain in his race despite a CNN media report about inflammatory comments it says he made online. Robinson is the sitting lieutenant governor. He decisively won his GOP gubernatorial primary in March.

NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly 138,000 platform beds sold at major retailers including Amazon and Walmart are being recalled across the U.S. and Canada. That's because they can collapse, posing fall and injury risks.

In other news:

In-person voting for the US presidential contest is about to start as Election Day closes in.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is being investigated for collecting dead whale.
Hunter Biden's sentencing on federal firearms charges delayed until December.
Justice Department opens civil rights probe into sheriff's office after torture of 2 Black men.
Titan submersible's scientific director says the sub malfunctioned just prior to the Titanic dive.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls to 6.09%, lowest level since early February 2023.
US home sales fell in August despite easing mortgage rates, more homes on the market.
Weekly applications for US jobless benefits fall to the lowest level in 4 months.
A couple found the Kentucky highway shooter's remains by being bounty hunters for a week, they say.
Human remains are found inside an SUV that officials say caused pipeline fire in suburban Houston.
Families of Oxford shooting victims lose appeal over school's liability for tragedy.
Herb Alpert releases his 50th album, '50.'
Shohei Ohtani has an incredible performance leading the Dodgers into the post season, the Guardians punch their ticket into the playoffs, the Mets keep winning and Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets.
LIV golfers still set to play in Ryder Cup if they're eligible or picked.
Mexican president blames the US for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges.
Zelenskyy to meet Biden, Harris as Ukraine pushes US to loosen restrictions on long-range weapons.
The EU's chief is trying to help Ukraine prepare for winter. Half its energy network is destroyed.
Malaysian police detain CEO and other leaders of Islamic group as probe into child sex abuse widens.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has rejected Speaker Mike Johnson's bill to temporarily fund the government. The legislation that failed Wednesday would have linked temporary government funding with a mandate that states require proof of citizenship when people register to vote.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to make appearances that are meant to fire up core supporters. Harris is participating in a livestream Thursday night with Oprah Winfrey in Michigan. Trump is scheduled to attend an evening event in Washington with prominent Jewish donors before addressing a gathering of the Israeli-American Council.

Israel’s defense minister has declared the start of a “new phase” of the war as Israel turns its focus toward the northern front against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Two waves of explosive attacks hit Syria and Lebanon: an apparent Israeli attack targeting pagers used by Hezbollah that killed at least 12 and wounded nearly 3,000 on Tuesday, and exploding walkie-talkies and other electronics Wednesday across Lebanon that killed at least 20 people and injured 450 others.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Authorities say they believe the body of a man suspected of shooting and wounding five people on a Kentucky interstate highway has been found. Col. Phillip “PJ” Burnett said that the body found Wednesday is believed to be Joseph Couch, of Woodbine, Kentucky.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A longtime CIA officer who drugged, photographed and sexually assaulted more than two dozen women in postings around the world has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. Brian Jeffrey Raymond’s sentencing Wednesday came after an emotional hearing in Washington in which victims described being deceived by a man who "is supposed to protect the world from evil.”

In other news:

Voters view Harris more favorably as she settles into role atop Democratic ticket AP-NORC poll.
Iranian hackers tried but failed to interest Biden's campaign in stolen Trump info, FBI says.
Teamsters union declines to endorse Trump or Harris for president.
Officials say online reports of explosives found in a car near a Trump rally are false.
Residents of Springfield, Ohio, hunker down and pray for a political firestorm to blow over.
Federal Reserve cuts key rate by sizable half-point, signaling end to its inflation fight.
'Hidden Figures' of the space race receive Congress' highest honor at medal ceremony.
Justice Department sues over Baltimore bridge collapse and seeks $100M in cleanup costs.
Lack of citizenship documents might keep many from voting in Arizona state and local races.
California laws cracking down on election deepfakes by AI face legal challenges.
Iconic Tupperware Brands seeks Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Vermont town official, his wife and her son found shot to death in their home.
JD Souther, a singer-songwriter who penned hits for the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, dies at 78.
Second judge refuses to grant home release to Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
Harvey Weinstein hit with new sex crime charge in New York.
MrBeast and Amazon sued by competitors from his $5M reality show over alleged 'unsafe' conditions.
There's no taming the Tigers these days, the Guardians get a wild, walk-off win, the Brewers clinch before beating the Phillies, the four NL wild-card contenders all win, the Rams keep their top wideout off IR, the Packers practice with their top QB and the Bruins await their No. 1 netminder.
Eli Manning leads the list of candidates for this year's Pro Football Hall Fame election.
Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving ESPN for alma mater to become GM of St. Bonaventure men's basketball team.
Rogers Communications buys out Bell stake in Maple Leafs Sports for $3.5 billion.
Google wins legal bid to overturn 1.5 billion euro antitrust fine in EU digital ad case.
Australian police infiltrate encrypted messaging app Ghost and arrest dozens.
Vatican gives green light to devotion at Bosnia site in Medjugorje where Madonna reportedly appeared.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Having all but tamed inflation, the Federal Reserve is poised to do something Wednesday it hasn’t done in more than four years: Cut its benchmark interest rate, a step that should lead to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses. And yet an unusual air of uncertainty overhangs this week’s meeting: It’s unclear just how large the Fed’s rate cut will be. Wall Street traders and some economists foresee a growing likelihood that the central bank will announce a larger-than-usual half-point cut. Many analysts foresee a more typical quarter-point rate cut.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been ordered held without bail in his federal sex trafficking case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky made the decision Tuesday after hearing lengthy arguments from prosecutors and Combs’ lawyers. The music mogul pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

NEW YORK (AP) — In what appeared to be a sophisticated, remote attack, pagers used by hundreds of members of Hezbollah exploded almost simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria. The attack killed at least 12 people, including two children, and wounded thousands more.

NEW YORK (AP) — Tupperware Brands has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company that revolutionized food storage decades ago says it plans to continue operating and will seek court approval for a sale.

A key employee who labeled a doomed experimental submersible unsafe prior to its last, fatal voyage testified Tuesday that the tragedy could have been prevented if a federal safety agency had investigated his complaint. David Lochridge, OceanGate’s former operations director, said he felt let down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s decision not to follow through on the complaint.

In other news:

Trump holds first event since an apparent assassination attempt while Harris does a rare interview.
Florida will launch criminal probe into apparent assassination attempt of Trump, governor says.
Harris condemns Trump's rhetoric, says voters should make sure he 'can't have that microphone again.'
Senate Republicans again block legislation to guarantee women's rights to IVF.
The FBI is investigating suspicious packages sent to election officials in more than a dozen states.
Radio Nikki Haley launching a weekly SiriusXM radio talk show at least through January.
US military acknowledges Yemen's Houthi rebels shot down 2 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
US retail sales ticked up last month in sign of ongoing consumer resilience.
Boeing says it's considering temporary layoffs to save cash during the strike by machinists.
US court upholds British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell's sex trafficking conviction.
A Southern California man pleads not guilty to setting a fire that exploded into a massive wildfire.
Major League Baseball playoff races continue, the WNBA regular season is nearing a conclusion, an NCAA university is adding a fee to football tickets next season, the Dolphins place their starting quarterback on IR, and the Chiefs bring back a former standout.

—The Associated Press

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NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is expected to appear in court after his indictment in New York on charges that are still sealed. The hip-hop mogul was arrested in Manhattan late Monday. Federal prosecutors didn't immediately detail the charges, but Combs has been sued by multiple people who say he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump wasn’t harmed by Sunday’s apparent assassination attempt as he golfed near his Florida club. But the second attack on his life in barely two months is likely to further unsettle an election cycle already marked by upheaval. The man suspected in the incident camped outside the golf course in West Palm Beach with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours. Ryan Wesley Routh, is accused of lying in wait for the former president before a Secret Service agent opened fire and thwarted the potential attack. He previously had a website seeking to raise money and recruit volunteers to go to Ukraine to join the fight against the Russian invasion.

LONDON (AP) — Meta is banning Russia state media organization from its social media company platforms, alleging that the outlets used deceptive tactics to amplify Moscow’s propaganda.

AVIGNON, France (AP) — A 71-year-old French man has acknowledged in court that over nearly a decade, he was drugging his wife at the time and inviting dozens of men to rape her, as well as raping her himself. He pleaded with her and their three children for forgiveness.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Voting rights groups have filed a lawsuit against Alabama’s secretary of state over a policy they said is illegally removing naturalized citizens from voting rolls.

In other news:

Judge rejects former Trump aide Mark Meadows’ bid to move Arizona election case to federal court.
The Titan's former lead engineer says he felt pressured to get the submersible ready.
Two ex-fire chiefs in New York City arrested in corruption scandal.
New York officials to release new renderings of possible Gilgo Beach victim.
A pipeline explosion sends a towering pillar of flame over Houston's suburbs.
Ohio state police to protect schools after furor over Haitian immigrants in Springfield.
Shooting leaves 1 dead in Detroit at popular tailgating location after Lions game, police say.
Officials ban swimming after medical waste washes ashore in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware.
Jane's Addiction cancels its tour in the wake of an onstage concert fracas.
A late game-winning drive highlights Monday Night Football, a No. 1 NFL draft pick gets benched, injury updates aplenty around the NFL and MLB, a big win for the NL West and more.
The Taliban have suspended polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan, the UN says.

—The Associated Press

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is safe following what the FBI says “appears to be an attempted assassination” in Florida after another attempt on his life at a rally in Pennsylvania. Local authorities say the U.S. Secret Service agents protecting Trump fired at a man pointing an AK-style rifle with a scope as Trump was playing on his golf course in West Palm Beach. Law enforcement officials have identified the man as Ryan Wesley Routh. He was arrested in a neighboring county within minutes of authorities putting out a “very urgent" alert detailing his vehicle, license plate number and description of him.

Palestinian officials say Israeli airstrikes have killed 16 people in the Gaza Strip, including five women and four children.

“Shogun” won best drama series in a record-setting year, while “Hacks” was the surprise winner of best comedy series at the Emmy Awards. “Shogun” took best actor and best actress Sunday, as stars Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actors to win Emmys. Overall the show won 18 Emmys, a record for a single season. “The Bear” won four including best actor for Jeremy Allen White. But it was upset for best comedy by “Hacks,” which also won best comedy actress for Jean Smart. “Baby Reindeer” won four times including two Emmys for creator and star Richard Gadd.

In other news:

A 'Trump Train' convoy surrounded a Biden-Harris bus. Was it political violence.
Vice President Kamala Harris is courting Black voters without making her identity as a woman of color a central part of her pitch.
Clock is ticking for local governments to use billions of dollars of federal pandemic aid.
TikTok heads to court over US law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform.
Tech billionaire returns to Earth after first private spacewalk.
Stuck-in-space astronauts reflect on being left behind and adjusting to life in orbit.
Striking Boeing factory workers say they are ready to hold out for a better contract.
Tito Jackson, member of the Jackson 5, has died at 70, family says.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ is No. 1 again; conservative doc ‘Am I Racist’ cracks box office top 5.
Funerals to be held for teen boy and math teacher killed in Georgia high school shooting.
4 wounded at Brooklyn train station when officers shoot man wielding knife.
Top legal adviser to New York City mayor quits as investigations swell.
Walgreens to pay $106M to settle allegations it submitted false payment claims for prescriptions.
Boar's Head closing Virginia plant linked to deadly listeria outbreak.
Hawaii wildfire victims made it just blocks before becoming trapped by flames, report says.
US consumer sentiment ticks higher for second month but remains subdued.
The Chiefs use a last-second field goal to beat the Bengals, the Seahawks need overtime to beat the Patriots, the Buccaneers avenge last season's playoff loss to the Lions, a new team is atop the latest college football rankings, the Yankees and Guardians edge closer to postseason berths in baseball, and NASCAR sees a wild finish at Watkins Glen.
Dodgers manager raises possibility of Shohei Ohtani pitching in playoffs.
Congo court sentences 3 Americans and 34 others to death on coup charges.
Drugged and raped, Gisèle Pélicot has become France's symbol of fight against sexual violence.
Ugandan athlete who died after her partner set her on fire gets a military funeral.
WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Francis opens up on both parties in the US presidential election.

—The Associated Press

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

Cars talking to one another could help reduce fatal crashes on US roads.
Americans lost $5.6 billion last year in cryptocurrency fraud scams, the FBI says.
Tube-tying rose most steeply in states that ban abortion after Roe was overturned.
AP-NORCUSA Facts poll: Republicans are more likely to trust Trump than official election results.
School districts race to invest in cooling solutions as classrooms and playgrounds heat up.
Labor costs remain high for small businesses, but a report shows wage growth is slowing for some.
Just how rare is a rare-colored lobster Scientists say answer could be under the shell.
Apple embraces the AI craze with its newly unleashed iPhone 16 lineup.
A remote tribe is reeling from widespread illness and cancer. What role did the US government play?
US halts plan to remove iconic stray cats from a historic area in Puerto Rico's capital.
A rare 1787 copy of the US Constitution is up for auction and it could be worth millions.
USPS' long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers.
Share of foreign-born in the U.S. at highest rate in more than a century, says survey.
Joy in Mud Bowl: Football tournament celebrates 50 years of messy fun.
A wish at Rome's Trevi Fountain could soon cost more than the coin you toss.
This Brazilian dog is a footvolley star. He teaches beachgoers how to play their own game.

—The Associated Press

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SEATTLE (AP) — Aircraft assembly workers have walked off the job at Boeing factories near Seattle and elsewhere after union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a tentative contract that would have increased wages by 25% over four years. The strike started at 12:01 a.m. PDT Friday, less than three hours after the local branch of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced 96% of voting workers rejected the proposed contract and 96% approved the work stoppage. The labor action involves 33,000 Boeing machinists, most of them in Washington state. It's expected to shut down production of Boeing’s best-selling airline planes but not affect commercial flights.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine’s push to ease restrictions on the use of weapons from the United States and Britain are on the agenda in White House talks between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The leaders are meeting Friday afternoon. Ukraine wants to use some weapons to strike deeper into Russia, and there are signs the White House might shift its policy in response.

NEW YORK (AP) — It can get to be too much. That's the response from many Americans in a new AP-NORC/USAFacts poll, which found that about 6 in 10 Americans need to limit how much political news they get to avoid feeling information overload.

NEWTON, Mass. (AP) — A pro-Israel rally in the Boston suburb of Newton turned violent when a passerby was shot during a scuffle after confronting the group of demonstrators. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan says words were exchanged before the passerby rapidly crossed the street and tackled one of the demonstrators Thursday evening. Ryan says the person who crossed the street was shot by one of the demonstrators and is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned. He made the announcement Thursday, just over a week after his phone was seized as part of a federal investigation. People familiar with the matter say Caban was one of several high-ranking city officials whose electronic devices were seized last week by federal investigators.

In other news:

With the debate behind them, Harris and Trump jockey for swing states.
Trump plans to launch his sons’ crypto business on Monday, 50 days before Election Day.
Justice Department, FBI preparing criminal charges in Iran hack targeting Trump campaign.
Garland denounces 'dangerous falsehoods' and conspiracy theories targeting the Justice Department.
US House clears a largely bipartisan package of bills to counter China.
Congressional Democrats push resolution that says hospitals must provide emergency abortions.
Most Americans don't trust AI-powered election information AP-NORCUSAFacts survey.
Smartmatic's suit against Newsmax over 2020 election reporting appears headed for trial.
Faith leaders gather in Ohio town to condemn immigrant rumors and advocate for peace for all.
Judge tosses some counts in Georgia election case against Trump and others.
Money rolls in on US election bets after judge clears way, but appeal looms.
Brothers charged with assaulting New York Times photographer during Capitol riot.
Federal review of Uvalde shooting finds Border Patrol missteps but does not recommend discipline.
US filings for unemployment benefits inch up slightly but remain historically low.
North Dakota judge strikes down the state's abortion ban.
Harvey Weinstein indicted on additional sex crimes charges ahead of New York retrial.
Billionaire's spacewalk with SpaceX delayed several hours hundreds of miles above Earth.
Loose electrical cable found on ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles the Los Angeles area.
Week 2 of the NFL season kicks off, four schools are leaving the Mountain West, the Yankees extend their AL East lead and the Liberty continue their dominance in the WNBA.
A linebacker at West Virginia State is fatally shot on the eve of a game against his old school.
North Korea discloses a uranium enrichment facility as Kim calls for more nuclear weapons.
Russia to expel 6 British diplomats it accuses of spying and 'subversive activities.'
Vietnam typhoon death toll rises to 233 as more bodies found in areas hit by landslides and floods.

—The Associated Press

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MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — Francine has weakened to a tropical depression after slamming into Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, causing widespread power outages and sending a dangerous storm surge rushing into coastal communities. The National Hurricane Center predicted the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season would continue weakening.

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Firefighters battling three major wildfires in the mountains east of Los Angeles are taking advantage of cooler weather as they slowly gain the upper hand against blazes that have destroyed dozens of homes and forced thousands of people to evacuate.

SEATTLE (AP) — Hundreds of people turned out at a beach in Washington for a vigil remembering Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, the 26-year-old human rights activist from Seattle killed by the Israeli military during a protest in the occupied West Bank.

An estimated 67.1 million people watched the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. That's a sharp increase from the June debate that eventually led to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race. The debate was run by ABC News but the Nielsen company said it was shown on 17 different networks. The Trump-Biden debate in June was seen by 51.3 million people.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jon Bon Jovi and a video production assistant have talked down a woman standing on the ledge of a pedestrian bridge in Nashville. Police say the encounter happened Tuesday on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has won the biggest award at the MTV Video Music Awards — the trophy for video of the year for “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone. Swift took home seven awards, bringing her to a career total of 30.

In other news:

Speaker Johnson calls off a vote on a bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.
US commemorates 9/11 attacks with victims in focus and politics in view.
Trump falsely accuses immigrants in Ohio of abducting and eating pets.
Trump insists Russia's war should end. But he won't say if he wants Ukraine to win.
Campbell wants to say goodbye to the 'soup' in its name. It isn't the first to make such a change.
US inflation reaches a 3-year low as Federal Reserve prepares to cut interest rates.
Norfolk Southern fires CEO Alan Shaw for an inappropriate relationship with an employee.
North Carolina's public universities cut 59 positions as part of a massive DEI overhaul this summer.
Justin Timberlake reaches plea deal to resolve drunken driving case, AP source says.
Maze singer Frankie Beverly dies.
The marriage of television and the NFL outdoes itself in the 2024 season's opening week, the Mets and Yankees come through with late-game dramatics, and the WNBA has a new single-season scoring record.
Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta suspended 3 games for intentionally throwing at Phillies' Nick Castellanos.
Deshaun Watson denies sexual assault allegations, says lawsuit was a surprise. Plans to play Sunday.
Alberto Fujimori, a former president of Peru who was convicted for human rights abuses, dies at 86.
Australia strips medals from military commanders over Afghanistan war crime allegations.
Mexico’s Senate approves contentious judicial overhaul after protesters storm chamber.
North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles after Kim vowed to bolster war readiness.
The UK will hold an inquiry into a notorious slaying during Northern Ireland's Troubles.
Vietnam death toll climbs to 197 as typhoon's aftermath brings flash floods and landslides.

—The Associated Press

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Kamala Harris pressed a forceful case against Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first and perhaps only debate before the presidential election, repeatedly goading him in an event that showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy. Less than two months from Election Day and hours before the first early ballots will begin to be mailed Wednesday in Alabama, the debate offered the clearest look yet at a presidential race that has been repeatedly upended.

MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana and Mississippi amid forecasts of a potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds and widespread flooding.

Wildfires continue to rage in several western states.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are in Kyiv on a joint visit as Ukraine presses the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia.

In other news:

The 911 Memorial & Museum prepares to host the annual remembrance ceremony.
Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president after debate ends.
Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospects.
Americans' inflation-adjusted incomes rebounded to pre-pandemic levels last year.
Jon Stewart takes on a 'Lazy Susan' of bureaucracy keeping the very first 911 troops from full care.
Two Delta planes collide on an Atlanta taxiway, knocking the tail off one.
Abortion-rights measure will be on Missouri's November ballot, court rules.
Suspect in custody after teen is critically hurt in shooting at Nebraska high school.
Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing.
NYC Mayor tries to reassure New Yorkers amid a swirling federal investigation.
NYPD officer lands $175K settlement over 'courtesy cards' that help drivers get out of traffic stops.
The NFL is looking into civil lawsuit against Browns' Watson, the NBA expands coaches challenges, Kyle Schwarber sets an MLB record and gamblers come at an Auburn quarterback.
Biden honors NCAA basketball champs South Carolina and celebrates surging interest in women's sports.
Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards are among former Michigan players suing NCAA and Big Ten Network.
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill had an altercation with police. Here's what we know.
Israel releases video of a Gaza tunnel where it says Hamas militants killed 6 hostages.

—The Associated Press

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Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are gearing up to take the stage for Tuesday night’s debate in Philadelphia, where they’ll fight to sway 2024 election voters on the biggest stage in U.S. politics. The event, at 9 p.m. Eastern, will offer Americans their most detailed look at a campaign that’s dramatically changed since the last debate in June. In rapid fashion, President Joe Biden bowed out of the race after his disastrous performance, Trump survived an assassination attempt and bothsides chose their running mates.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A billionaire has rocketed back into orbit, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shared the cost with SpaceX this time around. Isaacman, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, launched before dawn Tuesday aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Tropical Storm Francine churned in the Gulf of Mexico with increasing strength and is expected to reach hurricane status before making landfall in Louisiana.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian officials say an Israeli strike on a crowded tent camp housing those displaced by the war in Gaza has killed at least 19 people and wounded 60. Israel says it targeted senior Hamas militants with precise munitions.

Ryan Seacrest began hosting "Wheel of Fortune" following the retirement of Pat Sajak.

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple has charged into the artificial intelligence craze with a new iPhone lineup that marks the company’s latest attempt to latch on a technology trend and transform it into a cultural phenomenon.

In other news:

9/11 victims remembered ahead of Wednesday's ceremony.
Many questions still loom over timeline of Georgia school shooting.
Trial begins over Texas 'Trump Train' highway confrontation.
Cool weather forecast offers hope in battling intense Southern California blaze.
2 charged with soliciting attacks on minorities, officials and infrastructure on Telegram.
Judge orders change of venue in trial of man charged with killing 4 University of Idaho students.
New Jersey Democrat George Helmy sworn in as replacement for Menendez in the Senate.
Women settle lawsuits after Yale fertility nurse switched painkiller for saline.
James Earl Jones, the pioneering actor of stage and screen who lent his voice to Darth Vader, Mufasa and CNN, dies at 93.
"Shogun" wins record-breaking 14 Emmys at Creative Arts ceremony as Jamie Lee Curtis gets her first.
Morgan Wallen leads the 2024 Country Music Association award noms, Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" snubbed.
Jailed Harvey Weinstein taken to NYC hospital for emergency heart surgery, his representatives say.
Aaron Rodgers returns to action but not the win column, Texas moves up in the AP college football poll, the Yankees widen their lead in the American League East, the Phillies and Dodgers are now tied for the best record in the National League and the Mets grab hold of the final NL wild card spot.
Tyreek Hill was not "immediately cooperative" with officers during stop, police union says.
John and Matthew Gaudreau are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends at their funeral.
EU's top court dismisses Apple's final appeal against order to pay Ireland 13 billion in back taxes.
Kate, princess of Wales, says she'll return to public duties.
Over 140 Ukrainian drones target multiple Russian regions, including Moscow, authorities say.
The UN chief calls the death and destruction in Gaza the worst he's seen.
Mourners attend funeral for American activist witness says was shot dead by Israeli troops.
The UK hospital where a nurse was convicted of murdering 7 babies faces investigation.

—The Associated Press

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HIGHLAND, Calif. (AP) — More than 35,000 structures are being threatened by a wildfire in the foothills of a national forest east of Los Angeles. The so-called Line Fire burned uncontrolled Sunday along the edge of the San Bernardino National Forest, about 65 miles east of LA. As of Sunday afternoon, the blaze had charred about 27 square miles of grass and chaparral. The cause is under investigation.

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — A grueling manhunt stretches into a third day Monday for a suspect in an interstate shooting that struck 12 vehicles and wounded five people in Kentucky. Authorities are vowing to keep up a relentless search as the stress level remains high in a rural area where some schools canceled classes. Authorities have searched a rugged area of southeastern Kentucky since Saturday evening.

ATLANTA (AP) — The mother of a student at the Georgia high school where a teen allegedly killed four people says information indicating staff were warned he was having a crisis shows the shooting could have been prevented. Rabecca Sayarath says administrators at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, didn't do enough to protect students.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have unveiled legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. Their bill would fund the government into late March, when a new president and Congress would have final say on spending for the coming fiscal year. But Republicans are also adding a hot-button immigration issue to the measure by requiring states to obtain proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when someone registers to vote.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” drummed up $110 million in its premiere weekend, becoming the second biggest September opening of all time. The sequel to the 1988 classic reunites Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder as they reprise their roles and welcomes newcomers Jenna Ortega, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci and Justin Theroux to the cast.

Boeing has a tentative agreement with its largest union on a new contract for factory workers that could avoid a threatened strike. The company and the International Association of Machinists said Sunday the agreement will raise pay 25% over four years.

In other news:

Donald Trump threatens to jail adversaries in escalating rhetoric ahead of pivotal debate.
Kamala Harris turns to her favorite foods in effort show a more private side and connect with voters.
Dick Cheney will back Kamala Harris, his daughter says.
Supreme Court Justice Alito reports German princess gave him $900 concert tickets.
Two astronauts are left behind in space as Boeing's troubled capsule returns to Earth empty.
Judge gives US regulators until December to propose penalties for Google's illegal search monopoly.
Law enforcement leans on 3D-printer industry to help thwart machine gun conversion devices.
Georgia school shooting suspect was troubled by a broken family, taunting at school, his father said.
Wisconsin health officials recall eggs after a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections.
Kendrick Lamar to headline Super Bowl halftime show, Ryan Seacrest begins hosting 'Wheel of Fortune' this week and some Emmy Awards are handed out early.
The first Sunday of the NFL season had all kinds of news both on and off the field, Shohei Ohtani tied one of his persinal records with a home run while another player had three in his game and the man from Italy won tennis's U.S. Open.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula in two sets to win the US Open for her second Grand Slam title.
Florida high school football player dies after collapsing during game.
Tennis attire is everywhere. Credit the pandemic, social media and pickleball.
NCAA President Charlie Baker tells membership hearing on $2.78B settlement 'did not go as we hoped.'
UN rights chief urges voters to beware 'strongman' politicians who 'throw glitter in our eyes.'
Opposition presidential candidate González flees Venezuela for asylum in Spain.
US and UK spy chiefs praise Ukraine's 'audacious' Russia incursion and call for a Gaza cease-fire.
Proposed resolution asks UN to plan for UN peacekeepers to replace Kenya-led police mission in Haiti.
In this week's religion roundup, Pope Francis begins his trip to Southeast Asia with a historic visit to Indonesia.

—The Associated Press

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

Fake online reviews and testimonials are a headache for small businesses. They hope the FTC can help.
Schools are competing with cell phones. Here's how they think they could win.
Party of one Restaurants are catering to a growing number of solo diners.
COVID-19 government disaster loans saved businesses, but saddled survivors with debt.
Ballot measures in 41 states give voters a say on abortion and other tough questions.
Botched college financial aid form snarls enrollment plans for students.
Feeling the heat as Earth breaks yet another record for hottest summer.
Runners are used to toughing it out. A warming climate can make that deadly.
Young girls are using anti-aging products they see on social media. The harm is more than skin deep.
Teen vaping hits 10-year low in the US.
Boar's Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show.
US clears updated COVID shots from Novavax, adding a 3rd fall vaccine option.
Consumers should immediately stop using this magnetic game due to ingestion risks, agency warns.
Donating a kidney is even safer now than long thought, US study shows.
Africa's mpox outbreaks result from neglect and world's inability to stop epidemics, experts say.
Philadelphia airport celebrates its brigade of stress-busting therapy dogs.
Giving up pets to seek rehab can worsen trauma. A Colorado group intends to end that.
Babe Ruth's 'called shot' jersey sells at auction for over $24 million.
Judge orders Martin Shkreli to turn over all copies of unreleased Wu-Tang Clan album.
Child abuse images removed from AI image-generator training source, researchers say.
In New Orleans, nonprofits see new money and new inclusive approach from the NBA Foundation.
Jewish family can have anti-hate yard signs after neighbor used slur, court says.
California woman fed up with stolen mail sends Apple AirTag to herself to catch thief.
An upstate New York nonprofit is reclaiming a centuries-old cemetery for people who were enslaved.
Residents in Boston suburb raised $20K after town officials shut down boy’s ice cream stand.
Newborn rattlesnakes at a Colorado 'mega den' are making their live debut.

—The Associated Press

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WINDER, Ga. (AP) — The 14-year-old accused of fatally shooting four people at his high school in Georgia is expected to make his first court appearance. It comes a day after his father was also arrested for allowing his son to have a weapon. According to arrest warrants obtained by The Associated Press, Colt Gray is accused of using a semiautomatic assault-style rifle to kill two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder. Nine people were also hurt in Wednesday’s attack. Authorities have not offered any motive or explained how Gray obtained the gun or got it into the school. The director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the teen’s father was charged Thursday in connection with the shooting, including with counts of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Friday’s monthly jobs report will likely mark a pivotal moment for the economy and the Federal Reserve. If it shows that hiring was weak in August and that the unemployment rate rose — similar to the unexpectedly soft figures for July — it would heighten worries that the job market is stumbling.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, has pleaded guilty to federal tax charges months after his conviction in a separate gun case. Hunter Biden said the surprise move was meant to spare his family another painful and embarrassing criminal trial after his gun case conviction three months ago.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A fire in a school dormitory in Kenya has killed 17 students and seriously burned 13 others. Police say the death toll could rise.

BEIJING (AP) — The Chinese government is ending its intercountry adoption program. The U.S. State Department says it's seeking clarification how the decision will affect hundreds of American families with pending applications.

In other news:

Trump suggests tariffs can help solve rising child care costs in a major economic speech.
Trump's lawyer and judge in federal election case clash in the first hearing since immunity ruling.
US charges former Trump 2016 campaign adviser Dimitri Simes over work for sanctioned Russian TV.
US government orders big US airlines to explain their frequent-flyer programs.
US widens indictment of Russians in 'WhisperGate' conspiracy to destroy Ukrainian and NATO systems.
FBI searches homes of NYC police boss, 3 top mayoral deputies.
Discord users tipped off FBI last year about suspect in Georgia school shooting, report says.
Red Lobster says it will soon exit bankruptcy protection after judge approves seafood chain's sale.
The NFL season is underway, the women's final matchup is set at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament, the playoff races continue in Major League Baseball, a women's soccer icon announces her retirement, and the Steelers starting quarterback is once again dealing with an injury.
Federal judge asked to give preliminary OK to $2.78 billion settlement of NCAA antitrust claims.
Memphis shares letter alleging violations to NCAA as Penny Hardaway fires 4 people.
Zelenskyy meets top military leaders in Germany as the US announces additional aid to Ukraine.
Macron names EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister.
Telegram CEO makes first public comments since French authorities targeted him and his app.
Ugandan Olympic athlete dies after being severely burned by her partner over a land dispute.
Munich police kill an armed man in an exchange of fire near the Israeli Consulate.

—The Associated Press

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WINDER, Ga. (AP) — More than a year ago, tips about online posts threatening a school shooting led Georgia police to interview a 13-year-old boy, but investigators didn’t have enough evidence for an arrest. Officials say that boy opened fire Wednesday at a high school outside Atlanta and killed four people and wounded nine. The teen has been charged as an adult in the deaths of two Apalachee High School students and two teachers. At least nine other people were taken to hospitals with injuries. Officials say all are expected to survive. The teen was to be taken to a regional youth detention facility on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has announced criminal charges, the seizure of internet domains and sanctions related to Russian disinformation efforts to influence the U.S. presidential election. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday that the actions relate to Russia’s use of state media to enlist unwitting American influencers to spread propaganda and disinformation. Much of the concern around Russia centers on cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns designed to influence the November vote. The tactics include using state media like RT to advance anti-U.S. messages and content, as well as networks of fake websites and social media accounts that amplify the claims and inject them into American’s online conversations.

Palestinian health officials say Israeli strikes in the occupied West Bank killed six people, including the son of a prominent jailed militant. Israel said all of those killed were militants who had been involved in attacks.

A new study finds that every year people create 57 million tons of plastic pollution. The material winds up everywhere from the deepest oceans to the highest peak of Mount Everest to inside people's body. More than two-thirds of it is in the Global South. Researchers at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom examined waste produced at the local level in more than 50,000 cities and towns for the work published in Wednesday's journal Nature.

In other news:

Republican Liz Cheney endorses Kamala Harris.
Harris visits New Hampshire to tout her small business tax plan.
Former aide to 2 New York governors is charged with being an agent of the Chinese government.
California wildfires grow as heat wave creates worry; South Dakota conditions improve.
Boeing will fly its empty capsule back to Earth soon. Two NASA astronauts will stay behind.
Prosecutor asks judge to reconsider dropping charge against Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' case.
Queen guitarist Brian May says he had a 'minor stroke' but can still play.
‘Fake heiress’ Anna Sorokin will compete on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ amid deportation battle.
She made ‘very demure’ go viral. Now she wants to trademark its use.
From attic to auction A Rembrandt painting sells for $1.4M in Maine.
At the US Open, an American woman knocks off the world No. 1, baseball has its fourth no-hitter of the season and three rookie quarterbacks will be starters when the NFL opens its 2024 season.
Commanders suspend employee after undercover video showed him disparaging players and fans.
A judge dismisses a sexual assault lawsuit against ex-NFL kicker Brandon McManus and the Jaguars.
Pope and imam of Southeast Asia's largest mosque make joint call to fight violence, protect planet.
Grenfell Tower was a 'death trap' due to failures by UK government and industry, inquiry finds.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is using a New Hampshire campaign stop to propose an expansion of tax incentives for small businesses. She's presenting a pro-entrepreneur plan that may soften her previous calls for wealthy Americans and large corporations to pay higher taxes. She wants to expand from $5,000 to $50,000 tax incentives for small business startup expenses, with the goal of eventually spurring 25 million new small business applications over four years. Harris is making the announcement Wednesday, in the Portsmouth area, near Maine’s border. It marks a rare deviation from Harris spending most of her time visiting a tight group of Midwest and Sun Belt battlegrounds especially key to November’s election.

PHOENIX (AP) — It’s always hot this time of year in central Arizona, but 2024's endless summer has been especially hot in Phoenix. On Tuesday, the city hit its 100th straight day with at least 100 degree temperatures. According to data from the National Weather Service, that’s long since shattered the record of 76 days in a row set back in 1993. The temperature hit 102 in Phoenix on May 27 and has made it to triple digits every day since. It doesn’t look like a break is coming any time soon. Unseasonably high September temperatures are expected this week across the western U.S.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has announced criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other militants in connection with the Oct. 7 rampage in Israel. The criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York City includes charges of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, resulting in death.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, one of Ukraine’s most recognizable faces on the international stage, has submitted his resignation ahead of an expected major government reshuffle. Russian strikes meanwhile killed at least seven people in the Ukrainian city of Lviv near the Polish border, a day after one of the deadliest missile attacks since the war began.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Pope Francis has urged Indonesia to live up to its promise of “harmony in diversity” and fight religious intolerance. Francis had a packed first full day in Indonesia, meeting with outgoing President Joko Widodo and other Indonesian authorities at the presidential palace. In the afternoon, Francis meets with Indonesian clergy and nuns in Jakarta’s Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral for his traditional pep talk to the local church.

FOREST PARK, Ill. (AP) — Officials say a man suspected of killing four people aboard a Chicago-area transit train shot them at close range while they were asleep. The shooting happened before 5:30 a.m. Monday aboard the Chicago area’s L system.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Maryland resident has been sentenced to more than one year behind bars for making thousands of threatening and harassing telephone calls to dozens of congressional offices across the country.

In other news:

The Fed welcomes a 'soft landing' even if many Americans don't feel like cheering.
Federal judge rejects Donald Trump's request to intervene in wake of hush money conviction.
Former aide to New York's governor charged with being an agent of the Chinese government.
As students return to Columbia, the epicenter of a campus protest movement braces for disruption.
Commander of Navy warship relieved of duty months after backward rifle scope photo flap.
US reports 28th death caused by exploding Takata air bag inflators that can spew shrapnel.
Gun shops that sold weapons trafficked into Washington, DC, sued by nation's capital and Maryland.
1 of 5 people shot at New York's West Indian American Day Parade has died.
Mistrial declared after jury deadlocks in rape case of former New Hampshire youth center worker.
James Darren, 'Gidget' teen idol, singer and director, dies at 88.
Taraji P. Henson to receive honorary AARP Purpose Prize.
It was a good day for the Niners, Yankees closer Holmes blows another save chance, Indiana Fever earns a spot in the WNBA playoffs, Day Nine at the US Open sees Americans flourish. Oilers sign Leon Draisaitl to an 8-year extension worth $112 million.

—The Associated Press

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog is holding talks with senior officials in Ukraine after attacks were reported near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi was holding the talks on Tuesday. Grossi has highlighted the vulnerability of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure because of Russian attacks. He is making his 10th visit to Ukraine since the war began in February 2022.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing back against a new wave of pressure to reach a cease-fire deal in Gaza after hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested and went on strike. U.S. President Joe Biden says Netanyahu needs to do more after nearly 11 months of fighting.

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — After a summer of historic tumult, the path to the presidency for both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump this fall is becoming much clearer. The Democratic vice president and the Republican former president will focus almost all of their remaining time and resources on a small collection of undecided voters in just seven states.

More than 10,000 workers at 25 U.S. hotels are on strike after choosing Labor Day weekend to amplify their demands for higher pay, fairer workloads and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congolese authorities say that an attempted jailbreak in the country's main prison left 129 people dead, including some who were shot and others who died in a stampede at the overcrowded facility.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government has seized a plane used by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing violations of sanctions and export control laws. That's according to a Justice Department announcement Monday.

In other news:

Summer 2024 featured an unprecedented series of events in a presidential campaign.
Labor Day kicks off peak of presidential campaign season.
Walz unharmed after some of the vehicles near the back of his motorcade crash in Milwaukee.
Pope opens Asia odyssey with stop in Indonesia to rally Catholics, hail religious freedom tradition.
At least 2 people shot at New York's West Indian American Day Parade, police say.
Police say 4 people fatally shot on Chicago-area subway train.
Mississippi bus crash kills 7 people and injures 37.
Christa McAuliffe, still pioneering, is first woman with a statue on New Hampshire capitol grounds.
Police says a man will face charges after storming into the press area at a Trump rally.
Catholic diocese sues US government, worried some foreign-born priests might be forced to leave.
Linda Deutsch, AP trial writer who had front row to courtroom history, dies at 80.
‘Deadpool’ tops charts yet again as 'Reagan' beats expectations on sluggish Labor Day weekend.
Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut.
The Yankees and Orioles keep pace atop the AL East, the White Sox set another negative record, the Brewers continue to pour it on in the NL Central, the US Open moves into its second week, and Florida State goes from unbeaten in 2023 to winless in 2024. Correspondent Tom Mariam reports.
San Francisco 49ers player Ricky Pearsall stable after shooting during attempted robbery, police say.
Remembering Johnny Hockey Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew shined on and off the ice.
Israel recovers the bodies of 6 hostages in Gaza, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
UK says it's suspending some arms exports to Israel over the risk of breaking international law.
Without X, many Brazilians say they feel disconnected from the world. —The Associated Press

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

Powell at Jackson Hole 'The time has come' for the Fed to soon begin reducing interest rates.
New surveys show signs of optimism among small business owners.
Trump’s post of fake Taylor Swift endorsement is his latest embrace of AI-generated images.
What's for breakfast? At Chicago hotel hosting DNC event, there may have been mealworms.
Fannie Lou Hamer rattled the Democratic convention with her 'Is this America' speech 60 years ago
Heart disease is rampant in parts of the rural South. Researchers are hitting the road to learn why.
Bird flu restrictions cause heartache for 4-H kids unable to show off livestock at fairs across U.S.
U.S. government report says fluoride at twice the recommended limit is linked to lower IQ in kids.
Europe offers clues for solving America's maternal mortality crisis.
UN says a record number of aid workers were killed in 2023 and this year's figures are also high.
Weeks after floods, Vermont businesses struggling to get visitors to return.
Florida quietly removes LGBTQ+ travel info from state website.
Botswana says a huge 2,492-carat diamond has been uncovered at a mine.
Sam Sam the Kittycat Man ran away. Thanks to a microchip, he was found close by — 11 years later.
Plaything or peril? Brazilian kites are endangering lives and prompting a push for a national ban.

—The Associated Press

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CHICAGO (AP) — Kamala Harris has summoned Americans to reject political divisions and instead chart what she called a “new way forward.” She accepting her party’s nomination with a speech Thursday that blended biography with warnings about electing Donald Trump again to the White House. Taking the stage to a thunderous standing ovation as she closed out the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the vice president argued that her personal story and prosecutorial background made her uniquely qualified to protect Americans’ interests against a former president she cast as only having his own interests in mind. “Our nation with this election has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris said.

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) — Appearing in Arizona, Donald Trump has used a stretch of wall and a pile of steel beams to draw a visual contrast between his approach to securing the border and that of his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (AP) — With the Federal Reserve considered certain to start cutting its benchmark interest rate next month, Chair Jerome Powell’s highly anticipated speech Friday morning at an economic conference will be closely watched for any hints about how many additional rate cuts might be in the pipeline.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Kyiv, where he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Officials in India and Ukraine say the visit will focus on boosting economic ties and cooperation in defense, science and technology.

In other news:

Reports are circulating that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may end his presidential bid.
Family of Gov. Jim Justice, candidate for US Senate, reaches agreement to avoid hotel foreclosure.
The US is sending $125 million in new military aid to Ukraine, officials say.
Supreme Court rejects GOP push to block 41K Arizona voters, but partly OKs proof of citizenship law.
Jury sides with Pennsylvania teacher in suit against district over Jan. 6 rally.
Canadian freight trains to roll again as government forces arbitration of labor dispute.
FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines, shots should be available in days.
US expands area in Mexico to apply for border asylum appointments, hoping to slow push north.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage eases to 6.46%, the lowest level in 15 months.
US home sales ended a 4-month slide in July amid easing mortgage rates, more homes on the market.
Pharmacist blamed for deaths in US meningitis outbreak expected to plead no contest in Michigan case.
Taylor Swift calls cancellation of Vienna shows 'devastating' and explains her silence.
Baseball's home run leader tacks on another long ball, a playoff contender fires its manager, the BMW Championship tees off in Colorado and the NFL's preseason winds down with a notable trade.
Kirk Ferentz and WR coach suspended for recruiting violation, will miss No. 25 Iowa's opener.
German warship blasts Darth Vader anthem in heart of London. 'No deeper message,' navy says.
Israel-Hamas war latest Israel's evacuation orders have displaced 90% of Gaza residents, UN says. —The Associated Press

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic National Convention’s third night showcased a familiar former president in Bill Clinton and introduced more Americans to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He was little known outside his state until Vice President Kamala Harris selected him as her running mate. Walz used his background as a former teacher and football coach to put a home-town spin on the Democrats’ agenda of protecting individual freedoms and rejecting what they paint as the intrusive policies of Republican Donald Trump.

ASHEBORO, N.C. (AP) — Donald Trump spoke from behind bulletproof glass in North Carolina at his first outdoor rally since last month's attempted assassination. The focus of Wednesday's event was national security, but he also criticized his predecessor Barack Obama as “nasty” for comments made the night before at the Democratic National Convention.

TORONTO (AP) — Both of Canada’s major freight railroads have come to a full stop because of a contract dispute with their workers, an impasse that could bring significant economic harm to businesses and consumers in Canada and the U.S. if the trains don't resume running soon.

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — The head of the FBI says America is facing heightened threats from many corners at a time when law enforcement agencies are struggling. FBI Director Christopher Wray says he is “hard pressed to think of a time in my career where so many different kinds of threats are all elevated at once.” Wray spoke Wednesday in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press while visiting the Minneapolis field office to talk about partnerships between law enforcement agencies and also with other entities.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian commanders and soldiers say some new troops refuse to fire at the enemy. Others struggle to assemble weapons or to coordinate basic combat movements. A few have even walked away from their posts, abandoning the battlefield altogether. The commanders made the comments to The Associated Press as Ukraine is losing precious ground along the country’s eastern front.

In other news:

Bill Clinton returns to DNC to tear into Trump before the introduction of Tim Walz, Harris' VP pick.
A former US ambassador to the UN calls for more international support for Taiwan.
Government U.S. economy added 818,000 fewer jobs than first reported in year that ended in March.
Papa Roach and Carrie Underwood collaborate on suicide prevention song.
Incumbent John Barrasso wins Wyoming GOP primary on his way to a third full term as US senator.
Peltola, Begich, Dahlstrom advance to ranked choice November election in Alaska US House race.
Babysitter pleads guilty to manslaughter for 2019 death of man she injured as baby in 1984.
Ex-politician testifies he's innocent in the killing of a Las Vegas investigative reporter.
Man who escaped from Mississippi and is wanted for murder is apprehended after a Chicago standoff.
The Yankees and Mets are among those MLB playoff contenders who defeated other playoff contenders, the Broncos have a new starting and he's a rookie and the NBA lost a big name who was part of the league for six decades.
Former NL MVP and 6-time All-Star Joey Votto announces his retirement from baseball.
Police raid Andrew Tate's home in Romania as new allegations emerge involving minors.
Brazil will restrict entry of some foreign nationals, aiming to curb migration to US and Canada.
Guatemalan police arrest 7 accused of trafficking the 53 migrants who asphyxiated in Texas in 2022.
Iran's hard-line parliament approves all members of president's Cabinet, first time since 2001.
Ultra-Orthodox demonstration outside of Israeli military enlistment office in Jerusalem.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 21 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

CHICAGO (AP) — Warning of a difficult fight ahead, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have called on the nation to embrace Kamala Harris in urgent messages to the Democratic National Convention that were at times both hopeful and ominous. “America, hope is making a comeback,” the former first lady declared. She then tore into Republican Donald Trump, a sharp shift from the 2016 convention speech in which she told her party, “When they go low, we go high.” Barack Obama, the first Black president in U.S. history, insisted the nation is ready to elect Harris, who is of Jamaican and Indian heritage and would be the nation’s first female president.

HOWELL, Mich. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has pledged to “make America safe again " while campaigning in Michigan as the Democrats who gathered in Chicago to nominate Kamala Harris branded him a career criminal. Trump campaigned Tuesday in Michigan as part of a battleground campaign swing designed to counter the Democratic National Convention.

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian authorities say Moscow has come under one of the largest attacks yet by Ukrainian drones since the start of fighting in 2022, and that it destroyed all of them. The Ministry of Defense says Russia downed 45 Ukrainian drones overnight.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A bus carrying Shiite pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq has crashed in central Iran, killing at least 28 people. The crash happened Tuesday night in the central Iranian province of Yazd.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tim Walz and JD Vance have vaulted themselves out of national obscurity as they hustle to introduce themselves to the country, but the senator from Ohio has had a rockier start than the Minnesota governor. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Walz had a smoother launch as a running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris than Vance did for former President Donald Trump.

In other news:

Democrats turn their roll call into a dance party with celebrities, state-specific songs and Lil Jon.
Fannie Lou Hamer rattled the Democratic convention with her 'Is this America' speech 60 years ago.
More than a dozen protesters arrested after clash with police outside Chicago's Israeli consulate.
Blinken ends latest Mideast visit without a cease-fire, warning 'time is of the essence.'
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez resigns from Senate after bribery convictions.
Sen. Rick Scott wins Florida GOP primary as he seeks a second term.
Arizona Supreme Court clears way for voters to decide on constitutional right to abortion.
‘Hitting kids should never be allowed’ Illinois bans corporal punishment in all schools.
3 people charged after death of federal prison worker who opened fentanyl-laced mail.
Army and police missed chances to intervene before Maine mass shootings, final report says.
A new setback hits a Boeing jet US will require inspection of pilot seats on 787s.
Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from Ben Affleck after 2 years of marriage.
Disney drops bid to have allergy-death lawsuit tossed because plaintiff signed up for Disney+.
A flurry of moves headline the day off the field in Major League Baseball, the Orioles hold on to outlast the Mets, the Guardians need 12 innings to beat the Yankees, the Braves prevail over an NL East rival and more.
WNBA players would like more time off after the Olympics are over before league play resumes.
Spanish woman believed to be the oldest person in the world has died at age 117.
India's top court creates task force on workplace safety after doctor was raped and killed.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 20 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic National Convention’s first night has showcased speeches from the last Democrat to lose to Donald Trump and the last one to beat him. Hillary Clinton spoke hopefully of finally breaking the “glass ceiling” to elect a female president. Joe Biden laced into Trump and directly acknowledged the concerns of protesters against the war in Gaza who demonstrated a few blocks from the convention hall. And Vice President Kamala Harris told Biden, “We are forever grateful to you.”

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says it has recovered the bodies of six hostages taken in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that started the war in Gaza.

BMW is recalling more than 720,000 vehicles due to an issue with the water pump’s electrical connector that could potentially lead to a fire.

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Milwaukee woman who said she was legally allowed to a kill a man because he was sexually trafficking her has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. A Kenosha County judge sentenced 24-year-old Chrystul Kizer on Monday to 11 years of initial confinement followed by 5 years of extended supervision.

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congo's health minister says the country will receive the first vaccine doses to address its mpox outbreak next week from the United States. That comes less than a week after the World Health Organization declared mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency.

In other news:

US intelligence officials say Iran is to blame for hacks targeting Trump, Biden-Harris campaigns.
Blinken says Israel agrees to a U.S.-backed proposal for a cease-fire and calls on Hamas to do same.
Former US Rep George Santos pleads guilty to wire fraud and identity theft in his federal case.
Powell may use Jackson Hole speech to hint at how fast and how far the Fed could cut rates.
US soldier indicted for lying about association with group advocating government overthrow.
Phil Donahue, whose pioneering daytime talk show launched an indelible television genre, has died.
Harvey Weinstein will remain locked up in New York while awaiting rape retrial.
Jury finds parents of Texas student accused in 2018 deadly school shooting not negligent.
Bus vendor cancellations create chaos as school opens in St. Louis.
Flash flooding in Connecticut leaves 1 dead and 1 missing.
British tech magnate Mike Lynch among those missing after luxury superyacht sinks off Sicily.
Civilians flee Pokrovsk as Russia's army bears down on the key eastern Ukraine city.
The AP preseason All-America Football Team is out, the Braves' Riley will miss the rest of regular season, the Mets get a late homer to win and the Blue Jackets trade Laine.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 19 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is entering the Democratic National Convention with increased excitement from Democrats and a steady rise in her favorability ratings among Americans as a whole. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows 48% of U.S. adults now have a very or somewhat favorable view of Harris. That is up from 39% at the beginning of the summer, before President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance. The latest measure is in line with how Americans viewed Harris at the beginning of Biden's term. It suggests some renewed positivity toward Harris, but she risks hitting a ceiling as she approaches her previous highest approval rating.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released their initial impeachment inquiry report on President Joe Biden. The yearlong probe by Republicans stops short of alleging any criminal wrongdoing by the president over his son Hunter Biden's business dealings. Instead, the almost 300-page report out Monday, before the Democratic National Convention, covers familiar ground.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says now is “maybe the last” opportunity to reach a Gaza cease-fire agreement that would return hostages held by Hamas and bring relief to Palestinian suffering after more than 10 months of war in Gaza. Blinken on Monday was on his ninth mission to the Middle East since the conflict began.

Former U.S. Rep. George Santos is due in court on Long Island on Monday afternoon, where a person familiar with the matter has said the New York Republican is expected to plead guilty to multiple counts in his federal fraud case.

Ernesto has regained hurricane status as the storm churns away from Bermuda and heads farther out into the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Sunday that Ernesto’s maximum sustained winds were 75 mph, just barely Category 1 hurricane strength. But swells and dangerous surf and rip currents generated by Ernesto are affecting the U.S. East Coast and Canada’s Atlantic coast.

CAIRO (AP) — A cholera outbreak has killed nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more recently in Sudan, which has been roiled by a 16-month conflict and devastating floods. Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim said Sunday that at least 22 people have died and 354 cases of cholera have been confirmed across the county.

In other news:

COVID-19 is on the upswing in the US.
Her name was on a signature petition to be a Cornel West elector. Her question What's an elector.
‘Alien Romulus’ bites off $41.5 million to top box office charts.
Can AI truly replicate the screams of a man on fire Video game performers want their work protected?
The Yankees and Orioles are back in a first-place tie in the A.L. East, Hideki Matsuyama wins the first leg of the FedEx Cup Championship and the Raiders decide on their season-opening quarterback.
Judge blocks plans for sports joint streaming venture among Fox, ESPN and Warner Brothers.
Fire breaks out at London's Somerset House, home to priceless works by Van Gogh, Cezanne.
'Banksy woz ere.' London Zoo is the latest to remove street artist's animal mural for protection.
Former Saudi official alleges Prince Mohammed forged king's signature on Yemen war decree, BBC says.
More than 400 homes evacuated in Northern Ireland to remove World War II bomb.
What to know as India's medics and women protest the rape and killing of a doctor.
At least 23 injured when fire breaks out on a Ferris wheel in eastern Germany.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the site of a Texas church shooting is demolished, and Bangladesh's Hindu minority fears mob violence. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 17 at 6 a.m. CT:

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

There's an apostrophe battle brewing among grammar nerds. Is it Harris' or Harris's.
Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes' estate. How it works
From Paris to Los Angeles How the city is preparing for the 2028 Olympics.
Spending at small businesses rose in July as consumers spend more on general merchandise.
Dozens of pregnant women, some bleeding or in labor, are turned away from ERs despite federal law.
COVID-19 falls to No. 10 cause of death in US.
Stumpy, the gnarled, old cherry tree, is gone. But its clones — little Stumplings — live on.
Wrongful death suit against Disney serves as a warning to consumers when clicking 'I agree.'
New Mars study suggests an ocean's worth of water may be hiding beneath the red dusty surface.
Stonehenge's 'altar stone' originally came from Scotland and not Wales, new research shows.
Banksy unveils new rhino art in an animal-themed collection that has popped up across London.
After a stroke, this musician found his singing voice again with help from a special choir.
A homemade aquarium appeared in a Brooklyn tree bed. Then came the goldfish heist.
Taliban have deliberately deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of schooling through bans, says UNESCO.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 16 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — International mediators have held a new round of talks aimed at halting the Israel-Hamas war and securing the release of scores of hostages. A potential deal is seen as the best hope of heading off an even larger regional conflict. The U.S., Qatar and Egypt met on Thursday with an Israeli delegation in Qatar. During talks, Gaza health authorities announced the Palestinian death toll from more than 10 months of war has surpassed 40,000. Hamas didn't participate directly and accuses Israel of adding new demands to a previous proposal that had international support and to which Hamas had agreed in principle. Talks were expected to run into Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) — A reputed Peruvian gang leader suspected in nearly two dozen killings in his home country has been arrested in New York by U.S. immigration authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Gianfranco Torres-Navarro was arrested in Endicott, New York.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina officials say a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder who escaped from a transport van this week has been captured at a hotel. The corrections department says 30-year-old Ramone Alston escaped from the van on Tuesday as it arrived at the UNC Gastroenterology hospital in Hillsborough, North Carolina, where he was being taken for a medical appointment.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Parliament has elected Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the youngest daughter of the divisive former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, as the country’s new prime minister. Paetongtarn becomes Thailand’s third leader from the Shinawatra family, after her father, who was ousted by coup before returning from exile last year, and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, who lives in exile.

In other news:

What to know about Tim Walz's 1995 drunken driving arrest and how he responded.
Donald Trump asks judge to delay sentencing in hush money case until after November election.
Lawmakers ask Pentagon leaders to commit to keeping the military out of politics and the election.
White House says prescription drug deals will produce billions in savings for taxpayers, seniors.
US shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices.
Newly identified remains of missing World War II soldier from Oregon set to return home.
Matthew Perry's assistant among 5 people, including 2 doctors, charged in 'Friends' star's death.
‘Hollywood Squares’ host and Broadway star Peter Marshall dies at 98.
Police arrest 4 suspects in killing of former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor.
Starbucks is giving its new CEO a huge pay package and not making him move to Seattle.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage ticks up to 6.49%, near its lowest level in more than a year.
Two NL division leaders wrap up a four-game series with a split, the Phillies ride a cycle to extend their NL East lead, the WNBA returns to action with gold medal-like performances from several gold medalists, and the US men's soccer team names the coach who will lead it into the 2026 World Cup on American soil.
Notre Dame suspends men's swim team for one year after review finds NCAA gambling violations.
A trainee doctor is raped and killed in India, sparking protests and an attack at a medical college.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 15 at 8 a.m. CT:

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Ernesto is barreling toward Bermuda after leaving hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico without power or water as sweltering heat envelop the U.S. territory, raising concerns about people’s health. A hurricane warning is in effect for Bermuda on Thursday, with Ernesto expected to pass near or over the island on Saturday. Ernesto is forecast to become a major Category 3 hurricane on Friday and drop between four to eight inches of rain in Bermuda with up to 12 inches in isolated areas.

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AP) — A U.S.-Russian dual national has been convicted of treason in a Russian court and sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges stemming from a $51 donation to a charity aiding Ukraine. News reports say Ksenia Khavana, whom Russian authorities identify by her maiden name of Ksenia Karelina, was arrested in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg in February and pleaded guilty in a closed trial last week.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian air bases has damaged at least two hangars. Images analyzed on Thursday showed that two hangars at an air base in Borisoglebsk had been struck, with a field of debris seen around both.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Since the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7, the Israel-Hamas war has become one of the most destructive wars in recent memory. As it stretches into its 11th month, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza and the small territory has been decimated by the Israeli offensive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September. Measured from a year earlier, prices rose 2.9%, down from 3% in June. It was the mildest year-over-year inflation figure since March 2021.

In other news:

Democrats trust Harris slightly more than Biden on climate change, AP-NORC poll finds.
The president of Columbia University has resigned, effective immediately.
WHO declares mpox outbreaks in Africa a global health emergency as a new form of the virus spreads.
Judge tells Google to brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running a monopoly.
Sweet and salty deal worth $30 billion would put M&M's and Snickers alongside Cheez-It and Pringles.
Ruling Fetus can be referred to as 'unborn human being' in Arizona abortion measure voter pamphlet.
Montana Gov. Gianforte continues to rake in outside income as he seeks a second term.
The State Fair of Texas is banning firearms, drawing threats of legal action from Republican AG.
Texas woman recovering after dramatic rescue from submerged vehicle.
One of Major League Baseball's most prolific sluggers makes history, MLB division races are heating up with every team in action, the Vikings learn their first round draft selection will miss the upcoming season, the Falcons acquire a four time All Pro from the Patriots, and a Browns linebacker cashes in on an All-Pro season.
NASCAR revokes Dillon's playoff eligibility; driver keeps controversial Richmond win.
New Zealand food bank distributes candy made from a potentially lethal amount of methamphetamine.
Kishida vows to push rules-based order as Japan's defense chief visits Yasukuni 79 years after WWII.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 14 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto is dropping torrential rain on Puerto Rico and has left hundreds of thousands of people without power in the U.S. territory as it threatens to strengthen into a major hurricane en route to Bermuda. Ernesto is expected to become a hurricane later Wednesday as it moves away from land.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September. Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed that consumer prices rose just 0.2% from June to July after dropping slightly the previous month for the first time in four years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A poll finds Vice President Kamala Harris is going into the last stretch of the presidential campaign as the candidate more likely to be perceived as honest, committed to democracy and disciplined. Meanwhile, similar shares of Americans say Harris and former President Donald Trump have the right vision for the country, are strong leaders, can win the 2024 election and are capable of handling a crisis.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces are pushing on with their major cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region for a second week. On Wednesday, they claimed to have taken more ground, captured more Russian prisoners and destroyed a jet bomber.

FOREST PARK, Ga. (AP) — Drug agents say that celery was used to conceal more than 2,300 pounds of methamphetamines at a farmers market south of Atlanta. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says it's one of the largest seizures of its kind. WAGA-TV reports that authorities said Monday the drugs were found inside a semitrailer.

In other news:

Why Trump's and Harris' proposals to end federal taxes on tips would be difficult to enact.
Tim Walz responds to criticism from JD Vance regarding military record.
Auto workers union seeks NLRB investigation of Trump and Musk comments about firing striking workers.
A look at Tuesday's primaries in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Initiative to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri constitution qualifies for November ballot.
US approves $20 billion in weapons sales to Israel amid threat of wider Middle East war.
US Army soldier pleads guilty to selling sensitive military information.
Marine who died trying to save crew in fiery Osprey crash to receive service's top noncombat medal.
Security has been increased for Taylor Swift's concerts in London.
Lawyer for suspect in alleged plot against Taylor Swift concerts says allegations are exaggerated.
An ex-Kansas police chief who led a raid on a newspaper is charged with obstruction of justice.
Starbucks CEO is replaced by Brian Niccol, who stepped in at Chipotle when the chain was in distress.
US wholesale inflation cooled in July in sign that price pressures are continuing to ease.
Vikings quarterback McCarthy needs knee surgery, Browns rookie Hall arrested, Soto goes deep 3 times in Yankees win, and the Phillies struggles continue,correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.
The violence in Bangladesh after Hasina's ouster stirs fear within the country's Hindu minority.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s top military commander says his forces now control 1,000 square kilometers, or 386 square miles, of Russia’s neighboring Kursk region. His statement marked the first time a Ukrainian military official has publicly commented on the gains of the lightning incursion that has embarrassed the Kremlin. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi made the comment in a video posted Monday to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Telegram channel.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump recounted his assassination attempt in vivid detail and promised the largest deportation in U.S. history during a high-profile return to the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The conversation with X’s owner Elon Musk was plagued by technical glitches Monday night. The rare public conversation, which was overwhelmingly friendly, revealed little new about Trump’s plans for a second term.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to outmaneuver former President Donald Trump and address old vulnerabilities on her policy positions as she starts to fill in how she would govern if elected in November. After four years of following President Joe Biden’s lead, Harris is taking a cautious approach to unveiling a policy vision in her own right.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Tropical Storm Ernesto is battering the northeast Caribbean as it takes aim at Puerto Rico, where officials have shuttered schools and government agencies. The storm was located about 300 miles east-southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday morning.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The great inflation spike of the past three years is nearly spent — and economists credit American consumers for helping slay it. Some of America’s largest companies say their customers are increasingly seeking cheaper alternative products and services, searching for bargains or just avoiding items they deem too expensive. Consumers aren’t cutting back enough to cause an economic downturn. Rather, the economy appears to be returning to pre-pandemic norms, when most companies felt they couldn’t raise prices much without losing business.

In other news:

Harris is pushing joy. Trump paints a darker picture. Will mismatched moods matter.
FBI says it is investigating after Trump campaign said sensitive documents were hacked by Iran.
Judge rules against RFK Jr. in fight to be on New York’s ballot, says he is not a state resident.
MTV Video Music Awards move for US presidential debate, will still take place in September.
Former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, one-time hero to election deniers, convicted in computer breach.
North Dakota voters to weigh in again on marijuana legalization.
Federal officials investigating natural gas explosion in Maryland that killed 2.
Texas launches new investigation into Houston's power utility following deadly outages after Beryl.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 has struck the Los Angeles area, the USGS says.
Crews begin demolishing Texas church where gunman killed more than two dozen in 2017.
Georgia is number one in the AP Top 25 preseason football poll by a wide margin, it looks like an appeal to return a bronze medal to USA gymnast Jordan Chiles will be unsuccessful, a major league baseball player will be suspended as he learns that words matter, and in a matchup of division leaders, the Dodgers defeat the Brewers.
London police say a girl and a woman were stabbed in the busy theater district and a man is arrested.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 12 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP) — The 2024 Olympics closed Sunday with an elaborate closing ceremony at the Stade de France just north of Paris. As the Olympics close in Paris, Los Angeles has now taken the torch. The city will become the third to host the games three times.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — An official in the Kursk border region of Russia is urging residents to evacuate due to the “very tense situation” in the area, where Russian forces are scrambling to respond to a surprise Ukrainian attack. Russia’s emergency authorities say more than 76,000 people have fled their homes in areas of Kursk where Ukrainian troops and armor poured across the border seven days ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and is telling the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.

BEL AIR, Md. (AP) — Fire officials say two people were killed and 12 families displaced after a Maryland house exploded amid reports of a possible gas leak.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The weather system dubbed Debby isn't quite done affecting parts of the U.S. After arriving in Florida as a hurricane Aug. 5, the storm spent nearly a week unleashing tornadoes and flooding, damaging homes and taking lives along the East Coast before moving into Canada on Saturday.

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — The death toll from a mountain of rubbish that collapsed in the Ugandan capital rose to 24 on Monday as rescuers with excavators continued searching for victims, according to the city authority.

PARIS (AP) — French police evacuated the area around the Eiffel Tower after a man was seen climbing the Paris landmark hours before the Olympics closing ceremony Sunday. Police intervened and the man was arrested, Paris police said.

In other news:

Kamala Harris pledges to work to end taxes on tips for service industry employees, echoing a Donald Trump vow.
Trump's tale of a harrowing helicopter ride and emergency landing Didn't happen, Willie Brown says.
911 call reveals uncle begged to talk Uvalde gunman out of school shooting.
Ferguson officer critically injured at protest on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.
Former YouTube CEO and longtime Google executive Susan Wojcicki has died at 56.
Travis Scott is released from police custody after arrest over a Paris hotel altercation.
Who won at the box office this weekend? The Reynolds-Lively household.
The United States finishes off a golden sweep of Olympic basketball, the Olympic medal count sees the US with most gold and total medals, the Yankees use the long-ball to outlast the Rangers, Alex Bregman leads the Astros to a sweep of the Red Sox, the Dodgers walk-off the Pirates in extra innings, the Braves blow a huge lead in a loss to the Rockies, Anthony Richardson sees game action for the Colts for the first time in nearly a year, and LIV Golf suspends its first competitor for performance-enhancing drugs.
IOC president Thomas Bach says he will leave office next year and Olympics needs fresh leader.
The gold medal goes to ... the chocolate muffin. At the Olympic village, the bakery shines.
Iran’s new president reappoints UN-sanctioned official as head of the country's nuclear agency.
Brazilian authorities are investigating the cause of the fiery plane crash that killed 62.
Seoul says North Korea has flown more trash balloons toward South Korea.
On this week’s AP Religion Roundup, a school hopes to ring in the revival of the dying art of bell-tolling.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 10 at 6 a.m. CT:

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

July ends 13-month streak of global heat records as El Nino ebbs, but experts warn against relief.
Extreme heat is impacting most Americans' electricity bills, AP-NORC poll finds.
High schoolers' mental health shows small improvement in a US government survey.
The Small Business Administration expands clean energy loan program.
US abortion numbers have risen slightly since Roe was overturned, study finds.
Meet America's newest giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao.
No drinking and only Christian music during Sunday Gospel Hour at Nashville's most iconic honky tonk.
New York City's freewheeling era of outdoor dining has come to end.
Veteran human rights advocate freed in swap says Russia is sliding back toward Stalinist times.
Human remains found inside a crocodile in Australia believed to be that of a 40-year-old tourist.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 9 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump has recommitted to debating Vice President Kamala Harris after recently backing out. The Republican presidential nominee held a lengthy news conference Thursday in which he taunted his new rival, boasted of his crowd on Jan. 6, 2021, and lashed out at questions about the enthusiasm her campaign has been generating. As he addressed reporters at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate, ABC announced that Trump and Harris have agreed to a Sept. 10 presidential debate.

LUCAMA, N.C. (AP) — Debby's final chapter involves moving north and northeast from the Carolinas at a faster clip with soaking rains, flash flooding and the threat of tornadoes into the weekend. Accuweather’s chief meteorologist Jon Porter said the mid-Atlantic states and parts of New York and New England will see significant rainfall that could cause dangerous flooding into the weekend.

VIENNA (AP) — Austrian authorities have announced a third arrest in connection with the foiled conspiracy to attack three now-canceled Taylor Swift concerts even as disappointed fans charmed Vienna by trading friendship bracelets and singing the pop star’s songs in the streets.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar are jointly demanding that Israel and Hamas return to stalled talks on the war in Gaza. The three leaders issued a statement Thursday saying “only the details” remain to get a cease-fire deal and hostage release.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a message to local governments: clear homeless encampments now or lose out on state funding next year. The governor said Thursday that he will start taking state funding away from cities and counties that are not doing enough to move people out of encampments and into shelters.

PARIS (AP) — French prosecutors say rapper Travis Scott has been arrested at a Paris hotel after an altercation with a security guard. Prosecutors say the arrest occurred early Friday after police were called to the Georges V hotel to arrest a man “nicknamed Travis Scott for violence against a security guard.”

In other news:

Third person dies in listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meats.
After baby's death, Kentucky parents sue infant formula maker at center of 2022 crisis.
Officials say suspects in foiled plot at Taylor Swift shows hoped to kill as many people as possible.
Case that could keep RFK Jr. off New York's presidential ballot ends.
Hunter Biden was hired by Romanian businessman trying to 'influence' US agencies, prosecutors say.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage falls to 6.47%, lowest level in more than a year
Fewer Americans file for jobless benefits last week, but applications remain slightly elevated.
Philippe Petit recreates high-wire walk between World Trade Center's twin towers on 50th anniversary.
Water woes linger in New Orleans after wayward balloon causes power glitch, pressure drop.
15 states sue to block Biden's effort to help migrants in US illegally get health coverage.
Rapper Nelly is arrested and accused of having illegal drugs. His lawyer says the case will die.
Chi Chi Rodriguez, Hall of Fame golfer known for antics on the greens, dies at 88.
Team USA's track and field team racked up more medals, the men's basketball team survived a scare, the White Sox made a long-awaited move, and a pair of rookie quarterbacks made their NFL preseason debut.
Britain remains on alert for further unrest, even after anti-racism campaigners face down far right.
Carles Puigdemont, ex-Catalan leader, returns to Spain after nearly 7 years as a fugitive.
Three suspected Houthi attacks target a ship off Yemen, authorities say.
A powerful earthquake hits off southern Japan; tsunami advisory issued.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 8 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

VIENNA (AP) — Austrian authorities say both suspects in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift shows in Vienna appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. They said Thursday that investigators found bomb-making materials at one of their homes. Officials said one of the two confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”

HUGER, S.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby has made a second landfall in South Carolina on its way up the East Coast, where residents as far north as Vermont could get several inches of rain this weekend. The National Hurricane Center says Debby came ashore early Thursday near Bulls Bay, South Carolina. The storm is expected to spread heavy rain and possible flooding as it moves inland through the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.

TOKYO (AP) — A powerful earthquake has struck off Japan’s southern coast, triggering a tsunami advisory. Residents were urged to stay away from the coastline.

ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has declared herself and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz “joyful warriors” as they spent their first full day as running mates rallying Democrats across the Midwest. But they got an idea of just how hotly contested the region would be when they overlapped on a Wisconsin tarmac with Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance.

NEW YORK (AP) — A poll shows that most Americans believe this year's presidential race will be crucial for the future of the country's democracy. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs survey finds that they see the threat differently based on their political leanings. Nearly 6 in 10 Democrats say the November election is “extremely important” to the future of U.S. democracy, compared to about 4 in 10 independents and Republicans. Many Democrats continue to view former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy after he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election. But the results also suggest that many of Trump’s supporters agree with him that President Joe Biden is the real threat to democracy.

In other news:

NASA says chances are growing that astronauts may switch from Boeing to a SpaceX ride back to Earth.
RFK Jr. closer to getting on New Jersey ballot; in court over NY ballot.
US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas.
Tropical Storm Debby churns up the East Coast, and affects weather as far away as the Great Lakes.
Drones warned New York City residents about storm flooding. But the Spanish translation wasn't great.
Putin accuses Ukraine of a ‘large-scale provocation’ with its raid in southwestern Russia.
Gold for the United States on the track, United States women's basketball team advances,NCAA gives Harbaugh a penalty, Schwarber homers three times in the Phillies win.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 7 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, looking to strengthen the Democratic ticket in Midwestern states. She'll introduce Walz at a rally Tuesday evening in Philadelphia. Harris was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by a deadline last week. She officially claimed the nomination Monday night when the DNC released final results.

In other news:

Tropical Storm Debby drenches Southeast with rain, high water as it drifts along the Atlantic coast.
Wesley Bell defeats ‘Squad’ member Cori Bush. A pro-Israel group spent $8.5 million to help oust her.
Judge in Trump's hush money case delays date for ruling on presidential immunity.
Weak spots in metal may have led to fatal Osprey crash off Japan, documents obtained by AP reveal.
US sends ship-based Navy fighter jets to a base in the Middle East to help protect Israel.
Pakistani man with ties to Iran is charged in plot to carry out political assassinations on US soil.
Man known as pro-democracy activist convicted in US of giving China intel on dissidents.
9 killed when an overloaded SUV flips into a canal in rural South Florida, authorities say.
Pitbull Stadium is the new home of FIU football. The artist has bought the naming rights.
The U.S. Mens basketball team is two wins away from a gold medal plus all the other happenings at the Olympics, a nightmare losing streak is over in baseball and big individual performances on the diamond.
At the Paris Olympics, it will no longer be personal for Ukraine's athletes. This time, it's war.
French museum network hit by ransomware attack, but no disruptions are reported at Olympic events.
Israeli athletes receive threats in Paris as tensions simmer over Gaza.
Ultra-Orthodox Israelis rally at miltary base, and scuffle with police.
Nobel laureate Yunus will head Bangladesh's interim government after unrest ousted Hasina.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 6 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ coronation as the Democrats' standard-bearer for the 2024 presidential election is now official after the Democratic National Committee announced the formal results of the online voting by delegates on Monday night. It caps a tumultuous period for the party prompted by President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance and his subsequent withdrawal from the race.

HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby has moved menacingly into some of America’s most historic Southern cities in what is expected to be a prolonged event of torrential downpours and flooding after slamming into Florida with heavy rain and high winds. Record-setting rain from the storm that killed at least five people on Monday was causing flash flooding in Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, among other areas of coastal Georgia and South Carolina.

The National Transportation Safety Board is about to hold a two-day hearing into the blowout of a panel from the side of a Boeing 737 Max airliner. The safety board's hearing starts Tuesday in Washington, D.C.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Chicago White Sox lost their 21st straight game, tying the American League record with a 5-1 defeat to the Oakland Athletics as Max Schuemann hit a tiebreaking, two-run single in the fourth inning. Chicago is on the longest losing streak since the 1988 Baltimore Orioles lost 21 in a row. The NL record since 1900 is held by the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who lost 23 straight. The major league low belongs to the 1889 Louisville Colonels, an American Association team that lost 26 consecutive games during a 27-111 season.

In other news:

Rally dates are set. Venues are chosen. The only thing missing for Harris' blitz is her VP choice.
Ex-Trump attorney Jenna Ellis to cooperate in Arizona fake electors case, charges to be dropped.
Justice Clarence Thomas took undisclosed 2010 trip with GOP megadonor, Democratic senator finds.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he left a dead bear in Central Park as a prank.
Google loses massive antitrust case over its search dominance.
Pope Francis' close ally, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, retires as archbishop of Boston at age 80.
Japan's share benchmark soars nearly 11% a day after massive sell-offs that shook Wall Street.
Families whose loved ones were left rotting in Colorado funeral home owed $950M, payout unlikely.
Venezuela's top prosecutor announces criminal probe against opposition leaders González, Machado.
A rebuilt bronze Jackie Robinson statue will be unveiled 6 months after the original was stolen.
Snoop Dogg has exploded on the Olympics' global stage. He's just being himself.
Olympics security means minorities and others flagged as potential terror threats can’t move freely.
Two more medals for the US on the final day of gymnastics competition, the White Sox lose an AL record 21st straight game, the Dodgers win a battle of NL division leaders and the Chiefs will get their kicks out of Harrison Butker for four additional years.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 5 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Debby is expected to bring potential record-setting rains, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge to the Big Bend coast of Florida before it moves slowly across the northern part of the state and stalls over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. The National Hurricane Center of Miami says Debby is located about 60 miles northwest of Cedar Key, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is moving northeast at 10 mph. The hurricane center says Debby is expected to make landfall Monday morning. A tornado watch also was in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia on Monday.

BANGKOK (AP) — Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index has lost 12.4% in the latest bout of sell-offs that are jolting world markets. European markets opened lower and U.S. futures fell more than 2%. Oil prices also declined. The Nikkei's decline was the worst since a 14.9% drop in October 1987 that was dubbed “Black Monday.” World stocks tumbled Friday on worries the U.S. economy could be cracking under the weight of high interest rates meant to tame inflation.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah says it launched a drone attack on northern Israel that the Israeli military said wounded two Israeli troops and set off a fire. The violence on Monday came as fears of an all-out regional war mount following the killings last week of a senior Hezbollah commander in Lebanon and Hamas’ top political leader in Iran.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The hospitality workers’ union UNITE HERE has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. It's a rejoinder to Republican Donald Trump’s effort to woo restaurant and hotel workers by promising to make their tips tax-free.

PARIS (AP) — Olympic triathletes plunged into the Seine River as the mixed relay event got underway after organizers said the bacteria levels in the long-polluted Paris waterway were at acceptable levels.

In other news:

VP campaign launches 'Republicans for Harris' in push to win over GOP voters put off by Trump.
Some activists step up criticism of Shapiro and Kelly as Harris closes in on naming a running mate.
Trump says he'll skip an ABC debate with Harris in September and wants them to face off on Fox News.
Few Americans trust the Secret Service after a gunman nearly killed Trump, an AP-NORC poll finds.
Justice Dept. says it's committed to sharing info about foreign election threats with tech companies.
Justice Department sues TikTok, accusing the company of illegally collecting children's data.
Warren Buffett surprises by slashing Berkshire Hathaway's longtime Apple stake in second quarter.
Firefighters continue battling massive wildfire in California ahead of thunderstorms, lightning.
1 child killed after wind gust sends bounce house airborne at baseball game.
With a $97M second weekend, 'Deadpool & Wolverine' sets a new high mark for R-rated films.
Lots of American heroics Sunday at the Paris Games, the Phillies break a losing streak, while the White Sox continue theirs.
IOC leader says 'hate speech' directed at Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting at Olympics is unacceptable.
UK leader Starmer condemns attack on asylum-seeker hotel as far-right violence spreads.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, an ongoing firestorm over the olympic opening cerenony, and Liberty University settles with Jerry Falwell Jr.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 2 at 6 a.m. CT:

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

Blood tests for Alzheimer's may be coming to your doctor's office. Here's what to know.
A 'side hustle' can be a way to try out a new business idea before jumping in all the way.
FACT FOCUS: Google autocomplete results around Trump lead to claims of election interference.
Russia is relying on unwitting Americans to spread election disinformation, US officials say.
Vance praises a key leader behind Project 2025, a conservative effort Trump has disavowed.
Income gap between Black and white US residents shrank between Gen Xers and millennials, study says.
Investigation finds at least 973 Native American children died in US government boarding schools.
Israel has a long history of targeted killings. Here's a look at some of them.
US will buy flu shots for farmworkers in a bid to prevent bird flu from getting worse.
Inmate advocates describe suffocating heat in Texas prisons as they plea for air conditioning.
Infants' tongue-tie may be overdiagnosed and needlessly treated, American Academy of Pediatrics says.
California man defends his home as wildfires push devastation and spread smoke across US West.
The Galapagos Islands and many of their unique creatures are at risk from warming waters.
Wood pellets production boomed to feed EU demand. It's come at a cost for Black people in the South.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 1 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has set the stage for the central bank’s first rate cut in four years. Powell cited greater progress toward lower inflation as well as a cooler job market that no longer threatens to overheat the economy. Still, the Fed kept its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday at a 23-year high of 5.3%, despite calls from some economists and Democratic politicians to implement a cut Wednesday. Instead, Powell said that, if inflation continued to cool, “a rate cut could be on the table” when it meets next Sept. 17-18.

CHICAGO (AP) — Donald Trump falsely suggested Kamala Harris had misled voters about her race as the former president appeared before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago Wednesday in an interview that quickly turned hostile. The Republican former president claimed that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, had in the past only promoted her Indian heritage. “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said while addressing the group's annual convention.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A former U.S. Green Beret who organized a failed crossborder raid in 2020 to remove President Nicolás Maduro has been arrested in New York. An unsealed federal indictment out of Tampa, Florida, accuses Jordan Goudreau and a Venezuelan partner of violating U.S. arms control laws when they allegedly assembled and sent to Colombia AR-styled weapons, ammo and other defense equipment requiring a U.S. export license.

In other news:

US-Mexico border arrests are expected to drop 30% in July to a new low for Biden's presidency.
NYC man accused of damaging license plates on Secret Service vehicles guarding VP's stepdaughter.
FDA warns about more ground cinnamon tainted with lead. Here's what you need to know.
Ukraine receives first F-16 fighter jets to bolster defenses against Russia, a US official tells AP.
Boeing names new CEO as it posts a loss of more than $1.4 billion in second quarter.
Colombian President Petro calls on Venezuela's Maduro to release detailed vote counts from election.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 31 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been assassinated in Tehran. No one immediately claimed responsibility but suspicion immediately fell on Israel. It has vowed to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s swearing-in on Tuesday. Iran gave no details on how Haniyeh was killed, and the Guard said the attack was under investigation. The top Hamas leader in Gaza is Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the Oct. 7 attack.

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel has carried out a rare strike on Beirut, which it said killed a top Hezbollah commander who was allegedly behind a weekend rocket attack that killed 12 young people in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The strike in the Lebanese capital killed at least one woman and two children and wounded dozens of people. Hezbollah did not immediately confirm the commander’s death.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris appears to have energized Democrats in the early days of her candidacy, with the surge in warm feelings extending across multiple groups, including some key Democratic constituencies that had been tepid about President Joe Biden. That's according to a new poll. About 8 in 10 Democrats say they would be very or somewhat satisfied if Harris became the Democratic nominee for president. The survey from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research was conducted after Biden withdrew from the race.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A floating barrier in the Rio Grande meant to discourage migrants from trying to cross from Mexico into Texas can stay for now, a full federal appeals court has ruled.

A “side hustle” can be one way to try out a new business idea before taking a full-fledged jump. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans earn money on the side in addition to working full time, a Bankrate survey found.

Decades ago, the standard transmission was a manual, while that newfangled automatic was optional. In today’s vehicles, automatic transmissions help a vehicle get better fuel economy and acceleration than traditional manual transmissions. Many performance cars don’t even come with a manual transmission anymore. But there’s still a level of satisfaction you get when driving a vehicle with a manual and shifting your own gears.

In other news:

Biden prods Congress to act to curb fentanyl from Mexico as Trump paints Harris as weak on border.
Harris and Trump launch new advertisements for presidential election sprint.
Acting Secret Service boss says he 'cannot defend' why roof in Trump rally shooting was unsecured.
Kari Lake wins GOP primary for closely watched Arizona Senate race, will face Gallego in November.
Project 2025 director leaves Heritage Foundation after Democratic attacks and Trump criticism.
First interest rate cut in 4 years likely on the horizon as the Federal Reserve meets.
American consumers feeling more confident in July as expectations of future improve.
U.S. job openings fall slightly to 8.2 million as high interest rates slowly cool a hot labor market.
Boar's Head expands recall to include 7 million more pounds of deli meats tied to listeria outbreak.
Meta agrees to $1.4B settlement with Texas in privacy lawsuit over facial recognition.
Son of drug kingpin 'El Chapo' pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago.
Tesla in Seattle-area crash that killed motorcyclist was using self-driving system, authorities say.
NYC's latest crackdown on illegal weed shops is finally shutting them down.
Francine Pascal, author of beloved 'Sweet Valley High' books, dead at 92.
US boosting alliance with the Philippines with military funding and pact amid concern over China.
The US Women's Gymnastics Team wins back the gold, the Orioles, Yankees, Dodgers and Padres bolster their pitching at the trade deadline, and the White Sox suffer another loss. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 30 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

ATLANTA (AP) — Little more than a week ago, Georgia appeared to be slipping out of Democrats’ reach. President Joe Biden’s campaign was pledging to concentrate more on holding the “blue wall” states in the Midwest and suggesting they might be willing to forsake “Sun Belt” battlegrounds. But now that Biden has bowed out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris is the likely nominee, the Democrats say they have new hope for Georgia. They’re betting a fresh burst of energy and a surge in fundraising has helped make Georgia a toss-up again. Harris plans a show of political force Tuesday in Atlanta, with a large rally like those held by Republican ex-President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate lawmakers are expected to grill the Secret Service's acting director about law enforcement lapses in the hours before the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

LONDON (AP) — British police are questioning a suspect and working to understand what motivated a 17-year-old boy to attack children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class, leaving three dead and six in critical condition. A total of eight other children and two adults were wounded in the rampage in Southport in northwest England.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge declined to appoint an outside monitor to oversee the finances and internal policies of the National Rifle Association. But he is barring the group’s former leader, Wayne LaPierre, from holding a paid position with the organization for a decade.

In other news:

Biden unveils plan for Supreme Court changes, says US stands at 'breach' as public confidence sinks.
Harris and Democrats keep calling Trump and Vance 'weird.' Here's why.
Trump and Harris enter 99-day sprint to decide an election that has suddenly transformed.
Trump agrees to be interviewed as part of an investigation into his assassination attempt, FBI says.
Interpol anti-narcotics operation leads to 206 arrests, seizure of $1.6 of illegal drugs, chemicals.
Taylor Swift says she is 'in shock' after 2 children died in an attack on a UK dance class.
Iowa now bans most abortions after about 6 weeks, before many women know they're pregnant.
Trial canceled in North Dakota abortion ban lawsuit as judge ponders dismissal.
Fresh quakes damage West Texas area with long history of tremors caused by oil and gas industry.
7 people shot, 2 fatally, at a park in upstate Rochester, N.Y.
Another good day for the U.S. at the Olympics, a long losing streak continues in major league baseball, Aaron Judge goes yard twice and a big three team deal on the eve of Baseball's trading deadline.
Venezuelan opposition says it has proof its candidate defeated President Maduro in disputed election.
6 UK lawmakers are running to lead the Conservative Party after its crushing election defeat.
The Taliban disavows some Afghan diplomatic missions abroad and rejects their consular services.
Ukrainian troops say Russia's front-line push has driven them out of two more eastern villages.
North Korean officials seek medicines for Kim's obesity-related health problems, Seoul says.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 29 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has unveiled a long-awaited proposal for changes to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Democratic president is calling on Congress to establish term limits and an ethics code for the court’s nine justices. Biden also is pressing lawmakers to ratify a constitutional amendment that would limit presidential immunity. The White House has detailed the contours of Biden’s court plan. But it appears to have little chance of being approved by a closely divided Congress with just 99 days to go before Election Day. Biden is expected to speak about his proposal Monday during an address at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has raised $200 million since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week. The campaign announced the eyepopping fundraising total on Sunday for Harris, saying about 66% of the donations come from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle.

FOREST RANCH, Calif. (AP) — Wildfires across the western United States and Canada have put millions of people under air quality alerts, as thousands of firefighters battle the flames, including the largest wildfire in California this year.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s opposition and President Nicolas Maduro’s government are locked in a high-stakes standoff as each side claims victory in a presidential vote that millions in the long-suffering nation saw as their best shot to end 25 years of single-party rule.

PARIS (AP) — The French government says multiple telecommunications lines have been hit by acts of vandalism, affecting fiber lines and fixed and mobile phone lines as cities around France are hosting events for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Marvel is back on top with “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The comic-book movie made a staggering $205 million in its first weekend in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. It shattered the opening record for R-rated films previously held by the first “Deadpool” ($132 million) and notched a spot in the top 10 openings of all time.

In other news:

USDA moves to limit salmonella in raw poultry products.
US-Japan security talks focus on bolstering military cooperation, underscores threat from China.
After years of fighting Iowa's strict abortion law, clinics also prepared to follow it.
Two meteor showers will flash across the sky around the same time in late July.
Two former FBI officials settle lawsuits with Justice Department over leaked text messages.
Justice Dept. says TikTok collected US user views on issues like abortion and gun control.
North Carolina Democrats sue to reverse decision that put RFK Jr. on ballots.
NYC mayor issues emergency order suspending parts of new solitary confinement law.
Life and death in the heat. What it feels like when Earth's temperatures soar to record highs.
Day 2 of the Olympics is successful for the United States with the men's basketball team starting in fine fashion, a busy day in baseball on the field with a couple of trades sprinkled in and a return to the winner's circle for a couple of golfers.
Dutch beach volleyball player who was convicted of rape is booed before losing first Olympic match.
FIFA strips Canada of 6 points in Olympic soccer, bans coaches for 1 year in drone spying scandal.
Lawmakers from 6 countries say Beijing is pressuring them not to attend summit in Taiwan.
Rivals Hamas and Fatah sign a declaration to form a future government as war rages in Gaza.
On this week's religion roundup, athletes integrate faith and performance at the Olympic games. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 28 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:

Too many pills: How to talk to your doctor about reviewing what’s needed.
Taylor Swift's museum era is on full display at London's V&A.
Spicy dispute over the origins of Flamin' Hot Cheetos winds up in court.
Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed.
As hurricane season begins, here's how small businesses can prepare in advance of a storm.
Data shows hurricanes and earthquakes grab headlines but inland counties top disaster list.
Monday is the hottest day recorded on Earth, beating Sunday's record, European climate agency says.
A slight temperature drop makes Tuesday the world's second-hottest day.
The flickering glow of summer's fireflies too important to lose, too small to notice them gone.
Physicality and endurance win the World Series of perhaps the oldest game in North America.
Do you really have to wait to go swimming after eating.
A neurological disorder stole her voice. Jennifer Wexton takes it back on the House floor.
Yoga, meditation and prayer Urban transit workers cope with violence and fear on the job.
More money could result in fewer trips to ER, study suggests.
UN says nearly 40 million people had HIV in 2023 — and every minute someone died.
World Health Organization official in Palestinian areas “extremely worried” about possible polio outbreak.
A 7-month-old tree kangaroo peeked out of its mom's pouch at the Bronx Zoo and here are the photos.
Frozen treats, cold showers and lots of ice; Florida zoo works to protect animals from summer heat.
Gizmo the dog went missing in Las Vegas in 2015. He's been found alive after 9 years.
Rescued walrus calf 'sassy' and alert after seemingly being left by her herd in Alaska.
AmeriCorps CEO gets a look at a volunteer-heavy project to rebuild Louisiana's vulnerable coast.
Bernard Arnault has been dubbed the Olympics' godfather. Here's how he built LVMH's fortune.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 25 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

PARIS (AP) — The French national rail company says high-speed lines have been hit arson attacks that heavily disrupted traffic on the day of the high-risk Olympics opening ceremony. Lines in the west, north and east of France were affected, the rail operator said. Government officials denounced the incidents hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which are happening around France, though there was no immediate sign of a link to the Games. Prosecutors opened an investigation, saying that the crimes could carry a 20-year sentence and fines of hundreds of thousands of euros.

ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have endorsed Kamala Harris in her White House bid, giving the vice president the expected but still crucial backing of the nation’s two most popular Democrats. The endorsement was announced Friday in a video showing Harris accepting a joint phone call from the former first couple. It comes as Harris builds momentum as the party’s likely nominee after President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid and endorse her against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump. Harris thanks the Obamas for their backing and says she looks forward to campaigning with them ahead of the Nov. 5 Election Day.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines plans to drop the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and will start assigning passengers to seats, just like all the other big airlines. The airline said Thursday that preferences have changed over the years and the vast majority of travelers now want to know where they are sitting before they get to the airport. Southwest’s unusual boarding process started as a fast way to load passengers and limit the time that planes and crews spend sitting idly on the ground, not making money. It helped the airline squeeze a few more flights into the daily schedule. Southwest also plans to offer redeye flights for the first time.

In other news:

Harris says she wants original plan for debate with Trump.
Harris tells teachers union she's ready to fight for country's future — 'bring it on.'
Prosecutors urge judge not to toss out Trump’s hush money conviction, pushing back on immunity claim.
US economic growth increased last quarter to a healthy 2.8% annual rate.
Newsom orders California state agencies to start clearing homeless encampments.
Texas deaths from Hurricane Beryl climb to at least 36, including more who lost power in heat.
Uvalde, Texas, school officer pleads not guilty to charges of failing to protect kids during attack.
Video game performers will go on strike over artificial intelligence concerns.
The latest in sports.
Flavor Flav is soaking up his 1st Olympic experience cheering on the US water polo teams.
Paris businesses experiencing pre-Olympic slump, as tourism dips ahead of games. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 25 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy. In an address Wednesday he laid out his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden insisted “the defense of democracy is more important than any title.” He did not directly call out former President Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said in his 10-minute address from the Oval Office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians. Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress Wednesday to defend Israel’s conduct in the war and vowed “total victory” against Hamas.

A joint U.S.-Canada aerospace command says two Chinese and two Russian military planes were tracked flying over international waters near Alaska. NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said American and Canadian fighter jets were sent up in response. It also said the activity was not seen as a threat.

Southwest Airlines is doing away with a 50-year tradition and plans to start assigning seats. The airline is also looking to introduce redeye flights.

DETROIT (AP) — BMW is recalling more than 291,000 SUVs in the U.S. because the interior cargo rails can detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall covers certain X3 SUVs from the 2018 through 2023 model years.

In other news:

Democrats poised to virtually nominate Harris — and her running mate — by Aug. 7.
Crowdstrike blames update for letting bad data slip through causing global tech outage.
Watchdog finds no improper influence in sentencing recommendation for Trump ally Roger Stone.
Secret DEA files show agents joked about rape in WhatsApp chat. Then one of them was accused of it.
Man who attacked author Salman Rushdie charged with supporting terrorist group.
Fake protest set for TV shoot on NYC campus sparks real demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists.
The Winter Olympics are returning to the United States, Alex Cora gets a contract extension as his Red Sox are pounded by the Rockies, the Mets earn a Subway Series sweep of the Yankees and the Giants best the rival Dodgers, the NBA and WNBA strike landmark media rights deals and more.
IOC approves French Alps bid backed by President Macron to host the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Olympic fans can eat, drink and cheer in a mini World's Fair in Paris park.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 24 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders are warning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, as they and former President Donald Trump’s campaign scramble to adjust to the reality of a new Democratic rival less than four months before Election Day. At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans early Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson urged lawmakers to instead stick to criticizing Harris for her role in Biden-Harris administration policies. “This election will be about policies and not personalities,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Even though President Joe Biden won’t be on the ballot this November, voters still will be weighing his legacy. As Vice President Kamala Harris moves to take his place as the Democratic standard-bearer, Biden’s accomplishments remain very much at risk should Republican Donald Trump prevail. Biden will have an opportunity to make a case for his legacy on Wednesday night when he delivers an Oval Office address about his decision to bow out of the race and “what lies ahead.”

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Ninety-seven runners have pushed off in desolate Death Valley for an annual ultramarathon billed as the world’s toughest foot race. The men and women ranging in age from 19 to 69 and hailing from 21 countries and 26 U.S. states started the Badwater 135 on Monday amid an excessive heat warning. Over 48 hours, the participants will run amid daytime temperatures reaching over 120 degrees Fahrenheit and night heat above 100 F. They will travel over roadways open to traffic and pass through places with names like Furnace Creek and Devil’s Golf Course. The race started in 1987 and is always run when temperatures peak in mid-July.

In other news:

Secret Service director steps down after assassination attempt against ex-President Trump at rally.
Democrats plan to push ahead with virtual roll call ahead of their convention, with Harris favored.
As Harris campaigns for US presidency, people in her mother’s native India are proud of her.
US Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey is resigning from office following his corruption conviction.
US is investigating Delta's flight cancellations and faltering response to global tech outage.
FTC orders 8 companies to provide information on 'surveillance pricing' practices.
Rushed railcar inspections and 'stagnated' safety record reinforce concerns after fiery Ohio crash.
US home sales fell in June to slowest pace since December amid rising mortgage rates, home prices.
Former US Army civilian employee sentenced to 15 years for stealing nearly $109 million.
Florida school board unlikely to fire mom whose transgender daughter played on girls volleyball team.
Iowa law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to take effect Monday.
Survivors sue Illinois over decades of sexual abuse at Chicago youth detention center.
Oops. Southern Baptist agency announces firing of its leader, then retracts that announcement.
Whale surfaces, capsizes fishing boat off New Hampshire coast.
Wildfires send about 25,000 fleeing from Canadian Rockies’ largest national park and nearby town.
The NFL eyes an 18 game schedule in the future, Chief's Patrick Mahomes is tops, Pirate's Paul Skenes suffers his first loss, and the Mets take down the Yanks. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 23 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Vice President Kamala Harris has had a busy 24 hours. Since President Joe Biden stepped down from the presidential race and endorsed his VP, she has secured the delegates she’ll need to earn the party’s nomination and raised more than $81 million, a record for any political party this cycle. She will visit Milwaukee Tuesday.

Delta Air Lines is struggling for a fourth straight day to recover from the tech outage, even as other airlines are returning to nearly normal levels of service. Delta canceled more than 700 flights on Monday, bringing its total since the outage started Friday to more than 5,500 cancellations. That's according to travel-data provider Cirium. Delta's woeful performance is drawing unwanted attention from the federal government.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new Pentagon strategy says the U.S. must invest more to upgrade sensors, communications and space-based technologies in the Arctic to keep pace with China and Russia who are increasingly operating there, including in joint military exercises.

In other news:

Secret Service director, grilled by lawmakers on the Trump assassination attempt, says 'we failed.'
Democrats plan to push ahead with virtual roll call ahead of their convention, with Harris favored.
Democrats promise an 'orderly process' to replace Biden. Harris is favored, but questions remain.
JD Vance makes solo debut as GOP vice presidential nominee with Monday rallies in Ohio and Virginia.
Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit.
Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, last of the original Four Tops, is dead at 88.
US-Russian journalist convicted in a rapid, secret trial, gets 6 1/2 years in prison, court says.
US investigating some Jeep and Ram vehicles after getting complaints of abrupt engine stalling.
The Yankees and Mets win behind power hitting, the Tigers, Pirates, Reds and Twins win with strong starting pitching, LeBron James carries the US basketball team past Germany in its final pre-Olympic game, and NFL quarterback news.
Athletes, coaches, delegations arrive in Paris as opening ceremony looms closer.
The ACC is digging its heels in despite facing lawsuits from two of its most notable schools.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 22 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is being thrust into the most scrutinizing of spotlights, suddenly the leading candidate to succeed Biden as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and her party’s main hope of defeating Trump.

Airlines, including Delta Air Lines, continued to struggle to restore operations two days after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and resulted in several carriers grounding flights. Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a statement Sunday that flight cancellations continued as the airline tried to recover its systems and restore operations. He noted that the pause in Delta’s operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights. Delta has been offering waivers to affected customers.

In other news:

JD Vance makes solo debut as GOP vice presidential candidate with Monday rallies in Virginia, Ohio.
The Secret Service acknowledges denying some past requests by Trump's campaign for tighter security.
8.5 million computers running Windows affected by faulty update from CrowdStrike.
Two deaths linked to listeria food poisoning from meat sliced at deli counters.
Ten Commandments won't go in Louisiana classrooms until at least November as lawsuit plays out.
Longtime US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who had pancreatic cancer, has died.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified..
Missouri woman who served 43 years in prison is free after her murder conviction was overturned.
‘Twisters’ whips up $80.5 million at box office, while ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ looms.
Harvey Weinstein retrial in NYC tentatively set for November.
An American wins another Golf major, Kyle Larson vaults atop the NASCAR leaderboard and an Astros slugger hits for the cycle in a losing effort.
On this week's religion roundup, voices of faith at the Republican National Convention.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 30 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:

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on a possible lifesaver for heat stroke.
Extreme heat and some medicines can be a risky combo. Here's what to know.
FDA OKs best-selling e-cigarette Vuse Alto, but only in tobacco flavor.
More than 6 in 10 U.S. adults support protecting access to IVF, AP-NORC poll finds.
Summer pause: Small business sales growth tapers in June as consumers take a breather on spending.
A Trump-owned company sells $299 sneakers with an image of his bloodied face after rally shooting.
JD Vance is a relative political unknown. He's been asked to help Donald Trump avenge his 2020 loss.
After crash that killed 6 teens, NTSB chief says people underestimate marijuana's impact on drivers.
Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon that could be used to shelter future explorers.
The race is on to keep a 150-year-old lighthouse from crumbling into the Hudson River.
Navy exonerates 256 Black sailors unjustly punished in 1944 after a deadly California port explosion.
Remains of World War II POW who died in the Philippines returned home to California.
He was orphaned in the Holocaust and never met any family. Now he has cousins, thanks to DNA tests.
The last cards have been dealt as the iconic Mirage closes its doors on the Las Vegas Strip.
Original first Gen Apple-1 computer from Steve Jobs' desk goes up for sale at Christie's.
Reviving Hollywood glamor of the silent movie era, experts piece together a century-old pipe organ.
Tons of dead fish cover major river in Brazil after alleged dumping of industrial waste.
NYC's beachside drone program is angering local shorebirds and worrying wildlife experts.
Treason and espionage cases are rising in Russia since the war in Ukraine began.
Indonesia's massive metals build-out is felling the forest for batteries.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 19 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks and hospital systems offline and media outlets off air in a massive disruption that affected companies and services around the world and highlighted dependence on software from a handful of providers. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said Friday that the issue believed to be behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donald Trump, somber and bandaged, has accepted his party’s presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. His speech described in detail the assassination attempt that could have ended his life just five days earlier before laying out a sweeping populist agenda, particularly on immigration.

WASHINGTON (AP) — It's a critical weekend ahead for President Joe Biden. Isolated as he battles a COVID infection at his beach house in Delaware, he is confronting the stark reality that many Democrats at the highest levels want him to consider how stepping aside from the 2024 election could be the party’s best chance of preventing widespread losses in November.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden faces a growing drumbeat of pressure to drop his reelection bid, most Democrats think his vice president would make a good president herself. The new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 6 in 10 Democrats believe Kamala Harris would do a good job in the top slot.

In other news:

Federal appeals court blocks remainder of Biden's student debt relief plan.
Rally shooter had photos of Trump, Biden and other US officials on his phone, AP sources say.
Hunter Biden seeks dismissal of tax, gun cases, citing decision to toss Trump's classified docs case.
Amazon says this year's Prime Day was its biggest ever.
Ford to start making F-Series Super Duty pickups at plant in Canada to keep up with demand.
Boeing is closer to understanding thruster failures on its first astronaut flight with latest test.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage drops to 6.77%, sliding to lowest level since March.
US homes find fewer foreign buyers as rising costs and a strong dollar leave market in record slump.
Comedian Bob Newhart, deadpan master of sitcoms and telephone monologues, dies at 94.
Lou Dobbs, conservative pundit and Fox Business host, dies at 78.
Shannen Doherty finalizes divorce hours before death.
Alabama has executed man convicted of killing delivery driver during a 1998 robbery attempt.
A sizzling first round has a young tour member atop the British Open leaderboard, in the NBA, it looks like a former MVP will be joining the Nuggets, and in baseball, Tampa Bay has a plan to improve its ballpark situation. Correspondent Bruce Morton reports.
Dodgers and Cubs open 2025 MLB season in Tokyo March 18, rest of league starts March 27.
Jason Wright is out as Washington Commanders president and will leave the team after the '24 season.
Clemson gives men's basketball coach Brad Brownell new contract after run to Elite Eight.
Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 18 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donald Trump will take the stage at the Republican National Convention to accept the nomination of a party that has been remade in his image. Thursday's speech will be Trump's first since he was cut off mid-sentence by a flurry of gunfire in an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — JD Vance used his Wednesday night address to the Republican National Convention to share the story of his hardscrabble upbringing and make the case that his party best understands the challenges facing struggling Americans.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling in Las Vegas and is experiencing “mild symptoms” from the infection. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden will fly to his home in Delaware, where he will “self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”

Alabama is set to execute a man for the 1998 shooting death of a delivery driver during a robbery attempt near an ATM. Keith Edmund Gavin is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday night at a prison in southwest Alabama.

SARVER, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of people who gathered to remember the former fire chief fatally shot at a rally for former President Donald Trump have been urged to find “unity” as the area in rural Pennsylvania seeks to recover. Wednesday's public event was the first of two organized to memorialize and celebrate Corey Comperatore's life, with the second to happen Thursday.

In other news:

Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro, just released from prison, gets roaring applause at RNC.
Democrats aim to nominate president in first week of August, as some push Biden to quit the race.
Nearly two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to withdraw, new AP-NORC poll finds.
Homeland Security inspector general investigates Secret Service handling of security at Trump rally.
Three days after attempted assassination, Trump shooter remains an elusive enigma.
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira to face a military court-martial, Air Force says.
'Shogun' leads all Emmy nominees with 25 and 'The Bear' sets comedy series record with 23.
Movie armorer seeks dismissal of her conviction or new trial in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin.
German police detain a suspected stalker ahead of a Taylor Swift concert.
'I can't breathe' Eric Garner remembered on the 10th anniversary of his chokehold death.
A meteor streaked across the NYC skyline before disintegrating over New Jersey.
This is how the US-built pier to bring aid to Gaza worked — or not.
Israeli authorities release 13 detained Palestinians, says Palestinian medics group.
Golf's final major of the year begins Thursday, a big win for the Lynx, a former NHL All-Star moves on, a look at the pennant races and the Bears ink their top two draft picks.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 17 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The third day of the Republican National Convention kicks off, with Republicans shifting the focus to issues of national security and foreign policy as the party seeks to draw a stark contrast from Democrats’ handling of the ongoing crises in Europe and the Middle East. This comes as Republicans spent Tuesday highlighting what they say is Democrats’ failure to secure the U.S. borders from illegal immigration.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has rejected accusations regarding plots to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, while citing legal action for the 2020 assassination of a revered general by U.S. drone. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying Iran “strongly rejects any involvement in the recent armed attack on Trump or claims about Iran’s intention for such an action.”

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden has returned to the campaign trail for the first time since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, continuing his call to calm the divisive rhetoric on both sides. But Biden also argued Tuesday that doing so “doesn’t mean we should stop telling the truth” as he tore into his Republican rival.

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart has spent three years overhauling its mix of adult apparel to make it stylish as well as sensible for middle America. Now, the nation’s largest retailer is seizing the back-to-school shopping season to take another shot at fashion respectability.

In other news:

Drama is surrounding the Democratic convention.
Signs of trouble at Trump rally were evident in minutes before gunman opened fire.
Supreme Court grants Texas man a stay of execution just before his scheduled lethal injection.
Jury in Sen. Bob Menendez bribery trial has reached a verdict, to be read in court soon.
Out-of-state officers fatally shot a man blocks away from the RNC, angering Milwaukee residents.
Amazon Prime Day is a big event for scammers, experts warn.
Islamic State attacks on track to double in Iraq and Syria compared to last year, US military says.
California is 1st state to ban school rules requiring parents get notified of child’s pronoun change.
Southern California school district sues Gov. Newsom over new gender-identity law.
Prosecutors say neo-Nazi 'murder cult' leader plotted to give poison candy to Jewish kids in NYC.
Houston mayor tells residents to stop threatening crews trying to restore electricity.
Oregon award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in river accident.
Traces of cyanide found in cups of Vietnamese and Americans found dead in Bangkok hotel, police say.
Self-exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui convicted of defrauding followers after fleeing to US.
The American League outshines the National League at the All-Star Game, MLB is testing high tech to help call balls and strikes, the Liberty stay atop the WNBA, a top receiver asks to be traded, and the NFL's Number One draft choice signs on the eve of training camp.
Paris mayor dips into the Seine River to showcase its improved cleanliness before Olympic events.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 16 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican presidential ticket came together when Donald Trump named JD Vance as his running mate. In turning to the 39-year-old Ohio senator, the Republican nominee injected new energy into a campaign that has centered in recent weeks on questions of age following President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance. The Republican National Convention opened Monday less than 48 hours after Trump was the subject of a shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Trump made a grand entrance, walking into the convention hall with a bandage over his injured right ear and waving to the crowd. The shooting, which left Trump injured and one man dead, loomed over the convention with speakers resolved to win back the White House.

U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle addressed the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during an interview with ABC News.

Biden will speak Tuesday at the NAACP convention in Las Vegas, aiming to showcase his administration’s support for Black voters who are a tentpole of the Democratic coalition.

James Sikking of “Hill Street Blues” has died at 90. His publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement Sunday evening that Sikking died of complications from dementia. Born in Los Angeles, Sikking played a hardened and at times quirky police lieutenant on the revolutionary police procedural and the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.”

In other news:

President Joe Biden says it was a 'mistake' to say he wanted to put a 'bull's-eye' on Donald Trump.
Authorities hunt for clues, but motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive.
Secret Service agent from 1981's attack on President Reagan reflects on what happened Saturday.
In a world of moving pictures, photographs capture indelible moments in Trump assassination attempt.
Federal judge dismisses Trump classified documents case over concerns with prosecutor's appointment.
Jury asks if unanimity required to acquit 'on a single count' at Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial.
Expert calls NRA's spending policies a 'dumpster fire' as gun group's civil trial begins a new phase.
Wildfire leads to evacuations in Kauai.
Pope urges religious orders to pray for new priests and nuns as their numbers continue to fall.
The MLB Home Run Derby has a first time winner, pitching matchups for the All Star Game are set, Team USA holds on to win its exhibition game, and a former NFL first round draft pick has been arrested.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 14 at 11:00 p.m. CT:

BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is calling for unity and resilience after an attempt on his life added fresh uncertainty to a tumultuous presidential campaign. His opponent, President Joe Biden, implored Americans to “cool it down” in the final stretch of the closely contested race and to “resolve our differences at the ballot box." A full day after the attack, the gunman’s motive was still a mystery, and investigators said they believe he acted alone. Biden ordered an independent security review of the shooting, which left one bystander dead and two others critically wounded. The FBI was investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism. Trump arrived Sunday evening in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday.

In other news:

Deeply Democratic Milwaukee wrestles with hosting Trump and the Republican National Convention.
Conservative group behind Project 2025 floats conspiracy idea that Biden could retain power by force.
Amazon Prime Day deals are almost here. Should you take advantage of them.
First victim of 1921 Tulsa massacre of Black community is identified since graves found, mayor says. Smoking laptop in passenger's bag prompts evacuation on American Airlines flight in San Francisco.

Kate, Princess of Wales, is at Wimbledon in a rare public appearance since revealing she has cancer.

‘Despicable Me 4’ reigns at box office, while ‘Longlegs’ gets impressive start.

Shannen Doherty, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ star, dies at 53.

Richard Simmons, a fitness guru who mixed laughs and sweat, dies at 76.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s diminutive and pioneering sex therapist, dies at 96.

Inside the courtroom as case dismissed against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer.

Wimbledon has a repeat champion on the men's side, Major League Baseball features a full schedule before the all-star break, there is a first time Major winner in the LPGA, NASCAR raced at Pocono, and the WNBA featured four games.

France's Bastille Day parade meets the Olympic torch relay in an exceptional year.

French sports minister takes a dip in the Seine ahead of Paris Olympics.

Extravagant wedding celebrations for the son of Asia's richest man conclude with a reception.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Grammy-winning Christian artist LeCrae talks about his new music, and how race and faith intersect in his life.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 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:

Air travel is getting worse. That's what passengers are telling the government.
Political ads on social media rife with misinformation and scams, new research finds.
Target will stop accepting personal checks next week. Are the days of the payment method numbered?
The U.S. will pay Moderna $176 million to develop an mRNA pandemic flu vaccine.
The FDA approves a second Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow disease.
A rare voice box transplant helped a cancer patient speak again, part of a pioneering study.
An Arizona museum tells the stories of ancient animals through their fossilized poop.
Mount Everest's highest camp is littered with frozen garbage, and cleanup is likely to take years.
One way to get real-life legal experience: A free trip to the Paris Olympics.
Ukrainian high jumper keeps her eye on the raised bar, but her mind is fixed on the war.
To save spotted owls, officials plan to kill hundreds of thousands of another owl species.
China's landfills brim with textile waste as fast fashion reigns and recycling takes a back seat.
House keys carry symbolic weight for Gaza families repeatedly displaced by war.
Land routes across Africa are twice as deadly for migrants as Mediterranean voyages, UN estimates.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 12 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden used his closely watched anticipated news conference Thursday to deliver a forceful defense of his foreign and domestic policies, and batted away questions about his ability to serve another four years. Biden says: “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started.” He made one notable flub when he bobbled a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris. But for an hour he largely held his own under intense questioning, eschewing any suggestion that he was in decline, no longer capable of leading the nation and too old to serve another term. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers, donors and celebrities have called on him to step aside.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in Western states are warning of the rising risk of wildfires as hot conditions and low humidity dry out the landscape amid a protracted heat wave.

HOUSTON (AP) — Texas authorities say a suspect has been charged with the fatal shooting of a Houston-area sheriff’s deputy while police were conducting a manhunt following an assault at a pizzeria. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says Ronald Palmer Jr. was arrested around 7 p.m. Thursday and later charged with capital murder.

A security breach in 2022 compromised the data of nearly all of AT&T’s cellular customers, customers of mobile virtual network operators using AT&T’s wireless network, as well as landline customers who interacted with those cellular numbers.

In other news:

1 dead and 2 missing after helicopter crashes in the ocean off the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Donald Trump's lawyers press judge to overturn hush money conviction after Supreme Court immunity ruling.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says for Ukraine to win the war, US needs to lift limits on striking military targets inside Russia.
US inflation cools again, potentially paving way for Fed to cut interest rates soon.
Marathon Oil reaches $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations in North Dakota.
Alec Baldwin's lawyer grills crime scene tech over search for live ammo at his shooting trial.
Shelley Duvall, star of 'The Shining,' 'Nashville,' dies at 75.
Lawsuit filed in case of teen who died after eating spicy chip as part of online challenge.
Hurricane Beryl's remnants flood Vermont a year after the state was hit by catastrophic rainfall.
A stegosaurus nicknamed Apex will be auctioned in New York. Its remains show signs of arthritis.
Paul Skenes is unhittable, the Phillies finish a sweep of the Dodgers while the Orioles are swept for the first time since 2021, Jasmine Paolini advances to her second straight Grand Slam final, and Bill Belichick has another job this fall.
Iranian court orders US to pay $6.7 billion after sanctions allegedly stopped special bandage supply.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 11 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s imperiled reelection campaign is hitting new trouble. Rather than urging him to stay in, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday “it’s up to the president to decide” if he should. Celebrity donor George Clooney said he should not run, and Democratic senators expressed fresh fear about his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump. Late Wednesday, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called on Biden to withdraw, becoming the first Senate Democrat to do so. It all shows how unsettled the questions over Biden's candidacy remain among Democrats, despite Biden's insistence he is staying in the race. Pelosi has been widely watched for signals of how top Democrats are thinking about Biden’s candidacy.

DALLAS (AP) — It may take days to fully bring back power after Hurricane Beryl slammed into Texas early Monday. Frustrations grew about the recovery effort in one of the largest cities in the U.S. State officials have faced questions about whether Houston’s power utility was sufficiently prepared.

PARIS (AP) — A fire broke out in the spire of the medieval cathedral in the northern French city of Rouen but authorities said it was under control about 90 minutes later.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Two astronauts who should have been back on Earth weeks ago say they're confident that Boeing's space capsule can return them safely. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule early last month. Leaks and thruster failures almost derailed their arrival at the International Space Station, and has kept them there much longer than planned.

In other news:

Judge says Rudy Giuliani bankruptcy case likely to be dismissed. But his debts aren't going away.
Defense attorney says 'Alec Baldwin committed no crime; he was an actor, acting' at trial openings.
Sen. Bob Menendez's lawyer tells jury that prosecutors' bribery case 'dies here today.'
Founder of collapsed hedge fund Archegos Capital is convicted in securities fraud scheme.
BMW recalling more than 390,000 vehicles due to airbag inflator issue.
Their Vermont homes were inundated by extreme flooding. A year later, they still struggle to recover.
Calls for justice grow in death of Black man outside Milwaukee hotel as GOP convention approaches.
His brother was found dead, his mother was arrested before this baby was found crawling by a highway.
The U.S. men’s national soccer team is looking for a new coach, Novak Djokovic awaits Lorenzo Musetti in his Grand Slam semifinal debut, a banned NBA player has pleaded guilty in a wire fraud case, the Phillies hit another benchmark while improving their MLB-best record and the NBA agrees to terms on a new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal.
The UK mulls tighter crossbow laws after 3 women were slain in an attack. The suspect is in hospital.
Russia declares newspaper The Moscow Times 'undesirable' amid crackdown on criticism.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 10 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The mood on Capitol Hill has turned grim as Democrats wrestled over President Joe Biden’s reelection. A seventh House Democrat has said publicly that Biden should drop out. It was an extraordinary question before Democrats on Capitol Hill as they met privately Tuesday behind closed doors.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the world must not wait for November to drive back Russia’s offensive against his country. Zelenskyy made the remarks Tuesday while attending this week’s summit of NATO leaders in Washington.

HOUSTON (AP) — The return of soaring heat in Houston is deepening the misery for people still without power after Hurricane Beryl crashed into Texas and left residents in search of places to cool off and fuel up as the extended outages strain one of the nation’s largest cities.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A jury is set to hear opening statements at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer in a trial that will delve into the confluence of gun safety, high-wattage celebrity and a low-budget Western movie on a remote movie ranch.

DoorDash says it’s stepping up efforts to identify dangerous delivery drivers and remove them from its platform after a flood of complaints from cities.

In other news:

Donald Trump revels in Democratic turmoil as he returns to campaign trail and teases VP pick.
Nikki Haley releases her delegates so they can back Donald Trump at the RNC next week.
Iran encourages Gaza war protests in US to stoke outrage and distrust, intelligence chief says.
Las Vegas eyes record of 5th consecutive day over 115 degrees as heat wave continues to scorch US.
Fed's Powell highlights slowing job market in signal that rate cuts may be nearing.
Navy sailor disciplined for trying to access Biden's health records early this year.
Joe Bonsall, celebrated tenor in the country and gospel group the Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76.
Manhattan prosecutors anticipate November retrial for Harvey Weinstein in #MeToo era rape case.
The body of an American climber buried by an avalanche 22 years ago in Peru is found in the ice.
Booted out of NBA, former player Jontay Porter due in court in betting case.
In a matchup of the National League's best, the Phillies squish the Dodgers, the men's top seed at Wimbledon is out, and in the semifinals of the European Championship, Spain relies on youth to get past France.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 9 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has tried to address questions about President Joe Biden's health. During a Monday news briefing, Jean-Pierre said the president has only seen a neurologist three times while in office, and those visits were in conjunction with his annual physicals.

HOUSTON (AP) — Power has started to come back for some of the millions of homes and businesses left in the dark when Hurricane Beryl slammed into the Houston area. The weakened storm has moved east, spawning suspected tornadoes and causing more damage.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Alec Baldwin's trial in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer is about to begin. Jury selection starts Tuesday in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the actor's trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter that could get him 18 months in prison.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that a solid majority of Americans oppose a federal abortion ban and that a rising number appear to support access to abortions for any reason. The findings from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey highlight a politically perilous situation for candidates who oppose abortion rights as the November election draws closer.

In other news:

Biden tells Hill Democrats he 'declines' to step aside and says it's time for party drama 'to end.'
Republicans move at Trump's behest to change how they will oppose abortion.
Americans are split over whether Trump should face prison in the hush money case, AP-NORC poll finds.
Prosecutor tells New York City jury at bribery trial that Sen. Bob Menendez put power 'up for sale.'
3 Columbia University officials lose posts over texts that 'touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.'
Opponents of Louisiana's Ten Commandments law want judge to block it before new school year starts.
Karen Read’s defense team says jurors were unanimous on acquitting her of murder.
Bloomberg Philanthropies gifting $1 billion to medical school, others at Johns Hopkins University.
'Bob's Burgers' actor pleads guilty to interfering with police during Capitol riot.
Manhattan court hearing slated ahead of Harvey Weinstein’s retrial in New York.
Paramount and Skydance merge, signaling end of a family reign in Hollywood and the rise of new power.
Hatch recalls nearly 1 million power adapters sold with baby sound machines due to shock hazard.
Officials in Oregon's Multnomah County, home to Portland, report 4 suspected heat-related deaths.
United Airlines flight loses wheel after takeoff from Los Angeles and lands safely in Denver.
Violent holiday weekend sees mass shootings in Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.
UConn agrees to a contract with coach Dan Hurley, Keegan Bradley named Ryder Cup captain, Day 8 at Wimbledon, and the Cardinals are on a roll. Correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.
Former MLB outfielder Raúl Mondesi sentenced to 6 years in jail in the Dominican Republic.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 8 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

MATAGORDA, Texas (AP) — The National Weather Service says Beryl has made landfall on the middle Texas coast near Matagorda with a dangerous storm surge and strong winds. The storm’s center hit land as a Category 1 hurricane around 4 a.m. Monday about 85 miles southwest of Houston with top sustained winds of 80 mph while moving north at 12 mph.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Deeply torn over President Joe Biden’s candidacy, Democratic lawmakers are returning to Washington at a pivotal moment. They are deciding whether to work to revive Biden's campaign or edge out the party leader after his dismal performance in the debate.

The Justice Department says Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge stemming from two deadly crashes of 737 Max jetliners. Now it’s up to a federal judge whether to accept the plea and a sentence that is part of the aerospace giant’s deal with U.S. prosecutors.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials in Ukraine say a major Russian missile attack has killed at least 28 people and injured almost 100 across the country. One missile struck a large children’s hospital in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and emergency crews searched the rubble for casualties.

PARIS (AP) — Election results show French voters have chosen to give a broad leftist coalition the most parliamentary seats in pivotal legislative elections. That keeps the far right away from power. Yet no party has won an outright majority, putting France in an uncertain, unprecedented situation. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance arrived in second position and the far right in third.

In other news:

Biden tells supporters to 'stick together' amid growing calls for him to leave the presidential race.
Donald Trump denies knowing about Project 2025, his allies' sweeping plan to transform the US government.
Can you 'Trump-proof' NATO As Biden falters, Europeans look to safeguard the military alliance.
Second gentleman Doug Emhoff tests positive for COVID. Vice President Harris has tested negative.
House Republicans unite on spending cuts to non-defense programs, but Senate roadblock awaits.
‘Despicable Me 4’ debuts with $122.6M as boom times return to the box office.
Alec Baldwin is about to go on trial in the death of a cinematographer. Here are key things to know.
Jon Landau, Oscar-winning 'Titanic' and 'Avatar' producer, dies at 63.
Major League Baseball fills out its rosters for the upcoming All-Star Game, the Yankees downward spiral continues, the Royals end their losing skid, the Braves finish off a series win over the Phillies, the Mets use a late comeback to get back to .500, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads his national team to an Olympic berth, the top American woman is upset at Wimbledon, a long winless drought ends in NASCAR, and Davis Thompson sets a record en route to his first career PGA Tour win.
Hundreds of mostly exiled Tibetans celebrate the Dalai Lama's 89th birthday in India's Dharamshala
In this week's religiona roundup, a judge rules school shooter's writings can't be released, the Vatican excommunicates it's former ambassador to the U.S.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 29 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:

Summer camps are for getting kids outdoors, but more frequent heat waves force changes.
Baby cousin with cancer inspires girls to sew hospital gowns for sick kids across U.S. and Africa.
Looking for the Fountain of Youth? Try the gym and weight-resistance training.
IRS delays in resolving identity theft cases are 'unconscionable,' an independent watchdog says.
GOP Convention security will allow guns within outer perimeter, sets parade route for demonstrators.
Groups that work with victims of domestic violence praise Supreme Court gun ruling.
Border arrests fall more than 40% after Biden's halt to asylum processing, Homeland Security says.
Conservative-backed group is creating a list of federal workers it suspects could resist Trump plans.
Planned Parenthood says it will spend $40 million on abortion rights ahead of November's election.
State Department teams with YouTube for music diplomacy.
Mass shooting shutters Arkansas town's only grocery store — for now.
New Jersey police officer honored for rescuing pair from burning building.
FDA OKs first menthol e-cigarettes, citing potential to help adult smokers.
FDA warns maker of Sara Lee and Entenmann's not to claim foods contain allergens when they don't.
Health officials tell US doctors to be alert for dengue as cases ramp up worldwide.
Most kids get antibiotics for pink eye, study shows. Experts say they're usually not needed.
Obesity drug used in Mounjaro and Zepbound may help treat dangerous sleep apnea.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 28 at 7 a.m. CT:

ATLANTA (AP) — A raspy and sometimes halting President Joe Biden repeatedly sought to confront Donald Trump in their first debate ahead of the November election. But Biden’s uneven performance crystallized the concerns of many Americans that at, age 81, he is too old to serve as president. It sparked a fresh round of calls for the Democrat to step aside.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says officials have been ordered to prepare a response to U.S. drone flights over the Black Sea, in an apparent warning that Moscow may take forceful action to ward off the American reconnaissance aircraft.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Part of a departure terminal canopy at New Delhi’s main airport has collapsed as monsoon rains lashed the Indian capital, killing one person and injuring six others.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma's top education official is ordering public schools to incorporate the Bible into lessons for grades 5 through 12. State Superintendent Ryan Walters issued a memo Thursday to school superintendents across the state. The directive is the latest effort by conservatives to incorporate religion into the classroom.

TOKYO (AP) — The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is delaying its planned launch of a satellite on its new flagship H3 rocket due to expected bad weather at the launch site in southwestern Japan.

In other news:

The Supreme Court rejects a nationwide opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma.
The Supreme Court allows emergency abortions in Idaho for now in a limited ruling.
The Supreme Court strips the SEC of a critical enforcement tool in fraud cases.
Judge in Trump classified documents case grants his request for one hearing, denies bid for another.
Justice Department charges nearly 200 people in $2.7 billion health care fraud schemes crackdown.
Survivor of Parkland school massacre wins ownership of shooter's name in lawsuit settlement.
US sanctions Boeing for sharing information about 737 Max 9 investigation.
Average rate on a 30-year mortgage eased this week to 6.86%, lowest level since early April.
US economic growth for last quarter is revised up slightly to a 1.4% annual rate.
US weekly jobless claims fall, but the total number collecting benefits is the most since 2021.
Jury orders NFL to pay nearly $4.8 billion in 'Sunday Ticket' case for violating antitrust laws.
The U.S. men's soccer team lays an egg, the Celtics' starting center could be out until next year, the Phillies lose a game and two sluggers, the Royals nip the Guardians and one round is complete in this week's PGA event.
Colorado's MacKinnon wins Hart and Lindsay awards as the NHL's top player.
Singer, songwriter, provocateur and politician Kinky Friedman dead at 79.
Iranians vote to replace president killed in a helicopter crash, but apathy remains high.
Women who say they were abused by ex-Jesuit artist ask Catholic bishops to remove his mosaics.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 27 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Both President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump hope to jolt a campaign that many voters are just beginning to watch. Thursday's debate in Atlanta offers unparalleled opportunities for both candidates to try to shape the political narrative.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — Children trudge through water contaminated with sewage and scale growing mounds of garbage in Gaza’s tent camps for displaced families. People relieve themselves in burlap-covered pits, with nowhere nearby to wash their hands. Gaza’s ability to dispose of garbage, treat sewage and deliver clean water is virtually decimated by eight months of war between Israel and Hamas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — NASA has awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to build the vehicle that will bring the International Space Station out of its longtime orbit of Earth when its operating lifespan ends in a few more years.

In other news:

The Supreme Court seems poised to allow emergency abortions in Idaho, a Bloomberg News report says.
The Supreme Court rules for Biden administration in a social media dispute with conservative states.
Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger endorses Biden, whose campaign wants to flip anti-Trump Republicans.
Illinois man rejects deal to plead guilty to 7 murder charges in shooting at 2022 July Fourth parade.
Feds charge 5, including man acquitted at trial, with attempting to bribe Minnesota juror with $120K.
Texas man executed for 2001 abduction and killing of 18-year-old woman.
Volkswagen is recalling over 271,000 SUVs because front passenger air bag may not inflate in a crash.
Long-vacant storefront that once housed part of the Stonewall Inn reclaims place in LGBTQ+ history.
The NBA Draft continues to be top heavy with international players, a couple of veteran NBA players will soon celebrate new big contracts and Shohei Ohtani continues to amaze.
Alex Morgan left off the 18-player U.S. soccer roster headed to the Olympics.
Hall of Famer Glen Sather retires after six decades, highlighted by building the Oilers' dynasty.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returns to Australia a free man after US legal battle ends.
France bans extreme-right and radical Islamic groups ahead of polarizing elections.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 26 at 8 a.m. CT:

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AP) — Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has gone on trial in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg on espionage charges that he, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny. The 32-year-old journalist appeared in the court with his head shaved and wearing a black-and-blue plaid shirt.

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet hours after pleading guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is pardoning potentially thousands of former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. The president says he is “righting an historic wrong” to clear the way for these service members to regain lost benefits. Biden’s action grants a pardon to those who were convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice’s former Article 125, which criminalized sodomy.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s top election office has sent letters to more than 14,000 registered voters asking them to prove their citizenship, a move that alarmed voting rights advocates as possible intimidation.

In other news:

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to debate. Here's what their past performances looked like.
Homeland Security says border arrests fall more than 40% since Biden's halt to asylum processing.
Judge alters Trump’s gag order, letting him talk about witnesses, jury after hush money conviction.
More than 500 people have been charged with federal crimes under the gun safety law Biden signed.
TSA says it screened a record 2.99 million people Sunday, and bigger crowds are on the way.
Rep. Lauren Boebert wins GOP primary after switching Colorado districts; Hurd, Crank also notch wins.
Oklahoma Supreme Court rules publicly funded religious charter school is unconstitutional.
NTSB concludes flaming wheel bearing caused east Ohio derailment, vent and burn was unnecessary.
US military shows reporters pier project in Gaza as it takes another stab at aid delivery.
Gena Rowlands has Alzheimer's, her son Nick Cassavetes says.
The Brooklyn Nets are sending Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, the New York Mets beat the Yankees in the Subway Series, another win for the Cleveland Guardians and 50 thousand dollars on the line for track and field athletes in the Paris Games.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 25 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

BANGKOK (AP) — A plane carrying WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has landed in Thailand. He is on his way to enter a plea in a U.S. court that is expected to free him and resolve the legal case over the site's publication of classified documents. The chartered plane landed at a Bangkok airport Tuesday afternoon for refueling. Assange is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. surgeon general is declaring gun violence a public health crisis, driven by a growing number of injuries and deaths involving firearms in the country. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the nation’s top doctor, issued the advisory Tuesday as the U.S. grappled with another weekend marked by mass shootings that left dozens of people dead or wounded.

Russian authorities say one person has died and scores more remain hospitalized in an outbreak of botulism spanning several regions. Foodborne botulism is a rare illness caused by a toxin produced by a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 550,000 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the transmissions can unexpectedly downshift to first gear no matter how fast the trucks are going. The recall covers certain F-150 pickups from the 2014 model year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Car dealerships across North America are still wrestling with disruptions that started last week. CDK Global, a company that provides software for thousands of auto dealers in the U.S. and Canada, was hit by back-to-back cyberattacks on Wednesday.

In other news:

On the anniversary of the fall of Roe, Democrats lay the blame for worsening health care on Trump.
Missouri, Kansas judges temporarily halt much of President Biden's student debt forgiveness plan.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from ex-reality star Josh Duggar.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to Connecticut law that eliminated religious vaccination exemption.
Lawsuit challenges new Louisiana law requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments.
Mass shootings across the US mar the first weekend of summer.
NASA calls off spacewalk after spacesuit water leak.
US ambassador visits conflict-ridden Mexican state to expedite avocado inspections.
The Panthers win their first Stanley Cup in a dramatic Game 7, Tennessee wins its first College World Series in a dramatic Game 3, the National League's division leaders all win their games and the Cavaliers finally name their new head coach.
A Chinese lunar probe returns to Earth with the world's first samples from the far side of the moon.
Israeli supreme court says ultra-Orthodox must serve in military.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 24 at 8 a.m. CT:

Millions of Americans sweated through yet another scorching day, while floodwaters forced evacuations in parts of the Midwest, including a town in Iowa whose own water-level gauge was submerged. One person was killed during flooding in South Dakota, the governor said. From the mid-Atlantic to Maine, across the Great Lakes region, and throughout the West to California, public officials cautioned residents about the dangers of excessive heat and humidity. In Oklahoma, the heat index — what the temperature feels like to the human body — was expected to reach 107 degrees on Sunday.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The viability of a U.S.-backed proposal to wind down the 8-month-long war in Gaza was cast into doubt after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would only be willing to agree to a “partial” cease-fire deal that would not end the war. His comments, made in an interview with a pro-Netanyahu Israeli TV channel late Sunday, sparked an uproar from families of hostages held by Hamas.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A fire likely sparked by exploding lithium batteries has swept through a manufacturing factory near South Korea’s capital, killing 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers and injuring eight.

Hawaii authorities say a professional lifeguard has died after he was attacked by a shark while surfing off the island of Oahu. City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety lifeguard Tamayo Perry died in the attack near Goat Island on Sunday. Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department says Honolulu police, fire and rescue personnel responded to Mālaekahana Beach just before 1 p.m. after a caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered shark bites.

In entertainment news, former Los Angeles-area gang leader Duane “Keffe D” Davis, accused of killing hip-hop music legend Tupac Shakur in 1996 in Las Vegas, will ask a judge next week to let him out of jail pending trial on a murder charge. "Inside Out 2" sets a record in its second weekend and the US Postal Service will honor former "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek with a stamp.

In other news:

"Everything is at stake" for reproductive rights in 2024, Harris says as Biden-Trump debate nears.
GOP targets a Biden executive order on voter registration ahead of the fall election.
Most evangelicals say that Jesus is their savior and Donald Trump is their candidate.
A U.S. envoy visits Hanoi days after Putin, saying US-Vietnam trust is at 'all-time high'
US aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force against nuclear-armed North Korea.
A fourth victim has died a day after a shooting at an Arkansas grocery store, police say.
Taylor Swift kicks off UK Eras shows as some fans wonder if singer is ready to say "So long, London.'
Over 1,000 pilgrims died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, officials say.
The defending World Series champions get a three-time Cy Young Award winner back, the Astros finish off a home sweep, the Braves take the rubber match versus the Yankees, the Phillies keep rolling, Scottie Scheffler wins again, Christopher Bell overcomes the weather and Angel Reese leads the Sky to victory.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 22 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:

How Biden and Trump are taking very different approaches to preparing for next week's debate.
The Supreme Court upholds a gun control law intended to protect domestic violence victims.
The IRS wants to end another major tax loophole for the wealthy and raise $50 billion in the process.
IRS says 'vast majority' of 1 million pandemic-era credit claims show a risk of being improper.
Study finds global luxury sales flattening amid self-inflicted creativity crisis and price hikes.
Majority of Americans favor forgiving medical debt, AP-NORC poll finds.
Business owners increasingly worry about payment fraud, survey finds.
So long plastic air pillows Amazon shifting to recycled paper filling for packages in North America.
U.S. bans on gasoline-powered leaf blowers grow, as does blowback from landscaping industry.
Early blast of heat and humidity leaves millions sweltering across the US.
No lie: Perfectly preserved centuries-old cherries unearthed at George Washington's Mount Vernon.
Think cicadas are weird Check out superfans, who eat the bugs, use them in art and even striptease.
Lost chances to treat overdose survivors are documented in new Medicare study.
On Juneteenth, monument dedicated in Alabama to those who endured slavery.
The Iberian lynx is back from the brink of extinction, thanks to conservation efforts.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 21 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

The heat wave that has moved across the nation this week is expected to continue through the weekend.

The cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has denied it is a security threat after the U.S. Commerce Department banned the use of its software in the United States. The Moscow-based company, whose CEO is Russian, said in a statement that the Commerce Department's decision, announced Thursday, would not affect its ability to sell and promote its cyber security products and training in the U.S. Kaspersky said the government had based its decision on the “geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns” rather than independently verifying if there was a risk.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has failed to qualify for next week’s debate in Atlanta. Host network CNN said Thursday the independent presidential candidate fell short of benchmarks both for state ballot qualification and polling. The missed markers mean the June 27 showdown will be solely between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has established a corridor for the delivery of aid into southern Gaza but a declared ‘tactical pause’ in its war with Hamas has brought little relief to desperate Palestinians. The United Nations and international aid organizations say a persistent breakdown in law and order has rendered the aid route unusable.

MORRILTON, Ark. (AP) — An Alabama man wanted in connection with homicides in Oklahoma and Alabama has been apprehended in Arkansas. Arkansas State Police say 50-year-old Stacy Lee Drake was taken into custody Thursday around 10 a.m. in a wooded area in Morrilton, Arkansas.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Sutherland has died at 88. Sutherland's agents say he died in Miami on Thursday after a long illness. The Canadian actor's career stretched from “M.A.S.H” to “JFK” to “The Hunger Games." He was known for offbeat characters and epitomized the unpredictable, antiestablishment cinema of the 1970s. But over the decades, Sutherland shifted into a career as a respected character actor. He said he found more challenge in those roles. He never stopped working, ultimately appearing in nearly 200 films and series. He received an honorary Oscar in 2017.

In other news:

Trump dwarfs Biden in latest fundraising numbers in show of political force after felony convictions.
Appeals court panel refuses to delay Trump ally Steve Bannon’s 4-month contempt prison sentence.
Supreme Court upholds a tax on foreign income over a business-backed challenge.
Average long-term US mortgage rate falls again, easing to lowest level since early April.
US jobless claims fall to 238,000 from 10-month high, remain low by historical standards.
Border Patrol reports arrests are down 25% since Biden announced new asylum restrictions.
Rapper Travis Scott arrested after Miami Beach police say he drunkenly yelled at people on a yacht.
Roller coaster strikes and critically injures man in restricted area of Ohio theme park.
NCAA presents options to expand March Madness tournaments from current 68 teams, AP source says.
Major League Baseball highlights the Thursday sports schedule, the Lakers have their next head coach, the Bulls and Thunder pull off a trade, the WNBA features two games, and the LPGA and PGA tours complete first round play.
Russia obliterates front-line Ukraine towns by retrofitting bombs and expanding its air base network.
South Korea summons Russian ambassador as tensions rise with North Korea.
Stonehenge not visibly damaged by protest paint. It's clean and ready to rock the solstice.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 20 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

TAMPICO, Mexico (AP) — Tropical Storm Alberto is rumbling toward northeast Mexico as the first named storm of the season, carrying heavy rains that left three people dead but also brought hope to a region suffering under a prolonged, severe drought.

ROSWELL, N.M. (AP) — Heavy rain and hail are falling around an evacuated village in New Mexico threatened by wildfires that have killed at least two people and damaged more than 1,400 structures, offering the hope of some assistance for firefighters but adding the threat of high winds and flash floods.

BOSTON (AP) — A blistering heat wave stretching from the Midwest to the tip of Maine is leaving millions of people sweltering through the Juneteenth holiday.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Police in California say an Oakland Juneteenth celebration turned violent when several people were shot.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Police say seven people have been wounded in a shooting in Philadelphia. It happened just before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in North Philadelphia.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska man and two police officers have joined forces to rescue a baby moose that got stuck between a floatplane and a dock in a lake. The Homer Police Department says actions of the three men saved the calf from “a sure demise.”

In other news:

The Ten Commandments must be displayed in Louisiana classrooms under requirement signed into law.
Quavo hosts summit against gun violence featuring VP Kamala Harris on late rapper Takeoff's birthday.
Snapchat Inc. to pay $15 million to settle discrimination and harassment lawsuit in California.
Cliffhanger congressional contest between Bob Good and John McGuire tests power of Trump endorsement.
Rickwood Field, a time capsule of opportunity and oppression, welcomes MLB for Negro Leagues tribute.
Gerrit Cole’s season debut is spoiled by the Orioles, Tennessee and Texas A&M advance to meet in the College World Series finals, a contract extension and a coach firing in the NBA, and a high-profile injury in the WNBA. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh reports.
What's known, and not known, about the partnership agreement signed by Russia and North Korea.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vietnam, seeking to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia while Russia's isolation deepens.
Japan's exports surge 13.5% in May, helped by cheap yen and strong demand in US, Asian markets.
Philippines demands China return rifles and pay for boat damage after hostilities in disputed sea.
Hundreds died during this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia amid intense heat, officials say. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 19 at 8 a.m. CT:

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A blast of heat and humidity in the Midwest and Northeast days before the official start of summer has put a wet blanket on outdoor activities from festivals to sports camps as officials urge people to take precautions. Cities that opened cooling centers this week advised that Wednesday’s Juneteenth holiday means some public libraries, senior centers and pools where residents could beat the heat will be closed. The dangerous temperatures are expected to peak in the eastern Great Lakes and New England on Wednesday and Thursday, and in the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Friday and Saturday.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have signed a new partnership that includes a vow of mutual aid if either country faces “aggression.” Their summit came as both face escalating standoffs with the West.

N'DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — An official says nine people were killed and more than 40 injured when a fire set off explosions at a military ammunition depot in Chad’s capital.

Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have killed three Hezbollah fighters as a U.S. envoy tasked with avoiding a devastating regional war returned to Israel after meeting officials in Lebanon.

The CEO of Boeing got his day in front of Congress, and it was a rocky flight. At a hearing Tuesday, senators peppered David Calhoun with questions about the company's safety record and whether it retaliates against whistleblowers.

In other news:

Half a million immigrants could eventually get US citizenship under a sweeping new plan from President Joe Biden.
New York's top court declines to hear Donald Trump's appeal of gag order in hush money case.
US soldier convicted of theft in Russia and sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison.
The shooter who killed 5 at a Colorado LGBTQ+ club pleads guilty to 50 federal hate crimes.
Texas megachurch pastor resigns after woman says he sexually abused her in the 1980s.
Retail sales rise a meager 0.1% in May from April as still high inflation curbs spending.
Ship attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in fatal assault sinks in Red Sea in their second sinking.
Stellantis recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles to fix software glitch that disables rear camera.
Baseball legend Willie Mays passes away, Edmonton forces a Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Finals, New York Mets keep winning, and the State of Kansas is trying to lure the Chiefs and Royals.
Caitlin Clark and the WNBA are getting a lot of attention. It's about far more than basketball.
MLB switching to challenge system full-time for robot umpires experiment at Triple-A.
Yankees' Anthony Rizzo sidelined 8 weeks with broken forearm, Ian Hamilton and Cody Poteet also hurt.
Singer Justin Timberlake charged with driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons.
Actor Ian McKellen, 85, is in 'good spirits' and expected to recover from fall off stage in London.
French actress Anouk Aimée, a Golden Globe winner for her role in 'A Man and a Woman,' dies at 92.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 18 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

PHOENIX (AP) — Extreme heat alerts remain in effect for tens of millions of people in the United States as cities including Chicago break heat records. States in the Midwest started to bake Monday in the dangerous heat wave that was expected to stretch from Iowa to Maine into at least Friday. The mid-Atlantic and New England are likely to see highs in the 90s as the week progresses. Excessive humidity will make it feel even more oppressive. The U.S. last year saw the most heat waves since 1936. Officials are warning people to take precautions, such as drinking plenty of water and staying indoors.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is planning to announce a sweeping new policy that would lift the threat of deportation for tens of thousands of people married to U.S. citizens. It's an aggressive election-year action on immigration that had been sought by many Democrats.

DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling nearly 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a software glitch that can disable the rearview cameras. The recall covers Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs from 2022 and 2023. Also included are Ram ProMaster vans from 2022 and 2023, as well as the Ram 3500 chassis cabs and Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups from 2022. Also covered are 2021 through 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs, and 2021 and 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States has renewed a warning that it’s obligated to defend its close treaty ally a day after Filipino navy personnel were injured and their supply boats damaged in one of the most serious confrontations between the Philippines and China in a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. China and the Philippines blamed each other for instigating Monday’s hostilities in the Second Thomas Shoal.

BERLIN (AP) — Eight people accused of involvement in a suspected far-right plot to topple the German government have gone on trial in Munich, in the last of three trials in the sprawling case.

In other news:

A record number of NATO allies are hitting their defense spending target during war in Ukraine.
Surgeon general calls on Congress to require social media warning labels, like those on cigarettes.
Biden's Title IX rule blocked by judge in 6 additional states.
Biden's reelection team launches $50 million ad campaign targeting Trump before the first debate.
Authorities across US grapple with rash of violence in final days of spring.
Judge orders railway to pay Washington tribe nearly $400 million for trespassing with oil trains.
Secret Service agent robbed at gunpoint during Biden's Los Angeles trip, police say.
Maryland's Governor will issue more than 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions.
New Jersey power broker is charged with racketeering in waterfront redevelopment case.
The Celtics win the NBA championship, Jaylen Brown is the Finals MVP, the Panthers can win the Stanley Cup Tuesday, and Paul Skenes continues to dominate hitters in his rookie season.
South Korean soldiers fire warning shots after North Korean troops intrude for a 2nd time this month. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 17 at 8:30 a.m. CT:

The United States is bracing for chaotic weather this week, as the South is set to experience another heat wave following a short respite from searing temperatures earlier this month. The National Weather Service expects some areas to reach temperatures so high they’ll hit new daily records. And it’s not just the U.S. Across the Northern Hemisphere, in Europe and Asia, extreme temperatures are causing deadly heatstroke and early wildfires before the start of astronomical summer.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign says it's using a $50 million advertising blitz targeting voters in battleground states to highlight the “stark contrast” between Biden and former President Donald Trump following Trump's New York felony conviction.

The U.S. surgeon general has called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms similar to those now mandatory on cigarette boxes. In a Monday opinion piece for The New York Times, Dr. Vivek Murthy said that social media is a contributing factor in the mental health crisis among young people.

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders are gathering for a dinner summit to take stock of recent European election results and weigh nominees for the bloc's top jobs. The June 6-9 polls saw the European Parliament shift to the right.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean state media says Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in the country on Tuesday for a two-day visit.

In other news:

Trump blasts immigrants for taking jobs as he courts voters at a Black church, MAGA event in Detroit.
George Clooney and Julia Roberts help Biden raise $28 million at a fundraiser featuring dire warnings about Trump.
Some hawking stem cells say they can treat almost anything. They can't.
2 killed and several wounded in shooting during a Juneteenth celebration in a Texas park.
Stores are more subdued in observing Pride Month. Some LGBTQ+ people see a silver lining in that.
2024 Tonys hand big awards to Daniel Radcliffe, Jeremy Strong, Danya Taymor and Shaina Taub.
An emotional win for theaters, Hollywood ‘Inside Out 2’ scores massive $155 million opening.
Opal Lee gets keys to her new Texas home 85 years after a racist mob drove her family from that lot.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolves War Cabinet that was steering war in Gaza, Israeli officials say.
80 countries at Swiss conference agree Ukraine's territorial integrity must be basis of any peace.
Muslim pilgrims converge at Mount Arafat for daylong worship as Hajj reaches its peak.
All eyes are on Kate as she returns to public view at a military parade honoring King Charles III.
Bryson DeChambeau takes the US Open, the Red Sox withstand Aaron Judge's 26th homer, the Orioles clobber the Phillies, the Rays power past the Braves, the Mariners widen their division lead, the Brewers win with a defensive gem, the Dodgers get another shutout but lose a star and the Fever get a big game from Caitlin Clark. Correspondent Steve Carney reports.
In this week's religion roundup, Pope Francis holds an audience of comedians, Southern Baptists oust a church over women pastors.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 15 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:

Credit card delinquencies are rising. Here's what to do if you're at risk.
Alzheimer's drug that can slow disease gets backing from FDA advisers.
Things to know about FDA warning on paralytic shellfish poisoning in Pacific Northwest.
African elephants call each other by unique names, new study shows.
A jet missing since 1971 was found submerged in Vermont's Lake Champlain.
Demand for food delivery has skyrocketed. So have complaints about some drivers.
New research explores how a short trip to space affects the human body.
Thefts of charging cables pose yet another obstacle to appeal of electric vehicles.
What the new 'buy now, pay later' rule means for small businesses offering the service.
UN migration agency says the number of internally displaced people in Sudan has surpassed 10 million.
While youth hockey participation in Canada shrinks, the US is seeing steady growth.
Historically Black Coconut Grove nurtured young athletes. Now that legacy is under threat.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 14 at 8 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden vowed to continue supporting Ukraine, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is promising to order an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and begin negotiations if Kyiv started withdrawing troops from the four regions annexed by Moscow in 2022 and renounced plans to join NATO. An aide to Ukraine's president said there was nothing new in the proposals.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has made a triumphant return to Capitol Hill to meet with House and Senate Republicans for the first time since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. GOP lawmakers find themselves newly energized and reinvigorated by Trump's bid to retake the White House. A packed room of House Republicans sang “Happy Birthday” to Trump in a private breakfast meeting at GOP campaign headquarters across the street from the Capitol.

PHOENIX (AP) — The Justice Department says Phoenix police discriminate against Black, Hispanic and Native American people, unlawfully detain homeless people and use excessive force, including unjustified deadly force.

In other news:

Unanimous Supreme Court preserves access to widely used abortion medication.
Supreme Court rules California man can't trademark 'Trump too small.'
Biden campaign calls on GOP to drop lawsuits over mail ballots, citing Trump's new fondness for it.
Biden says he won't offer commutation to his son Hunter after gun sentence.
Elon Musk wins back his $44.9 billion Tesla pay package in shareholder vote.
Mortgage rates ease for second straight week, leaving average rate on a 30-year home loan at 6.95%.
US wholesale prices dropped in May, adding to evidence that inflation pressures are cooling.
Biden and Zelenskyy sign security deal as Ukraine's leader questions how long the unity will last.
US, Europe agree to lock up Russian assets until it pays for Ukraine war, clearing way for $50B loan.
European Court of Justice fines Hungary 200 million euros for failing to comply with asylum rules.
US reporter Evan Gershkovich, jailed in Russia on espionage charges, to stand trial, officials say.
Ukrainian winemakers visit California's Napa Valley to learn how to heal war-ravaged vineyards.
Gospel group, basking in resurgence, releases first new music in nearly 50 years.
Reported birth of rare white buffalo calf in Yellowstone park fulfills Lakota prophecy.
Running out of marijuana, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket get approval to ship pot to the islands.
The Panthers are a game away from sweeping the Stanley Cup Finals, the Celtics can sweep the NBA Finals Friday, Rory McIlroy makes headlines again on the golf course, and the NHL's new Utah team won't have a nickname next season.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is making a triumphant return to Capitol Hill to meet with House and Senate Republicans for the first time since the Jan. 6, 2021 attack. GOP lawmakers find themselves newly energized and reinvigorated by Trump's bid to retake the White House. This is despite the federal charges against Trump for conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and his recent guilty verdict in an unrelated hush money trial. He is expected to visit House and then Senate Republican campaign headquarters near the Capitol to discuss party priorities. It's his first as the party’s presumptive nominee. He's also speaking at the Business Roundtable.

BORGO EGNAZIA, Italy (AP) — A Group of Seven summit has opened in Italy. Premier Giorgia Meloni has welcomed the G7 leaders and formally opened their closed-door talks on Thursday. Meloni in her opening remarks likened the bloc of industrialized nations to Puglia's famed olive trees with strong roots and branches pointing toward the future. Negotiators reached agreement hours before the official opening of the summit on a U.S. proposal to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets as collateral.

In other news:

President Joe Biden faces first lawsuit over new asylum crackdown at the border.
House votes to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for withholding Biden audio.
Presidential election a prime target for foreign disinformation, intelligence officials say.
AP-NORC poll About half of US adults approve of Trump's conviction, but views of him remain stable.
The White House isn't ruling out a potential commutation for Hunter Biden after his conviction.
Federal Reserve sees some progress on inflation but envisions just one rate cut this year.
US inflation cooled in May in a sign that price pressures may be easing.
Baltimore's busy port fully reopens after bridge collapse, and a return to normal is expected.
Elon Musk drops lawsuit against ChatGPT-maker OpenAI without explanation.
Six years after the Parkland school massacre, the bloodstained building will finally be demolished.
Southern Baptists narrowly reject formal ban on churches with any women pastors.
The Celtics take a stranglehold of their NBA Finals series against the Mavericks, an NBA legend passes away, the Sun put their WNBA best record on the line at Chicago, a busy night in Major League Baseball sees the Yankees take over the league's best record, and the PGA's U.S. Open tees off Thursday.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 12 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday will likely make official what’s been clear for many weeks: With inflation sticking at a level well above their 2% target, they are downgrading their outlook for interest rate cuts.

Primaries were held in South Carolina and Ohio on Tuesday.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hunter Biden’s legal woes are not over after his conviction on three felony firearms charges in a trial that put a spotlight on his drug-fueled past. Now, President Joe Biden’s son faces sentencing, and another trial on tax charges in the middle of his father’s reelection campaign.

BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon’s Hezbollah has fired scores of rockets into northern Israel to avenge the killing of a top commander.

WARREN, Mich. (AP) — The lead singer of the Four Tops says a Detroit-area hospital restrained him and ordered a psychological exam after refusing to believe that he was part of the Motown music group. Alexander Morris filed a lawsuit Monday against Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren.

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — The children who survived the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, will be graduating high school with mixed emotions. Although they're excited to go off to college or start a career, they say they're also sad that their classmates who were killed can't be with them to celebrate and live the rest of their lives.

In other news:

Justice Alito questions possibility of political compromise in secret recording.
US gas prices are falling. Experts point to mild demand at the pump ahead of summer travel.
A Florida law blocking treatment for transgender children is thrown out by a federal judge.
Gunman wounds 3 in Atlanta food court before being shot by officer, police say.
Southern Baptists expel Virginia church for believing women can serve as pastors.
Waffle House raises worker pay after strikes and pressure from labor organizers.
Union 4 Florida police officers indicted for 2019 shootout that left UPS driver and passerby dead.
Pamela Smart, serving life, accepts responsibility for her husband's 1990 killing for the first time.
Dog fight! Joey Chestnut out of July 4 hot dog eating contest due to deal with rival brand.
Attraction starring Disney's first Black princess replaces ride based on film many viewed as racist.
Defense attorney for rapper Young Thug found in contempt, ordered to spend 10 weekends in jail.
Mexico's historic Chapultepec Castle is flying the Targaryen flag, and officials aren't amused.
The Celtics may or may not have one of their key players for Wednesday's Game Three of the NBA Finals, the Phillies and Yankees continue to have their way with the rest of MLB, and a big name will be sitting out golf's US Open this weekend. Aaron Rodgers and Haason Reddick are not attending Jets' mandatory minicamp.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 11 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

BLANTYRE, Malawi (AP) — Malawi’s vice president and nine others have been killed in a plane crash, the country’s president said Tuesday. The wreckage of the military plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima was located in a mountainous area in the north of the country after a search that lasted more than a day. There were no survivors of the crash, Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Jurors are set to resume deliberations in the criminal case against Hunter Biden over a 2018 gun purchase when prosecutors say President Joe Biden's son was in the throes of a crack cocaine addiction. Jurors deliberated for less than an hour Monday before leaving the federal courthouse in Delaware. Jurors are weighing whether Hunter Biden is guilty of three felonies in the case pitting him against his father’s Justice Department in the middle of the Democratic president’s reelection campaign. Hunter Biden's lawyers have argued he did not consider himself an “addict” when he bought the gun.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.N. Security Council’s vote in favor of a U.S.-backed proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza has made it “as clear as it possibly could be” that the world supports the plan. He again called on Hamas to accept it, and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reaffirmed his commitment to the proposal. Blinken’ spoke Tuesday during his latest visit to the region, his eighth since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack ignited the war. Hamas also welcomed the Security Council vote and says it supports the broad outline of the agreement but wants assurances it will be implemented.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The World Bank has approved $1 billion for the construction of Pakistan’s biggest Dasu hydropower project, which is being built in the country’s northwest with China’s help. The bank said Tuesday the project will contribute to “greening" the energy sector and lowering the cost of electricity. The dam is being built in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, and once completed, it will have an installed capacity of 4,320 to 5,400 megawatts. Thousands of Chinese have been working on the Dasu dam and other projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Some have been attacked in recent years by militants who accuse them of plundering mineral resources.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's military says South Korean soldiers fired warning shots after North Korean troops violated the two countries' land border earlier this week. Some North Korean soldiers who were engaged in unspecified work on the northern side of the border briefly crossed the military demarcation line on Sunday, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Those North Korean soldiers immediately returned to their territory after South Korea’s military fired warning shots and issued warning broadcasts, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The incident came amid rising tensions over North Korea’s recent launches of trash-carrying balloons.

In other news:

The Rev. James Lawson Jr. has died at 95, civil rights leader's family says.
In the rough Felony convictions could cost Trump liquor licenses at 3 New Jersey golf courses.
Inflation data this week could help determine Fed's timetable for rate cuts.
Baltimore shipping channel fully reopens after bridge collapse.
Chrysler recalls more than 211,000 SUVs and pickup trucks due to software malfunction.
Liberal Judge Susan Crawford enters race for Wisconsin Supreme Court with majority at stake.
Martha's Vineyard is about to run out of pot. That's led to a lawsuit and a scramble by regulators.
The Florida Panthers take an early charge of the Stanley Cup Finals, Dan Hurley to stay at UConn, Mike Tomlin gets an extention with the Steelers, the Orioles sweep the Rays.
How an Israeli raid freed 4 hostages and killed at least 274 Palestinians in Gaza.
Body of missing British TV presenter Michael Mosley found on Greek island. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 10 at 7 a.m. CT:

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy embraced his status as an outsider who came to Montana to start a business during the first debate in a race that could tip the balance of power in the Senate. Three-term Democrat Sen. Jon Tester declared Sheehy “part of the problem” amid a housing shortage and rising property taxes.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Far-right parties rattled the traditional powers in the European Union with major gains in parliamentary seats, dealing an especially humiliating defeat to French President Emmanuel Macron, who called snap legislative elections. Some ballots in the vote for the European Parliament were still being counted Monday, but the outcome showed the 27-nation bloc’s parliament membership has clearly shifted to the right.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hunter Biden's family has gone to great lengths to support him as he stands trials for lying on a federal gun purchase form when he said he didn't have a drug problem. Jill Biden has been a regular presence in the federal courtroom in Delaware, and other family members have attended.

In other news:

Some nationalities escape President Joe Biden's sweeping asylum ban because deportation flights are scarce.
Apple expected to enter AI race with ambitions to overtake the early leaders.
Large chunk of Wyoming's Teton Pass road collapses; unclear how quickly it can be rebuilt.
A World War II veteran just married his bride near Normandy's D-Day beaches. He's 100, she's 96.
Florida authorities warn of shark dangers along Gulf Coast beaches after 3 people are attacked.
Florida woman charged with leaving her boyfriend to die in a suitcase faces October trial.
"Bad Boys Ride or Die" boosts Will Smith's comeback and the box office with $56 million opening.
Howard University cuts ties with Sean 'Diddy' Combs after video of attack on Cassie.
Dick Van Dyke becomes the oldest Daytime Emmy winner at age 98 for guest role on "Days of Our Lives."
Former astronaut William Anders, who took iconic Earthrise photo, has died in Washington plane crash.
The Celtics take care of business in Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Mets salvage a split with the Phillies in London, Tyler Freeman's late-inning heroics help the Guardians beat the Marlins, the Yankees use the long-ball to avoid being swept by the Dodgers, Carlos Alcaraz earns a French Open title in thrilling fashion, Scottie Scheffler holds on for another PGA Tour victory, Kyle Larson earns a NASCAR Cup Series win in his home state, and the Liberty keep the Mystics winless.
French President Macron calls a snap legislative election after defeat in EU vote.
Relying on coalition partners, Modi is sworn in for a rare third term as India's prime minister.
Kate, Princess of Wales, apologizes for missing Irish Guards final rehearsal before king's parade.
Israel rescues 4 hostages kidnapped in a Hamas attack on Oct. 7. At least 55 dead in Gaza strikes.
In this week's religion roundup, a debate over in vitro fertilization reaches the public. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 7 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:

Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it.
CEOs got hefty pay raises in 2023, widening the gap with the workers they oversee.
Many Americans still shying away from EVs despite Biden push, AP-NORCEPIC poll finds.
"Home Alone" house being sold. Swinging paint cans not included.
Cancer patients often do better with less intensive treatment, new research finds.
Zombies: Ranks of world's most debt-hobbled companies are soaring, and not all will survive.
Climate solution Massachusetts town experiments with community heating and cooling.
New study finds Earth warming at record rate, but no evidence of climate change accelerating.
Online marketplace eBay to drop American Express, citing fees, and says customers have other options.
Panel rejects psychedelic drug MDMA as a PTSD treatment in possible setback for advocates.
Intelligence chairman says US may be less prepared for election threats than it was four years ago.
New Orleans valedictorian lived in a homeless shelter as he rose to the top of his class.
YouTube toughens policy on gun videos and youth; critics say proof will be in enforcement.
Prince William is usher at wedding of aristocrat the Duke of Westminster.
UN official highlights how better preparation has shrunk disaster deaths despite worsening climate.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 7 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

PARIS (AP) — President Joe Biden has for the first time publicly apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a monthslong congressional holdup in American military assistance that let Russia make battlefield gains. Biden and Zelenskyy met Friday in France, where they attended ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

RENO, Nev. (AP) — The first heat wave of the year is expected to maintain its grip on the Southwest United States for at least another day as record-setting temperatures continue to soar past 110 degrees Fahrenheit from southeast California to Arizona. The official start of summer is still two weeks away.

WASHINGTON (AP) — US employers added a robust 272,000 jobs in May in a sign of continued economic strength.

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 1.2 million rechargeable lights are under recall in the U.S. and Canada following a report of one consumer death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Good Earth Lighting’s now-recalled integrated light bars have batteries that can overheat and cause the unit to catch on fire.

In other news:

Tim Scott, a potential Donald Trump VP pick, launches a $14 million outreach effort to minority voters.
Election certification disputes in a handful of states spark concerns over presidential contest.
Trump ally Steve Bannon must surrender to prison by July 1 to start contempt sentence, judge says.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to address Congress on July 24, AP sources say.
Boeing's astronaut capsule arrives at the space station after thruster trouble.
Records expunged for St. Louis couple who waved guns at protesters. They want their guns back.
Dwindling number of D-Day veterans mark anniversary with plea to recall WWII lessons in today's wars.
Little relief Mortgage rates ease, pulling the average rate on a 30-year home loan to just below 7%.
Man charged in Gilgo Beach serial killings kept 'blueprint' of crimes on computer, prosecutors say.
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Vanna White bids an emotional goodbye to Pat Sajak.
Diana Ross, Eminem and Jack White perform for thousands as former Detroit eyesore returns to life.
Suzanne Collins is releasing a new 'Hunger Games' novel, 'Sunrise on the Reaping,' next year.
Dolly Parton plans for a musical on her life using her songs to land on Broadway in 2026.
Paris Olympics organizers unveil a display of the five Olympic rings mounted on the Eiffel Tower.
Ex-NASCAR driver Tighe Scott and 3 other Pennsylvania men face charges stemming from Capitol riot.
The Celtics beat the Mavericks, the Lakers may make a coaching change, the White Sox fall again and the defending champ is back in the French Open women's final.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 6 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

World War II veterans are joining heads of state and others on the beaches of Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Allied invasion, which began on June 6, 1944, led to the defeat of the Nazis and the end of the war. The assault began with Allied aircraft bombing German defenses in Normandy, followed by around 1,200 aircraft that carried airborne troops.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say an Israeli strike on a school sheltering displaced families in central Gaza killed at least 33 people including 23 women and children. The Israeli military claims the school was being used as a Hamas compound.

LIVONIA, Mich. (AP) — A toddler has been killed and his mother was injured when a tornado struck suburban Detroit without warning. Officials in Livonia, Michigan, say the tornado tore through several neighborhoods on Wednesday afternoon and developed so quickly that there was no advance notice from the National Weather Service or others that would have normally led to the activation of warning sirens.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal's abundant hydroelectric power is helping the Himalayan nation cut its oil imports and clean up its air, thanks to a boom in sales of electric vehicles. Nearly all of the electricity produced in Nepal is clean energy, most of it generated by river-fed hydro-electricity.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has halted a plan to charge motorists big tolls to enter the core of Manhattan. Just weeks before the nation’s first “congestion pricing” system was set to launch, she says it risks "too many unintended consequences at this time."

In other news:

Appeals court halts Donald Trump's Georgia election case while appeal on Fani Willis disqualification pending.
House Republicans issue criminal referrals against James and Hunter Biden, alleging false testimony.
Hunter Biden's ex-wife and former girlfriend testify at trial about finding his drug paraphernalia.
Ukraine uses US weapons to strike inside Russia, a Western official tells AP.
Vladimir Putin warns that Russia could provide long-range weapons to others to strike Western targets.
Boeing launches NASA astronauts for the first time after years of delays.
A hail stone the size of a pineapple was found in Texas. It likely sets a state record.
Wisconsin warden and eight staff members charged following probes into inmate deaths.
Washington man sentenced for 20 'swatting' calls of false threats in US, Canada.
Big Mac battle: McDonald's loses European Union trademark fight with Irish rival Supermac's.
Big offensive nights around major league baseball, a franchise tying all time losing streak and a preview of the NBA Finals.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 5 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

AUKAR, Lebanon (AP) — The Lebanese military said that its solidiers shot and captured a gunman who attacked the U.S. embassy near Beirut after a shootout that injured an embassy security guard. The attack took place Wednesday as tensions continued to simmer in the tiny Mediterranean country, where months of fighting between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops has displaced thousands along the border.

PARIS (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden is headed to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where he'll join other world leaders to commemorate the invasion that helped bring an end to World War II. He will arrive at a time when the Western alliances that were forged in that era are being threatened in the United States and overseas.

FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — An Italian court has reconvicted Amanda Knox of slander, quashing her hope of removing a legal stain against her that has persisted long after her exoneration in the brutal 2007 murder of her British roommate.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hunter Biden’s ex-wife is expected to be among the witnesses at his federal gun trial in Delaware. Kathleen Buhle was married to President Joe Biden’s son for roughly 20 years and says they divorced after his infidelity and drug abuse became too much to overcome. Witness testimony is expected to continue Wednesday.

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing his mother after the two had argued about the volume on the video games he was playing.

NEW YORK (AP) — James Kane has used a magnet to fish all manner of junk from New York City waterways, but he says the stacks of $100 bills he pulled from a safe were something else entirely. Kane’s girlfriend, Barbi Agostini, told The Associated Press on Monday that she thought he was joking as she filmed their Friday find. The magnet fisher who promotes his exploits online pulled a slimy safe out of a lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Friday. The couple estimates that the safe contained $100,000 in damaged currency.

In other news:

Biden says he's restricting asylum to help 'gain control' of the border.
Biden lays into Donald Trump over convictions and says he now poses a greater threat than in 2016.
Attorney General Merrick Garland slams attacks on the Justice Department, telling lawmakers 'I will not be intimidated.'
Trump's lawyers ask judge to lift gag order imposed during New York trial.
Wisconsin attorney general files felony charges against attorneys, aide who worked for Trump in 2020.
Kim, Bashaw win New Jersey primaries for Senate seat held by embattled Menendez.
Amid election-year push on reproductive rights, Senate to hold test vote on access to contraception.
3-year-old dies in what police say was random stabbing in Ohio grocery parking lot.
US job openings fall to 8.1 million, lowest since 2021, but remain at historically high levels.
How AP covered the D-Day landings and lost photographer Bede Irvin in the battle for Normandy.
Silence and heavy security in China and Hong Kong on 35th anniversary of Tiananmen crackdown.
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin announce TLC family reality series.
Halsey reveals illness, announces new album and shares new song 'The End.'
Muhammad Ali's childhood home is for sale in Kentucky after being converted into a museum.
Major League Baseball makes news on and off the field, a WNBA team looks to remain undefeated, there will be a new men's champion at the French Open, a long time NHL star hangs up his skates, and a legendary NCAA women's basketball coach is given a contract extension.
Baseball star Shohei Ohtani says he has 'closure' after ex-interpreter Ippei Mizuhara's guilty plea.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 4 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Opening statements are set to begin in the federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter. A jury of 12 and four alternates was seated Monday in Delaware. First lady Jill Biden attended the proceedings. So did Hunter Biden's sister Ashley. Hunter Biden is charged with three felonies stemming from a 2018 firearm purchase when he was, according to his memoir, in the throes of a crack addiction.

PHOENIX (AP) — Parts of California, Nevada and Arizona are expected to bake this week as the first heat wave of the season arrives with triple-digit temperatures. That includes Phoenix, which last summer saw a record 31 straight days of at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Palestinian health officials in the Gaza Strip say Israeli strikes killed at least 11 people overnight into Tuesday. A family of three was killed in the built-up Bureij refugee camp and eight police officers were hit in the central town of Deir al-Balah. In the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said Tuesday it killed two Palestinians, who it claimed were attempting to launch a shooting attack toward Israeli communities. A cease-fire proposal announced by United States President Joe Biden has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a crossroads.

BEIJING (AP) — Security in Beijing is tight around Tiananmen Square as China marks 35 years since a bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests. Police checkpoints and rows of police vehicles could be seen along major roads on Tuesday, even as hundreds of tourists lined the streets leading to the square and the nearby Forbidden City.

In other news:

After guilty verdict, Trump will appear on the ballot in the last presidential primaries of 2024.
Biden prepares a tough executive order that would shut down asylum after 2,500 migrants arrive a day.
Kamala Harris will represent the US at a Swiss 'peace summit' for Ukraine.
A grant program for Black women business owners is discriminatory, appeals court rules.
Ex-US soldier charged in 'international crime spree' extradited from Ukraine, officials say.
New Jersey Democrats and Republicans picking Senate, House candidates amid Menendez corruption trial.
Louisiana lawmakers approve surgical castration option for those guilty of sex crimes against kids.
Sandy Hook families ask bankruptcy judge to liquidate Alex Jones' media company.
PacifiCorp will pay $178M to Oregon wildfire victims in latest settlement over deadly 2020 blazes.
Atlanta water woes extend into fourth day as city finally cuts off leak gushing into streets.
Poppi faces lawsuit from consumer who questions its gut health claims.
Company that bred beagles for research pleads guilty to neglect, ordered to pay record $35M fine.
China's spacecraft carrying rocks from the far side of the moon leaves the lunar surface.
Hong Kong detains an artist on the eve of the 35th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown.
A betting investigation is underway in Major League Baseball, the Vikings agree to a huge deal with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Phillies beat the Brewers as baseball division leaders square off, and Evansville with the school's biggest baseball win.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April June 3 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Jury selection begins this week in Delaware in a federal gun case against President Joe Biden’s son Hunter after the collapse of a deal with prosecutors that would've avoided the spectacle of a trial so close to the 2024 election. Hunter Biden has been charged with lying on federal gun purchase forms when he said he wasn’t a drug addict.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s projected election winner Claudia Sheinbaum will become the first woman president in the country’s 200-year history. The climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor said Sunday night that her two competitors had called her and conceded her victory.

Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes killed 11 people overnight into Monday, including a woman and three children, in central Gaza. Earlier Monday, the Israeli military said that the body of a man presumed to be a hostage was found in a community near the Gaza border that Hamas militants attacked on Oct. 7.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Michael Douglas has paid a solidarity visit to an Israeli kibbutz that was hit hard in the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that sparked Israel’s war against the Islamic militant group. Douglas met with members of Kibbutz Be’eri and visited burnt-out homes destroyed in the Oct. 7 attack.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California firefighters gained significant ground Sunday on a wind-driven wildfire that has scorched thousands of acres 60 miles (97 kilometers) east of San Francisco.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A swimmer suffered serious injuries from a shark attack on the Southern California coast Sunday, prompting temporary beach closures. Authorities say the 46-year-old man was swimming with about a dozen people off the Pacific coast of Del Mar, north of San Diego, when the attack happened.

NEW YORK (AP) — Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who is 93, has married for the fifth time. Murdoch's News Corp confirmed that he and Elena Zhukova, a 67-year-old Russian-born retired molecular biologist, wed Saturday in a ceremony at his California vineyard.

In other headlines:

Former President Donald Trump spoke about his conviction with Fox News.
Republicans join Trump's attacks on justice system and campaign of vengeance after guilty verdict.
Boeing's first astronaut flight called off at the last minute in latest setback.
Expect the cost of your airfare to continue to rise, an aviation trade group and industry heads warn.
Firefighters battle blazes across drought-stricken parts of Florida.
World War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
‘Garfield,’ ‘Furiosa’ repeat atop box office charts as slow summer grinds on.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour 'I am completely heartsick and devastated.'
Live Nation reveals data breach at its Ticketmaster subsidiary.
Publisher of '2000 Mules' apologizes to Georgia man falsely accused of ballot fraud in the film.
The Oilers advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 2006, the Yankees are the best in baseball, Caitlin Clark fails to fill up the stat sheet, and it's a surprise ending at Sunday's NASCAR event.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Francis apologizes for using a vulgar term, and apocalyptic beliefs lead to a murder conviction. AP Correspondent Walter Ratliff reports. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 25 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:

Will former President Donald Trump be sentenced to prison?Guilty Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes.
Voter outreach groups targeted by new laws in several GOP-led states are struggling to do their work.
Most AAPI adults think history of racism should be taught in schools, AP-NORC poll finds.
Layoffs can be part of running a small business. Some tips for owners on handling them.
IRS makes free tax return program permanent and is asking all states to join in 2025.
More people make 'no-buy year' pledges as overspending or climate worries catch up with them.
Another Michigan dairy worker has bird flu, the third US case this year.
Hollywood movies rarely reflect climate change crisis. These researchers want to change that.
Toyota shows 'an engine reborn' with green fuel despite global push for battery electric cars.
What to look for in mosquito repellents.
'Star Trek' actor George Takei is determined to keep telling his Japanese American story.
At 100, this vet says the 'greatest generation' moniker fits 'because we saved the world.'
Pat Owtram used her language skills to listen in on German U-boats during WWII.
He saw the horrors of Dachau. Now, this veteran warns against Holocaust denial.
Jackie Robinson is rebuilt in bronze in Colorado after theft of statue from Kansas park.
A fifth grader's fundraiser cleared his school of meal debt. It named an award for him.
Armenians, Hmong and other groups feel US race and ethnicity categories don't represent them.
Executions worldwide jumped last year to the highest number since 2015, Amnesty report says.
UN refugee chief says 114 million have fled homes because nations fail to tackle causes of conflict.
US vow more retirns of looted antiquties as Italy celebrates haul of 60 artifacts.
In Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, a hidden underground world is under threat by the Maya Train.
North Korea flies trash balloons over the South as leader Kim doubles down on satellite ambitions.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 31 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts marks the end of his historic hush money trial but the fight over the case is far from over. Now comes the sentencing and the prospect of a prison sentence. A lengthy appellate process. And all the while, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee still has to deal with three more criminal cases and a campaign that could see him return to the White House. The Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records after more than nine hours of deliberations over two days. Trump angrily denounced the trial as a “disgrace,” telling reporters he's an “innocent man.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Joint British-U.S. airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels killed at least 16 people and wounded 42 others. That's according to comments from the rebels Friday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis police officer was killed when he responded to a shooting call and was providing medical attention to a man who shot him in what authorities are calling an ambush.

In other news:

Shares in Trump Media slump after former president convicted in hush money trial.
President Joe Biden partially lifts ban on Ukraine using US arms in strikes on Russian territory, US officials say.
Biden to make his first state visit to France after attending D-Day 80th commemorations next week.
Supreme Court clears the way for the NRA’s free speech lawsuit against an ex-New York official.
Chief Justice John Roberts rejects Senate Democrats' request to discuss Supreme Court ethics and Alito flag controversy.
Mortgage rates snap three-week pullback, pushing average rate on a 30-year home loan back above 7%.
US economic growth last quarter is revised down from 1.6% rate to 1.3%, but consumers kept spending.
Amazon gets FAA approval allowing it to expand drone deliveries for online orders.
Boeing tells federal regulators how it plans to fix aircraft safety and quality problems.
From electric vehicles to deciding what to cook for dinner, John Podesta faces climate challenges.
Bruhat Soma wins the National Spelling Bee after a slow night concludes with a sudden tiebreaker.
Doomsday plot Idaho jury convicts Chad Daybell of killing wife and girlfriend's 2 children.
Michigan reports another person working with cows got bird flu, the third US case this year.
The Mavericks advance to the NBA Finals, another nail biter at Madison Square Garden in hockey, eight games in Major League Baseball and Hard Knocks has its team for the upcoming NFL season.
25 North Korea fires missile barrage toward its eastern waters days after failed satellite launch.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 30 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

HOUSTON (AP) — Residents across Texas are recovering again from storms that ripped off roofs in Dallas and flooded roads in Houston. Up to 1 million homes and businesses were without power during the severe weather Tuesday. One electric utility said Wednesday that some outages could linger into the weekend. A 16-year-old construction worker was killed when a house being built near Houston collapsed.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jury deliberations in Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial are set to enter a second day as jurors navigate the weighty task of evaluating the former president's guilt and innocence alongside the facts of the case. The panel deliberated for more than four hours Wednesday and asked the judge to rehear both jury instructions and portions of testimony from two key witnesses.

BEIJING (AP) — China's Commerce Ministry has announced it will restrict exports of aviation and aerospace-related equipment and technology beginning July 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A string of security, logistical and weather problems has battered the plan to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza through a U.S. military-built pier. Broken apart by strong winds and heavy seas just over a week after it became operational, U.S. officials say that the pier is being repaired, then will be reinstalled and working again soon.

The Israeli military says two soldiers have been killed in a car-ramming attack in the occupied West Bank. Violence in the West Bank has surged throughout the war in Gaza as Israel raids Palestinian towns in the territory to crack down on militancy, with incursions resulting in the deaths of more than 500 Palestinians.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is set to execute a man convicted of bludgeoning an elderly couple to death 20 years ago to steal prescription drugs and $140 from their home. Jamie Ray Mills is scheduled to be put to death Thursday evening at a south Alabama prison.

Melinda French Gates says she will be donating $1 billion over the next two years to individuals and organizations working on behalf of women and families globally, including on reproductive rights in the United States. French Gates is one of the biggest philanthropic supporters of gender equity in the U.S.

Yale University has named its 24th president. Maurie McInnis will take over on July 1 and succeed Peter Salovey, who is retiring to take a faculty position after leading the New Haven, Connecticut, school for the past decade.

In other news:

Justice Samuel Alito rejects calls to step aside from Supreme Court cases because of flag controversies.
Two new giant pandas are returning to Washington's National Zoo from China by the end of the year.
Key Republican calls for 'generational' increase in defense spending to counter US adversaries.
Another US military MQ-9 Reaper drone goes down in Yemen, images purportedly show.
Boeing reaches deadline for reporting how it will fix aircraft safety and quality problems.
Authorities arrest man allegedly running 'likely world's largest ever' cybercrime botnet.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and news reports overstated its price increases.
Michigan willing to spend millions to restore Flint properties ripped up by pipe replacement.
New York prosecutors say they are weighing new charges against Harvey Weinstein.
14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong's biggest national security case.
An Iceland volcano spews red streams of lava toward an evacuated town.
Charges dropped against golfer Scottie Scheffler, Stanley Cup series evens up between the Oilers and Stars, Dodgers sweep the Mets, and Major League Baseball combines its records with the Negro Leagues.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 29 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial are expected to begin deliberations after receiving instructions from the judge on the law and the factors they may consider as they strive to reach a verdict in the first criminal case against a former American president.

HOUSTON (AP) — Weather-weary Texas has been hammered again by powerful storms bearing forceful winds that left one person dead, collapsed homes under construction and uprooted trees.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris head to the battleground state of Pennsylvania as they step up their reelection pitch to Black voters.

The Israeli military says three soldiers have been killed in Rafah. Israeli media reported that the soldiers were killed when a booby trap exploded Tuesday, and three other soldiers were wounded.

OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — A four-letter word sent Shradha Rachamreddy to a third-place finish in last year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee. The 14-year-old from San Jose, California, made it back as one of 245 spellers competing in this year’s bee, which began Tuesday at a convention center outside Washington.

In other news:

Democrats plan to nominate Biden by virtual roll call to meet Ohio ballot deadline.
Judge nixes bid to restrict Trump statements that could endanger officers in classified records case.
Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis barred from practicing in Colorado for three years.
Judge keeps punishment of 30 years at resentencing for man who attacked Paul Pelosi.
T-Mobile to buy almost all of U.S Cellular in deal worth $4.4 billion with debt.
US consumer confidence rises in May after three months of declines.
Pope apologizes after being quoted using vulgar term about gay men in talk about ban on gay priests.
Weeks of sweltering heat scorch northern India.
What is Manhattanhenge and when can you see it.
Bette Nash, who was named the world's longest-serving flight attendant, dies at 88.
Albert Ruddy, Oscar-winning producer of 'The Godfather' and 'Million Dollar Baby,' dies at 94.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize.
The NBA and NHL playoffs continue, the Cubs and Brewers play extra innings, the Dodgers end their losing streak, Major League Baseball's record book will have a different look, an LPGA golfer announces her retirement from full time competition and the Sun stay undefeated in the WNBA.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 28 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors and defense lawyers in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial are set to deliver closing arguments. Each side wants to score final points with the jury Tuesday before it starts deliberating the fate of the first former American president charged with felony crimes. The arguments are expected to last the entire day.

A possible tornado that damaged homes and a school in Pennsylvania is the latest in a serious of powerful storms that first swept much of the U.S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and caused at least 22 deaths. No injuries were reported in the Pennsylvania storms. But an emergency official says there was roof damage Monday night to a high school and about six homes in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. The destructive storms caused deaths in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky and were just north of a heat wave setting records from south Texas to Florida.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a “tragic mishap” was made in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that set fire to a tent camp housing displaced Palestinians. Local officials say at least 45 people were killed in Sunday's strike.

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities have closed a 2-mile stretch of a popular Southern California beach for the Memorial Day holiday after a shark bumped a surfer off his board the night before. Authorities announced the 24-hour closure at San Clemente after the surfer came out of the water and reported the shark’s aggressive behavior to lifeguards around 8 p.m. Sunday.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a second $1 billion promise of military aid in as many days during a whirlwind tour through the European Union.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Authorities fear a second landslide and a disease outbreak are looming at the scene of Papua New Guinea’s mass-casualty disaster.

In other news:

President Joe Biden says each generation has to 'earn' freedom, in solemn Memorial Day remarks.
Trump, accustomed to friendly crowds, confronts repeated booing during Libertarian convention speech.
Friday's preholiday travel breaks the record for the most airline travelers screened at US airports.
‘Furiosa’ sneaks past ‘Garfield’ to claim No. 1 spot over Memorial Day holiday weekend. Also, the latest in Alec Baldwin's court case, a Nicki Minaj performance and the death of Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman.
Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor.
Prosecutors in Harvey Weinstein's New York case cry foul over defense lawyer's comments.
Mike Tyson 'doing great' after falling ill during weekend flight from Miami to Los Angeles.
The Celtics return to the NBA Finals, a true basketball legend passes away, the Stars shine again in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Rafael Nadal loses his first found match at the French Open. Correspondent Tom Mariam reports.
Newgarden goes back-to-back at Indy 500 to give Roger Penske record-extending 20th win.
Christopher Bell wins the Coca-Cola 600 after race called with 151 laps left due to wet weather.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, an Italian boy takes another step toward becoming the first millennial saint, and the Catholic church revamps how it evaluates supernatural events.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 25 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:

Average US vehicle age hits record 12.6 years as high prices force people to keep them longer.
Bike shops boomed early in the pandemic. It’s been a bumpy ride for most ever since.
Small business owners are more undecided about the election than the general public.
All that 'checkout charity' adds up. Domino's plans $174 million from it for St. Jude hospital.
Using AI, Mastercard expects to find compromised cards quicker, before they get used by criminals.
Sour Patch Kids Oreos Peeps Pepsi What's behind the weird flavors popping up on store shelves.
Dangerous brew Ocean heat and La Nina combo likely mean more Atlantic hurricanes this summer.
'Heat dome' leads to sweltering temperatures in Mexico, Central America and US South.
It's so hot in Mexico that howler monkeys are falling dead from the trees.
Massive cradle of baby stars revealed in new space telescope images.
Sites with radioactive material more vulnerable as climate change increases wildfire, flood risks.
Can pink noise enhance sleep and memory Early research drives a color noise buzz.
Daily marijuana use outpaces daily drinking in the US, a new study says.
US pediatricians group reverses decades-old ban on breastfeeding for those with HIV.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values.
Noncitizen voting, already illegal in federal elections, becomes a centerpiece of 2024 GOP messaging.
Sen. Cory Booker questions US prison labor policies, calls for change.
Barbie will make dolls to honor Venus Williams and other star athletes.
Billionaire rains cash on UMass graduates to tune of $1,000 each, but says they must give half away.
Three little piggies at a yoga class = maximum happiness.
What is in-flight turbulence, and when does it become dangerous for passengers and crews?

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 24 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

AAA says nearly 44 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend, and about 38 million will go by vehicle. Severe weather will be a problem for some around the nation.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel's army says the bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza. The news comes as the top United Nations court prepares to rule on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is campaigning in one of the most Democratic counties in the nation Thursday, holding a rally in the South Bronx. He's hoping to woo minority voters by appearing in one of the most diverse and impoverished neighborhoods in the city where he grew up.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing the formation of a new partnership to help provide internet access to 80% of Africa by 2030, up from 40% now.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for Hunter Biden are due in court days before he's expected to stand trial on federal firearms charges in Delaware as his father’s reelection campaign unfolds. President Joe Biden's son is charged with lying about his drug use in 2018 on a form to buy a gun he kept for about 11 days.

In other news:

U.S. pushes for Ukraine aid, united front against China's trade practices at G7 finance meeting.
Border bill fails Senate test vote as Democrats seek to underscore Republican resistance.
Supreme Court finds no bias against Black voters in a South Carolina congressional district.
Justice Department says illegal monopoly by Ticketmaster and Live Nation drives up prices for fans.
Political consultant behind fake Biden robocalls faces $6 million fine and criminal charges.
Arizona doctors can come to California to perform abortions under new law signed by Gov. Newsom.
Louisiana Legislature approves bill classifying abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances.
Norfolk Southern will pay modest $15 million fine as part of federal settlement over Ohio derailment.
Applications for jobless benefits fall as labor market continues to thrive.
Long-term mortgage rates ease for third straight week, dipping to just below 7%.
Group of graduates walk out of Harvard commencement chanting 'Free, free Palestine.'
Judge says $475,000 award in New Hampshire youth center abuse case would be 'miscarriage of justice.'
Congo names third American in a foiled coup plot as mourners gather in Utah to remember plot leader.
Officer who arrested Scottie Scheffler disciplined for not having bodycam activated.
The Celtics beat the Pacers again, Connor McDavid gives the Oilers a double-overtime victory, the Phillies continue to sizzle, while a Yankees rookie continues to dazzle, and a major settlement in college sports will lead to big paydays for college athletes.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 23 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Nearly 44 million travelers are leaving town for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. But severe weather will continue to be a problem for many after deadly storms swept through the Midwest.

SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, Mexico (AP) — At least nine people are dead and 63 more injured after the collapse of a stage during a campaign rally in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. The state’s governor confirmed the tragedy and said among the dead was a child. A strong gust of wind caused the stage to collapse during an event attended by presidential long-shot candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials say that Russian missiles have slammed into Ukraine’s second-largest city in the northeast of the country and killed at least seven civilians. They said at least 16 people were injured as S-300 missiles struck the city of Kharkiv early Thursday.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says in a new rule that buy now, pay later lenders are basically credit card providers and must provide the same protections and rights that apply to those lenders.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last month, pushed down by high mortgage rates and rising prices. The National Association of Realtors reported Wednesday that existing home sales fell 1.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.14 million from a revised 4.22 million in March.

In other news:

Nikki Haley says she will vote for Donald Trump following their disputes during Republican primary.
A Michigan farmworker is diagnosed with bird flu, becoming second US case tied to dairy cows.
Abrupt shutdown of financial middleman Synapse has frozen thousands of Americans' deposits.
Judge signs off on $600 million: Ohio train derailment settlement but residents still have questions.
Families of Uvalde school shooting victims are suing Texas state police over botched response.
Female White House chef duo has dished up culinary diplomacy at state dinners for nearly a decade.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the band Train, has died after slipping in a shower.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused of 2003 sexual assault in lawsuit.
Judge in Tennessee blocks effort to put Elvis Presley's former home Graceland up for sale.
In sports, the NBA and NHL playoffs continue, the All-NBA Teams are announced, every MLB team was in action, Caitlyn Clark's WNBA Fever were on the road looking for their first win and NASCAR hands down a penalty.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 21 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

GREENFIELD, Iowa (AP) — Multiple people were killed when a tornado tore through a small Iowa town and left a wide swath of obliterated homes, crumpled cars and splintered trees. The tornado destroyed much of the town of Greenfield. Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla says at least a dozen people were injured amid widespread devastation in Greenfield. And outside the town, massive wind turbines were buckled and twisted to the ground by the howling winds. Tuesday saw multiple tornadoes, giant hail and heavy rain in several states. The storms moved eastward to pummel parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers in the two states.

BANGKOK (AP) — Aviation investigators have arrived in Bangkok to learn how and why severe turbulence sent a Singapore Airlines plane into a sudden dive that tossed passengers and crew around the cabin, leaving a British man dead and dozens others injured.

Norway, Ireland and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by Palestinians as an affirmation of their decadeslong quest while Israel recalled its ambassadors to the three countries. Several European Union countries indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

DETROIT (AP) — Cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. keep getting older. A study published Wednesday says U.S. vehicles hit a record average age of 12.6 years in 2024 as people hang on to their rides largely because new ones cost so much.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says it has begun a round of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons. It was the first time Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, although its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises. Russian officials said the drills were a response to remarks by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

In other news:

The defense rests without ex-President Donald Trump taking the witness stand in his New York hush money trial.
President Joe Biden releasing one million barrels of gasoline from Northeast reserve in bid to lower prices at pump.
Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani pleads not guilty to felony charges in Arizona election interference case.
Fani Willis and the judge presiding over Georgia's Trump election case defeat challengers.
Judge dismisses felony convictions of five retired military officers in US Navy bribery case.
DOJ sues Oklahoma over new law setting state penalties for those living in the US illegally.
Scarlett Johansson says a ChatGPT voice is 'eerily similar' to hers and OpenAI is halting its use.
Graceland is not for sale, Elvis Presley's granddaughter Riley Keough says in lawsuit.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say.
Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him.
Proposed $2.77 billion settlement clears first step of NCAA approval with no change to finance plan.
The Celtics go overtime to beat the Pacers in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Phillies improve on their MLB-best record, a veteran NHL defenseman is dealt back to his former team, and in February, and two drivers will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 21 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

BANGKOK (AP) — Singapore Airlines says one person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence. The plane was diverted Tuesday to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.

Severe weather is expected to move across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the nation on Tuesday.

NEW YORK (AP) — The prosecution in Donald Trump's hush money trial has rested its case after star witness Michael Cohen concluded his testimony. Cohen spent nearly four full days on the stand before ending his testimony Monday afternoon.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The world’s leading artificial intelligence companies pledged at the start of a mini summit on AI to develop the technology safely, including pulling the plug if they can’t rein in the most extreme risks.

DENVER (AP) — Denver has launched an ambitious new program to support migrants, and hundreds crammed into a convention center for orientation on Monday. The plan is a major shift from the days- to weeks-long shelter stays that Denver, Chicago and New York City have been offering migrants over the past year.

In other news:

Tuesday's primaries include presidential races and the prosecutor in Trump's Georgia election case.
Nikki Haley faces a murky path forward and a key decision on whether or not to endorse Trump.
The White House says FDIC chairman to step down following report on agency's 'toxic culture.'
Former Arizona GOP chair Kelli Ward and others set to be arraigned in fake elector case.
EPA warns of increasing cyberattacks on water systems, urges utilities to take immediate steps.
Judge blocks Biden administration from enforcing new gun sales background check rule in Texas.
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons.
Texas bridge connecting Galveston and Pelican Island reopened after barge collision.
Ship that caused deadly Baltimore bridge collapse has been refloated and is moving back to port.
UN Security Council rejects Russia-backed resolution on banning weapons in space.
Ivan Boesky, stock trader convicted in insider trading scandal, dead at 87, according to reports.
WikiLeaks founder Assange wins right to appeal against an extradition order to the US.
Red Lobster seeks bankruptcy protection days after closing dozens of restaurants.
Target to lower prices on about 5,000 basic goods as inflation sends customers scrounging for deals.
Former Red Sox pitcher arrested in Florida in an underage sex sting, sheriff says.
The Oilers advance in Stanley Cup Playoffs, Auburn running back Battie wounded in a shooting, Devers sets a record with the Red Sox, Mariners stun the Yankees.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 20 at 8 a.m. CT:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister have been found dead hours after their helicopter crashed in fog. That leaves the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei quickly named a little-known vice president as caretaker Monday. The supreme leader has the final say in the Shiite theocracy.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A popular centrist member of Israel’s three-man War Cabinet has threatened to resign from the government if it doesn’t adopt a new plan for the war in Gaza in the next three weeks.

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston area residents affected by deadly storms last week that left at least seven dead have received some good news. Officials say power was restored by Sunday evening to a majority of the hundreds of thousands of customer left in the dark and without air conditioning in hot and humid weather.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial is heading into the final stretch with the former president insisting he did nothing wrong. Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment to a porn actor who alleges they had a sexual encounter. The landmark trial kicks back off Monday with more defense cross-examination of former Trump lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen, whose testimony tied Trump to an alleged hush money scheme.

John Krasinski’s imaginary friends movie “IF” claimed the top spot at the box office this weekend according to studio estimates Sunday. Its $35 million North American debut was also a bit lower than some projections. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” continues to be the rare bright spot in a summer movie season that has gotten off to a bumpy start. In just 10 days, it surpassed $100 million domestically with $26 million in its second weekend. Third place went to “The Strangers—Chapter 1” with holdovers “The Fall Guy” and “Challengers” rounding out the top 5.

In other news:

What we've learned so far in the Trump hush money trial and what to watch for as it wraps up
Airstrike kills 27 in central Gaza and fighting rages as Israel's leaders are increasingly divided
Child is among 3 dead after Amtrak train hits a pickup truck in upstate New York
Biden tells Morehouse graduates that he hears their voices of protest over the war in Gaza
In entertainment news, the latest on Paul McCartney's fortunes and Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis."
The NBA's Final Four is set after two Game 7 road wins, Xander Schauffele dramatically wins his first major. the Phillies, Yankees and Dodgers extend their winning ways and Joey Logano nearly leads all the way to win at North Wilkesboro.
16 MLB is expected to investigate David Fletcher for gambling on sports, AP source says
17 Golfer's prompt release from jail rankles some who recall city's police turmoil
18 Why US Catholics are planning pilgrimages in communities across the nation
19 On this week's AP Religion Roundup, once officially atheist, today's Cuba hosts a rich diversity of faiths.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 18 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:

Schools turn to artificial intelligence to spot guns as companies press lawmakers for state funds.
Experts say coral reef bleaching near record level globally because of 'crazy' ocean heat.
Ten federal agencies receive 'A+' in annual scorecard measuring small business contracting goals.
Webb telescope uncovers merger of two massive black holes from early universe.
Hawaii native Savannah Gankiewicz crowned Miss USA after the previous winner resigned.
Hawaii study shows almost 75% of Maui wildfire survey participants have respiratory issues.
Rock band Cage the Elephant emerge from loss and hospitalization with new album 'Neon Pill.'
The first Mexican taco stand to get a Michelin star is a tiny business where the heat makes the meat.
Palestinians recount painful history with war in Gaza as a reminder.
A US museum curator detained in Turkey over claims of spider smuggling says he has official permits.
Migration tracking group says 76 million people were displaced within their countries in 2023.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 17 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

HOUSTON (AP) — Severe thunderstorms have hit southeastern Texas for the second time this month, and Houston's mayor says at least four people are dead. There also have been windows blown out of high-rise buildings, downed trees and power outages for more than 900,000 customers in the Houston area. The storms also moved into neighboring Louisiana and left more than 215,000 customers there without power.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Trucks carrying badly needed aid for the Gaza Strip have rolled across a newly built U.S. pier and into the besieged enclave for the first time. Friday's shipment is the first in an operation that American military officials anticipate could scale up to 150 truckloads a day.

NEW YORK (A0) — Donald Trump's hush money trial is off through the weekend so the former president can attend the high school graduation of his youngest son, Barron. Michael Cohen — prosecutors' final witness, at least for now — is expected to return to the witness stand Monday.

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that up to 2,000 gallons of oil may have spilled into surrounding waters when a barge carrying fuel broke free from a tugboat and slammed into a bridge near Galveston, Texas.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration says it will cost more than $20 billion to build a giant tunnel to capture and store more water. Newsom inherited the project and changed it to be one big tunnel instead of two smaller ones.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has announced multiple arrests in a series of complex stolen identity theft cases that officials say are part of a wide-ranging scheme that generates enormous proceeds for the North Korean government, including for its weapons program.

In other news:

The House votes to require delivery of bombs to Israel in GOP-led rebuke of Biden policies.
The Justice Department formally moves to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug in historic shift.
Matt Gaetz evokes 'standing by' language adopted by Proud Boys as he attends court with Donald Trump.
French police fatally shoot a man suspected of planning to set fire to a synagogue.
Arrests of US tourists in Turks and Caicos for carrying ammunition prompt plea from three governors.
United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights.
Chiefs kicker Butker congratulates women graduates and says most are more excited about motherhood.
The NBA and NHL playoffs continue with one team clinching their series, the PGA Championship sees a record setting opening round, a light schedule in Major League Baseball was highlighted by big wins from the New York teams and Caitlyn Clark debuted at home in the WNBA.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 16 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has finished installing a floating pier for the Gaza Strip. Officials said Thursday that they are poised to begin ferrying badly needed humanitarian aid into the enclave besieged over seven months of intense fighting in the Israel-Hamas war.

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia (AP) — The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a “lone wolf” has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico and prompted soul-searching among leaders in the deeply divided society.

BEIJING (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for China’s proposals on ending the war in Ukraine, which have been rejected by Ukraine and its Western supporters as largely following the Kremlin’s line. At their summit, Putin and Xi reaffirmed a “no-limits” partnership that has grown deeper as both countries face deepening tensions with the West.

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automaker Honda is reaffirming its commitment to electric vehicles, investing 10 trillion yen, or $65 billion, through fiscal 2031.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top U.S. security officials say America’s foreign adversaries will again seek to influence the upcoming U.S. elections. Countries like Russia, China and Iran are likely to use the latest artificial intelligence programs to create and spread disinformation aimed at polarizing voters and undermining faith in democracy. During a Senate hearing Wednesday, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers that the U.S. has greatly improved its ability to detect fake content.

In other news:

Michael Cohen gives insider details at trial as Donald Trump's defense attorney accuses him of seeking vengeance.
Census estimates Detroit population rises after decades of decline, South still dominates US growth.
US inflation eased last month in the first slowdown of 2024.
Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending.
Canadians are hopeful shifting winds may push wildfire away from the oil sands hub of Fort McMurray.
Delaware police exchange gunfire with woman in police chase through 2 states that ends in her death.
Yet another appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals for the Celtics, while the Mavericks move to within one game of the Western Conference Finals, the Avalanche extend their season and the best record in MLB is even better after the Phillies get another victory.
Chiefs kicker Butker congratulates women graduates and says most are more excited about motherhood.
Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco suspended 10 games by MLB for foreign substance found in glove.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 15 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from some areas of the country’s northeast and were battling Russian troops in others. Meanwehile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy postponed all his upcoming foreign trips, underscoring the seriousness of the threat his soldiers are facing. Against that grim backdrop, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought to reassure the ally of continuing American support. He announced a $2 billion arms deal Wednesday. Most of the money comes from a package approved last month. The top diplomat is in Ukraine as Russian troops press a new offensive in northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a more than $1 billion in additional arms and ammunition to Israel. That's according to three congressional aides who spoke of condition of anonymity to discuss an arms transfer that has not yet been made public.

NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Cohen testified again in Donald Trump's hush money trial. But there was no witness-stand bombast or fireworks Tuesday from Cohen, a man who was defined for years by his braggadocio as Trump’s problem-zapper.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bipartisan group of four senators led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is recommending that Congress spend at least $32 billion over the next three years to develop artificial intelligence and also put safeguards around it.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Caitlin Clark struggled early in her WNBA debut before finishing with 20 points as the Indiana Fever fell to the Connecticut Sun 92-71 on Tuesday night.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Republican voters have advanced strong Senate contenders in Maryland and West Virginia, giving the GOP a big boost in its push to claim control of Congress’ upper chamber. Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan claimed the Republican nomination in what will be a marquee race in Maryland against Angela Alsobrooks, a top local official who could become the fourth Black woman in U.S. history to serve in the Senate. Another popular Republican, Gov. Jim Justice, won the Senate nomination in deep-red West Virginia, becoming the overwhelming favorite in the race that represents the GOP’s best pickup opportunity in the nation.

In other news:

Cargo ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse had power blackout hours before leaving port.
Justice Department says Boeing violated deal that avoided prosecution after 737 Max crashes.
Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy judge frustrated with case, rebuffs attempt to challenge $148 million judgement.
Latest US inflation report may provide clues to future path of prices and interest rates.
8 dead, at least 40 injured as farmworkers' bus overturns in central Florida.
Jalen Brunson eclipsed the 40 point mark again for the N.Y. Knicks, Nikola Jokic had another MVP performance, Caitlin Clark has her WNBA debut and a full slate of Major League Baseball action.
Miniature poodle named Sage wins Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Basketball broadcaster Doug Gottlieb moves into coaching ranks as he takes over Green Bay's program.
Former NFL coach Jon Gruden loses Nevada high court ruling in NFL emails lawsuit.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 14 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s fixer-turned-foe awaits a bruising round of questioning from the former president’s lawyers after testimony that linked the celebrity client to all aspects of a hush money scheme prosecutors say was aimed at stifling stories that threatened his 2016 campaign. Michael Cohen returns to the stand Tuesday as the New York prosecution’s star witness.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that American military aid on its way to Ukraine will make a “real difference” on the battlefield. The remarks Tuesday came as the top diplomat made an unannounced visit to reassure an ally facing a fierce new Russian offensive.

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s highway safety agency has opened another investigation of automated driving systems, this time into crashes involving Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened the probe after getting 22 reports of Waymo vehicles either crashing or doing something that may have violated traffic laws.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Probation Department says it has put 66 of its officers on administrative leave in the past five months for alleged offenses including excessive force, sexual abuse and drug possession.

In other news:

President Joe Biden blocks a Chinese-backed crypto mining firm from land ownership near a Wyoming military base.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives.
Actor Steve Buscemi is OK after being punched in the face in New York City.
Army whistleblower who exposed alleged Australian war crimes in Afghanistan is sentenced to prison.
The Celtics and Thunder both score road playoff wins, the Stars are on the verge of eliminating the Avs in Stanley Cup playoffs, the Braves blank the Cubs, and NFL quarterback Jared Goff gets an extension with the Lions.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial is set to take the stand with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president. Michael Cohen is Trump’s former lawyer and personal fixer and is by far the most important witness in the case. Cohen's expected appearance in court Monday signals the trial is entering its final stretch.

Protests over the Israel-Hamas war have spread across U.S. university and college campuses in recent weeks, leading to disruptions and arrests. Some demonstrations extended into weekend graduation celebrations, although they were muted in comparison to the encampments and rallies that have roiled campuses.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Rescue teams in South Africa are searching for any survivors still trapped under rubble a week after an apartment building that was under construction collapsed.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his troops are locked in intense battles with the advancing Russian army in two border areas. He said “fierce battles” are taking place near the border in eastern and northeastern Ukraine as outgunned and outnumbered Ukrainian soldiers try to hold back a significant Russian ground offensive.

In other news:

Jury selection to begin in the corruption trial of Sen. Bob Menendez.
Are US interest rates high enough to beat inflation? The Fed will take its time to find out.
Suspect in shooting death of an Ohio police officer is found dead after stand off, officials say.
First person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies nearly 2 months later.
Target to reduce number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise after last year's backlash.
What's the history of 'outside agitators'? Here's what to know about the label and campus protests.
Solar storm hits Earth, producing colorful light shows across Northern Hemisphere.
'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes' reigns at box office with $56.5 million opening.
Switzerland’s Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest after event roiled by protests over Gaza war.
Teen and Miss USA quit their crowns, citing mental health and personal values.
The Nuggets and Pacers get even in their series, the Panthers move to within one win of the Eastern Conference final, the Canucks take a 2-1 lead over the Oilers in their series, the reigning World Series champs get swept by the lowly Rockies and Rory McIlroy is roaring into golf's next major.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April May 11 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:

One Tech Tip: How to spot AI-generated deepfake images.
Katy Perry and Rihanna didn't attend the Met Gala. But AI-generated images still fooled fans.
Deadline for businesses to apply for their share of massive credit card company settlement looms.
Guns are being stolen from cars at triple the rate they were 10 years ago, a report finds.
Liam and Olivia are still the most popular US baby names, and Mateo makes his debut on the list.
Noting campus protests, Democrats are preparing for intense action at their summer convention.
UN assembly approves resolution granting Palestine new rights and reviving its UN membership bid.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case.
States with abortion bans saw greater drops in medical school graduates applying for residencies.
US pledges money and other aid to help track and contain bird flu on dairy farms.
More and faster: Electricity from clean sources reaches 30% of global total.
Scientists are learning the basic building blocks of sperm whale language after years of effort.
Scores of starving and sick pelicans are found along the California coast.
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Francis urges bigger families and educators speak about antisemitism in public schools.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 10 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A United Nations official says heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants on the outskirts of the southern Gaza city of Rafah has left crucial nearby aid crossings inaccessible and caused over 100,000 people to flee north. Israel’s plans for a full-scale invasion of Rafah appear to be on hold for now. The United States is deeply opposed to that and is stepping up pressure by threatening to withhold arms.

NEW YORK (AP) — The judge in Donald Trump's hush money case has denied a second request from defense attorneys to declare a mistrial over Stormy Daniels' testimony. Daniels detailed, among other things, her alleged 2006 sexual encounter with Trump and the money she was paid to keep quiet about it. Her testimony concluded on Thursday and several other witnesses followed her on the stand.

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (AP) — A 10-year-old boy is in grave condition in Tennessee after being swept into a storm drain in a community southeast of Nashville. Now a new wave of dangerous storms is crashing over parts of the region Thursday even as it cleans up from severe weather that injured the boy, spawned tornadoes and killed at least three people.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has pressed his campaign to urge Italians to have children. He has called for long-term policies to help families and warned that the country’s demographic crisis was threatening the future.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that Hunter Biden’s case on firearms charges should move forward. Thursday's ruling sets the stage for the trial to begin next month in Delaware. Hunter Biden's lawyers went to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after the judge overseeing the case last month rejected his bid to dismiss the prosecution.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Police say a stick shift thwarted a Colorado woman who tried to steal a pickup truck — shortly after she was released from jail on a car-theft charge.

In other news:

Video shows Florida deputy announced himself prior to fatal shooting of Black airman.
Chinese billionaire gets time served, leaves country after New York, Rhode Island straw donor scheme.
Judge finds Beach Boys' Brian Wilson needs conservatorship because of mental decline.
Asteroids, Myst, Resident Evil, SimCity and Ultima inducted into World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Torchbearers in Marseille kick off the Olympic flame's journey across France.
NBA playoff victories for the Mavs and Cavs, while in the NHL, the Stars make it a clean sweep for Dallas and the Rangers win in overtime. In the NBA, one coach gets fired, another hired, in the NHL, the Maple Leafs coach gets sacked, and a Bay Area NFL legend has passed away.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 9 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

COLUMBIA, Tenn. (AP) — Severe storms are tearing through the central and southeast U.S., spawning damaging tornadoes, producing massive hail, and killing two people in Tennessee and another in North Carolina. Wednesday afternoon, a tornado emergency was issued for an area south of Nashville.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he will not supply offensive weapons that Israel can use to launch an all-out assault on Rafah — the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza — over concern for the well-being of the more than 1 million civilians sheltering there.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stormy Daniels is expected to return to the witness stand in Donald Trump's hush money trial for a second day of questioning. Daniels spent hours Tuesday detailing for jurors their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet about it.

DETROIT (AP) — Federal investigators say they have “significant safety concerns” about a Ford SUV recall repair that doesn’t fix gasoline leaks that can cause engine fires. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is demanding volumes of information from the automaker as it investigates the fix in a March 8 recall of nearly 43,000 Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs with 1.5-liter engines.

STURTEVANT, Wis. (AP) — President Joe Biden has laced into Donald Trump over a failed project that was supposed to bring thousands of new jobs into southeastern Wisconsin. Now on that site, construction will start on a new data center from Microsoft, whose president credits the Biden administration’s economic policies.

In other news:

The Biden administration will propose tougher asylum standards for some migrants at the border.
The House quickly rejects Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's effort to remove Speaker Johnson from office.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenges Donald Trump to debate at Libertarian Convention.
Barron Trump, 18, to make political debut as Florida delegate to the Republican convention.
FTX will return money to most customers less than 2 years after catastrophic crypto collapse.
Florida deputies who fatally shot US airman burst into wrong apartment, attorney says.
Prince Harry celebrates Invictus Games in London but won't see his father, King Charles III.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61.
Kai Cenat's riot charges dropped after he apologizes and pays for Union Square mayhem.
9 of 10 wrongful death suits over deadly Astroworld crowd surge have been settled, lawyer says.
The Knicks rally in the third quarter to beat the Pacers, Denver's Nikola Jokic is an MVP again, Vancouver Canucks overcome a three goal deficit to win their Stanley Cup Playoff game, and Dylan Cease strikes over 12 to lead the San Diego Padres past the Chicago Cubs.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 8 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

DETROIT (AP) — Severe storms have battered parts of the Midwest, unleashing a curtain of heavy rain, gusty winds and tornadoes in the region. Tuesday's severe weather outbreak came a day after a deadly twister ripped through a small Oklahoma town and killed at least one person. Forecasters warned that the storms could could spill out of the region Wednesday morning. Tornadoes were spotted after dark Tuesday in southwestern Michigan, northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S. That's according to a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.

ISTANBUL (AP) — A cargo aircraft has made an emergency landing at Istanbul Airport after its front landing gear failed. A video on social media showed the Boeing 767 belonging to FedEx Express using the back landing gear and then dipping its nose with the front portion of the fuselage.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is racing into yet another battleground state. Biden on Wednesday is traveling to Racine, Wisconsin, where he’ll highlight a decision by Microsoft to build a $3.3 billion data center that's expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs.

NEW YORK (AP) — Porn actor Stormy Daniels has testified at Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial about a sexual encounter she says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential election a decade later. Daniels’ testimony Tuesday included a detailed and at times graphic accounting of an encounter Trump has denied.

In other news:

The judge in Trump's classified documents case cancels May trial date.
President Joe Biden condemns current antisemitism in Holocaust remembrance during college protests and Gaza war.
Boy Scouts of America changing name to more inclusive Scouting America after years of woes.
US seeks information from Tesla on how it developed and verified whether Autopilot recall worked.
TikTok sues US to block law that could ban the social media platform.
Police investigating shooting outside Drake's mansion that left security guard wounded.
Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there.
Taylor Swift bill is signed into Minnesota law, boosting protections for online ticket buyers.
Inside the Met Gala: A fairytale forest, woodland creatures, and some starstuck first-timers.
Conference semi final playoff games in both the NBA and NHL with lots of news off the court and ice and the ball was jumping out of the park in major league baseball. The WNBA to begin full-time charter flights this season.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 7 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Powerful storms have erupted in the central United States, bringing tornadoes to rural Oklahoma and large hail in parts of Kansas. At least one death has been reported in Oklahoma. Tornadoes were spotted skirting northern Oklahoma, including one that caused extensive damage north of Tulsa in the small town of Barnsdall.

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — An American English-language tutor has been arrested in Moscow on hooliganism charges for reportedly breaking into a children’s library while intoxicated and has been sentenced to 10 days in jail. State news agency RIA-Novosti says William Nycum was found in the library on Friday after breaking a window to gain entry.

Israeli forces have taken control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the Gaza Strip, pressing on with an offensive in the southern city as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain precarious.

NEW YORK (AP) — Witness testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to move forward again and all eyes are on who will be called next.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease. Most cases of the mind-robbing disease occur after age 65. A gene called APOE4 has long been considered a key risk factor.

BEIJING (AP) — A knife attack at a hospital in southwestern China has killed two people and injured 21 others. No motive was given for Tuesday's attack at Zhenxiong County People’s Hospital in Yunnan province.

In other news:

Trump fined $1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as ex-employee recounts reimbursements.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says Gaza may be President Joe Biden's Vietnam. But he's ready to battle for Biden over Trump.
House Republicans are ready to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt over Biden audio.
The FAA investigates after Boeing says workers in South Carolina falsified 787 inspection records.
Boeing calls off its first astronaut launch because of valve issue on rocket.
An American soldier was arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, US officials say.
Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book.
With help from AI, Randy Travis got his voice back. Here's how his first song post-stroke came to be.
The Minnesota Timberwolves move up 2-0 in their series against the Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks get another huge performance from Jalen Brunson in their playoff win, the Boston Bruins take their Stanley Cup playoff series second round opener, and the Minnesota Twins win again.
155 police officers injured at German soccer match, most from tear-gas use.

—The Associated Press

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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:

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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 3 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Thousands of homes and businesses are without power as severe weather roars through several states, causing at least one death and spawning possible tornados. A strong weather system in northeastern Oklahoma with heavy rains produced three suspected tornadoes. The storms were blamed for the death of a 46-year-old homeless woman in Tulsa who died inside a drainage pipe. In Ohio, firefighters rescued two people who were trapped under a bridge when the waters of an Ohio river began rising. Meanwhile in Wisconsin, a spring snowstorm was expected to drop more than a foot of snow.

HUALIEN, Taiwan (AP) — The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century has rocked Taiwan during the morning rush hour. Wednesday's quake killed nine people, sent others scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings and halted train service throughout the island.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that most Americans share many core values on what it means to be an American despite the country’s deep political polarization. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 9 in 10 U.S. adults say the right to vote, the right to equal protection under the law and the right to privacy are important or very important to the U.S.’s identity as a nation.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Donald Trump is suing two co-founders of Trump Media & Technology Group, the newly public parent company of his Truth Social platform, arguing that they should forfeit their stock in the company because they set it up improperly. The former president’s lawsuit, which was filed on March 24, follows a complaint filed in February by Andy Litinsky and Wes Moss, who asked a Delaware court to block Trump from taking steps the two said would sharply reduce their 8.6% stake in Trump Media.

ISTANBUL (AP) — A deadly fire that spread through an Istanbul nightclub during renovations was likely caused by welding sparks coming into contact with combustible material, Turkish news reports say. The fire engulfed the popular Masquerade nightclub on Tuesday, trapping workers and club employees inside and killing 29 people.

In other news:

Lawsuit seeks to force ban on menthol cigarettes after months of delays by Biden administration.
Tesla sales fall nearly 9% to start the year as competition heats up and demand for EVs slows.
Largest fresh egg producer in US halts production at Texas plant after bird flu found in chickens.
After welcoming guests for 67 years, the Tropicana Las Vegas casino's final day has arrived.
Freight railroads must keep two-person crews, according to new federal rule.
Amazon is removing Just Walk Out technology from its Fresh grocery stores in the US.
College newspaper sweeps up 2 tiny publications in a volley against growing news deserts.
15 Miranda Lambert, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj submit letter to AI developers to honor artists' rights.
‘SCTV’ star and comedian Joe Flaherty has died at 82 after an illness, his daughter says.
John Sinclair, a marijuana activist who was immortalized in a John Lennon song, dies at 82.
Larry Lucchino, force behind retro ballpark revolution and drought-busting Red Sox, dies at 78.
The 76ers get their star center back, the NBA's Western Conference remains tight, the NHL playoff races are heating up, and the Phillies Bryce Harper had a huge game on a busy night in Major League Baseball. Correspondent Mike Reeves reports. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 2 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has posted a $175 million bond in his New York civil fraud case, halting collection of the more than $454 million he owes and preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while he appeals. That's according to a court filing made public Monday. A New York appellate court had given the former president 10 days to put up the money after a panel of judges agreed last month to slash the amount needed to stop the clock on enforcement. One of Trump’s lawyers says, "He looks forward to vindicating his rights on appeal and overturning this unjust verdict.”

An aid group says an Israeli airstrike on its workers in Gaza killed at least seven people, including several foreigners. The World Central Kitchen, the food charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, said early Tuesday that the seven killed include citizens of Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom and a U.S.-Canada dual citizen. It did not provide a breakdown and said at least one Palestinian was also killed. It said the workers were in the process of delivering desperately needed food aid that had arrived by sea on Monday when they were struck late that evening. Israel has said it is investigating the incident.

HELSINKI (AP) — A 12-year-old student has opened fire at a secondary school in southern Finland, killing one and seriously wounded two other students. Police said the suspect was later arrested. Heavily armed police cordoned off the lower secondary school, with some 800 students, in the city of Vantaa, just outside the capital, Helsinki, on Tuesday morning.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Officials say the U.S. Coast Guard has opened a temporary alternate channel for vessels clearing debris at the site of the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The federal on-scene coordinator said in a statement Monday that it is “an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore."

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google has agreed to purge billions of records containing personal information collected from more than 136 million people in the U.S. surfing the internet through its Chrome web browser. The move comes as part of a settlement in a lawsuit accusing the search giant of illegal surveillance. Although Google isn't paying consumers any money in the case, estimates made in court records pegged the value of the privacy controls at $4.75 billion to $7.8 billion.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.09 billion after no one matched the latest numbers.

In other headlines:

Alex Murdaugh gets 40 years in federal prison for stealing from clients and his law firm.
Donald Trump's social media company lost $58 million last year. Freshly issued shares tumble.
Person is diagnosed with bird flu after being in contact with cows in Texas.
White House Easter egg roll draws a huge crowd after storm-delayed start.
After welcoming guests for 67 years, the Tropicana Las Vegas casino's final day has arrived.
UPS to become the primary air cargo provider for the United States Postal Service.
Lou Conter, last survivor of USS Arizona from Pearl Harbor attack, dies at 102.
Barbara Rush, actor who co-starred with Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman among others, dies at 97.
Iowa and Connecticut move on to the Women's NCAA Final Four, Chief's Rashee Rice is cooperating with authorities, a former NFL star has passed away, the first no-hitter in MLB, Devin Booker goes off for 52 points, and more sports news. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 1 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

BALTIMORE (AP) — Crews continue the complicated and meticulous operation of removing the steel and concrete from the fallen Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Meanwhile, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the state is seeking answers to what happened.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Traffic is moving only intermittently after a stretch of California’s scenic Highway 1 collapsed during an Easter weekend storm, forcing closures and stranding motorists near Big Sur. The collapse on the coastal route occurred amid rain Saturday afternoon near Rocky Creek Bridge south of Monterey.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police say a man was killed and five other people were injured during a shooting inside a Nashville, Tennessee, restaurant. The city's police department says the shooting around 3 p.m. Sunday began within minutes of the male suspect’s arrival when the suspect and the man who died got into an argument that “significantly escalated within moments.”

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military has withdrawn from Gaza’s largest hospital after a two-week raid. The military said it killed some 200 militants and detained hundreds more. Palestinian residents said the troops left behind several bodies and a vast swath of destruction Monday. The military has described the raid on Shifa Hospital as a major battlefield victory in the nearly six-month war.

MANGWE, Zimbabwe (AP) — A new drought has left millions facing hunger in southern Africa as they experience the effects of extreme weather that scientists say is becoming more frequent and more damaging. That's especially the case for the world's poorest countries and most vulnerable people. Just months ago, the region was drenched by deadly tropical storms and floods.

In other headlines:

Donald Trump’s immigration rhetoric makes inroads with some Democrats. That could be a concern for President Joe Biden.
The Trump camp and the White House clash over Biden's recognition of "Transgender Day of Visibility."
Easter Mass celebrated at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral with a message of good over evil.
King Charles attends Easter service, providing a glimpse of the monarch after cancer diagnosis.
AT&T notifies users of data breach and resets millions of passcodes.
Millions of recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles with a dangerous defect remain on the road.
Oklahoma highway reopens following shutdown after a barge hit a bridge.
"Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" roars to an $80 million box office opening.
Purdue beats Tennessee to earn its first Final Four berth since 1980, North Carolina State's magical run continues with a victory over Duke, South Carolina reaches the Women's Final Four undefeated, while NC State defeats Texas to earn a berth, the Yankees finish a four-game sweep of the Astros, Jackson Chourio leads the Brewers to victory over the Mets, LeBron James joins Michael Jordan in an exclusive scoring club, and Stephan Jaeger earns his first PGA Tour victory.
Israel's high court says the government must stop funding seminaries. Could that topple Netanyahu.
On this week’s AP Religion Roundup, a Tennessee nightclub draws young people of faith. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 30 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:

Big brands could pivot easily if TikTok goes away. For many small businesses, it's another story.
Small business hiring woes show signs of easing as economy stays strong.
Kia invests in new compact car even though the segment is shrinking as Americans buy SUVs and trucks.
Driving along ... and the roadway vanishes beneath you. What's it like to survive a bridge collapse.
Schools in the path of April's total solar eclipse prepare for a natural teaching moment.
Officials warn of increase in bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis and possibly death.
Tuberculosis cases were at their the highest level in a decade in 2023.
The British Museum is suing a former curator it says stole 1,800 items and tried to sell them.
The British Museum is suing a former curator it says stole 1,800 items and tried to sell them.
783 million people face chronic hunger. Yet the world wastes 19% of its food, UN says.
Why is Japan changing its ban on exporting lethal weapons, and why is it so controversial.
As Biden tours the country and visits swing states, Trump is fundraising and playing golf.
More than 1,000 people have died after police encounters AP investigation.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 28 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

BALTIMORE (AP) — The largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard is arriving by barge so crews can begin removing the wreckage from the deadly Baltimore bridge collapse. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says the crane can lift up to 1,000 tons. It will be used to clear the channel in order to resume the search for four workers who remain missing and reopen the key shipping route. Another crane is also on the way. Moore says “the best minds in the world” are working on plans to remove the twisted metal and concrete remains of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. It was struck early Tuesday by a cargo ship and quickly fell into the river.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are more worried about legal immigrants committing crimes in the U.S. than they were a few years ago, a change driven largely by increased concern among Republicans. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Democrats continue to see a broad range of benefits from immigration. Overall, about 4 in 10 Americans say that legal immigration to the U.S. is beneficial to the economy and culture, but that sentiment is down since 2017. Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say that immigration is an important issue for them personally.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The top United Nations court has ordered Israel to take measures including opening more land crossings to allow food, water, fuel and other supplies into Gaza to tackle crippling shortages in the war-ravaged enclave. The International Court of Justice issued two new so-called provisional measures in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its military campaign launched after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. Israel stringently denies it is committing genocide and says its military campaign is self defense. Thursday’s order came after South Africa sought more provisional measures, including a ceasefire, citing starvation in Gaza. Israel urged the court not to issue new orders.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's armed forces say Moscow launched a large-scale attack on energy infrastructure Friday, with a mass barrage of 99 drones and missiles hitting regions across the country. Ukraine's Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, said air raid warnings across the country continued through the night as the strike targeted 10 separate regions. Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine in recent days, launching several missile barrages on the capital Kyiv and hitting energy infrastructure across the country in apparent retaliation for recent Ukrainian aerial attacks on the Russian border region of Belgorod. Such sporadic attacks, however, have been common throughout the war.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Haiti now needs between 4,000 and 5,000 international police to help tackle “catastrophic” gang violence which is targeting key individuals and hospitals, schools, banks and other critical institutions, the U,N, rights expert for the conflict-wracked nation says. Last July, William O’Neill said Haiti needed between 1,000 and 2,000 international police trained to deal with gangs. Today, he said, the situation is so much worse that double that number and more are needed to help the Haitian National Police regain control of security and curb human rights abuses. O’Neill spoke at a news conference Thursday launching a U.N. Human Rights Office report.

In other headlines:

Donald Trump attends wake of slain New York officer, calls for 'law and order,' to show contrast with Biden.
Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25B.
Ford to trim workforce at plant that builds its F-150 Lightning as sales of electric vehicles slow.
Russian veto brings end to UN panel monitoring enforcement of North Korea nuclear sanctions.
The White House expects about 40,000 participants at its 'egg-ucation'-themed annual Easter egg roll.
It's a bittersweet Easter for chocolate lovers and African cocoa farmers but big brands see profits.
US changes how it categorizes people by race and ethnicity. It's the first revision in 27 years.
The NCAA basketball tournament holds its first four Sweet 16 games, the NBA has a couple of games with playoff implications, the NHL regular season nears its completion and the Major League Baseball season begins in earnest. Correspondent David Schuster reports. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 28 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

BALTIMORE (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says the cargo ship that crashed into and collapsed a bridge in Baltimore underwent “routine engine maintenance” in port beforehand. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said at a news conference Wednesday that authorities had been informed that the ship was going to undergo the maintenance. He added that they were not informed of any problems. The ship collided into a support pillar early Tuesday, causing the span to buckle into the river. The bodies of two of six workers who plunged into the water were recovered earlier in the day. The others are presumed dead.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say four people have been killed and seven have been hurt when a man went on a stabbing rampage across multiple locations in a northern Illinois community. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd says that a suspect is in police custody and has been questioned over Wednesday's attacks.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has died, according to his family. He was 82 and died Wednesday of complications from a fall. Lieberman nearly won the vice presidency on Democrat Al Gore's ticket in the disputed 2000 White House race. Eight years later, he came close to joining the GOP ticket as John McCain’s running mate. The Democrat-turned-independent stepped down from the Senate in January 2013 after 24 years.

President Joe Biden is announcing new steps to protect consumers who buy short-term health insurance plans that critics say amount to junk. A new rule finalized by the Democratic president's administration will limit short-term health insurance to just three months.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — An international team of doctors was prepared for the worst before visiting a hospital in central Gaza. The doctors were nevertheless stunned by the gruesome impact that Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children. One toddler died from a brain injury caused by an Israeli strike. His cousin, an infant, is still fighting for her life. These gut-wrenching casualties were described to The Associated Press by Tanya Haj-Hassan, a pediatric intensive care doctor from Jordan. She was part of a seven-doctor team that recently finished a two-week stint in Gaza, whose hospitals have been devastated by the war that began on Oct. 7.

In other headlines:

Hurry up and wait: Donald Trump's classified documents case is mired in delays that may run past election.
Settlement reached in lawsuit between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' allies.
James Harden gets the last laugh in his return to Philly, Kevin Durant and the Suns hand the Nuggets a rare home loss, LeBron James has a triple-double in his return, the Warriors win despite another Draymond Green ejection, Brayden Point and Andrei Vasilevskiy carry the Lightning past the Bruins and a pair of early rainouts dampen baseball’s Opening Day. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 27 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

All six workers missing after a Baltimore bridge collapsed are presumed dead and the search for their bodies has been suspended until Wednesday morning. The Maryland State Police superintendent said Tuesday evening that the search and rescue mission was transitioning to one of search and recovery. The workers were part of a construction crew repairing potholes on the Francis Scott Key Bridge when it was struck by a cargo ship that had lost power early Tuesday.

The Israeli military says around 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel on Wednesday morning. Hezbollah took responsibility for the launches and said they were in response to an Israeli airstrike on a paramedic center linked to a Lebanese Sunni Muslim group in south Lebanon that killed seven of its members overnight.

TOKYO (AP) — Health supplement products believed to have caused two deaths and sickened more than 100 people have been ordered to be taken off store shelves in Japan. The products from Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., billed as helping lower cholesterol, contained an ingredient called “benikoji,” a red species of mold.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Someone in New Jersey overcame the odds Tuesday night and won the $1.13 billion Mega Millions jackpot, breaking a winless streak that dated to last December. The numbers drawn were: 7, 11, 22, 29, 38 and the gold Mega Ball 4.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A lawyer for Sean “Diddy” Combs says the search of his properties in Miami and Los Angeles were “a gross use of military-level force.” The public statement Tuesday is the first from the music mogul's team since his properties were raided Monday as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. The criminal investigation is a major escalation in the scrutiny of the hugely influential hip-hop producer and executive.

NEW YORK (AP) — Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s are getting together over breakfast. The doughnut chain and the fast food giant unveiled plans on Tuesday to offer Krispy Kreme products at McDonald’s locations across the United States.

In other headlines:

Supreme Court seems likely to preserve access to the abortion medication mifepristone.
Judge issues gag order barring Donald Trump from commenting on witnesses, others in hush money case.
Texas AG Ken Paxton reaches deal to end securities fraud charges after 9 years.
UK court says Assange can't be extradited on espionage charges until US rules out death penalty.
The Lakers stop the Bucks without LeBron, the Rangers become the first NHL team to clinch a playoff spot while the Predators have now gone 18 straight withour a regulation loss, the NFL is returning kick returns to action next season, and the last big name free agent signs with a new team on the eve of the baseball season.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 26 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

BALTIMORE (AP) — A container ship has rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, causing it to snap in a few places and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers were initially searching for at least seven people. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace says two people were pulled from the waters under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, one in serious condition. According to video posted on social media, the cargo ship appears to have crashed into one of the bridge’s supports during the middle of night when traffic would be expected to be lighter. The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in its first abortion case since conservative justices overturned the constitutional right to an abortion two years ago. At stake in Tuesday's arguments is the ease of access to a medication that was used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. last year. Abortion opponents want the justices to ratify an appeals court ruling that would limit access to mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions. The election-year decision is expected by early summer. The practical consequences could be dramatic, possibly halting mail delivery of mifepristone, reducing when in pregnancy it can be used and ending increasingly popular telehealth visits at which the drug can be prescribed.

MOSCOW (AP) — A Moscow court has ordered Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to remain in jail on espionage charges until at least late June. The 32-year-old U.S. citizen was arrested in late March 2023 while on a reporting trip and has spent nearly a year behind bars. Gershkovich and his employer have denied the allegations, and the U.S. government has declared him to be wrongfully detained. His arrest in the city of Yekaterinburg rattled journalists in Russia, where authorities have not detailed what, if any, evidence they have to support the espionage charges.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote. Israel responded to Monday's vote by canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation in the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of retreating by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas. The resolution was approved 14-0 by the 15-member council after the U.S. decided not to use its veto power.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS is warning taxpayers that they may be leaving more than $1 billion on the table. The federal tax collector said Monday that roughly 940,000 people in the U.S. have until May 17 to submit tax returns for unclaimed refunds for tax year 2020, which total more than $1 billion nationwide. The average median refund is $932 for 2020. Texas, California, Florida and New York are states with the largest amount of people potentially eligible for these refunds. The IRS advises taxpayers to request their forms from their employer or bank or order a free wage and income transcript at IRS.gov.

In other headlines:

Judge sets April 15 trial date in Donald Trump's New York hush money case.
Court agrees to block collection of Trump's massive civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175M.
After tumultuous 5 years for Boeing, CEO will depart as part of broader company leadership shakeup.
Feds search Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ properties as part of sex trafficking probe, AP sources say.
Authorities ID brothers attacked, 1 fatally, by a mountain lion in California.
Illinois parole official quits after police say a freed felon attacked a woman and killed her son.
The LA Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani says he didn't bet on sports, there's a gambling investigation with the Toronto Raptors, Iowa survives in women's NCAA Tournament and the Hawks rally from a 30 point deficit.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 25 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump may be about to find out how New York state aims to collect over $457 million that he owes in his civil business fraud case. After state Attorney General Letitia James won the judgment, she opted not to enforce it during a legal time-out for Trump to ask an appeals court for a reprieve from paying up. That period ends Monday, though James could decide to allow Trump more time. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has been trying to avoid having to post a bond for the entire sum in order to hold off collection while he appeals. Courts so far have said no.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s hush money case in New York is set for a crucial hearing this week. A judge will weigh on Monday when the former president will go on trial. Trump has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records, but prosecutors say Trump did it as part of an effort to protect his 2016 campaign by burying stories of an extramarital affair. Jury selection was set to start Monday but was postponed after the recent delivery of thousands of pages of records from a previous investigation. Trump’s lawyers want the case dismissal or at least delayed for three months. Prosecutors say there’s little new material in the trove.

MOSCOW (AP) — Four men accused of staging the Russia concert hall attack that killed more than 130 people have appeared before a Moscow court showing signs of severe beatings. All four were charged with terrorism. One appeared to be barely conscious during Sunday's hearing. Court statements say two of the suspects accepted their guilt in the assault, though the men’s condition raises questions about whether they were speaking freely. The authorities formally charged the men with committing a group terrorist attack resulting in deaths. The offense carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Moscow's Basmanny District Court ordered that the men, all of whom are citizens of Tajikistan, be held in pre-trial custody until May 22.

In entertainment news, the latest on honors for Kevin Hart, and Actress Cameron Diaz and her musician husband, Benji Madden, say they are “blessed and grateful” to have welcomed a baby boy — Cardinal Madden — to their family.

In other headlines:

Energy agency announces $6 billion to slash emissions in industrial facilities.
Mifepristone access is coming before the Supreme Court. How safe is this abortion pill?
Pope Francis skips Palm Sunday homily at start of busy Holy Week that will test his health.
Senate passes $1.2 trillion funding package in early morning vote, ending threat of partial shutdown.
Kate, Princess of Wales, and Prince William "extremely moved" by support since her cancer reveal.
The double cancer blow to Kate and King Charles leaves Britain's royal family depleted and strained.
FBI tells passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight that lost a panel they might be crime victims.
"Ghostbusters Frozen Empire" is No. 1 with $45.2M, Sydney Sweeney's "Immaculate" lands in fourth.
No. 1 seeds UConn, Purdue, Houston survive and advance into the Sweet 16, LSU and top seeds South Carolina and Texas move on in the women’s tourney, the Bucks top the Thunder in a possible NBA Finals preview and more.
Hundreds of thousands of financial aid applications need to be fixed after latest calculation error.
85 years after a racist mob drove Opal Lee's family away, she's getting a new home on the same spot. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 22 at 6 a.m. CT:

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

As electric vehicle sales slow, the US relaxes plans for stricter auto emissions standards for a while.
UN weather agency issues 'red alert' on climate change after record heat, ice-melt increases in 2023.
Nearly 8 in 10 AAPI adults in US think abortion should be legal, AP-NORC poll finds.
Inflation remains a headache for small business owners.
Violent crime decreased in 2023, continuing to reverse pandemic-era spike, FBI data shows.
A new Banksy mural sprouts beside a cropped tree in London. Many see an environmental message.
Olympic law rewrite calls for public funding for SafeSport and federal grassroots sports office.
One of the few remaining survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor has died at 102.
Their WWII mission was secret for decades. Now the Ghost Army will get the Congressional Gold Medal.
In Vermont, "Town Meeting" is democracy embodied. What can the rest of the country learn from it.
The Associated Press traveled in February to southeast India to document working conditions in the country's booming shrimp industry.
Sex trade to slavery: A UN agency says criminals reap $236B a year in profits from forced labor.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 21 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials signaled that they still expect to cut their key interest rate three times in 2024 despite signs that inflation was surprisingly high at the start of the year. Yet they foresee fewer rate cuts in 2025, and they slightly raised their inflation forecasts. The policymakers forecast that stronger growth and inflation above their 2% target level would persist into next year. As a result, they suggested that interest rates would have to stay slightly higher for longer. Chair Jerome Powell noted that inflation has cooled considerably from its peak. But, he added, “inflation is still too high, ongoing progress in bringing it down is not assured and the path forward is uncertain.”

CHANDLER, Arizona (AP) — President Joe Biden is celebrating an agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans for computer chip plants around the country. Biden talked up the investment in the political battleground state of Arizona and called it a way of “bringing the future back to America.” The funding will support computer chip plants in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico and Oregon. It's a cash infusion the government says should help the U.S. boost its global share of advanced chip production from zero to 20%. The Democratic president often says not enough voters know about his economic policies and they'd support him if they did.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden is grinding on but next steps are uncertain. Without strong support from within the Republican ranks to impeach the president, the Republican chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee has signaled an interest in another direction. Republicans have yet to find hard evidence of presidential wrongdoing by Biden. But Rep. James Comer pushed ahead at Wednesday’s hearing as he's eyeing potential criminal referrals of alleged Biden family wrongdoing to the Justice Department. It would be a largely symbolic step, but would potentially open the door to prosecutions by a future administration. But the president's son Hunter Biden declined to appear after having testified privately in a deposition earlier this month.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Corrections has penalized a county jail for depriving an inmate of food and water for more than two days as punishment after he smeared feces in his cell and refused to clean it up. The department ordered that the Otter Tail County Jail in Fergus Falls must transfer all of its current inmates to new facilities by the close of business Thursday. The jail can keep new inmates no more than 72 hours, excluding holidays and weekends, until the state approves. Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons expressed regret Wednesday and said his staff will follow the state’s orders.

HAMBURG, N.Y. (AP) — The owner of an 34-year-old alligator seized by conservation officers near Buffalo is fighting for its return. Tony Cavallaro says the reptile he named Albert is a gentle giant he treated like family and who lived in a custom addition in his house. Officers a week ago sedated and seized the more than 11-foot, 750-pound alligator. State environmental officials say Cavallaro’s license to keep Albert had expired in 2021, and that he'd let children and others pet him, which is illegal. Cavallaro says he's received an outpouring of support for the alligator's return.

The billionaire philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott announced Tuesday she would give $640 million to more than 360 organizations in response to an application process she launched last year. The award is more than double the amount that she initially promised in an open call for applications. The selected organizations will receive grants of $2 million or $1 million. Previously, Scott and her team have selected organizations and provided them with large, unrestricted gifts. Scott has shaken up philanthropic giving since 2019 when she began giving away the fortune she came into after divorcing Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

NEW YORK (AP) — The American Kennel Club says French bulldogs are still the United States’ most commonly registered purebreds. The new standings were released Wednesday. Some say they make Frenchies the nation’s most popular canine. But is it a coup to be celebrated? Longtime fans say au contraire. They worry about what popularity is doing to the breed. The rankings are derived from puppies and other dogs that were added to the AKC's registry last year. The club is the United States’ oldest dog registry. After Frenchies, the most common AKC breeds were Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds and poodles.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — U.N. agencies have warned that waste from electronics is piling up worldwide while recycling rates remain low and are likely to fall even further. The agencies are referring to “e-waste,” which is defined as discarded devices with a plug or battery, including cellphones, electronic toys, TVs, microwave ovens, e-cigarettes, laptop computers and solar panels. It does not include waste from electronic vehicles. In a new report released Wednesday, the U.N.’s International Telecommunications Union and research arm UNITAR said nearly 62 million tons of “e-waste” was generated in 2022. They said some contained hazardous elements like mercury, as well as rare Earth metals coveted by tech companies. It’s on track to reach 82 million tons by 2030.

OSO, Wash. (AP) — Friday marks 10 years since the side of a mountain collapsed, raced across a river and buried an entire neighborhood in rural Washington state, killing 43 people in the nation’s worst landslide disaster. Since then, young alder trees have colonized the scarred landscape and a new memorial offers perspective on the scope of the loss. The federal government has advanced a national strategy for researching and understanding the dangers landslides pose. But the sort of trauma that engulfed Oso after the slide struck on March 22, 2014, is likely to afflict more and more people as climate change intensifies storms and catastrophic wildfires, destabilizing soil and increasing risk.

Major League Baseball has its curtain raiser, the NCAA basketball tournament is now at 64 teams, eight games are on the NBA schedule and three games are on the NHL slate.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 20 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — A federal appeals court has again prevented Texas from arresting and deporting migrants accused of entering the U.S. illegally, hours after the the law briefly took effect. Before a divided U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday let the state law take effect while a legal challenge plays out, some sheriffs were ready to relish an unprecedented state expansion into border enforcement, while others were reluctant. Hours later, an order by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put the law again on hold.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has reached an agreement to provide Intel with up to $8.5 billion in direct funding and $11 billion in loans for computer chip plants in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico and Oregon. President Joe Biden plans to talk up the investment on Wednesday as he visits Intel’s facility in Chandler, Arizona, which could be a decisive swing state in November’s election. He often says that not enough voters know about his economic policies and that they would support him if they did. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo says the deal would put the United States in a position to produce 20% of the world’s most advanced chips by 2030 — up from the current level of zero.

TEMPE, Arizona (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump are moving closer to a November rematch, as primary voters around the country urge their favored candidate to keep up the fight and worry about what might happen if their side loses this fall. Both candidates are already their parties’ presumptive nominees. Trump easily won Republican primaries in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio. Biden did the same except in Florida, where Democrats had canceled their primary and opted to award all 224 of their delegates to Biden. Both Biden's and Trump’s campaigns are working to fire up their bases by tearing into each other and warning of the perils of the opponent.

ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia man is scheduled to be put to death in what would be the state’s first execution in more than four years. Willie James Pye was convicted of killing his former girlfriend Alicia Lynn Yarbrough three decades ago. The planned lethal injection using the sedative pentobarbital is set to happen at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the state prison in Jackson. Pye, who’s 59, would be the first person executed in Georgia since January 2020.

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $977 million for Friday night’s drawing after no tickets matched all six numbers drawn on Tuesday night. The winning numbers drawn on Tuesday were 24, 46, 49, 62, 66 and the gold Mega Ball was 7. The estimated jackpot was $893 million with a cash prize of $421.4 million. The cash prize for Friday’s drawing is $461 million. Four people won $1 million each in California, Texas, Virginia and Florida.

WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel says in a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press the federal tax collector will expand its pursuit of high-wealth tax dodgers with new initiatives in the coming months.

In other news:

Biden and congressional leaders announce a deal on government funding as a partial shutdown looms.
Mississippi "Goon Squad" deputies get yearslong sentences for racist torture of two Black men.
A Nebraska lawmaker faces backlash for invoking a colleague's name in a graphic account of rape.
The NCAA Tournament tips off with two first-time winners, the College Football Playoff secures a TV partner, the Nuggets win a Western showdown, and the Predators remain the hottest team on ice.
Clemson joins Florida State, becomes second school to sue ACC as it seeks to exit conference.
The IOC excludes Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 19 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Six former Mississippi law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to a long list of state and federal charges for torturing two Black men will be sentenced by a federal judge starting Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Tom Lee will sentence two defendants each day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Each faces the potential of decades behind bars. The former law officers have admitted to subjecting Michael Corey Jenkins and Eddie Terrell Parker to numerous acts of racially motivated torture. In a January 2023 episode, the group of six burst into a Rankin County home without a warrant and assaulted the men with stun guns, a sex toy and other objects.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has extended its block, for now, on a Texas law that would give police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of illegally entering the U.S. while the legal battle it sparked over immigration authority plays out. Opponents have called the law, known as Senate Bill 4, the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since an Arizona law more than a decade ago, portions of which were struck down by the Supreme Court. The Texas Attorney General has said the state’s law mirrored federal law and “was adopted to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border, which hurts Texans more than anyone else.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Monday charged that Jews who vote for Democrats “hate Israel” and hate “their religion,” igniting a firestorm of criticism from the White House and Jewish leaders. Trump, in an interview, had been asked about Democrats’ growing criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the war in Gaza as the civilian death toll continues to mount. He responded, “I actually think they hate Israel." He went on to say that: “Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel and they should be ashamed of themselves because Israel will be destroyed.”

LONDON (AP) — A British newspaper says Prince William and his wife Catherine have been filmed at a farm shop near their Windsor home. It's the first reported footage of Kate since she had abdominal surgery for an unspecified condition two months ago. The Sun published a short clip late Monday that appeared to show the couple smiling as they walked together, carrying shopping bags. It said the footage was taken on Saturday. The couple’s Kensington Palace office did not comment. The palace has said Kate will return to official duties after Easter, likely once her children go back to school on April 17. Feverish and at times fantastical speculation has swirled about Kate’s condition during her absence.

FRAZIER PARK, Calif. (AP) — The California Lottery has revealed the name of one of the winners of the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot, last October’s $1.765 billion Powerball bonanza. The lottery says Theodorus Struyck represents a group of winners who bought the ticket at a store in the small Kern County mountain town of Frazier Park. Kern County TV station KGET found no one home at Struyck’s house after his name was released Friday but did interview two neighbors. One describes him as adoring his grandchildren and pleasant to have around. The jackpot was won on the 36th draw in that Powerball sequence, a long run that allowed the sum to grow enormously.

PANAMA CITY, Panama (AP) — The family of boxing great Roberto Durán says he has received a pacemaker after being hospitalized in Panama City on the weekend. Durán's family has posted on his social media that "the surgery in our champion, a pacemaker implant, was totally successful.” The 72-year-old Durán suffered health issues on Saturday due to an atrioventricular blockage. One of his sons, Robin Durán, says his father needed the pacemaker because his heartbeats were “a bit irregular due to the obstruction of the artery.” Robin Durán says his father was well when he arrived at the hospital, where exams detected the blockage. Roberto Durán was a world champion at four different weights and retired in 2002 at age 50.

In other headlines:

Negotiators race to finish government funding bills after late clash on Homeland Security.
Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to send Israeli officials to Washington to discuss prospective Rafah operation.
Supreme Court chief justice denies ex-Trump aide Peter Navarro's bid to stave off prison sentence.
Social media influencer is charged with joining the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol.
Trump's lawyers say it is impossible for him to post bond covering $454 million civil fraud judgment.
EPA bans asbestos, a deadly carcinogen still in use decades after a partial ban was enacted.
Astronaut Thomas Stafford, commander of Apollo 10, has died at age 93.
Toby Keith, John Anderson, James Burton make it into Country Music HOF
The San Francisco Giants add a two-time Cy Young Award winner to their rotation, the NBA schedule features eight games while the NHL has just a pair of contests, and Alabama's new football coach agrees to a contract.
$510 Dodgers jerseys and $150 caps. Behold the price of being an Ohtani fan in Japan.
Sports Illustrated will continue operations after agreement reached with new publisher.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 18 at 9:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a former New Mexico county commissioner banished from public office for participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. The court’s order Monday means Republican former Otero County commissioner Couy Griffin remains disqualified from public office under a constitutional provision designed to prevent ex-Confederates from serving in government after the Civil War. The outcome of Griffin’s case could bolster efforts to hold other state and local elected officials accountable for their involvement in the attack by a mob of then-President Donald Trump's supporters. Griffin is a cowboy pastor who supported Trump in horseback caravans. The Jan. 6 attack delayed certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory over the Republican president.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up a dispute between Republican-led states and the Biden administration over how far the federal government can go to combat controversial social media posts on topics including COVID-19 and election security. The justices are hearing arguments Monday in a lawsuit filed by Louisiana, Missouri and other parties accusing officials in the Democratic administration of leaning on the social media platforms to unconstitutionally squelch conservative points of view. The administration says none of the actions the states complain about come close to problematic coercion. Lower courts have sided with the states. The Supreme Court blocked those rulings while it considers the issue. The case involves posts on Facebook, X and other media platforms.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The U.N. food agency says “famine is imminent” in northern Gaza, where 70% of the remaining population is experiencing catastrophic hunger. It says a further escalation of the war could push around half of Gaza’s total population to the brink of starvation. The alarming report came as Israel faces mounting pressure from even its closest allies to streamline the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip and open more crossings. The European Union’s top diplomat said the impending famine was “entirely man-made” as “starvation is used as a weapon of war.” Israeli forces, meanwhile, launched another raid on the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital, saying it killed a Hamas commander who was hiding there.

President Vladimir Putin extends his reign over Russia in a landslide election whose outcome was never in doubt, declaring his determination to advance deeper into Ukraine and dangling new threats against the West. After the harshest crackdown on dissent since Soviet times, it was clear from the earliest returns that Putin's nearly quarter-century rule would continue with a fifth term that grants him six more years in power. Still, Russians heeded a call to protest Putin’s repression and his war in Ukraine by showing up at polling stations at noon on Sunday. With nearly all the precincts counted Monday, election officials said Putin had secured a record number of votes.

The CEO of United Airlines is trying to reassure travelers that the airline is safe despite a series of recent incidents ranging from a panel falling off a plane to an engine fire. CEO Scott Kirby said Monday that United will review safety training for all employees. Kirby says the airline was already planning an extra day of training for pilots starting in May and changes in training curriculum for new mechanics. In a message to customers, Kirby says the recent incidents are reminders of the importance of safety. He says the flight issues are all unrelated, but they have grabbed United's attention.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho lawmakers are expected to vote on a bill that would ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees using work health insurance and for adults covered by Medicaid. The legislation already has passed the House and only needs to clear the Senate this week before being sent to Gov. Brad Little’s desk, where it would likely be signed into law. The Republican governor has said repeatedly he does not believe public funds should be used for gender-affirming care. If the legislation is enacted, the Movement Advancement Project says Idaho would become at least the 10th state to ban Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for people of all ages.

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — South Sudan is shutting all its schools and warning of an extreme heat wave that's expected to last two weeks. The health and education ministries advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures are expected to soar to 45 Celsius, or 113 Fahrenheit. All schools were to close starting Monday but the ministries did not say how long the closure will last. They warned that any school that opens during the warning time would have its registration withdrawn. A resident in the capital said schools should be connected to the power grid so they could install air conditioners. Extreme heat is common in South Sudan but temperatures rarely exceed 40 C, which is 104 F.

In other headlines:

President Joe Biden campaign has amassed $155M in cash on hand for 2024 campaign and raised $53M last month.
It's a sports fan's dream Sunday with the bracket announcement for the upcoming NCAA tournament, an unbelievebale finish in one NBA game, seven games on the NHL schedule and golf's No. 1 player prevailing again.
In entertainment, "Kung Fu Panda 4" repeats at No. 1 on the box office charts, model and actor Cara Delevingne's home is destroyed in a fire, Usher honored at NAACP Image Awards and a cable car honors Tony Bennett. In religion news, there were peaceful Friday prayers in Jerusalem for Ramadan and evangelicals flock to Israel to support the war.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

I’m Terry Lipshetz, Managing Editor of the National Newsroom at Lee Enterprises and your host. Subscribe to Hot Off The Wire through Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss daily news updates.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

"Oppenheimer" wins best picture and dominates the Academy Awards.
Disney seeks major expansion of California theme park to add more immersive attractions.
Eric Carmen, the Raspberries frontman and ‘All by Myself’ and 'Hungry Eyes' singer, dies at 74.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 16 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:

Home sellers are cutting list prices as spring buying season starts with higher mortgage rates.
Female representation remains low in U.S. statehouses, particularly Democrats in the South.
The NYPD is using social media to target critics. That brings its own set of worries.
Small business advocacy group wins court challenge against the Corporate Transparency Act.
Save Our Signal! Politicians close in on votes needed to keep AM radio in every car.
Honda and Nissan agree to work together in developing electric vehicles and intelligent technology.
Most teens report feeling happy or peaceful when they go without smartphones, Pew survey finds.
In New York City, heat pumps that fit in apartment windows promise big emissions cuts.
EPA tightens limits on a chemical used to sterilize medical equipment, citing cancer risk.
Marriages in the U.S. are back to pre-pandemic levels, CDC says.
Insurer delays and denials hamper patients seeking at-home breathing machines.
AI virtual companion relates to dementia patients.
Most automated driving systems aren't good making sure drivers pay attention, insurance group says.
U.S. airport nasal swabbing expanding to Chicago and Miami.
As threats to Black cemeteries persist, a movement to preserve their sacred heritage gains strength.
Evangelical Christians are fierce Israel supporters. Now they are visiting as war-time volunteers.
Migrants lacking passports must now submit to facial recognition to board flights in U.S.
Rats are high on marijuana evidence at an infested police building, New Orleans chief says.
Montana man used animal tissue and testicles to breed 'giant' sheep for sale to hunting preserves.
Man bitten by a crocodile after falling off his boat at a Florida Everglades marina.
Oklahoma's push to weaken penalties for cockfighting is frustrating opponents of the bloodsport.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 15 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WINCHESTER, Ind. (AP) — Police in Ohio confirmed two deaths resulting from a fierce storm system that unleashed suspected twisters and damaged homes and businesses in parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Chief Deputy Joe Kopus of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio has confirmed the fatalities and says there likely will be more fatalities discovered following the Thursday storm, noting there was heavy damage in area communities. The Indiana State Police say there are “many significant injuries” after a tornado tore through the community of Winchester and say they are investigating reports of deaths. At a Thursday night news conference the state police said there were “no known fatalities” at the time. Forecasters plan to survey the affected areas Friday to confirm the tornado.

LONDON (AP) — System failures at McDonald’s have been reported worldwide, shuttering some restaurants for hours and leading to social media complaints. The fast food chain called the problems Friday a “technology outage” that is being fixed and apologized for the inconvenience. The Chicago-based burger giant said the problems aren't related to a cybersecurity issue. McDonald’s in Japan posted on X, formerly Twitter, that “operations are temporarily out at many of our stores nationwide.” The website Downdetector also reported a spike in problems with the McDonald’s app in the last few hours. Some McDonald’s restaurants are working normally again, with people ordering and getting their food at locations in Bangkok, Milan and London.

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza is accusing Israeli forces of launching an attack near an aid distribution point in war-wracked northern Gaza, killing 20 people and wounding 155 others. The Israeli military said on Friday that Palestinian gunmen were the ones to open fire and that none of its forces had fired toward the waiting crowd or the convoy in the violence the previous night. Meanwhile, a ship loaded with some 200 tons of aid is nearing the enclave where hundreds of thousands have been driven to the brink of starvation. The aid ship left Cyprus earlier this week towing a barge laden with food. It could be seen off Gaza’s coast on Friday morning.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a bid by Donald Trump to throw out out his classified documents criminal case, and appeared skeptical during hours of arguments of a separate effort to scuttle the prosecution ahead of trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon issued a two-page order Thursday saying that though the Trump team had raised “various arguments warranting serious consideration,” a dismissal of charges was not merited. Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, is presiding over one of the four criminal cases against the 2024 presumptive Republican presidential nominee. This case involves records, some highly classified, he took with him from the White House.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A dozen countries across Africa have suffered a major internet outage as multiple undersea telecommunication cables reported failures. Network disruptions caused by cable damage have occurred in Africa in recent years, but “today’s disruption points to something larger (and) this is amongst the most severe,” said Isik Mater, director of research at NetBlocks, a group that documents internet disruptions around the world. Internet firm Cloudflare reported a pattern in the timing of the disruptions that heavily impacted at least 10 countries in West Africa, including Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. The cause of the failure was not immediately clear.

In other headlines:

Prosecutors say they're open to delaying start of Donald Trump's March 25 hush-money trial.
Top Democrat Chuck Schumer calls for new elections in Israel, saying Benjamin Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace.
Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says he's putting together investor group to buy TikTok
US military chief tours arms plants with GOP lawmakers to show that Ukraine aid boosts jobs at home.
James Crumbley, who bought gun used by son to kill 4 students, guilty of manslaughter in Michigan.
The Celtics strengthen their grip on their Eastern Conference lead, NCAA men's basketball sees conference tournament week continue, a busy night in the NHL sees twelve games on the schedule, the NFL is investigating the timing of two free agent signings, and the first round of The Players Championship is complete.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 14 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Massive chunks of hail has pelted parts of Kansas and Missouri and brought traffic to a standstill along Interstate 70. Meteorologists issued thunderstorm warnings and tornado watches Wednesday into Thursday. Alex Sosnowski of AccuWeather said some were calling it “gorilla hail” because of its potential to be so big. Descriptions of hail ranged from the size of golf balls and apples, to softballs and baseballs. There were three unconfirmed reports of tornadoes in Wabaunsee and Shawnee counties. The National Weather Service in Topeka said quarter-size hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph were expected across northern Kansas overnight until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed a bill that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if its China-based owner doesn’t sell. Lawmakers are concerned the company’s current ownership structure is beholden to the Chinese government and poses a U.S. national security threat. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman accuses Washington of resorting to political tools when U.S. businesses fail to compete. The House bill now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear. TikTok has more than 170 million American users and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd. A TikTok spokesman is criticizing Congress for being too secretive.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge is set to hear arguments on whether to dismiss the classified documents prosecution of Donald Trump. His lawyers say the former president was entitled under the Presidential Records Act to keep the sensitive documents with him when he left the White House and headed to Florida. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team, by contrast, says the files Trump is charged with possessing are presidential records, not personal ones, and that the statute does not apply to classified and top-secret documents like those kept at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. It's unclear when U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon might rule.

ATLANTA (AP) — The judge overseeing the Georgia 2020 election interference case has dismissed some of the charges against ex-President Donald Trump, but others remain. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee wrote Wednesday in an order that six of the charges in the indictment must be quashed, including three against Trump. The order leaves intact many other charges in the indictment. The judge wrote that prosecutors could seek a new indictment on the charges he dismissed. The six charges in question have to do with soliciting elected officials to violate their oaths of office. One of the counts stems from a phone call Trump made to fellow Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, 2021. Trump denies wrongdoing.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A U.N. report says many countries are bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the poorest are not and a significant number are seeing their conditions deteriorate. The U.N. Development Program issued the report Wednesday. Agency head Achim Steiner says that after two decades during which rich and poor countries were coming closer in terms of development, they are now drifting apart. The report says the Human Development Index that UNDP has been producing since 1990 is projected to reach record highs in 2023 after steep declines during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021. But it says development in half of the world’s poorest countries remains below 2019 pre-pandemic levels.

In other headlines:

The U.S. has its first presidential rematch since 1956, and other facts about the Biden-Trump sequel.

Hunter Biden gun case could go to trial as soon as June — if judge refuses motions to dismiss.

Death of nonbinary teen Nex Benedict after school fight is ruled a suicide, medical examiner says.

Dollar Tree to close nearly 1,000 stores, posts surprise fourth quarter loss.

Judge schedules sentencing for movie armorer in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin.

Free agents continue to move freely around the NFL, the Nuggets win a rematch of the NBA Finals, three more teams earn NCAA men's tournament berths, a busy night out west for the NHL and Dylan Cease ceases to be on the White Sox. Also, the Chiefs restructure Patrick Mahomes' contract for salary cap relief and Louisville fires Payne after going 12-52 in two seasons.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 13 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have clinched their parties' presidential nominations with decisive victories in a slate of low-profile primaries, setting up a general election rematch that many voters do not want. The outcome of contests Tuesday in Georgia, Mississippi, Washington state and Hawaii was never in doubt. Neither Biden, a Democrat, nor Trump, a Republican, faced major opposition. But the magnitude of their wins gave each man the delegate majority he needed to claim his party’s nomination at the summertime national conventions. There is no longer any doubt that the fall election will feature a rematch between two flawed and unpopular presidents. It will almost certainly deepen the nation’s searing political and cultural divides.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A bill that could lead to a ban of the popular video app TikTok is expected to pass the House as lawmakers act on concerns the company’s ownership structure is a threat to American national security. The bill would require the Chinese firm ByteDance to divest from TikTok and other applications it owns within six months of the bill’s enactment or those apps will be prohibited. The lawmakers contend ByteDance is beholden to the Chinese government, which can demand access to the data of TikTok’s consumers in the U.S. TikTok denies it could be used as a Chinese government tool. The bill is likely to pass Wednesday but still has a long way to go in the Senate.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An aid ship loaded with some 200 tons of food set sail for Gaza on Tuesday in a pilot program for the opening of a sea corridor to the territory, where the 5-month Israel-Hamas war has driven hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the brink of starvation.

New artificial intelligence tools are helping doctors communicate with their patients. Some tools answer messages and others take notes during exams. It’s been just 15 months since OpenAI released ChatGPT. Already thousands of doctors are using products based on similar large language models. Enthusiasts say these AI tools save doctors’ time and prevent burnout. They’re also shaking up the doctor-patient relationship, raising questions of trust, transparency, privacy and the future of human connection. AI tools can be prompted to be friendly, empathetic and informative. They can also make mistakes, so it's important that the human doctor stay in the loop.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Labor strife remains an issue in Hollywood after two major strikes were resolved, and the Academy Awards didn’t sidestep that. Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel devoted part of his opening monologue toward vowing to union members and those working behind the scenes that Hollywood’s stars would stand with them as repayment for those workers supporting actors during the strike that brought much of the entertainment industry to a standstill last year. Those crew members are resuming contract talks with studios next week. And video game actors may be going on strike within weeks.

In other headlines:
Congressional hearing on the Biden classified documents probe turns into a proxy campaign battle.
House GOP launch new probe of Jan. 6 and try shifting blame for the Capitol attack away from Trump.
The IRS launches Direct File, a pilot program for free online tax filing available in 12 states.
US inflation up again in February in latest sign that price pressures remain elevated.
Free-agent musical chairs continues apace in the NFL, the Timberwolves come from way back to top the Clippers, the Bucks conclude a lousy Western trip with a loss to Sacramento and the Rangers get the game's only goal in at a win at Carolina.
Eric Carmen, the Raspberries frontman and "All by Myself" and "Hungry Eyes" singer, dies at 74.
Kate's "photogate" scandal shows that relations between royals and the press rarely run smooth.
Commercial rocket trying to put a satellite into orbit explodes moments after liftoff in Japan.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 12 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden repeatedly told a special counsel he never meant to retain classified information after he left the vice presidency but was at times fuzzy about dates and the paper trail for sensitive documents. That's from a transcript of Biden’s interviews with special counsel Robert Hur that The Associated Press has reviewed before they were turned over to Congress by the Department of Justice. Hur is set to testify Tuesday before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigation into the handling of classified documents by the Democratic president. Hur concluded in his report Biden should not face criminal charges over his mishandling of documents but also impugned his age and competence.

A ship carrying 200 tons of food is on its way to the embattled Gaza Strip from Cyprus to test the opening of a sea corridor to the besieged territory where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of starvation. The food was gathered by World Food Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, and is being carried on a barge attached to a ship belonging to the Spanish aid group Open Arms. It's expected to arrive at an undisclosed location on the Gaza coastline in two to three days. The Israeli military meanwhile said about 100 projectiles were launched from Lebanon on Tuesday, some of the heaviest fire emanating from Israel’s northern neighbor since the start of the war in Gaza.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has announced he will resign once a transitional presidential council is created, bowing to international pressure that seeks to save the country overwhelmed by violent gangs that some experts say have unleashed a low-scale civil war. Henry served the longest single term as prime minister since Haiti’s 1987 constitution was approved. Henry made the announcement early Tuesday, hours after officials including Caribbean leaders and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Jamaica to urgently discuss a solution to halt Haiti’s spiraling crisis. Henry has been unable to enter Haiti because the violence closed its main international airports.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Four astronauts from four countries are back on Earth after catching a ride from the International Space Station with SpaceX. Their capsule parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Panhandle early Tuesday. NASA's Jasmin Moghbeli led the returning crew. She was joined by astronauts from Denmark, Japan and Russia. The four moved into the space station last August for what turned out to be a 199-day mission. Their replacements arrived last week.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Students and teachers can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, provided it's not part of instruction. That's according to a settlement reached Monday between Florida education officials and civil rights attorneys who had challenged a state law which critics dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.” The settlement clarifies what is allowed in Florida classrooms following passage two years ago of the law prohibiting instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. Opponents said the law had created confusion about whether teachers could identity themselves as LGBTQ. Gov. Ron DeSantis' office described the settlement as a win since the law remains intact.

In other headlines:

Former President Donald Trump says banning TikTok would help Facebook, even if it's a national security threat.
The Democratic protest vote movement over the Israel-Hamas war spreads from Michigan to other states.
Several big names are on the move in NFL Free Agency, Russell Wilson is joining the Steelers, the Nuggets rally from a 21 point deficit and the Bruins have a rough night at home.
Two dogs die during 1,000-mile Iditarod, prompting call from PETA to end the race across Alaska.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 11 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Oppenheimer,” a solemn three-hour biopic that became an unlikely billion-dollar box-office sensation, was crowed best picture at a 96th Academy Awards that doubled as a coronation for Christopher Nolan. The most closely watched contest of the Academy Awards went to Emma Stone, who won best best actress for her performance as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things.” Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy have won their first Oscars. Robert Downey Jr. won best supporting actor at the Academy Awards, notching his first Oscar and handing the 58-year-old actor a crowning moment in an up-and-down career.

LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales has apologized for “confusion” caused by her editing of a family photo released by the palace. The image of Kate and her children was intended to calm concern and speculation about the princess’s health, but had the opposite effect. Several news agencies that initially published the photo, including The Associated Press, withdrew the image over concerns about digital manipulation.

GENEVA (AP) — Police said five cross-country skiers — including members of the same Swiss family — were found dead along a high Alpine ridge after going missing over the weekend near Switzerland’s famed Matterhorn.

OLIVETTE, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man has been charged with shooting and killing his mother as she tried to enter the back door of their home. Jaylen Johnson’s attorney, William Goldstein, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Johnson believed his mother was an intruder when she tried to enter the home in the St. Louis suburb of Olivette around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

In other headlines:

Former President Donald Trump blasts President Joe Biden over Laken Riley's death after Biden says he regrets using term "illegal."
Katie Britt used decades-old example of rapes in Mexico as Republican attack on Biden border policy.
The Netherlands opened a Holocaust museum amid protests against Israeli president's presence.
Some fans at frigid Chiefs playoff game underwent amputations, hospital confirms.
The college basketball regular season is over and conference tournaments now take over the spotlight, it was a busy night in the NBA on the court and the league doles out a big fine to one of its players, it was a light schedule in the NHL that saw a one-sided game in Carolina, and there was news related to multiple quarterbacks in the NFL.
"Kung Fu Panda 4" opens No. 1, while "Dune Part Two" stays strong. That, Disney seeks major expansion of California theme park to add more immersive attractions and more entertainment news.
On this week's religion roundup, the Church of England uses funds to addresses historic links to slavery, LIberty University is fined for failing to disclose crime data, and chaplains may soon be a feature in Florida.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

From ‘The Bodyguard’ to ‘Barbie’ Is the movie soundtrack back and bigger than ever.
Taylor Swift steals the show at an Asian summit as Singapore defends exclusive Eras Tour stop.
Caitlin Clark makes two free throws to break Pete Maravich's NCAA Division I scoring record.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 9 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

LA GRULLA, Texas (AP) — The military says a helicopter flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas has crashed, killing two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent. Another soldier on board has been injured. The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was assigned to the federal government’s border security mission when it went down near Rio Grande City. The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations. Authorities didn't provide more details. The cause is under investigation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a $460 billion package of spending bills in time to meet a midnight deadline for avoiding a shutdown of many key federal agencies. The vote gets lawmakers about halfway home in wrapping up their appropriations work for this budget year. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Meanwhile, lawmakers are negotiating a second package of six bills, including defense, in an effort to have all federal agencies fully funded by March 22. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says the first bill’s passage will allow agencies to hire more air traffic controllers, give federal firefighters a raise and boost support for homeless veterans, among other things.

In other headlines:

Program that allows 30,000 migrants from 4 countries into the U.S. each month upheld by judge.
Biden in a hot mic moment shows his growing frustration with Benjamn Netanyahu over Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Why are clocks set forward in the spring Thank wars, confusion and a hunger for sunlight.
The Secure Act 2.0 offers options for small businesses who want to offer retirement plans.
Obesity drug Wegovy is approved to cut heart attack and stroke risk in overweight patients.
COVID-19 no longer means five days in isolation, CDC says.
A New Jersey city that limited street parking hasn’t had a traffic death in 7 years.
How do animals react during a total solar eclipse? Scientists plan to find out in April.
What is a whale native to the North Pacific doing off New England Climate change could be the key.
Fewer fish and more algae Scientists seek to understand impacts of historic lack of Great Lakes ice.
In Hawaii, coral is the foundation of life. What happened to it after the Lahaina wildfire.
Italians cut back on olive oil as prices surge, survey says. Producers are pushing back on that.
Illegally imported goose intestines hidden under rattlesnakes, federal authorities say.
The Tower of London's new ravenmaster takes charge of the landmark's iconic jet-black flock.
The Pelicans nearly see a big lead on the road disappear, the Thunder use a big second half to rally past the Heat, the Cavaliers need overtime to dispatch the Timberwolves, the NHL trade deadline brings about a flurry of moves, Major League Baseball hands down a drug suspension to a top prospect, and Tiger Woods will miss another tournament. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 8 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his State of the Union speech Thursday night, lacing into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution” and for jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad. Biden repeatedly delivered broadsides at “my predecessor” without ever mentioning Trump by name. The scrappy tone from Biden was a sharp break from his often humdrum daily appearances and was designed to banish doubts about whether the 81-year-old is still up to the job. For 68 minutes, Biden goaded Republicans over their policies, invited call-and-response banter with fellow Democrats on economic issues, taxes and healthcare and seemed to relish the fight.

There are concerns in both New York City and Philadelphia after recent violence on subways and city buses.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A United Airlines jetliner that lost a tire on takeoff has made a safe emergency landing in Los Angeles. Flight 35 left San Francisco and was bound for Osaka, Japan, on Thursday. United says there were 235 passengers and a crew of 14 on the plane. United says the plane is designed to land safely with missing or damaged tires. Video shows the plane losing one of the six tires on its left-side main landing gear assembly seconds after takeout. The tire smashed into a car in an employee parking lot at San Francisco International Airport.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s economy likely produced another month of healthy hiring in February, once again brushing aside the effects of high interest rates with unexpected ease. When the Labor Department issues the monthly jobs report Friday, economists predict it will show that employers added a solid 200,000 jobs in February. Though that would be down from the blockbuster gains in December (333,000) and January (353,000), it would still be plenty fast enough to outpace population growth and keep the unemployment rate near a half-century low. Forecasters have projected that the jobless rate stayed at 3.7% last month. If so, it would mark the 25th straight month in which the unemployment rate has remained below 4%.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Recently unsealed court documents show that an Army soldier accused of selling national defense information has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a wide range on charges, including bribery of a public official. According to the indictment, Korbein Schultz allegedly conspired with an individual identified only as “Conspirator A” to disclose various documents, photographs, and other national defense materials since June 2022. The indictment claims that Schultz was recruited by the individual not only due to his security clearance but also because he was tasked gathering sensitive U.S. military information. The case is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions of current or former military members accused of illegally disclosing sensitive government secrets.

In other news:

Judge denies Trump relief from $83.3 million defamation judgment.
Federal Reserve's Powell: Regulatory proposal criticized by banks will be revised by end of year.
Average long-term US mortgage rate edges lower for the first time in five weeks.
Applications for jobless claims hold at healthy levels.
Steve Lawrence, singer, entertainer and half of popular stage duo Steve & Eydie, dies at 88.
The Nuggets win a battle of two of the NBA's best, the Timberwolves get a memorable performance from Anthony Edwards but lose their other star to injury, Arizona takes the final Pac-12 regular season championship, a big trade in the NHL on the eve of the trading deadline, and another high-profile Bronco is cut. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 7 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is set to use his State of the Union address to promote his vision for a second term to a dispirited electorate who questions whether he’s up to the job and to warn that GOP front-runner Donald Trump would be a dangerous alternative. Biden’s third such address from the House rostrum on Thursday will be something of an on-the-job interview, as the nation’s oldest president tries to quell voter concerns about his age and job performance. The president hopes to showcase his accomplishments on infrastructure and manufacturing, and push for action on aid to Ukraine, tougher migration rules, restoring access to abortion, and lowering drug prices, among other issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than a quarter of female Black voters describe abortion as their top issue in this year’s presidential election. That's according to a survey out Thursday from health policy research firm KFF. The findings signal a significant shift from previous election years, when white, religious voters were more likely to name abortion as their top priority when casting a ballot.

CAIRO (AP) — Hamas says its delegation has left Cairo and that talks on a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release will resume next week. That makes it extremely unlikely that mediators will broker a deal before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister is accusing the U.S. of devising tactics to suppress China’s rise and he has criticized the Biden administration for adding more Chinese companies to its sanctions lists. Wang Yi said Thursday that relations with the U.S. have improved since Presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden met in November, but that America has not fulfilled its promises.

Gum makers are trying to figure out what will make Americans start chewing again. Generational habits, health concerns and the coronavirus pandemic have gnawed away at gum sales. Some manufacturers are leaving the U.S. market altogether. But Mars, which owns the 133-year-old Wrigley brand, is trying to reposition gum as a stress reliever and a concentration aid as well as a breath freshener.

In other headlines:

The House passed a $460 billion package of spending bills. The Senate expected to act before shutdown deadline.
The Fed's Jerome Powell: Rate cuts likely this year, but more evidence is needed that inflation is tamed.
Nikki Haley suspends her campaign and leaves Donald Trump as the last major Republican candidate.
A jury convicts a movie armorer of involuntary manslaughter in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin on the set of "Rust."
Europe's Digital Markets Act is forcing tech giants to make changes. Here's what that will look like.
Eight games on the NBA slate Wednesday, five of the top ten teams in college basketball saw action, there was action both on and off the ice in the NHL and a flurrly of moves in the NFL.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 6 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, have dominated coast-to-coast contests on Super Tuesday. Biden and Trump have all but cemented a November rematch. The former president’s last major rival, Nikki Haley, made plans shortly afterward to leave the Republican race. Their victories from coast to coast, including the delegate-rich states of California and Texas, left little doubt about the trajectory of the race. Haley won Vermont, denying Trump a full sweep. But the former president carried other states that might have been favorable to her such as Virginia, Massachusetts and Maine, which have large swaths of moderate voters like those who have backed her in previous primaries.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A U.S. destroyer has shot down drones and a missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels toward it in the Red Sea. That's according to the U.S. military's Central Command. The assault Tuesday targeted the destroyer USS Carney. The rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, though they said they targeted two American warships, without elaborating.

Over the last five months, Israel has killed thousands of Hamas fighters, destroyed dozens of their tunnels and wreaked unprecedented destruction on the Gaza Strip. But it faces a dilemma that was clear from the start of the war and will determine its outcome: It can either try to annihilate Hamas, which would mean almost certain death for the estimated 100 hostages still held in Gaza, or it can cut a deal that would allow the militants to claim a historic victory.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s embattled prime minister has landed in Puerto Rico as he tries to return to Haiti to quell a surge in violent gang attacks. Officials told The Associated Press that Ariel Henry landed late Tuesday afternoon at the Luiz Muñoz Marín International Airport in the capital of San Juan.

In other headlines:

Who is Jason Palmer? A previously unknown Democrat beats Biden in American Samoa's Democratic caucus.
V-J Day "Kiss" photo stays on display as VA head reverses department memo that would've banned it.
Alabama lawmakers advance legislation to protect IVF providers, with final approval still ahead.
Princess of Wales to appear in June for royal ceremony, first confirmed official duty since surgery.
The Suns pull away in OT against the Nuggets, the Cavs pull off a stunner, a three-goal deficit is erased by the Stars, Purdue wins the Big Ten men's basketball title and Dartmouth men's basketball to unionize.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 5 at 7 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump are poised to have the biggest day of the primary campaign move them to the brink of winning their party’s presidential nominations and set up a historic rematch that many voters would rather not endure. Super Tuesday elections are being held in 16 states and one territory. Hundreds of delegates are at stake, the biggest haul for either party on a single day. In a dramatic departure from competitive Super Tuesdays of the past, the contests are effectively sealed this year. Both Biden and Trump have easily repelled challengers despite polls showing voters don’t want this year’s general election to be identical to 2020’s.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A fire raging at a building that supplies novelties, phone accessories and other merchandise to discount stores has caused multiple explosions that injured at least two people and rocked suburban Detroit. The Clinton Township Police Department said on Facebook that debris was sent into the air and came down as far as a mile away. Exploding projectile canisters damaged a fire vehicle and a police vehicle. The explosions started about 8:50 p.m. Monday at a business called Select Distributors. The Select Distributors website advertised glass products and nitrous oxide among its supplies. The business did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Nashville say that five people have died after a small plane crashed near an interstate highway, shutting down multiple lanes. The Metro Nashville Police Department says the single-engine plane crashed Monday night just off of Interstate 40 in the western part of the city. Police posted a photo of charred wreckage of the small plane in the grass along the interstate. Transportation officials say the eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 have been closed. The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority says the crash happened 3 miles south of John C. Tune Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Heavily armed gangs have tried to seize control of Haiti’s main international airport as they exchanged gunfire with police and soldiers trying to repel them. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport was closed when the attack occurred Monday, with no planes operating and no passengers on site. It is the biggest attack on the airport in Haiti’s history. It occurred just hours after authorities ordered a nighttime curfew following an explosion of violence in which armed gang members overran the two biggest prisons and freed thousands of inmates over the weekend.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine claims it has sunk another Russian warship in the Black Sea using high-tech sea drones as Kyiv’s forces continue to take aim at targets deep behind the war’s front line. Russian authorities did not confirm the claim on Tuesday. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency said a special operations unit destroyed the large patrol ship Sergey Kotov overnight with Magura V5 uncrewed vessels. They are designed and built in Ukraine and laden with explosives. The patrol ship, which Ukraine said was hit near the Kerch Strait, reportedly can carry cruise missiles and around 60 crew. The Ukrainian claim could not immediately be independently verified.

Federal regulators say they have found multiple instances in which Boeing and its key supplier lack adequate measures to control for quality in the manufacturing of jetliners. The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday that it found problems with parts handling and storage, and other areas. The FAA says it has given Boeing and supplier Spirit AeroSystems a summary of findings from a six-week audit. But the agency isn't immediately making details of its findings public. The FAA has stepped up its scrutiny of Boeing since Jan. 5, when a panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 over Oregon.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Biden administration is moving to cap credit card late fees at $8. It's the latest effort in the White House push to end what it has called “junk fees” and is a move that regulators say will save Americans up to $10 billion a year. The average credit card late fee is around $32, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. President Joe Biden plans to highlight the proposal along with other efforts to reduce costs to Americans at a meeting of his competition council on Tuesday. Biden is forming a new “strike force” to crack down on unfair pricing on things like groceries and prescription drugs.

In other headlines:

Supreme Court restores Trump to ballot, rejecting state attempts to ban him over Capitol attack.
Settlement in Wisconsin fake elector case offers new details on the strategy by Trump lawyers.
Former Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg admits to perjury and will not have to testify in hush-money trial.
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira pleads guilty under a deal that calls for at least 11 years in prison.
Russell Wilson will soon be sent packing by the Broncos, Jason Kelce retires after an illustrious 13-year career with the Eagles, the Bucks come back to beat the Clippers, Duke wins at North Carolina State and the Panthers beat the Rangers in New York.
First over-the-counter birth control pill in US begins shipping to stores.
American Airlines to buy 260 new planes from Boeing, Airbus and Embraer to meet growing demand.
Apple fined nearly $2 billion by the European Union over music streaming competition.
Girl Scouts were told to stop bracelet-making fundraiser for kids in Gaza. Now they can't keep up.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 4 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump could learn Monday whether the Supreme Court will let him appear on this year’s ballot as he tries to close in on the Republican presidential nomination. The justices are expected to decide at least one case Monday, with signs pointing to resolution of the case from Colorado that threatens to kick Trump off some state ballots because of his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Any opinions will post on the court’s website beginning just after 10 a.m. Eastern time Monday. Trump is challenging a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court that said he is disqualified from being president again and ineligible for the state’s primary Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nikki Haley has won the District of Columbia’s Republican primary. It’s her first victory over Donald Trump in the GOP primary race. The Associated Press declared Haley the winner Sunday night after D.C. Republican Party officials released the vote totals. Her victory halts the former president’s sweep of the GOP voting contests at least temporarily, though Trump remains the race’s dominant front-runner. There are only about 23,000 registered Republicans in the nation’s capital, which is heavily Democratic.

TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — A powerful blizzard that closed highways and ski resorts had mostly moved through the Sierra Nevada but forecasters warn that more snow was on the way for Northern California mountains. Sections of Interstate 80 to the west and north of Lake Tahoe were closed Sunday, and the highway patrol says there is no estimate for reopening. Blizzard warnings have mostly expired but scattered thunderstorms are likely and another 2 feet of snow is possible in the mountains. Several ski resorts were closed all weekend. Power has been restored to thousands who lost service on Saturday.'

KING CITY, Calif. (AP) — Police say a group of men in masks opened fire at an outdoor party in central California, killing four people and injuring three others. The King City Police Department says officers responded to a reported shooting around 6 p.m. Sunday and found three men with gunshot wounds who were pronounced dead in a front yard. Four other people sustained gunshot wounds, including a woman who died after being transported to a hospital in King City, about 106 miles south of San Jose. Police say several people were at the party outside a residence when three men with dark masks and clothes got out of a silver car and fired at the group. The suspects, who were not immediately identified, then fled the scene in the car.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX has launched four astronauts to the International Space Station who will oversee the arrival of two new rocketships during their stint. The U.S.-Russian crew should reach the station on Tuesday, following Sunday night's launch from Florida. They'll replace a crew from the U.S., Denmark, Japan and Russia. Boeing's long-delayed Starliner capsule with test pilots and a new private mini shuttle with cargo are due to arrive during the new crew's six-month stay. NASA's Jeanette Epps was originally assigned to fly on Boeing's Starliner. NASA finally switched her to SpaceX.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s government says it may renew the search for MH370 after a U.S. technology firm proposed a fresh search in the southern Indian Ocean where the Malaysia Airlines plane is believed to have crashed. The plane with 239 people aboard vanished a decade ago while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Sunday that Texas-based Ocean Infinity proposed another “no find, no fee” search, expanding from the site where it first looked in 2018. He said he has invited the company to meet him for a briefing on its plan. Ocean Infinity CEO Oliver Punkett reportedly said the company has worked with many experts in analyzing data to narrow the search area and is ready to return to the search.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A poll finds that a growing share of U.S. adults doubt that 81-year-old President Joe Biden has the memory and acuity for the job. That means Biden's coming State of the Union address could be something of a real-time audition as he bids for a second term. According to a new survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 63% of U.S. adults say they lack confidence in Biden’s mental capability to serve effectively as president. That's a slight increase from January 2022, when half of those polled expressed similar concerns. Nearly 6 in 10 also think Republican frontrunner Donald Trump lacks the mental capability to serve.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials say Americans with COVID-19 no longer need to stay in isolation for five days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its longstanding guidance on Friday. People can return to work or regular activities if their symptoms are mild and improving and it’s been a day since they’ve had a fever. COVID-19 is no longer the public health menace it once was and most people have some degree of immunity from vaccinations or from infections. And some experts note that many people are not following the five-day isolation guidance anyway.

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 61,000 pounds of steamed chicken soup dumplings sold at Trader Joe’s are being recalled for possibly containing hard plastic, according to U.S. regulators. The Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service noted that the now-recalled dumplings, which are produced by CJ Foods Manufacturing Beaumont Corp., may be contaminated with foreign materials — specifically hard plastic from a permanent marker pen. The 6-ounce Trader Joe’s Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings under recall can be identified by their side box labels with lot codes 03.07.25.C1-1 and 03.07.25.C1-2. To date, no related illnesses or injures have been reported yet.

In entertainment news, "Rust" director Joel Souza testifies, historians scramble to capture Woodstock's voices and "Dune: Part Two" leads at the box office.

In sports, a basketball massacre in Boston, UConn wins the Big East regular season title for the first time in 25 years, Caitlin Clark tops Pistol Pete's scoring record and Connor McDavid's Oilers beat Sidney Crosby's Penguins.

In religion news, Pope Francis struggles with his health as some priests are rebuked for praying for the pope to go to heaven as soon as possible.'

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

"Oppenheimer" and Lily Gladstone win at 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Humorously morose comedian Richard Lewis, who recently starred on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," dies at 76.
Shohei Ohtani hits a two-run homer in his first exhibition game with Los Angeles Dodgers.
There will be a major increase to the NFL’s salary cap for next season.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 2 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:

The U.S. is bracing for complex, fast-moving threats to elections this year, FBI director warns.
Climate change cost U.S. ski industry billions, study says, and future depends on emissions.
Flu shots are doing OK vs. virus, U.S. numbers indicate.
About as many abortions are happening in the U.S. monthly as before Roe was overturned, report finds.
By defining sex, some states are denying transgender people legal recognition.
$1B donation makes New York medical school tuition free and transforms students' lives.
Lower auto prices are finally giving Americans a break after years of inflationary increases.
Small business owners are optimistic for growth in 2024.
Experts say Boeing's steps to improve safety culture have helped but don't go far enough.
Could Missouri's 'stand your ground' law apply to the Super Bowl celebration shooters.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 1 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has passed another short-term spending measure that would keep one set of federal agencies operating through March 8 and another set through March 22. The extension averts a shutdown for parts of the federal government that would otherwise have kicked in at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. The short-term extension is the fourth in recent months. Lawmakers are voicing increased optimism that it'll be the last before Congress approves two separate spending packages totaling more than $1.6 trillion for the full fiscal year. The renewed focus on this year’s spending bills doesn’t include a separate effort to provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel.

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — The federal judge overseeing the classified documents prosecution of Donald Trump is expected to set a trial date. It's a crucial decision that could affect whether the former president and leading Republican candidate faces a jury this year on charges that he hoarded top secret records and hid them from government investigators.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Three hundred miles apart, on the bank of the same winding Rio Grande, President Joe Biden and GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump on Thursday surveyed the U.S.-Mexico border. They then tussled from a distance over who was to blame for the nation’s broken immigration system and how to fix it.

STINNETT, Texas (AP) — The largest wildfire in Texas history has killed two people and left behind a desolate landscape of scorched prairie, dead cattle and burned-out homes in the Texas Panhandle.

Hundreds of people have said farewell to Alexei Navalny at a funeral in Moscow under a heavy police presence. It comes after a battle with authorities over the release of his body following his still-unexplained death in an Arctic penal colony.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS plans to go after 125,000 high-income earners who did not file tax returns going back to 2017. The agency says hundreds of millions of dollars of unpaid taxes are involved in these cases. Beginning this week, the agency will start sending out noncompliance letters to more than 25,000 people who earn more than $1 million per year and 100,000 people with incomes between $400,000 and $1 million who failed to pay their taxes between 2017 and 2021.

In other news:

Pentagon chief is put on the defensive: Lawmakers confront Lloyd Austin about his secret hospital stay
Judge blocks Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants who illegally enter the U.S.
A former career diplomat admits secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warns that sending Western troops to Ukraine risks a global nuclear war.
Adults fracture along party lines in support for Ukraine military funding, an AP-NORC poll finds.
Excitement in the NBA, hockey has its share of highlights, too, a major female college star is turning pro and an NFL owner receives some personal bad news. Also: Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani says he is married and his bride is Japanese.
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge picked up last month in sign of still-elevated prices.
Applications for jobless benefits rise but remain historically low despite recent layoffs.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 29 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have announced a tentative agreement to prevent a government shutdown, for now. Wednesday's deal comes days before an end-of-the-week deadline that risked shuttering some federal operations. Under the plan, Congress would temporarily extend funding for one set of federal agencies through March 8 and for another through March 22. In the meantime, Congress will try to draft and pass packages of legislation to fund the government for the remainder of the budget year. Notably missing is a $95 billion emergency package for Ukraine, Israel and Indo-Pacific allies, which remains stubbornly stalled. Hard-right Republicans want steeper spending reductions. Voting in the House is expected Thursday, right before Friday's deadline when some federal monies run out.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Witnesses say Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City. According to healthy officials, more than 100 people were killed, bringing the death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas war to more than 30,000.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Donald Trump are both heading to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. On Thursday, the two will be there and have chosen optimal locations from which to make their respective points.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court's decision to consider whether Donald Trump can face prosecution in his federal 2020 election interference case injects immediate uncertainty into the legal and political calendar over the next several months. Wednesday's decision raises the potential that a trial could collide with the final stretch of the 2024 election — but also the potential that a trial that had initially been set for March might not take place this year at all. The Supreme Court will decide a legally untested question: whether former presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts they take in office.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will investigate potential national security risks posed by Chinese-made “smart cars” that can gather sensitive information about Americans driving them.

NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Lewis, an acclaimed comedian known for exploring his neuroses in frantic, stream-of-consciousness diatribes while dressed in all-black, leading to his nickname “The Prince of Pain,” has died. He was 76. A regular performer in clubs and on late-night TV for decades, Lewis also played Marty Gold, the romantic co-lead opposite Jamie Lee Curtis, in the ABC series “Anything But Love” and the reliably neurotic Prince John in “Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men In Tights.” He re-introduced himself to a new generation opposite Larry David in HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” kvetching regularly.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Mitch McConnell says he'll step down as Senate Republican leader in November. The 82-year-old Kentucky lawmaker is the longest-serving Senate leader in history. He's maintained his power in the face of dramatic changes in the Republican Party. He made the announcement Wednesday on the Senate floor.

In other headlines:

An appellate judge refuses to halt Trump's $454 million fraud penalty while he appeals.
Rep. Lauren Boebert's son facing possible felony charges in string of vehicle break-ins.
Luka Doncic celebrates his birthday with a triple-double, Tyrese Haliburton keeps the Pacers from blowing a big lead, LeBron James rallies the Lakers from a huge fourth-quarter deficit, college football's playoff looks to expand again, Caitlin Clark adds another record to her resume, and the Saudi Arabian government looks to invest in another North American sport.
Kirk Cousins and Chris Jones head an NFL free agents list filled with star-quality players.
Anheuser-Busch and Teamsters reach a labor agreement that avoids a strike.
Chrysler is recalling more than 330,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to steering wheel issue.
New Yorkers morn Flaco and want a statue, while lawmakers want bird safe buildings.
Fired scientists in Canada failed to acknowledge links to China, newly released records say.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 28 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

A series of wildfires are sweeping across the Texas Panhandle, prompting evacuations, cutting off power to thousands, and forcing the brief shutdown of a nuclear weapons facility. Strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm temperatures fed the blazes. Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 counties as the largest blaze burned nearly 470 square miles. The fire tore through sparsely populated counties surrounded by rolling plains.

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump have won their party’s primaries in Michigan. However, Tuesday’s results showed that both candidates have cause for concern in their bid to win the swing state in November. An “uncommitted” vote in Michigan’s Democratic primary was the first indication of how backlash over President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza might impact his reelection campaign. Support for Trump rival Nikki Haley once again showed that some Republican voters may have misgivings about giving the former president another four years in the general election.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is signing an executive order aiming to better protect Americans’ personal data on everything from biometrics and health records to finances and geolocation from foreign adversaries like China and Russia.

The funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died earlier this month in a remote Arctic penal colony, will take place on Friday in Moscow after several locations declined to host the service, his spokesperson says. Kira Yarmysh says the funeral will be held at a church in Moscow’s southeast Maryino district on Friday afternoon. The burial is to be at a nearby cemetery.

In other news:

Biden implores Congress to avoid a government shutdown, send urgent aid to Ukraine and Israel.
Alabama IVF patients describe heartbreak, anger after ruling.
Macy's to close 150 unproductive namesake stores amid sales slip as it steps up luxury business.
What would happen without a Leap Day? More than you might think.
Two men convicted of killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, nearly 22 years after rap star's death.
Photographer accuses Taylor Swift's dad of punching him in the face on Sydney waterfront.
Wendy Williams documentary producers say they didn't know she had dementia while filming most scenes.
The NBA's Western Conference race remains tight and do the races in the NHL's Central and Atlantic divisions, the top team in men's college basketball wins but the seventh ranked team isn't as fortunate, and a Major League Baseball star makes his debut in spring training.
NYC officials shut down furniture store illegally converted to house more than 40 migrants. San Francisco apologizes to Black residents for decades of racist policies.

UK's Prince William pulls out of memorial service for his godfather because of "personal matter."

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 27 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump are marching toward their respective presidential nominations. But Michigan’s primary on Tuesday could reveal significant political perils for both of them. Trump faces a bloc of stubbornly persistent GOP voters who favor his lone remaining rival, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Biden is confronting an energized movement of disillusioned voters upset with his handling of the war in Gaza. Michigan is the last major primary state before Super Tuesday and a critical swing state in November’s general election. Even if Biden and Trump post dominant victories on Tuesday, both campaigns will be looking at the margins for signs of weakness.

JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden has signaled that a cease-fire in Gaza could be at hand. He said that Israel has agreed to pause its offensive during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages held by Hamas. But both Israel and Hamas downplayed on Tuesday the idea that a breakthrough was imminent. In the wake of Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, Israel’s air, sea and ground campaign in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of people, obliterated large swaths of the urban landscape, and displaced 80% of the battered enclave’s population. Now, the prospect of an invasion of Rafah has prompted global alarm over the fate of civilians trapped there. Talks to pause the fighting have gained momentum recently and were underway Tuesday.

BRUSSELS (AP) — European heavyweights Germany and Poland insist that they will not send troops to Ukraine. That's after reports said some Western countries may be considering sending troops. NATO's chief also says the U.S.-led military alliance has no plans to send troops to Ukraine. The Kremlin, meanwhile, is warning of the “inevitability” of direct conflict between NATO and Russia if the alliance sends them. French President Emmanuel Macron says that sending in Western troops should not be “ruled out” in the future. Slovakia’s Prime Minister says some countries are weighing whether to do it.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has set a trial date for Alec Baldwin on an involuntary manslaughter charge stemming from a deadly shooting on the set of the movie “Rust.” Jury selection is scheduled to begin July 9, with the trial starting the following day. The proceedings are expected to last eight days. Baldwin, the lead actor and a co-producer on the film, pleaded not guilty in January. He was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal in October 2021 when the gun went off, killing her and wounding the director. The movie's armorer also was charged with involuntary manslaughter. Her trial is underway.

Other headlines:

Manhattan DA wants gag order for Trump, seeks to play "Access Hollywood" tape at hush-money trial.
Letter containing white powder sent to Donald Trump Jr.'s home.
Ex-FBI informant charged with lying about Bidens to remain jailed while he awaits trial, judge rules.
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel will leave post on March 8 as Trump moves to install new loyalists.
New York City honors victims of 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
Government sues to block merger of grocery giants Kroger and Albertsons, saying it could push prices higher.
Explosive device detonated outside Alabama attorney general's office.
Eagles' Don Henley takes the stand at "Hotel California" lyrics trial.
In sports, Shohei Ohtani to debut with the Dodgers, Houston is the new college basketball number one, Knicks win with a wild finish, and Horvat's overtime goal lifts the Stars.
Magnitude 4.9 earthquake shakes Idaho, but no injuries reported.
Cruise ship finally allowed to dock in Mauritius after tests show no cholera aboard.
Japan's moon lander survives a second weekslong lunar night, beating predictions.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 26 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Human Rights Watch says Israel is not complying with an order issued by the United Nations’ top court because it is failing to provide urgently needed aid to desperate people in the Gaza Strip. The rights group's accusation comes one month after a landmark ruling in The Hague ordered Israel to moderate its war.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force was critically injured after setting himself ablaze outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., while declaring that he “will no longer be complicit in genocide."

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has canceled his engagements Monday morning due to persistent but mild flu symptoms. The Vatican press office made the announcement in a short statement on Monday, adding that the pontiff did not have a fever.

EDMOND, Okla. (AP) — Vigils took place across the nation for Oklahoma teenager Nex Benedict, who died the day after a fight in a high school bathroom. Benedict was a nonbinary student who said they were the target of bullying. Vigils were held at locations including Boston, New York, Minneapolis and Huntington Beach, California over the weekend. Others were held or planned in several states including Washington, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will convene the top four congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday to discuss the emergency aid package for Ukraine and Israel, as well as avoiding a government shutdown next month.

NEW YORK (AP) — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago. That's according to a survey released Monday by the National Association for Business Economics. The economy looks set to grow 2.2% this year after adjusting for inflation. That’s up from an earlier forecast of 1.3%.

In other news:

Off to Michigan, Nikki Haley is staying in the race despite former President Donald Trump's easy primary win in South Carolina.
Trump says his criminal indictments boosted his appeal to Black voters.
Facing backlash over state supreme court IVF ruling, Alabama lawmakers look for a fix.
Warren Buffett tells investors to ignore Wall Street pundits while paying tribute to Charlie Munger.
A private U.S. spacecraft is on its side on the moon with some antennas covered up, the company says.
"One Love" receives more love at the box office, claiming No. 1 spot for second straight week, "Oppenheimer," Lily Gladstone win at 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards and more entertainment news.
In sports: One of the NCAA's top men's teams wins on the road, the top ranked team in women's college hoops remains unbeaten, the Kings are among 11 NBA winners, the NHL's points leader surpasses 100 for the season, NASCAR is in Atlanta and the PGA Tour has a first-time winner.
What killed Flaco the owl? New York zoologists are testing for toxins and cite disease as contributing factors.
"Totally cold" is not too cold for winter swimmers competing in a frozen Vermont lake.
In this week's religion roundup: Trump tells religious broadcasters he'll defend Christianity against threats from the left and a woman who says she was abused by a famous Jesuit demands transparency. —The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Beatles to get a Fab Four of biopics, with a movie each for Paul, John, George and Ringo.
The Chiefs have achieved dynasty status with their third Super Bowl title in five years.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa breaks the NCAA women's career scoring record.
Jen Pawol is on the verge of becoming the first woman to become a Major League Baseball umpire and received a full-time spring training assignment.
Jenny Cavnar makes history by becoming the new primary play-by-play announcer for the Oakland A's.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 24 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:

Many small business owners see 2024 as a "make or break" year, a survey shows.
Casinos won $66.5B in 2023, their best year ever as gamblers showed no economic fear.
Dandelions and shrubs to replace rubber, new grains and more. Are alternative crops realistic?
Astronomers find what may be the universe's brightest object with a black hole devouring a sun a day.
"Soaring" over hills or "playing" with puppies, study finds seniors enjoy virtual reality
Former President Jimmy Carter reaches a milestone as the first living ex-president with an official White House Christmas ornament.
Some video game actors are letting AI clone their voices. They just don't want it to replace them.
Silent brain changes precede Alzheimer's. Researchers have new clues about which come first.
A pacemaker for the brain helped a woman with crippling depression. It may soon offer hope to others.
State governments looking to protect health-related data as it's used in abortion battle.
A Colorado man is dead after a pet Gila monster bite.
A sand hole collapse in Florida killed a child. Such deaths occur several times a year in the U.S.
A body camera captures the dramatic rescue of infant by deputy at scene of car crash in Florida.
A hiker describes an 11-hour ordeal after falling on Mount Washington and admits he was "underprepared."
A probe of illegal drugs delivered by drone at a West Virginia prison nets 11 arrests.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 23 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is in Ukraine to try to reassure President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials that Congress will deliver U.S. aid, even as a package that would provide $60 billion is stalled in the U.S. House. Schumer’s surprise trip comes as Zelenskyy has said that delays in aid from the U.S. and other Western countries are opening a door for Russian battlefield advances. The Senate passed the Ukraine aid last week, but Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet put forward a plan for passing it in the House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department plans to impose more than 500 new sanctions on Russia and its war machine on Friday as the U.S. vows to keep up its financial pressure on Moscow with the war entering its third grueling year.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The latest figures from the National Police show that more than 30,000 people have been reported missing in Ukraine during two years of war. Among them are military personnel, civilians and children. Tens of thousands of people have disappeared under a variety of circumstances, their whereabouts unknown.

AT&T says the hourslong outage to its U.S. cellphone network appeared to be the result of a technical error, not a malicious attack. The Dallas-based company blamed the outage Thursday on an error in coding while it was expanding its network, without elaborating.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A private lander has made the first U.S. moon landing in more than 50 years. Intuitive Machines' lander touched down Thursday, but left flight controllers scrambling before gaining better contact. nce communication was improved, the company confirmed the lander was upright and starting to send back data. The landing put the U.S. back on the moon for the first time since NASA's Apollo moonwalkers.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley’s best-case scenario for her home state’s Republican primary might be to do well enough to be competitive on Super Tuesday. An upset in South Carolina, though, is a longshot in a state where Republicans like their former governor but love former President Donald Trump.

HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston has man has pleaded guilty to securities fraud for trading on inside information from his wife's business conversations while both were working from home.

In other headlines:

China plans to send San Diego Zoo more pandas this year, reintroducing panda diplomacy.
New York's AG says she’ll seize Donald Trump’s property if he can’t pay $454 million civil fraud debt.
Man who assaulted four officers during Capitol riot is sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison.
Texas school legally punished Black student over hairstyle, judge says.
Wendy Williams diagnosed with same form of dementia as Bruce Willis.
Trial of "Rust" begins in fatal film rehearsal shooting by Alec Baldwin
The NBA returns to action, number 3 Purdue wins but number 4 Arizona loses, the Rangers and Auston Matthews remain hot on the ice, and baseball's back on the diamond.
Toyota recalls 280,000 pickups and SUVs because transmissions can deliver power even when in neutral.
Volkswagen to recall 261,000 cars to fix pump problem that can let fuel leak and increase fire risk.
Average long-term mortgages rose again this week to highest level since mid December.
Home sales rose in January as easing mortgage rates, inventory enticed homebuyers.
Applications for jobless benefits fall again as labor market powers on.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 22 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “crazy SOB” during a fundraiser for his reelection campaign Wednesday night. Biden also took aim at former President Donald Trump’s comments comparing himself to the Russian opposition leader who died last week in an Arctic prison. Biden is in California on a three-day swing to raise money for his reelection campaign. He has been warning voters what is at stake should Trump, his likely Republican challenger, win in November.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is considering using provisions of federal immigration law repeatedly tapped by former President Donald Trump to unilaterally enact a sweeping crackdown at the southern border. That's according to three people familiar with the deliberations. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing White House deliberations.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A large Alabama hospital has paused in vitro fertilization treatments as health care providers weigh the impact of a state court ruling that frozen embryos are the legal equivalent of children. The University of Alabama at Birmingham health system said in a statement Wednesday that it must evaluate whether its patients or doctors could face criminal charges or punitive damages for undergoing IVF treatments.

CHICAGO (AP) — Officials say seven people have been hospitalized, including a baby in critical condition, after a fire in a Chicago high-rise building.

SEATTLE (AP) — Boeing says the head of its 737 jetliner program is leaving the company immediately, paving the way for the aircraft maker to appoint new leadership at the troubled division. Ed Clark had been with Boeing for 18 years. Boeing said Wednesday that Katie Ringgold will succeed him as vice president and general manager of the 737 program, and the company's Renton, Washington, site.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Beyoncé is making history once again: The superstar singer became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s country music chart. The singer achieved the feat after her new single “Texas Hold ’Em” reached No. 1 on the country airplay chart this week. She dropped the song on Super Bowl Sunday along with her other single “16 Carriages,” which debuted at No. 9 on the same chart.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed an executive order and created a federal rule aimed at better securing the nation’s ports from potential cyberattacks. The administration is outlining Wednesday a set of cybersecurity regulations that port operators must comply with across the country, not unlike standardized safety regulations that seek to prevent injury or damage to people and infrastructure.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden's brother has told lawmakers that the president “never had any involvement” in the family’s business dealings. That statement came from James Biden when he appeared for a voluntary private interview Wednesday on Capitol Hill as part of House Republicans’ impeachment inquiry. The more than eight-hour interview was the latest in a series that GOP lawmakers have conducted recently as they try to rebuild momentum for an impeachment process surrounding the Biden family’s overseas finances.

Chinese police are investigating an unauthorized and highly unusual online dump of documents from a private security contractor linked to China’s top policing agency and other parts of its government. It's a trove that reveals and catalogs apparent hacking activity and tools to spy on both Chinese and foreigners. Among the apparent targets of tools provided by the impacted company, I-Soon, are ethnicities and dissidents in parts of China that have seen significant anti-government protests like Hong Kong or Xinjiang.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Across the United States, chronic worker shortages have led many companies to invest in machines to do some of the work they can’t find people to do. They’ve also been training the workers they do have to use advanced technology so they can produce more with less. The result has been an unexpected productivity boom, which helps explain a great economic mystery: How has the world’s largest economy managed to remain so healthy, with brisk growth and low unemployment, despite brutally high interest rates that are intended to tame inflation but that typically cause a recession?

LONDON (AP) — Judges say WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange won’t find out until next month at the earliest whether can appeal extradition to the U.S. on spying charges. If he fails, his long legal battle in Britain will have run out of road. Two High Court judges said Wednesday they will take time to consider their verdict.

PARIS (AP) — Striking workers have again closed down the Eiffel Tower. It's the third day running that the landmark expected to be at the heart of celebrations for the Paris Olympics has been off-limits to visitors.

LSU and Penn State score one-point wins over ranked opponent, Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews makes NHL history and the MLS season gets off to a great start. Also, Eric Hosmer retires from baseball following a 13-year career and a World Series title and the Chicago Bears add Jennifer King as their first ever female assistant coach.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 21 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syria's state TV says an Israeli strike that hit a residential area in the country's capital of Damascus has killed two people. The TV reported that several missiles hit the western neighborhood of Kfar Sousseh on Wednesday morning. The pro-government Sham FM radio station said the strike hit a building near an Iranian-run school. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years. Israel rarely acknowledges its actions in Syria, but it has said that it targets bases of Iran-allied militants, such as Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group, which has sent thousands of fighters to support Syrian President Bashar Assad’s forces.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Prosecutors say a former FBI informant charged with making up a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company had contacts with officials affiliated with Russian intelligence. Prosecutors said that in a court filing urging a judge to keep Alexander Smirnov behind bars while he awaits trial. But U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel Albregts allowed Smirnov to be released from custody on electronic GPS monitoring. He is charged with falsely reporting to the FBI in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016.

LONDON (AP) — Lawyers for the American government are telling a London court why they think Julian Assange should face espionage charges in the United States. Their statements on Wednesday are in response to a last-ditch bid to stop the WikiLeaks founder's extradition. Assange’s lawyers are asking the High Court to grant him a new appeal in the long-running saga. Lawyers for the U.S. say Assange “committed serious criminal offences” that put lives at risk by publishing classified American documents. Assange’s lawyers argued on the first day of the hearing on Tuesday that American authorities are seeking to punish Assange for WikiLeaks’ exposure of U.S. military wrongdoing. Two judges hearing the case are expected to take several weeks to consider their verdict.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A judge has sentenced parenting advice blogger Ruby Franke to possibly decades in prison after she admitted to physically and emotionally abusing her children. Franke and mental health counselor Jodi Hildebrandt spoke Tuesday during their sentencing hearings after they pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Hildebrandt will also serve up to 30 years in prison. Franke apologized to her children Tuesday but blamed Hildebrandt for brainwashing her. The women were arrested at Hildebrandt’s house last August after Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped. Franke and her husband launched the YouTube channel “8 Passengers” in 2015 and amassed a large following as they documented their experiences raising six children.

MESQUITE, Texas (AP) — As President Joe Biden pushes House Republicans to pass needed aid for Ukraine, he wants voters to understand that nearly two-thirds would actually be going to U.S. factories, like a munitions plant set to open this summer in a gleaming new industrial park in suburban Dallas. Administration officials combed through the foreign aid in the $95 billion bipartisan supplemental funding bill passed by the Senate. Of the $61 billion for Ukraine, nearly $40 billion would go to U.S. factories that make missiles, munitions and other gear. House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to put the bill up for a vote in the House.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two men have been charged with murder in last week’s shooting after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade. Court documents released Tuesday say the men were strangers who pulled out guns and began firing within seconds of starting an argument. Missouri prosecutors said at a news conference that Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, Missouri, and Dominic Miller, of Kansas City, Missouri, have been charged with second-degree murder and several weapons counts. The shooting left one person dead and roughly two dozen others injured. Mays and Miller were shot in the melee and have been hospitalized since.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos created during fertility treatments should be considered children under state law. Justices issued the ruling Friday in a pair of wrongful death cases brought by couples who had frozen embryos destroyed in an accident at a fertility clinic. Justices said an 1872 state law allowing parents to sue over the death of a minor child “applies to all unborn children, regardless of their location.” The ruling brought a rush of warnings from groups and advocates who said it would have sweeping implications for fertility treatments in the state.

DALLAS (AP) — American Airlines is raising bag fees and pushing customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points. American said Tuesday that checking a bag on domestic flights will rise from $30 now to $35 online, and it'll be $40 if purchased at the airport. The fee for a second checked bag will rise from $40 to $45 both online and at the airport. American says it hasn't raised bag fees since 2018. American Airlines also says that most customers will have to buy tickets directly from the airline or partner airlines or approved travel sites if they want to earn frequent-flyer points. Corporate travelers won’t be affected by the change.

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon.com Inc. is being added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, joining Apple, Walt Disney, Walmart and other companies that make up the 30-stock average. S&P Dow Jones Indices said Tuesday that the e-commerce giant will replace drugstore operator Walgreens Boots Alliance in the Dow before the open of trading on Monday. The shift was prompted by Walmart’s decision to do a 3-to-1 stock split, which will reduce its stock’s weighting in the index. The Dow is a price-weighted index, so stocks that fetch higher prices are given more weight. Meanwhile, ride-sharing service Uber Technologies will be added to the Dow Jones Transportation Average, replacing JetBlue Airways.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Beatles are getting the big-screen biopic treatment in a Fab Four of movies that will give each band member their own film. All are to be directed by Sam Mendes. For the first time, the Beatles are giving full life and music rights to a movie project. Sony Pictures announced Monday a deal that may dwarf all music biopics that have come before it, with the stories of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr spread out over a quartet of films. The films are expected to roll out theatrically in 2027, with the movies potentially coexisting or intersecting in cinemas.

NEW YORK (AP) — A curious criminal case involving handwritten lyrics to the classic rock megahit “Hotel California” and other Eagles favorites is going to trial in a New York courtroom. Opening statements are set for Wednesday. The three defendants are well-established figures in the collectibles world. They're accused of scheming to thwart band Eagles co-founder Don Henley’s efforts to reclaim the allegedly ill-gotten documents. Rare-book dealer Glenn Horowitz, former Rock & Roll Hall of Fame curator Craig Inciardi and memorabilia seller Edward Kosinski have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and various other charges. The trial centers on over 80 pages of draft lyrics to songs from the “Hotel California” album. The 1976 release stands today as the third-biggest selling disc ever in the U.S.

HOUSTON (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush’s speedboat has a new owner. The 38-foot “Fidelity V” sold for $435,000 during the George and Barbara Bush Foundation’s 2024 Presidential Salute auction. Last week's event in Houston benefited the the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. The buyer was anonymous and it’s unclear what will become of the boat. The vessel sports a presidential seal and is powered by three Mercury outboard engines with a combined 900 horsepower. It was used in the waters off Kennebunkport, Maine, which is home to the Texas family's summer retreat.

The top team in college basketball and two other Top 25 teams are upset, Tennessee rallies for a road win, the College Football Playoff modifies its 12-team playoff format, the Nets name an interim head coach, a former Rockets star dies after battling cancer, the Rangers winning streak continues, and Alex Ovechkin scores twice to beat the Devils.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s Democratic governor, Tony Evers, has signed new legislative district maps into law that he proposed and that the Republicans who control the Legislature passed to avoid having the liberal-leaning state Supreme Court draw the lines. Democrats are hailing it as a major political victory in the swing state where the Legislature has been firmly under Republican control for more than a decade, even as Democrats have won 14 of the past 17 statewide elections. Democrats are almost certain to gain seats in the state Assembly and state Senate under the new maps, which will be in place for the November election.

Divers have recovered the body of an 11-year-old girl from a Texas river days after she went missing, and authorities say they are preparing to file a murder charge against a friend of the girl's father. Sheriff Byron Lyons in Polk County, Texas, said Tuesday that the body of Audrii Cunningham was recovered from the Trinity River north of Houston. The girl's family in Livingston reported her missing last Thursday after she failed to return home after school. Authorities say an arrest warrant is being prepared for Don Steven McDougal on a recommended charge of capital murder. Authorities said he's a friend of the girl’s father and lived in a camper on the family property.

NEW YORK (AP) — A man suspected in the death of a woman who was fatally bludgeoned in a New York City hotel room earlier this month has been arrested in Arizona, where police say he is a suspect in two stabbings in recent days. New York City police officials said Tuesday that they are seeking to extradite and arrest Raad Almansoori, 26, in the killing of Denisse Oleas-Arancibia, 38, whose body was found by staff on the floor of a lower Manhattan hotel room on Feb. 8. He has not yet been charged. Almansoori was arrested on Sunday in Arizona, where he was later booked on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated assault and theft of means of transportation.

The funeral of a renowned transgender activist in a New York cathedral elicited a denunciation of the event by a senior church official, who called the Mass a scandal within one of the preeminent houses of worship in U.S. Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York condemned the funeral of Cecilia Gentili in Manhattan's St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday. The 52-year-old was a leading advocate for transgender people, sex workers and people with HIV. The pastor of Saint Patrick’s says the cathedral only knew of a request for a Catholic funeral mass and has denounced behavior at the event. Gentili’s family denied that the church had been deceived and said the funeral “brought ... joy to the Cathedral," despite the church's anti-trans views.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 20 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Another wet winter storm is swamping California with heavy rainfall, flooding the runways at a regional airport and leading to several rescues on swollen rivers and creeks. The Santa Barbara airport closed Monday after nearly 10 inches of rain had fallen in the area by noon. In neighboring San Luis Obispo County, crews helped three people out of the rising Salinas River in the city of Paso Robles. Forecasters say more rain is expected to impact the state through the night and into Tuesday. The storm is expected to move through quicker than the devastating atmospheric river that parked itself over Southern California earlier this month, causing hundreds of landslides and killing at least nine people.

The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin did not see the video in which Alexei Navalny’s widow vowed to continue his fight and dismissed her allegations that Putin had killed the country’s opposition leader as “unfounded” and “insolent.” In the video released Monday, Yulia Navalnaya accused Putin of killing her husband in the remote Artic prison and alleged that officials’ refusal to hand over his body to his mother was part of a cover-up. Russian authorities say the cause of Navalny’s death is still unknown and the results of any investigation are likely to be questioned abroad. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called for an international investigation into Navalny’s death but Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin would not accept any such demand.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — South Africa has argued at the United Nations’ top court that Israel is responsible for apartheid against the Palestinians and that Israel’s occupation of land sought for a Palestinian state is “inherently and fundamentally illegal.” Israel rejects such claims. The South African representatives were speaking on Tuesday — the second day of hearings at the International Court of Justice, based on a request by the General Assembly for a non-binding advisory opinion on the legality of Israel’s policies in the occupied territories. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Monday that Israel does not recognize the legitimacy of the discussions at the world court.

Court records show that a man who died after fatally shooting two police officers and a firefighter in a wooded suburban-Minneapolis neighborhood wasn’t legally allowed to have guns. He also was entangled in a yearslong dispute over the custody and financial support of his three oldest children. Authorities on Monday identified 38-year-old Shannon Gooden as the man who opened fire on police in the affluent suburb of Burnsville after they responded to a domestic disturbance call early Sunday. The caller reported that he had barricaded himself in his home with family members, including seven children aged 2 to 15 years. He was found dead inside the home hours later.

Home Depot’s sales continued to weaken in its fiscal fourth quarter, as the country’s largest home improvement retailer deals with Americans who remain concerned about high mortgage rates and inflation. While its quarterly results topped analysts’ expectations, it provided a soft sales forecast for fiscal 2024. Shares slipped before the market open on Tuesday.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A judge in Haiti responsible for investigating the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has indicted his widow, Martine Moïse, ex-prime minister Claude Joseph and the former chief of Haiti’s National Police, Léon Charles. The indictments are expected to further destabilize Haiti as it struggles with a surge in gang violence and recovers from a spate of violent protests demanding the resignation of current Prime Minister Ariel Henry. Dozens of suspects were indicted in the 122-page report issued by Walther Wesser Voltaire, who is the fifth judge to lead the investigation after previous ones stepped down for various reasons, including fear of being killed.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The Canadian government will dispatch more than 800 drones to Ukraine starting as early as this spring. The Department of National Defence says that drones have become a critical capability for Ukraine in its war with Russia. The government says the drones are important for surveillance and intelligence gathering, and can also be used to move supplies, including munitions. The announcement comes days ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley is using the closing days of the South Carolina GOP primary matchup with Donald Trump to hone her argument that she is the lone remaining candidate who can unite Americans. It’s a tall order for Haley as her home state prepares to vote on Saturday. Trump has remained popular in South Carolina since his 2016 primary win in the state. Haley has maintained that her ability to stick it out in the race thus far means that she’s in it for the long haul. In a new TV ad, Haley argues she's the only choice who can keep America on solid footing abroad.

Republicans have been softening their stance on Russia ever since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election following Russian hacking of his Democratic opponents. There are several reasons for the shift. For one, Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding himself out as an international champion of conservative Christian values. As well, the GOP is growing increasingly skeptical of international entanglements. Then there's Trump’s own embrace of the Russian leader. Now the GOP’s ambivalence on Russia has stalled additional aid to Ukraine. Many Republicans are openly frustrated that their colleagues don’t see the benefits of helping Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration says that the government would provide $1.5 billion to the computer chip company GlobalFoundries to expand its domestic production in New York and Vermont. The announcement is the third award of financial support for a semiconductor company under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. The law enables the government to invest more than $52 billion to revitalize the manufacturing of computer chips in the United States as well as advance research and development. GlobalFoundries intends to use the funding to help pay for the construction of a new advanced chip factory in Malta, New York, increase production at its existing plant in Malta, and revitalize its plant in Burlington, Vermont.

NEW YORK (AP) — Capital One Financial is buying Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, in a deal that would bring together two of the nation’s biggest lenders and credit card issuers. Discover Financial shareholders will receive Capital One shares valued at nearly $140, according to a news release issued by the companies Monday. Discover shares closed Friday trading at $110.49. Virginia-based Capital One was the 12th largest U.S. bank as of the third quarter. Illinois-based Discover was the 33rd biggest. Both banks have benefitted from Americans increasingly using their credit cards, but have also needed to set aside more money to guard against defaults.

NEW YORK (AP) — For many students, the excitement of being accepted into their first-choice college is being tempered this year by a troublesome uncertainty over whether they’ll get the financial aid they need to attend. The financial aid decisions that usually go out with acceptance letters are being delayed because of a later-than-expected rollout of a revised federal financial aid application, the form that schools use to compute financial aid. Schools won’t get the information they need to award financial aid until next month, forcing them to adapt. Some have moved away from the popular May 1 deadline for students to accept their offers of admission.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri's Republican-led House has passed a ban on celebratory gunfire in cities less than a week after a deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade. The bipartisan-supported bill passed Monday after a tearful and confrontational debate between Republicans and Democrats over the best way to address last week's shooting. House Democrats earlier that day called for more regulations on guns. Majority Leader Jon Patterson says House Republicans support gun rights. But he says Republicans should be open to talking, including about gun laws. Police have said a dispute may have led to last week's shooting. Authorities have not made any indication that the gunfire was celebratory.

In sports, the rain-delayed Daytona 500 crowns William Byron, the Nets make a coaching change, the Wild and Canucks combine for 17 goals and a battle of top 10 teams meet in college basketball.

In international news, Israel orders new evacuations in Northern Gaza, UN Security council to vote on Gaza ceasefire, Haiti judge indicts several on assassination of President, Russia waits for global support for Ukraine to wither and tribal violence in Papua New Guinea.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 19 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A shooting at a Waffle House restaurant in Indianapolis has killed a woman and wounded five other victims. the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says officers responded to a report of a shooting at the restaurant on Lynhurst Drive around 12:30 a.m. Monday. Police found five victims with gunshot wounds who were transported to a hospital, including a woman who was in critical condition and died at the hospital. The wounded victims included a woman and three men, who all were listed in stable condition. Police say a sixth man traveled separately to a hospital with a gunshot wound from the shooting and was listed in critical condition. Investigators believe an altercation between two groups of people at the restaurant escalated to gunfire. There were no immediate arrests.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A suburban Minneapolis community was in mourning after authorities said two police officers and a firefighter were killed by a heavily armed man who shot at them from inside a home that was filled with children. Officials say the suspect in the shooting also died. The shooting in Burnsville also wounded a third officer. Seven children were inside the home, but officials say the family was able to leave the home safely. Hundreds of people gathered in front of Burnsville City Hall on Sunday night for a candlelit vigil to remember the victims.

BERLIN (AP) — An American man is on trial Kempten, Southern Germany for murder and other offenses after he allegedly pushed two women from the U.S. into a ravine near Neuschwanstein castle in June last year, fatally injuring one of them. The German news agency dpa reported Monday that the 31-year-old defendant admitted to the charges against him. Defendants in the German legal system do not formally enter pleas to charges. Prosecutors said the defendant raped one of the women and pushed her down the ravine, killing her. He also pushed the other woman down the ravine but she survived. Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison in Germany.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, forcing the crew to abandon the ship. The ship targeted in the Houthi attack on Sunday reported sustaining damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel." That's according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which said its crew had survived unscathed in the attack. Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement claiming the attack, saying the vessel was “now at risk of potentially sinking.”

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. The ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza said on Monday that 107 bodies were brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours. That brings the total number of fatalities to 29,092 since the start of the war. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its records, but says most of those killed were women and children. The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The latest in a series of wet winter storms is gaining strength in California. Forecasters warned Monday of possible flooding, hail, strong winds and even brief tornadoes as the system moves south over the next few days. The National Weather Service says the central coast is at risk of “significant flooding.” Up to 5 inches of rain is predicted for many areas. Isolated rain totals of 10 inches are possible in the Santa Lucia and Santa Ynez mountain ranges. Flood watches and warnings have been issued in coastal and mountain areas up and down the state.

MENTON, France (AP) — As most of Europe moves into the solemn weeks before Easter, the party is just getting started on the French Rivera. The Mediterranean town of Menton showcased its lush citrus and celebrated the upcoming Olympics in Paris during its Carnival parade on Sunday. Sculptures of athletes assembled from lemons and oranges decorated the streets and rode on giant floats. Nice, the Rivera’s capital, kicked off its annual Carnival season on Saturday night with a pop culture-themed parade that featured “Star Wars” character Luke Skywalker as king and Marilyn Monroe, clad in a Superwoman costume, as his queen. Modern versions of Carnival over the past century mocked politicians and ridiculed public figures.

ATLANTA (AP) — Since Jimmy Carter entered hospice care at his home in south Georgia one year ago, the former U.S. president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and lost his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter died in November, about six months after the Carter family disclosed her dementia diagnosis. She lived only a few days under hospice supervision, with her frail husband at her bedside. Experts on end-of-life care say the Carters’ different paths show the range of an oft-misunderstood service. Those advocates commend the Carter family for demonstrating the realities of aging, dementia and death.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — As he closes in on the Republican presidential nomination, former President Donald Trump made a highly unusual stop. On Saturday he hawked new Trump-branded sneakers at “Sneaker Con,” a gathering that bills itself as the “The Greatest Sneaker Show On Earth.” Trump was met with loud boos as well as cheers at the Philadelphia Convention Center as he introduced what he called the first official Trump footwear. The shoes are shiny gold high tops with an American flag detail on the back. They are being sold as “Never Surrender High-Tops” for $399 on a new website that also sells Trump-branded “Victory47” cologne and perfume for $99 a bottle.

In sports, the NBA stars put on a show, a pair of men's basketball top 25 teams lose, the top ranked team in women's college basketball records a record setting victory, it was a light schedule in the NHL, the PGA Tour sees a come from behind winner, and the Daytona 500 is pushed by a day due to weather.

In entertainment, Paramount Pictures’ Bob Marley biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” outperformed expectations to debut at No. 1 at the box office with a $27.7 million opening weekend. But Sony’s “Madame Web” flopped with one of the lowest debuts for a movie centered on a Marvel character. Former Rep. George Santos is suiing Jimmy Kimmel, concerns over Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney's famous bass has been returned.

In this week's small business monitor, a look at positive job growth.

In this week's religion roundup, there are many unanswered questions after a shooting at Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

One person was killed and at least eight children were among 22 hit by gunfire at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade.
The Chiefs have achieved dynasty status with their third Super Bowl title in five years.
Caitlin Clark of Iowa breaks the NCAA women's career scoring record.
Jen Pawol is on the verge of becoming the first woman to become a Major League Baseball umpire and received a full-time spring training assignment.
Jenny Cavnar makes history by becoming the new primary play-by-play announcer for the Oakland A's.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 17 at 6 a.m. CT:

CHICAGO (AP) — Abortion rights advocates are trying to get initiatives to protect reproductive health on the ballot in several states this year. And one major difference has emerged in their proposed language: whether to include mental health as an exception. A Missouri proposal would allow lawmakers to restrict abortions after a fetus is considered viable, except if an abortion “is needed to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.” A similar measure has been proposed in Arizona, but proposals in Florida, Montana and Nebraska do not explicitly mention mental health. The CDC says mental health conditions were the leading underlying cause of pregnancy-related deaths from 2017 to 2019.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Doctors in states with strict abortion restrictions say an increasing number of pregnant women are seeking early prenatal testing. They're hoping to detect serious problems while they still have time to choose whether to continue the pregnancy or have an abortion. But early ultrasounds show far less about the condition of a fetus than later ones. And genetic screenings may be inaccurate. Since Roe v. Wade, about half the states have put in abortion bans or restrictions. And that's started the clock ticking. Many health care providers say more patients are deciding the fate of their pregnancies based on whatever information they can gather before state bans kick in.

Officials in central Oregon this week reported a case of bubonic plague in a resident who likely got the disease from a sick pet cat. The infected resident and the resident’s close contacts have all been provided medication, public health officials say, and people in the community are not believed to be at risk. The cat was treated but did not survive. Plague isn’t common, but it also isn’t unheard of in the western United States, where a handful of cases occur every year. Here are a few things to know about what the plague is, who is at risk and how a disease that was once a harbinger of death became a treatable illness.

NEW YORK (AP) — A recent death has brought new attention to the so-called Alaskapox virus. The bug belongs to a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect animals and humans. Smallpox is perhaps the most famous of the group. But other family members include cowpox, horsepox and mpox — formerly known as monkeypox. An elderly man who died last month is believed to be the first known death from Alaskapox. He lived in the Kenai Peninsula and had a suppressed immune system because of cancer treatment. There have been fewer than 10 cases, all in Alaska, since the virus was discovered nine years ago.

Nearly two-thirds of American Jews feel less secure in the U.S. than they did a year ago. That’s according to the latest annual survey from the American Jewish Committee. The AJC — a prominent Jewish advocacy organization — conducted the survey last fall, just as the Israel-Hamas war began. The survey released Tuesday found almost half of American Jews have altered their behavior during the past year to avoid being perceived as Jewish. AJC began its annual survey five years ago, after the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the deadliest antisemitic attack on American soil. Since then, most Jews and more than half of Americans say they think antisemitism has increased.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Scientists say the back-to-back storms that lashed the Northeast in January were more of a sign of things to come than an anomaly. Many scientists who study the intersection of climate change, flooding, winter storms and sea level say such storms will arrive with increased frequency and ferocity, and the damage they leave behind will worsen as sea levels rise. They say the January storms that destroyed wharfs in Maine, eroded sand dunes in New Hampshire and destroyed houses in Rhode Island are becoming more the norm than the exception, and the time to prepare for them is now.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations chief is warning that climate chaos and food crises are increasing threats to global peace. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a high-level U,N. meeting Tuesday that climate disasters imperil food production and “empty bellies fuel unrest.” He urged the U.N. Security Council to address the impact of food shortages and rising temperatures on international peace and security — a view echoed by many countries but not Russia. Guterres said: “Climate and conflict are two leading drivers of (our) global food crisis” and “where wars rage, hunger reigns." Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said climate and food should be discussed elsewhere in the U.N., and blamed former Western colonial powers and the U.S. for current crises in the developing world.

CHICAGO (AP) — Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago isn't renewing its ShotSpotter contract and will stop using the controversial gunshot detection system later this year. The system relies on an artificial intelligence algorithm and microphones to identify gunshots. But it has been criticized for inaccuracy, racial bias and law enforcement misuse. Chicago’s $49 million contract with SoundThinking expires Friday. The city plans to wind down its use of ShotSpotter technology by late September. Johnson, a first-term mayor, campaigned on a promise to end the use of ShotSpotter, putting him at odds with law enforcement. Police say the technology puts officers on the scene of shootings much faster than waiting for 911 calls.

PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) — The family of a teen murdered at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is launching a campaign where re-created voices of gun violence victims will call federal lawmakers. The parents of 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver launched the project on Wednesday, the massacre's sixth anniversary. Oliver and 16 others died in the shooting. The recordings re-creating voices of victims from around the country are being robocalled to U.S. senators and House members who oppose stricter gun laws. Manuel and Patricia Oliver say they hope the calls will pressure the lawmakers to shift their positions. The Olivers want the sale of military-style semi-automatic rifles like the one that killed their son banned.

WHITEFISH POINT, Mich. (AP) — Shipwreck hunters have discovered a merchant ship that sank in Lake Superior in 1940, taking its captain with it during a storm off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain announced Monday the discovery of the 244-foot bulk carrier Arlington just north of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. The Arlington was fully loaded with wheat and headed to Owen Sound, Ontario, when it sank on May 1, 1940. All crew members survived, but Captain Frederick “Tatey Bug” Burke went down with his ship after ordering it onto the open lake during the storm.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 16 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — An FBI informant has been charged with lying to authorities about a multimillion-dollar bribery scheme between President Joe Biden, his son Hunter and a Ukrainian energy company. The claim is central to a Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Prosecutors say Alexander Smirnov falsely told FBI agents in June 2020 that executives associated with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid Hunter and Joe Biden $5 million each in 2015 or 2016.

NEW YORK (AP) — A verdict is expected Friday in Donald Trump’s New York civil fraud trial, adding to a monumental week on the former president’s legal calendar. Trump could be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and other sanctions for allegedly inflating his wealth on financial statements that were given to banks, insurers and others to make deals and secure loans.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge says former President Donald Trump’s hush-money trial will go ahead as scheduled with jury selection starting on March 25. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan said Thursday he made the decision after speaking with the judge in Trump’s now-delayed federal election interference case in the nation's capital.

ATLANTA (AP) — Allegations of misconduct have taken center stage in the case charging Donald Trump with interfering in Georgia’s 2020 presidential election, thrusting top prosecutors’ private lives into the spotlight. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is set to return to the witness stand Friday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Police say the shooting that left one person dead and nearly two dozen injured after the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade appeared to stem from a dispute between several people. Police Chief Stacey Graves said Thursday that the 22 injured people ranged in age from 8 to 47 years old, with half of them were under the age of 16. A mother of two was killed.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark becomes the all-time scoring leader for NCAA women's basketball, the Timberwolves hit the All-Star break atop the west, the Lightning strike down the Avalanche, Tiger Woods makes his 2024 PGA debut and Jimmie Johnson qualifies for the Daytona 500.

In other headlines:
A U.S. company's lunar lander rockets toward the moon for a touchdown attempt next week.
Four patients die as oxygen runs out in Gaza hospital seized by Israeli forces, health officials say.
Ford's CEO says the company will rethink where it builds vehicles after last year's autoworkers strike.
Greece becomes the first Orthodox Christian country to legalize same-sex civil marriage.
NATO's chief warns against dividing the U.S. and Europe or undermining their joint nuclear deterrent.
The UK fell into a recession at the end of 2023 as the economy takes center stage in the runup to the general election.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 15 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration has become the latest backdrop for a mass shooting as gunfire sent fans scrambling for cover and left 21 people wounded and one woman dead. At least eight children are among those who were shot. Wednesday’s shooting outside the city's historic Union Station happened despite the presence of more than 800 police officers on hand for the parade. Police say three people were taken into custody and firearms were recovered. But no details have been given about those who were detained or possible motive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has gathered highly sensitive intelligence about Russian anti-satellite weapons that has been shared in recent weeks with the upper echelons of government. That's according to four people who have been briefed on the intelligence but were not authorized to comment publicly. Administration officials declined to publicly address the nature of the threat. House Speaker Mike Johnson cautioned against being overly alarmed.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Officials say a missile strike on the Russian city of Belgorod near the Ukraine border has killed five people, including a child, and injured 18 others, in what appears to be the latest exchange of long-range missile and rocket fire between the two countries. Hours earlier, Russia fired cruise and ballistic missiles at a broad area of Ukraine, hitting multiple regions after a midnight strike in Ukraine’s northeast killed four people in an apartment building.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces have stormed the main hospital in southern Gaza in what the army says is a limited operation seeking the remains of hostages taken by Hamas. Thursday's raid came a day after the army sought to evacuate thousands of displaced people who had taken shelter at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

NABATIYEH, Lebanon (AP) — Lebanon's state-run news agency says the civilian death toll from two Israeli strikes in Lebanon the day before has now risen to 10, making it the single deadliest day since in more than four months of near-daily cross-border exchanges. Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for Wednesday's strikes, which hit in the city of Nabatiyeh and a village in southern Lebanon just hours after projectiles from Lebanon killed an Israeli soldier and wounded eight.

ATLANTA (AP) — The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump is set to hear arguments on whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be removed from the case.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A trial is scheduled to begin Thursday in North Dakota's years-old lawsuit seeking $38 million from the federal government for policing protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016-17. The state filed the lawsuit in 2019, followed by years of legal wrangling before a judge set the trial date in December.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is giving airports $970 million for improvements in terminals including things like wider concourses, new baggage-handling systems, and more gates.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden avoided criminal charges around his handling of classified documents in part because of his answers during a lengthy interview with the special counsel investigating him. But the sit-down has also opened Biden to scrutiny over his age and memory. Now, the public release of a transcript of that discussion is being sought by both Biden's allies and critics, both sides looking for a political edge.

In other headlines:

The special counsel asks the Supreme Court to let Donald Trump's 2020 election case proceed to trial without delay.
NATO's chief hails record defense spending while warning that Trump's remarks undermine security.
In sports: Violence occurs following the Chiefs Super Bowl celebration parade, the NBA schedule was busy with thirteen games on the docket while the NHL had just three games on their schedule, both top ten men's college basketball teams that were in action won easily, and a women's college basketball star is poised to enter the record books.
Lyft shares rocket 62% over a typo in the company's earnings release.
Japan slips to the world's fourth-largest economy, behind the U.S., China and now Germany. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 14 at 8:45 a.m. CT:

New York Democrat Tom Suozzi has won a special election for the House seat formerly held by George Santos. Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in a contest to represent a district that includes parts of Long Island and the New York City borough of Queens. The win narrows an already-thin margin held by Republicans in the House.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House has voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administration's handling of the U.S-Mexico border. In a historic rebuke of a sitting Cabinet secretary, the Republican majority was determined to try again to impeach Mayorkas after having failed last week.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A driver car crashed into a Texas hospital’s emergency room, killing the driver and injuring five others, including a child with life-threatening injuries. The car smashed into the lobby of the ER at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center shortly after 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services officials said at a news briefing.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A quick-moving winter storm that hit the Northeast on Tuesday has brought significant snowfall to some areas while others got less than expected.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s military says it sank a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea using naval drones, a report that has not been confirmed by Russian forces. Ukraine’s General Staff says the Caesar Kunikov large landing ship sank near Alupka, a city on the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014.

The United States, which has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel, has been working with Qatar and Egypt to try and broker a cease-fire and the return of the remaining 130 hostages held by Hamas, around a fourth of whom are believed to be dead.

LONDON (AP) — TikTok is taking measures to combat misinformation about the upcoming European Union elections including setting up fact-checking hubs inside the app. The video-sharing platform said Wednesday that it will launch local language in-app “election centers” next month for each of the 27 EU countries so that “people can easily separate fact from fiction.”

Thousands of U.S. ride-hailing workers plan to park their cars and picket at major U.S. airports in what organizers say is their largest strike yet in a drive for better pay and benefits. Uber and Lyft drivers plan daylong strikes Wednesday in Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Miami and other cities.

Downtown Kansas City is turning into a sea of red for Valentine’s Day as Chiefs fans prepare to celebrate their third Super Bowl title in five seasons with a parade.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says Donald Trump’s comments calling into question the U.S. commitment to defend its NATO allies from attack were “dangerous” and “un-American.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is calling urgently for House Republicans to get behind a supplemental spending bill that would send $60 billion to Ukraine for its fight against Russia. He warned that opposing it would play into “Putin’s hands.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Authorities say arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico fell by half in January from record highs in December to the third lowest month of Joe Biden’s presidency.

A major league baseball broadcast booth is the site of an historic hire, Shaquille O'Neil gets his number retired in Orlando, an AP top ten men's basketball team goes on the road to bite the dust, and an NHL player gets a lengthy suspension after his team allowed an empty net goal. Also, slugging free agent Jorge Soler agrees to a $42M, three-year deal with the Giants.

In other news:

New Orleans' Carnival season marks Fat Tuesday with celebrities and pretend monarchs.
Feel the need for speed: One late president's 75-mph speedboat is up for auction.
Australia to ban doxxing after pro-Palestinian activists publish information about hundreds of Jews. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 13 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Parts of the Northeast are preparing for a coastal storm that's expected to dump a foot or more of snow and pack 60 mph winds in some areas. Hazardous driving conditions, school closings and flight cancellations are predicted for when the storm hits Tuesday, along with possible power outages. The nation’s largest school system in New York City said it was switching classes to remote learning and closing its buildings for the day. Boston schools will be closed. Non-essential Massachusetts state employees were told not to go to their workplaces. Some of the highest snowfall totals, 12 to 15 inches, were forecast for the northern New York City suburbs and southwestern Connecticut.

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say one person was killed and five others wounded following a dispute between two groups of teenagers at a New York City subway station Monday at the start of the evening rush hour. The gunfire broke out on an elevated train platform in the Bronx at around 4:30 p.m. Monday, a time when stations throughout the city are filled with kids coming home from school and many workers are beginning their evening commute. Officials say a 34-year-old man was killed. The wounded included a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, and three adults, ages 28, 29 and 71. Authorities said some of the victims were believed involved in the dispute and others were waiting for the train.

ATLANTA (AP) — Family and friends are gathering in Georgia this week as funerals begin for three Army Reserve soldiers killed in a recent drone attack in Jordan. A funeral is scheduled Tuesday for 46-year-old Staff Sgt. William Jerome Rivers at a church in Carrollton, west of Atlanta. Services for Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross, Georgia, are planned for Saturday. The three citizen-soldiers received posthumous promotions after they were were killed in a Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. base near Jordon's border with Syria. They were assigned to the Army Reserve's 926th Engineer Battalion based at Fort Moore, Georgia.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian police have fired tear gas and detained some farmers who tried to break barricades blocking their way to New Delhi in a protest march. The farmers want assured crop prices, in a repeat of 2021 protests when they camped on New Delhi's outskirts for more than a year. The protests forced the government to repeal agriculture laws that farmers said would harm their incomes. The government said at that time that it would set up a panel of farmers and government officials to find ways to ensure support prices for all farm produce. Multiple meetings since then have made no progress. The march comes months before a national election in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a third term.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is calling for a leadership change at the Republican National Committee in an attempt to install a new slate of loyalists — including his daughter-in-law — at the top of the GOP’s political machine even before he formally secures the party’s next presidential nomination. Trump outlined his plans on social media Monday night. They carry no official weight until he is the party’s presumed presidential nominee. Current RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel says she has no plans to leave the committee until at least after South Carolina’s Feb. 24 primary election. Still, Trump is calling for McDaniel to be replaced by Michael Whatley, the North Carolina GOP chairman. The new co-chair, Trump said, should be his daughter-in-law Lara Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has launched a task force aimed at addressing the "systemic” problem of mishandling classified information during presidential transitions. Monday's action comes days after a Justice Department special counsel’s sharply critical report said he had done just that. The Presidential Records Transition Task Force will study past transitions to determine best practices for safeguarding classified information from an outgoing administration. It will also assess the need for changes to existing policies to prevent the removal of sensitive information that by law should be kept with the National Archives and Records Administration. Special counsel Robert Hur's report listed dozens of sensitive documents found at Biden’s home in Delaware, and at his former Washington office.

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Donald Trump says he once warned that he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are “delinquent” in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defense. Trump’s comment on Saturday represented the latest instance in which the former president and Republican front-runner seemed to side with an authoritarian state over America’s democratic allies. NATO members don’t pay to belong and don’t owe the organization anything other than contributions to a largely administrative fund. Trump's frequent complaint has been how much NATO countries put into their own military budgets. The 2% is a voluntary benchmark and no debt or “delinquency” is involved.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is defending its new TikTok account as a vital way to boost its appeal with young voters. It's doing so even as the Biden administration continues to raise security concerns about whether the popular social media app might be sharing user data with China’s communist government. The campaign says the president’s debut on TikTok on Sunday night has drawn more than 5 million views and counting. White House national security spokesman John Kirby says there are still national security concerns about the use of TikTok on government devices.

Super Bowl ratings skyrocket, the Dallas Cowboys name their defensive coordinator, UCLA tabs its next head coach, the Rockets hang on to beat the Knicks, Jen Pawol is about to make baseball history. Correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A leading Democratic Virginia legislator says proposed legislation to help pave the way for the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals to relocate to northern Virginia is dead. Sen. L. Louise Lucas holds great sway in the General Assembly as chair of the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee. She told reporters Monday morning that Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin had made a series of mistakes in trying to advance the deal through a General Assembly now in full Democratic control after November’s elections. She outlined concerns about the financing structure and said Youngkin had not been negotiating in good faith. A bill is still alive in the House of Delegates but Lucas' remarks are a major setback for the deal.

NEW YORK (AP) — Bob Edwards, the news anchor many Americans woke up to as founding host of National Public Radio's “Morning Edition” for nearly a quarter-century, has died. NPR said he died Saturday at age 76, but it had no other details. Edwards joined NPR in 1974, and was the founding voice on “Morning Edition” in 1979. His authoritative baritone made many listeners feel he was older than he was. For 12 years, his interviews with sportscasting legend Red Barber were a regular feature, and they provided the foundation for Edwards' book “Friday with Red: A Radio Friendship.” He was pulled from “Morning Edition” in 2004 just before celebrating a quarter-century on the show, a move that led some listeners to protest.

Robert Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ambitions resulted in public family drama after a political action committee aired a Super Bowl ad invoking the Democratic family’s legacy to implicitly compare the independent candidate to his assassinated uncle, President John F. Kennedy. The 30-second spot was financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC that is backing Kennedy. The ad featured a shortened version of a campaign song that the 35th president used in his 1960 campaign. The spot also mimicked cartoon and newsreel effects using black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr. similar to his uncle. One of Robert Kennedy's cousins blasted him for the spot. In a statement on social media, Kennedy apologized to any of his family members who were upset by the ad.

NEW YORK (AP) — Plenty of retailers and suppliers are reducing the variety of their offerings to focus instead on what they think will sell best. Stew Leonard’s, a supermarket chain, now has 24 cereal flavors or types, down from 49 in 2019. Coca-Cola has discontinued half its drink brands to 200. Many businesses have decided less is better, justifying their limited selection by asserting shoppers don’t want so much choice. It’s also more profitable for companies because they’re not carrying over as many leftovers that need to be discounted.

HOUSTON (AP) — Police say a woman in a trenchcoat opened fire with a long gun inside celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s Texas megachurch before being gunned down by two off-duty officers who confronted her. The afternoon shooting at the Houston megachurch sent worshippers scrambling out of the building between busy Sunday services. Authorities say the woman was dead and a 5-year-old boy with her was critically wounded by gunfire. They also say a 57-year-old man was wounded. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner praised the officers for their quick actions. Osteen says the shooting could have been much worse if it had happened during the larger 11 a.m. service.

WOODBURY, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut pastor has been arrested on allegations that he sold crystal meth out of his church’s rectory. Police say the reverend of a United Methodist Church in Woodbury was taken into custody Friday after authorities received a tip about the drugs. The pastor was arrested on drug and motor vehicle charges after police say a cooperating witness tipped them off and set up a purported drug deal with the reverend. The pastor was released on $10,000 bail and was ordered to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Feb. 23. Phone and email messages were left Monday for the pastor and the church.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 12 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid have made the Kansas City Chiefs a dynasty. They’re already thinking three-peat. First, they had to become the NFL’s first back-to-back Super Bowl champions in 19 years. Mahomes made sure of it, leading another super comeback on the NFL’s biggest stage in America’s showcase capital. Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Sunday, becoming the NFL’s ninth repeat Super Bowl champs. With pop star Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years and joined some of the league’s greatest franchises.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces have rescued two hostages, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the Gaza Strip and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid. It was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. Health officials said that heavy airstrikes that provided cover for Monday's operation killed at least 67 Palestinians. The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis, and the rescue lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas’ cross-border raid last year. In Gaza, the operation unleashed another tragedy in a war that has killed 28,340 Palestinians in the territory, displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a California helicopter crash that killed the CEO of one of Nigeria’s largest banks. Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe died along with his wife and son on Friday evening when a helicopter they were riding in went down in the Mojave Desert. Also killed was Bamofin Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chair of NGX Group, the Nigerian stock exchange. Officials say two pilots also died. The crash happened shortly after 10 p.m. south of Interstate 15 near Halloran Springs Road. A preliminary report is expected from the NTSB within 30 days.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Just a quarter of business economists and analysts expect the United States to fall into recession this year. And any downturn would likely result from an external shock — such as a conflict involving China — rather than from domestic economic factors such as higher interest rates. But respondents to a National Association of Business Economics survey released Monday still expect year-over-year inflation to exceed 2.5% — above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target — through 2024.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized again following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue." In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m. Sunday. Austin has now transferred authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and remains in the hospital. Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and continues to deal with complications from his treatment.

LONDON (AP) — As chances rise of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the U.S. presidential election race, America’s allies are bracing for a bumpy ride. Many worry that a second term for Trump would be an earthquake. But tremors already abound and concerns are rising that the U.S. could grow less dependable regardless of who wins. With a divided electorate and gridlock in Congress, the next American president could easily become consumed by manifold challenges at home. That's before even beginning to address flashpoints around the world from Ukraine to the Middle East. Analyst Thomas Gift said that whoever wins the presidential race, the world is headed toward one where the United States is no longer the undisputed superpower.

In sports: The Chiefs claim another Lombardi Trophy, the Celtics and Thunder win, the Canucks earn a victory in Washington and the all-time scoring record in women's basketball is safe for a few more days.

In entertainment: "Lisa Frankenstein" fails to revive North American box offices on a very slow Super Bowl weekend, Christopher Nolan wins the top prize at the Directors Guild Awards and Ozzy Osbourne is among the nominees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In other news:

Acclaimed Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, who led the Boston Symphony Orchestra, dies at age 88.
UK's King Charles III attends church for first time since revealing he has cancer.
Game-time guacamole affected by fewer avocado shipments from Mexico.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is running for the Senate.
The flu hangs on, fading in some areas and intensifying in others.
The Lunar New Year of the Dragon flames colorful festivities across Asian nations and communities.
"We've lost both engines," pilot says before private jet crashed onto a Florida interstate. —The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Fans raise a red Solo cup to honor Toby Keith, who immortalized the humble cup in song before his death from stomach cancer.
Taylor Swift wins album of the year at the Grammy Awards for the fourth time, a new record.
The Grateful Dead make Billboard chart history despite disbanding in 1995.
Lamar Jackson was a nearly unanimous selection for his second AP NFL MVP award.
Julius Peppers headlines a defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
The Knicks took a big swing and some shooters are now in the playoff race at the NBA trade deadline.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 10 at 6 a.m. CT:

Millions of Americans will find something to be excited about when it comes to Super Bowl Sunday. That’s before even factoring in the influence of Taylor Swift. Four in 10 U.S. adults are extremely or very excited for at least one part of the Super Bowl day’s festivities. That could be the game, commercials, halftime show or the Puppy Bowl, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The Kansas City Chiefs will play the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

A total solar eclipse is coming to North America. On April 8, the sun will pull another disappearing act across parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada, turning day into night for as much as 4 minutes, 28 seconds. That's twice as long as the total solar eclipse that darkened U.S. skies in 2017. This eclipse will take a different and more populated route, entering over Mexico's Pacific coast, dashing up through Texas and Oklahoma, crisscrossing the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England, before exiting over eastern Canada into the Atlantic. There won’t be another U.S. eclipse, spanning coast to coast, until 2045.

NEW YORK (AP) — Noticeable pockets of Americans — renters, and lower- and middle-income borrowers — are running up their credit cards balances, and increasing numbers are falling behind on their debts. It’s the latest sign that while the U.S. economy is broadly healthy, the last two years of inflation have sapped much of the savings of vulnerable Americans, possibly leading to further deterioration of their financial health this year. The credit rating company Moody’s says credit card delinquency and charge-off rates are well above 2019 levels. They're expected to keep climbing. Americans held more than $1.05 trillion on their credit cards in the third quarter, a historic high, and the average credit card rate is the highest it's ever been since the Fed started tracking the data.

PHOENIX (AP) — For months after George Floyd was killed by police in May 2020, people from around the world traveled to the site of his murder in Minneapolis and left signs, paintings and poems to memorialize the man whose death reignited a movement against systemic racism. Now hundreds of those artifacts are being displayed at an exhibit at the Arizona State University Art Museum. It’s the first time the work is on public display outside of Minnesota. Paintings of Floyd and poems written about him stand on easels throughout the exhibit, while protest signs made from paper plates and reused cardboard cover the walls. Some visitors were moved to tears as they moved through the exhibit.

NEW YORK (AP) — Small business acquisitions were up and down last year, reflecting the increase in interest rates that threw a chill into the market. But a strong fourth quarter, helped by a signal from the Federal Reserve that it was done raising interest rates, could bode well for 2024. Overall, the number of small business acquisitions were largely unchanged in 2023, according to business marketplace BizBuySell’s Insight Data, which tracks and analyzes U.S. business-for-sale transactions. A total of 9,093 businesses were reported sold on BizBuySell in 2023, up less than 1% from the 9,054 businesses sold in 2022.

People do not need to wear lead aprons or thyroid collars when getting X-rays at the dentist. That's according to the American Dental Association. The new recommendation is just that, however. State rules may dictate if people have to wear the aprons, and some states still require them. Experts say there needs to be more education on the safety and risks of X-rays to broadly change minds about the aprons.

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine (AP) — A family with an audacious plan to build the world’s tallest flagpole as a centerpiece for a billion-dollar project honoring veterans is abandoning the idea. An attorney said Friday that the Worcester family won’t pursue the flagpole project in Washington County or elsewhere. Instead they will look for other ways to honor veterans. The plan has divided the town of Columbia Falls, population 485. Residents are preparing to vote next month on proposed ordinances governing large-scale developments. A town select board member says a flagpole stretching 1,461 feet skyward wouldn’t meet the proposed ordinances’ height restrictions.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers are reporting the best evidence yet of a vast, young ocean beneath the icy exterior of Saturn's Death Star-looking mini moon. The French-led team based its findings Wednesday on observations by NASA's former Cassini spacecraft. By analyzing changes in Mimas' orbit and rotation, the scientists have concluded that the frozen crust hides an ocean that's only 5 million to 15 million years old. The findings open up the possibility of water — and life — at seemingly sterile moons.

COOKE CITY, Mont. (AP) — The day after a Minnesota man survived an avalanche while snowmobiling in Montana's backcountry, government forecasters posted details of the near-tragedy as yet another cautionary tale. Avalanche safety specialists say their job has become more difficult in recent years as the number of skiers and snowmobilers visiting backcountry areas surges after the pandemic. Shifting weather patterns due to climate change further complicate safety efforts, and four people already have died this year in snowslides in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and California. Despite the growing risks, the U.S. avalanche death rate has stayed relatively constant in recent years. Experts attribute that to better forecasting and more people educating themselves about the dangers in the mountains.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 9 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — A special counsel report has found evidence that President Joe Biden “willfully” retained and shared highly classified materials when he was a private citizen, including documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan. The Justice Department report nonetheless says no criminal charges are warranted for Biden or anyone else. In remarks at the White House Thursday evening, Biden denied that he improperly shared classified information and angrily lashed out at special counsel Robert Hur for questioning his mental acuity. The report from Hur, released earlier Thursday, represents a harshly critical assessment of Biden’s handling of sensitive government materials and includes unflattering characterizations of his memory.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Donald Trump has won Nevada’s Republican presidential caucuses after he was the only major candidate to participate. The former president handily won Thursday’s contest run by the state Republican Party and wins Nevada’s 26 delegates as he seeks to accrue enough to become the party nominee. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley skipped the caucuses, blaming what she considered an unfair process that favored Trump.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel has bombed targets in Rafah, after U.S. officials warned Israel against expanding its Gaza ground offensive to the southern city where more than half of the territory’s 2.3 million people have sought refuge.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has used an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to urge Washington to recognize Moscow’s interests and persuade Ukraine to sit down for talks.

A new poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds most Americans believe air travel is generally safe in the U.S.

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged higher this week, reflecting a recent uptick in the 10-year Treasury yield. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.64% from 6.63% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

The Biden administration is announcing an investment of $5 billion in a public-private consortium aimed at supporting research and development in advanced computer chips.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems poised to reject attempts to kick former President Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot. A definitive ruling for the leading Republican candidate for president would largely end efforts in Colorado, Maine and elsewhere to prevent his name from appearing on the ballot. In more than two hours of arguments Thursday, both conservative and liberal justices raised questions of whether Trump can be disqualified from being president again because of his efforts to overturn his loss in the 2020 election.

A federal judge has denied Trump White House official Peter Navarro’s bid to remain out of prison while he appeals his contempt of Congress conviction for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Navarro was sentenced last month to four months in prison after being found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Communications Commission is outlawing robocalls that contain voices generated by artificial intelligence. The decision sends a clear message that exploiting the technology to scam people and mislead voters won’t be tolerated. Thursday’s unanimous ruling targets robocalls made with AI voice-cloning tools under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Usher says it was a challenge to fit a 30-year musical career into a 13-minute halftime show as he'll have to do at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas Sunday. But when he addressed the media on Thursday he said he's been focusing on how to represent his past, his present and future within the show.

It was a big night for current and past NFL players, trades galore in the NBA, a wild game in college basketball, another big signing in major league baseball and a historic day on the links.

In other headlines:

Clayton Kershaw says he's staying with Dodgers for a 17th season and could pitch in second half of 2024.
Applications for unemployment benefits fell again despite recent layoff announcements.
200 victims allege child sex abuse in Maryland youth detention facilities.
The Paris Olympics medals are monumental. They're embedded with pieces of the Eiffel Tower.
A volcano in Iceland is erupting for the 3rd time since December, spewing lava into the sky.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 8 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump’s appeal to remain on the 2024 ballot is coming before the Supreme Court. On Thursday, in the justices’ biggest election case since Bush v. Gore, the court will be weighing arguments over whether Trump is disqualified from reclaiming the White House because of his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss, ending with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The case marks the first time the justices will be considering a constitutional provision that was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office again. Colorado's Supreme Court kicked Trump off the state's Republican primary ballot in ruling that he incited the Capitol riot.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has left the Middle East with public divisions between the United States and Israel at perhaps their worst level since Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza began in October.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time in more than two decades, Mexico last year surpassed China as the leading source of goods imported by the United States. The shift reflects the growing tensions between Washington and Beijing as well as U.S. efforts to import from countries that are friendlier and closer to home.

NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci has a memoir coming out in June, a look back at his long career as an infectious disease expert and the many outbreaks he contended with, from AIDS/HIV to the COVID-19 pandemic. Viking announced Thursday that Fauci’s “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service” will be published in June.

Paxlovid can prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but experts say it's being underused. The pills' high price and doctors’ hesitation to prescribe them are creating obstacles to getting the drug to everyone who would benefit.

In other headlines:

There are no known credible, specific threats to the Super Bowl or Las Vegas at this time.
Super Bowl ads offer humor, nostalgia and celebrities.
Taylor Swift is demanding this college student stop tracking her private jet.
Ignitable cakes, sweatshirts and more. Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift gear flies off store shelves.
The NBA's hottest team wins again, a light schedule in the NHL features just three games and a pair of ranked teams lose to unranked opponents in men's college basketball. Also: Nick Saban is joining ESPN's "College GameDay" road show and Tiger Woods will make his 2024 debut at Riviera.
A Russian politician calling for peace in Ukraine is rejected as a presidential candidate.
Prince William returns to public duties at a time when the UK monarchy needs him more than ever. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 7 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nikki Haley has been swamped in Nevada’s symbolic Republican presidential primary as GOP voters resoundingly picked the “none of these candidates” option on the ballot. Front-runner Donald Trump didn’t compete in the primary, which doesn’t award any delegates needed to win the GOP nomination. President Joe Biden easily won the state's Democratic primary.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a dramatic setback, House Republicans have failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The vote forced Republicans to shelve a high-profile priority — for now — after a few GOP lawmakers refused to go along with the party’s plan.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A storm that parked itself over Southern California for days, unleashing historic downpours that caused hundreds of landslides, is expected to move out of the region after one final drenching.

Hamas has put forward a detailed plan for a new cease-fire and hostage release deal with Israel, which will be discussed when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Israeli leaders.

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Bombs ripped through two separate political offices in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday. Officials said at least 29 people were killed and more than two dozen wounded.

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese officials say a stray dog attacked 11 people, most of them children playing in a park, causing minor injuries.

Nebraska's Education Committee is considering a bill that would allow teachers and other staff in schools to be armed in the hopes of deterring school shootings.

More headlines:

President Joe Biden tells Congress to "show some spine" against former President Donald Trump as border security and Ukraine aid collapses.
Trump is not immune from prosecution in his 2020 election interference case, an appeals court rules.
By disclosing his cancer, King Charles III breaks centuries of royal tradition.
More Americans than ever before are expected to place bets on Super Bowl.
Officials tout Super Bowl plans to crimp counterfeiting, ground drones and curb human trafficking.
The Oilers winning streak ends just short of the record, Kyrie Irving has a winning return to Brooklyn, the Super Bowl quarterbacks get set for Sunday's showdown, and North Carolina is upset at home.
Fans raise a red Solo cup to honor the late Toby Keith, who immortalized the humble cup in a song.
A crewmember dies in an accident on the set of Marvel’s "Wonder Man."
NTSB says bolts on a Boeing jetliner were missing before a panel blew out midflight last month.
Honda is recalling more than 750,000 vehicles to fix faulty passenger seat air bag sensor.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 6 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Country music singer-songwriter Toby Keith has died. He was 62. A statement posted on his website says Keith, who was battling stomach cancer, died peacefully Monday surrounded by his family. The statement says: “He fought his fight with grace and courage." He was diagnosed in 2022.

LONDON (AP) — Britain's King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer and has begun treatment. Buckingham Palace said Monday the cancer is not related to the king’s recent treatment for a benign prostate condition. It did not say what form of cancer the 75-year-old monarch has.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rainfall from one of the wettest storms in Southern California history is easing off but forecasters say floods are still possible and saturated ground raises the threat of potentially deadly landslides.

CAIRO (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed ahead with a diplomatic tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, meeting Egyptian leaders as part of his efforts to secure a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages.

NEW YORK (AP) — A day after Taylor Swift made music history at the Grammy Awards, a band formed long before she was born made their own history. The Grateful Dead have broken the record for the most Top 40 albums to chart on the Billboard 200. The Grateful Dead pulled out ahead of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra with 59 total Top 40 entries on the chart Monday following the No. 25 debut of their archival release “Dave’s Picks, Volume 49: Frost Amphitheatre, Stanford U., Palo Alto, CA (4/27/85 & 4/28/85).”

In other headlines:

House Republicans are ready to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, if they have the votes.
Senate Republicans resist advancing on border policy bill, leaving aid for Ukraine in doubt.
How two sentences in the Constitution rose from obscurity to ensnare Donald Trump.
The Justice Department proposes major changes to address disparities in state crime victim funds.
The DOJ says First National Bank discriminated against Black and Latino borrowers in North Carolina.
The family of Black girls handcuffed by Colorado police and held at gunpoint reach $1.9 million settlement.
NYC firefighter in famous bullhorn photo with President Bush at ground zero after 911 attacks dies.
South Carolina wants to restart executions with a firing squad, electric chair and lethal injection.
A culinary union reaches a tentative contracts with hotel-casinos as Las Vegas kicks off Super Bowl week.
The NFL will have a Friday game in next season's opening weekend, The Mavs win by double digits in Philadelphia, a battle of NHL division leaders square off, and the Royals agree to an extension with Bobby Witt Jr. The NBA is set to play on an LED glass court for some All-Star weekend events and Steve Belichick agrees to take a defensive coordinator role at Washington. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 5 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

BEIRUT (AP) — A drone attack on a base housing U.S. troops in eastern Syria killed six allied Kurdish fighters late Sunday. The U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Monday the attack hit a training ground at al-Omar base in Syria’s eastern province of Deir el-Zour, where the forces’ commando units are trained. No casualties were reported among U.S. troops.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The second of back-to-back atmospheric rivers churned through California, flooding roads, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands and leading forecasters to warn of possible hurricane-force winds and mudslides. The slow-moving storm is expected to dump heavy rain on Southern California on Monday, and officials there warned of potentially devastating flooding. Evacuations have been ordered for canyons that burned in recent wildfires that are at high risk for debris flows.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift has won album of the year for “Midnights,” breaking a Grammys record for most wins in the category with four. Miley Cyrus won record of the year Sunday night for her hit “Flowers.” Victoria Monét won best new artist at the performance-packed show that aired live from Los Angeles. Cyrus' win was her second of the night — and her second Grammy ever. Taylor Swift used her 13th Grammy win to announce her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” will arrive April 19. Dua Lipa opened the 66th annual Grammy Awards with a high-octane medley. Phoebe Bridgers took an early lead, winning four trophies ahead of the main telecast.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators have released a highly anticipated bill that pairs border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel. It's already running into opposition in the House. The $118 billion proposal is the best chance for President Joe Biden to resupply Ukraine with wartime aid.

BERLIN (AP) — A college student in Berlin beat a Jewish classmate until he was hospitalized after the two got into an argument about the Israel-Hamas conflict Friday night, police said. One of the students was a a 23-year-old, who held strong pro-Palestinian views, the other a 30-year-old Jewish student, who had posted pro-Israel views on social media.

Other headlines:

President Joe Biden sets his sights on Las Vegas days before Nevada's primary. He's also got November on his mind.
Claims that Jan. 6 rioters are "political prisoners" endure. Judges want to set the record straight.
No. 2 and No. 6 square off in College Basketball, it's hero's return of sorts for one player in the NBA along with major injury news, mother nature shortens one golf tournament in California and New Jersey will be hosting Soccer's biggest game in 2026.
"Argylle," with checkered reviews, flops with $18M for the big-budget Apple release.
On this week's religion roundup, the latest season of a popular TV series about the life of Jesus hits the big screen.
Marilyn Manson completed community service sentence for blowing his nose on a videographer.
The EU is worried that Israel might extend the war in Gaza to a "pressure cooker" town near Egypt.
After new U.S. strikes hit Yemen, Iran issued a warning about suspected spy ships in the Mideast.
A dog was rescued after more than a week trapped inside shipping container at a Texas port.
A skydiver died in Arizona, the second deadly incident involving Eloy skydiving events in less than a month.'
Strong hiring in most industries has far outpaced high-profile layoffs. —The Associated Press

About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

View Details

Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Las Vegas' first Super Bowl is driving record prices on the secondary ticket market.
U.S. sportsbooks won't take bets on a possible Taylor Swift appearance at the Super Bowl as well as other non-game wagers.
David Rubenstein has a deal to buy the Baltimore Orioles for $1.725 billion.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

View Details

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Feb. 3 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sometimes a story is more appealing than the truth. Experts say that's one of the reasons to explain the popularity of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories have always been around. They're alternative explanations for world events and they're often not supported by the facts. Today, they're playing an outsize role in politics and culture. Some of the examples are QAnon, as well as conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and stolen elections. Psychologists say conspiracy theories offer a sort of mental shortcut, giving believers a way to navigate a world that to them seems random, frightening and chaotic.

NEW YORK (AP) — Payroll payments per small business moderated as 2023 came to a close, according to new data from Bank of America. The BofA report found payroll payments rose 1.7% in December at small businesses. That’s consistent with the trend last year, with payroll payments rising most months. But the pace of payroll growth slowed “significantly” from its peak in March 2022, the report said. Data is culled from Bank of America’s business clients with less than $5 million in annual revenue. Small businesses have been pressured over the past two years due to high inflation, high costs and a labor crunch.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Preliminary tests by a University of Nebraska road safety research facility and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers point to concerns that the nation’s roadside guardrails are no match for new heavy electric vehicles. At a news conference Wednesday, a university official said a first-of-its-kind test crash of a nearly 4-ton EV pickup truck last fall showed the guardrail did almost nothing to slow the truck. Cody Stolle with the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility says more extensive testing is planned. But he says tens of thousands of miles of guardrails along roads in the nation will likely need to be adapted as more electric vehicles populate the roads.

Those grounded Boeing jets are coming back starting Friday. Air travelers will want to know if they are safe. The head of the Federal Aviation Administrations says he is confident they will be, as long as airlines follow new inspection procedures approved by his agency. Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners have been grounded since early January, shortly after one of them suffered a midflight blowout of a panel on the side of the plane. Alaska Airlines resumed flights with inspected planes beginning on Friday. United Airlines, the only other U.S. carrier to use the Max 9, says its planes will come back starting Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study shows the return of sea otters and their voracious appetites has helped rescue a section of California marshland. Sea otters eat constantly and one of their favorite snacks is the striped shore crab. Left unchecked, the crabs can turn marsh banks into Swiss cheese that can collapse when big waves or storms hit. Researchers found that the return of the crab-eating sea otters to a tidal estuary near Monterey, California, since the 1980s helped curb erosion. The research was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Women are far more likely than men to get autoimmune diseases, illnesses like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis that occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks their own bodies. That gender disparity has baffled scientists for decades but new research may finally explain why. Females have two X chromosomes and Stanford University researchers say how cells handle that extra X can be a red flag for the immune system, essentially an early risk factor. The findings, published Thursday in the journal Cell, could lead to better ways to detect autoimmunity.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The company behind a global recall of sleep apnea machines says it will stop selling the devices in the U.S., under a tentative agreement with regulators. Philips has recalled more than 5 million pressurized breathing machines due to risks that their foam can break down over time and be inhaled by users. The deal announced Monday has not yet been finalized and will have to be approved by a U.S. court. Philips would continue servicing existing machines in the U.S., but would not be able to sell new ones until meeting several corrective actions laid out by the FDA.

NEW YORK (AP) — Infectious syphilis cases in the U.S. rose by 9% in 2022. That's according to a new federal government report released Tuesday on sexually transmitted diseases in adults. The rate of new gonorrhea cases fell for the first time in a decade, while chlamydia rates were relatively flat. Total cases of syphilis surpassed 207,000 in 2022. That count includes the most infectious stages of the disease but also latent cases and cases in which pregnant women passed syphilis on to their babies. It is the highest count in the United States since 1950, and is rising in heterosexual men and women.

Allegations of research fakery at a leading cancer center have turned a spotlight on scientific integrity and the amateur sleuths uncovering image manipulation in published research. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute announced last week it’s requesting six retractions and 31 corrections of scientific papers after a British blogger flagged problems in early January. The blogger is 32-year-old Sholto David of Pontypridd, Wales. He is a scientist-sleuth who detects cut-and-paste image manipulation in published scientific papers. And he’s not the only hobbyist poking through pixels. Other champions of scientific integrity are keeping researchers and science journals on their toes.

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A new state law requires Nevada to hold a primary election next week, but the Nevada GOP voted to hold their own caucuses, or party-run meetings open to Republicans only. The state GOP will only award delegates needed to win the nomination through the caucuses, rendering the state-run presidential primary purely symbolic. Former President Donald Trump is competing in the caucuses, while former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is running in the primary. The unusual arrangement has confused some voters, including some who have received primary ballots in the mail and wonder why Trump's name isn't on it. Critics say the state GOP changed rules to help Trump win.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. adults are only feeling slightly better about the economy, despite stocks being near record highs and surprisingly strong growth last year. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 35% of U.S. adults call the national economy good. That’s an uptick from 30% who said so late last year and up from 24% who said so a year ago. While 65% still call the economy poor, that’s an improvement from a year ago, when 76% did. Voters’ confidence in the economy could be the pivotal factor in this year’s election. President Joe Biden is running for reelection in part on the economy. The poll puts his overall approval rating at 38%.

PARIS (AP) — French Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said Wednesday that some 300,000 spectators will be able to attend the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic Games, about half the size of what was originally planned. The giant show on the River Seine on July 26 will mark the first time that an opening ceremony is held outside of a usual stadium setting. It will also involve a massive security operation, with tens of thousands of police officers and soldiers deployed. The athletes will be paraded through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route. Both banks of the river will be lined by spectators, behind multiple security cordons.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico is acknowledging that at least two well-known Mayan ruin sites are unreachable by visitors because of cartel violence or land disputes. But two tourist guides in the southern state of Chiapas say the routes to two other sites are plagued by drug gang checkpoints and many groups are avoiding trips there too. The government seems unconcerned. And there is even anger that anyone would suggest there is a problem. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s policy is to play down gang violence even as the cartels take over more territory in Mexico. Both guides say the imposing temple complex at Palenque is still open and perfectly safe for visitors. But there are fears tourism could be damaged in Chiapas.

In a sweeping two-year investigation, The Associated Press found goods linked to prisoners wind up in the supply chains of everything from Frosted Flakes cereal and Ball Park hot dogs to Gold Medal flour and Coca-Cola. They are on the shelves of most supermarkets, including Kroger, Target and Whole Foods. They’re also exported. The prisoners who help produce these goods are disproportionately people of color. Some are sentenced to hard labor and forced to work – or face punishment – and are sometimes paid pennies an hour or nothing at all. They also are excluded from protections guaranteed to almost all other full-time workers, even when they are seriously injured or killed on the job. And it can be almost impossible for them to sue.

—The Associated Press

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley’s path to the Republican presidential nomination is rapidly shrinking. But she’s vowing to stay in the race indefinitely. And the harder she fights, the more Republican officials fear she may be hurting Donald Trump's long-term prospects in the all-but certain general election against Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump allies describe Haley’s continued presence as a distraction, a drain on resources and a source of frustration. They also worry that Trump’s preoccupation with Haley, whom he frequently calls “birdbrain,” might further alienate moderate voters and suburban women. In practical terms, the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential primary season has barely begun. But after decisive wins in Iowa and New Hampshire, Trump's grip on the nomination has never been stronger.

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Fire officials say a small plane has crashed into a home at a Florida mobile home park, killing several people aboard the plane and in the home. There’s no immediate word on the exact number of people killed. Authorities say the single-engine Beechcraft Bonanza V35 reportedly went down at about 7 p.m. Thursday in Clearwater, about three miles north of St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. The FAA says the pilot had reported an engine failure. Clearwater's fire chief says the plane hit a mobile home and at least three homes received fire damage.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — At least three people have been killed in Kenya's capital and 270 others were injured when a truck loaded with gas exploded and set off an inferno that burned homes and warehouses. The death toll is likely to rise. A government spokesman said early Friday that a lot of people were home late at night when the fire reached their houses in a Nairobi neighborhood. Police and the local Red Cross said 271 people were rushed to several hospitals to be treated for injuries. Firefighters were searching the burned area later in the morning.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll shows half of U.S. adults believe Israel's war in Gaza has “gone too far." The poll by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found growing disapproval among Republicans and political independents for Israel's conduct of its military offensive in Gaza. And notably for President Joe Biden, about 7 out of 10 young people in Biden's Democratic Party disapprove of his approach to the conflict. Overall, 31% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s handling of the conflict, including just 46% of Democrats. The U.S. has become increasingly isolated in its support of Israel as the Palestinian death toll rises.

NEW YORK (AP) — The latest COVID-19 vaccines are 54% effective at preventing symptomatic infection in adults. That's according to the first U.S. study to assess how well the updated shots work. The shots became available last year and are designed to better protect against more recent coronavirus variants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday released a study of how well the vaccine has worked since then. The finding is similar to what’s been reported in other countries. It's also similar to what was reported for earlier versions of the vaccines.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he never directed anyone on his staff to keep his cancer surgery and hospitalization secret from the White House but acknowledges he should have handled it differently. He apologized for keeping President Joe Biden and others in the dark for weeks. Austin was speaking to reporters in the Pentagon briefing room on Thursday, providing his most extensive comments to date on the secrecy surrounding his cancer diagnosis and struggles with complications since his surgery on Dec. 22. It was the first time he answered reporters' questions since his surgery.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says it's time to more significantly disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East. And he says the U.S. is poised to take significant action in response to the deaths of three U.S. service members in Jordan on Sunday. For days the U.S. has hinted strikes are imminent. While the threat of retaliation has driven some militant groups to say they were stopping hostilities, as late as Thursday Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels were still attacking vessels and fired a ballistic missile at a Liberian-flagged container ship in the Red Sea.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has issued an executive order that targets Israeli settlers in the West Bank who've been accused of attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists in the occupied territory. The order Thursday imposes financial sanctions and visa bans in an initial round against four individuals. The order says those settlers were involved in acts of violence, as well as threats and attempts to destroy or seize Palestinian property. The penalties aim to block the four from using the U.S. financial system and bar American citizens from dealing with them. U.S. officials are evaluating whether to punish others involved in attacks that have intensified during the Israel-Hamas war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the U.S. penalties.

LONDON (AP) — A judge in London has thrown out a lawsuit by former U.S. President Donald Trump accusing a former British spy of making “shocking and scandalous claims” that were false and harmed his reputation. Judge Karen Steyn said the defendant was entitled to summary judgment and the case should not go to trial. Trump sued Orbis Business Intelligence, the company founded by Christopher Steele, who created a dossier in 2016 that contained rumors and uncorroborated allegations about Trump that erupted in a political storm just before he was inaugurated. The former president sought damages from Orbis for allegedly violating British data protection laws. The firm sought to have the case thrown out.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 66th annual Grammy Awards are right around the corner, airing live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. So, what can viewers expect? Some new, some old. Comedian Trevor Noah will host for a fourth time. Performances — and the arc of the show — will reflect the nominees, which this year in the major categories, are led by women. There are many potentially-history making moments, too. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Ben Winston, as well as Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr., walk The Associated Press through the 2024 Grammy Awards.

NEW YORK (AP) — Legendary Southern rapper Juvenile says he had been unaware of NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series when a social media post suggested that he do a performance, setting off a frenzy. Two months later, Juvenile's performance became one of the most notable of last year. with nearly 7 million views. NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series began almost 15 years ago as a niche online platform mainly highlighting rock and folk musicians. The series has become one of the premiere live music platforms and a pop culture phenomenon, expanding to include performers from across musical genres. The creators say it all started after they attended a performance where an artist was not heard.

The Knicks and Sixers each win despite missing key players, the Lakers overcome injuries to win in Boston and the Cavaliers remain red hot. In college games, the ranked Arizona men win, but Wisconsin loses and the top-ranked South Carolina women remain undefeated. In pro football, it looks like the Commanders have a new coach.

NEW YORK (AP) — American Express is rolling out several updates to its Delta SkyMiles credit cards that will give additional benefits to users. AmEx is eager to soothe sore Delta Air Lines customers who have considered abandoning the airline after last year’s SkyMiles loyalty fiasco. The updates unveiled Thursday will also come with a higher annual fee, which AmEx says it believes that the new benefits will more than pay for.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Astronomers say an asteroid as big as a skyscraper will pass within 1.7 million miles of Earth on Friday. There's no chance of it hitting us since it will pass seven times the distance from Earth to the moon. NASA estimates the space rock is between 690 feet and 1,575 feet across. That means the asteroid could be similar in size to New York City's Empire State Building or Chicago's Willis Tower. The asteroid was discovered in 2008. It won't be back our way again until 2032, but it will be a much more distant encounter, staying 45 million miles away.

NEW YORK (AP) — Under cover of darkness a year ago, someone slipped into the Central Park Zoo, cut a hole in a cage and freed a majestic Eurasian eagle-owl named Flaco. The owl has become one of New York City's most beloved characters since then. By day he lounges in Manhattan’s courtyards and parks and perches on fire escapes. He spends his nights hooting atop water towers and preying on the city’s abundant rats. Some experts feared he wouldn't be able to hunt after a lifetime in captivity To their surprise, Flaco is thriving. But as his second year in the spotlight begins, the crime that led to his freedom remains unsolved.

—The Associated Press

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BRUSSELS (AP) — A top European Union official says the 27 EU countries have sealed a deal to provide Ukraine with a new 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) support package despite weeks of threats from Hungary to veto the move.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Officials say 3 people have been killed and 9 were injured in a collapse of a hangar under construction on the grounds of the airport in Boise, Idaho. The cause of the collapse is under investigation.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has passed a roughly $79 billion tax cut package expanding the child tax credit for millions of families and restoring three key tax breaks for businesses. Prospects for the measure becoming law are still uncertain, but for a House that has struggled to get bills of consequence over the finish line and signed into law, the tax legislation could represent a rare breakthrough. The bill passed by a vote of 357-70.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers is drenching Northern California. Heavy rain and gusty winds began hitting the north on Wednesday and much of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Coast are under flood watch into Friday morning. The storm triggered statewide emergency preparations. The storm is expected to move south down the coast, hitting San Diego on Thursday with up to 3 inches of rain.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Fans have been wondering for days whether Taylor Swift will make it to the Super Bowl next week to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs and, if so, how many times she’ll show up on TV during the game. They can speculate all they want, but they won’t be able to bet on it legally in the United States.

The CEOs of Meta, TikTok, X and other social media companies have testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about child safety on their platforms. The hearing Wednesday came as lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media on young people’s lives.

Universal Music Group, which represents artists including Taylor Swift, Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, says that it will no longer allow its music on TikTok now that a licensing deal between the two parties has expired.

Two NBA stars return to their former home courts, the top two men's college basketball teams pull out wins, women's college basketball has a new number two all-time scorer, and the NFL fills its second-to-last head coaching vacancy. Tennessee and Virginia AGs are suing the NCAA over NIL-related recruiting rules. And the PGA Tour strikes a $3 billion deal with the Fenway-led investment group.

—The Associated Press

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WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have taken a party-line vote toward impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over what they say is his “willful and systematic” refusal to enforce immigration laws. The Homeland Security Committee voted early Wednesday to recommend the two articles of impeachment to the full House.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Iran has threatened to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic following President Joe Biden linking Tehran to the killing of three U.S. soldiers at a military base in Jordan. The U.S. has signaled it's preparing for retaliatory strikes in the wake of the Sunday drone attack that also injured at least 40 troops.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is meeting with members of the Teamsters Union in Washington as he looks past the GOP primary and towards a general election rematch against President Joe Biden.

WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Chris Wray is preparing to tell House lawmakers that Chinese government hackers are busily targeting critical infrastructure inside the United States including water treatment plants, the electrical grid and transportation systems.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many scientists have long assumed that moths and other flying insects were simply drawn to bright lights. But a new study suggests that's not exactly what's going on. Rather than being attracted to light, researchers believe that artificial lights at night may actually scramble flying insects’ innate navigational systems.

UPS will cut 12,000 jobs and released a revenue outlook for this year that sent its shares down sharply.

NEW YORK (AP) — Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer and actor who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists and shrugged off a near-fatal car accident, died Tuesday. She was 91. Rivera first gained wide notice in 1957 as Anita in the original production of “West Side Story” and was still dancing on Broadway with her trademark energy a half-century later in 2015’s “The Visit.”

In sports, four NHL players face sexual assault charges, the Blue Jackets and Sharks get shutout wins, the Knicks take their eighth straight, the Celtics hang on after nearly blowing a big halftime lead, Joel Embiid can't cure the 76ers road woes, a pair of top-5 college basketball teams suffer upsets, the reigning World Series MVP will miss most of Spring Training and the Orioles look to be on the verge of having new ownership.

In other news:

The burned remnants of a prized Jackie Robinson statue are found after its theft from a public park in Kansas.
The NFL playoffs have drawn the highest viewership average on record.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is staying, turning down a possible chance to be an NFL head coach, AP sources say.
Tennessee chancellor says NCAA allegations of NIL rules violations are untrue and flawed.
Elon Musk says the first human has received an implant from Neuralink, but other details are scant. Also, Musk cannot keep a Tesla pay package worth more than $55 billion, a judge rules.
Groundhog Day's biggest star is Phil, but the holiday's deep roots extend well beyond Punxsutawney.
"Pandemic of snow" in Anchorage sets a record for the earliest arrival of 100 inches of snow. —The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 30 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — An enemy drone that killed three American troops and wounded dozens of others in Jordan may have been confused with an American drone returning to the U.S. installation. That's according to two U.S. officials who were not authorized to comment and insisted on anonymity Monday.

JENIN, West Bank (AP) — Israeli forces disguised as civilian women and medical workers stormed a hospital in the occupied West Bank and killed three Palestinian militants. Tuesday's dramatic raid underscored how deadly violence has spilled into the territory from the war in Gaza.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are moving swiftly toward impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Homeland Security Committee is scheduled to vote Tuesday on two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, including over what they call his “willful and systematic” refusal to enforce immigration laws.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — Sheriff's officials say the six men found shot to death last week in the Southern California desert were likely shot in a dispute over marijuana. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Warrick said Monday that authorities discovered the bodies in the Mojave Desert outside El Mirage after responding to a request for a wellness check.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland will undergo back surgery this weekend and delegate his duties to the deputy attorney general during the procedure. The news comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon following a hospitalization related to prostate cancer that was criticized for being kept secret for days.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A former contractor for the Internal Revenue Service who pleaded guilty to leaking tax information to news outlets about former President Donald Trump and thousands of the country’s wealthiest people was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday.

In other news:

Taking away Donald Trump’s business empire would stand alone under New York fraud law.
Amazon calls off its bid to buy vacuum maker iRobot amid scrutiny in Europe and the U.S.
A U.S. safety agency closes its probe into Dodge and Ram rotary gear shifters without seeking a recall.
Toyota urges owners of old Corolla, Matrix and RAV4 models to park them until air bags are replaced. Also, a Toyota group plant was raided in a test cheating probe as the automaker says it sold 11.2M vehicles in 2023.
In sports, the Celtics rally for a win, the Heat continue to flounder, the United States to receive gold medals after a Olympic disqualification, and the Twins send Jorge Polanco to the Mariners. Former Blue Jays, Red Sox and Astros manager Jimy Williams dies at age 80. Las Vegas' first Super Bowl is driving record prices on the secondary ticket market.
A dying thief who stole "Wizard of Oz" ruby slippers from a Minnesota museum gets no prison time.
Prisoners are part of a hidden workforce linked to hundreds of popular food brands.
Rise and shine: The Japanese moon probe is back to work after sun reaches its solar panels.

—The Associated Press

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden says the U.S. “shall respond” after a drone strike by an Iran-backed group killed three American troops in Jordan and injured dozens more near the Syrian border. Biden's national security team briefed him as he traveled Sunday in South Carolina. Appearing at a church banquet hall, he said the U.S. had a “tough day last night in the Middle East” and that “we shall respond.” He also asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the slain service members. They are the first U.S. fatalities after months of strikes by such groups against American forces across the Middle East amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel’s allegations that 12 employees of a United Nations agency were involved in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack have led several Western countries to cut off funding and reignited debate over Gaza’s biggest humanitarian aid provider. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, employs thousands of staffers and provides vital services to millions of people across the Middle East. In Gaza, it has been the main supplier of food, water and shelter to civilians during the Israel-Hamas war. Israel has long railed against the agency, accusing it of tolerating or even collaborating with Hamas. UNRWA denies that and says it took swift action against the employees accused of taking part in the attack on Israel.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A teenager awaiting trial in a homicide case who escaped outside a Philadelphia hospital last week has been captured. Police say Shane Pryor was taken into custody Sunday by the U.S. Marshals Service. The marshals will hand the 17-year-old over to police homicide detectives. Authorities said Pryor fled Wednesday from the driveway of the emergency room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he had been taken with a hand injury. Less than an hour after he fled on foot, the teen was spotted on video getting into a car that drove him away. Police say the 18-year-old driver was later arrested.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A dying thief who confessed to stealing ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” is expected to stay out of prison after he's sentenced. Seventy-six-year-old Terry Jon Martin stole the slippers in 2005 from the Judy Garland Museum in the late actor’s hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Monday. Martin's attorney says he had gone straight, but wanted to pull of “one last score.” The attorney says Martin gave into temptation after an old mob associate persuaded him that the famous shoes were adorned with real rubies. Both sides are recommending he be sentenced to time served because he is in hospice care.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans have released two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Republicans have vowed to push forward with election-year efforts to oust the Cabinet member over what they say is his failure to manage the U.S-Mexico border. The rare step against a Cabinet member drew outrage from Democrats and the agency as a politically motivated stunt lacking the constitutional basis to remove Mayorkas from office. The Republican-controlled House Homeland Security Committee is set to vote Tuesday on the articles of impeachment, aiming to send them to the full House for consideration. Speaker Mike Johnson has said the House will move forward as soon as possible with a vote after that.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is racing to wind down a tax break meant to encourage businesses to keep workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. What was expected to cost the federal government $55 billion has instead cost it nearly five times that amount as of July. Meanwhile, new claims pour into the IRS each week, and that's ensuring a growing price tag that lawmakers are anxious to cap. Now, lawmakers across the political spectrum say it's time to close down the program. They intend to use the savings to offset the cost of three business tax breaks and a more generous child tax credit for many low-income families.

In other news:

The Super Bowl is set following wins by the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are Australian Open champions.
A trial in Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay's 2002 killing is starting and testing his anti-drug image.
It was a quiet weekend at the box office with "The Beekeeper" on top and some Oscar boosts.
Wrestling icon Vince McMahon resigns from WWE after a former employee files sex abuse lawsuit.
Deepfake explicit images of Taylor Swift spread on social media. Her fans are fighting back.
Nazi death camp survivors mark the 79th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
French farmers aim to put Paris "under siege" in a tractor protest. And activists hurl soup at "Mona Lisa."
Other passengers support a man who opened an emergency exit and walked on a plane's wing at a Mexico airport.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" tops all Oscar nominees with 13 while "Barbie" snags eight.
Jim Harbaugh is returning to the NFL to coach the Chargers after leading Michigan to a national title.
Adrian Beltré, Todd Helton and Joe Mauer have been elected to baseball's Hall of Fame.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 30 at 6 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users. In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset a tool that allows police to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring's Neighbors app. The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week. Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following criticism about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.

NEW YORK (AP) — The influx of generative artificial intelligence software is transforming small businesses. Small business owners are using A.I. tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard and others to check grammar in emails, punch up marketing copy and research business plans. What’s more, bigger companies are developing tools specifically to help small businesses integrate A.I. into their operations in more advanced ways. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot lets users ask software to perform tasks like summarize an email or a Teams meeting, come up with key themes in a document, or draft emails in a conversational tone in Outlook.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in Oregon have unveiled a sweeping new bill that would undo a key part of the state's first-in-the-nation drug decriminalization law. The bill would recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs as a low-level misdemeanor. The lawmakers backing the bill say it would allow police to confiscate drugs and reduce public drug use. It would also create new diversion opportunities with the aim of steering people toward treatment instead of jail. The proposal comes as the fentanyl crisis has helped fuel growing pushback against the state's pioneering drug decriminalization law, which voters approved in 2020.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Democratic-aligned groups this week have filed campaign finance complaints against No Labels. They are hoping to crimp the centrist group's pipeline of campaign cash and force it to follow the same rules as formal political parties. For months, No Labels has stockpiled cash and diligently worked to secure ballot access for a potential third-party presidential bid. That has struck fear among allies of President Joe Biden that the effort could siphon away votes and hand the White House to Donald Trump. No Labels says the campaign finance complaints are part of a “coordinated conspiracy to subvert” the group.

Unions commanded big headlines last year, but that didn’t translate into higher membership numbers, according to government data released Tuesday. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said 10% of hourly and salaried workers were members of unions in 2023, or around 14.4 million people. That's an all-time low, and down slightly from 2022. The number of unionized workers in the private sector increased by 191,000 last year. That includes workers at auto companies, Las Vegas hotels and Hollywood studios, all of whom went through high-profile contract negotiations. But unions lost employees in the public sector, like teachers and police.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A Christian pastor says his small Ohio city would lose a beacon of light downtown if he has to close an around-the-clock ministry for homeless people and others seeking shelter. Pastor Chris Avell's Dad's Place church in the northwestern Ohio city of Bryan has drawn citations over zoning laws, fire ordinances and safety. The church filed a federal lawsuit Monday against the city, the mayor and other officials and says its right to religious freedom is at stake. Avell has pleaded not guilty to 18 criminal code violations. A lawyer for the city says officials deny treating any religious institution inappropriately.

Dozens of migrants who were rescued in August after 36 days at sea in a boat told the AP they survived without food and water and watched others die. AP originally published the story Migration-36 Days at Sea on December 18, 2023. AP correspondent Jaime Holguin reports on the story behind the story.

—The Associated Press

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ATMORE, Ala. (AP) — Alabama has executed a man with nitrogen gas, putting him to death with a first-of-its-kind method that once again put the U.S. at the forefront of the debate over capital punishment. Officials said Kenneth Eugene Smith was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. Thursday at an Alabama prison. It marked the first time a new execution method has been used since lethal injection was introduced in 1982. The execution came after a last-minute legal battle in which Smith’s attorneys said the state was making him the test subject for an experimental execution method that could violate the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Smith was one of two men convicted in the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett, a pastor’s wife.

NEW YORK (AP) — Closing arguments are set to begin in the defamation case against Donald Trump a day after the former president left a Manhattan courtroom fuming after his 3-minute testimony gave him little time to refute a writer's sexual abuse claims. On Friday, lawyers on both sides will get to sum up their case for nine jurors who will start deliberating later in the day. The jury will decide what, if anything, Trump owes magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll. A jury last year found Trump sexually abused her in spring 1996 in the changing room of a luxury Manhattan department store. Trump denies it.

MOSCOW (AP) — A Moscow court extended the pretrial detention of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained on espionage charges, through March in a Friday ruling. A 32-year-old United States citizen, Gershkovich was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip to Russia in late March 2023. He and his employer deny the allegations, and the U.S. government declared him to be wrongfully detained. Russian authorities have not provided any evidence to support the espionage charges. Gershkovich is the first American reporter to to face espionage charges in Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB.

LONDON (AP) — Buckingham Palace says King Charles III was admitted to a private hospital to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate. That announcement Friday confirms a pre-planned treatment that was announced last week. The 75-year old king will be treated at the London Clinic, where the Princess of Wales is recovering after undergoing abdominal surgery. The king visited Kate at the hospital after he arrived. Charles, who acceded to the throne 16 months ago, was diagnosed with the benign condition on Jan. 17 after going for a check-up because he was experiencing symptoms. He cancelled engagements, and was urged to rest ahead of the procedure.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia and Ukraine keep trading accusations over the crash of a Russian plane that Moscow said was carrying Ukrainian POWs, but one thing is clear: Many Ukrainians whose relatives are imprisoned in Russia are afraid this could mark the end of prisoner exchanges. Even the basic facts surrounding the crash remain unclear. Russian officials accuse Kyiv of shooting down the plane. Russia claims that 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war were on board as they headed for a prisoner swap. The Ukrainian side said it has no evidence of POWs. It has said, however, that an exchange was planned for Wednesday. Neither side has provided evidence. And relatives and loved ones are in vulnerable states, with no answers.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring Donald Trump the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee” before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates. That's according to a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night. News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that he “greatly” appreciated the notion but felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY," that he should win the contest at the ballot box. A candidate needs 1,215 requisite delegates to secure the nomination. Trump currently has 32 delegates to Nikki Haley’s 17.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s economy grew at an unexpectedly brisk 3.3% annual pace from October through December as Americans showed a continued willingness to spend freely despite high interest rates and price levels that have frustrated many households. The latest figures reflected the surprising durability of the world’s largest economy, marking the sixth straight quarter in which GDP has grown at an annual pace of 2% or more. Consumers drove the fourth-quarter growth. Their spending expanded at a 2.8% annual rate, for items ranging from clothing, furniture, recreational vehicles and other goods to services like hotels and restaurant meals. The GDP report also showed that despite the robust pace of growth, inflationary measures continued to ease.

More Americans filed jobless benefits last week but layoffs remain at historically low levels despite elevated interest rates and a flurry of job cuts in the media and technology sectors. Applications for unemployment benefits rose to 214,000 for the week ending Jan. 20, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. Overall, 1.83 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits during the week that ended Jan. 13, an increase of 27,000 from the previous week. Weekly unemployment claims are viewed as representative for the number of U.S. layoffs in a given week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The maker of Robitussin is recalling several lots of cough syrup due to contamination that could pose a serious risk to people with weakened immune systems. The recall affects eight lots of Robitussin cough syrup for adults containing honey. The Food and Drug Administration posted the company’s announcement to its website Wednesday. The company says the products may contain dangerously high levels of yeast. Yeast is a natural component of honey, but the levels detected by the company were beyond allowed measurements. The recalled products were Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult cough syrups. Haleon says it has not received any reports of injury or infection linked to the products.

The Pacers snap the 76ers winning streak, Jaylen Brunson's big night helps the Knicks beat the Nuggets, Nikita Kucherov's three-point night leads the Lightning over the Coyotes, two more NFL teams fill their vacant head coach positions, and finalists for the NFL's end-of-season awards are announced.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Authorities say New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has been arrested on charges related to illegal online gambling while he was under age and playing at Louisiana State University. Boutte is accused of creating an online betting account under a fake name and then placing more than 8,900 illegal bets. State police said six were wagers on LSU football. Baton Rouge news outlets reported that an arrest affidavit alleges that two of the bets were on an LSU game that Boutte played in. State police say bets were made while Boutte was still under the age of 21 and not legally allowed to gamble.

Melanie, a singer-songwriter behind 1970s hits including “Brand New Key,” has died. Melanie's publicist tells The Associated Press that she died Tuesday. She was 76. Born Melanie Safka, the singer rose through the New York folk scene and was one of only three solo women to perform at Woodstock. Her hits included “Lay Down” and “Look What They've Done to My Song Ma.” But she was best known for “Brand New Key,” a song she wrote about a girl who roller skates past the house of a boy she longs for. It went to No. 1 in the U.S. and several other countries and became a cultural staple.

—The Associated Press

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Parts of the nation will experience severe weather as well as unseasonably warm weather on Thursday.

AL-MAZRA’A ASH-SHARQIYA, West Bank (AP) — The passenger in a pickup truck where an American-Palestinian was fatally shot in the occupied West Bank says the shooting was unprovoked. Sixteen-year-old Mohammed Salameh tells The Associated Press that apparent Israeli fire hit the back of the vehicle on a dirt road. Seventeen-year-old Tawfic Abdel Jabbar was killed in Friday's shooting. Israeli police are investigating, with an initial statement citing a weapons discharge by an Israeli soldier, an off-duty law enforcement officer and a civilian targeting people “purportedly engaged” in stone-throwing. Salameh denies they were throwing stones. AP has seen at least 10 bullets in the truck, most in the back. Abdel Jabbar’s father say that even if the teens had thrown rocks, they posed no imminent threat driving through the brush.

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — The former leader of separatist rebels in Ukraine and a woman convicted of a bomb attack which killed a pro-war blogger were jailed by Russian courts Thursday. The Moscow City Court has convicted a former Ukraine rebel leader who called President Vladimir Putin cowardly of extremism and sentenced him to four years in prison. Igor Girkin supported launching Russia’s war in Ukraine, but sharply criticized authorities for being inept and indecisive in carrying out the fight. Darya Trepova was seen on video presenting Ta bust to blogger Vladen Tatarsky moments before the blast.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s top court is declining to weigh in on former President Donald Trump's ballot status, keeping intact a judge's decision that the U.S. Supreme Court must first rule on a similar case in Colorado. Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows concluded last month that Trump didn’t meet ballot qualifications under the insurrection clause in the U.S. Constitution, but a state judge put that decision on hold pending the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the Colorado case. Bellows was ordered to await the outcome before withdrawing, modifying or upholding her original decision to keep Trump off the ballot. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on the Colorado case on Feb. 8.

Federal officials are clearing the ways for grounded Boeing planes to resume flying. The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it approved an inspection and maintenance process that the planes must go through. After that, they will be allowed to carry passengers again. Meanwhile, Congress is getting involved in examining safety at Boeing after a panel blew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner in midflight this month. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington state says Boeing leadership must put safety ahead of profits. She plans Senate hearings.

ELY, Nev. (AP) — Back in the 1800s, white attackers turned a lush high desert oasis in eastern Nevada into killing fields. They massacred hundreds of Native people there — a horrific history once retold in hushed tones behind closed doors. That was until tribal members reluctantly found themselves defending the valley’s historical significance in state hearings. In the 2000s, they shared their painful past with authorities weighing whether to divert substantial amounts of groundwater that feed the valley their relatives have long considered sacred. Now they want to tell their story on their own terms. A three-tribe coalition representing about 1,500 enrolled members is lobbying the federal government to designate nearly 40 square miles as a national monument.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama will attempt to put an inmate to death with nitrogen gas, a never before used execution method that the state claims will be humane but critics call cruel and experimental. Kenneth Eugene Smith is scheduled to die Thursday night for his conviction in the 1988 murder-for-hire slaying of Elizabeth Sennett. This is Alabama's second attempt to execute the 58-year-old. His 2022 lethal injection was called off at the last minute because authorities couldn’t connect the IV line. The execution will be the first attempt to use a new execution method since lethal injection was introduced in 1982.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Trump White House official who was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate with a congressional investigation into the U.S. Capitol attack is set to be sentenced. Prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence Peter Navarro on Thursday to six months behind bars. He was the second Trump aide to face contempt of Congress charges, after Steve Bannon. Navarro was found guilty of defying a subpoena for documents and a deposition from the House Jan. 6 committee. Navarro has vowed to appeal the verdict, saying he couldn’t cooperate with the committee because Trump had invoked executive privilege.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has picked up the endorsement of the United Auto Workers. The Democratic president addressed the powerful union’s political convention in Washington on Wednesday. He told a cheering crowd, “I’m honored to have your back and you have mine.” Biden is pushing to sway blue-collar workers his way in critical auto-making swing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin. Biden is hoping to cut into the advantage Republican former President Donald Trump has enjoyed with white voters who don't have a college degree. Labor experts say the UAW usually endorses candidates later, as it contains a mix of Democratic, Republican and unaffiliated voters.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis recalled the extermination of millions of Jews in calling Wednesday for the upcoming Holocaust Day of Remembrance to reaffirm that war can never be justified. At the end of his weekly general audience, Francis referred to Saturday’s commemoration, which has become fraught this year given Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and a rise in antisemitism in Europe and around the world. Italy’s Jewish community has denounced a rise in antisemitic sentiment, including what leaders call the improper use of terms like “genocide,” following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel and Israel’s military response in Gaza.

EL MIRAGE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities in Southern California say six people have been found dead in a remote area of the Mojave Desert. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s spokesperson Mara Rodriguez says deputies responding to a request for a wellness check found five of the bodies Tuesday night along a dirt road off Highway 395 near El Mirage. A sixth body was found Wednesday morning. An SUV with a blown-out passenger window was found at the crime scene. The department’s specialized investigations division is conducting the homicide investigation. The bodies have yet to be removed as they search for evidence.

A Boeing 757 jet operated by Delta Air Lines lost a nose wheel while preparing for takeoff from Atlanta. Delta Flight 982 — headed to Bogota, Colombia — was taxiing for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when the incident took place around 11:15 a.m. Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the incident. The plane is 32 years old and is not the same model as the 737 Max that has raised safety concerns in recent years.

Jim Harbaugh is headed back to the NFL, Doc Rivers will be the Bucks' next coach, Devin Booker scores 46 in a Suns win, and NHL scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon scores four goals for the Avalanche. Also, the Titans hire Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their head coach and five players from the 2018 Canada world junior team take a leave of absence from their clubs.

NEW YORK (AP) — Comedian Jon Stewart is rewinding the clock, returning to “The Daily Show” as a weekly host and executive producing through the 2024 U.S. elections cycle. Comedy Central on Wednesday said Stewart will host the topical TV show every Monday starting Feb. 12. A rotating lineup of show regulars are on tap for the rest of the week. Stewart first hosted from 1999 to 2015. Over the years, “The Daily Show” has skewered the left and right by making the media a character and playing it absolutely straight, no matter how ridiculous. The show has not had a permanent host since Trevor Noah left last year.

—The Associated Press

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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

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MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Donald Trump is aiming for a commanding victory in New Hampshire, securing a sweep of the first two Republican primary races and making a November rematch with President Joe Biden look likelier than ever. The biggest question is whether Trump’s last major rival, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, will be able to eat into his margin or pull off an upset victory Tuesday. Haley has dedicated time and money to New Hampshire, hoping to appeal to its independent-minded electorate. Trump has concentrated on winning decisively enough to effectively end the competitive phase of the primary. All six registered voters of tiny Dixville Notch cast their ballots for Haley in the first results released early Tuesday.

CHICAGO (AP) — A man suspected of shooting and killing eight people in suburban Chicago fatally shot himself after a confrontation at a gas station with law enforcement officials in Texas. Police in Joliet said on Facebook late Monday that at about 8:30 p.m. Central time Romeo Nance was located by U.S. Marshals near Natalia, Texas, and that after a confrontation Nance shot himself. Police in Will County in Illinois and the city of Joliet previously said they did not know of a motive for the killings, but said Nance knew the victims.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says that Palestinian militants carried out the deadliest single attack on Israel’s forces since the Hamas raid that triggered the war. Twenty-one soldiers were killed. It was a significant setback that could add to mounting calls for a cease-fire. Hours later on Tuesday, the military announced that ground forces had encircled the southern city of Khan Younis. That marked a major advance, but it was unclear how much closer it would bring Israel to defeating Hamas or freeing Israeli hostages as cease-fire talks appear to be gathering pace. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the soldiers. But he vowed to press ahead until “absolute victory,” even as Israelis are increasingly divided over whether it’s possible to both crush Hamas and free scores of captives.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian missiles have targeted three Ukrainian cities, including its two biggest, damaging apartment buildings and killing at least six people. The attack came hours after Moscow shunned any deal backed by Kyiv and its Western allies aimed at ending the nearly 2-year-old war. Officials said Tuesday's barrage injured at least 20 people in four districts of Kyiv, the capital. In Kharkiv, in northeast Ukraine, authorities said the onslaught killed five people and injured 42 as the missiles damaged about 30 residential buildings. One death from a missile strike was also reported in Pavlohrad, an eastern industrial city. Analysts say Russia stockpiled missiles at the end of last year to press a winter bombardment campaign.

MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — A judge has ordered court records to be made public in the divorce involving a special prosecutor hired in the Georgia election case against Donald Trump and accused of having an affair with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The judge says records must be unsealed in the divorce case involving Nathan Wade, whom a defense attorney has alleged is in an inappropriate relationship with Willis. The newly unsealed court records, however, didn’t include any references to the affair allegations. The judge put off a final decision on whether Willis will have to sit for questioning in the divorce case but delayed her deposition that had been scheduled for Tuesday. Willis has defended her hiring of Wade.

The New Hampshire attorney general’s office says it is investigating reports of an apparent robocall that used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice and discourage voters in the state from participating in Tuesday’s primary election. Attorney General John Formella said Monday that the recorded message that was sent Sunday appears to be an illegal attempt to disrupt and suppress voting. He says voters should disregard its contents. The apparent attempt at voter suppression using generative AI is one example of what experts warn will make 2024 a year of unprecedented election disinformation around the world.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided Supreme Court is allowing Border Patrol agents to cut razor wire that Texas installed on the U.S.-Mexico border while a lawsuit over the wire continues. The justices, by a 5-4 vote Monday, granted an emergency appeal from the Biden administration, which has been in an escalating standoff at the border with Texas and had objected to an appellate ruling in favor of the state. The concertina wire is part of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's broader fight with the administration over immigration enforcement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will hear an appeal from Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, who has steadfastly maintained his innocence and averted multiple attempts by the state to execute him. Glossip was sentenced in a 1997 murder-for-hire of the owner of the motel where he worked. The case will be argued in the fall. Glossip is backed by Republican Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who says his life should be spared because he did not get a fair trial. Glossip also has been supported by “Dead Man Walking” actor Susan Sarandon, and his case was featured in a 2017 documentary.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials are recommending that airlines inspect the door plugs on more Boeing 737s after one of the panel blew off a Boeing jet in midflight. The Federal Aviation Administration says airlines should also inspect the panels on an older model, the 737-900ER. Those planes have door plugs that are identical in design to the one that flew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing Max 9 jetliner this month. Boeing said Monday that it supports the FAA action. The plugs are panels that seal holes left for extra doors when the extra doors aren't needed to meet emergency-evacuation standards.

A pair of players had record setting nights in the NBA, the Bruins winning streak continues, and third ranked team in men's college basketball gets a career night from one of their guards, to pick up a conference win.

CHICAGO (AP) — Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg has been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. In a statement released by the Baseball Hall of Fame, the 64-year-old Sandberg says he has started treatment. Sandberg hit .285 with 282 homers, 1,061 RBIs and 344 steals in 16 seasons in the majors. He made his big league debut with Philadelphia in 1981 and appeared in 13 games with the Phillies before he was traded to the Chicago Cubs in January 1982. Sandberg turned into one of the majors’ best all-around performers with the Cubs. He made 10 All-Star teams and won nine Gold Gloves. He also was the NL MVP in 1984.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have promoted Dan Morgan to president of football operations and general manager. Morgan is a former Panthers linebacker. Now he's tasked with turning around the struggling franchise. Morgan spent the past three seasons as Carolina's assistant GM. The Panthers are 31-68 since David Tepper bought the team in 2018, tied with the New York Jets for the worst record in the league in that span. They have not been to the postseason since 2017 and have been criticized for poor trades and draft picks. Morgan replaces Scott Fitterer, who was fired after the season.

Patrice Bergeron says he is not making a comeback to the NHL. The former Boston Bruins captain says he is enjoying retirement. Rumors about him returning came after word spread that Bergeron was back on the ice skating. He said his time on the ice is just a weekly gathering of retired players and friends. Bergeron announced his retirement last summer after 19 seasons with the Bruins. He helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the final two more times.

NEW YORK (AP) — Filmmaker Norman Jewison has died at 97. The Canadian-born director’s work ranged from Doris Day comedies and “Moonstruck” to social dramas such as the Oscar-winning “In the Heat of the Night." Jewison was a three-time Oscar nominee who in 1999 received an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement. Throughout his long career, Jewison combined light entertainment with topical films. He also worked on the Cold War spoof “The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming,” the Steve McQueen thriller “The Thomas Crown Affair” and a pair of movies featuring Denzel Washington: the racial drama “A Soldier’s Story” and “The Hurricane."

Mary Weiss, the lead singer of the 1960s pop group the Shangri-Las, whose hits included “Leader of the Pack,” has died. She was 75. Miriam Linna, founder of Weiss’ label, Norton Records, said Sunday that Weiss died Friday in Palm Springs, California. No cause of death was given. Rolling Stone first reported her death Friday. The four members of the Shangri-Las met at school in Queens, New York, and performed at school dances and teen hops. They found enormous success as a pioneering girl group with a tough, working-class image and drama-filled songs of teen dreams and heartbreak. After the group disbanded in 1968, Weiss stayed away from music for four decades. In 2007, she released her solo debut.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico (AP) — A giraffe named Benito has started a 40-hour road trip to leave the cold and loneliness of Mexico’s border city of Ciudad Juarez, and maybe find love and warmth in his new home. He is a tall load, about 16 feet high, with a tarp above so he won't get scared looking out over the top. After a campaign by animal rights activists, the four-year-old giraffe is being taken by truck from a city zoo in Ciudad Juarez to a new, warmer home in Puebla state in central Mexico. It has been a long and lonesome road for Benito. But the Africam Safari park where he is being taken has female giraffes and better weather.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 22 at 5 a.m. CT:

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended his Republican presidential campaign just before the New Hampshire primary and endorsed Donald Trump. He ended his White House bid Sunday after failing to meet lofty expectations that he would seriously challenge the former president and after finishing a distant second in the leadoff Iowa caucuses. Early primary polls had suggested DeSantis was in a strong position to challenge Trump. He and his allies amassed a political fortune well in excess of $100 million. But his campaign was hamstrung by missteps. He now turns to completing his second and final term as Florida governor, ending in 2027.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A politically treacherous dynamic is taking hold in Congress as negotiators work to strike a bipartisan deal on the border and immigration, with vocal opposition from the hard right and former President Donald Trump threatening to topple the carefully negotiated compromise. Senators are finalizing the details of an agreement on border measures that could unlock Republican support for Ukraine aid in the Senate as soon as next week. But the deal is already wobbling as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from Trump and his House allies to reject a bipartisan compromise.

A lawyer for a writer who says Donald Trump sexually abused her in the 1990s and then defamed her while president in 2019 says the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape and two women who accused Trump of abuse will not be put before a New York jury. Attorney Roberta Kaplan said Saturday that she would not show jurors the 2005 tape in which Trump is heard speaking disparagingly of women. And she says she won't call other Trump accusers as witnesses. The jury is considering whether Trump owes writer E. Jean Carroll more than the $5 million that a jury last year awarded her.

A man convicted in a post-9/11 terrorism sting was ordered freed from prison by a judge who criticized the FBI for relying on an “unsavory” confidential informant in an agency-invented conspiracy to blow up New York synagogues and shoot down National Guard planes. U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon on Friday granted James Cromitie compassionate release from prison. The order came six months after she ordered the release of his three co-defendants for similar reasons. The men are known as the Newburgh Four, and they were convicted of terrorism charges in 2010.

In sports: Jared Goff throws two TD passes and the Lions advance to the NFC title game with a 31-23 win over the Buccaneers. Christian McCaffrey's second TD rallies the 49ers to a 24-21 playoff win over Jordan Love and the Packers. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens pull away in the second half to beat the Texans 34-10 and reach AFC title game. Stanford's Tara VanDerveer is the all-time winningest coach in college basketball history with her 1,203rd career victory.

The jobs of people who produce Sports Illustrated were in limbo after the company that paid to maintain the iconic brand’s print and digital products told staff that its license was revoked. In an email to employees Friday morning, the Arena Group, which operates Sports Illustrated and related properties, said that because of the revocation, “we will be laying off staff that work on the SI brand.” Authentic later said in a statement it intends to keep Sports Illustrated going. The company is negotiating with Arena and other publishing entities to determine who will do that, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly about them.

NEW YORK (AP) — On a quiet weekend in movie theaters, “Mean Girls” repeated atop the box office with $11.7 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, while a handful of awards contenders sought to make an impact ahead of Oscar nominations on Tuesday. Only one new film debuted in wide release: “I.S.S.,” a modestly budgeted sci-fi thriller starring Ariana DeBose. The film debuted with $3 million on 2,518 screens. Even for January, historically a low ebb for moviegoing, it was a sparsely attended weekend, with paltry options on the big screen. The top 10 films collectively accounted for just $51.3 million in box office, according to Comscore.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Alec Baldwin once again is facing a felony involuntary manslaughter charge after a grand jury indicted the actor in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting of a cinematographer on the set of a Western movie in New Mexico. The new charge was filed Friday and defense attorneys indicate they'll fight it. Baldwin was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal outside Santa Fe when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Adam Harrison, one of three sons of reality TV show “Pawn Stars” celebrity Richard “Rick” Harrison, has died in Las Vegas at age 39. A family representative confirmed Saturday that Adam Harrison died Friday and said a drug overdose was suspected. A family statement expressed extreme sadness and asked for privacy to grieve his loss. Las Vegas police didn't immediately respond Saturday to messages about an investigation of the death. “Pawn Stars” dates to 2009 on the History Channel. Adam Harrison was not a featured character.

Getting through winter healthy means trying to protect yourself from respiratory viruses. January can be the worst month for these illnesses and vaccination rates are low. When relatives, friends and co-workers are coming down with coughs, nasal congestion, fatigue and fever, keeping viruses at bay means thorough hand-washing, good ventilation and wearing a mask in crowded areas. If you do get sick, prompt testing can help determine whether you have COVID-19 or influenza. That’s important to see if you need one of the medicines that can help prevent severe illness: Paxlovid for COVID-19 and Tamiflu for flu.

In this week's religion roundup: A Franciscan friar has the pope's ear on Artificial Intelligence and Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue begins demolition.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to visit the North at an unspecified “early date” as the countries continue to align in the face of their separate, intensifying confrontations with the United States. The North Korean Foreign Ministry highlighted Putin’s intent for a visit following North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s meetings with Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow last week. North Korea has been actively strengthening its ties with Russia as leader Kim Jong Un tries to break out of diplomatic isolation and strengthen his footing.

MOSCOW (AP) — More than 300,000 people have signed a petition calling for a train conductor in Russia to lose her job after she threw a pet cat off a train, believing it was a stray. The white and ginger tom cat, known as Twix, escaped from his carrier on a train traveling between Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg on Jan. 11. He was found by the conductor, who forcibly ejected the animal as the train was stopped in the town of Kirov, east of Moscow. Hundreds of people banded together in sub-zero temperatures to search for Twix, who was later found dead, sparking widespread outrage on social media.

31 A pet cat thrown off a train died in cold weather. Now thousands want the conductor to lose her job

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

'Succession' dominates drama Emmys, 'The Bear' claims comedy and Quinta Brunson makes history.
Steely Dan, R.E.M., Timbaland, Hillary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford get into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
'The Honeymooners' actress Joyce Randolph has died at 99.
Heisman winner Caleb Williams leaves USC to enter the NFL draft as a potential No. 1.
Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević, 46, dies in Salt Lake City after a heart attack.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 20 at 6 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years ago, the U.S. surgeon general released a report that settled a longstanding public debate about the dangers of cigarettes and led to huge changes in smoking in America. Is it time for a similar report on vaping? Just as there were questions in January 1964 about how the health effects of combustible cigarettes, there’s persisting uncertainty today about the dangers of electronic cigarettes. Some experts say a clarifying report is needed.

NEW YORK (AP) — The cost to overdraw a bank account could drop to as little as $3 under a proposal announced by the White House, the latest move by the Biden administration to combat fees it says pose an unnecessary burden on American consumers, particularly those living paycheck to paycheck. The change could potentially eliminate billions of dollars in fee revenue for the nation’s biggest banks, which were gearing up for a battle even before Wednesday’s announcement. Under the proposal, banks would have to show how much it costs for them to run overdraft services, or instead charge a benchmark fee that could be $3, 6$, 7$ or $14, depending on the final version of the rule.

RIO VISTA, Calif. (AP) — After years of secretly snapping up property for plans to build a new California city, a company backed by Silicon Valley billionaires is taking the pitch to voters. The California Forever company submitted paperwork Wednesday to ask voters on the November ballot to allow them to build the city on now protected agricultural land. The company has ducked scrutiny while snapping up more than $800 million of Solano County farmland in recent years. The plans would include nearly 20,000 homes initially for 50,000 residents and could grow to 400,000 people.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he will not sign a proposed ban on tackle football for kids under 12. A bill to gradually phase out tackle football for kids under 12 had passed a legislative committee last week. The bill had to pass the state Assembly by the end of January to have a chance at becoming law this year. But Newsom's pledge not to sign the bill into law effectively ends the proposal's chances. Advocates say the ban would protect kids from the risk of brain injury. But opponents say the ban would have cut off kids from a source of activity and exercise.

PANAMA CITY (AP) — A severe drought that began last year has forced authorities to slash ship crossings by 36% in the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes. The new cuts announced Wednesday by authorities in Panama are set to deal an even greater economic blow than previously expected. Canal administrators now estimate that dipping water levels could cost them between $500 million and $700 million in 2024, compared to previous estimates of $200 million. One of the most severe droughts to ever hit Panama has stirred chaos in the 50-mile maritime route, causing a traffic jam of boats and casting doubts on the canal’s reliability for international shipping and raising concerns.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Conservative Supreme Court justices have voiced support for weakening the power of federal regulators, but it's unclear whether a majority would overturn a major 40-year-old decision. Billions of dollars are potentially at stake in front of a court that was remade during Donald Trump’s presidency by conservative interests that were motivated as much by weakening the regulatory state as by social issues including abortion. The court on Wednesday debated whether to overturn a 1984 case colloquially known as Chevron. Courts have relied on the case to uphold regulations, including on the environment, public health, workplace safety and consumer protections. The justices heard cases from New Jersey and Rhode Island.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union presidency is warning that the foundations of democracy will be put to the test during the November U.S. elections. It envisaged a scenario where the longstanding trans-Atlantic alliance could unravel ever more. Belgium currently holds the EU's rotating presidency and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Tuesday that “if 2024 brings us ‘America first’ again, it is really more than ever ‘Europe on its own.’” De Croo also warned that the 27-nation bloc should quickly learn to stand more on its own and that in case former President Donald Trump wins in November, “we should, as Europeans, not fear this perspective. We should embrace it.”

A Tennessee sheriff's deputy found a horse on a highway and helped it to safety.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have externally attached a pig liver to a brain-dead human body and watched it successfully filter blood. The experiment is a step toward one day trying the technique in patients with liver failure. It's also a different spin on animal-to-human organ transplants, which is also known as xenotransplantation. The pig liver was used outside the donated body, not inside. This is part of efforts to better support failing livers, much like dialysis for failing kidneys.

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO will launch next week its biggest war games in decades with around 90,000 personnel set to take part in monthslong military exercises. “Steadfast Defender 24” is aimed at showing Russia that the alliance is determined to defend all of its territory. The exercises come as Russia’s war on Ukraine bogs down. In the months before President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in February 2022, NATO began beefing up security on its eastern flank with Russia and Ukraine. It’s the alliance’s biggest buildup since the Cold War. The exercises are meant to deter Russia from targeting a member country. The U.K. plans to send 20,000 troops backed by fighter jets, surveillance planes, warships and submarines.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 19 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Forecasters say a second storm is expected to sock New York with snow after causing chaos farther south, while the Pacific Northwest could see another round of deadly ice. Friday's forecasts come as storms in the past two weeks have blasted much of the country with winds, snow and subfreezing temperatures that are blamed for at least 45 deaths. In New York, some areas could see up to 5 inches of snow through Friday while on the other coast, Oregon's governor has declared a statewide state of emergency after days of freezing rain and frigid temperatures. On Wednesday, three people died when from a downed power line in Portland.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Opponents of abortion rights will rally in the nation’s capital with an eye on presidential elections that could be heavily influenced by abortion politics. Thousands of protesters are expected on the National Mall for an hour of speeches and a march past the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court. But snow and frigid temperatures are gripping the Washington metropolitan area, which could affect turnout for the march. Friday’s March for Life is the second such event since the June 2022 Supreme Court ruling that ended the federal protection for abortion rights enshrined in Roe V. Wade.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Rifts are emerging among top Israeli officials over the handling of the war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza. A member of Israel’s War Cabinet has cast doubt over the strategy for releasing hostages, while the country’s prime minister rejected the United States' calls to scale back its offensive. One of the four members of Israel’s War Cabinet, former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, said late Thursday that only a cease-fire deal can win the release of dozens of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. He also said dismissed claims that hostages could be freed by other means as "illusions.” It was Eisenkot's first public statements on the issue, and the latest sign of a growing rift among political and military leaders over the direction of Israel’s offensive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden has agreed to appear before House Republicans for a private deposition next month, ending months of defiance from the president’s son, who had insisted on testifying publicly. The House Oversight Committee announced Thursday that the two parties have come to an agreement for Hunter Biden to sit for a deposition on Feb. 28. Republicans had been set to advance a contempt resolution against him to the House floor this week but called it off Tuesday to give attorneys additional time to reach an agreement. Hunter Biden’s legal team confirmed news of the agreement Thursday night.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has sent President Joe Biden a short-term spending bill that would avert a looming partial government shutdown and fund federal agencies into March. The House approved the measure by a vote of 314-108, with opposition coming mostly from the more conservative members of the Republican conference. Nevertheless, about half of Republicans joined with Democrats in passing the third stopgap spending measure in recent months. The action came a few hours after the Senate had voted overwhelmingly to pass the bill by a vote of 77-18. The bill extends current spending levels and buys time for the two chambers to work out their differences over full-year spending bills.

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi's State Health Officer says even as the state improves some of its poor health outcomes, more of its people die from preventable deaths than residents of any other state. State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney called for state leaders to work with health officials to improve Mississippi’s status as the nation’s unhealthiest state. Edney says Mississippi ranks at the bottom of virtually every health care indicator and at the top of every health disparity. Mississippi ranks worst for infant mortality and leads the nation in firearm deaths. From 2013-2022, Black infants were more likely to die than white infants.

NEW YORK (AP) — The remains of a Long Island man killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11 have been identified more than two decades later. New York City's medical examiner announced Thursday that John Ballantine Niven is the 1,650th victim whose remains have been identified from the deadliest act of terrorism on American soil. The 44-year-old Oyster Bay resident was an insurance executive who worked at the trade center complex. Roughly 40 percent of the 2,753 people killed in the attack have yet to have their remains identified. But city officials have been using advanced DNA analysis to identify more remains.

UVALDE, Texas (AP) — Families of the children and teachers killed in the Uvalde, Texas, school massacre are renewing demands for criminal charges after a scathing Justice Department report again laid bare numerous failures by police during one of the deadliest classroom shootings in U.S. history. In the report released Thursday, federal officials detail “cascading failures” by police in responding to the 2022 massacre of 19 students and two teachers, They include officers waiting more than an hour to confront and kill the gunman, and repeatedly giving false information to grieving families about what happened. It is up to local prosecutors to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri activists are throwing support behind a constitutional amendment to restore abortion rights while also allowing the procedure to be restricted in later stages of pregnancy. The group Missourians for Constitutional Freedom committed Thursday to an amendment that would let lawmakers restrict or ban abortions after fetal viability, except when needed to protect the health of the woman. The campaign had also considered a proposal without the option for viability laws. The announcement comes amid divisions within abortion-rights advocates over whether the procedure should be regulated after fetal viability. A competing Missouri amendment proposed by a Republican would allow abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors has been approved overwhelmingly by the Republican-led South Carolina House. The measure would bar health professionals from performing gender-transition surgeries, prescribing puberty-blocking drugs and overseeing hormone treatments for patients under 18 years old. It goes next to the state Senate. The 82-23 vote comes as Republican-led statehouses nationwide are restricting transgender people’s access to health care, sports leagues and bathrooms that align with their identity. Also in Missouri, a House committee on Wednesday was debating a slate of anti-transgender legislation, even though Republican legislative leaders have said LGBTQ+-related bills are not a top priority this session.

The Thunder put an end to the Jazz winning streak, the Knicks win behind a big night from Jalen Brunson, on the ice the Oilers continue their winning ways while three players scored hat tricks in victories for their teams, and a Top Ten men's college basketball team loses to an unranked opponent. And Ohio State is expected to hire former Texans head coach Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator.

BERLIN (AP) — Arnold Schwarzenegger was stopped for hours by customs at Munich Airport after entering Germany with a luxury watch that was potentially to be auctioned at a charity event. A customs spokesperson said Thursday that the former movie star and California governor was stopped for a routine check after arriving Wednesday. Schwarzenegger was able to leave after about 2½ hours. Goods over the value of 430 euros, or $467, that will stay in the European Union have to be declared, and some must have a duty paid. German daily Bild reported that the watch made for him by Audemars Piguet was worth about 20,000 euros. The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative said the watch was likely to be auctioned and would be properly reported.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell this week to its lowest level since May, welcome news for prospective homebuyers facing rising home prices and intense competition for relatively few properties on the market. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped to 6.6% from 6.66% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.15%. The decline, which follows two weeks of increases, brings the average rate down to the lowest level it’s been in since late May, when it was 6.57%. Still, the average rate remains sharply higher than just two years ago, when it was 3.56%.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in more than a year, underscoring the resilience of the labor market amid elevated interest rates. Jobless claim applications fell to 187,000 for the week ending Jan. 13, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the fewest since September of 2022. Overall, 1.81 million Americans were collecting jobless benefits during the week that ended Jan. 6, a decline of 26,000 from the previous week. Weekly unemployment claims are viewed as representative for the number of U.S. layoffs in a given week.

NEW YORK (AP) — More than a half a million beds sold at retailers like Walmart and Wayfair are under recall because they can break during use, which has resulted in dozens of injuries. The recall impacts several different models and sizes of upholstered low profile standard and platform beds from Home Design, Inc. The furniture wholesaler says it has received 128 reports of these beds breaking, sagging or collapsing when used, including 36 unspecified injuries to date. Both Home Design and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are urging consumers with the now-recalled beds to stop using them immediately — and contact the company for a free repair kit.

HYDERABAD, India (AP) — India’s newest airline says it will buy 150 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, in the first major announced sale for the manufacturer since a panel blew out of another Max model in midflight earlier this month. Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube announced the order of the Boeing 737 Max 10 and 737 Max 8-200 planes at an airshow in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. He says the airplanes will increase the airline’s total Boeing orders to 226. It currently operates a fleet of 22 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. None of the planes are the same model as the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 on which a door plug blew out earlier this month, leaving a hole in the plane.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 18 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Authorities says a power line fell on a car in Portland, Oregon, killing three people and injuring a baby during an ice storm that turned roads and mountain highways treacherous in the Pacific Northwest. In a statement, the fire department said a large branch fell on the power line, causing it to crash down onto the car. Authorities say they believe the victims were electrocuted after they got out of the vehicle. Swaths of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon were under warnings earlier Wednesday for as much as an inch of ice. The National Weather Service said freezing rain could possibly return to the region Thursday and Friday.

Federal officials have briefed a congressional committee on their investigations into a jetliner that lost a panel of its fuselage in midflight this month and revealed that airlines have inspected 40 identical Boeing planes. The Federal Aviation Administration said it will review information from those inspections of Boeing 737 Max 9 jets while it develops a maintenance process before letting the planes carry passengers again. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, and FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker spent two hours briefing members of the Senate Commerce Committee in Washington on Wednesday as questions continue to swirl around how the panel of an Alaska Airlines jetliner had gotten blown off while traveling 16,000 feet above Oregon.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medics say an Israeli airstrike on a home killed 16 people, half of them children, in the southern Gaza town of Rafah. Israel's military is striking targets in areas of the besieged territory where it has told civilians to seek refuge. Meanwhile, there's been no word on whether medicines that entered the territory Wednesday as part of a deal brokered by France and Qatar have been distributed to dozens of hostages held by Hamas. More than 100 days after Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack, Israel continues to wage one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history. The war has rippled across the region, threatening to ignite a wider conflict.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is going to North Carolina to highlight $82 million in new investments that would connect 16,000 households and businesses to high-speed internet. Biden’s reelection campaign is making winning North Carolina and its 16 electoral votes one of its top priorities in this year’s presidential election. The Democrat narrowly lost the state in 2020 by 1.34 percentage points to then-President Donald Trump, the current Republican front-runner in what will likely be a political rematch in 2024. Biden is scheduled to speak in the state capital of Raleigh on Thursday afternoon. The Democrat plans to stress he's connecting poorer communities and businesses to the digital economy.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Biden administration has finalized approval of $1.1 billion to help keep California’s last operating nuclear power plant running. The funding is a financial backbone of the plan to keep the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant producing electricity until at least 2030. An earlier agreement to close the reactors by 2025 was voided by the Legislature in 2022 at the urging of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom says the power is needed to ward off blackouts amid a changing climate. Environmentalists argue California has adequate power without the four-decade-old reactors that they call a safety risk.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A meeting between President Joe Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other officials highlights the precarious nature of the complex talks to unlock aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. Negotiations hinge on lawmakers' abilities to enact tougher measures at the U.S.-Mexico border. While Biden’s national security team sought to underscore the importance of unlocking Ukraine funding, Johnson is pushing the White House and Senate negotiators on immigration measures that go beyond what Biden is willing to accept. Still, an optimistic-feeling Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says that the prospects of a border deal are “a little bit greater than half now.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Another Republican presidential debate has been canceled after Nikki Haley’s refusal to participate in any forum that doesn’t include ex-President Donald Trump. CNN announced Wednesday its Sunday debate is off. ABC and WMUR-TV a day earlier called off their Thursday debate. Haley says she'll only take part in debates if Trump is onstage. The cancelations mean for the first time in years there won't be an on-the-ground face-off ahead of New Hampshire’s primary next week. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had committed to take part in more debates. But Trump has skipped all of the GOP debates thus far, so Haley’s participation had been the deciding factor in whether they would go on.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are foreshadowing elements of their defense in the criminal case charging him with illegally retaining classified documents. They say in a motion filed Tuesday that they will dispute prosecutors’ allegations that the estate where the records were stored was not secure. The defense team also said in a wide-ranging court filing that they are seeking communication between the Justice Department prosecution team and associates of President Joe Biden in hopes of advancing their claims that the classified documents case is “politically motivated” and designed to harm Trump's 2024 campaign.

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely. Retail sales accelerated 0.6% in December from November’s 0.3% increase. Because spending by consumers accounts for nearly 70% of the U.S. economy, the report suggested that shoppers will be able to keep fueling economic growth this year. Among last month’s overall retail purchases, sales at stores that sell general merchandise rose 1.3%. Sellers of clothing and accessories reported a 1.5% increase, as did online sellers. By contrast, furniture and home furnishings businesses declined 1%, reflecting a struggling housing market.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Two Republican legislators have filed a resolution aimed at initiating impeachment proceedings against Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham over her emergency public health orders suspending the right to carry firearms in some public places in Albuquerque. The resolution from Reps. Stefani Lord of Sandia Park and John Block of Alamogordo accuses the governor of violating her oath to uphold the state and federal constitutions. It’s unclear whether the resolution will go far in the state House, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 45 to 25. Lujan Grisham invoked the orders last year in response to a spate of shootings that killed children. They have since been challenged in the courts.

The NBA is in mourning, the Bucks are routed without Giannis, the Pacers and Raptors make a big deal, UConn plays like a top-ranked team, and Mike McCarthy will stay on as Cowboy coach. Also, Pascal Siakam is getting traded to the Pacers from the Raptors, according to an AP source.

NEW YORK (AP) — Steely Dan, R.E.M., Timbaland, Hillary Lindsey and Dean Pitchford will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Steely Dan finally get into the hall despite being a staple of classic rock with songs like “Reelin’ in the Years,” “Do It Again” and “Hey Nineteen.” R.E.M. are behind such alt-rock hits as “Losing My Religion” and “Everybody Hurts." And Nashville hitmaker Lindsey helped write “Girl Crush” for Little Big Town and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” for Carrie Underwood. The induction ceremony for the class of 2024 will be held on June 13 in New York City.

LONDON (AP) — Kensington Palace says the Princess of Wales has been hospitalized after undergoing planned abdominal surgery and will remain at the private London Clinic for up to two weeks. Buckingham Palace revealed moments after news of Kate's hospitalization was released on Wednesday that King Charles III would undergo a “corrective procedure” next week for an enlarged prostate. The palace said the king’s condition is benign. The palace says the 75-year-old monarch has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate “in common with thousands of men each year.” The former Kate Middleton is expected to return to public duties after Easter. The 42-year-old future queen was admitted to The London Clinic on Tuesday.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 17 at 7 a.m. CT:

Medicine is en route to Gaza after Qatar and France mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas. The deal to supply both the hostages held by Hamas and Gaza residents comes more than 100 days into a conflict that shows no sign of ending. A senior Hamas official said Wednesday that for each box of medicine provided to the hostages, 1,000 boxes would be sent for use by Palestinian civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from the war has surpassed 24,000 people. In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war and saw some 250 people taken hostage by the militants.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Pacific Northwest is hunkering down after predictions of ice and freezing rain that could continue a weekend storm toll of damage and deaths. Parts of southwest Washington and western Oregon are under an ice storm warning through Wednesday morning. That includes the three largest Oregon cities, Portland, Salem and Eugene. Freezing rain is forecast in the Seattle area. Schools are closed, bus service curtailed and warming shelters open in Oregon. The forecast came as much of the United States coped with bitter weather that in some places put electricity supplies at risk. Another day of record cold temperatures swept much of the Rockies, Great Plains and Midwest on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has invited the top four congressional leaders and other lawmakers to the White House on Wednesday as members have struggled to reach agreement on aid for the Ukraine war. Republicans have insisted on pairing it with their own demands for securing the U.S. border. A bipartisan group of negotiators in the Senate have been working for weeks to find an agreement that would provide wartime money for Ukraine and Israel and also include new border policy that is strong enough to satisfy Republicans in both chambers. The talks appeared to slow last week as senators said significant disagreements remained.

ATKINSON, N.H. (AP) — Donald Trump has scored a record victory in the Iowa caucuses and said Tuesday that he wants another big win in New Hampshire. Voters in the New England state get their turn Jan. 23rd to decide just how competitive the Republicans’ nominating fight will be as the former president continues to dominate his party.

PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) — Authorities say four men have been found dead Tuesday at a Southern California home but there's no immediate word on the cause of their deaths. Los Angeles County firefighters were sent to a home in Palmdale, a desert community north of Los Angeles, at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. They found four men down at the home and called sheriff's deputies. The men were pronounced dead at the scene.

BEIJING (AP) — China’s population fell by 2 million people in 2023 in the second straight annual decrease as births dropped and deaths jumped. The government's statistics bureau said Wednesday that the total population was 1.4 billion last year. The number of deaths rose by 690,000 to 11.1 million, more than double last year’s increase. Demographers were expecting a rise in deaths in the early part of last year because of the sudden lifting of China’s COVID-19 restrictions in late 2022. The number of births fell for the seventh year, reflecting a fall in the birth rate that is a long-running economic and societal challenge for China.

NEW YORK (AP) — The prospect of a JetBlue-Spirit Airlines merger has taken a major hit in court. A federal judge on Tuesday sided with the Biden administration and blocked the $3.8 billion deal to combine the two carriers. The judge ruled that JetBlue’s purchase of Spirit, the nation’s largest low-cost airline, would harm competition — and increase prices for air travelers as a result. Meanwhile, JetBlue has maintained that it needs such a deal to compete with industry rivals. JetBlue and Spirit say they are considering whether to appeal the decision. But the ruling could also open the door for Frontier Airlines to make another attempt to buy the Florida-based Spirit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is expected to soon announce plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as a specially designated global terrorists. That's according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official. The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it’s attacked the ships in response to Israel’s military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The three people familiar with the decision were not authorized to comment and requested anonymity to discuss the matter ahead of the expected formal announcement. The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Federal Reserve official said he's increasingly confident that inflation will continue falling this year back to the Fed’s 2% target level, after two years of accelerating price spikes that hurt millions of American households. The official, Christopher Waller, an influential member of the Fed’s Board of Governors, noted that inflation is slowing even as growth and hiring remain solid — a combination that he called “almost as good as it gets.” Waller’s remarks follow recent comments from other senior Fed officials that suggest the central bank remains on track to cut its benchmark short-term interest rate this year. In December, the Fed’s policymakers collectively forecast that they would cut their rate three times in 2024.

DENVER (AP) — Court documents show the shooter who killed five people and endangered the lives of over 40 others at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs plans to plead guilty to new federal charges. A plea agreement made public Tuesday would allow the defendant to avoid the death penalty. The documents show Anderson Aldrich made a deal to plead guilty to 50 hate crime charges and 24 firearm violations. Aldrich previously was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to five state charges of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder — one for each person at Club Q during the November 2022 attack.

Just three games were contested in the NBA Tuesday night and all three were high scoring, four games on the collegiate level involving top ten teams, eight games in the NHL and NFL news off the field. Also, Eagles center Jason Kelce intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons, the NBA fined Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown $50,000 after his outburst against an official, and New York Knicks owner James Dolan faxes a lawsuit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has allowed a court order to take effect that could loosen Apple’s grip on its lucrative iPhone app store, and potentially affect billions of dollars in revenue a year. The justices rejected Apple’s appeal of lower-court rulings that found some of Apple’s app store rules for apps purchased on more than 1 billion iPhones constitute unfair competition under California law. Even so, Apple proposed a plan in court documents that would preserve most of its app store commissions, even when consumers use alternative payment options. The rejected appeal stemmed from an antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games, maker of the popular Fortnite video game.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has passed up a chance to intervene in the debate over bathrooms for transgender students, rejecting an appeal from an Indiana public school district. Federal appeals courts are divided over whether school policies enforcing restrictions on which bathrooms transgender students can use violate federal law or the Constitution. In the case the court rejected without comment on Tuesday, the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an order granting transgender boys access to the boys’ bathroom. Legal battles over transgender rights are ongoing across the country. At least nine states are restricting transgender students to bathrooms that match the sex they were assigned at birth.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 16 at 7 a.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump has won Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis coming in second. Trump’s victory on Monday night gives him a strong start in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination as the contest moves to New Hampshire, which votes in eight days. And DeSantis’ runner-up finish over former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley gives him a badly needed dose of momentum. With an estimated 10% of ballots remaining to be counted, DeSantis leads Haley by approximately 2,300 votes, or about 2 percentage points. With votes reported in all but one of Iowa’s 99 counties, Haley isn’t doing well enough anywhere to catch DeSantis, based on the number of outstanding votes.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Dangerously cold temperatures are affecting much of the Rockies, Great Plains and Midwest, with wind chills below minus 30 degrees being recorded in many parts of the central U.S. More than 85,000 U.S. homes and businesses were without power early Tuesday, the bulk of them in Oregon after widespread outages that started Saturday. Classes were canceled Tuesday for students in Portland and other major cities including Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, across New England and in the Washington, D.C., region. The storms and frigid temperatures affected everything from air travel to NFL playoffs games to Iowa’s presidential caucuses, and were also the cause of several deaths around the country.

JERUSALEM (AP) — U.S. Navy SEALs seized Iranian-made missile parts and other weaponry from a ship bound for Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a raid last week that saw two of its commandos go missing. That's according to a U.S. military statement Tuesday. The raid marks the latest seizure by the U.S. Navy and its allies of weapon shipments bound for the rebels who have launched a series of attacks now threatening global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The seized missile components included types likely used in those attacks.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A trio of shows, led by the HBO drama “Succession,” have dominated the 75th Emmy Awards. “Succession" won six awards, including best drama series. FX’s “The Bear” won best comedy and won several acting honors, while the Netflix limited series “Beef” won five trophies at Monday’s ceremony. “Beef” stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong made history for Asian American performers, while Quinta Brunson’s win for comedy was the first for a female Black actor in more than 40 years. The Emmys celebrated its 75th edition with numerous cast reunions and nostalgic cues throughout the night, with host Anthony Anderson and his mother keeping the show moving briskly toward an on-time ending.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy is suspending his 2024 Republican presidential campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump. His exit comes after finishing a distant fourth in Iowa's caucuses, behind Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Ramaswamy had previously called Trump the “best president of the 21st century” even as he tried to convince Republican voters that they should opt for “fresh legs” and “take our America First agenda to the next level.” The wealthy political outsider also modeled his own bid after Trump’s 2016 run. His decision to drop out is the latest confirmation that the former president still dominates Republican politics.

The NFL Divisional playoffs are set for next weekend after the Bills and Buccaneers, Bill Belichick interviews with the Falcons, and Draymond Green returns for the Warriors.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams has entered the NFL draft. The Heisman Trophy winner is leaving USC after two prolific seasons. Williams is widely considered the favorite to be the No. 1 selection in the draft, which begins April 25.

ATLANTA (AP) — Communities across the nation have been celebrating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with acts of service, prayer services and parades. But with the November presidential election as a backdrop, some events on Monday took on an overtly political turn. In Atlanta, Liz Cheney spoke at the the annual commemorative service at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King served as pastor. The former U.S. Representative who served on the U.S. House Committee that investigated the Jan. 6 insurrection, had especially harsh words for Trump. She referred to him only as “a former president” and said he “threatens the foundations of our nation and everything Dr. King persevered to save.”

Iranian sniper rifles. AK-47s from China and Russia. North Korean-built rocket-propelled grenades. Anti-tank rockets secretly cobbled together in Gaza An Associated Press analysis of more than 150 videos and photos taken in the three months of combat since Hamas launched its Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel shows the militant group has amassed a patchwork arsenal from around the world – much of it smuggled past a 17-year blockade aimed at stopping just such a buildup. Hamas declined to discuss who has been providing its weapons or how they were snuck into Gaza but acknowledged it has scoured the globe for the means to fight Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he's eager to return to the Pentagon after being released from a hospital where he was treated for complications from surgery for prostate cancer he kept secret from President Joe Biden. Austin was released Monday and is expected to work from home as he recovers. The 70-year-old Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery to treat cancer detected earlier that month. Austin developed an infection and was hospitalized Jan. 1. Biden found out Jan. 4. Austin's lack of transparency has triggered reviews on procedures for when a Cabinet member must transfer decision-making authorities to a deputy, as Austin did.

CHICAGO (AP) — A plane taxiing for departure clipped another aircraft at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Sunday evening, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. No injuries were reported, both planes were of Boeing design, and the FAA will investigate the incident. The left wing tip of Flight 11 from All Nippon Airways, a Japanese airline, struck the rear of Delta Air Lines Flight 2122 on Sunday around 6:30 p.m. Boeing is facing increasing scrutiny following mechanical failures and the subsequent grounding last week of its Boeing 737 Max 9 model — a different model than the planes involved in Sunday's collision. It was not immediately clear what caused the incident on Sunday and whether it was related to a manufacturing flaw.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Houthi rebels have fired a missile, striking a U.S.-owned ship just off the coast of Yemen in the Gulf of Aden. Monday's attack on the Gibraltar Eagle came less than a day after Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward an American destroyer in the Red Sea. The Houthis later claimed the attack that further escalated tensions gripping the region after American-led strikes on the rebels. The rebel group's attacks have roiled global shipping, amid Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as they target a crucial corridor linking Asian and Mideast energy and cargo shipments to the Suez Canal onward to Europe.

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — The anti-poverty organization Oxfam International says the world could have its first trillionaire within a decade. The group on Monday released an annual assessment of global inequalities timed to the World Economic Forum's gathering of political and business elites at the Swiss ski resort of Davos. Oxfam says the fortunes of the five richest men have spiked by 114% in real terms since 2020, when the world was reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. They are Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault and his family of luxury company LVMH, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Oracle founder Larry Ellison and investment guru Warren Buffett. By contrast, Oxfam says nearly 5 billion people have been made poorer since the pandemic.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland (AP) — Iceland’s president says the country is battling “tremendous forces of nature” after molten lava from a volcano consumed several houses in the evacuated town of Grindavik. President Gudni Th. Johannesson said in a televised address late Sunday that “a daunting period of upheaval has begun" on the Reykjanes Peninsula in the southwest. A volcano on the peninsula erupted for the second time in less than a month on Sunday. Authorities had ordered residents to leave the fishing town of Grindavik hours earlier. Scientists said Monday that the eruption appeared to be subsiding. But it was too soon to declare the danger had passed. Iceland’s Meteorological Office said “it is difficult to estimate how long this eruption will last.”

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 15 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

A dangerous Arctic blast will continue sweeping across the U.S. and prolong a bitter cold that has set record-low temperatures in parts of the country and threatens to further disrupt daily life, including an NFL playoff game and the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest in Iowa.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward an American destroyer in the Red Sea. The American military says a U.S. fighter jet shot the missile down in the latest attack roiling global shipping amid Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The attack on Sunday marks the first U.S.-acknowledged fire by the Houthis since America and allied nations began strikes Friday on the rebels following weeks of assaults on shipping in the Red Sea.

TOKYO (AP) — Some schools have reopened and limited garbage collection has resumed in Japan’s northcentral region of Noto that was hit by the deadly New Year’s Day earthquake. Monday's developments were signs of slight improvement in the devastation that thousands of people still face in the area. The magnitude 7.6 earthquake on Jan. 1 left 222 people dead and more than 20 are still missing.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — UNICEF says almost 100,000 children in Afghanistan direly need support, three months after earthquakes devastated the west of the country. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake shook Herat province on Oct. 7 and a second strong quake struck the same province days later, leaving more than 1,000 dead.

The Wild Card games in the NFL continue to live up their name with two more games Sunday, players and coaches are coming and going on the collegiate level and a wild finish in the NBA. Also, J.J. McCarthy is entering NFL draft, skipping his senior season after leading Michigan to a national title.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS says it has collected an additional $360 million in overdue taxes from delinquent millionaires. The collection happens as IRS leadership tries to promote the latest work it has done to modernize the agency with Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act funding.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a new twist in the abortion access fight, congressional Republicans are trying to block a Biden administration spending rule that they say will cut off millions of dollars to anti-abortion counseling centers. The rule would prohibit states from sending federal funds earmarked for needy Americans to so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which counsel against abortions.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Homeland Security Department says Texas denied federal agents access to a stretch of border when they were trying to rescue three migrants who drowned. The federal government’s account came hours after U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar said the Texas Military Department and Texas National Guard “did not grant access to Border Patrol agents to save the migrants” Friday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — A lawyer for a columnist who last year won a $5 million jury award against Donald Trump for sex abuse and defamation says the former president's recent behavior shows he'll try to “sow chaos” when a new jury considers if he owes even more in damages. The attorney, Roberta Kaplan, asked a judge Friday to take strong measures to ensure Trump can't taint a jury that will consider whether columnist E. Jean Carroll should get more money.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Fox News has stopped running MyPillow commercials in a payment dispute with chief executive and election denier Mike Lindell. Fox says it would be happy to accept MyPillow ads again once their account is paid. Losing Fox was just the latest in a series of financial and legal setbacks for Minnesota-based MyPillow and Lindell, who continues to propagate former President Donald Trump’s lies that the 2020 election was stolen.

Winter storms and cinema closures in North America didn’t dampen the opening weekend for “Mean Girls.” The Paramount release was adapted from the Broadway musical and the 2004 Tina Fey movie. Fey returned to write and co-star in the new film. According to studio estimates Sunday, it earned $28 million in its first three days in theaters.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — They're four months late, but the Emmys have finally arrived. The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on Monday night, hosted by Anthony Anderson and airing on Fox. The Television Academy has ranked the 75 Most Impactful Television Moments. At the top of the list released Friday is the 1969 Apollo moon landing. It also includes Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech from 1963 and the Beatles' first appearance on American TV in 1964.

NEW YORK (AP) — Someday soon, someone will be walking down the street proudly carrying a ludicrously capacious bag, bought for a ludicrously capacious price. The voluminous Burberry tote is one of the most famous props used on “Succession,” the famed HBO saga of the Roy family dynasty, and it sold at auction Saturday for $18,750. But the priciest item was a set of pink index cards containing Roman Roy’s eulogy notes for his father’s funeral that went for $25,000.

NEW YORK (AP) — “The Honeymooners” star Joyce Randolph, who played Ed Norton’s sarcastic wife Trixie, has died. She was 99. Randolph died of natural causes Saturday night at her home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, her son Randolph Charles told The Associated Press Sunday. She was the last surviving main character of the beloved comedy from television’s golden age of the 1950s.

Quaker Oats has expanded a December recall of more than 40 products that may be contaminated with salmonella. Two dozen additional types of granola bars, cereals and snack foods are now being recalled. The foods could be tainted with the bacteria that can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. In rare cases, salmonella infections can lead to hospitalization and death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not confirmed any illnesses related to the products.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A federal lawsuit alleges that the bodies of two men who died while incarcerated in Alabama prisons were missing organs when returned to their families. Brandon Clay Dotson died in a state prison in November. His family filed a federal lawsuit last month against the Alabama Department of Corrections.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The White House says “it’s the right time” for Israel to scale back its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, even as Israeli leaders vow to intensify their operation against the territory’s ruling Hamas militant group. The U.S. comments on Sunday exposed the growing differences between the close allies on the 100th day of the war.

In this week's religion roundup, a secret tunnel under a synagogue sparks a brawl with police, and the "Book of Clarence" offers a creative take on the time of Christ.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards will have reunions, recreations of shows like "Lucy," "Martin," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Game of Thrones."
Music streams hit four trillion in 2023. Country and global acts — and Taylor Swift — fueled the growth.
Jim Harbaugh delivered a national title as Michigan overpowered Washington 34-13.
Nick Saban retired at Alabama and Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll are among the NFL coaches to lose their jobs.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 13 at 6 a.m. CT:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Meta says it will start hiding inappropriate content from teenagers’ accounts on Instagram and Facebook. That includes posts about suicide, self-harm and eating disorders. The social media giant based in Menlo Park, California, said in a blog post Tuesday that while it already aims not to recommend such “age-inappropriate” material to teens, now it also won’t show it in their feeds, even if it is shared by an account they follow. Meta’s announcement comes as the company faces lawsuits from dozens of U.S. states for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis.

LONDON (AP) — The World Economic Forum says false and misleading information supercharged with cutting-edge artificial intelligence is the top immediate risk to the global economy. In its latest Global Risks Report, the organization says misinformation and disinformation as the most severe risk over the next two years. The report also says an array of environmental risks pose the biggest threats in the longer term. The report was released Wednesday ahead of the annual elite winter gathering next week of CEOs and world leaders in the Swiss ski resort town of Davos. It’s based on a survey of nearly 1,500 experts, industry leaders and policymakers

Earth shattered global annual heat records last year and it's flirting with the warming threshold that nations wanted to stay within to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. That's according to Copernicus, the European climate agency, which reported Tuesday that 2023 was 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.66 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times. That's just a whisker below the 1.5-degree threshold nations agreed to try to stay within at the Paris climate talks in 2015. And Copernicus said this January is on track to be so warm that the world will go past that 1.5-degree threshold for the first time over a 12-month period. Climate scientists say it's imperative that humans continue trying to hold down warming.

DETROIT (AP) — The top U.S. telecommunications regulator is asking automakers how they plan to protect people from being stalked or harassed by partners who have access to vehicle location and other data. In a letter sent Thursday to nine large automakers, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel asks for details about connected car systems and plans to support people who have been harassed by domestic abusers. Nearly all new vehicles have features that use telecommunications to find cars in parking lots, start the engine remotely, and even connect with emergency responders. The letter asks automakers for details about the services and whether they have policies in place to remove access to connected apps and other features if a request is made by someone who is being abused.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — While electric vehicles are gaining the lion’s share of the attention for carbon-neutral technology at CES 2024, hydrogen energy has snuck its way back into the conversation thanks to two automotive giants. Hyundai signaled that it could work towards aiding a “hydrogen society” by expanding into energy production, storage and transportation. Meanwhile, automotive supplier Bosch Mobility plans to launch its first hydrogen combustion engine this year. Still, there was also a robust lineup of EV announcements from big name brands. Honda premiered two concept vehicles for a new global electric vehicle series. And Kia introduced a trio of electric vans that can quickly swap body modules from cargo haulers to taxis and other purposes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Black, white, Hispanic and Asian adults in the U.S. largely agree that the government should focus on the economy and foreign policy issues in 2024. But recent polling shows that views diverge on some high-profile topics, including racism and immigration. That's according to two recent polls by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and AAPI Data. About 7 in 10 adults across backgrounds name economic issues. Black adults are less likely than others to call immigration a top priority. White adults are especially likely to name issues related to politics.

ATLANTA (AP) — Bomb threats and false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials, state capitols and courthouses have surged in recent weeks, including some connected to court cases against former president Donald Trump. Judges presiding over cases against him in New York and Washington have been targeted, as well as the Justice Department special counsel handling the federal charges against him. Multiple other public officials across the political spectrum as well as state capitols and courthouses around the country have also been targeted. The FBI said Thursday it takes the widespread increase in threats seriously and every hoax threat puts people at risk and wastes government resources.

About 21 million children are likely to receive food benefits this summer through a newly permanent federal program. Thirty-five states, all five U.S. territories and four tribes opted into the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, known as Summer EBT. Families at or below 185% of the federal poverty line will receive $120 per child total during the summer months. Some states that opted out say there wasn't enough time to implement the program.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Cesareans are surging in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which has one of the world’s highest rates. More than half of babies born in the territory are now delivered via surgery compared with only 32% on the U.S. mainland. That's according to a federal report released Wednesday. Medical experts say reasons behind the surge in Puerto Rico vary and include the island’s crumbling health care system. One doctor says ob-gyns prefer to schedule a cesarean to ensure they will have all the medical personnel required for a birth. The World Health Organization recommends a cesarean rate of between 10% to 15%.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s parliament has passed a landmark ban on production and sales of dog meat, as public calls for a prohibition have grown sharply over concerns about animal rights and the country’s international image. Some angry dog farmers say they plan to challenge the bill’s constitutionality and hold protest rallies, a sign of continued heated debate over the ban. The bill would make slaughtering, breeding and sales of dog meat for human consumption illegal from 2027 and punishable by 2-3 years in prison. It doesn’t provide any penalties for eating dog meat. Most South Koreans think dog meat should be banned, and a majority no longer eat it.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 12 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed fierce retaliation for American and British strikes against them, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel’s war in Gaza. The bombardment was launched in response to a recent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea. The Houthis said Friday that the strikes killed at least five people and wounded six. As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it forced the world to again focus on Yemen’s years-long war.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An approaching storm is expected to deliver snow to Portland, Oregon, a city more accustomed to winter rain. It’s one of a number of sprawling storms bringing everything from what the National Weather Service called “life-threatening wind chills” in South Dakota to the possibility of tornadoes in the South. School and flights were canceled in advance in parts of the South and Midwest. Republican contestants campaigning ahead of Monday’s Iowa caucuses were contending with a blizzard warning covering most of the state. Advocates are particularly worried about homeless people as well as older residents who might be snowed or iced in, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the winters are typically mild.

MULLAN, Idaho (AP) — Two men were rescued after being caught in an avalanche in the Idaho backcountry, while a third man was believed to be dead. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office says a rescue began shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday when law enforcement received a GPS alert of a possible fatality in an avalanche near Stevens Peak close to the Montana border. The sheriff’s office says authorities established communications and located two men caught in the avalanche. A discussion with the men led authorites to believe a third man had perished. Authorities called off the search Thursday and planned to resume looking for the deceased man on Friday. The Idaho search came a day after an avalanche hit a ski resort near Lake Tahoe in California, trapping several people and killing one.

CORONADO, Calif. (AP) — A U.S. Navy helicopter has crashed into a Southern California bay during a training exercise. Authorities say all six crewmembers survived. A Navy spokesperson says the MH-60R Seahawk crashed in the waters of San Diego Bay shortly after 6:30 p.m. Thursday. A safety boat was on hand and the crewmembers were taken in for medical evaluations. The Navy says it isn't aware of any critical or life-threatening injuries. The crash site was in Coronado, across an inlet from San Diego. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 75th Emmy Awards will include cast reunions and recreations of classic moments from a dozen iconic shows throughout television history. The ceremony's executive producer Jesse Collins tells The Associated Press that the shows will include “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” "Martin," “The Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones” and “Grey's Anatomy.” The first such moment will come within the first 10 minutes of Monday night's show, and they'll be spread throughout the Fox telecast hosted by Anthony Anderson. Collins says it's a way of honoring the history of television, and most of the stars taking part are eager to do it.

LONDON (AP) — Burberry, the London-based luxury goods fashion house, lost around 10% of its market value on Friday after it warned that profits this year would be lower than anticipated. It said wealthy shoppers, particularly in the Americas, tightened their belts during the crucial Christmas trading period. The company said its recent trading had been hit by a continued “slowdown in luxury demand” after rises in the cost of living and interest rates around the world. Burberry’s profit warning was its second in three months. In November, it warned that its sales growth was lagging behind targets due to pressure in the luxury market.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era. Belichick became just the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 career regular-season wins, joining Hall of Famers Don Shula and George Halas. Belichick trails only Shula for the record for victories by a coach. But this season, finishing with a 4-13 record, was Belichick’s worst in 29 seasons as an NFL head coach.

NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument, Donald Trump wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York civil fraud trial. He unleashed a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe Thursday before being cut off by the judge. Trump is accused of inflating his company's financial statements in order to get better deals on loans and insurance. He called the proceedings “a fraud on me." The day began with authorities responding to a bomb threat at the judge’s house. They found nothing amiss. The judge indicated he'll rule by the end of the month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration says it will send an unofficial delegation comprised of former senior officials to Taiwan shortly after the self-governed island holds an election for a new president this weekend. The move carries the risk of upsetting Beijing in an already-fragile bilateral relationship. A senior administration official confirmed the plan on Wednesday without offering more details. The official says such a face-to-face meeting is the “most effective way” to engage the new Taiwanese government and convey U.S. policy in the region for peace and stability. Beijing claims that Taiwan is part of China and vows to unify with it eventually. The Chinese oppose any official contact between the U.S. and Taiwanese governments.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Israel is insisting at the United Nations’ highest court that its war in Gaza is a legitimate defense of its people, in response to accusations it is committing genocide against Palestinians. Instead, it says it is Hamas militants who are guilty of genocide. Israel described the allegations leveled by South Africa as hypocritical and said that one of the biggest cases ever to come before an international court reflected a world turned upside down. On Friday, Israel defended its air and ground offensive in Gaza as a legitimate response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. On that day, militants stormed through Israeli communities, killed some 1,200 people and took around 250 hostage.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the second time in as many weeks, climbing to its highest level in four weeks. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.66% from 6.62% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.33%. The latest increase follows a nine-week string of declines at the end of last year that lowered the average rate after it surged in late October to 7.79%, the highest level since late 2000. Still, the average rate remains sharply higher than just two years ago, when it was 3.45%.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — For 17 years, Sean Hodgson was best friends with the man who would commit Maine's deadliest mass shooting. Hodgson and Robert Card were both Army reservists. Hodgson watched Card unravel, becoming increasingly angry and paranoid. Knowing Card had access to guns and wouldn't get help, Hodgson texted an Army supervisor that he feared Card would snap and commit such a shooting. Now, in his first interview, Hodgson exclusively tells The Associated Press it was the hardest thing he's ever done. He says officials should've done more to intervene. An independent review for law enforcement calls Hodgson alarmist. But he says given his relationship with Card and history in threat detection, he should've been taken seriously. Army officials wouldn't comment, citing pending investigations.

BOSTON (AP) — Online retailer eBay has agreed to pay a $3 million fine to resolve criminal charges over employees who harassed a Massachusetts couple by sending live spiders, cockroaches and other disturbing items to their home. The Justice Department charged eBay in a criminal information with stalking, witness tampering and obstruction of justice on Thursday. The employees already were prosecuted more than three years ago in the scheme to intimidate David and Ina Steiner. The Massachusetts U.S. attorney’s office says eBay has entered a deferred prosecution agreement that could result in the charges against the company being dismissed if it complies with certain conditions. Ebay CEO Jamie Iannone called the company’s conduct in 2019 “wrong and reprehensible.”

The best CES products pierce through the haze of marketing hype at the Las Vegas gadget show to reveal innovations that could improve lives. The worst could harm us or our society and the planet in such “innovatively bad” ways that a panel of self-described dystopia experts has judged them “Worst in Show.” The third annual contest that no tech company wants to win announced its decisions Thursday and faults a number of well-known brands including BMW, Amazon, Instacart and Sennheiser.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 11 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis faced off in the first one-on-one debate of the 2024 election cycle, while former President Donald Trump held a town hall at the same time. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who didn't qualify for the debate, dropped out of the race Wednesday in a late effort to blunt Trump's momentum heading into Iowa.

Donald Trump is returning to court for closing arguments in his New York civil fraud trial. The former president had been planning to deliver his own summation Thursday, but a judge nixed that. Judge Arthur Engoron was initially keen on the idea but yanked permission after Trump’s lawyer missed a deadline for agreeing to limits on his remarks.

President Joe Biden’s son is headed back to court for an arraignment on federal tax charges filed after the collapse of a plea deal that could have settled the case against him. Hunter Biden is expected to plead not guilty on Thursday to felony and misdemeanor tax offenses.

The United Nations' top court has started hearings over allegations that Israel's war with Hamas amounts to genocide, which Israel strongly denies. South Africa is asking the International Court of Justice to order an immediate suspension of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Iowa Republicans will likely confront temperatures dipping below zero degrees Fahrenheit next week when they kick off the 2024 election cycle. The record-breaking forecast could complicate candidates’ hopes of making their own history in the state's leadoff presidential caucuses. The candidates are publicly expressing optimism that their supporters will show up no matter how bad the weather is.

Republicans have taken the first step toward holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress for defying a congressional subpoena, hours after the president’s son made a surprise visit to Capitol Hill. The House Oversight and Judiciary committees each passed contempt charges against the younger Biden with unanimous Republican support and all Democrats opposed.

The IRS is still too slow to process amended tax returns, answer taxpayer phone calls and resolve identity theft cases, according to an independent watchdog within the agency. The organization sent a report to Congress Wednesday that says while there is “cautious optimism” for the agency, the backlog of unprocessed amended returns has quadrupled from 500,000 in 2019 to 1.9 million in October last year.

Nick Saban decides to retire as head coach at Alabama, the Seahawks move on from Pete Carroll as coach, Jayson Tatum's big finish leads the Celtics to victory over the Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard gets a new deal to stay with the Clippers, and a pair of top 5 college basketball teams get upset.

Police in South Florida say a man fatally shot a 30-year-old Buffalo Bills fan during an altercation near Hard Rock Stadium after the Bills defeated the Miami Dolphins in the final regular season game. Miami Gardens police say Dylan Brody Isaacs and his friends had an altercation with a driver a few blocks from the stadium as they were returning to their vehicle after Sunday's game.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías won’t be charged with a felony after his arrest in September on suspicion of domestic violence. A charge evaluation worksheet from the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office says Urías was arguing with his wife when he “pushed (her) against a fence and pulled her by the hair or shoulders.” However, the document says, “Neither the Victim’s injuries nor the Defendant’s criminal history justify a felony filing.”

Google says it has laid off hundreds of employees working on its hardware, voice assistance and engineering teams as part of cost-cutting measures. The company said the moves were made as Google aims at “responsibly investing in our company’s biggest priorities and the significant opportunities ahead.”

Listened to more music last year? You’re not alone. Luminate’s year-end report finds that the global music industry surpassed 4 trillion streams in 2023. That's a new single-year record. Global streams are also up 34% from last year, reflective of an increasingly international music marketplace. Stateside, three genres saw the biggest growth in 2023: country, Latin and world, a catchall that includes J-pop, K-pop and Afrobeats. As for the Taylor Swift of it all, Luminate found that Time’s 2023 Person of the Year made up 1.79% of the U.S. market, accounting for 1 in every 78 U.S. on-demand audio streams.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 10 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A major storm has drenched the Northeast and slammed it with fierce winds, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands. That's followed a bout of violent weather ranging from snowstorms to tornado reports in other areas of the country. Parts of Long Island in New York were inundated by coastal flooding on Wednesday. In New Jersey, roads were flooded and rivers were rising. The same weather system already brought heavy rain, hail and at least three reported tornadoes to the South. Meanwhile, many areas of Florida face the threat of flooding. And the snowy Midwest is being warned that temperatures could plunge.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris’ aircraft has been forced to divert to a Washington-area airport after encountering stormy weather as she returned from a trip to Georgia. Press secretary Kirsten Allen said in a statement Tuesday night that "Air Force 2 was diverted from Joint Base Andrews to Dulles International Airport due to inclement weather.” A person familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss it, said the aircraft encountered wind shear as a powerful storm brought high winds and rain to the nation’s capital. Wind shear is a sudden shift in wind direction or speed that can be hazardous during takeoff and landing.

Federal regulators are extending the grounding of some Boeing jets after an Alaska Airlines plane lost a side panel last week. The Federal Aviation Administration said Tuesday that guidelines for inspecting the planes for safety are being revised. That's causing more flight cancellations for Alaska and United Airlines, which can't use their Boeing 737 Max 9 jets. A panel called a door plug blew off an Alaska jetliner over Oregon last week. The investigation is putting pressure on plane maker Boeing and its key supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

NFL regular-season games averaged 17.9 million viewers, tied for the second-highest since averages were first tracked in 1995. Buoyed by increases of at least 24% in two of the five packages, the first year of the league’s new television contracts saw a total increase of 7% from last season. The highest average on record is 18.1 million from 2015. Four of the five broadcast and streaming networks saw increases in their overall packages.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — CES 2024 kicks off in Las Vegas this week. The multi-day trade event put on by the Consumer Technology Association is set to feature swaths of the latest advances and gadgets across personal tech, transportation, health care, sustainability and more. Burgeoning uses of artificial intelligence almost everywhere you look. The Associated Press will be keeping a running report of everything we find interesting from the floor of CES, from the most interesting developments in vehicle tech, to wearables designed to improve accessibility to the newest smart home gadgets.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Doctors say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has prostate cancer and his recent secretive hospitalization was for surgery and later to treat a urinary tract infection related to that operation. The 70-year-old Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Dec. 22 and underwent surgery to treat the cancer. Austin developed the infection a week later. The cancer revelation answers the main question about Austin’s hospitalization, which has now lasted eight days. But it may only add to questions of accountability, since President Joe Biden only learned about the cancer diagnosis on Tuesday, even though it was made about a month ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump says a president “has to have immunity.” But federal appeals court judges in Washington are expressing deep skepticism that he is immune from prosecution on charges that he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Joe Biden. On Tuesday Trump returned to the federal courthouse in Washington for his appeal of charges against him. The three-judge panel also questioned whether they had jurisdiction to consider the appeal at this point in the case, raising the prospect that Trump's appeal could be dismissed. During lengthy arguments, the judges repeatedly pressed Trump’s lawyer to defend claims that Trump was shielded from criminal charges.

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge says the notorious 2005 “Access Hollywood” video in which Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic speaking disparagingly about women over a decade before he became president can be shown to jurors deciding what he owes a columnist he defamed. Judge Lewis A. Kaplan in Manhattan made the ruling on Tuesday as he narrowed what lawyers can introduce at the trial starting next week. A jury last May awarded columnist E. Jean Carroll $5 million after concluding she was sexually abused by Trump in 1996 and that he in 2022 defamed her with public denials and insistence that Carroll was lying.

Another NFL head coach loses his job, the Steelers will be without a key player on defense for their playoff game on Sunday at Buffalo and also decide to ride the hot hand at quarterback, and the Pacers are dealing with an injury to an all-star guard.

MIAMI (AP) — A person familiar with the deal confirmed an MLB.com report that the Miami Marlins are in agreement with Yankees minor league manager Rachel Balkovec to become their director of player development. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. Balkovec wrapped up her second season as manager at Class A Tampa in September.. She debuted with the team in April 2022 with a win as the first woman to manage the affiliate of a Major League Baseball team.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have fired coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons with the franchise having won only six of the past 24 games. Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement that she told Vrabel of her decision Tuesday morning. She said it was a decision “as difficult as any I’ve made.” The announcement came a day after the Titans cleaned out their lockers with Vrabel not speaking to reporters. It was the first time in the franchise’s 27 seasons in Tennessee the head coach did not talk with reporters since the team moved to the state from Texas. Vrabel was hired in January 2018 and went 56-48 including playoffs.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge in Nevada has set bail at $750,000 for a former Los Angeles-area gang leader charged with orchestrating the killing of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur in 1996. The judge said at a bail hearing Tuesday in Las Vegas that Duane “Keffe D” Davis can serve house arrest ahead of trial. Court-appointed attorneys told The Associated Press they believe he can post that amount. They argue their 60-year-old client is in danger from witnesses and hasn't been getting needed medical care in jail after battling cancer. Prosecutors argue that Davis has never left gang life, is a threat to witnesses and is a danger to the community.

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says officials at the Arctic prison colony where he is serving a 19-year term have isolated him in a tiny punishment cell over a minor infraction. Navalny said in a social media statement relayed from behind bars that officials accused him of refusing to “introduce himself in line with protocol.” Navalny has been behind bars since January 2021, when he returned to Russia after recuperating in Germany from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. He has since received three prison terms and spent months in isolation in a penal colony in central Russia for alleged minor infractions. He was transferred last month to the prison above the Arctic Circle.

TOKYO (AP) — The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the western coastline of Japan on New Year’s has killed 206 people as of Wednesday. Eight of the deaths were at evacuation centers, where rescued people died from injuries and sickness. Such deaths weren’t directly caused by the damage from the quakes, fires and mudslides. They happened in alleged safety. Rain and snow warnings were issued for the area. Some 26,000 people whose homes were destroyed or deemed unsafe are staying at schools and other makeshift facilities. Deaths on Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa prefecture have climbed daily, as rescue teams pull more bodies from the rubble.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 9 at 8:30 a.m. CT:

A sprawling storm has hit the South with strong thunderstorms and tornado warnings that blew roofs off homes and tossed about furniture in the Florida Panhandle and brought cities across the Midwest to a standstill with more than half of foot of snow. The National Weather Service says a storm with 55 mph winds and hail moved through the Florida Panhandle and into parts of Alabama and Georgia by sunrise Tuesday, along with at least several reports of radar-confirmed tornadoes. Up to a foot of snow could blanket a broad area stretching from southeastern Colorado all the way to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The weather has already affected campaigning for Iowa’s Jan. 15 precinct caucuses.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith and his prosecution team have entered the courtroom more than a half hour before arguments are to begin for Donald Trump's federal appeal in a Jan. 6 case. Trump is on his way from nearby Virginia. The appeals court is hearing arguments on whether the Republican former president is immune from prosecution on charges he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. The outcome of Tuesday's arguments carries enormous ramifications for the landmark criminal case against Trump and for the broader and legally untested question of whether an ex-president can be prosecuted for acts committed in the White House.

MOSCOW (AP) — A U.S. citizen has been arrested on drug charges in Russia, a move that comes amid soaring Russia-U.S. tensions over Ukraine. The arrest of Robert Woodland Romanov was reported Tuesday by the press service of the Moscow courts. It said the Ostankino District Court ruled on Saturday to keep him in custody for two months on charges of illegal drug possession pending an official probe. There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The name of the accused matches that of a U.S. citizen, who in 2020 told a Russian newspaper that he was adopted by an American couple when he was two but later traveled to Russia to meet his Russian mother.

The Michigan Wolverines are college football's national champs, Pacers win a thriller without All Star Tyrese Haliburton, rarity for the Rangers, and Tiger Woods parts with Nike.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 9 at 6 a.m. CT:

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The decision by Alaska Airlines to stop flying one of its planes over the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii due to warnings from a cabin-pressurization system — yet keep flying it over land — is raising questions about whether the jet should have been in the air at all. The nation’s top accident investigator says warnings were triggered on three flights, including each of the two days before the brand-new Boeing 737 Max 9 suffered a terrifying fuselage blowout Friday night. A plug covering a spot left for an emergency door tore off the plane as it flew 16,000 feet above Oregon. The decision to keep flying the plane over land struck some aviation experts as illogical.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS has announced January 29 as the official start date of the 2024 tax season, and expects more than 128.7 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 tax deadline. The announcement comes as the agency undergoes a massive facelift, attempting to improve its technology and customer service processes with tens of billions of dollars allocated to the agency through Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022.

VIENNA, Va. (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has announced that 100,000 businesses have signed up for a new database of that collects ownership information intended to help unmask shell company owners. Yellen says the database will send the message that “the United States is not a haven for dirty money.” She also says Treasury is considering boosting rules related to commercial real estate transactions. Treasury says illicit actors laundered at least $2.3 billion through U.S. real estate between 2015 and 2020. Yellen on Monday visited Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network in Virginia to discuss the initiative.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — At a Black church, President Joe Biden says white supremacy is a “poison” and has no place in America. In a campaign speech Monday, he underscored what he wants Americans to know he believes is at stake in the November presidential election. He is revisiting some of the nation’s worst traumas to highlight what happens when hate is allowed to fester. Biden traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, on Monday to speak at Mother Emanuel AME Church. That's where nine Black churchgoers were shot to death during Bible study in 2015. Biden's event comes after his blunt speech last Friday condemning political violence on the eve of the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

A sprawling storm that pelted much of the nation ’s midsection under more than a half a foot of snow created whiteout conditions in several cities and closed schools and public offices as officials warned motorists to stay home. The weather affected campaigning for Iowa’s Jan. 15 precinct caucuses, where the snow is expected to be followed by frigid temperatures that could drift below zero degrees.

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — The Washington Commanders have fired coach Ron Rivera. Controlling owner Josh Harris announced the move Monday. The Commanders lost eight in a row to finish 4-13 after opening with back-to-back victories. Washington made one playoff appearance by winning the NFC East at 7-9 in 2020 during Rivera’s four seasons in charge of the team’s football operations. General manager Martin Mayhew and a majority of the front office and coaching staff are also expected to depart as new ownership begins sweeping changes to put its stamp on the organization.

ATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Smith has been fired by the Atlanta Falcons after completing his third straight losing season. Smith inherited a rebuilding project in his first NFL head coaching job and failed to lift the Falcons from their playoff drought. The 41-year-old son of FedEx founder Fred Smith went 7-10 in each of his three seasons. Atlanta closed the season with an ugly 48-17 loss at New Orleans, its second consecutive lopsided defeat. That sealed Smith’s fate. He was hired by the Falcons in 2021 after a decade-long stint as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans in which he moved up to offensive coordinator.

Tiger Woods is no longer a Nike athlete after 27 years, ending a partnership between the swoosh and golf’s biggest star and raising questions about the future of both in the sport. Woods in a social media post thanked Nike co-founder Phil Knight for his “passion and vision” that brought Nike and the Nike Golf partnership with Woods together. Mark Steinberg, his agent at Excel Sports, confirmed the end of the deal that began in 1996. Nike also posted to social media, saying in a photo, “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Authorities say an explosion at a historic Texas hotel on Monday injured 21 people and trapped some in the basement before they were found by rescue crews. One person was in critical condition. Fort Worth Fire Department spokesman Craig Trojacek says investigators are confident the blast was “some kind of gas explosion.” He says the blast flung doors and entire sections of wall onto the road in front of the 20-story hotel, where rescue crews found several people trapped in the basement. The Sandman Signature in the heart of downtown Fort Worth was undergoing construction. The hotel is in a busy area of downtown about one block from the Fort Worth Convention Center.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A man who was videotaped leaping over a judicial bench and attacking a Nevada judge is being sentenced to up to four years in prison. Deobra Delone Redden was shackled and closely guarded as he appeared Monday to be sentenced for attempted battery in an attack that happened last year, months before the courthouse attack. The judge attacked by Redden on Jan. 3 says she sentenced him to the same punishment she was about to impose when the defendant launched himself at her last week. Neither Redden nor his lawyer was asked to speak during the brief court appearance Monday. The defense attorney later declined to comment.

In his first interview since his assault and harassment conviction last month, actor Jonathan Majors says he hopes to work in Hollywood again. In the interview that aired Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Majors says he believes he deserves a second chance and he hopes others think so too. A Manhattan jury last month found the 34-year-old emerging Hollywood star guilty of one misdemeanor assault charge and one harassment violation for a March altercation with his then-girlfriend Grace Jabbari. He faces the possibility of up to a year in jail for the assault conviction at his sentencing Feb. 6. Probation or other non-jail sentences also are possible.

PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has resigned following recent political turmoil over a new immigration law. That paves the way for President Emmanuel Macron to seek fresh momentum by appointing a new government in coming days. The shakeup is widely seen as an attempt by the 46-year-old centrist Macron to head off a looming lame-duck status. Macron’s term is to end in 2027, and he won’t be able to run again for president in line with the French Constitution. Borne had been appointed in May 2022 after Macron’s reelection for a second term. She was France’s second female prime minister. Macron’s office says Borne will continue in her duties until new government is appointed.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 8 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli airstrike has killed an elite Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon. It's the latest in an escalating exchange of strikes along the border that have raised fears of another Mideast war even as the fighting in Gaza exacts a mounting toll on civilians. A Lebanese security official said Monday's strike on an SUV killed a commander in a secretive Hezbollah force that operates along the border. Hezbollah identified the slain fighter as Wissam al-Tawil without providing further details. He is the most senior Hezbollah militant to have been killed since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel triggered all-out war in Gaza and lower-intensity fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which has escalated since an Israeli strike killed a senior Hamas leader in Beirut last week.

BOSTON (AP) — Winter weather is battering parts of both U.S. coasts. In the West, a Sierra Nevada storm packing heavy snow shut down a stretch of interstate Saturday and briefly knocked out power to tens of thousands in Reno, Nevada. New Englanders are bracing for a potent mix of snow and freezing rain through the weekend as that storm makes its way up the East Coast. Winter storm warnings and watches remain in effect throughout the Northeast. Icy roads have made for hazardous travel as far south as North Carolina. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expects two-thirds of her state to get 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow or more.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal official says the Boeing jetliner that suffered an inflight blowout over Portland, Oregon, was not being used for flights to Hawaii after a warning light that could have indicated a pressurization problem lit up on three different flights. Alaska Airlines decided to restrict the aircraft from long flights over water so the plane could land quickly if the warning light reappeared. Aviation officials also have found the chunk of the fuselage that was expelled from the aircraft. More than 140 Boeing planes are grounded while the airlines await instructions on how to inspect them. The depressurized jet with 171 passengers and six crew returned safely with no serious injuries Friday night.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is calling for a universal ban on the “despicable” practice of surrogate motherhood. He included what he called the “commercialization” of pregnancy in an annual speech to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See. The speech listed the threats to global peace and human dignity, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza war, migration and climate crises and the “immoral” production of nuclear and conventional weapons. But he also listed smaller-scale issues that he said were threats to human dignity, including surrogacy.

"Oppenheimer has dominated the Golden Globe Awards, taking home the night's top honor. Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” has won best comedy or musical at the 81st Golden Globes, an upset victory over the category favorite, “Barbie.” Emma Stone also won for her performance in “Poor Things.” On the television side, “Succession” and “The Bear” are took multiple honors. Christopher Nolan’s epic American drama “Oppenheimer” picked up five big awards including best drama film, best director for Nolan, best actor for Cillian Murphy, best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr. and for Ludwig Göransson’s score. Paul Giamatti and Da'Vine Joy Randolph both won for their performances in “The Holdovers.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Timothée Chalamet and “Wonka” topped the box office charts for the third time in its four weekends in theaters. Studio estimates Sunday report Warner Bros.’ family-oriented musical added $14.4 million in ticket sales. That brings its total domestic grosses to $164.7 million. But 2024 is getting off to a slower start than last year and is down around 16%. The Universal/Blumhouse horror “Night Swim” is the only major new offering in theaters. Warner Bros. and Universal placed third and fourth on the charts as well with “Aquaman” in third place and “Migration” in fourth. “Anyone But You” rounded out the top five.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Fossil hunters are celebrating the discovery of a mammoth tusk and other bones unearthed at a coal mine in North Dakota. A shovel operator was the first person to spot the collection of bones while shoveling a giant mound of dirt into a dump truck. More digging by paleontologists unearthed more bones, likely the most complete mammoth specimen found in North Dakota. The North American Coal company plans to donate the tusk to the state for educational purposes. The tusk is 7 feet long, weighs 50 pounds and is more than 10,000 years old. It's wrapped in plastic for now at the North Dakota Geologic Survey office in Bismarck.

In sports, the Jets snap a long losing streak to the Patriots, the Eagles get blown out by the Giants to stumble into the postseason, Arthur Smith is out as Falcons head coach, Jarrett Allen's big night helps the Cavaliers hold off the Spurs, the Winnipeg Jets extend their points streak to 12 straight games, and the Dodgers look to add another free agent signing.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on overall spending levels for the current fiscal year that could help avoid a partial government shutdown later this month. House Speaker Mike Johnson is hailing the agreement in a letter to colleagues as “the most favorable budget agreement Republicans have achieved in over a decade.” President Joe Biden says the agreement is one step closer "to preventing a needless government shutdown and protecting important national priorities.” Lawmakers needed an agreement on overall spending levels so that appropriators could write the bills that set line-by-line money for agencies. Funding is set to lapse Jan. 19 for some agencies and Feb. 2 for others.

In the last week alone, Israel has killed a senior Hamas militant in an airstrike in Beirut, Hezbollah has fired barrages of rockets into Israel, the U.S. has killed a militia commander in Baghdad and Iran-backed rebels in Yemen have traded fire with the American Navy. Each strike and counterstrike increases the risk of the already catastrophic war in Gaza spilling across the region. But in the decades-old standoff pitting the U.S. and Israel against Iran and allied militant groups, there are fears that any one party could trigger a wider war if only to avoid appearing weak.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Judith Light of “Poker Face” and Sam Richardson of “Ted Lasso” and cast members from “The Last of Us” were among a wide range of acting winners at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The ceremony is a precursor to the primetime Emmys ceremony on Jan. 15. Light won her first Emmy in a nearly 50-year career for her guest role on “Poker Face.” Richardson won his first for playing a soccer-loving billionaire on “Ted Lasso.” And two cast members from “The Last of Us,” 53-year-old Nick Offerman and 20-year-old Storm Reid, won their first Emmys for guest roles on the HBO show.

LONDON (AP) — The actor who earned fame as the blond half of a crime-fighting duo in the popular 1970s television series “Starsky and Hutch” has died. David Soul was 80. His wife, Helen Snell, said Friday that Soul died on Thursday "after a valiant battle for life in the loving company of family.” Soul portrayed detective Ken “Hutch” Hutchinson alongside dark-haired Paul Michael Glaser as detective David Starsky in “Starsky and Hutch.” It ran on ABC between 1975 and 1979. At the height of his fame, Soul also hit the music charts with the single “Don’t Give Up on Us.” Soul had lived in Britain for many years, where he took on several stage roles.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, an imam is killed outside a New Jersey mosque, and Native Hawaiians protect a sacred salt-making tradition.

Orthodox Christians packed churches on Saturday night for Christmas Eve services, a holiday overshadowed for many believers by conflict. Patriarch Kirill is the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, the world’s largest Orthodox denomination. He led services at Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral. A Kremlin spokesman said Russian President Vladimir Putin was expected to attend Christmas Eve services at his Novo-Ogaryovo residence along with the families of military personnel who have died in the war in Ukraine. Nightime services were canceled in the Russian border city of Belgorod following Ukrainian attacks Dec. 30 that killed 25 people. Celebrations in the Middle East were darkened by another conflict: the Israel-Hamas war.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing Idaho to enforce its strict abortion ban, even in medical emergencies, while a legal fight continues. The justices on Friday said they would hear arguments in the case in April and put on hold a lower court ruling that had blocked the Idaho law in hospital emergencies, based on a lawsuit filed by the Biden administration. The Democratic administration argued hospitals that receive Medicare funds are required by a federal law to provide emergency care including abortion. The legal fight followed the court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and allow states to severely restrict or ban abortion. A district judge in Idaho agreed with the administration. In a separate case in Texas, a judge sided with the state.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The NBA fined the Nets $100,000 for violating the league's participation policy by resting four players.
A look at Yoshinobu Yamamoto's deal with the Dodgers and the Braves rework Chris Sale's contract.
Recent celebrity deaths include Glynis Johns from "Mary Poppins" and comedian Tom Smothers.
And an early version of Mickey Mouse that is now in the public domain will be featured in two upcoming horror films.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 6 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Treasury has announced that the nation’s gross national debt has surpassed $34 trillion. The record high comes after Republican lawmakers and the White House agreed to temporarily lift the nation’s $31.4 trillion debt limit last year after the government ran up against its legal borrowing capacity and needed to implement “extraordinary measures” to avoid a default. That agreement lasts until January 2025. Congress is gearing up for another funding fight.

Most of us struggle with making those New Year’s resolutions stick. This year, add some fuel — or even electricity — to your personal improvement fire with cars that can help you see your goals through to the end. Whether you want to get fit or get out, Edmunds picks five vehicles to keep you motivated. On our list are the Toyota GR Corolla, Ford Bronco, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Mercedes-Benz GLB.

Four years after the last census, almost a dozen small communities in the Midwest are going to be counted again in hopes of getting more state funding. Eleven municipalities in Illinois and Iowa are the only cities in the U.S. so far to have signed agreements with the U.S. Census Bureau to recount their residents in 2024 and 2025 in a repeat of what happened during the 2020 census. The first year in which the special censuses can be conducted is 2024. The cities' populations have grown so fast in three years that they are leaving state funding on the table by not including the extra growth.

Investment guru Warren Buffett topped The Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual list of the biggest charitable donations in 2023, with his $541.5 million gift to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named for his first wife, who died in 2004. The 2023 list of gifts from individuals or their foundations totaled more than $3.5 billion. Four universities received big gifts, along with four scientific research institutes and a health-care system. The other gifts went to a family foundation and a racial justice group. The list has 11 gifts because of ties. Eight of the donors are multibillionaires, and their combined net worth is $305.1 billion.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City has banned vendors from the Brooklyn Bridge. The change ends a bustling market that supplied cheap goods to tourists on the iconic crossing. Police officers were stationed in pairs Wednesday along the mile-long span. The ban is aimed at easing congestion on the bridge's heavily trafficked pedestrian walkway. Sellers acknowledge the bridge has recently been inundated with tabletop businesses selling such items as New York-branded hats and keychains, but the vendors say the city’s total ban went too far. Mayor Eric Adams is defending the prohibition as necessary to ensure pedestrian safety and clamp down on what he described as growing disorder.

NEW YORK (AP) — A new version of the federal student aid application known as the FAFSA is available for the 2024-2025 school year, but only on a limited basis as the U.S. Department of Education works on a redesign meant to make it easier to apply. That means that the application students can usually fill out starting in October isn't yet available to everyone. The redesign brings major changes such as fewer questions, the ability to list more colleges and availability in more languages. However, students will get their financial aid offers later than usual because the form hasn't been available. A soft launch period opened last week.

NEW YORK (AP) — More U.S. hospitals are requiring masks and limiting visitors as health officials face a post-holiday spike in flu and other illnesses. New York City last week instituted a mask mandate for the city’s 11 public hospitals. Similar measures were ordered at some hospitals in Los Angeles and Massachusetts. Flu and COVID-19 infections have been increasing for weeks, with high levels of flu-like illness reported in 31 states just before Christmas. Updated national numbers are to be released Friday, but health officials predict infections will grow in many states well into January.

Crib cameras are offering a clue to a rare but devastating tragedy — when seemingly healthy young children suddenly die in their sleep and autopsies can’t tell why. Similar to SIDS in babies, it’s called sudden unexplained death in childhood, or SUDC, when it happens after age 1. In a small study, researchers analyzed video that captured the deaths of seven toddlers and found seizures sometimes play a role. Now they must figure out why. Researchers from NYU Langone Health reported the findings Thursday in the journal Neurology.

A Connecticut woman who pushed for expanded access to Vermont’s law that allows people who are terminally ill to end their lives has died in Vermont. Lynda Bluestein, who had terminal cancer, ended her life by taking prescribed lethal medication on Thursday. Her husband says her last words were that she was so happy that she didn't have to suffer anymore. The group Compassion & Choices filed a lawsuit against Vermont in 2022 on behalf of Bluestein. She claimed Vermont’s residency requirement in its medically assisted suicide law violated the U.S. Constitution. The state settled the case last year, allowing Bluestein and later anyone else in her circumstances to take advantage of the law.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The falling-block video game Tetris has met its match in 13-year-old Willis Gibson. In late December, he became the first player to officially beat the original Nintendo version of the game — by breaking it. Technically, Willis — aka “blue scuti” in the gaming world — made it to what gamers call a “kill screen,” a point where the Tetris code glitches, crashing the game. That might not sound like much of a victory to most people, but it’s a highly coveted achievement in the world of video games. And it’s a very big deal for Tetris, which has long been described as an “unbeatable” game.

NEW YORK (AP) — A small, rare herding dog called the Lancashire heeler is the latest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. The organization announced Wednesday that the breed is now eligible for thousands of U.S. dog shows. Lancashire heelers historically were farm helpers that could both drive cattle and rout rats. The dogs are short-legged, long-bodied and active, and owners say contented heelers sometimes pull back their lips in a move that resembles a human smile. The Lancashire heeler is the 201st breed recognized by the AKC. Heelers’ history goes back centuries in the United Kingdom, where they’re now deemed a “vulnerable native breed” at risk of dying out in their homeland.

HANAPEPE, Hawaii (AP) — A salt patch on the island of Kauai is one of the last remaining in all of Hawaii. Salt makers from 22 Native Hawaiian families gather here in the summer months to do the hard work of making paakai or Hawaiian salt. An important part of this cultural and spiritual practice is to give away the salt. It can never be sold. The existence of this salt patch is being threatened by climate change, rising sea levels and pollution. These challenges have shrunk the salt-making season and reduced the quantity of salt produced. But the salt makers are looking for solutions to preserve this unique practice and pass on their knowledge to future generations.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 5 at 6 a.m. CT:

PERRY, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a 17-year-old student with a shotgun and a handgun opened fire at a small-town Iowa high school, killing a sixth-grader and wounding five others. Thursday's shooting had students at Perry High School barricading themselves in offices, ducking into classrooms and fleeing. Authorities say one of the wounded was a school administrator and the suspect was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. investigators are looking at possible motive and reviewing the suspect’s social media posts. Two friends and their mother who spoke with The Associated Press said the suspect was a quiet person who had been bullied for years.

PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Officials say South African athlete Oscar Pistorius has been released from prison on parole after serving nearly nine years in prison for killing his girlfriend. The Department of Corrections gave no more details of Pistorius’ release. The announcement came around 8:30 a.m., indicating that officials released the world-famous double-amputee Olympic runner early in the morning. Pistorius has served nearly nine years of his almost 13-and-a-half-year murder sentence for killing model and law graduate Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013. He was approved for parole in November. Serious offenders in South Africa are eligible for parole after serving at least half their sentence.

BERLIN (AP) — Police say four people have died after a fire broke out at a hospital in northern Germany and spread to several patients’ rooms. Emergency workers saw flames on the fourth floor of a wing of the hospital in Uelzen, southeast of Hamburg, when they arrived at the scene late Thursday evening. They could hear calls for help and evacuated several people, and were able to stop the fire spreading any further. Police said Friday that three patients died at the scene and a fourth after being taken to another hospital. It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were injured, nor what caused the fire.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Labor Department is expected to report that employers added a solid 160,000 jobs last month, according to the data firm FactSet. That would mean that the economy had added 2.7 million jobs in 2023. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned of hard times ahead after the Fed began jacking up interest rates in the spring of 2022 to attack high inflation. Economists predicted that the much higher borrowing costs would cause a recession. But that didn't happen and the nation’s labor market is still cranking out enough jobs to keep the unemployment rate near historic lows.

SYDNEY (AP) — The largest male specimen of the world's most venomous spider that boasts fangs powerful enough to pierce a human fingernail has found a new home after being discovered north of Sydney, Australia. The Sydney funnel-web spider, found only in Australia, has been donated to the Australian Reptile Park to help save lives by contributing to the park's antivenom program. The spider, given the moniker “Hercules.” was initially delivered by a member of the public to a local hospital. But park experts retrieved it and soon realized it was the largest male specimen ever received by the public in Australia. “Hercules” measures 7.9 centimeters (3 inches) from foot to foot, surpassing the park’s previous record-holder from 2018, the male funnel-web named “Colossus”.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump plans to spend the third anniversary of the Capitol riot by campaigning in Iowa as he tries win back the White House. The former Republican president has two events planned for Saturday in the leadoff voting state Iowa as he marks the anniversary of what he has called “a beautiful day.” President Joe Biden will be at a site near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, on Friday where he's expected to press his case that Trump and top supporters of his “Make America Great Again” movement are threats to American democracy. Biden's visit has been moved up from Saturday due to weather concerns. The Capitol riot is increasingly viewed differently along partisan lines.

New York (AP) — New York City is suing more than a dozen charter bus companies for their role in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s operation to send tens of thousands of migrants to urban areas. The lawsuit, filed Thursday, claims the 17 bus companies “knowingly implemented” Abbott’s busing plan in violation of a New York law that limits transferring “needy persons” across state lines. It seeks more than $700 million in damages to recoup the cost of caring for an estimated 33,000 migrants who have arrived in the city on charter buses since April 2022. Abbott said in response that the suit was a violation of the commerce clause, which guarantees the constitutional right to travel.

DALLAS (AP) — The family of former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson says the trailblazing Texas congresswoman died after getting an infection and accused a Dallas rehabilitation facility of neglect. Johnson, the first registered nurse elected to Congress, died on Dec. 31 at the age of 89. Les Weisbrod, her family’s attorney, said at a news conference that her death was caused by an infection in her spine that developed after she was left in her own feces at Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation following back surgery. In a statement Thursday, Baylor Scott & White Health said they are committed to working with her family and attorney.

A buzzer beater from Nikola Jokic and a matchup between top European stars in the NBA, two NHL standouts lead their teams to wins among a busy hockey slate, and a decorated running back signs with a contending team before Week 18.

The NBA fined the Brooklyn Nets $100,000 on Thursday, marking the first time a team was sanctioned for violating the league’s player participation policy that went into effect this season. The Nets held out four rotation players — starters Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson, along with key reserve Dorian Finney-Smith — in what became a 144-122 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 27. Three of the players Brooklyn started that night logged 12 minutes or less.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves have reworked the contract for newcomer Chris Sale, announcing a $38 million, two-year deal with the left-handed pitcher who was acquired last weekend from the Boston Red Sox. The contract also includes an $18 million club option for 2026. It supersedes his previous deal which called for a $27.5 million salary in 2024, with $10 million of that figure deferred until 2039. In essence, the seven-time All Star gets an additional $10.5 million in guaranteed money without having to wait for a deferred payment, in exchange for committing to at least two seasons with the Braves rather than one.

The NCAA and ESPN have agreed to a $920 million, eight-year deal that will give the network exclusive rights to 40 championships, including the Division I women’s basketball tournament. The women's side of March Madness has been growing in popularity and the association has been accused of undervaluing it in the past. NCAA President Charlie Baker told The Associated Press the deal has an average annual value of $115 million. That's an increase of more than 300% per year on what the previous 14-year deal with ESPN was paying the association. The deal covers 21 women’s and 19 men’s sports.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Fire officials say a child playing with a cigarette lighter started a fire at the $6.9 million home owned by Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill. Davie Fire Marshal Robert Taylor tells The Associated Press that the fire was accidental. He did not provide the age of the child, or the amount of damage caused by the fire. Hill was at Dolphins practice when the fire broke out. He left when he got word about the blaze. Miami television station WSVN showed a large amount of black smoke coming from the roof as firefighters doused the house with water. No one was injured in the fire.

Scandals have led to a membership revamp and CBS to take over as broadcaster for the Jan. 7 Golden Globe Awards show, but a key question remains: Will viewers tune in? Comedian Jo Koy is hosting the ceremony, which will be broadcast live from Beverly Hilton Hotel beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.

NEW YORK (AP) — Glynis Johns, a Tony Award-winning stage and screen star who played the mother opposite Julie Andrews in the classic movie “Mary Poppins” and introduced the world to the bittersweet standard-to-be “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim, has died. She was 100. Mitch Clem, her manager, said she died Thursday at an assisted living home in Los Angeles of natural causes. Johns’ greatest triumph was playing Desiree Armfeldt in “A Little Night Music,” for which she won a Tony in 1973. Sondheim wrote the show’s hit song “Send in the Clowns” to suit her distinctive husky voice, but she lost the part in the 1977 film version to Elizabeth Taylor.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An armed unmanned surface vessel launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen got within a “couple of miles” of U.S. Navy and commercial vessels in the Red Sea before detonating. Thursday's attack took place just hours after the White House and a host of partner nations issued a final warning to the Iran-backed militia group to cease the attacks or face potential military action. Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who heads U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East, said it was the first time the Houthis had used an unmanned surface vessel, or USV, since their harassment of commercial ships in the Red Sea began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from North Korea and is seeking close-range ballistic missiles from Iran as Moscow struggles to replenish arms for its war with Ukraine. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that recently declassified intelligence found that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missile launchers and several ballistic missiles. Kirby said a Russia-Iran deal had not been completed. But, he said, the U.S. “is concerned that Russia's negotiations to acquire close range ballistic missiles from Iran are actively advancing.”

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations has issued a somber global economic forecast for 2024, pointing to challenges from escalating conflicts, sluggish global trade, persistently high interest rates and increasing climate disasters. In its flagship economic report launched Thursday, the U.N. projected that global economic growth would slow to 2.4% this year from an estimated 2.7% in 2023, which exceeds expectations. But both are still below the 3.0% growth rate before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, it said. The U.N. forecast is lower than those of the International Monetary Fund in October and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in late November.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 4 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — A winter weather system moving through the U.S. is expected to wallop the East Coast this weekend with a mix of snow and freezing rain. But forecasters say it's too soon to say which areas will get snow and which will get rain and how much. The Pacific system is moving through Western and Southern states before moving up the East Coast this weekend. Major U.S. cities accustomed to white winters didn't receive much snow last year due to a lack of cold air. The National Weather Service in New York City said this week that 2023 would go down as the city's “least snowiness” year, with just 2.3 inches measured in Central Park.

DENVER (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a Colorado ruling that bars him from the state’s ballot over his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The Republican presidential candidate on Wednesday appealed the Colorado Supreme Court’s finding that an insurrection clause in the Constitution’s 14th Amendment renders him ineligible. The Colorado court’s December ruling was the first time in history a court disqualified someone from running for the White House for having “engaged in insurrection." Trump's appeal comes a day after his legal team asked the Maine Superior Court to review a ruling by Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows that Trump cannot be on that state’s ballot.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Officials say an airstrike on the logistical support headquarters of an Iran-backed militia in central Baghdad has killed a high-ranking militia commander. Thursday's strike comes amid mounting regional tensions fueled by Israel-Hamas war and fears that it could spill over into surrounding countries. The Popular Mobilization Force - a coalition of militias that is nominally under the control of the Iraqi military - announced in a statement that its deputy head of operations in Baghdad, Mushtaq Taleb al-Saidi, or “Abu Taqwa,” had been killed “as a result of brutal American aggression.”

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A pilot accused of threatening to shoot a commercial airline captain who wanted to divert a flight to get medical attention for a passenger is set to make his first federal court appearance. Former Delta Air Lines pilot Jonathan J. Dunn was indicted Oct. 18. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday in Salt Lake City. Dunn was charged with interfering with a flight crew and could face up to 20 years in prison. The captain had proposed diverting to Colorado if a passenger’s condition worsened. Prosecutors say Dunn objected and threatened multiple times to shoot the captain. Delta says Dunn no longer works for the airline.

DETROIT (AP) — American consumers bought 15.6 million new vehicles last year. The numbers indicate car buyers were undeterred by high prices, rising interest rates, autoworker strikes and a computer-chip shortage that slowed assembly lines. The tally is 12% more than in 2022, and the biggest increase in more than a decade. Yet sales still haven’t returned to the 17 million rate in the years before the pandemic, and there are signs of a cooling market as supplies grow on dealer lots and prices start to fall. Average auto sales prices peaked in December of 2022 just over $47,300. Data from J.D. Power show that average prices in mid-December were down 2.7% from the peak to around $46,000. Analysts expect more discounts through the year.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has coordinated with Israel, Egypt and others in rescuing the mother of a U.S. serviceman and her American brother-in-law who were pinned down during heavy fighting in Gaza City. News of the rescue, in the only known operation of its kind, came Wednesday from a U.S. official. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to confirm the rescue, which had been kept quiet for security reasons. The official said Zahra Sckak made it out of Gaza on New Year's Eve, along with her brother-in-law. Her husband had been shot earlier as the family fled from a building hit by an airstrike. He died days later. One of her three American sons is an Army infantryman.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s policymakers concluded last month that inflationary pressures were easing and that the job market was cooling. In response, the officials chose to leave their key interest rate unchanged for the third straight time and signaled that they expected to cut rates three times in 2024. According to the minutes of their Dec. 12-13 meeting, Fed officials indicated in their own interest-rate forecasts that a lower benchmark rate “would be appropriate by the end of 2024" given the steady progress toward taming inflation. But they ”stressed the importance″ of remaining vigilant and keeping rates high “until inflation was clearly moving down sustainably″ toward their 2% target.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Justice Department is suing Texas over a new law that would allow police in the state to arrest migrants who enter the U.S. illegally. The lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses Texas of violating the U.S. government’s authority over immigration enforcement. Under the Texas law, migrants could either agree to a Texas judge’s order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted on misdemeanor charges of illegal entry. Migrants who don’t leave could face arrest again under more serious felony charges. The lawsuit asks a court in Austin to declare the Texas law unconstitutional, alleging that it would frustrate immigration operations and interfere with the federal government’s right to regulate foreign commerce. The law is set to take effect in March.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is starting the campaign year by evoking the Revolutionary War to mark the third anniversary of the deadly U.S. Capitol insurrection and visiting the South Carolina church where a white gunman massacred Black parishioners. The Democratic president is seeking to present in the starkest possible terms an election he argues could determine the fate of American democracy. Biden is kicking off 2024 in Pennsylvania by delving into some of the country’s darkest moments rather than an upbeat affirmation of his record. Former President Donald Trump is the heavy favorite to win the Republican nomination. Trump's team argues Biden is threatening democracy because of the indictments brought against the former president.

EAGLE PASS, Texas (AP) — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has led about 60 fellow Republicans in Congress on a visit to the Mexican border. And Johnson is expressing serious doubts about whether he'd support a bipartisan compromise. He's also suggesting he could use a looming government funding deadline as further leverage. Their trip Wednesday to Eagle Pass, Texas, comes as they are demanding hard-line immigration policies in exchange for backing President Joe Biden’s emergency wartime funding request for Ukraine. Senate negotiators in Washington are plugging away in hopes of a bipartisan deal. Johnson says he's holding firmly to the policies of a bill passed by House Republicans in May without a single Democratic vote. Biden has threatened a veto

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers posted 8.8 million job openings in November, down slightly from October and the fewest since March 2021. But demand for workers remains strong by historical standards. The number of job vacancies dipped from 8.9 million in October. And the number of people quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence in the labor market — fell to its lowest level since February 2021. The number of quits is now roughly where it stood before the pandemic erupted. Job openings dropped by 128,000 in transportation, warehousing and utilities and by 78,000 at hotels and restaurants. The federal government reduced job openings by 58,000. By contrast, openings in construction rose by 43,000 and in retail by 42,000.

Officials say a New Jersey imam was shot multiple times and killed outside his mosque Wednesday, and authorities continue to search for the shooter. Essex County Prosecutor Ted Stephens said Imam Hassan Sharif was in his car when he was shot more than once near the Masjid-Muhammad Mosque in Newark. Attorney General Matt Platkin says authorities are still searching for a shooter, but there’s no evidence indicating the shooting was related to anti-Muslim bias. Platkin says law enforcement has stepped up outreach to houses of worship, acknowledging the unfolding tensions amid the Israel-Hamas fighting in Gaza. Newark's public safety director says Sharif had been a resident imam at the mosque for five years.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A father and son in Texas have been charged in the killings of an 18-year-old pregnant woman who disappeared before Christmas and her boyfriend. The arrests announced Wednesday night by San Antonio police come more than a week after the bodies of 18-year-old Savanah Nicole Soto and 22-year-old Matthew Guerra were found in the parking lot of an apartment complex. San Antonio police say the couple was fatally shot over an apparent drug deal before their bodies were moved and left in a car. Police charged a 19-year-old with capital murder and his 53-year-old father with abuse of corpse for allegedly helping his son move the couple’s bodies.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel is suing a police investigator and the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, more than five years after his murder conviction was overturned. Skakel was found guilty in 2002 of the killing of Martha Moxley in their Greenwich neighborhood in 1975 when they were both 15. He served more than 11 years in prison before the state Supreme Court overturned his conviction. Skakel's lawsuit alleges malicious prosecution, civil rights violations and other wrongdoing. Skakel says the police investigator, Frank Garr, withheld key evidence that favored Skakel. The state attorney general's office, which is representing Garr, declined to comment. A lawyer for Greenwich did not return a message seeking comment.

Plenty of offense in the NBA, Auston Matthews becomes the NHL's first 30 goal scorer, nine Niners make the Pro Bowl rosters and two ranked teams play and lose in college basketball. Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes will sit the regular-season finale, firefighters put out a large fire at the home of Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill and Scottie Scheffler wins player vote as PGA Tour player of the year over Jon Rahm.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is confident Palestinian militant groups used Gaza’s largest hospital to hold hostages seized during their bloody Oct. 7, 2023, attack and to house command infrastructure. That's according to an American intelligence assessment declassified Tuesday and shared by a U.S. official. The assessment offers the firmest U.S. support for Israeli claims about the Shifa hospital complex, which was raided by Israeli forces in November in an operation decried by global humanitarian organizations and some members of President Joe Biden’s party. Yet the information released doesn’t fully back some of Israel's most significant allegations the hospital served as the central node for activities by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The chief of Israel’s Mossad has vowed the intelligence agency will hunt down every Hamas member involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, no matter where they are. David Barnea spoke a day after the deputy head of the Palestinian militant group was killed in a suspected Israeli strike in Beirut. Israel has refused to comment on reports it carried out the killing, but Barnea's comments appeared to be the strongest indication yet it was behind the blast. Israel was on high alert Wednesday for an escalation with Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militia after the strike in the Lebanese capital killed Saleh Arouri, the most senior Hamas member slain since the war in Gaza erupted nearly three months ago.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Queen Margrethe rode through Denmark’s capital in a gilded, horse-drawn coach as she concluded her last New Year celebrations before her Jan. 14 abdication after 52 years on the throne. Thousands braved the biting cold Thursday to cheer the popular queen in what is to be her last public appearance as monarch. The 83-year-old Margrethe, who is Europe’s longest reigning monarch, will hand over the throne to her oldest son, Crown Prince Frederik in the first such resignation in Europe’s oldest ruling monarchy in nearly 900 years.

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian authorities say that 230 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned home in the first exchange in almost five months. Russia’s Defense Ministry says that 248 Russian servicemen have been freed under the deal sponsored by the United Arab Emirates. The Foreign Ministry in the UAE has attributed the successful swap to the country's friendly ties to both Russia and Ukraine. The UAE has maintained close economic ties with Moscow despite Western sanctions and pressure on Russia after it launched its invasion in 2022.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 3 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump is appealing a decision by Maine’s Democratic secretary of state that he cannot be on the ballot there because he violated a constitutional ban against people who “engaged in insurrection” holding office. The Republican presidential candidate’s appeal to Maine’s Superior Court came Tuesday, and he is expected to soon appeal a similar ruling by Colorado’s Supreme Court to the U.S. Supreme Court.

An apparent Israeli strike in the Lebanese capital of Beirut has killed Hamas’ No. 2 political leader, marking a potentially significant escalation of Israel’s war against the militant group and heightening the risk of a wider Middle East conflict. Saleh Arouri was the most senior figure in the group killed since the Israel-Hamas war began nearly three months ago.

Harvard University President Claudine Gay has resigned amid plagiarism accusations and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say unequivocally that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy. Gay announced her departure, which came just months into her tenure, in a letter to the Harvard community on Tuesday.

Air Canada, Canada’s largest carrier, had the worst on-time performance among large airlines in North America in 2023. According to a report from Cirium, the aviation analytics company, Canada's flag-carrying airline landed 63% of its 276,451 flights on time last year, placing it last among the continent’s 10 largest airlines. Delta Air Lines led the list for the most on-time airline in North America with its over 1.6 million flights arriving on time 85% of the time.

Other top headlines:

The Biden administration asked the Supreme Court to allow border agents to cut razor wire installed by Texas.
In a Texas case, a federal appeals panel says emergency care abortions are not required by a 1986 law.
Prosecutors say Sen. Robert Menendez cashed in by linking the Qatari royal family member with a New Jersey businessman.
A congressman and a senator's son have jumped into the Senate race to succeed Mitt Romney in Utah.
Michael Cohen can't hold Donald Trump liable for retaliatory imprisonment, an appeals court says.
States and Congress wrestle with cybersecurity at water utilities amid renewed federal warnings.
Women are stocking up on abortion pills, especially when there is news about restrictions.
A man is found dead at a Salt Lake City airport after climbing inside of a jet engine.

In sports, the Thunder and 76ers get big games from star players in wins Tuesday night, the Hurricanes tightened the race in the NHL's Metropolitan division, the top ranked team in men's college basketball won on the road and a University of North Carolina star forward reached a career milestone. Yamamoto's contract with the Dodgers includes two opt outs, but timing depends on elbow health. Steelers QB Kenny Pickett denies speculation he told coaching staff he wouldn't be No. 2 behind Mason Rudolph. Dalvin Cook is being waived by the Jets with one game left in the season.

The earliest iteration of Mickey Mouse is on a rampage, barely two days in the public domain. Slashed free of Disney’s copyright as of Monday, the iconic character from “Steamboat Willie” is already the focus of two horror films. On Monday, just hours after the 1928 short entered the public domain, a trailer for “Mickey’s Mouse Trap” dropped on YouTube. Another yet-to-be-titled film was announced Tuesday.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 2 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

TOKYO (AP) — A plane has caught fire on the runway of Tokyo’s Haneda airport after colliding with a Japanese coast guard aircraft, officials said. Local TV showed a large burst of fire erupt from the side of a Japan Airlines plane as it taxied on a runway. The area around the wing then caught fire. NHK TV reported that all occupants of the passenger plane, believed to total 379 people, got out safely. The coast guard said the pilot of its plane evacuated safely. NHK reported that the other five crewmembers were found dead. Haneda is one of the busiest airports in Japan, and many people travel over the New Year holidays.

WAJIMA, Japan (AP) — A series of powerful earthquakes has hit western Japan, leaving at least 48 people dead and damaging thousands of buildings, vehicles and boats. Officials are warning people in some areas on Tuesday to stay away from their homes because of a risk of more strong quakes. Aftershocks continued to shake Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas a day after a magnitude 7.6 temblor slammed the area on Monday afternoon. Officials say at least 48 people are confirmed dead and 16 seriously injured in Ishikawa. Japan is frequently hit by earthquakes because of its location along the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

ROCHESTER, New York (AP) — Police are investigating after a fiery two-vehicle collision killed two people and injured five others in Rochester, New York, early on New Year’s Day. Officials say a Ford Expedition struck a Mitsubishi Outlander, sending both vehicles through a group of pedestrians in a crosswalk. Investigators say once the flames were doused, firefighters located at least a dozen gasoline cannisters in and around the Expedition. That prompted police to bring in an arson team and alert the FBI. Investigators ask witnesses or anyone with information to reach out to police.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s two largest cities have come under Russian hypersonic ballistic missile attacks. Officials said the Tuesday morning assaults killed at least four people and injured almost 100, as the war approached its two-year milestone and the Kremlin’s forces stepped up their winter bombardment of urban areas. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said four civilians were killed and 92 injured in the capital Kyiv and in northeastern Kharkiv as hypersonic Kinzhal missiles that can fly at 10 times the speed of sound slammed into city blocks. The barrage extended Russia’s escalated attacks on Ukraine in recent days that began on Friday with its largest single assault on Ukraine since the war started, in which at least 41 civilians were killed.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The family of a mother of eight who was a huge “Star Trek” fan has ensured the final frontier will be her ultimate resting place. Gloria Knowlan died 12 years ago. A small quantity of ashes from her cremated body are to be in one of 250 memorial capsules set to be launched into space later this month. Launch organizers are hoping the rocket carrying the capsules will wind up approximately 330 million kilometers from Earth, roughly past the orbit of Mars. The remains or DNA samples of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, and Original Series stars Nichelle Nichols, DeForest Kelley and James Doohan also are expected to make the trip.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chief Justice John Roberts is turning his focus to the promise and shortcomings of artificial intelligence in the federal courts. His annual report makes no mention of Supreme Court ethics or legal controversies involving Donald Trump. Roberts on Sunday described artificial intelligence as the “latest technological frontier" and discussed the pros and cons of computer-generated content in the legal profession. The year-end report was issued just a few days after the latest instance of AI-generated fake legal citations making their way into official court records. Roberts wrote that AI can make it much easier for people without much money to access the courts, but that any use of AI “requires caution and humility.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — In this time of war overseas, more Americans think foreign policy should be a top U.S. priority for 2024. That's according to a new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which finds international concerns and immigration rising in importance with the public. Those concerns are still overshadowed by long-standing economic worries. But about 4 in 10 U.S. adults named foreign policy topics in an open-ended question that asked people to share up to five issues for the government to work on next year. That’s about twice as many who mentioned the topic in the AP-NORC poll conducted a year ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group is heading home after months of extra duty at sea providing protection for Israel. The Navy announced Monday the Ford and its accompanying warships will be replaced by the amphibious assault ship the USS Bataan and its two accompanying warships, the USS Mesa Verde and the USS Carter Hall. The three vessels had been in the Red Sea and have been transiting toward the Eastern Mediterranean over the last few days. Since it was extended in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Ford and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier have been part of a two-carrier presence bracketing the Israel-Hamas war, underscoring U.S. concerns the conflict will widen.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. John Fetterman acknowledges having “dark conversations” about harming himself before he hit “the emergency brake” and sought treatment for depression. In an interview with NBC's `"Meet the Press," the Pennsylvania Democrat described his thoughts at that time as, “I can’t be a blueprint for my children. I can’t let them be left alone or not to understand why he would have done that." So he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center last February. Fetterman wondered whether he'd survive politically. He said that “when it got released where I was and where it was going, it was a big story. And so, I had assumed that that would be the end of my career.”

LONDON (AP) — A Colorado mother suspected of killing two of her young children and injuring a third has made an initial court appearance in London. Kimberlee Singler was held after her initial appearance in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday. She has a Jan. 29 hearing scheduled on whether she should be extradited to the United States to face two counts of first-degree murder and other charges. The 35-year-old disappeared as Colorado police prepared to arrest her in the deaths of her 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son, who were found slain Dec. 19 in what was reported as a burglary. She disappeared last week and was arrested Saturday in London.

RIVERDALE, Utah (AP) — A foreign exchange student from China who was reported missing last week in Utah has been found. Authorities said the student and his family appear to be victims of a “cyber kidnapping” scheme. The 17-year-old student was reported missing Friday, a day after he was last seen at the home where he had been staying. Police in Riverdale initially said that they believed the student was forcefully abducted. But on Sunday they said the boy had been found safe in a tent about 25 miles away. Police say Kai's family paid an $80,000 ransom after receiving a photograph that made it appear the student was abducted.

SECAUCUS, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey mayor says buses of migrants bound for New York City have been stopping at the town’s train station in an apparent effort to evade New York's efforts to regulate migrant arrivals. Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli said Sunday that four buses are believed to have arrived starting Saturday at Secaucus Junction and dropped off migrants who then took trains into New York City. He called it a “loophole” around the order by New York Mayor Eric Adams. A message posted on a Jersey City social media account said about 10 buses from Texas and one from Louisiana had arrived at various transit stations throughout the state.

New Year’s Day arrived to cheers from thousands in New York’s Times Square where a sparkling crystal ball descended to start 2024 with hope for some, even as the world’s ongoing conflicts subdued celebrations and raised security concerns across the globe. The march of midnight across time zones included pyrotechnic displays centered on iconic locations including Sydney’s Opera House, the Acropolis in Athens, the world’s tallest building in Dubai and the bamboo-shaped Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have affected this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in a myriad of ways. Many cities deployed extra security and some places canceled events altogether.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s minimum-wage workers have more than just the new year to celebrate. A pay bump kicked in Monday as the clock ticked over to 2024. In the first of a series of annual increases slated for the Empire State, the minimum wage increased to $16 in New York City and some of its suburbs, up from $15. In the rest of the state, the new minimum wage is $15, up from $14.20. New York is one of 22 states getting minimum wage increases in the new year. In California, the minimum wage increased to $16, up from $15.50.

It will be Michgan and Washington in the College Football National title game, the Pistons start a new skid and Pacers end the Bucks' home winning streak. Also: We preview the final week of the NFL season and recap this past Sunday's games.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Jan. 2 at 6 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — A new study adds to evidence that severe obesity is becoming more common in young U.S. children. There was some hope that children in a government food program might be bucking a trend in obesity rates. Earlier research found rates had dropped a little for those children. But an update published Monday in the journal Pediatrics shows the rate up a bit to 2% by 2020. The increase echoes national data, which suggests around 2.5% of all preschool-aged children are severely obese. The study involved young kids in the Women, Infants and Children program, which provides healthy foods and other services.

A Swedish study has uncovered a paradox about people diagnosed with an excessive fear of serious illness: They tend to die earlier than people who aren’t hypervigilant about health concerns. The study was published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry. Researchers were curious about the condition known as hypochondria. People with it are unable to shake their fears despite normal physical exams and lab tests. The researchers found that people with the diagnosis have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes, particularly suicide. The researchers say many of these deaths are preventable through appropriate treatment.

Some states that stockpiled millions of masks and other personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic are now throwing the items away. An Associated Press investigation found that at least 15 states have tossed out some of the PPE items because they are expiring or have more than they need. Other states have sold extra materials at bargain prices or have tried to give away surplus masks, gowns and gloves but have had difficulty finding entities willing to take them. Public health experts say the glut of supplies shows that governments need to do a better job of planning for future emergencies.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a politically polarized nation, Americans seem to agree on one issue underlying the 2024 elections — a worry over the state of democracy and how the outcome of the presidential contest will affect its future. They just disagree over who poses the threat. A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 62% of adults say democracy in the U.S. could be at risk depending on who wins. That view is held by 72% of Democrats and 55% of Republicans, but for different reasons. President Joe Biden has warned about former President Donald Trump's promises to seek retribution against opponents, while Trump says the federal charges against him show Biden has weaponized the government.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Relatively few Americans are excited about a potential rematch of the 2020 election between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. But more Republicans would be happy to have Trump as their nominee than Democrats would be with Biden. That's according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Randy Johnson, a Republican from Monett, Missouri, says, “I find it sad for our country that that's our best choices.” That apathy from voters comes even as both Biden and Trump, at least for now, seem like they'll easily get their parties' nominations next year. To independent Andrew Collins from Windham, Maine, “This is probably the most uniquely horrible choice I’ve had in my life.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS says it's going to waive penalty fees for people who failed to pay back taxes that total less than $100,000 a year for tax years 2020 or 2021. The agency says nearly 5 million people, businesses and tax-exempt organizations will be eligible for the relief, which totals about $1 billion. The federal tax collector temporarily suspended mailing automated reminders to pay overdue tax bills during the pandemic. IRS official say the pause in automated reminders is behind the decision to forgive the failure-to-pay penalties.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Nineteen-month-old Elijah Jack is unable to walk like most toddlers his age. Special needs children like him often take longer than most to become independently mobile. Elijah was one of the first to get a specially designed rolling chair built by a team of biomedical engineering students at Tulane University. He now has mastered getting around on wheels — turning, stopping and steering all on his own. The chair has allowed Elijah to have a whole new level of independence. His mother now does too. She now has time to get other things done since she no longer has to carry him all day.

TROY, Ohio (AP) — More than five years ago, someone left a kitten with twisted back legs at a Missouri animal shelter. The cat was transferred to specialists in Iowa who amputated her left hind leg. She was soon after adopted by a woman who lost her left leg after a near-fatal car accident. Now the duo has partnered with a nonprofit that registers therapy animal volunteer teams. They visit hospitals, nursing homes and even amputee support groups to aid in therapy and other activities to improve well-being in communities. The duo is one of only an estimated 200 therapy cat teams in the United States.

Hidden inside the foundation of popular artificial intelligence image-generators are thousands of images of child sexual abuse, according to a new report that urges companies to take action to address a harmful flaw in the technology they built. Those same images have made it easier for AI systems to produce realistic and explicit imagery of fake children as well as transform social media photos of fully clothed real teens into nudes, much to the alarm of schools and law enforcement around the world. The Stanford Internet Observatory found more than 3,200 images of suspected child sexual abuse in a database used to train leading AI image-makers.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — New federal guidelines that dropped an abstinence requirement before gay men in monogamous relationships can give blood are opening a new pool of potential donors. They include Dylan Smith, an employee at Bloodworks Northwest in Vancouver, Washington, who was himself barred from donating blood until this month. Smith says being allowed to donate has made him very happy. The American Red Cross began implementing the new U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance in August. And about half of the 16 independent blood bank organizations in the U.S. that are members of the Alliance for Community Transfusion Services also have rolled out the guidelines, with more expected next year.

Rite Aid has been banned from using facial recognition technology for five years over allegations that a surveillance system it used incorrectly identified potential shoplifters, especially Black, Latino, Asian or female shoppers. The deal announced late Tuesday settles Federal Trade Commission charges that the struggling drugstore chain didn’t do enough to prevent harm to its customers and implement “reasonable procedures,” the government agency said. Rite Aid said it disagrees with the allegations, though the company is pleased to reach an agreement to resolve the issue. It noted that any agreement will have to be approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to a special year-end bonus episode of Hot Off The Wire. I’m Terry Lipshetz, managing editor of the national newsroom at Lee Enterprises and your host.

During this final week of the year, the program will be taking a short break but it will return with another bonus episode on Jan. 1 before resuming regular production on Jan. 2.

In the meantime, we’ve been collecting special reports from The Associated Press that look back at select topics from the past year. We’ll be covering dysfunction in the House of Representatives, artificial intelligence, Elon Musk and Taylor Swift.

We’ll look at the war in Ukraine and the reemergence of China from its ‘zero-COVID’ policy. There were words of the year, Google and Wikipedia searches, and top songs on Spotify.

And in sports, it was a year of college conference realignment as well as impressive performances from Simone Biles and Shohei Ohtani.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Aaron Rodgers will not play again for the Jets this season.
Prized pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto agreed with the Dodgers on $325 million deal, according to reports.
Georgia and Ohio State make headlines on national signing day.
Marvel and Disney drop actor Jonathan Majors after he's convicted of assaulting his former girlfriend.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 22 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — As children around the world eagerly await Santa’s arrival on Christmas, the military is ready to track him and see if he’s using any new technology. The North American Aerospace Defense Command keeps a close watch on Santa and his sleigh from the moment he leaves the North Pole. And it once again will share all those details so everyone can follow along as Santa travels the globe beginning Christmas Eve. NORAD is the military command that's responsible for protecting North American airspace. It has launched its noradsanta.org website, social media sites and mobile app, loaded with games, movies, books and music.

NEW YORK (AP) — Christmas Eve is almost here. But before running out the door for some last-minute gifts or final tree trimmings ahead of Santa’s visit, you might want to double-check the hours of the stores you’re headed to. Business closings on Christmas Eve are less common than those on Christmas Day, but many large chains still cut back hours or close up shop early for the coming holiday — including Walmart, Costco, Target, Kroger and more. Operations can also vary by location. When in doubt, call ahead or look up more specific schedules for your neighborhood spots online.

NEW YORK (AP) — Haven’t ordered any of your holiday gifts yet? Well, you might find solace in discovering some of America’s biggest retailers are working to increase their shipping speeds to please shoppers expecting faster and faster deliveries. Walmart, Target and Amazon are all-in on the shipping wars, a move retail experts say will help them maintain a competitive edge against low-cost China-founded retailers Shein and Temu. For Walmart and Target, their investments are also aimed at narrowing the gap in delivery speed with Amazon, which has set the standard for fast shipping and remains the king of speed.

NEW YORK (AP) — As the year comes to an end with holiday parties and crowds, mask-wearing is much more off than on around the country even as COVID’s long tail lingers. There’s the odd one here and there, but nothing like it was three years ago at the dawn of the COVID pandemic’s first winter holidays. Look at it a different way, though: These days, mask-wearing has become just another thing that simply happens in America. In a country where the mention of a mask prior to the pandemic usually meant Halloween or a costume party, it’s a new way of being that hasn’t gone away.

On this week's Religion Roundup segment, original tunes to familiar Christmas carols weren't always so familiar, or necessarily for Christmas.

NEW YORK (AP) — The promise of self-checkout has meant that customers can avoid long lines by scanning and bagging their own items, workers can be freed of doing those monotonous tasks themselves and retailers can save on labor costs. But it has also meant customers griping about clunky technology, workers having to stand around and monitor both humans and machines, and retailers contending with theft. Now, self-checkout faces a reckoning of sorts just as retailers are in the midst of their busiest time of the year. This past fall, Walmart removed self-checkout kiosks in three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico. To reduce wait times, Target is now limiting the number of items to 10 that shoppers can scan in a handful of stores nationwide.

MENANDS, N.Y. (AP) — Animal shelters around the nation are overcrowded and bursting at the seams, often with larger dogs. Adoptions haven’t kept pace with the number of animals coming in, creating bottlenecks. Operators believe the influx of more animals is due largely to higher pet care costs and housing issues. And they’re in crisis mode as they try to reduce the kennel crush. Shelter Animals Count, a national database of shelter statistics, estimates that the shelter population grew by nearly a quarter-million animals in 2023. Shelters and advocacy groups are trying to attack the problem at both ends — by reducing intakes and encouraging more adoptions.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 22 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

For most Americans dreaming of a white Christmas, this year’s prospects aren’t good. Although parts of the Rockies and Midwest already have snow or could get a fresh dusting by Monday, other parts of the country that are normally coated in white by this time of year are still sporting their drab, late-fall look. Among the areas more accustomed to snowy Decembers is the Northeast, where a powerful storm blew in this week and dumped heavy rain on the region’s ski areas, wreaking havoc on the snowpack. So where should snow lovers turn? Alaska, where Anchorage could break its Christmas Day 1994 record of 30 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Holiday travel is expected to hit its peak right around now. Airlines are confident they can handle the crowds, but it could come down to the weather. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the government will be holding the airlines accountable to operate smoothly and treat passengers well if there are disruptions. Auto club AAA forecasts that 115 million people in the U.S. will go 50 miles or more from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day. That's up 2% over last year. Most of those people will drive, and they will save a bit on gasoline, compared with a year ago.

The United Nations says more than a half-million people are starving in Gaza because not enough food has entered the besieged territory as Israel keeps up its blistering campaign of airstrikes and ground operations. Palestinian officials said Friday that the death toll has now exceeded 20,000. That's around 1% of the territory’s prewar population.

PRAGUE (AP) — Authorities say three foreign nationals, two from the United Arab Emirates and one from the Netherlands, were among 25 wounded when a student opened fire at a university in Prague, killing 14 people. Thursday's mass shooting was the worst in Czech history. The city's police chief says a lone gunman opened fire in the philosophy department building of Charles University, where he was a student. Police said the gunman killed himself. The Czech government declared Saturday a national day of mourning to honor the victims, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said.

MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian deputy foreign minister said talks with the United States on a potential prisoner exchange that would free Americans held in Russia are hampered by publicity and an alleged disparity in the U.S. negotiating stance. The U.S. State Department said last week that Russia rejected several proposals for freeing Paul Whelan, an American convicted of espionage, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained in March and is facing espionage charges. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the Interfax news agency published Friday, “Here, as in many other areas, we observe the American traditional desire to get more for ourselves and give the minimum, as they say.”

Over the past 24 hours six Ukrainian civilians have been killed during Russian attacks.

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A jury has cleared three Washington state police officers of all criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten and restrained face down on a Tacoma sidewalk as he pleaded for breath. Two of the officers — Matthew Collins, 40, and Christopher Burbank, 38 — had been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, while Timothy Rankine, 34, was charged with manslaughter. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation, but lawyers for the officers said a high level of methamphetamine in Ellis’ system and a heart irregularity were to blame. A lawyer for Ellis' family says the verdict is devastating for the family and community.

NEW YORK (AP) — Rudy Giuliani has filed for bankruptcy. The former New York City mayor is acknowledging severe financial strain that's grown as a result of his pursuit of Donald Trump's lies about the 2020 election and was made worse when jury last week required him to pay $148 million to two former Georgia election workers he defamed. In a bankruptcy filing Thursday in New York, Giuliani listed nearly $153 million in existing or potential debts. That includes almost $1 million in state and federal tax liabilities, as well as money he owes lawyers and many millions of dollars in potential judgments in lawsuits against him. He estimated he had assets worth $1 million to $10 million.

NEW YORK (AP) — Honda Motor’s American arm is recalling more than 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a fuel pump defect that can increase risks of engine failure or stalling while driving. According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel pump impeller used for a range of 2017-2020 Acura and Honda vehicles was improperly molded. This results in low-density impellers, which can deform the fuel pump body over time — leading to an inoperative fuel pump. Honda says it has not received any crash or injury reports related to this recall to date. The automaker added that it would replace fuel pumps for all vehicles impacted by the recall at no cost — but in a staggered approach, with owner notification letters not beginning until February.

The Rams win a key game in the NFC playoff race, the Dodgers get standout Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Pistons are on the threshold of the wrong kind of NBA history, the Lightning strike down the Stanley Cup champs and Kentucky beats its Bluegrass State rival.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is widening the runner’s lane approaching first base to include a portion of fair territory, changing a more than century-old rule that caused World Series controversy over possible interference calls. MLB also is shortening the pitcher’s clock with runners on base by two seconds to 18 and further reducing mound visits in an effort to speed games. The sport’s 11-man competition committee also requires a pitcher who warms up on the mound before a half inning to face at least one batter.

NEW YORK (AP) — The owner of Pornhub, one of the world’s largest adult content websites, has admitted to profiting from sex trafficking and agreed to make payments to women whose videos were posted without their consent. Federal prosecutors in New York announced Thursday that Aylo Holdings reached a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve a charge of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions involving sex trafficking proceeds. The deal calls for the Canadian company to pay the U.S. more than $1.8 million and make separate payments to the female victims. It also requires appointment of an independent monitor to oversee Aylo's operations for three years.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 21 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

MIAMI (AP) — The United States has freed a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in exchange for the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in the South American country and the return of a fugitive defense contractor. That contractor is known as “Fat Leonard” and he's at the center of a massive Pentagon bribery scandal. The American detainees were back on U.S. soil late Wednesday. The deal represents the Biden administration's boldest move yet to improve relations with the major oil-producing nation and extract concessions from Maduro. The largest release of American prisoners in Venezuela’s history comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to suspend some sanctions.

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says it has uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City, inflicting what it described as a serious blow to the Islamic militant group. The center's location comes as pressure grows on Israel to scale back its devastating military offensive in the coastal enclave. The military's announcement Wednesday came as Hamas’ top leader arrived in Egypt for talks aimed at brokering a cease-fire that would put a temporary pause on over two months of heavy fighting and deliver a new deal for Hamas to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian imprisoned by Israel.

LE PECQ, France (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron says the giant opening ceremony extravaganza that Paris is planning to hold on the River Seine to launch next year’s Olympic Games could be moved if France is hit again in the run-up by extremist attacks. Macron’s comments in a television interview on Wednesday night were a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the deep layers of planning for the July 26 ceremony. Many details about the show remain shrouded in secrecy to preserve its hoped-for wow factor. The athletes will be paraded through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine. But Macron says plans could be revisited for security reasons if needed. He cited deadly extremist attacks that hit Paris in 2015 as an example.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press' Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years. Before the two-way superstar signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers this month, he put together another incredible season for Japan's national team at the World Baseball Classic and for the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani led the AL with 44 homers and in several other categories, and he had the lowest opponents' batting average on the mound until his season ended early due to an elbow injury. The Dodgers still gave Ohtani the biggest contract in professional sports history.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and deprives people of their ability to defend themselves and their loved ones. The law was set to take effect Jan. 1. It would have banned people from carrying concealed guns in 26 places including public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. It would apply whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon or not. One exception would be for privately owned businesses that put up signs saying people are allowed to carry guns on their premises.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to stand down from a dispute over whether he can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team last week urged the nation’s high court to take up and quickly consider Trump’s claims that he enjoys immunity from prosecution as a former president. The unusual request seemed designed to prevent any delays that could postpone the trial of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner. But Trump’s lawyers told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that there was no reason for them to take up the matter now, especially because a lower appeals court in Washington is already considering the same question and has scheduled arguments for Jan. 9.

DENVER (AP) — Former President Donald Trump's bid to win back the White House is now endangered by two sentences added to the U.S. Constitution 155 years ago. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits anyone who swore an oath to support the Constitution and then “engaged in insurrection” against it from holding office. For the first time in history, a court this week ruled that applies to the presidency. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump is barred under the provision. But the court acknowledged that it's on untrodden legal ground, and the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to have the final word.

The early signing period in college football opened with just a little five-star drama. Georgia likely locked up a recruiting crown by flipping an in-state blue-chipper away from Florida State. The consensus No. 1 recruit in the country had Ohio State coach Ryan Day literally sighing with relief. And a five-star defensive lineman committed to Florida decided to delay making his decision official. That was the least of the bad news for the Gators.

The 76ers, Knicks and Clippers are among the NBA’s biggest winners, the Capitals picked up a key overtime win, and two developments in college football.

The NHL and Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, have reached an agreement that will keep local broadcasts for 11 teams on Bally Sports through the end of this season. The agreement, which was contained in a court filing made Wednesday, is subject to court approval. Diamond Sports has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the Southern District of Texas since it filed for protection in March. The company said in a financial filing last year that it had debt of $8.67 billion. While there will be a reduction in rights payments for some teams, the local rights for those 11 franchises will revert back to the NHL at the end of this season.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s attorney general has filed suit against SiriusXM, accusing the satellite radio service of making it intentionally difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions. Attorney General Letitia James’ office said Wednesday that an investigation into complaints from customers found that SiriusXM forced subscribers into often lengthy interactions with agents who were trained in ways to avoid accepting cancellation requests. The company disputed the claims, arguing that many incidents cited in the lawsuit came in 2020 and were caused in part by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations. The company said many of its plans can be canceled easily online.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is a senior producer 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 producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 20 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

DENVER (AP) — A divided Colorado Supreme Court is removing former President Donald Trump from the state’s primary ballot, saying in a historic ruling that he is ineligible to be president after his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The ruling Tuesday marks the first time in history that Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has been used to disqualify a presidential candidate. Trump's campaign spokesman called it a “flawed decision” and said they will appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has never ruled on Section 3. The provision forbids those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office and was used mainly after the Civil War to keep former Confederates out of government.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The White House and Mexico’s president are sharply criticizing a new Texas law that would allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross into the U.S. and empower local judges to order them to leave the country. Also Tuesday, civil rights groups and Texas’ largest border county filed a lawsuit. It came less than 24 hours after Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed the law. The groups say it's an unconstitutional reach over the U.S. government’s authority on immigration. Abbott said Tuesday that Texas is going to such dramatic lengths because of frustration over the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia television station says a news helicopter has crashed in a forest in New Jersey, killing both the pilot and photographer on board. WPVI-TV says a pilot and photographer from its news team were in the helicopter when it went down about 8 p.m. Tuesday in Wharton State Forest in Hammonton. The helicopter was returning from an assignment at the Jersey Shore when it crashed in the woods. The station says New Jersey State Police troopers were able to locate the crash site, which is difficult to access. The station says it's unclear what caused the crash.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas’ top leader is in Cairo for talks on the war in Gaza. Ismail Haniyeh’s visit Wednesday is part of a flurry of diplomacy aimed at securing another cease-fire and hostage swap at a moment when the militant group is putting up stiff resistance to Israel’s offensive. It comes a day after Hamas fired rockets that set off air raid sirens in central Israel. Israel has called on the rest of the world to blacklist Hamas as a terrorist organization, saying it must be eradicated in the wake of its Oct. 7 rampage across southern Israel that triggered the war. But the sides have recently relaunched indirect talks recently.

A woman who bought a vase for $3.99 at a Virginia thrift store recently sold it for $107,000. Jessica Vincent said he bought it at a Goodwill outside Richmond and thought it would look nice in her house. But she soon learned the vase was extremely rare. It came from the Venetian island of Murano and was designed by the late architect Carlo Scarpa. The vase sold this month through Wright Auction House to a private European collector. Vincent plans to buy a new heating system in her farmhouse with the money. She is currently using two space heaters.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has memorialized Justice Sandra Day O’Connor as a pioneer in the legal world who inspired generations of women. O'Connor was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts joined Biden in speaking at Tuesday's services at Washington National Cathedral, calling her a "strong, influential and iconic jurist.” O’Connor was an Arizona native who served as an unwavering voice of moderate conservatism on the high court for more than two decades. The rancher’s daughter was nominated in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and came to wield considerable influence on the nine-member court. O’Connor retired at age 75 and died Dec. 1 in Phoenix.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is defending his comments about migrants crossing the southern border, who he had said are poisoning the blood of America. He said at a campaign rally in Waterloo, Iowa, on Tuesday that he had not read “Mein Kampf,” referencing Adolf Hitler's fascist manifesto. He reiterated his “blood” purity comments from over the weekend and said immigrants in the U.S. illegally are “destroying the blood of our country.” Trump has faced mounting criticism for his intensifying rhetoric as he seeks to make immigration policy a key piece of his second-term agenda. Experts have noted his language echoes writings from Hitler about the “purity” of Aryan blood, which underpinned Nazi Germany's systematic murder of millions of Jews.

Ja Morant makes his season debut, Providence knocks off Marquette, Aaron Rodgers won't be returning to the Jets this season and the Rangers top the Maple Leafs.

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington's Kalen DeBoer has been named The Associated Press coach of the year in college football. The Huskies are 13-0, won the Pac-12 championship and have a spot in the College Football Playoff in just DeBoer's second year in charge. The Huskies will face Texas in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 with a spot in the CFP championship game on the line. In DeBoer's two seasons, the Huskies are 24-2 overall. Mike Norvell of Florida State was second in voting and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz was third.

GRINDAVIK, Iceland (AP) — A volcano has erupted in southwestern Iceland with a flash of light into the evening sky in the land known for fire and ice. Iceland’s Meteorological Office says the eruption appears to have occurred late Monday near the town of Grindavik. The town was evacuated in November after strong seismic activity damaged homes and raised fears of an imminent eruption. The volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula is southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. The eruption could last days and isn’t expected to release ash into the air like another volcano did in 2010 that halted flights in Europe. There were no disruptions of flights to and from Iceland on Tuesday and international flight corridors remain open.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An orange tabby cat named Taters stars in the first video sent by laser from deep space, stealing the show as he chases a red laser light. The 15-second ultra high-definition video was beamed to Earth from NASA's Psyche spacecraft, 19 million miles away. It took less than two minutes for the video to reach Earth, sent at the system's maximum bit rate. The video was loaded for the demo before Psyche blasted off to a metal-rich asteroid in October. Team members at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory decided to feature an employee's playful kitty in the video released this week.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 19 at 7 a.m. CT:

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese media say at least 126 people have been killed in a magnitude 6.2 earthquake in the country’s northwest. The official People's Daily says 113 died in the province of Gansu and another 14 in neighboring Qinghai province. The quake struck just before midnight on Monday. More than 700 people have been injured. Emergency workers are searching for the missing in collapsed buildings and at least one landslide. People who lost their homes are preparing to spend a cold winter night in tents at hastily erected evacuation sites. Emergency authorities in Gansu issued an appeal for 300 additional workers for search and rescue operations, and Qinghai officials reported 20 people missing in a landslide.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has approved sweeping new powers that allow police to arrest migrants who illegally cross the U.S. border and give local judges authority to order them to leave the country. The new law signed Monday tests the limits of how far a state can go to enforce immigration laws. Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, and Texas’ law is likely to face swift legal challenges. Opponents have called it the most dramatic attempt by a state to police immigration since a 2010 Arizona law that was largely struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will be laid to rest with funeral services Tuesday. President Joe Biden and Chief Justice John Roberts are scheduled to speak at the funeral for the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. O’Connor was an Arizona native who served as an unwavering voice of moderate conservatism on the high court for more than two decades. The rancher’s daughter was nominated in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and came to wield considerable influence on the nine-member court. O’Connor retired at age 75 and died Dec. 1 in Phoenix.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces raided one of the last functioning hospitals in Gaza’s north and bombarded the south with airstrikes that killed at least 28 Palestinians. They are pressing ahead with their offensive Tuesday with renewed backing from the United States, despite rising international alarm. The air and ground war was launched in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel. It has killed nearly 20,000 Palestinians, displaced some 1.9 million, demolished much of northern Gaza and sparked attacks on U.S. and Israeli targets across the region. But after meeting with Israeli officials Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he was not there to dictate a timeline for the war.

U.S. Steel, the Pittsburgh steel producer that played a key role in the nation’s industrialization, is being acquired by Nippon Steel in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $14.1 billion. The transaction is worth about $14.9 billion when including the assumption of debt. Nippon, which will pay $55 per share for U.S. Steel, said Monday that the deal will bolster its manufacturing and technology capabilities. It will also expand Nippon’s production in the U.S. and add to its positions in Japan, India and the ASEAN region.

NEW YORK (AP) — Marvel Studios and the Walt Disney Co. have dropped actor Jonathan Majors after his conviction on charges of assaulting his former girlfriend in New York City earlier this year. A Manhattan jury convicted the “Creed III” star Monday of one misdemeanor assault charge and one harassment violation. A person familiar with the studio tells The Associated Press that Marvel and Disney immediately dropped Majors from all upcoming projects following the conviction. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter. Majors' sentencing is set for Feb. 6. He faces the possibility of up to a year in jail, though probation or other non-jail sentences also are possible.

Back up quarterback Drew Lock leads the Seahawks to a win over the Eagles, the Timberwolves move their record to 20 and 5, the Pistons creep closer to NBA futility, and the Iowa Senators fire their coach.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee without pay for the remainder of the season for what the league described as “repeated violations” of rules designed to protect player safety. The ruling means Kazee will miss Pittsburgh’s final three regular-season games and any potential playoff games if the Steelers (7-7) advance to the postseason. Kazee was ejected from Pittsburgh’s 30-13 loss to Indianapolis after hitting diving Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in the second quarter. Pittman laid out to try and catch a pass and Kazee made contact with Pittman’s head. Pittman left the game and went into the concussion protocol. The league ruled contact could have been avoided.

A Utah mother of six who gave parenting advice via a once-popular YouTube channel called “8 Passengers” has pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse for physically and emotionally abusing two of her children. Ruby Franke's attorney said she did so while under the influence of a relationship counselor who led her to a “distorted sense of morality.” The judge accepted the guilty pleas on Monday and scheduled sentencing for Feb. 20. Franke pleaded guilty to trying to convince her children they were evil and possessed and that their physical punishments were needed for them to repent. The children were also denied adequate food and water. Co-defendant Jodi Hildebrandt is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 27.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is gearing up for a subdued Christmas without the festive lights and customary Christmas tree towering over Manger Square. Officials in Jesus’ traditional birthplace have decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war. The cancellation of Christmas festivities, which typically draw thousands of visitors, is a severe blow to the town’s tourism-dependent economy. But the mayor and church leaders say joyous revelry is untenable at a time of immense suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. They say religious ceremonies, including Midnight Mass in the Church of the Nativity, will be held with a special emphasis on prayers for peace.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 18 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (AP) — A late-year storm has unleashed heavy rain and gusty winds as it barrels up the East Coast. The storm has flooded streets, forced water rescues and caused the cancellation of holiday celebrations. In the waterfront community of Georgetown, South Carolina, authorities say dozens of rescues occurred after motorists were stranded by floodwaters. The town is situated between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Media outlets are reporting water rescues on Kiawah and Seabrook islands. The tide gauge at Charleston, South Carolina, peaked at the city’s highest nontropical tide on record. The storm dumped up to five inches of rain across Florida.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — A car plowed into a parked SUV that was guarding President Joe Biden’s motorcade Sunday night while the president was leaving a visit to his campaign headquarters. The president and first lady Jill Biden were unharmed. While Biden was walking from the campaign office to his waiting armored SUV, a sedan hit a U.S. Secret Service vehicle that was being used to close off intersections near the headquarters for the president’s departure. The sedan then tried to continue into a closed-off intersection, before Secret Service personnel surrounded the vehicle with weapons drawn and instructed the driver to put his hands up. The Secret Service did not immediately comment on the incident.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to press Israel to wind down major combat operations in Gaza on a visit to the region Monday. It is the latest test of whether the U.S. can leverage its unwavering support for the offensive to blunt its devastating impact on Palestinian civilians. France, the U.K. and Germany joined global calls for a cease-fire over the weekend, and Israeli protesters have demanded the government relaunch talks with Hamas on releasing more hostages after three were mistakenly killed by Israeli troops. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will keep fighting until it removes Hamas from power, crushes its still-formidable military capabilities and returns the dozens of hostages still held by the group after its Oct. 7 attack.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines is paying a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement with the government over a meltdown last holiday season. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Monday the settlement shows his department will hold airlines accountable if they fail to treat customers properly. The airline canceled nearly 17,000 flights as a winter storm paralyzed operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew rescheduling system couldn’t keep up. Southwest says it didn't violate consumer protection laws but is striking the agreement to settle the matter. The carrier will pay the $35 million fine and get $33 million in credit for compensation already given to customers. Southwest also gets a $72 million credit for vouchers to future travelers through 2027.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s highest court just gave Democrats a chance to redraw the state’s congressional districts, a major victory as the party tries to flip seats in the state to win control of the U.S. House next year. Now the question is how far the state’s Democrat-dominated Legislature will try to push the boundaries in crucial battleground districts to give their party an advantage — and how far the courts will let them. The process will be closely watched for any sign of partisan gerrymandering, which is forbidden by state law. But experts say it’s unclear where the state’s highest court will land on determining what’s too partisan.

The 49ers clinch their division, the Ravens clinch a playoff spot, Bills produce a statement win against the Cowboys, the Celtics remain perfect at home and the Golden Knights pick up a win.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An autopsy report on “Friends” star Matthew Perry says he died from the acute effects of the drug ketamine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said in the autopsy report released Friday that Perry also drowned in the heated end of his pool, but said that was a secondary factor in his death deemed an accident. The report says coronary artery disease also contributed. Perry was declared dead at age 54 after being found unresponsive at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Oct. 28. Investigators performed an autopsy the following day.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “General Hospital” has won six trophies, including four for acting, at the Daytime Emmy Awards. The late Sonya Eddy won for her role as no-nonsense head nurse Epiphany Johnson on the venerable ABC show. She died last December at age 55. Robert Gossett claimed the supporting actor trophy for his role as Marshall Ashford. Eden McCoy won outstanding younger performer in a daytime drama. Alley Mills won for guest performance on “General Hospital.” The soap won outstanding daytime drama to cap a dominant night at the 50th annual awards. Susan Lucci of “All My Children” received a Lifetime Achievement Honor.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mayim Bialik won’t be giving answers as a host of “Jeopardy!” anymore. “The Big Bang Theory” actor has posted news of her departure on Instagram. Bialik says show producer Sony Pictures Television informed her that she will no longer be hosting the syndicated version. Former show champion Ken Jennings has been hosting season 40 of “Jeopardy!” by himself. Sony Pictures says in a statement that it decided to have a single host to maintain continuity for viewers. Bialik and Jennings had split hosting duties, but Bialik was the solo host for season 1 of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” In May, Bialik declared her support for the Hollywood writers' strike and declined to appear on the game show.

NEW YORK (AP) — “Wonka” debuted with $39 million in box office sales in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend. It's a strong start for the musical starring Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka, and underscores Chalamet's drawing power. Musicals have been tough sells in theaters in recent years, so much so that Warner Bros. downplayed the song and dance elements of “Wonka” in trailers. Instead, the studio emphasized Chalamet, the 27-year-old actor. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” again ranked second with $5.8 million in its fifth week of release. Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron,” dipped to third with $5.1 million.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — A Confederate memorial's days at Arlington National Cemetery are numbered. A cemetery official says the memorial is to be removed from the northern Virginia cemetery in the coming days. It's part of the push to remove symbols that commemorate the Confederacy from military facilities. The decision ignores a demand from some Republican congressmen that the Pentagon suspend efforts to remove the monument. A cemetery spokesperson says safety fencing has been installed and officials anticipate completing the removal by Dec. 22. A spokeswoman for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin says he plans to move the monument to the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park in the Shenandoah Valley.

A growing number of Black Americans see the struggle of Palestinians reflected in their own struggles for racial equality and civil rights. In recent years, the rise of protest movements against police brutality in the U.S., where structural racism plagues nearly every facet of life, has connected Black and Palestinian activists under a common cause. But that kinship sometimes strains the more than century-long alliance between Black and Jewish activists. Some Jewish Americans are concerned that Black support for the Palestinians could escalate the threat of antisemitism and weaken Jewish-Black ties fortified during the Civil Rights Movement.

PARIS (AP) — Notre Dame Cathedral has gotten its rooster back, in a pivotal moment for the Paris landmark’s restoration. The installation by a crane of a new golden rooster, reimagined as a dramatic phoenix with licking, flamed feathers, goes beyond being just a weathervane atop the cathedral spire. It symbolizes resilience amid destruction and marks a key step in the monument’s revival after the devastating April 2019 fire — as restoration officials also revealed the the monument is being kitted out with an anti-fire misting system under its roof. The rooster replaces the original that was destroyed in the blaze and will stand over 96 meters high on the spire.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the Golden Globe nominations, and Bruce has an interview with David Rysdahl, who stars in “Fargo” and appeared in “Oppenheimer.”

This week’s top headlines include:

“Barbie” led the Golden Globe nominations with nine, followed closely by “Oppenheimer.”
Shohei Ohtani signed a massive deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although most of that money will be deferred.
Andre Braugher (Brower), an Emmy-winning actor who starred in “Homicide” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” died at age 61.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 9 at 6 a.m. CT:

Airports and highways are expected to be busier this Christmas season than they were a year ago. Auto club AAA predicted Monday that 115 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the 10 days starting right before Christmas. That's about 2% more than last year, but not quite as many as 2019, the last holiday season before the pandemic. Most of those people will travel by car, and they'll enjoy slightly lower gasoline prices that a year ago. Airfares are also down a bit from high levels a year ago, according to government figures.

NEW YORK (AP) — Health officials are releasing the first nationally representative estimate of how many U.S. adults have chronic fatigue syndrome: 3.3 million. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s number is larger than previous studies have suggested. It is likely boosted by some of the patients with long COVID. Chronic fatigue is characterized by at least six months of severe exhaustion not helped by bed rest. There is no cure, and no blood test or scan to enable a quick diagnosis. Doctors have not been able to pin down a cause. Research suggests it is a body’s prolonged overreaction to an infection.

DETROIT (AP) — U.S. auto safety regulators say they have taken the first step toward requiring devices in vehicles that prevent drunk or impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on Tuesday that it is starting the process to put a new federal safety standard in place requiring the technology in all new passenger vehicles. Such devices were required in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was passed by Congress in 2021.

At a small rural Missouri high school, two English teachers shared a secret: Both were posting adult content on OnlyFans, the subscription-based website known for sexually explicit content. The site and others like it provide an opportunity for those willing to dabble in pornography to earn extra money — sometimes lots of it. The money is handy, especially in relatively low-paying fields like teaching. Many post the content anonymously while trying to maintain their day jobs. But some outed teachers and others in prominent fields have lost their jobs, raising questions about personal freedoms and how far employers can go to avoid stigma related to their employees’ after-hour activities.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google lost an antitrust lawsuit over barriers to its Android app store, as a federal court jury has decided that the company’s payments system was anticompetitive and damaged smartphone consumers and software developers. It’s a blow to a major pillar of a technology empire. But it’s a win for Epic Games, the maker of the popular Fortnite video game that brought the lawsuit — and, analyst say, for the broader game developer community. Apple prevailed in a similar case that Epic brought against the iPhone app store. But that 2021 trial was decided by a federal judge in a ruling that is under appeal at the U.S. Supreme Court.

GENEVA (AP) — The International Olympic Committee says some Russian athletes will be allowed to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The decision removes the option of a blanket ban due to the invasion of Ukraine. It confirms moves the IOC started one year ago to reintegrate Russia and its military ally Belarus into global sports. In March, the IOC urged sports governing bodies to look at ways to let individual athletes compete. The IOC says eight Russians and three from Belarus in individual sports have so far qualified for Paris.

Boston-based Lithuanian pianist Rasa Vitkauskaite has released a Christmas album of holiday classics. Her family suffered for years under oppression.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 15 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry has won his phone hacking lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mirror and was awarded over 140,000 pounds ($180,000) in the first of his several lawsuits against the tabloids to go to trial. Justice Timothy Fancourt in the High Court found on Friday that phone hacking was “widespread and habitual” at Mirror Group Newspapers over many years. He says private investigators were used substantially and “were an integral part of the system” to gather information unlawfully. He says executives at the papers were aware of it and covered it up. Harry had sought 440,000 pounds ($560,000) in the case as part of a crusade against the British media.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A prosecutor in Denmark says authorities are holding two people in custody and four others are the target of a terrorism investigation. The case coincides with one arrest in the Netherlands and several in Germany of alleged Hamas members. Denmark hasn’t said there is a Hamas link. But authorities in Germany said that three people arrested there are suspected of preparing for attacks Jewish institutions in Europe. Danish authorities say that one person was arrested in the Netherlands. But it wasn’t clear if there were any ties to the Hamas investigation in Germany. The prosecutor said Friday that the two suspects being held in Denmark were ordered to remain in pretrial detention until Jan. 9. The whereabouts of the other four weren’t immediately known.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The United States national security adviser is set to meet with the Palestinian president to discuss postwar arrangements for Gaza. A senior U.S. official says this could include reactivating Palestinian security forces driven out by Hamas in 2007. The proposal was presented as one of several. It was the first specific indicator of Washington’s vision for security arrangements in Gaza if Israel achieves its U.S.-backed objective of the war: To end Hamas control of the besieged enclave. Any role for Palestinian security forces in Gaza is bound to elicit strong opposition from Israel, which seeks to maintain an open-ended security presence there.

BEIJING (AP) — Two subway trains have collided in heavy snow in Beijing, sending 515 people to the hospital, including 102 with broken bones. Authorities said Friday the accident occurred the previous evening in Beijing’s mountainous west on an above-ground portion of the sprawling subway system’s Changping line. They say slippery tracks prompted automatic braking on the leading train. A train following from behind was on a descending section and went into a skid and was unable to brake in time. Emergency medical personnel, police and transport authorities responded, and all passengers were evacuated by about 11 p.m. Twenty-five passengers were under observation and 67 remained hospitalized on Friday morning.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials recently seized more than 1.4 million illegal e-cigarettes from overseas manufacturers, including the company behind Elf Bar. The fruity disposable products have become the top choice among underage American teens who vape. The Food and Drug Administration pegged the value of the e-cigarettes seized at Los Angeles Airport at $18 million. Many were mislabeled as toys, shoes and other household items in order to evade customs, officials said. In May, the FDA instructed customs officials to begin seizing shipments from the Chinese manufacturer behind Elf Bar. It’s the first time U.S. authorities have reported successfully blocking the company's imports.

NEW YORK (AP) — Three major U.S. retailers — Amazon, Target and Walmart — say they’re suspending sales of water-bead products marketed to young children due to growing safety concerns. Water beads are small, colorful balls made of superabsorbent polymers. They’re are often sold as toys, including in craft activity kits, and as sensory tools for children with developmental disabilities. But warnings about the dangers of the beads being ingested have been piling up. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 7,800 water bead-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms between 2016 and 2022.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the age-old adage goes, don’t mess with success. On Wednesday, comedian Trevor Noah announced that he will once again host the Grammy Awards in 2024. For those keeping count, the 66th Grammys marks his fourth consecutive year of hosting duties. Noah shared the news Wednesday night on his podcast “What Now? With Trevor Noah.” The 2024 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 4 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. SZA heads into the 2024 ceremony with a leading nine nominations. Phoebe Bridgers has the second-most nominations, with seven.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mickey Mouse is about to belong to you and me. The earliest version of Disney's most famous character, and arguably the most iconic character in American pop culture, will become public domain on Jan. 1, 2024. That's because the copyright on his first screen appearance, the 1928 short “Steamboat Willie,” is expiring. Many experts thought the day would never come. Congress in the past has extended the copyright period to assure it didn't happen. Minnie Mouse, who also appears in “Steamboat Willie,” also becomes public domain, as does Winnie the Pooh's friend Tigger as the book in which he first appeared in, “The House at Pooh Corner,” turns 96.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two-time ABA champion and three-time NBA All-Star George McGinnis has died. He was 73. McGinnis was considered one of the best prep players to play in the basketball-rich state of Indiana. He spent two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers, earning third team All-American honors in the only season he actually played. McGinnis then became one of the first underclassmen to play professional basketball, joining the Indiana Pacers in 1971. He also played for the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets before finishing his 11-year career back with the Pacers. He was the ABA's 1974-75 MVP and a three-time ABA All-Star.

The Raiders stick it to the Chargers, the Celtics remain perfect at home, another triple double for Nicola Jokic, and the Blues coaching change works as they drew it up.

The National Football League continues to make incremental, widespread progress in its diversity hiring practices, according to an annual report. The report card from The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida gave the NFL an overall grade of a B-plus, which is the highest mark for the league since the study began in 1988. The league received a B-plus mark for racial hiring and a B for gender hiring.

NEW YORK (AP) — Six jerseys worn by soccer superstar Lionel Messi during Argentina’s winning run at last year’s World Cup have sold for $7.8 million. The auction house Sotheby's says Thursday's final price for the shirts is the highest price for an item of sports memorabilia this year, Sotheby’s said. Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in the World Cup final in Qatar. The victory represented a crowning moment for one of the sport’s greatest-ever players. The shirts were on display at Sotheby’s New York headquarters during the two-week online auction that ended Thursday. No information on the winning bidder was released.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 14 at 7 a.m. CT:

The House has authorized the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Every Republican rallied behind the politically charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president.

The Kentucky congressman who's leading House Republicans' impeachment investigation of President Joe Biden has focused on the Biden family’s use of shell companies. Rep. James Comer says the Democratic president’s family has used such companies to obscure its earnings from “shady” business deals. But Comer has a shell company of his own, which he uses to hold land co-owned with a longtime campaign donor.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will keep fighting Hamas despite international calls for a cease-fire. His announcement late Wednesday follows one of the deadliest single attacks that Palestinian militants have carried out since the ground invasion of Gaza began.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says there will be no peace in Ukraine until Moscow achieves its goals, which remain unchanged after nearly two years of fighting. Putin said Thursday Moscow is in dialogue with with the United States on the issue of bringing home jailed Americans Paul Whelan and Evan Gershkovich and the Kremlin hopes to “find a solution,” even though “it’s not easy.”

A judge says Donald Trump’s 2020 election interference case in Washington will be put on hold while the former president further pursues his claims that he is immune from prosecution. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan agreed Wednesday to pause any “further proceedings that would move this case towards trial or impose additional burdens of litigation on Defendant.”

The Supreme Court says it'll hear appeals that could upend hundreds of charges stemming from the Capitol riot, including against ex-President Donald Trump. The justices agreed Wednesday to review an appellate ruling that revived a charge against three defendants from Texas, Pennsylvania and New York accused of obstruction of an official proceeding.

Medication abortion is the preferred method of ending pregnancy in the U.S. Mifepristone is one of the two drugs used and it will go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court next year. The Supreme Court will hear a case in the spring that could block mail-order access to mifepristone and impose restrictions on its use, even where abortion remains legal.

The Bucks win behind a history-making night from one of their stars, a pair of long NBA losing streaks continue, a Warriors forward is disciplined by the league, the Devils need extra time to emerge victorious and two top 25 men's basketball teams lose to unranked opponents. Also: The NFL approves a regular-season game for Brazil in 2024, college athletes who transfer twice can play, for now, and Virginia has 'understanding' about landing Washington's NBA, NHL teams.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 13 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is pushing toward a vote to authorize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden formally. This comes as Republicans rally behind the charged process despite lingering concerns among some in the party that the investigation has yet to produce evidence of misconduct by the president. House Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have been facing growing pressure to show progress in what has become a nearly yearlong probe centered around the business dealings of Biden’s family members. Their investigation has raised ethical questions, but no evidence has emerged that Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Negotiators at United Nations COP28 climate talks agreed Wednesday that the world must transition away from planet-warming fossil fuels. It was a significant step toward shifting how the world is powered but one filled with questions about how soon and who will pay for the transition. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gaveled through the text at a plenary session in Dubai after more than two weeks of discussions that saw nations try and figure out a way for the world to stay in line with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times. Countries were split between those wanting strong language on a phase-out of fossil fuels and others who wanted some way to continue burning oil, gas and coal.

DETROIT (AP) — Tesla is recalling more than 2 million vehicles across its model lineup to fix a defective system that’s supposed to ensure drivers are paying attention when they use Autopilot. Documents posted by U.S. safety regulators say the company will send out a software update to fix the problems. The recall comes after a two-year investigation by U.S. auto safety regulators into a series of crashes that happened while the Autopilot partially automated driving system was in use. Some were deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says its investigation found Autopilot’s method of ensuring that drivers are paying attention can be inadequate and “can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system."

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis, who turns 87 on Sunday, said he never thought about resigning this year despite a series of health scares.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Current and former inmates of the Alabama prison system have filed a lawsuit challenging the prison labor program. The lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court says prisoners are forced to work for little and sometimes even no pay in jobs that benefit government entities or private companies. They called it a kind of ''modern day slavery." The class-action lawsuit also accuses the state of maintaining a discriminatory parole system with a low release rate that ensures a supply of laborers from a disproportionately Black workforce. The Alabama Department of Corrections declined to comment on the lawsuit. The state has previously maintained that prison and work release jobs prepare inmates for life after incarceration.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andre Braugher, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles on the series “Homicide: Life on The Street” and “Brooklyn 99." Braugher's publicist Jennifer Allen said he died Monday at age 61. The Chicago-born actor had his breakthrough role alongside Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman in 1989’s “Glory" the Oscar-winning film about an All-black regiment during the Civil War. He played a detective for seven seasons in the 1990s on the NBC police drama “Homicide: Life on the Street." Later he played a police captain for eight seasons in the Fox comedy “Brooklyn Nine-Nine." He won two Emmys and was nominated 11 times.

ATLANTA (AP) — The trial for rapper Young Thug and five other people is on pause until early next year after one of the defendants was stabbed in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. The sheriff's office said 31-year-old Shannon Stillwell was stabbed multiple times Sunday evening during a fight with another man housed in the same part of the jail. Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville told jurors Tuesday morning that he was releasing them early for the holidays. Previously, the holiday break had been scheduled to start at the end of the proceedings Friday. Glanville told jurors to return Jan. 2 to continue the trial.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Claudine Gay will remain leader of the prestigious Ivy League school following her comments last week at a congressional hearing on antisemitism. Gay came under intense scrutiny following the hearing in which she and two of her peers struggled to answer questions about campus antisemitism. Their responses provoked backlash from Republican opponents, along with alumni and donors who say the university leaders are failing to stand up for Jewish students on their campuses. The Harvard Corporation, the university’s highest governing body, released a statement Tuesday saying it unanimously supports Gay.

The Mavericks and Celtics among the NBA's biggest winners, Toronto picked up a key NHL win, the St. Louis Blues made a coaching change, Justin Herbert’s season is over for the Chargers, the San Francisco Giants have reportedly inked a big contract with a Korean player, and Notre Dame has again landed another former ACC quarterback to lead its offense.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 12 at 7 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is warning that “when the free world hesitates, that’s when dictatorships celebrate.” He is also issuing a personal plea for Congress to break its deadlock and approve continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Zelenskyy spoke Monday at the National Defense University in Washington. President Joe Biden has asked Congress for $61.4 billion for wartime funding for Ukraine as part of a $110 billion package that also includes money for Israel and other national security priorities. The request is stalled in Congress. Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Biden and lawmakers on Tuesday.

Israel is pressing ahead with an offensive against Gaza’s Hamas rulers that it says could go on for weeks or months. Ahead of a non-binding vote at the United Nations later Tuesday, Israel and the United States face global calls for a cease-fire in Gaza. More than 17,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, around two-thirds of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. About 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced within the besieged territory, where United Nations agencies say there is no safe place to flee. The war began when Hamas raided southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 240 hostages.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith is asking the Supreme Court to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results. A federal judge had ruled the case could go forward, but Trump signaled he’d ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome. Smith's request Monday is an attempt to bypass the appeals court. The high court justices indicated later Monday that they would decide quickly whether to hear the case, ordering Trump’s lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. Trump’s presidential campaign says, “There is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial."

NEW YORK (AP) — Firefighters say they haven't found any victims of a partial building collapse in the Bronx. Firefighters spent hours Monday searching a huge mound of rubble after a corner of an apartment building collapsed, leaving apartments exposed like a stack of shelves. Fire officials say two people who evacuated the building received minor injuries. Firefighters used a search dog, a robotic dog and at least one drone to make sure nobody was trapped in the rubble. Officials were looking into what caused the collapse. The 1927 building has been undergoing facade repairs. Buildings Commissioner James Oddo says there were seven unresolved violations pending at the property, but they weren’t structural.

Waukegan, Ill. (AP) — The man accused of killing seven people at a Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago last year has fired his public defenders and told the judge he plans to represent himself at trial. A Lake County judge questioned his decision several times before scheduling a trial for February. Robert Crimo III has been charged with 21 counts of first-degree murder, 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. Crimo has insisted he understands the possible penalties he faces, including consecutive life sentences. The judge told Crimo he will be responsible for all aspects of his defense.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Attorneys for a pregnant Texas woman who sought court permission for an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. say she has left the state to obtain the procedure. The announcement came Monday as 31-year-old Kate Cox awaited a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court over whether she could legally obtain an abortion under narrow exceptions to the state’s bans. A judge gave Cox permission last week but that decision was put on hold by the state’s all-Republican high court. The court ruled against Cox later Monday. Cox's lawsuit quickly became a high-profile test of bans in Texas and a dozen other GOP-controlled states, where abortion is prohibited at nearly all stages of pregnancy.

The Titans pull off a stunning comeback win over the Dolphins, the Giants get a late field goal to beat the Packers, Shohei Ohtani will have a huge part of his contract deferred, and the Nuggets snap their skid.

Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels from LSU was one of seven players in either their fifth or sixth season of college football selected to The Associated Press All-America team. Daniels, a fifth-year quarterback, won the Heisman and AP player of the year honors after accounting for 50 touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards of offense this season. He was joined in the backfield by Missouri’s Cody Schrader, a sixth-year running back who leads the nation at 124.9 rushing yards per game. Sixth-year linebacker Payton Wilson from North Carolina State led the first-team defense.

North Carolina star quarterback Drake Maye is entering the NFL draft and won’t play in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl for the Tar Heels against West Virginia. Maye announced his decision in a social media post Monday. That ended his UNC career after putting up prolific numbers and making himself one of the most sought-after potential prospects for the NFL. The school has also announced that all-ACC linebacker Cedric Gray, receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker, offensive lineman Corey Gaynor and defensive lineman Myles Murphy are all entering the draft. Of that group, only Murphy is set to play in the bowl.

Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” dominated the Golden Globe nominations with nine nods for the blockbuster film, including best picture musical or comedy as well as acting nominations for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and three of its original songs. It was closely followed by its release date and meme companion “Oppenheimer,” which scored eight nominations, including best picture drama and for actors Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt. The revamped group, now a for-profit endeavor with a larger and more diverse voting body, announced nominations Monday for its January awards show, after scandal and several troubled years. The show airs Jan. 7 from Beverly Hills.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 11 at 7 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump says he's decided against testifying for a second time at his New York civil fraud trial. In a social media post Sunday, the former president said he “very successfully & conclusively” testified last month and saw no need to appear again. Trump had been expected to return to the witness stand Monday as the last big defense witness in the case, which threatens his real estate empire and cuts to the heart of his image as a successful businessman. In all capital letters, Trump said, “I have already testified to everything & have nothing more to say.” He was often defiant and combative when he testified last month.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Central Tennessee residents and emergency workers are digging out from devastating weekend storms that killed six people, toppled houses and cut power to tens of thousands. Government officials confirmed that three people died after a tornado struck Montgomery County north of Nashville near the Kentucky state line on Saturday afternoon. The Nashville Emergency Operation Center confirmed that three others were killed as a result of tornadoes in a neighborhood near downtown. Dozens more were hospitalized. Communities worked to begin repairing damaged houses with strewn debris. Other harrowing scenes included a tractor-trailer flipped on its side and insulation ripped out of building walls.

Israel says Hamas still has 117 hostages and the remains of 20 people who died in captivity or during the initial attack. The Israeli toll includes 104 soldiers who have died since the start of the Gaza ground offensive in late October.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will meet at the White House on Tuesday as the U.S. administration steps up the pressure on Congress to provide billions more in aid to Kyiv in its war with Russia. The White House says the visit is intended “to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment" to Ukraine's defense against Russia’s invasion “at this critical moment.” Biden has asked Congress for a $110 billion package of wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel. But the request is caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Zelenskyy also has been asked to speak to senators.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Actor Ryan O’Neal, who was nominated for an Oscar for the tear-jerker “Love Story” and played opposite his precocious daughter Tatum in “Paper Moon,” has died. O’Neal's son Patrick said on Instagram that his father died Friday. No cause was given, but Ryan O'Neal was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012. In 1970s films such as “Paper Moon” and Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon,” the actor used his boyish, blond good looks to play men who hid shadowy backgrounds. Twice divorced, O’Neal was romantically involved with actor Farrah Fawcett for more than two decades and remained by her side as she battled cancer. She died in 2009.

VISALIA, Calif. (AP) — A county prosecutor’s office says one of its law clerks passed the State Bar of California exam at age 17. The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office says that, according to research, Peter Park is the youngest person to pass the exam. The State Bar said Friday that it could not confirm that Park is the youngest, but it hailed the achievement. Executive Director Leah Wilson calls it an extraordinary feat. Park began high school in 2019 at age 13 and simultaneously began a four-year law program after completing college-level proficiency exams. He took the exam in July and received the results on Nov. 9. He became a law clerk for the DA’s office in August, turned 18 in late November and was sworn in as an attorney on Tuesday.

The Cowboys win a big NFC East showdown, the Bills win a close one in Kansas City, the Ravens get a special teams score to prevail in overtime, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has a big day, a former all pro tight end dies in an apparent accident, eight games highlight the NHL schedule and a pair of men's college basketball top 25 teams lose. Correspondent Mike Reeves reports.

NEW YORK (AP) — Japanese anime master Hayao Miyazaki’s is No. 1 at the North American box office for the first time in his decades-spanning career. According to studio estimates Miyazaki’s latest enchanting film “The Boy and the Heron” debuted with $12.8 million. The long-awaited animated fantasy from the director of “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro” and other cherished anime classics, is only the third anime to top the box office in U.S. and Canadian theaters and the first original anime to do so. Another Japanese film — “Godzilla Minus One" — also charted high, with $8.3 million. Last week’s top film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” dropped steeply in its second weekend with $5 million.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Heisman Trophy race is looking wide open for 2024. Three of the four finalist this year, including winner Jayden Daniels of LSU, are out of eligibility. The other, Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State is likely to jump to the NFL as a junior. Heading into next season there are fewer obvious candidates for an award that has been dominated by quarterbacks, especially transfer QBs. Among those to watch: Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Georgia's Carson Beck and former Oklahoma and UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who plans to play a sixth season of college football at Oregon.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Anthony Davis had seasons highs of 41 points and 20 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament title with a 123-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night. Austin Reaves added 28 points, tournament MVP LeBron James had 24 points and 11 rebounds and D’Angelo Russell added 13 points. Tyrese Haliburton had 20 points and 11 assists for Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin also scored 20 points. The game was the only one in the tournament that doesn’t count in the standings, but there was still plenty on the line. In addition to taking home a trophy, Lakers players on standard contracts each made $500,000 and the Pacers received $200,000 apiece. Players on two-way deals take home half those amounts.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nicki Minaj’s highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Pink Friday 2,” is here. Out Friday, on her 41st birthday, the 22-track “Pink Friday 2” is Minaj’s first full-length release in five years. The road to “Pink Friday 2” has been long, with the album initially teased more than three years ago and its release date delayed twice. In September, Minaj hosted the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards and performed her latest single, the dreamy “Last Time I Saw You,” before teasing a fiery new trap cut from “Pink Friday 2.” She's called her latest album as “the biggest gift I have ever given humanity thus far.”

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss new shows coming to TV and streaming services, including a Lifetime movie starring Bill Pullman as Alex Murdaugh.

This week’s top headlines include:

The Yankees make a splash at the Winter Meetings by acquiring Juan Soto from the Padres and completing a rare trade with the Red Sox.
Norman Lear, who created some of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, died at the age of 101.
NCAA President Charlie Baker called for a new tier of Division I where schools would pay athletes.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 9 at 6 a.m. CT:

McDonald's expects to open nearly 10,000 McDonald's restaurants worldwide over the next four years — to reach a total of 50,000 restaurants — a pace of growth that would be unprecedented even for the world's largest burger chain.

A prominent disinformation scholar is accusing Harvard University in a whistleblower disclosure of muzzling her speech and stifling — then dismantling — her research team as it launched a deep dive into a damning trove of Facebook files. The 2021 actions impacting Joan Donovan’s work coincided with a $500 million donation by a foundation run by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan.

Fewer airplanes and helicopters will be flying tourists over Mount Rushmore and other national monuments and parks as new regulations take effect that are intended to protect the serenity of some of the nation’s most beloved natural areas. The air tours have pitted tour operators against visitors frustrated with the noise for decades, but it has come to a head as new management plans are rolled out at nearly two dozen national parks and monuments.

A mother and her 14-year-old daughter are advocating for better protections for victims after AI-generated nude images of the teen and other female classmates were circulated at a high school in New Jersey. The case has put a spotlight yet again on explicit AI-generated material that overwhelmingly harms women and children.

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A 70-year-old woman in Uganda has given birth to twins after receiving fertility treatment, making her one of the world’s oldest new mothers. Safina Namukwaya, gave birth to a boy and a girl via cesarean section at the hospital in the capital, Kampala, where she had been receiving in vitro fertilization treatment, said a hospital spokesman.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A 23-year-old woman who recently started her first nursing job at a New Hampshire hospital was attending a training session on cardiac arrest when she, herself, suffered the medical emergency. Andy Hoang’s fellow nurses help save her life last month after she started feeling dizzy and nauseated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 8 at 6 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden has been indicted on nine tax charges in California as a special counsel investigation into the business dealings of President Joe Biden’s son intensifies against the backdrop of the looming 2024 election. The indictment Thursday includes three felonies and six misdemeanors. Special counsel David Weiss says Hunter Biden “spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills.” Defense attorney Abbe Lowell argues prosecutors bowed to political pressure in the case, which had been expected to end with a plea deal before it imploded over the summer. The new charges are in addition to federal firearms charges in Delaware alleging Hunter Biden broke laws against drug users having guns in 2018.

BAGHDAD (AP) — U.S. and Iraqi officials say a rocket attack at the sprawling U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has caused minor damage but no casualties. Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks that targeted bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began two months ago. The embassy is in the heavily fortified Green Zone of Iraq's capital. An Iraqi security official said 14 Katyusha rockets were fired on Friday, of which some struck near one of the U.S. Embassy’s gates. A U.S. military official said rockets hit the vicinity of the Union III base that houses offices of the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says there is “a gap” between what Israel pledged to do to protect Palestinian civilians and the results so far since it began intensive military operations against Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Police say the suspect in a deadly shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, had a list of targets at the school and at East Carolina University in North Carolina, where he once worked. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Thursday that the suspect, identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, also had 150 additional rounds of ammunition before he was killed by police. Officials say three faculty members were killed and a fourth was wounded Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to censure Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman for triggering a fire alarm in a U.S. Capitol office building when the chamber was in session. The New York congressman Thursday became the third Democrat in the House to be admonished this year through the process. “Censure me next. That’s how worthless your effort is,” Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on the floor late Wednesday. “It has no credibility. No integrity. No legitimacy. Censure me next, and I’ll take that censure and I’ll wear it next week, next month, next year like a badge of honor.” The vote is the latest example of how the chamber has begun to deploy punishments like censure, long viewed as a punishment of last resort, routinely and often in strikingly partisan ways.

The Steelers see their playoff chances take a hit on Thursday Night Football, Jayden Daniels garners a big postseason college football award, the NBA's in-season tournament final is set, and the Sharks rally from a big deficit for an overtime win.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is putting pharmaceutical companies on notice. Washington is warning them that if the price of certain drugs is too high, the government might cancel their patent protection and allow rivals to make their own versions. Under a plan announced Thursday, the government would consider overriding the patent for high-priced drugs that have been developed with the help of taxpayer money and letting competitors make them in hopes of driving down the cost. The administration did not immediately release details about how the process will work and how it will deem a drug costly enough to act. If the plan is enacted, drugmakers are almost certain to sue.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A Texas judge has given a pregnant woman whose fetus had a fatal diagnosis permission to get an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to the state’s ban that took effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned last year. It was unclear Thursday how quickly or whether Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas area, will be able to obtain an abortion. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble has granted a temporary restraining order allowing Cox to have an abortion. The state has not said if it plans to appeal. Cox is 20 weeks pregnant. Her attorneys say Cox went to an emergency room this week for a fourth time during her pregnancy.

PARIS (AP) — When Notre Dame went up in flames in 2019, people who worked in the cathedral felt orphaned. With the reopening of the world-famous Paris landmark drawing closer by the day, they’re now beginning to picture their return to the place they call home. They are impatient to breathe life back into its restored stones and vast spaces with their songs and prayers. On Friday, Notre Dame's rebirth from the devastating fire will hit a major milestone. It will begin the last year of repair work before the cathedral reopens its huge doors to the public on Dec. 8, 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will mark the 12-month countdown by donning a hard hat and touring the fenced-off reconstruction site.

LONDON (AP) — Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in sometimes angry testimony to Britain’s inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic, on Thursday defended himself against suggestions that his indifference and failure to heed the advice of scientists led to thousands of unnecessary deaths. In a second day of sworn testimony, Johnson rejected claims that he was prepared to let older people die to protect the economy and that he was too slow to order a second national lockdown as infection rates began to rise in the autumn of 2020.

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” will get a theatrical release in Japan after all. The Japanese distributor Bitters End said Thursday that it will play in the country’s theaters in 2024. In a statement, Bitters End wrote that the decision was made, “following months of thoughtful dialogue associated with the subject matter and acknowledging the particular sensitivity for us Japanese.” “Oppenheimer” is about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the so-called “father of the atomic bomb,” and chronicles the development of the weapon during World War II. The film addresses but does not explicitly depict the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S.

NEW YORK (AP) — A woman has sued the hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs claiming he and two other men raped her 20 years ago in a New York City recording studio when she was 17. The lawsuit filed Wednesday accuses Combs, Harve Pierre, the former president of Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment, and a third man of plying the accuser with drugs and alcohol and then raping her in 2003. Combs denied the allegations in a statement and vowed to fight for his name. The lawsuit follows three other lawsuits accusing Combs of abuse. Combs has denied those allegations as well.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 7 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

Chris Christie is doubling down on his criticism that his fellow Republican presidential candidates are too timid to take on Donald Trump and his legal troubles. The former New Jersey governor said after Wednesday’s debate that the other three candidates on stage in Tuscaloosa were “pretending we’re the only four candidates in the race.” Christie noted that Nikki Haley remained silent through an extended discussion of Trump’s fitness for office. Christie said if Haley, Ron DeSantis and others are afraid to take on Trump, they aren’t up to being head of state and sitting across the table from other world leaders.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Three people are dead and a fourth in critical but stable condition after a gunman opened fire at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas before police killed him in a shootout. Wednesday's attack had terrified students and professors cowering in classrooms. A law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the investigation tells The Associated Press that the shooter was a professor who'd unsuccessfully sought a job at the school. The campus is only a couple of miles from the Las Vegas Strip, where the worst mass shooting in U.S. history took place in October 2017. Police say lessons learned from that tragedy helped them confront Wednesday's attack.

MOSCOW (AP) — State news agencies and authorities in Russia say a girl shot several classmates before killing herself at a school in the city of Bryansk. Initial reports said one person besides the shooter was killed and five people were wounded in Thursday's gunfire. Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reports that one of the people injured is in serious condition. Russia's Investigative Committee says the girl brought a pump-action shotgun to school that she used to fire at her classmates. Russia’s Interior Ministry said it was looking into a motive for the shooting, which is among several school shootings in the country in recent years.

The Israeli military hit Rafah in southern Gaza overnight, residents say, as United Nations officials warn there are no safe places left in the besieged territory. The center of Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis, has also seen fighting amid Israel’s widening air and ground offensive in the southern part of the territory that has displaced tens of thousands more Palestinians and worsened dire humanitarian conditions.

On Dec. 7, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched an air raid on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as well as targets in Malaya, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines and Wake Island; the United States declared war against Japan the next day.

Next year's Belmont Stakes will take place at Saratoga Race Course. New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the move Wednesday. The final leg of horse racing's Triple Crown June 8 will be shortened to 1 1/4 miles and the purse increased from $1.5 million to $2 million. The change of location for at least 2024 is because of a massive renovation of Belmont Park. It'll be the first time the race is held at Saratoga. The Belmont construction project is also expected to keep the race in Saratoga in 2025.

The EV trend in the US at the end of 2023 is a little tough to tease out. Overall sales hit a record, but they’re also falling short of expectations amid the industry’s push to transition away from combustion engines and quickly towards EVs. EV inventory is building on dealer lots, and many EV models are taking longer to sell than gas counterparts. Some automakers are discounting their EVs to get them to move. Ford decreased Mach-E production in recent months. This story addresses the many EV market dynamics consumers are seeing.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two months ago, Kevin McCarthy was booted as House speaker. Now, the Republican congressman from California says he's resigning and will leave Congress by year's end. His announcement caps a stunning end of his House career for the onetime deli counter owner from Bakersfield, California. McCarthy has risen through state and national politics to become second in line to the presidency as speaker, until hard-right conservatives engineered his removal in October. McCarthy made his announcement in The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday and wrote that he'll “serve America in new ways.” McCarthy had brought Republicans into the majority but found it was much more difficult to lead the GOP’s factions.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has announced it is grounding all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters, one week after eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members died in a crash off the coast of Japan. The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps took the extraordinary step of grounding hundreds of aircraft after a preliminary investigation of last week’s crash indicated that a materiel failure — that something went wrong with the aircraft — and not a mistake by the crew led to the deaths. The crash raised new questions about the safety of the Osprey, which has been involved in multiple fatal accidents over its relatively short time in service. Japan grounded its fleet of 14 Ospreys after the crash.

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A Nevada grand jury has indicted six Republicans who submitted certificates to Congress falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of the 2020 presidential election, making the Western swing state the third to seek charges against so-called “fake electors.” Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford began investigating the fake electors last month. The announcement represents a shift for Ford, who previously was quiet on whether he would investigate the fake electors before saying that state law did not directly address whether he could pursue charges. Fake electors were also charged in Michigan and Georgia, while 10 Republicans who posed as electors in Wisconsin settled a civil lawsuit Wednesday.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Coast Guard officials are promising reforms after an internal review found a “permissive environment” for sexual assault and harassment in the service. The report comes months after the Coast Guard apologized for failing to adequately handle cases of sexual assault and harassment at the service’s academy in Connecticut. The review was ordered by Admiral Linda Fagan, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. It recommends a range of reforms, including an end to an environment in which inappropriate jokes and comments were tolerated. It promised a greater focus on preventing inappropriate behavior at the earliest stages.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department says four Russian men accused of torturing an American during the invasion of Ukraine have been charged with war crimes in a first-of-its-kind case. It's the first prosecution against members of the Russian armed forces in connection with atrocities during Moscow’s war against Ukraine. And it's the first time the Justice Department has brought charges under a nearly 30-year-old statute that makes it a crime to subject an American to torture or inhumane treatment during a war. The charges are largely symbolic for now, given the unlikely prospects of the department bringing into custody any of the four defendants, who are fugitives.

The Yankees acquire Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal, Joel Embiid scores 50 while the Mavericks win by 50, Marquette wins a Top 20 matchup with Texas, and the Panthers outshine the Stars on ice.

Some of the words tied to this year’s hottest topics were also among the most mangled when it came to saying them aloud. This year’s lists of the most mispronounced words in the U.S. and Britain were released Thursday by Babbel. The online language learning company commissions The Closed Captioning Group in the U.S. and the British Institute of Verbatim Reports in the U.K. to identify the top words that news anchors, politicians and other public figures have struggled with. Pronunciations that stumped included the first name of the Irish actor starring in “Oppenheimer,” Cillian Murphy. The experts at Babbel his name is pronounced KI-lee-uhn. Another name making was the singer SZA, which they say is pronounced SIZ-uh.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Norman Lear has died. The producer who made TV topical in the 1970s with the sitcom “All in the Family,” died Tuesday night at the age of 101 years old. “All in the Family" starred Carroll O’Connor as diehard conservative Archie Bunker, who clashed with his liberal son-in-law over racism, feminism and the Vietnam War. It was one of a string of TV hits for Lear and then-partner Bud Yorkin that also included “Maude” and “The Jeffersons.” Lear’s series reflected his political beliefs, which he put into action by founding the nonprofit liberal advocacy group People for the American Way.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 6 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is declining to rule out abusing power if he again wins the presidency. Trump has talked about targeting his rivals and has referred to them as vermin. Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity asked Trump on Tuesday night to respond to growing Democratic criticism of his rhetoric, asking if he would promise that he “would never abuse power as retribution against anybody.” Trump responded, “Except for day one.” President Joe Biden has stepped up his warnings about Trump, contending Trump is “determined to destroy American democracy.”

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The shrinking field of Republican presidential hopefuls are preparing to gather on a debate stage for the fourth time this year. The debate Wednesday at the University of Alabama will be their last meeting before the Iowa caucuses kick off the presidential nominating season next month. Four candidates will be on stage, but front-runner Donald Trump will not be among them. The former president has skipped all the debates to avoid giving his trailing rivals more attention.

On Tuesday, Israel’s military entered Gaza’s second-largest city in its pursuit to wipe out the territory’s Hamas rulers. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry says the territory's death toll has surpassed 16,200. Around 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Air Force Special Operations Command has recovered the remains of six of the eight service members who were lost when their Osprey aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan last week. It says it is focused on recovering the two bodies still missing and the aircraft debris. The crew ranged from 24 to 36 years old and came from eight states: California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Utah. Their commander says the sorrow among the small Air Force Special Operations community “is immeasurable.” President Joe Biden says he and first lady Jill Biden are heartbroken by the loss. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shared a condolence message with Biden.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis says he's “much better” after a two-week bout of bronchitis but says speaking still makes him tired. Francis asked an aide to read his remarks at his weekly general audience Wednesday. Francis turns 87 on Dec. 17 and had part of one lung removed as a young man. He came down with the flu on Nov. 25 and was forced to cancel a planned trip to Dubai to participate in the U.N. climate conference. He later revealed he had been diagnosed with an acute case of infectious bronchitis that made breathing difficult.

Former President Donald Trump’s civil business fraud trial has turned to one of the topics that has vexed him most — the disputed value of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach luxury real estate broker Lawrence Moens took the stand for Trump's defense Tuesday. Moens played a glimmering video of the historic waterfront estate and testified that he’d value it at over $1 billion as of 2021. State Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit claims that Trump and his company deceived lenders and others by giving them financial statements that greatly overstated the values of some of his prime assets, including by listing Mar-a-Lago at up to $612 million. Trump denies any wrongdoing.

BOSTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has told campaign donors that he isn’t sure he’d be running for reelection if Donald Trump wasn’t also in the race. Biden warned Tuesday that democracy is “more at risk in 2024” and that the former president and his allies are out to “destroy” democratic institutions. Biden is using a trio of fundraisers to caution against what might happen should Trump again claim control of the White House. He noted that Trump has described himself as his supporters’ “retribution” and has vowed to root out “vermin” in the country.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate in a single stroke has approved about 425 military promotions after Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over a Pentagon abortion policy. Tuberville had been under pressure from members of both sides of the political aisle to end his holds as senators complained about the toll it was taking on service members and their families, and on military readiness. Tuberville said holds would continue, however, for about 11 of the highest-ranking military officers. President Joe Biden calls the Senate’s action long overdue and says the military confirmations should never have been held up.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has set the record for the most Senate tiebreaker votes, topping a nearly 200-year-old mark by casting her 32nd to help confirm a new federal judge in Washington, D.C. The previous recordholder was John C. Calhoun, who cast 31 tiebreaker votes during his eight years as vice president, from 1825 to 1832. Harris tied Calhoun's record in July and broke it Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calls the fellow Democrat's vote a “great milestone.” Casting tiebreaker votes is among the only constitutional duties for vice presidents. Harris has been repeatedly called on to break deadlocks because the Senate is so closely divided between Democrats and Republicans.

The Bucks and Lakers advance, two top ten college basketball teams meet in New York, San Jose Sharks rally to beat the New York Islanders, the NCAA wants more benefits paid towards Division one athletes.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The New York Yankees have made a rare trade with the rival Boston Red Sox, acquiring outfielder Alex Verdugo for right-handers Greg Weissert, Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice. It was just the eighth trade between the teams since Major League Baseball split into divisions in 1969. Verdugo, a 27-year-old left-handed hitter, batted .264 with 13 homers, 54 RBIs and a .745 OPS this year in his fourth season with the Red Sox.

NEW YORK (AP) — Remember what you searched for in 2023? Well, Wikipedia has the receipts. English Wikipedia raked in more than 84 billion views this year. That's according to numbers collected by the Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit behind the free, publicly edited online encyclopedia. And the most popular article was about ChatGPT (yes, the AI chatbot that’s seemingly everywhere today). The second most-read article on Wikipedia in 2023 was the annual list of deaths, which sees high traffic year after year. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated 2023 Cricket World Cup took third place — and “Barbenheimer,” Taylor Swift and more also appeared to sway our 2023 internet-reading habits.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 5 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel is intensifying its bombardment in and around Gaza’s second-largest city, sending ambulances and private cars racing into a local hospital carrying people wounded in a bloody new phase of the war. Under U.S. pressure to prevent further mass casualties in the conflict with Hamas, Israel says it is being more precise as it widens its offensive into southern Gaza after obliterating much of the north. But Palestinians say there are no areas where they feel safe, and many fear that if they leave their homes they will never be allowed to return. Aerial bombardment and the ground offensive have already driven three-fourths of the territory’s 2.3 million people from their homes.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding a massive explosion that destroyed a duplex and shook a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C. Police said early Tuesday that a suspect in the home fired a flare gun 30 to 40 times into the neighborhood on Monday afternoon, drawing a large police response. Arlington County, Virginia, police say they obtained a search warrant and tried to contact the suspect, but he remained inside his home. When police attempted to execute a warrant, the suspect fired several rounds inside the home and the house subsequently exploded. Police say all officers escaped serious injury, but it was unclear what happened to the suspect.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's emergency services agency says more than 80 people are confirmed dead after military drones “mistakenly” bombed a religious gathering in the northwest. Some 60 people were injured in the attack Sunday in Kaduna state. The president ordered a probe into the incident, the latest of a series of failed aerial assaults in the conflict zone. Since 2017, some 400 civilians have been killed by airstrikes the military said were targeting armed groups, according to the Lagos-based SBM Intelligence security firm. Rights groups and analysts say such mistakes have continued to happen because of the failure to hold the security agencies accountable.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new study finds that students around the world suffered historic setbacks in reading during the pandemic and even deeper losses in math, with test score decreases so wide that the United States climbed in global rankings simply by falling behind less sharply. The state of global education was given a bleak appraisal in the Program for International Student Assessment, the first study to examine academic progress in dozens of countries during the pandemic. Released Tuesday, it finds that average math scores fell by the equivalent of three-quarters of a year’s worth of learning. Reading scores fell by the equivalent of half a year.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — George Santos already has a new gig. Fresh off his historic expulsion, the former congressman has opened a Cameo account where the public can pay $200 for a personalized video message. Screenshots of his account with the bio "Former congressional ‘Icon’!” started to spread online Monday and by the afternoon, users were posting clips of Santos offering advice, blowing kisses and making jokes about Botox. Santos was expelled from the House on Friday following a scandal-plagued tenure in Congress and a looming criminal trial. He is only the sixth member in the chamber’s history to be ousted by colleagues.

MIAMI (AP) — The Justice Department says a former American diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia has been charged with serving as a covert agent for Cuba’s intelligence services since at least 1981. Newly unsealed court papers allege that Manuel Rocha engaged in “clandestine activity” on Cuba’s behalf for decades, including by meeting with Cuban intelligence operatives. The complaint was filed in federal court in Miami, and includes charges of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government and other crimes. He appeared in court Monday afternoon and will remain held until a bond hearing Wednesday.

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry is challenging the British government's decision to strip him of his security detail after he gave up his status as a working member of the royal family and moved to the United States. A three-day hearing began Tuesday in London’s High Court over the Duke of Sussex's claim that he deserves protection when he visits home. His lawyer claims Harry was treated unfairly by a committee that deviated from its own standards and failed to evaluate risks to him. A different judge previously rejected Harry's petition to privately pay for security in the United Kingdom.

The Jaguars lose the game and their starting quarterback against the Bengals on Monday Night Football, a Steelers quarterback is out indefinitely after surgery, college football’s Heisman Trophy finalists are announced, the Pacers and Pelicans punch their tickets to Las Vegas, Zach Edey carries Purdue men’s hoops to victory and the Lightning cruise past the Stars.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have signed manager Rob Thomson to a one-year contract extension through the 2025 season after he led the team to two straight trips to the NL Championship Series. The 60-year-old Thomson has a 155-118 record since the veteran bench coach replaced Joe Girardi as Phillies manager on June 3, 2022. Thomson led the Phillies to the 2022 World Series, where they lost in six games to the Houston Astros. The Phillies returned to the NLCS this season but blew series leads of 2-0 and 3-2 with Games 6 and 7 at home against Arizona.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have signed three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard to a contract for the rest of the season. Leonard should be available to play for the Eagles on Sunday night against Dallas. Leonard visited with both the Eagles and Cowboys after the Colts waived him late last month. He complained publicly about decreased playing time this season with the Colts. Leonard made three All-Pro teams and three Pro Bowls in his first four seasons with the Colts.

LONDON (AP) — Oxford University Press has named “rizz″ as its word of the year to highlight the popularity of a term used by Generation Z to describe someone’s ability to attract or seduce another person. It topped “Swiftie” or an enthusiastic fan of Taylor Swift, “situationship” which means an informal romantic or sexual relationship and “prompt” which is an instruction given to an artificial intelligence program. The annual decision was announced on Monday. It was made by experts at the publisher of the multivolume Oxford English Dictionary. The four finalists were selected by a public vote. The publisher said that rizz is believed to come from the middle of the word charisma and can be used as a verb as in to “rizz up” or chat someone up.

SEATTLE (AP) — Alaska Air Group has agreed to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a $1.9 billion deal including debt. The airlines announced the agreement Sunday. Alaska will pay $18 in cash for each share of Hawaiian, whose stock closed Friday at $4.86. The deal includes $900 million in Hawaiian debt. The acquisition still needs the blessing of U.S. regulators, which have shown resistance to more consolidation within the airline industry out of fear it could lead to higher airfares. Alaska and Hawaiian are both leading carriers between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, which could raise worries about the combination hurting competition.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 4 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. Air Force says divers have discovered wreckage and the remains of five crew members from a U.S. Air Force Osprey aircraft that crashed last week off southwestern Japan. The CV-22 Osprey carrying eight American personnel crashed last Wednesday off Yakushima island during a training mission. The body of one victim was recovered and identified earlier. The Air Force Special Operations Command says the five newly located remains are being recovered and their identities have yet to be determined. Ospreys have had a number of crashes, including in Japan, where they are used at U.S. and Japanese military bases, and the latest accident has rekindled safety concerns.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military says three commercial ships in the Red Sea were struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen, and a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defense during the hourslong assault. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility. The attacks marked an escalation in a series of maritime attacks in the Mideast linked to the Israel-Hamas war as multiple vessels found themselves in the crosshairs of a single Houthi assault for the first time in the conflict. U.S. Central Command says the attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military has renewed calls for mass evacuations from the southern town of Khan Younis, as it widened its ground offensive and bombarded targets across the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in the town in recent weeks. The expanded operations follow the expiration of a weeklong cease-fire. They are aimed at eliminating Gaza’s Hamas rulers, whose Oct. 7 attack into Israel triggered the deadliest Israeli-Palestinian violence in decades. The war has already killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced over three-fourths of the territory’s population of 2.3 million people, who are running out of safe places to go.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A prominent developing-world leader on the issue of climate change said Monday that global taxes on the financial services, oil and gas, and shipping industries could drum up hundreds of billions to poorer countries adapt to and cope with global warming. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley focused on how poorer countries could shoulder the astronomical costs for the world to adapt to climate change, reduce its future impact, and pay for losses and damage caused as climate trouble like floods, forest fires and heat waves rip through communities.

Beyoncé ruled the box office this weekend. Her concert picture, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé,” opened in first place with $21 million in North American ticket sales, according to estimates from AMC Theatres Sunday. It debuted in 2,539 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, as well as 94 international territories, where it earned $6.4 million. Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” fell to second place in its third weekend with an estimated $14.5 million. Third place went to “Godzilla Minus One." “Trolls Band Together” landed in fourth place in its third weekend with $7.6 million.

College Football's semi finals are set for New Years Day but not everyone is happy, plenty of happy wide receivers in the NFL following Sunday's games, a big smile on a former manager who was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame and the number one player in the world in golf wins again.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The newest group of Kennedy Center honorees, including comedian Billy Crystal and actor Queen Latifah, were feted Sunday night at a star-studded event commemorating their lifetime achievement in arts and entertainment. Opera singer Renée Fleming, 1970s music icon Barry Gibb and prolific hitmaker Dionne Warwick were also honored at the black-tie gala. Each received personalized tributes and performances that are typically kept secret from the honorees themselves. President Joe Biden welcomed the honorees to the White House before the event, saying that the performing arts “reflect who we are as Americans and as human beings.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — For more than a decade, Sandra Day O’Connor was the only woman on the Supreme Court. And she was the first female justice. Now the court has a record four. There was a time when O’Connor was known as the nation’s most powerful woman. That was before a woman led a presidential ticket and before a woman had served as secretary of state. O'Connor wielded considerable political clout with a pragmatic approach to the law that at times irritated colleagues both to her left and right. O’Connor retired from the court in 2006. She died Friday in Phoenix of complications of related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness. She was 93.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials say flu is picking up steam while RSV lung infections may be peaking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that COVID-19 remains the main cause of hospitalizations and deaths in the country. The agency said a surge in RSV infections may be about to peak. And CDC officials say they are also looking into reports of outbreaks of pneumonia in two states, but say they don’t believe it’s due to anything unusual. As the flu season progresses, 11 states are now reporting a high level of illnesses.

Oregon State, Washington State and the Mountain West have announced a football scheduling agreement for the 2024 season. It gives the two schools six opponents each and keeps open the possibility that they will operate as a two-team conference for at least a year. All 12 Mountain West schools will be involved and Oregon State and Washington State will each play three homes games and three road games against members of the conference. The Mountain West will play a seven-game conference schedule and the games against Oregon State and Washington State will not count against the conference standings.

In this week's AP Religion Roundup, charges in a New York assassination plot against a religious separatist leader could complicate US-India relations.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss more than a dozen movies to watch between now and the end of the year.

This week’s top headlines include:

ABC is planning an earlier broadcast in hopes of attracting more viewers to the Oscars.
Taylor Swift was Spotify’s most-streamed artist of 2023.
Aaron Rodgers began a 21-day practice window that leaves the door open for a return this season.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 2 at 6 a.m. CT:

Kraft Heinz says it’s bringing dairy-free macaroni and cheese to the U.S. for the first time. The company says the new recipe has the same creamy texture and flavor of the beloved 85-year-old original but replaces dairy with ingredients like fava bean protein and coconut oil powder. Kraft NotMac&Cheese will be rolled out to U.S. stores over the next few months. It was developed in collaboration with Not Co., a Chicago startup that makes plant-based milk, burgers and other products. Kraft and Not Co. formed a joint venture last year and have also developed plant-based cheese slices and mayonnaise.

Electric vehicle sales are expected to hit a record 9% of all passenger vehicles in the U.S. this year, according to Atlas Public Policy. That will be up from 7.3% of new car sales in 2022. This will be the first year U.S. EV sales surpass 1 million, and they will probably reach between 1.3 million and 1.4 million cars. Electric vehicle prices in the U.S. have been falling. Although the numbers show significant progress for electrification in the US, the nation is lagging behind countries like China, Germany, and Norway.

The energy used by cars and their CO2 emissions could have dropped by over 30% in the past decade if not for the world’s growing taste for SUVs, a new report from the Global Fuel Economy Initiative suggests. Electric vehicles are a solution, but large gas-powered cars are incredibly popular, especially in the U.S., and their overall market share keeps growing. Large SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, or Nissan Armada have highway fuel efficiency of just 28, 24, and 19 miles per gallon, respectively.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. life expectancy rose last year, but it still isn’t close to what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was up by more than a year in 2022, after plunging two straight years at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's now 77 years, 6 months — about what it was two decades ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the numbers on Wednesday. Researchers say the rise was mainly due the waning pandemic. The snapshot statistic is considered one of the most important measures of the health of the U.S. population.

PHOENIX (AP) — The United States is ill-prepared to ensure housing and care for the growing ranks of America's older people. That's the conclusion of a new report being released Thursday by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Without enough government assistance many older adults will have to forgo needed care or rely on family and friends for assistance. Many will become homeless. Officials at the center say more governmental assistance could better help the upsurge of older Americans who are baby boomers born after World War II. Creative ideas are needed to help house people with fixed or dwindling incomes.

NEW YORK (AP) — The COVID-19 pandemic upended the work habits of people around the world, with millions working from home, at least for part of their week. Workers have returned in waves back to the office on some days, but navigating that transition is a significant hurdle for employers and workers alike. And many simply don’t want to restore the pre-COVID status quo. Top factors behind this resistance include a sense of losing flexibility or throwing off a better work-life balance, as well as often lengthy and costly commutes. Two surveys conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago give a glimpse into the challenges and tensions that arrive with return to office plans.

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH, Fla. (AP) — It's been a record-breaking year for sea turtles in Florida. Just as they have for millions of years, the turtles have crawled onto beaches, digging pits in the sand to lay their eggs. Florida's preliminary count shows more than 133,840 loggerhead turtle nests and 76,500 green turtle nests, breaking records set years ago. Other southeastern U.S. states also report high numbers. But only one in 1,000 hatchlings lives to adulthood and climate change is threatening their species as beaches disappear under rising seas. Hotter sand makes more females, and the hatchlings are smaller and slower. Experts say their future remains ominous.

LONDON (AP) — The British Antarctic Survey says that one of the world’s largest icebergs is drifting beyond Antarctic waters after being grounded for more than three decades. The iceberg known as A23a split from the Antarctic’s Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986. But it became stuck to the ocean floor and had remained for many years in the Weddell Sea. The iceberg is about three times the size of New York City and more than twice the size of Greater London. Andrew Fleming from the British Antarctic Survey told the BBC on Friday that the iceberg has been drifting for the past year and now appears to be picking up speed and moving past the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula helped by wind and ocean currents.

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — A growing number of states are working to keep food out of landfills over concerns the waste is taking up too much space and posing environmental problems. Globally, about a third of food is wasted. In the United States, it’s even higher, at 40%. California and some others have passed laws requiring food waste to be composted while others including New York require supermarkets and other businesses to redirect food to food pantries. They argue it saves landfill space, cuts methane emissions and also gives poor families more choices. New York says it already has recycled or donated 5 million pounds of leftover food.

The oil and gas sector, one of the major emitters of planet-warming gases, will need a rapid and substantial overhaul for the world to avoid even worse extremes fueled by human-caused climate change. That's according to a report released Thursday. The International Energy Agency says the current investment of $800 billion a year for the oil and gas sector will need to be slashed in half and emissions need to fall by 60% to give the world a fighting chance to meet its climate goals. It also found that the sector’s investment into clean technologies like solar and wind only account for 1% of the global total.

WENDEN, Ariz. (AP) — Worries about future water supplies from ancient aquifers are bubbling up in western rural Arizona. Some neighbors complain that their backyard wells have dried up since an Emirati agribusiness began farming alfalfa nearby. One farmer worries that state officials someday may try to divert the area’s groundwater for Phoenix’s future needs. Experts say tensions are inevitable as companies in climate-challenged countries such as the United Arab Emirates look to faraway places like rural Arizona for water and land they need to cultivate forage material and commodities.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Dec. 1 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — In an alternate reality, the prime-time showdown between California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis could have been a preview of a 2024 general election debate. Instead, Thursday's 90-minute meeting was a hard-to-explain event that pitted one struggling Republican presidential hopeful against a Democratic rival who may or may not seek the presidency in four years. DeSantis called Newsom “a slick, slippery politician whose state is failing.” Newsom defended California and shifted the discussion to DeSantis’ stagnant 2024 presidential bid. The governors were eager to represent their parties on the national stage as they battled over the economy, pandemic restrictions and President Joe Biden’s leadership and traded personal insults.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli fighter jets hit targets in the Gaza Strip minutes after a weeklong truce expired, as the war with Hamas resumed in full force. Black smoke billowed from the besieged territory Friday, and Israel dropped leaflets over parts of southern Gaza urging people to leave their homes, suggesting it was preparing to widen its offensive. In Israel, sirens warning of incoming rockets blared at several communal farms near Gaza, a sign that militants also restarted attacks. There were no reports of hits. The renewed hostilities heightened concerns for Palestinians in the tiny coastal enclave as well as about 140 hostages who remain there. Qatar said negotiators were still trying to reach an agreement on restarting the cease-fire.

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the war with Russia is in a new stage, with winter expected to complicate fighting after a summer counteroffensive that failed to produce desired results due to enduring shortages of weapons and ground forces. Despite the setbacks, however, he says in an interview with The Associated Press that “we are not backing down.” Zelenskyy also said he fears the Israel-Hamas war threatens to overshadow the conflict in Ukraine, with competing political agendas and limited resources reducing military aid. And his concerns are amplified by the tumult that inevitably arises during a U.S. election year and its implications for continued aid to his country.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two Nevada state troopers have died in a hit-and-run while helping another driver and a suspect is in custody. Las Vegas police say the driver was impaired early Thursday morning and faces charges of DUI and reckless driving resulting in death. Police say the troopers were checking on a sleeping driver on the I-15 freeway around 3:30 a.m. when they were struck. The suspect was found hours later. The state police have identified the officers as Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix. Gov. Joe Lombardo says the deaths are a devastating loss for Las Vegas and the entire state. The I-15 was where another trooper was killed in 2021 during a vehicle pursuit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. George Santos of New York will confront a third effort to expel him from the House on Friday, sensing the vote is likely to be his last and intent on not going away quietly. The first-term Republican could well become just the sixth member of the House to be ousted by colleagues. Of the previous expulsions, three were for disloyalty to the Union during the Civil War and two were for being convicted of crimes in federal court. Santos' challenge to colleagues to take the “hard vote” is an appeal to those lawmakers who worry that a new precedent is being set for the chamber’s harshest punishment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have voted to authorize subpoenas for two prominent conservatives who arranged luxury travel and other benefits for Supreme Court justices. But Republicans are challenging the legitimacy of the action and pledging to withhold support for enforcing the legal. The committee chairman, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, pushed through the vote in the meeting’s final moments on Thursday after Republicans had walked out. The vote from the 11 Democrats would authorize subpoenas for Republican megadonor Harlan Crow and conservative activist Leonard Leo. But without bipartisan backing, the subpoenas probably won't be enforced because that would take 60 votes in the closely divided Senate.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has gotten his turn at bringing the holiday spirit to Washington. The president and his wife, Jill, participated in the annual tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House. This year's tree is a 40-foot Norway spruce from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. There was a moment's doubt earlier this week about whether Thursday's lighting ceremony would go ahead as planned after the tree was toppled by powerful winds. But it was upright again within hours after the National Park Service replaced a cable that helps secure it.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Britain's King Charles III warned of “a starker and darker world” unless leaders change course during the U.N. climate conference in Dubai.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge has blocked Montana's first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state while a legal challenge to the law moves through the courts. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy says the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses.” The ban had been scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. Montana’s Republican-controlled Legislature made the state the first in the U.S. to pass a complete ban on the app. The ban was based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok. The app's parent company is based in Beijing.

The Cowboys rally past the Seahawks, two lengthy NBA losing streaks continue but one comes to an end, the Red Wings continue to play well, and an NCAA women's college basketball head coach records a milestone victory. Correspondent Mike Reeves reports.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York appeals court has reinstated a gag order that barred Donald Trump from commenting about court personnel after he disparaged a law clerk in his New York civil fraud trial. The trial judge, Arthur Engoron, imposed the gag order Oct. 3 after Trump posted a derogatory comment about the judge’s law clerk to social media. The post included a baseless allegation about the clerk’s personal life. It came the second day of the trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. It alleges Trump exaggerated his wealth on financial statements used to secure loans and make deals. The Republican former president denies any wrongdoing.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed the strongest overhaul of lead in drinking water rules in more than three decades. If finalized, it would force most utilities to replace lead water pipes within 10 years. There are more than 9 million lead pipes still in the ground in the United States and they are typically the biggest source of lead in drinking water. Lead is particularly dangerous to young children. It lowers IQ scores, damages their development and can increase blood pressure in adults. The EPA proposal would also force utilities to act more quickly to reduce lead levels and improve how they test for lead.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal officials say they will give investigators a better tool for understanding accidents and close calls between planes. The Federal Aviation Administration said Thursday it will propose that new planes have cockpit voice recorders that keep 25 hours of sound, up from the current two hours. The idea is to prevent valuable information from being lost. In one case, investigators couldn't hear what American Airlines pilots were doing before they crossed a runway right in front of a Delta jet taking off from JFK Airport in New York. That's because the American Airlines pilots took off for London, and whatever they said to each other during the close call was erased two hours later.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Meta says it has found and disabled thousands of fake Facebook accounts linked to China that were used to spread politically partisan content in the United States before next year’s election. The accounts disclosed Thursday were designed to look as though they were run by everyday Americans. The network reposted content from the right and the left in an apparent effort to inflame political tensions. Meta's executives said Thursday they're guarding against similar efforts to interfere with elections next year in the U.S. and elsewhere. Critics say Meta hasn't done enough to address its role in spreading misinformation and hate speech. California-based Meta hasn't publicly linked the network to China’s government.

LONDON (AP) — Shane MacGowan, the boozy, rabble-rousing singer and chief songwriter of The Pogues, who infused traditional Irish music with the energy and spirit of punk, has died. He was 65. His family said in a statement Thursday that "it is with the deepest sorrow and heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our most beautiful, darling and dearly beloved Shane Macgowan.” The singer died peacefully early Thursday with his family by his side, the statement added. The musician had been hospitalized in Dublin for several months after being diagnosed with viral encephalitis in late 2022. He was discharged last week, ahead of his upcoming birthday on Christmas Day.

Academy Awards enthusiasts won’t have to stay up quite as late to hear the best picture winner in March. The 96th Oscars will begin one hour early, with the official show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern for the first time, ABC said Thursday. The official pre-show will also begin earlier, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. The show has traditionally begun at 8 p.m. Despite various experiments to keep the runtime to three hours, the broadcast has sometimes stretched into the 11 o’clock hour. The 96th Oscars will air live on ABC on March 10 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Nominations will be announced on Jan. 23.

LONDON (AP) — The first trans-Atlantic flight by a commercial jet powered solely by so-called sustainable aviation fuel has flown from London to New York. The Virgin Atlantic flight aimed to achieve what supporters called “jet zero" to make air travel more environmentally friendly. But large hurdles remain in making the fuel widely available. While governments have long talked about decarbonizing air travel, the transition has been moving at the pace of a dirigible. Sustainable aviation fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 70% but is in short supply.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The North American wolverine will receive long-delayed threatened species protections under a Biden administration proposal. Wednesday’s determination that the species is threatened with extinction follows years of scientists' warnings that climate change will likely melt away the elusive species’ snowy mountain refuges. Wolverines were wiped out across most of the U.S. by the early 1900s from unregulated trapping and poisoning campaigns. About 300 surviving animals in the contiguous U.S. live in fragmented, isolated groups at high elevations in the Northern Rockies. A federal judge in 2022 had ordered President Joe Biden's administration to make a final decision on whether to seek protections that were rejected under former President Donald Trump.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 30 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has died, his consulting firm says. He was 100. Kissinger dominated foreign policy as the United States extricated itself from Vietnam and broke down barriers with China. He exerted uncommon influence on global affairs under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, earning both harsh criticism and the Nobel Peace Prize. The German-born diplomat got the U.S. out of Vietnam after bloody, costly years of delay and into China in a sudden burst of secret diplomacy. Decades later, his name still provoked impassioned debate over foreign policy actions long past. He stands among the 20th century’s commanding figures in U.S. foreign policy.

TOKYO (AP) — Global leaders are paying tribute to former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, but there is also sharp criticism of the man who remained an influential figure decades after his official service as one of the most powerful diplomats in American history. Kissinger, who died Wednesday at 100, drew praise as a skilled defender of U.S. interests. On social media, though, he was widely called a war criminal who left lasting damage throughout the world. Kissinger dominated foreign policy as the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam and established ties with China. Current Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “few people were better students of history” and “even fewer people did more to shape history than Henry Kissinger.”

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — With her frail husband as a silent witness, Rosalynn Carter was celebrated by her family and closest friends at her funeral in Plains, Georgia, the same tiny town where she and Jimmy Carter were born. The former president attended the intimate gathering at Maranatha Baptist Church. She and her husband spent decades there welcoming guests. Maranatha Pastor Tony Lowden gave tribute to what he called “the life and legacy of the greatest first lady" and said that as a humanitarian, she "served every nation around the world.” Hundreds watched her motorcade through town. Her burial plot is in view of the front porch of the home where the 39th American president still lives.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — It’s her, hi — Taylor Swift is Spotify’s 2023 most-played artist. According to Spotify Wrapped, Swift was 2023’s most-streamed artist globally, raking in more than 26.1 billion global streams since January. That means the pop superstar has dethroned Puerto Rican reggaetonero Bad Bunny, who held the coveted title for three years in a row since 2020. He’s in the second slot in 2023, followed by The Weeknd in third, Drake in fourth, and regional Mexican musician Peso Pluma in fifth. Bad Bunny's 2022 album “Un Verano Sin Ti” was Spotify’s most-streamed album for the second year in a row, raking in 4.5 billion global streams since the start of the year.

LONDON (AP) — Elton John has urged British lawmakers to do more to fight HIV and AIDS. He says the U.K. can be the first country in the world “to defeat this awful virus.” The British star spoke to dozens of lawmakers and campaigners in the grand Speaker’s House of Parliament on Wednesday evening at an event honoring his dedication to fighting HIV. He told lawmakers: “I implore you not to waste your allotted time as political leaders." John set up his AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has helped raise millions of dollars to prevent HIV infections and reduce stigma. The Parliament reception for John came ahead of World AIDS Day, which takes place on Friday.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Daryl Hall has filed a court declaration that accuses his longtime music partner John Oates of committing the “ultimate partnership betrayal” by planning to sell his share of the Hall & Oates duo’s joint venture without the other’s permission. In the declaration filed Wednesday in a Nashville chancery court, Hall also lamented the deterioration of his relationship with and trust in his musical partner of more than a half-century. The court filing says the joint venture, named Whole Oats Enterprises LLP, includes Hall & Oates trademarks, personal name and likeness rights, record royalty income and website and social media assets. Oates responded in court that Hall had been trying to stand alone outside of the group for years.

NEW YORK (AP) — Frances Sternhagen, the veteran character actor who won two Tony Awards and became a familiar maternal face to TV viewers later in life in such shows as “Cheers,” “ER,” “Sex and the City” and “The Closer,” has died. She was 93. Sternhagen won a Tony for best featured actress in a play in 1974 for her role in Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor” and a second one in 1995 for a revival of “The Heiress.” She was nominated for Tonys four other times, for starring or featured roles in “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,” “Equus,” “Angel” and “Morning’s at Seven.”

In sports: Big nights for Zion Williamson and Nikola Jokic in the NBA, a few upsets in men’s college basketball and another win for the Rangers in the NHL.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The move Wednesday is the next step in the four-time NFL MVP’s rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon. Coach Robert Saleh said Rodgers, who turns 40 on Saturday, was cleared for some football activities but was limited at practice and isn't cleared for contact. Saleh emphasized it’s not necessarily a signal Rodgers will play again this season as it is the next step of the quarterback’s rehabilitation process. At the end of the 21-day period, the Jets will decide whether to activate him or he’ll spend the rest of this season on injured reserve.

The family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company says it has entered agreements to buy the majority stake of the Dallas Mavericks from team owner Mark Cuban. The agreement would be in the valuation range of $3.5 billion, according to an AP source, and will take weeks for the league to process. Cuban would retain control of basketball operations in the deal. The family of Miriam Adelson, widow of billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, has announced it is selling $2 billion of her shares to buy the team.

The Newport Beach, California, Police Department say its detectives are conducting an investigation into an accusation that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl. In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated. Giddey is an Australian who turned 21 in October. The NBA said last week that it is investigating. Giddey has declined to comment.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 29 at 7 a.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — International mediators appeared to have made progress Wednesday on extending the truce in Gaza. They are encouraging the territory’s Hamas rulers to keep freeing hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners and further respite from Israel’s air and ground offensive. The deal will otherwise expire within a day. Israel has welcomed the release of dozens of hostages in recent days and says it will maintain the truce if Hamas keeps freeing captives. But its other major goal is the annihilation of the armed group that has ruled Gaza for 16 years and orchestrated the deadly attack on Israel that triggered the war. That seems less and less likely.

TOKYO (AP) — A crew member who was recovered from the ocean after a U.S. military Osprey aircraft carrying six people crashed Wednesday off southern Japan has been pronounced dead. Japanese coast guard officials say the cause of the crash and the status of the five others on the aircraft were not immediately known. Initial reports said the aircraft was carrying eight people, but the U.S. military later revised the number to six. The Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft that can function as a helicopter and a turboprop aircraft. U.S. and Japanese officials say the aircraft belonged to Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo. U.S. Air Force officials at Yokota said they are still confirming information and had no immediate comment.

CLEVELAND (AP) — An early blast of cold and snow shut down schools in Cleveland on Tuesday and made driving on heavily traveled Interstate 90 in northern Ohio treacherous. A lake-effect snow warning was issued by the National Weather Service for areas from Cleveland eastward into Erie, Pennsylvania. Just before 11 a.m. Tuesday, the weather service said observers had reported 13 inches or more in Ashtabula County in Ohio and Erie County in Pennsylvania along with 11.6 inches in Lake County, Ohio. A foot or more of snow also had fallen across a largely rural stretch of upstate New York east of Lake Ontario, with one spot recording 23 inches.

PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Rosalynn Carter is set to receive her final accolades and farewells in Plains, Georgia. It's the same tiny town where the former first lady was born. There, she and former President Jimmy Carter based his 1976 presidential campaign and returned after their White House years as they became global humanitarians. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19. Her funeral Wednesday will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church. The service comes on the last of three days of public tributes. The 99-year-old former president attended a memorial service Tuesday in Atlanta. Rosalynn Carter will be buried in a plot she will one day share with her husband.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The global economy, which has proved surprisingly resilient this year, is expected to falter next year under the strain of wars, still-elevated inflation and continued high interest rates. The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimated Wednesday that international growth will slow to 2.7% in 2024 from an expected 2.9% pace this year. That would amount to the slowest growth since the pandemic year of 2020. A key factor is that the OECD expects the world’s two biggest economies, the United States and China, to decelerate next year. The U.S. economy is forecast to expand just 1.5% in 2024, from 2.4% in 2023, as the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increases restrain growth.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has temporarily stepped down as chairman of his television network Revolt amid multiple sexual abuse allegations against the music mogul. Revolt announced Combs’ decision on social media Tuesday. It’s not clear when he will return to his media company – which said Combs previously had “no operational or day-to-day role” at the network. Combs declined to comment on the matter. The network has been preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Earlier this month, R&B singer Cassie accused Combs of raping and beating her over the duration of their decadeslong, on-and-off relationship. After Cassie, two more women came forward to accuse him of sexual abuse.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Emirati president-designate for the upcoming United Nations COP28 climate talks has forcefully denied a report alleging his nation planned to use the summit to strike oil and gas deal, a day before the summit was due to being. Sultan al-Jaber, who also leads the massive state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., called the allegations Wednesday from a BBC report “an attempt to undermine the work of the COP28 presidency” before the talks begin Thursday. The report cited what it described as “leaked briefing documents” the broadcaster described as showing the Emirates planned to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations. The BBC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Nikki Haley says former President Donald Trump causes too much chaos to be successful in a second White House term. She reiterated her argument about the GOP front-runner at a large town hall Monday in her home state of South Carolina. The former governor and United Nations ambassador drew the largest crowd of her primary campaign so far as she tries to close the gap with Trump just weeks before the Iowa caucuses kick off the Republican nominating calendar. Haley says the time is now right for a new generation in U.S. leadership. Officials at a satellite campus of the University of South Carolina said around 2,500 people gathered for the event.

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s not just you. Across the U.S., prices at the pump have felt milder in recent months. Gas prices have fallen or remained steady since September 19 — marking about a 70-day trajectory of decline. That's according to Andrew Gross, a spokesperson for motor club AAA. As of Tuesday, the national average for gas prices stood just below $3.25. That’s down 25 cents from a month ago and 30 cents less than this time last year. Experts point to recent declines in oil prices and a seasonal dip in demand, which is projected to continue in the coming months. A change in trajectory is always possible of course — particularly if there are shifts in the larger global market.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key Federal Reserve official raised the possibility that the Fed could decide to cut its benchmark interest rate as early as spring if inflation keeps declining steadily. The official, Christopher Waller, cautioned that inflation is still too high and that it’s not yet certain if a recent slowdown in price increases can be sustained. But he sounded the most optimistic notes of any Fed official since the central bank launched its aggressive streak of rate hikes. Waller is regarded as a relatively “hawkish" official, meaning that he typically favors higher rates to combat inflation rather than low rates to boost job growth. But he has also become somewhat of a bellwether for the Fed’s overall rate-setting committee.

American consumers are feeling slightly more confident this month as the all-important holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 102 from 99.1 in October. Analysts were expecting a reading of 101. The October reading was revised down from an original reading of 102.6. The index measuring Americans short-term expectations for income, business and job market rose to 77.8 in November from 72.7 in October. It was the third straight reading below 80 for future expectations, which historically signals a recession within a year.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sports Illustrated is the latest media company damaged by being less than forthcoming about who or what is writing its stories at the dawn of the artificial intelligence age. The website Futurism reported that the once-grand magazine used articles with “authors” who apparently don't exist, with photos generated by AI. The magazine denied claims that some articles themselves were AI-assisted, but has cut ties with a vendor it hired to produce the articles. The Gannett newspaper chain and the tech website CNET each had unsuccessful experiments with AI this past year and had kept readers in the dark about what they were doing.

College football's four unbeaten majors top the College Football Playoff rankings, the NBA's in-season tournament has its elite eight, college basketball's top-ranked team wins again, and a win for the Wild's new coach in his debut.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 28 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has told Israel that it must operate with far greater precision in southern Gaza if it renews a ground campaign aimed at eradicating the Hamas militant group. That's according to senior administration officials who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House. The officials said President Joe Biden and other administration officials have underscored to the Israelis that it is critical that the expected military campaign to eradicate Hamas in the south must be done in a way that does not cause “significant further displacement” of Palestinian civilians. One official said Israelis have been receptive when U.S. officials have raised these concerns.

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder Monday in the weekend shooting of three college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont. The attack is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The three young men were shot and injured Saturday while walking near the University of Vermont campus. Forty-eight-year-old Jason Eaton was arrested Sunday and made a brief court appearance from jail Monday. He's charged with three counts of attempted murder. The U.S. Justice Department and state officials are also investigating whether the shooting was a hate crime. Protests have been widespread and tensions have escalated in the U.S. as the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war.

ATLANTA (AP) — Rosalynn Carter will be memorialized Tuesday with classical music and beloved hymns, some of her favorite Biblical passages, and a rare gathering of all living U.S. first ladies and multiple presidents, including her 99-year-old husband Jimmy Carter. The funeral at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta falls on the second of a three-day schedule of public events celebrating the former first lady and global humanitarian. She died Nov. 19 at home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 96. Jimmy Carter's participation in his wife's memorials has been a day-to-day decision because of his own frail health. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will attend. They are longtime friends of the Carters. Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will sing.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump says he wants to reopen the contentious fight over the Affordable Care Act. He posted on his social media site Saturday that he is “seriously looking at alternatives” to “Obamacare” if he wins a second term. Democratic President Joe Biden’s campaign cast the call as yet another “extremist” proposal from the GOP front-runner. The back-and-forth points to what could be a key issue in a general election rematch between Trump and Biden. Health care has generally been a better issue for Democrats than Republicans, who have largely abandoned efforts to repeal the law in recent years.

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — Police say a thick layer of fog is believed to have caused a roughly 30-vehicle collision on an Idaho interstate. The collision occurred Monday morning on eastbound Interstate 86 near Pocatello. Police say the fog caused visibility to significantly decrease in a short amount of time, slowing vehicles and causing a chain reaction crash. Police said one person with minor injuries was taken by ambulance to a hospital. Several others were taken by personal vehicles. Traffic on I-86 was blocked between exits 56 and 59 for seven hours, allowing for emergency responders and tow trucks to assist those involved and to clear the scene.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden has chosen a White House holiday décor that she hopes will inspire guests to feel like kids again. “Magic, wonder and joy” is her theme. Guests will walk underneath the branches of a tree to enter. They will stroll along a hallway decorated with oversized holiday candy and other sweets. They will see Santa's sleigh and reindeer suspended above the grand foyer. The first lady unveiled the décor on Monday. It also celebrates the 200th anniversary of the publication of the poem commonly known as ”’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” She plans Wednesday to unveil a holiday ice rink on the White House lawn.

Families of children and educators killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have made an offer to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to pay only a fraction of the $1.5 billion in legal judgments they won against him. Lawyers for the families said in a recent filing in Jones' bankruptcy case that they would accept at least $85 million over 10 years. The families were awarded the $1.5 billion in lawsuits against Jones for his calling the 2012 Connecticut school shooting a hoax and for the threats and harassment they endured from Jones' followers. Jones' bankruptcy lawyer said in court Monday that the $85 million settlement offer was too high.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Experts in constitutional law and the military say the Insurrection Act gives presidents tremendous power with few restraints. Recent statements by former President Donald Trump raise questions about how he might use it if he wins another term. The front-runner for the 2024 Republican nomination has spoken openly about his plans should he win the presidency, including using the military at the border and in cities struggling with violent crime. His plans also have included using the military against foreign drug cartels. The Insurrection Act, a law first crafted in the nation’s infancy, is one of the most substantial exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using the military for law enforcement purposes.

In sports, the Bears win on a last minute field goal, the Panthers fire coach Frank Reich, LeBron James suffers his most lopsided loss, and the Wild fires coach Dean Evason. Also, Texas A&M hires Duke coach and former Aggies defensive coordinator Mike Elko to replace Jimbo Fisher.

First this fall, a new round with COVID-19 shuttered Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show.” Now the show is again sidelined as the host recovers from a burst appendix. The comedian revealed on social media Monday that he’s recovering after surgery, wiping out planned shows for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Going forward, all emails to my appendix will be handled by my pancreas,” he joked. Colbert had a busy three shows planned, including guests Jennifer Garner, Baz Luhrmann, Patrick Stewart and Kelsey Grammer, the return of former bandleader Jon Batiste and Barbra Streisand was to take “The Colbert Questionert.”

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 27 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel and Hamas appear open to extending a cease-fire in Gaza that has halted their deadliest and most destructive war but is set to expire after Monday. A fourth exchange of militant-held hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel is planned for later in the day. Israel has said it would extend the cease-fire by one day for every 10 additional hostages released. Hamas has also said it hopes to extend the four-day truce. The cease-fire came into effect Friday after several weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt.

Police say a suspect has been arrested in the shooting of three young men of Palestinian descent who were attending a Thanksgiving holiday gathering near the University of Vermont campus. Police say the three were shot and injured Saturday night in Burlington. One of the men has suffered serious injuries and the others are in stable condition. Police Chief Jon Murad says a white man with a gun approached the trio, who were walking, and fired at least four rounds before fleeing. Murad says the shooting may have been a hate crime. Protests have been widespread and tensions have escalated in the U.S. as the death toll rises in the Israel-Hamas war.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s largest school district says it has reached a tentative agreement with its teachers union and its roughly 45,000 students will be back in class on Monday after more than three weeks. The agreement must still be voted on by teachers who have been on the picket line since Nov. 1 over issues of pay, class sizes and planning time. It must also be approved by the school board. Portland Public Schools students missed 11 days of school before the district began its weeklong Thanksgiving break. As the strike dragged on, tensions rose and one school board member's rental property was vandalized.

Consumers are scouring the internet for online deals as they begin to cap off the five-day post-Thanksgiving shopping bonanza with Cyber Monday. Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of our everyday lives, Cyber Monday – a term coined back in 2005 by the National Retail Federation – continues to be the biggest online shopping day of the year. For several major retailers, the “Cyber Monday” sale is a days-long event that began over the weekend. Consumer spending for Cyber Week - the five major shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday - provides a strong indication on how much shoppers are willing to spend during the holiday season.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Walt Disney Co.’s “Wish” had been expected to rule the Thanksgiving weekend box office, but moviegoers instead feasted on leftovers, as “The Hunger Games: Songbirds and Snakes” led ticket sales for the second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Neither of the weekend’s top new releases — “Wish” and Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” — could keep up with Lionsgate’s “Hunger Games” prequel. It led all films with $28.82 million over the weekend and $42 million over the five-day holiday frame. “Napoleon” outperformed expectations to take $32.5 million over the five-day weekend and an estimated $20.4 million Friday through Sunday. But “Wish” wobbled, coming in with $31.7 million over five days and $19.5 million Friday through Sunday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will convene the first meeting of his supply chain resilience council. The Democratic president is using Monday's event to announce 30 actions to improve access to medicine and needed economic data and other programs tied to the production and shipment of goods. Biden's announcement comes after supply chain problems fueled higher inflation as the United States recovered from the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. Consumer prices are down from last year’s peaks. But polling shows that inflation remains a political challenge for Biden going into the 2024 presidential election.

Jalen Hurts continues his MVP push as the NFL game of the day needs overtime to decide the Eagles and Bills, Patrick Mahomes is on his game Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers find their offense on the road, Trevor Lawrence puts up some hefty numbers and so does Jason Tatum in the NBA.

NEW YORK (AP) — Rep. George Santos says he expected to be expelled from Congress following a scathing report by the House Ethics Committee that found substantial evidence of lawbreaking by the New York Republican. The comments on Friday came during a three-hour conversation on X Spaces in which Santos lashed out at colleagues and described the committee's report as “slanderous.” House investigators say Santos used campaign funds for personal purposes and caused the campaign to file false or incomplete reports. Since the release of the report earlier this month, several members of Congress who previously voted against expelling Santos have publicly reversed themselves. On Friday, Santos said he has done the math on the votes and “it doesn’t look really good.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Daryl Hall has sued his longtime music partner John Oates, arguing that his plan to sell off his share of a joint venture would violate a business agreement the duo had. The move quickly prompted a judge last week to temporarily block the sale during legal proceedings and arbitration. The lawsuit contends that in their roles as co-trustees, Oates and other defendants were moving to sell their part in Whole Oats Enterprises LLP to Primary Wave Music. The lawsuit says they were doing so without Hall’s consent and in violation of their business agreement while arbitration hadn't been completed. A court order Wednesday released more details from the case.

NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2023 is “authentic.” Editor at large Peter Sokolowski told The Associated Press ahead of Monday's announcement that lookups for the word rose to new heights on the company’s website throughout the year. There are many reasons. It's an age of deepfakes and post-truth. The rise of artificial intelligence also contributed. So did talk of authentic cuisine, authentic voices and authentic selves. Sokolowski called 2023 a crisis year of authenticity. This year’s pick follows “gaslighting” in 2022. Authentic marks the 20th anniversary of Merriam-Webster choosing words of the year. Among the runners-up for 2023 were deepfake, implode and kibbutz.

—The Associated Press

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In the series "The Protein Problem," The Associated Press examines how different parts of the world can raise their livestock without exhausting the planet.

AP correspondent Jaime Holguin reports on the story behind the story in a conversation with AP correspondent Jon Fahey.

AP correspondent Tiffany Wang also has several reports on different aspects of "The Protein Problem." Those include:

Beef is a way of life in Texas, but it's hard on the planet. One rancher in America thinks she can change that.

Demand for seafood is soaring, but oceans are giving up all they can. Can we farm fish in new ways? Learn about an environment-friendly method of fish farming that grows fish indoors.

Pastoralists have raised livestock in harsh climates for millennia. What can they teach us today? Learn more about Mongolian pastoralism that are good for the environment.

Poverty is killing the Amazon rainforest. Treating soil and farmers better can help save what's left. Learn about the dilemma of people in poverty and rainforest preservation in the Amazon.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 24 at 6 a.m. CT:

A new large study finds that the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy reduced the risk of serious heart problems by 20% in certain patients. The international trial showed the weekly injections prevented heart attacks, strokes and heart-related deaths. Wegovy is a high-dose version of the diabetes treatment Ozempic. The latest study tested Wegovy in people without the disease. It's being praised as a landmark study that could change the way doctors treat heart disease in some patients. The findings could also shift perceptions that a new class of obesity drugs are cosmetic treatments and put pressure on insurers to cover them.

Federal regulators say a new version of the popular diabetes treatment Mounjaro can be sold as a weight-loss drug. The Food and Drug Administration approved drug named Zepbound on Wednesday. The drug has been shown to help dieters lose 40 to 60 pounds in testing. It is the latest diabetes drug approved for weight loss, joining Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, a high-dose version of Ozempic. Short supply and high costs have limited access to both medications. The FDA approved the new drug for people considered obese or for those who are overweight and have a weight-related health condition.

A new report says progress against childhood cancers has stalled in recent years for Black and Hispanic youth. Thursday's report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at cancer death rates for children and teens over two decades. The rates for white, Hispanic and Black children started about the same and all went down during the first decade. But then over the next 10 years, only the rate for white children dipped a little lower. Overall, the cancer death rate for children and teenagers declined 24% over the two decades, with the biggest drop in deaths from leukemia.

NEW YORK (AP) — Syphilis cases in U.S. newborns again are on the rise. It has health officials calling for new measures to stop the increase, including encouraging millions of sexually active women of childbearing age and their partners to get tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 3,700 babies were born with congenital syphilis in 2022. That's 10 times more than a decade ago and a 32% increase from 2021. CDC officials say there needs to be expanded testing. The agency also suggests starting syphilis treatment as soon as a pregnant woman tests positive.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s medicines regulator has authorized the world’s first gene therapy treatment for sickle cell disease, in a move that could offer relief to thousands of people with the crippling illness in the U.K. In a statement on Thursday, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency said it had approved Casgevy, the first medicine licensed using the gene editing tool CRISPR, which won its makers a Nobel prize in 2020. The medicine was approved for patients with sickle cell and thalassemia. Both diseases are caused by mistakes in the genes that carry hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 23 at 6 a.m. CT:

Carriers like the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and United Parcel Service have capacity to meet projected demand this holiday season, which is cheery news for shoppers and shippers alike. Like last year, there’s expected to be little drama compared to struggles during the pandemic when people hunkered down at home and turned to online shopping while major carriers including the Postal Service simultaneously struggled with absences and a flood of parcels. Satish Jindel from ShipMatrix says carriers have a capacity of delivering more than 120 million parcels daily compared to a projected holiday peak of 82 million parcels per day.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation has reached its lowest point in 2 1/2 years. The unemployment rate has stayed below 4% for the longest stretch since the 1960s. And the U.S. economy has repeatedly defied predictions of a coming recession. Yet according to a raft of polls and surveys, most Americans hold a glum view of the economy. The disparity has led to befuddlement, exasperation and curiosity on social media and in opinion columns. Many factors lie behind the disconnect, but economists increasingly point to one in particular: The lingering financial and psychological effects of the worst bout of inflation in four decades.

CHICAGO (AP) — Almost every major city in the United States generally allows drivers to turn right at red lights, but that could be changing. A dramatic rise in automobile accidents killing or injuring pedestrians and bicyclists has led to a myriad of policy and infrastructure changes. The debate over whether to ban right on red has sparked the most intense sentiments on both sides. Washington, D.C.'s City Council last year approved a right-on-red ban that takes effect in 2025. Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle have considered it too. Most U.S. cities have maintained the right-on-red rule since a 1970s mandate from the federal government aimed at conserving energy by preventing cars from idling at stop lights.

Nearly nine out of 10 parents believe their child is performing at grade level despite standardized tests showing far fewer students are on track. That's according to a poll released Wednesday by Gallup and the nonprofit Learning Heroes. Many parents rely on report cards for a sense of their children’s progress, but researchers say they might be missing the whole picture. Without that knowledge, parents may not seek opportunities for extra support for their children. In a federal survey, school officials said half of all U.S. students started last school year behind grade level in at least one subject.

MOUNT ANGEL, Ore. (AP) — In the face of human-caused climate change impacting water access and weather patterns in the Willamette Valley — a region known for hops growing — farmers are using all the new strategies they can get to stay afloat and provide for large and small breweries alike. Climate change is anticipated to only further the challenges producers are already seeing in hops and barley. Researchers are working with growers to help counter the effects of more volatile weather systems with improved hop varieties and by adding winter barley to the mix.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Error-ridden state reviews have purged millions of the poorest Americans from the Medicaid program in recent months. Poverty experts are questioning if the Biden administration is doing enough to stop states from wrongly removing people from the government health care program. Estimates show up to 30 million people could be dropped from Medicaid as states finish reviewing their rolls over the next year. Advocates interviewed around the country say problems with the government forms, websites and phone lines in states including Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Arkansas have led to the high number of people losing Medicaid. Arkansas' Department of Human Services says it tried to reach people with additional calls, emails and texts.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 22 at 6 a.m. CT:

Millions of people are expected to hit airports and highways in record numbers over the Thanksgiving holiday. AAA forecasts that 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home with roads likely to be the most clogged on Wednesday.

The holiday season is here, which means spending time with family on Thanksgiving and also, for millions of people, hunting for the best deals on Black Friday. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November each year, which takes place this week. A lot of national retailers are keeping the doors closed on Thursday to give employees time with families and to recharge for the holidays ahead. That includes some of the biggest chains like Walmart and Target, which plan to re-open stores on Friday.

Holiday meals may be changing for millions of Americans struggling with obesity and taking a new generation of weight-loss drugs. Experts and consumers say the drugs are shifting dining habits and social norms around food-centric holidays like Thanksgiving, Passover and Christmas. Some users welcome greater control over what they eat during the holidays. Others may lose their appetites entirely, doctors say, risking what one researcher called “the reward of having a beautiful meal.”

Thanksgiving may be a time for Americans to come together, but opinion is divided over what’s on the crowded dinner table. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research looks at the country's Thanksgiving tastes. Americans mostly agree on the deliciousness of pumpkin pie. And turkey rules. But we’re split over the eternal turkey question of dark meat versus white meat. And don’t even ask if marshmallows belong on sweet potatoes — it could cause a ruckus. The least favorite dishes? About two in 10 American celebrators said cranberries or cranberry sauce are their least favorite part of the feast. As for the cooking, women are much more likely than men to say they'll do all or most of it.

As the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John. F. Kennedy is marked, the last surviving witnesses remember the day as part of a new National Geographic series "JFK: One Day in America."

HINSDALE, N.H. (AP) — For years, Geoffrey Holt was known as a mobile home park groundskeeper in a small New Hampshire town. Now, he's being remembered as a millionaire who gave his fortune to the community. Holt died in June at age 82. His 4,200 fellow residents in the town of Hinsdale recently learned he left nearly $4 million to benefit the following areas: education, health, recreation and culture. Holt was a modest man with few needs, but also a savvy investor who read financial publications. The Connecticut River town that has the nation's oldest continually operating post office plans to use the money frugally, as he did.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 21 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

Senior Hamas officials say an agreement could be reached soon in which the militant group would release hostages and Israel would free Palestinian prisoners. Israel, the United States and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas, have been negotiating for weeks over a hostage release that would be paired with a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the entry of more humanitarian aid.

DALLAS (AP) — Despite inflation and memories of past holiday travel meltdowns, millions of people are expected to hit airports and highways in record numbers over the Thanksgiving break. AAA forecasts that 55.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between next Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with roads likely to be the most clogged on Wednesday.

HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii official says all nine people aboard a U.S. Navy plane that overshot a runway have escaped injury. A U.S. Marine Corps spokesperson said Monday that the P-8A aircraft overshot the runway at a Marine base and went into Kaneohe Bay. Another spokesperson says the Coast Guard responded but that rescue operations were quickly called off. The P-8A is often used to hunt for submarines and used in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. It is manufactured by Boeing and shares many parts with the 737 commercial jet. The base is about 10 miles from Honolulu on Oahu.

WESTCLIFFE, Colo. (AP) — Authorities in Colorado are hunting for a man they believe shot and killed three people and critically wounded a fourth in a property dispute. The Custer County Sheriff's Office says what began as a dispute ended with gunshots Monday in a rural area about 8 miles from the county seat of Westcliffe. Authorities say two men and a woman died at the scene and a fourth person was taken to a trauma center in critical condition but is expected to survive. Residents of the wooded, rural area were told to shelter in place for five hours on Monday as authorities hunted for the suspect, but the order was listed Monday night while he remained at large.

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (AP) — Police in Ohio say a shooter opened fire at a Walmart, wounding four people before apparently killing himself. The attack took place Monday night at a Walmart in Beavercreek, in the Dayton metropolitan area. Police didn't immediately release the name of the shooter, a possible motive for the attack or other details. There also wasn't any immediate word on the conditions of the victims, who were taken to hospitals. In a statement, Walmart says the company is “heartbroken” over the shootings.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, traveling to Kyiv by train from Poland. Austin is making a high-profile push to keep money and weapons flowing to Ukraine even as U.S. and international resources are stretched by the new global risks raised by the Israel-Hamas conflict. In Kyiv he met Monday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine's defense minister and chief of staff and announced that the U.S. would be sending an additional $100 million in weapons. Austin says Ukraine’s effort to defeat Russia’s forces “matters to the rest of the world” and U.S. support will continue “for the long haul.”

The Eagles get Super Bowl revenge, the Nuggets and Bucks are among NBA's big winners, the Lightning get a key win over the Bruins in the NHL slate and two ranked college basketball matchups.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A divided federal appeals court has found that private individuals and groups such as the NAACP do not have the ability to sue under a key section of the federal Voting Rights Act. It's a decision that voting rights advocates say could further erode protections under the landmark 1965 law. The 2-1 decision Monday by a panel of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis found that only the U.S. attorney general can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. That section prohibits discriminatory voting practices such as racially gerrymandered districts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has spent part of his 81st birthday observing the White House tradition of pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys. Gobblers Liberty and Bell received executive clemency Monday at a White House ceremony. Biden mentioned his age and joked that he wasn't at the first of these events held 76 yeas ago. The 20-week-old, 42-pound birds were hatched and bred in Willmar, Minnesota, by the Jennie-O turkey company for the occasion. The turkey pardon ceremony marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington. On Monday, Jill Biden also welcomed delivery of a Fraser fir from North Carolina as the official White House Christmas tree.

The company that created ChatGPT is in turmoil after Microsoft hired its ousted CEO and many more employees threatened to follow him in a conflict that centered in part oin part on how to build artificial intelligence that’s smarter than humans. The developments followed a weekend of drama that shocked the AI field and fueled speculation about the future of OpenAI. The startup's new CEO vowed to investigate the firing of co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. He's been instrumental in OpenAI’s transformation from a nonprofit research laboratory into a world-renowned commercial startup that inaugurated the era of generative artificial intelligence. Microsoft announced that Altman and OpenAI’s former president, Greg Brockman, would lead its new advanced AI research team.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The founder of a former megachurch in Oklahoma known for rejecting the idea of hell and supporting gay rights has died. Bishop Carlton Pearson died Sunday in hospice care in Tulsa due to cancer according to his agent. Pearson was 70. Pearson founded Higher Dimensions Family Church in Tulsa and by 2000 its membership reached 6,000. Membership fell to a few hundred by 2008 after Pearson began teaching what he called “the gospel of inclusion,” a form of universalism, which does not recognize hell. The church, renamed New Dimensions was folded into another church as Pearson became a United Church of Christ minister.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 20 at 7 a.m. CT:

ATLANTA (AP) — Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has died at the age of 96. The Carter Center in Atlanta announced that the wife of former President Jimmy Carter died Sunday afternoon at her home in Plains, Georgia, with her family at her side. Rosalynn Carter was married to Jimmy Carter for more than 77 years, and both said she was the more political of the pair. Unlike many previous first ladies, Rosalynn Carter sat in on Cabinet meetings and spoke out on controversial issues. President Carter even sent her on a trip to Latin America to tell dictators he meant what he said on human rights. Together, Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter also co-founded The Carter Center to continue their work.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made an unannounced visit to Kyiv. He arrived Monday in what is expected to be a high-profile push to keep money and weapons flowing to Ukraine even as U.S. and international resources are stretched by the new global risks raised by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Austin traveled to Kyiv by train from Poland. He is scheduled to meet with senior Ukrainian officials and publicly press Ukraine’s urgent military needs as it enters another tough winter of fighting. U.S. officials said Austin intended to tell Ukrainian officials that American support for Kyiv’s effort to defeat Russia’s invasion forces is steadfast and will continue.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces are pressing their offensive against Hamas in northern Gaza. They are battling militants around a hospital where thousands of patients and displaced people have been sheltering for weeks, raising Palestinian fears of another painful standoff and evacuation of a medical facility. A medical worker inside the Indonesian Hospital and the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday that a shell struck the second floor of the facility, killing at least 12 people. Both blamed Israeli forces. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. The advance came a day after the World Health Organization evacuated 31 premature babies from Shifa Hospital. At least 28 were transported to Egypt on Monday.

Millions are expected to travel for the holidays. Wind, snow and rain could be problematic for travelers across the Northeast, according to the National Weather Service.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is spending part of his 81st birthday observing the White House tradition of pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys. The gobblers receiving executive clemency at a ceremony Monday are named Liberty and Bell. The 20-week-old, 42-pound birds were hatched and bred in Willmar, Minnesota, by the Jennie-O turkey company for the occasion. The turkey pardon ceremony marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in Washington and it will be an especially busy day for the White House. In addition to celebrating the president's birthday, Jill Biden also welcomes delivery of an 18-and-a-half-foot Fraser fir from North Carolina as the official White House Christmas tree.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An elevated Los Angeles freeway closed by a Nov. 11 arson fire has reopened ahead of Monday morning’s commute. That's at least a day earlier than previously announced and weeks ahead of the original estimate. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Sunday that inspections showed it's safe to reopen shortly after crews worked round the clock for days to shore up about 100 support columns. Newsom said the freeway would be “fully operational” before Monday's rush hour. An estimated 300,000 vehicles a day use the east-west freeway crossing the heart of Los Angeles. Vice President Kamala Harris joined Newsom and city Mayor Karen Bass for Sunday's announcement.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s military has warned North Korea not to go ahead with its planned spy satellite launch. A senior officer suggested Monday that South Korea could suspend an inter-Korean agreement to reduce tensions and resume front-line aerial surveillance in response. North Korea's first two attempts to put a spy satellite into space failed and its promised third attempt has been delayed. South Korean officials say the delay likely was because North Korea is receiving Russian technology assistance and a launch could happen in coming days. The U.N. Security Council bans any satellite launches by North Korea because it views them as a disguised test of its missile technology.

Sugar prices are soaring in many places. That's largely due to production shortfalls in key exporters India and Thailand that are partly blamed on the El Nino. The U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization is predicting a 2% decline in production this year. Increasingly, sugar is being used for biofuels like ethanol, so global sugar buffer stocks are at their lowest since 2009.

The Lions rally from down two scores late to beat the Bears, Matthew Stafford's return helps the Rams end their three-game losing streak, the Broncos ends the Vikings' winning streak, a LeBron James free throw gives the Lakers a win over the Rockets, and Aaron Nola decides to stay with the Phillies.

“The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” tops the North American box office in its first weekend in theaters. The $44 million in ticket sales the film earned is a new low for the franchise. It always opened over $100 million in its Jennifer Lawrence days. The animated “Trolls Band Together” opened in second place with $30.6 million, while “The Marvels” fell a record 78% in its second weekend. Taika Waititi’s soccer comedy “Next Goal Wins” and the slasher “Thanksgiving” also opened in wide release over the busy, pre-Thanksgiving weekend.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Cassie say they have settled a lawsuit containing allegations of beatings and abuse by the powerful music producer. The settlement was announced on Friday in a statement from an attorney for Cassie, whose full name is Casandra Ventura. It comes one day after the lawsuit was filed. The statement says Combs and Ventura have reached a deal to their “mutual satisfaction." No terms of the agreement have been disclosed. Ventura and Combs both issued statements. The statement from Ventura's lawyer says no further statements will be issued.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Taylor Swift has postponed a concert in Rio de Janeiro after a 23-year-old fan died during her Friday night show. The singer said in a handwritten note posted Saturday on Instagram that the decision was made due to the extremely hot weather in the Brazilian city. “The safety and well being of my fans, fellow performers, and crew has to and always will come first,” Swift wrote in the message posted on Instagram. The cause of death for Ana Clara Benevides Machado has not yet been announced. But concertgoers complained they were not allowed to take water into Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium despite the soaring temperatures in Rio on Friday.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue was illuminated with a welcome to Brazil message for Taylor Swift. It was thanks to an act of charity by Swift fans orchestrated by the Catholic sanctuary that manages the world’s most famous Christ statue. The colossal monument donned a projected white “Welcome to Brazil” T-shirt honoring the singer’s latest leg of her Eras Tour. The initiative was launched after a request from Taylor Swift fans. The priest who runs the Christ statue then dared Swifties to donate for a good cause in return for their request. The statue was lit Thursday night after Swifties met the goal and helped fundraise for 20,000 panettones and water for the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor, which will be marked on Sunday.

NEW YORK (AP) — George Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool & The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” has died at age 74. A statement from Universal Music says Brown died Thursday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. Kool & The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group in 1964. Kool & the Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” among others songs and peaked in the late ’70s and mid-1980s, with such hits as “Cherish” and “Celebration.”

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscars for the fourth time.
Kevin Hart will receive the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy.
Sean "Diddy" Combs accused of years of rape and abuse by singer Cassie in a lawsuit.
Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers told NBC that he is targeting a mid-December return from a torn Achilles tendon.
And it was a busy week off the field in baseball. The Athletics are moving from Oakland to Las Vegas, the All-Star Game will be played in Atlanta and annual awards, including MVP, were handed out.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials say at least seven states are seeing high levels of the flu and that cases are rising in other parts of the country. New flu data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows flu is steadily rising. The winter flu season traditionally ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year and is making a November entrance now. Louisiana has very high flu activity. There is high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina and the District of Columbia. Health officials in Puerto Rico declared an influenza epidemic earlier this month.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza and warned of the growing possibility of widespread starvation after internet and telephone services collapsed in the besieged enclave because of a lack of fuel. Israel announced Friday that it will allow a “very minimal” amount of fuel into the besieged territory daily. But the shipments appeared to be far less than what the U.N. has said is needed. The communications blackout is in its second day. It largely cuts off Gaza’s 2.3 million people from one another and the outside world, and it paralyzes the coordination of aid.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the House Ethics Committee has filed a resolution to force a vote on expelling Republican Rep. George Santos from Congress. The resolution was announced one day after the Ethics Committee issued a withering report detailing evidence that Santos of New York converted campaign donations for his own personal use, such as trips to Atlantic City and the Hamptons. Santos easily survived an expulsion vote this month as lawmakers stressed the need for due process. But the completion of the committee’s report has generated new momentum for ousting the scandal-plagued freshman. Santos announced this week that he would not seek reelection.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — University of Virginia officials are further delaying the public release of the findings of an investigation into the events surrounding a 2022 campus shooting that killed three student-athletes and wounded two other students. Citing concern about the impact the findings could have on the suspect's pending trial, UVA said in a news release Friday that it would not make a “redacted” version of the final report public available until “after the criminal proceedings.” The suspect is charged with aggravated murder, aggravated malicious wounding and firearms-related counts. Court records show his next court hearing is in February.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead. It comes after more reports of illness in children who ate pouches of applesauce puree. The pouches were sold in several retail and online stories and have been recalled. The FDA says cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in applesauce products. At least 34 children in 22 states have reportedly been sickened by lead poisoning. The FDA says no other reports of illness or elevated blood levels have been tied to cinnamon.

NEW BUFFALO, Mich. (AP) — Authorities say 11 people were injured when an Amtrak train heading to Chicago derailed in southwestern Michigan. The train derailed Thursday night after hitting an empty vehicle and a tow truck. The train went off the tracks but remained upright. The crash happened near New Buffalo, about 70 miles east of Chicago. The injuries were not considered serious. The vehicle was stuck on the tracks and was in the process of being removed when the train hit both. Amtrak arranged buses to take passengers to Chicago. Eight trains between Chicago and Michigan were canceled Friday while investigators were at the scene.

DETROIT (AP) — Honda is recalling nearly 250,000 vehicles in the U.S. because bearings can fail, causing the engines to stall and increasing the risk of a crash. The recall covers certain 2018 and 2019 Honda Pilot SUVs and Odyssey minivans, and some 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks. Also affected are certain 2015 to 2020 Acura TLX cars and 2016 to 2020 Acura MDX SUVs. Honda says in documents posted Friday by .U.S. safety regulators that connecting rod bearings in the engine can wear and seize due to a manufacturing error, damaging the engines. The engines could stall while being driven, increasing the risk of a fire or crash. The automaker says in documents that it has no reports of injuries. Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the engines if needed.

LONDON (AP) — The British author of the Booker Prize-winning novel “Possession” has died at the age of 87. A.S. Byatt’s publisher, Chatto & Windus, said Friday that the author whose full name was Antonia Byatt died “peacefully at home surrounded by close family.” Byatt wrote two dozen books, starting with “The Shadow of the Sun” in 1964. She published “Possession” in 1990. The novel follows two modern-day academics investigating the lives of a pair of Victorian poets and was adapted into a 2002 film starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Her other works include the novel “The Children’s Book” and the short story collection “Medusa’s Ankles." Queen Elizabeth II made Byatt a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, in 1999 for services to literature.

Used-car shoppers won’t have it easy this year or next. Although used car prices have declined from their record levels from last year, they are still high and are coupled with the highest interest rates we’ve seen in many years. If that’s not bad enough, used cars also are currently older. There are fewer near-new vehicles for sale right now than just a few years ago. Edmunds outlines some steps you can take to get the best possible deal during these tough times.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Police in Maine say a lobsterman jumped from a boat into the water to help save a driver trapped in a sinking car. Police in Portland say the car drove into Casco Bay shortly after noon on Thursday. Police and fire crews were able to force entry into the vehicle while it was underwater. The lobster boat was nearby and Manny Kourinos, who is experienced in diving, entered the water and helped pull out the driver. The 33-year-old driver was hospitalized in stable condition. Police are investigating and say the vehicle was reported stolen out of South Portland earlier in the day.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — For many years in college football, the booze flowed only outside the stadiums at tailgates. Not anymore. Selling beer and wine has become the norm. According to a survey by The Associated Press of Power Five conference schools and Notre Dame, 55 of 69 of them sell alcohol in the public areas of their stadiums on game days. That's up dramatically over the past decade. Experts say it is a reliable revenue stream. The trend picked up in 2019 after the Southeastern Conference cleared the way for alcohol sales at football stadiums.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 17 at 5:45 a.m. CT:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden has ended the immediate threat of a government shutdown, signing a temporary spending bill a day before much of the government was to run out of money. The bill, which maintains existing funding levels, pushes a fight with congressional Republicans over the federal budget into the new year, when GOP lawmakers in the House are vowing to exact stiff spending cuts. It splits the deadlines for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others. The measure does not include any wartime aid for Ukraine or Israel, nor does it offer humanitarian funding for Palestinians.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Rescuers in Gaza don’t have the equipment to search properly for the living, let alone the dead. Every day, hundreds of people claw through tons of rubble with shovels and iron bars and their bare hands. They are looking for the bodies of loved ones killed in Israeli missile strikes. More than five weeks into Israel’s war against Hamas, some streets are now more like graveyards. U.N. humanitarian monitors say at least 2,700 people, including 1,500 children, are missing and believed buried under the rubble. More than 11,400 are dead.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Republicans battling to be the alternative to former President Donald Trump are coming together for what an influential Christian organization in Iowa is billing as a friendly conversation on politics and their world views. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will appear at the roundtable “family discussion” in Des Moines Friday, Trump is not expected to make an appearance, though he was invited. The field around Trump is winnowing with less than two months before the Iowa caucuses kick off the GOP nominating calendar. In a sign of the urgency the field faces, many of his rivals are going after each other more frequently with jabs that have often turned personal.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A lawsuit has challenged the constitutionality of Missouri’s new law requiring voters to show photo identification to cast a regular ballot. The trial in the case is expected to begin Friday. Voting rights advocates suing to overturn the law say getting the records needed to obtain proper photo identification can be challenging, especially for elderly voters and people with disabilities. People without government-issued photo identification can cast provisional ballots to be counted if they return later that day with a photo ID or if election officials verify their signatures.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Congressman George Santos of New York says he won't run for reelection in 2024 after a scathing House Ethics Committee report on his conduct cited “overwhelming evidence” of lawbreaking. The Ethics panel says it has referred its findings about Santos to the Justice Department. Shortly after the panel’s report was released, Santos blasted it in a tweet on X as a “disgusting politicized smear” but said he would not be seeking reelection to a second term. A renewed effort to expel him has been launched. The committee said Thursday that Santos’ conduct warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the office, and has brought severe discredit upon the House.

NEW YORK (AP) — RSV infections are rising sharply in some parts of the country, nearly filling hospital emergency departments in Georgia, Texas and some other states. Federal officials say they are taking action to help counter the surge. On Thursday, they announced the release of 77,000 doses of a new RSV shot for newborns. The shot has been been in short supply since it became available three months ago. RSV is not expected to generate the kind of patient traffic seen last fall, when hospital emergency departments across the country were overwhelmed with sick, wheezing kids. But it could nevertheless strain resources in some places.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden has made America's case to CEOs attending the Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco that the United States is committed to high standards in trade that will benefit economies across the Pacific. Fresh off his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden also told business leaders that the U.S. was “de-risking and diversifying” but not “decoupling” from Beijing. But he did not mince words in suggesting the U.S. and other Pacific nations could offer businesses a better option than China. Biden's comments came as he was courting world leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

The Ravens score a huge bounce-back over Cincinnati, Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh agrees to a three-game suspension, Major League Baseball announces its MVPs, awards the 2025 All-Star Game to Atlanta and approves the relocation of the A's, while Miami and Oklahoma City win in the NBA and Vegas does the same in the NHL.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of years of abuse including rape and beatings by R&B singer Cassie. Cassie's legal name is Cassandra Ventura. She was in a yearslong relationship with the hip-hop producer and music mogul. She says in a lawsuit filed Thursday in New York federal court that Combs plied her with drugs, savagely beat her and forced her to have sex with male prostitutes. She says he raped her as she tried to end the relationship in 2018. Combs’ attorney says he vehemently denies what he calls the “outrageous lies” and and characterized the allegations as “blackmail.”

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 16 at 7:10 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Police and protesters have clashed outside Democratic National Committee headquarters during a demonstration for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas. Scores of Democratic representatives and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were inside the building for a campaign reception when it was interrupted by chanting outside. Protesters said they wanted to block entrances and exits to force politicians to encounter their candlelight vigil Wednesday night. However, the situation swiftly devolved. U.S. Capitol Police said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting,” but protesters blamed police for the violence. Capitol Police said six officers were treated for minor injuries and one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Residents say Israeli forces dropped leaflets warning Palestinians to flee parts of southern Gaza. That signals a possible expansion of their offensive to areas where hundreds of thousands of people who heeded earlier evacuation orders are crowded into U.N.-run shelters and family homes. Meanwhile, soldiers continued searching Shifa Hospital in the north on Thursday, in a raid that began a day earlier. They displayed guns they say were found hidden in one building, but have yet to release any evidence of the central Hamas command center that Israel has said is concealed beneath the complex. Hamas and staff at the hospital deny the allegations. Israel already carries out air raids in the south. Broadening operations there threatens to worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has ended the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays. The Senate gave final approval to a temporary government funding package Wednesday night and sent it to President Joe Biden for his signature. The bill sets up a final confrontation on the government budget in the new year. The Senate worked into the night to pass the bill with days to spare before government funding expires Saturday. The spending package keeps government funding levels at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated.

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping have emerged from their first face-to-face meeting in a year vowing to stabilize their fraught relationship and showcasing modest agreements to combat illegal fentanyl and re-establish military communications. There were still deep differences on economic competition and global security threats. But Biden said they agreed to “pick up the phone” and talk if urgent issues arise. Biden said “that's important progress." Xi signaled later Wednesday that China would send the U.S. new pandas after recalling three from the National Zoo in Washington last week.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state has sued PepsiCo in an effort to hold the soda-and-snack food giant partly responsible for litter that winds up in bodies of water that supply the city of Buffalo with drinking water. The lawsuit, filed in state Supreme Court by Attorney General Letitia James, accuses the company and its Frito-Lay subsidiaries of creating a public nuisance by making a huge number of plastic bottles and wrappers, some of which inevitably wind up falling or blowing into the Buffalo River after they are discarded by customers. PepsiCo said it was serious about “plastic reduction and effective recycling.” It didn’t directly comment on the lawsuit’s claim that it was legally responsible for keeping garbage out of the Buffalo River.

The Celtics stun the Sixers, Booker pays dividends on return to the line-up, an on-court fracas and neck grab draws punishment from the NBA, Flyers goaltender Carter Hart leads his team to victory, the Browns will be without their starting quarterback, and Major League Baseball announces the Cy Young Award winners.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Pat Murphy spent the last eight seasons as Craig Counsell’s bench coach in Milwaukee. He now is taking over for his former boss as the Brewers manager. The Brewers announced they were promoting Murphy a little over a week after the Chicago Cubs announced they had hired Counsell away from Milwaukee. Murphy’s only managerial experience in the majors came in 2015 when he led the San Diego Padres on an interim basis for the final 96 games of the season. He had been the Brewers' bench coach ever since.

NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is returning as host of the Academy Awards for the second straight year and fourth time overall. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Kimmel's return on Wednesday. ABC is returning to its late-night host a year after bringing Kimmel back for a 2023 ceremony that drew 18.7 million viewers, the most since 2020’s pre-pandemic broadcast. In the wake of Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, Kimmel led a cautious ceremony that helped stabilize the Academy Awards after years of turmoil. The 96th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 10 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. CT:

The TSA expects to screen 28 million travelers at the nation's airports over a 12-day period during the Thanksgiving holiday that begins Friday. John Bush, the agency's Federal Security Director at Reagan Airport outside Washington, D.C. has some advice: get to the airport early and pack your patience.

WOODSIDE, Calif. (AP) — To the domestic audience in China, Beijing continues to blame the U.S. for problems in the two countries' bilateral relations and urges Washington to “establish correct views” of China. The official news service Xinhua said in a series of editorials that Washington should walk out of its “zero-sum” mentality and expand cooperation to further stabilize and improve bilateral relations. Beijing has expressed hope that Washington would respond with “concrete actions.” Ahead of the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, senior White House officials said Biden would walk away from the talks with major announcements expected on curbing the flow of chemicals used in the production of fentanyl and steps to revive military-to-military communications.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops stormed into Gaza’s largest hospital, searching for traces of Hamas inside and beneath the facility filled with hundreds of patients, including newborns, who have gone for days without electricity and with little food as fighting raged around them. Details from the Wednesday raid remained sketchy, but officials from Israel and Gaza presented different narratives about what was happening at the hospital: The Israeli army released video showing soldiers carrying boxes labeled as “baby food” and “medical supplies,” while Gaza health officials talked of terrified staff and patients as troops moved through the buildings. Israel faces pressure to prove its claim that Hamas had transformed Shifa Hospital into a command base.

PARIS (AP) — A police officer being investigated in the killing of a 17-year-old of North African origin that touched off riots around France was freed from jail Wednesday while the probe continues. The prosecutor’s office in the Paris suburb where Nahel Merzouk was shot said magistrates concluded that continued detention of the motorcycle officer “no longer fulfills the legal criteria” for which he was held. The officer was given a preliminary charge of voluntary homicide. The rioting was driven by a mainly teenage backlash against a French state that many with immigrant roots say routinely discriminates against them.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A hospital director in Haiti says a heavily armed gang burst into the facility and took hostage hundreds of women, children and newborns. Jose Ulysse, founder and director of the Fontaine Hospital Center in the Cite Soleil slum, pleaded for help via social media. He confirmed has confirmed the incident in a brief message exchange with The Associated Press, saying the hospital is in “great difficulty.” No further details were immediately available, and it was not clear why the assailants may have taken patients hostage. Ulysse did not respond to further questions. The hospital has been considered an oasis in a community overrun by gangs that have unleashed increasingly violent attacks against each other and civilians.

LONDON (AP) — The British government says it will still try to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda, despite the U.K. Supreme Court ruling that the contentious plan is illegal. Five justices on the country’s top court say asylum-seekers would be “at real risk of ill-treatment” because they could be sent back to their home countries once they were in Rwanda. The court cited Rwanda’s poor human rights record, including enforced disappearances and torture. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to stop migrants reaching Britain in small boats. He says the government will strike a treaty with Rwanda that will address the court's concerns.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government's flagship policy to send migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda is unlawful. The government is vowing to make some changes and press on with the controversial plan. Making the plan work has become a central pillar of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s pledge to “stop the boats" — his slogan for deterring people from crossing the English Channel to reach Britain. He says he's prepared to change U.K. law and even flout international human rights treaties in order to make the plan work. Legal experts say that could be a tall order.

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans cut back on retail spending in October, ending six straight months of gains, though the decline was partly driven by falling prices for both gasoline and cars. Retail sales declined 0.1% last month after jumping a strong 0.9% in September, according to a report released Wednesday by the Commerce Department. September’s figure was revised higher from an initial report of a 0.7% gain. Excluding sales of gas and autos, retail sales ticked up 0.1%.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. wholesale prices fell sharply last month as inflationary pressure continued to ease in the face of a year and a half of higher interest rates. The Labor Department reported Wednesday that its producer price index — which measures inflation before it hits consumers — dropped 0.5% in October from September, biggest drop since April 2020. UOn a year-over-year basis, producer prices were up 1.3% from October 2022.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Comedian Kevin Hart has been chosen to receive the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in American humor. The honor caps a three-decade career that has seen the comic rise from the open mics of Philadelphia to become one of his generation’s most successful performers. The 44-year-old Hart has honed a style that combined his diminutive stature, expressive face and motormouth delivery. It's made him a wildly successful touring act. He's gone on to become one of the country’s most bankable and ubiquitous performers. Hart says in a statement that “comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life.”

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 15 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces are raiding Gaza’s largest hospital, where hundreds of patients, including newborns, have been stranded with dwindling supplies and no electricity. Wednesday's raid at Shifa hospital came as the army extended its control across Gaza City and the north. Shifa has become a symbol of the widespread suffering of Palestinian civilians during the war between Israel and Hamas. The hospital is also at the heart of clashing narratives over who is to blame for the thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Israel accuses Hamas of using Palestinians as human shields, while Palestinians and rights groups say Israel has recklessly endangered civilians.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted overwhelmingly to prevent a government shutdown. New Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan. Johnson’s proposal to temporarily fund the government into the new year passed on a bipartisan 336-95 tally, with 93 Republicans voting against it. He showed a willingness to leave his right-flank Republicans behind and work with Democrats — the same political move that cost the last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, his job just weeks ago. Johnson’s approach, which the Senate is expected to approve by week’s end, effectively pushes a final showdown over government funding to the new year.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are heading into their meeting at a country estate in California hoping to stabilize U.S.-China relations after a period of tumult. But the White House says Biden is prepared to confront Xi on difficult issues such as trade, Beijing’s burgeoning relationship with Iran and human rights concerns. The leaders last spoke a year ago. Since then, fraught ties between the economic superpowers have been strained by the U.S. downing of a Chinese spy balloon and over differences on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, China’s hacking of a Biden official’s emails and other incidents. The leaders are in San Francisco on Wednesday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Supreme Court has ruled that the government’s contentious plan to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda is illegal. Five justices on the country’s top court say asylum-seekers would be “at real risk of ill-treatment” because they could be sent back to their home countries once they were in Rwanda. The ruling on Wednesday is a major blow to a key government policy that has drawn international attention and criticism. Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants who arrive in the U.K. across the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay. Sunak said the ruling “was not the outcome we wanted.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A fight seems to have nearly broken out a congressional hearing. The Tuesday hearing in the Senate devolved into an angry confrontation between Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. Mullin challenged the Teamsters leader to “stand your butt up” and settle longstanding differences right there in the room. Committee chairman Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont had to yell at Mullin to sit down after he challenged O’Brien to a fight. Mullin and O'Brien never came face to face in the room. But they hurled insults at each other for around six minutes.

Georgia is No. 1 in the College Football Playoff Rankings, Manager of the Year awards are dealt in MLB, the Bills fire their offensive coordinator, the Pacers end the Sixers' win streak and Charlie Lindgren leads Washington past Las Vegas.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler has died. He was 63. Seidler poured hundreds of millions of dollars into trying to bring a World Series championship to San Diego. He didn't succeed, despite paying for stars like Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts. He was a third-generation member of the O'Malley family that used to own the Dodgers. A cause of death wasn’t disclosed. Seidler was a two-time cancer survivor. The team announced in mid-September that Seidler had an unspecified medical procedure in August and wouldn’t be back at the ballpark the rest of the year.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. CT:

JERUSALEM (AP) — Gaza’s Shifa Hospital has become the focus of a dayslong stalemate in Israel’s war against Hamas. Shifa is Gaza’s largest hospital. Israel claims, without providing visual evidence, that Hamas uses the facility for military purposes and has built a vast underground command center below the hospital. Since Israel declared war against Hamas in response to a deadly cross-border attack by the Islamic group on Oct. 7, its forces have moved in on Shifa. But hundreds of doctors and patients remain inside. It remains unclear how and when the standoff will end.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — David DePape has testified in the federal trial against him over last year's attack against former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband. DePape told jurors Tuesday that he went to the Pelosis’ home as part of a larger plan to end corruption in the United States. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. Paul Pelosi testified Monday, recounting the attack publicly for the first time.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden says his goal for his upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping is to get the U.S.-China relationship on a “normal course.” The president made the comments Tuesday just before departing the White House for San Francisco, where he will meet with Xi and attend a summit of Asia Pacific leaders. Biden's meeting with Xi on Wednesday is the main event of his four-day visit to San Francisco. At the summit itself, he's looking to demonstrate that his administration can focus on the Pacific. That's even as he tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from exploding into a regional conflict and persuade weary Republican lawmakers to continue funding Ukraine's effort to repel Russia’s invasion.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Long past its painful peak, inflation in the United States may be heading steadily back toward its pre-pandemic levels, without the need for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Such a scenario became more likely, if hardly guaranteed, after Tuesday’s surprisingly tame report on consumer prices for October. The data showed a broad-based easing of inflation across most goods and services. The price of gas? Down. Appliances? Down. Autos? Down. Same for airfares, hotel rooms and doctors’ fees. Overall inflation didn’t rise from September to October, the first time that consumers prices collectively haven’t budged from one month to another in more than a year.

LONDON (AP) — Police in England have arrested a man on suspicion of manslaughter in the death of American ice hockey player Adam Johnson whose neck was cut by a skate during a game. Johnson, 29, was playing for the Nottingham Panthers against the Sheffield Steelers in an Oct. 28 game when he was struck by an opponent’s skate blade. South Yorkshire Police did not name the suspect or provide his age. He was in police custody. The player whose skate cut Johnson’s neck was Matt Petgrave, 31, who plays for Sheffield. Johnson was a Minnesota native who had a brief NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

LONDON (AP) — The BBC says two more people have come forward to complain about Russell Brand since the broadcaster launched a review into the actor and comedian’s behavior. The BBC was giving an update to its investigation after British media outlets in September published claims by four women that they were sexually assaulted by Brand between 2006 and 2013, at the height of his fame. The 48-year-old denies the allegations. The comedian worked as a BBC radio presenter from 2006 to 2008. The broadcaster said it recorded a total of five complaints against Brand. The BBC news website reported that the latest allegations are “understood to relate to his workplace conduct, and are not of a serious sexual nature.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House is preparing for a vote to prevent a government shutdown. New Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the aisle to Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan. Johnson was willing to leave his right flank Republicans behind and work with Democrats on Tuesday to keep the government open. It's the same political move that cost Kevin McCarthy, the former House speaker, his job. This time, new Speaker Johnson appears on track for a better outcome. The Senate would act next, ahead of Friday’s shutdown deadline. But Johnson is facing the same political problem that led to McCarthy’s ouster as hard-right conservatives revolt. That could spell trouble ahead when funding runs out again in January.

Home Depot is continuing to see its sales decline amid inflation concerns, and the home improvement retailer narrowed its fiscal 2023 outlook. But its quarterly performance came in above Wall Street’s expectations. Home Depot Inc. said Tuesday that its third-quarter revenue fell 3% to $37.71 billion. Still, it managed to beat the $37.52 billion that analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research predicted.

U.S. health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children. At least 22 toddlers in 14 states have sickened by lead that's linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. Cases were reported in children ages 1 to 3 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least one child showed a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern. The illnesses are linked to recalled WanaBana, Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers says his goal is to return from a torn Achilles tendon by mid-December. That's according to NBC's Melissa Stark, who spoke to Rodgers and reported his comments during the telecast of the Jets' game at Las Vegas. Rodgers had hinted recently he hopes to return before the end of the season, but this is the most specific he has been. He suffered what was thought to be a season-ending injury in the opener against the Buffalo Bills.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 14 at 7 a.m. CT:

A major rally will take place Tuesday at the National Mall in Washington in support of Israel.

Gaza’s largest hospital, Shifa, is surrounded by Israeli troops and the lives of dozens of patients, including newborns, are at risk. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory proposed Tuesday that the facility be evacuated under the supervision of the Red Cross.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The last time Congress tried to fund the government to prevent a federal shutdown, it cost House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his job. This time, new Speaker Mike Johnson appears on track for a better outcome. On Tuesday, the House is expected to vote on another stopgap package to keep the government running. If approved, the Senate would act next, ahead of Friday’s shutdown deadline.

A new international report says the world is off track in its efforts to curb global warming in 41 of 42 important measurements and is even heading in the wrong direction in six crucial ways. Tuesday's report shows the only bright spot is global sales of electric passenger vehicles is now on track to help limit future warming to just another couple tenths of a degree. Study authors say public money spent to create more fossil fuel use is going in the wrong direction and faster than it has in the past.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States likely remained high last month, a trend that if sustained could raise concerns at the Federal Reserve, which is considering whether to raise interest rates again. Still, cheaper gas might have slowed a broad measure of overall inflation in October. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core inflation is forecast to have risen 0.3% from September to October for a third straight month. Monthly increases at that pace would be too high to meet the Fed’s 2% annual inflation target. Economists pay particular attention to core prices, which are believed to provide a good signal of inflation’s likely future path.

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s cybersecurity agency says artificial intelligence poses a threat to the country’s next national election. The National Cyber Security Center also says cyberattacks by hostile countries and their proxies are proliferating and getting harder to track. The center said Tuesday in its annual review that “this year has seen the emergence of state-aligned actors as a new cyber threat to critical national infrastructure” such as power, water and internet networks. The center is part of Britain’s cyberespionage agency, GCHQ. It said the past year also has seen the emergence of cyberattackers who are "sympathetic to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine and are ideologically, rather than financially, motivated.”

Denver knocks off Buffalo on Monday Night Football, the Celtics and Bucks were among key NBA winners, an upset in college basketball, a pair of games in the NHL, and MLB hands out rookie of the year awards.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. CT:

Fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants outside Gaza’s largest hospital has prompted thousands of people to flee from the medical facility. But health officials said Monday that hundreds of patients and others displaced by the war remained inside. President Joe Biden said Shifa hospital “must be protected” and called for “less intrusive action” by Israeli forces.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The new Supreme Court code of conduct agreed to by all nine justices does not appear to impose any significant new requirements on them. The code leaves compliance to the justices themselves and does not create any other means of enforcement. The Supreme Court disclosed the code on Monday, in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors to some justices. The justices say the code largely represents a codification of principles they've long regarded as governing their conduct. Liberal critics of the court were not satisfied, with one group saying the code “reads a lot more like a friendly suggestion than a binding, enforceable guideline.”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Prosecutors are bringing forward law enforcement officials to discuss video that’s at the crux of their case against the man accused of attacking former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband at the couple’s San Francisco home last year. The trial against David DePape is in it's second day. Paul Pelosi is expected to testify. DePape has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on the immediate family member of a federal official with intent to retaliate against the official for performance of their duties. His attorney told jurors last week that she won't dispute that DePape attacked Paul Pelosi, but that the charges don't fit.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says Jill Biden will be in charge of a new initiative to boost federal government research into women's health. Women make up more than half the U.S. population but advocates say they remain understudied and underrepresented in health research. The first lady and other officials say the goal of the White House Initiative on Women's Health Research is to fundamentally change the government's approach. The first lady said former California first lady Maria Shriver raised the idea for the initiative during a meeting earlier this year. Jill Biden says she brought the idea to President Joe Biden and he took action.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — One of the highest ranking leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has died. M. Russell Ballard was 95. Ballard was acting president of a top governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church’s second-highest leadership body. He was second in line to the church presidency. A church statement says Ballard died Sunday surrounded by family at his home. Ballard had been a member of the Quorum since 1985. He was the quorum’s acting president since 2018. He is survived by his seven children, 43 grandchildren, 105 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Exxon Mobil is drilling for lithium in Arkansas and expects to begin production of the critical material for electric vehicles by 2027. Exxon on Monday announced the project and said by 2030 it expects to produce enough lithium to supply the manufacturing needs of more than 1 million electric vehicles. The oil giant in early 2023 acquired the rights to 120,000 gross acres of the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas. The formation is considered one of the most prolific lithium resources of its type in North America. The project comes as the U.S. faces a greater need for lithium sources to meet its clean energy goals.

NEW YORK (AP) — Maryanne Trump Barry, a retired federal judge and former president Donald Trump’s oldest sister, has died at age 86 at her home in New York. Until her retirement in 2019, Barry was a senior judge on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a level below the Supreme Court. Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the former president’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr. called it “a rough day for myself and my family” after he spent Monday testifying in a civil fraud trial in New York.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secret Service agents protecting President Joe Biden’s granddaughter have opened fire after three people tried to break into an unmarked Secret Service vehicle in Washington. That's according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday. It happened late Sunday night in the Georgetown neighborhood. The official says the agents were assigned to protect Naomi Biden when they saw the three people breaking a window of the parked and unoccupied SUV. The Secret Service says one of the agents opened fire but did not strike anyone. Washington has seen a significant rise in the number of carjackings and car thefts this year.

Kansas remained at No. 1 in the first Associated Press men's college basketball poll of the season. The Jayhawks received 51 first-place votes from a media panel and were followed by Purdue, Arizona, Marquette and Connecticut. Arizona had the biggest jump from the preseason poll, moving up nine spots after beating No. 9 Duke on the road. No. 24 James Madison moved into the AP Top 25 for the first time following a road win over No. 18 Michigan State.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 13 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Mike Johnson has unveiled his proposal to avoid a partial government shutdown next weekend by extending government funding for some agencies and programs until Jan. 19 and continuing funding for others until Feb. 2. The approach is unusual for a stopgap spending bill. Generally, lawmakers extend funding until a certain date for all programs. Johnson decided to go with the combination approach, addressing concerns from GOP lawmakers who want to avoid being presented with a massive spending bill just before the holidays, as has often occurred in the past.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the need to destroy Hamas as the path forward to peace on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday. Israeli forces and Hamas militants continued to fight outside of a hospital in Gaza.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott says he is ending his 2024 bid for president in a move that surprised his donors and stunned his campaign staff. The South Carolina senator made the announcement on Fox News Channel's “Sunday Night in America” with Trey Gowdy. Scott says, "I think the voters who are the most remarkable people on the planet have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim.’” The decision comes as Scott continued to struggle in the polls in a field dominated by former President Donald Trump. Scott, the Senate’s only Black Republican, entered the race with more cash than any other Republican candidate but couldn’t find a way to break through.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s lawyers will start calling witnesses in the New York civil fraud trial that threatens the former president’s real estate empire. First up on Monday is Trump’s oldest son Donald Trump Jr. He is a Trump Organization executive vice president and a co-defendant in the case. He'll be returning to the witness stand two weeks after state lawyers quizzed him during a major stretch of the trial that also featured testimony from his father and siblings Eric and Ivanka Trump. Trump Jr. originally testified on Nov. 1 and 2. He said he never worked on the annual financial statements at the heart of New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Officials say Los Angeles motorists should expect traffic snarls as crews assess how much damage was caused by a weekend fire that closed a major elevated interstate near downtown. Hazardous materials teams removed burned material from underneath Interstate 10 on Sunday to make way for engineers to see if the columns and deck of the highway can support the normal traffic of about 300,000 vehicles per day. California Gov. Gavin Newsom says officials can’t yet offer a timeline for when the highway might reopen. Commuters are being urged to work from home or take public transportation into downtown Los Angeles.

LONDON (AP) — Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has made a shock return to high office. He was appointed foreign secretary on Monday in a major shakeup of the Conservative government that also saw the firing of divisive Home Secretary Suella Braverman. It’s rare for a former leader, and a non-lawmaker, to take a senior government post. The government said Cameron will be appointed to Parliament’s unelected upper chamber, the House of Lords. Sunak was under growing pressure to fire Braverman, a divisive figure popular with the authoritarian wing of the governing Conservative Party who drew anger for accusing police of being too lenient with pro-Palestinian protesters.

BERLIN (AP) — U.S. officials say five U.S. service members were killed when a military helicopter crashed during training over the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The military's European Command said all five crew members were killed when the copter went down “during a routine air refueling mission as part of military training.” The military said the cause is under investigation but there are no indications hostile activity was involved. It first reported the crash Saturday and said on Sunday that search and rescue efforts began immediately. The aircraft's branch of service wasn't immediately clear. The Air Force has sent additional squadrons to the region, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier has been operating in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Browns, Texans, Seahawks and Lions all win on game-ending field goals, while the Rockets, Sixers and Mavericks each prevail on the NBA hardwood.

NEW YORK (AP) — Since 2008’s “Iron Man,” the Marvel machine has been one of the most unstoppable forces in box-office history. Now, though, that aura of invincibility is showing signs of wear and tear. The superhero factory hit a new low with the weekend launch of “The Marvels." It opened with $47 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The 33rd installment in the MCU managed less than a third of the $153.4 million its predecessor “Captain Marvel," launched with. Sequels, especially in Marvel Land, aren’t supposed to fall off a cliff. The previous low for a Walt Disney Co.-owned Marvel movie was “Ant-Man,” which bowed with $57.2 million in 2015.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said use of AI was a a key point for striking actors as part of the new contract.

And just like at the box office, “Barbie” will be seen — and heard — at the Grammys. Music from the hit film’s soundtrack earned 11 nominations, including nabbing four of the five slots in the visual media song category.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discussed the new movies “The Holdovers,” out now in theaters, and “Nyad,” which is on Netflix.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The Hollywood strikes are over as actors and studios have come to an agreement..
Lainey Wilson won five awards and Tracy Chapman made history at the CMA Awards.
And it was a busy week in baseball as the Cubs, Mets and Guardians made managerial hires.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller talks about “The Holdovers” on the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. CT:

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Grammy nominations have been announced and SZA leads the way with nine nominations. The R&B star earned record, album and song of the year nominations for her album “SOS” and her hit song “Kill Bill.” The Recording Academy announced the nominations Friday. Phoebe Bridgers and Victoria Monét closely followed with seven nominations apiece. That includes six nominations for Bridgers' band boygenius. Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Brandy Clark, Jon Batiste and Jack Antonoff also have six nods each. The 2024 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 4 live on CBS and Paramount+ from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — Fans have pushed the Fisher-Price Corn Popper into the National Toy Hall of Fame. It joins baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids and NERF foam toys in the class of 2023, announced Friday. The Fisher-Price push toy was voted in by fans as part of the Toy Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary celebration. Baseball cards, Cabbage Patch Kids and NERF toys were chosen in the usual way, with input from a panel of national experts. Each year, the Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, recognizes a group of toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed long-lasting popularity.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has declined for now to postpone former President Donald Trump’s classified documents trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon pushed back several pretrial deadlines in a ruling Friday but left the May 2024 trial date intact. Trump faces four criminal cases unfolding in different cities as he seeks to reclaim the White House next year. The Florida felony charges accuse the Republican ex-president of illegally retaining classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate and hiding them from government investigators. Trump denies wrongdoing.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — A man has been arrested in the alleged assault of former U.S. Sen. Martha McSally who says she was molested as she jogged along the Missouri River in Iowa. Council Bluffs police said in a statement that the 25-year-old suspect from Papillion, Nebraska, was spotted by officers in Omaha, Nebraska, at 3:23 a.m. Friday and arrested. Police say the man will be extradited back to Council Bluffs. McSally is a former senator from Arizona. She was in the area for a speaking engagement and was jogging Wednesday morning. She told police a man came up from behind and grabbed and molested her until she fought him off. Police say video surveillance helped lead them to the suspect.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — In Wisconsin, the old fashioned cocktail comes with brandy, not bourbon. Now, state lawmakers have made it somewhat official. A resolution declaring the brandy old fashioned as the official Wisconsin state cocktail cleared the state Assembly on a bipartisan voice vote. It’s a resolution, not a bill, so even if it also clears the Senate, the brandy old fashioned won’t make it onto the list of other official state symbols that include milk as the official beverage, kringle as the official pastry, and corn as the official grain. For the unfamiliar, the old fashioned cocktail in just about every place other than Wisconsin is traditionally made with a whiskey, like bourbon, sugar and bitters.

NEW YORK (AP) — The proportion of U.S. kindergartners exempted from school attendance vaccination requirements has hit its highest level ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday released a report detailing the trends. Nationally, 3% of kindergartners got exemptions. Hawaii saw the largest jump, with the statistic nearly doubling from the year before. Idaho was highest overall, with 12%. Experts say more parents are questioning routine childhood vaccinations that they used to automatically accept. It's an effect of the political schism that emerged during the pandemic around COVID-19 vaccines. It also raises the chances of outbreaks of measles, polio and other diseases.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Justice says Alabama cannot use conspiracy laws to prosecute people and groups who help women leave the state to obtain an abortion. The department filed a statement of interest in consolidated lawsuits brought by an abortion fund and others against Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. Marshall has suggested his office would “look at” groups who provide abortion assistance. Alabama bans abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape and incest. The only exemption is if a pregnancy seriously threatens the pregnant patient’s health. Marshall's office said he is prepared to defend state law.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 10 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes hit near several hospitals in Gaza City early Friday as the military pushed deeper into dense urban neighborhoods in its battle with Hamas militants. The fighting has prompted increasing numbers of civilians to flee toward the south of the besieged territory. Israel has accused Hamas fighters of hiding in hospitals, and using the Shifa Hospital complex as its main command center. The militant group and hospital staff deny the claim, saying Israel is creating a pretext to strike it. The head of the Hamas-run media office in Gaza said Israel struck the Shifa courtyard and the obstetrics department as well as two other hospitals early Friday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Authorities are trying to determine who sent suspicious letters, including some containing fentanyl or other substances, to local election offices in at least five states. It's the latest instance of threats faced by election workers around the country. Elections offices in California, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon and Washington appeared to have been targeted. The Pierce County auditor’s office in Tacoma, Washington, released images of the letter it received, showing the letter was postmarked in Portland, Oregon, and read in part, “End elections now." Authorities are also trying to intercept a letter headed to an elections office in Fulton County, Georgia, the largest voting jurisdiction in one of the nation’s most important presidential swing states.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — After a marathon week of negotiations, the Las Vegas hotel workers union says it has reached a tentative deal with Wynn Resorts. It was the last contract the Culinary Workers Union needed to avoid a strike Friday. The new five-year contract covers 5,000 employees at the company’s flagship hotel-casino and Encore Resorts. It came early Friday after the union’s tentative deals earlier in the week with Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts. The union says the contracts will provide workers with historic pay raises and other unprecedented wins, like mandatory daily room cleanings. The contract came after seven months of bargaining and is their first since the pandemic.

ST. PETER, Minn. (AP) — A 96-year-old Korean War veteran from Minnesota has been waiting for 70 years for a Purple Heart medal. The Army keeps turning him down. He has provided documents to back up his assertion that he was wounded in combat in June 1951. His doctors at the Department of Veterans Affairs accepted his account that the shrapnel in his thigh came from a mortar attack. But an Army review board has issued what it called a final rejection in April, citing insufficient documentation. Meyer sued the Army in September. Now the Office of the Sergeant Major of the Army says it’s going to take another look.

The Bears hold the Panthers offense out of the end zone for a Thursday night win, the Blackhawks snap an eight-game losing streak to the Lightning in Tampa, Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers withstand a huge night from Giannis Antetokounmpo to beat the Bucks, and Trae Young leads the Hawks to victory in Mexico City over the Magic.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. CT:

The nation’s top accident investigator says a surge in close calls between planes at U.S. airports this year is a clear warning sign that aviation is under stress. Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, told a Senate panel Thursday that close calls are incredibly rare, but we cannot ignore the recent increase in such events. Witnesses at the hearing say staffing and irregular schedules are problems at the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia says he won’t seek reelection in 2024, giving Republicans a prime opportunity to gain a seat in the heavily GOP state. The 76-year-old Manchin said Thursday he made the decision “after months of deliberation and long conversations” with his family. Manchin's decision to retire marks the end of an era for West Virginia and severely hampers Democratic hopes of holding on to the coal country seat. For the last few years, Manchin has been the only Democrat elected to statewide office in West Virginia. Manchin is a longtime politician who's served as governor, secretary of state and state legislator.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested that the Fed is in no hurry to further raise its benchmark interest rate, given evidence that inflation pressures are continuing to ease at a gradual pace. At the same time, in a panel discussion at the International Monetary Fund, Powell did not rule out another rate hike to help reduce inflation to the Fed’s 2% target level. “We are not confident,” he said, that the Fed’s benchmark rate is high enough to steadily reduce inflation to its 2% target. Powell added: “We know that ongoing progress toward our 2% goal is not assured. Inflation has given us a few head fakes.”

BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP) — President Joe Biden has gone to Belvidere, Illinois, to celebrated a labor deal that will prevent a Stellantis plant in the city from closing. During an appearance before cheering automakers, the president put on a red United Auto Workers shirt and reminded his audience that he stood with members during their strikes against Ford, General Motors and Jeep-maker Stellantis. Biden learned in June that the Stellantis plant was set to close and he made keeping it open a priority. The plant will expand as part of the tentative contract with the UAW. Biden met with UAW President Shawn Fain and Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and plans to hold a fundraiser later in Chicago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says Israel has agreed to put in place four-hour daily humanitarian pauses in its assault on Hamas in northern Gaza. The Biden administration says it has secured a second pathway for civilians to flee fighting. President Joe Biden had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to institute the daily pauses during a Monday call. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby says the first humanitarian pause will be announced Thursday and the Israelis have committed to announcing each four-hour window at least three hours in advance. Biden says he asked the Israelis for a pause of at least three days during negotiations over the release of hostages held by Hamas.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Eight people died in a South Texas car crash Wednesday while police chased a driver suspected of smuggling migrants. Texas Department of Public Safety says it happened around 6:30 a.m. when the driver of a Honda Civic tried to outrun deputies from the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office. The department says the driver tried to pass semi truck. The Civic collided with a Chevrolet Equinox, killing two passengers in that car. Six people in Civice died, including the driver. It is the latest deadly vehicle crash involving police chasing migrants, and the deadliest since 13 people died in a collision in California, in 2021.

TOKYO (AP) — An undersea volcano's eruption off Japan three weeks ago has provided a rare view of the birth of a tiny new island, but experts say it may not last long. The undersea volcano just off the southern coast of Iwo Jima started its latest series of eruptions on Oct. 21. A Japan Meteorological Agency volcanic analyst said that by early November, a new island had formed that is about 328 feet in diameter and as high as 66 feet above the sea. About one-tenth of active volcanos around the world are in Japan which sits on the Pacific “ring of fire.”

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Missed your favorite actors? After nearly four months of striking, they’re coming back. Wednesday’s deal between striking actors and studios and streaming services won’t immediately restore filming to its full swing. That will take months. But the tentative agreement that both sides say include extraordinary provisions means that more than six months of labor strife in the film and television industries is drawing to a close. Soon, tens of thousands of entertainment sector workers could get back to work. And popular franchises like “Deadpool,” “Abbott Elementary” and “The Last of Us” will be a step closer to returning to screens.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Las Vegas hotel workers union says it has reached a deal with MGM Resorts International, the largest employer on the Las Vegas Strip, on the heels of its breakthrough agreement with Caesars Entertainment. The Culinary Workers Union announced the tentative five-year agreement with MGM early Thursday that it says covers about 25,000 workers at the Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Park MGM. The union had threatened to begin a strike in the pre-dawn hours Friday at properties along the Strip if negotiations failed. A walkout still could happen on a much smaller scale if the union can't reach a deal for 5,000 workers at Wynn Resorts. Negotiations with Wynn are scheduled for Thursday.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 9 at 6:50 a.m. CT:

Republican presidential candidates used the third debate of the GOP primary campaign to show their support for Israel and display at least some willingness to criticize Donald Trump, the front-runner in the race. Some of the most notable criticism of Trump came from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Trump’s debate counterprogramming tour continued in South Florida before a friendly crowd about a half-hour’s drive from where his rivals gathered.

Negotiations are being held for a three-day humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in exchange for the release of about a dozen hostages held by Hamas. That is according to two officials from Egypt, one from the United Nations and a Western diplomat. They were speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic efforts. The Israel-Hamas war, now in its second month, was triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly half of Democrats disapprove of how President Joe Biden is handling the Israel-Hamas conflict. That's according to a new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll. Taken over five days in November, the poll shows a deep divide in the Democratic Party over the war. The poll found 50% of Democrats approve of how Biden has navigated the conflict while 46% disapprove. The two groups diverge substantially in their views of U.S. support for Israel. The war could complicate Biden’s reelection effort. He faces having to balance factions of his party with very different views on the conflict and who is ultimately responsible.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood's actors union has reached a deal with studios to end its strike. The contract agreement reached Wednesday must still be approved by the union's board and its members, but the leadership said actors will be allowed to return to work starting Thursday. They can rejoin writers, whose own long strike ended in late September. For the first times since spring, all the parts of Hollywood production will be back in action. The actors chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland tells The Associated Press that they reached a deal that was worth the cost on issues including pay and the use of artificial intelligence in production.

Lainey Wilson took home five trophies including entertainer of the year at the Country Music Association Awards. The 31-year-old Louisiana singer also won album of the year and female vocalist of the year at the Wednesday night ceremony at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Rapper-turned-singer Jelly Roll both opened and closed the show with performances, and was named best new artist during the ceremony. Luke Combs won single of the year for his cover of Tracy Chapman's “Fast Car,” and Chapman won song of the year for the tune, 35 years after she wrote it.

The 12 months ending in October were the hottest ever recorded on Earth and likely the planet’s hottest 12-month period ever recorded, according to a report from the nonprofit science research group Climate Central. The report said burning gasoline, coal and natural gas along with other human activities are to blame for the unnatural warming.

The Celtics, Knicks and Nuggets are among the NBA’s big winners, the Panthers beat the Capitals in one of the NHL’s three games and the Angels have a new manager.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Voters have thrown their support behind abortion rights in races in Ohio, Virginia and elsewhere. And now, Democrats look to springboard off those wins by using the issue to drive turnout and shape next year’s races for the White House, Congress and other elections. Ohio sent the clearest sign of the issue’s importance more than a year after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the nationwide right to abortion.

Calls continue for a humanitarian pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ivanka Trump is testifying that she had no role in her father’s personal financial statements — the documents central to the civil fraud trial that could reshape former President Donald Trump’s family business. Trump's elder daughter took the witness stand Wednesday at the New York trial. Her father and her brothers Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump testified earlier. Ivanka Trump has been in her father's inner circle in both business and politics. But unlike him and her brothers, she was dismissed as a defendant in the New York attorney general's lawsuit. It alleges that Donald Trump’s asset values were fraudulently pumped up for years on financial statements that helped him get loans and insurance. He and other defendants deny wrongdoing.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden's attorney says subpoenas issued by House Republicans to members of President Joe Biden’s family are a “political stunt." Wednesday's subpoenas are the most aggressive step yet by Republicans in an impeachment inquiry bitterly opposed by Democrats. The move by House Oversight Committee chair James Comer to subpoena the Democratic president’s son Hunter and brother James comes as Republicans look to gain ground in their nearly yearlong investigation. The Republicans have thus far failed to uncover evidence directly implicating the president in any wrongdoing. The White House and the family's lawyers say the investigation has been a political ploy but Hunter's attorney indicated that he could be inclined to appear “at the right time.”

HOUSTON (AP) — A fire at a chemical plant in rural Texas had sent a massive plume of black smoke into the sky Wednesday morning but was contained by the afternoon. Officials ordered residents around Shepherd, Texas, to take shelter. They also closed an adjacent highway that connects the community to Livingston. Livingston and Shepherd are northeast of Houston. Officials say the explosion took place at Sound Resource Solutions and one employee suffered minor burns but was in stable condition. They say the fire was contained Wednesday afternoon. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the plume could be heading toward the nearby Livingston area.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia are moving forward in their quests to join the European Union. But countries in the volatile Balkans that have waited years longer to become members appeared to slip back in the queue. The European Commission recommended Wednesday in a series of reports that war-ravaged Ukraine should be permitted to open membership talks soon once it’s addressed some shortfalls. Neighboring Moldova was told the same thing. Georgia was granted official status as a candidate to join. The recommendations provide technical guidance to the 27 EU member states about how much progress countries have made in aligning their laws and standards with those of the bloc. EU leaders will weigh those recommendations on Dec. 14-15.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four California men linked to the “Three Percenters” militia movement have been convicted on charges including conspiracy and obstruction for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Erik Scott Warner, Felipe Antonio Martinez, Derek Kinnison, and Ronald Mele were found guilty on Tuesday after a trial in Washington’s federal court. Attorneys for Martinez and Warner declined to comment, and emails seeking comment were sent to an attorney for Mele. Kinnison’s lawyer said he is disappointed with the verdict and they are considering all available legal options.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Adidas says it may write off the remaining 300 million euros ($320 million) worth of Yeezy shoes left unsold after it cut ties with rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The company said Wednesday that it will decide in the coming weeks whether to sell them next year to generate more donations to groups fighting antisemitism. The shoe and sports clothing company, which cut ties with Ye in October 2022 after he made antisemitic remarks online, has sold 750 million euros worth of the shoes in two stages earlier this year through Adidas smartphone apps and its website. Part of the profits went to groups like the Anti-Defamation League.

TOKYO (AP) — Nintendo is developing a live-action film based on its hit video game “The Legend of Zelda.” The Japanese maker behind the Super Mario franchise said Wednesday said it's financing the movie with Sony Pictures Entertainment. It will be directed by Wes Ball, the American director of the upcoming “Planet of the Apes” film. It’s being co-produced by Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc., which is behind the live-action Spider-Man films and headed by Avi Arad. The move highlights Nintendo’s strategy to leverage various aspects of its business, including theme parks and merchandising to boost machine and software sales, and vice versa.

DETROIT (AP) — GM's Cruise autonomous vehicle unit is recalling all 950 of its cars to update its software after one dragged a pedestrian to the side of a San Francisco street last month. The company says in documents posted by U.S. safety regulators Wednesday that with the updated software, Cruise vehicles will remain stationary in similar cases. The Oct. 2 crash prompted Cruise to suspend driverless operations nationwide after California regulators found its cars were a safety hazard. The California Department of Motor Vehicles revoked the license for Cruise, which was transporting passengers without human drivers throughout San Francisco. In the crash, a human-driven vehicle hit a pedestrian, pushing them in front of a Cruise autonomous vehicle.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 8 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have plenty of good news to celebrate in Tuesday’s off-year elections and more evidence that they can win races centered on the national debate over abortion. Abortion rights supporters won big in an Ohio ballot measure. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear was reelected in Kentucky after running television ads painting his challenger as extremist on abortion. And Virginia's statehouse will be fully in Democratic control, preventing state Republicans from pursuing new abortion restrictions and delivering a big loss to Gov. Glenn Youngkin. The off-year elections provide a snapshot of American politics heading into 2024. But two big names — Joe Biden and Donald Trump — weren’t on the ballot this time.

TOKYO (AP) — Top diplomats from the Group of Seven leading industrial democracies have announced a unified stance on the Israel-Hamas war after intensive meetings in Tokyo, condemning Hamas, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and calling for “humanitarian pauses” to get aid to desperate civilians in Gaza. In a statement, the nations sought to balance condemnation of Hamas’ attacks against Israel and a push for “urgent action” to help civilians in Gaza left without food, water, medical care and shelter. The ministers emphasized that they “support humanitarian pauses to facilitate urgently needed assistance, civilian movement and release of hostages.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to censure Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan for her rhetoric about the Israel-Hamas war. Tuesday night's action was an extraordinary rebuke of the only Palestinian American in Congress. The resolution to censure Tlaib was introduced by Republican Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia in response to what he called Tlaib’s antisemitic rhetoric. The debate on the censure resolution was emotional and intense. With other Democrats standing by her side, Tlaib defended her stance, saying she “will not be silenced and I will not let you distort my words.” Lawmakers who opposed censuring Tlaib cited free speech and warned of the precedent it would set.

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping says potential risks associated with artificial intelligence are challenges that countries should deal with together. Xi's remarks come against the backdrop of China's rigid control of free speech on the internet while maximizing the internet's economic benefits and social media's propaganda contributions to the ruling Communist Party's authoritarian agenda. Xi's prerecorded speech was broadcast on Wednesday to a major internet conference. He called for common security in cyberspace instead of confrontation. He said China would work with other countries to address risks brought by the development of AI and expressed his objections to “cyberspace hegemony.” The World Internet Conference Summit is being held in the eastern city of Wuzhen.

NEW YORK (AP) — It's Ivanka Trump's turn to take the witness stand in the civil fraud trial that is publicly probing into former President Donald Trump's family business. His eldest daughter is due to testify Wednesday, after trying unsuccessfully to block her testimony. She's following her father and her brothers Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump to the stand. Ivanka Trump has been in her father's inner circle in both business and politics. But unlike him and her brothers, she was dismissed as a defendant in the New York attorney general's lawsuit. It alleges that Donald Trump’s asset values were fraudulently pumped up for years on financial statements that helped him get loans and insurance. He and other defendants deny wrongdoing.

Ten NHL games highlight the sports schedule, the second College Football Playoff rankings are out, the Rams sign a quarterback, and a college basketball coach signs an historic contract.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli army says its forces are battling Hamas fighters inside Gaza’s largest city, signaling a major new stage a month into a war that has claimed thousands of lives and leveled swaths of the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is likely to maintain control of security in Gaza once Hamas is defeated. The move into Gaza City risks a further escalation in casualties one month into the war. Netanyahu’s comments pointed to the uncertainty surrounding the endgame of a war that Israel says will go on for some time until it destroys Hamas rule.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (AP) — California authorities are seeking help as they investigate the death of a 69-year-old Jewish man after a confrontation during competing pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department says Paul Kessler died Monday at a hospital from a head injury, a day after getting in a fight with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator in Thousand Oaks, northwest of Los Angeles. An autopsy determined he suffered head trauma and the medical examiner says the injuries are consistent with a fall. The Sheriff's Department says it hasn't ruled out the possibility of a hate crime.

Off-year elections held on Tuesday will decide governors in Kentucky and Mississippi, the fate of abortion and marijuana amendments in Ohio, legislative control in Virginia and mayoral races in two of the nation's biggest cities.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The prosecutor overseeing the Hunter Biden investigation is testifying before congressional investigators that he had the ultimate authority over the yearslong case. The closed-door interview on Tuesday marks the first time a special counsel is appearing before Congress in the middle of a probe. It comes as House Republicans are aiming to ramp up their impeachment inquiry into the president and his family after weeks of stalemate. Members of the House Judiciary Committee questioned David Weiss on allegations that was not the decision-maker in the case into the president’s son and that the probe was influenced by political pressure. A spokesperson for Weiss calls his testimony “unprecedented.”

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge has set a June 3 date for the murder trial of a former Southern California street gang leader charged with killing hip-hop music icon Tupac Shakur in 1996 in Las Vegas. Duane “Keffe D” Davis made a brief court appearance Tuesday with his court-appointed public defenders. He pleaded not guilty last week and remains jailed in Las Vegas. The 60-year-old is originally from Compton, California, and was arrested Sept. 29 outside a Las Vegas-area home. He has said publicly in recent years that he orchestrated the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight. Davis is the only person still alive who was in the vehicle from which shots were fired.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A mixture of smoke and fog, known as “super fog,” has led to accidents involving multiple vehicles and at least one death on Interstate 10 in Louisiana. New Orleans police say a stretch of the interstate is closed Tuesday due to the smoke, fog and vehicle crashes. The closure is reminiscent of a super fog event on October 23, when seven people died and about two dozen were injured in pileups involving about 160 vehicles on Interstate 55. Smoke from nearby marsh fires mixed with dense fog has caused the super fog events. Drivers on Tuesday were faced with visibilities of a quarter-mile or less.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems likely to preserve a federal law that prohibits people under domestic violence restraining orders from having guns. The justices on Tuesday suggested they'll reverse a ruling from an appeals court in New Orleans that struck down the 1994 ban on firearms for people under court order to stay away from their spouses or partners. It's the court's first guns case since last year’s expansion of gun rights. Liberal and conservative justices sounded persuaded by arguments from the Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer that the prohibition is in line with the longstanding practice of disarming dangerous people. The case involves a Texas man who was accused of threatening to shoot his girlfriend.

Starbucks is increasing pay and benefits for most U.S. hourly workers after ending its fiscal year with record sales. But the company said Monday that unionized workers won’t be eligible for some of those perks, a sign of the continuing tension between the Seattle coffee giant and the union trying to organize its U.S. stores. The National Labor Relations Board says least 366 U.S. Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since 2021. But Starbucks and the Workers United union have yet to reach a labor agreement at any of those stores. Starbucks plans to increase wages starting Jan. 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The decades-old surgical drug ketamine has found a new use — as an alternative to opioids for patients with chronic pain. Ketamine is now being prescribed as a psychedelic therapy for an array of unapproved uses, including depression and anxiety. Behind the trend are investors setting up for-profit ketamine clinics, as well as online prescribing services that send the drug through the mail. There is limited evidence that it's effective for arthritis, migraines and other forms of pain. Some experts worry the U.S. may be repeating the mistakes that gave rise to the opioid crisis by overprescribing an unproven drug with safety and abuse risks.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 7 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio is the latest flashpoint in the nation’s ongoing battle over abortion access since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a constitutional right to the procedure last year. Voters on Tuesday are deciding whether to pass a constitutional amendment guaranteeing an individual right to abortion and other forms of reproductive healthcare, including fertility treatments. Ohio is the only state to consider a statewide abortion-rights question this year, so advocates on both sides of the issue are watching the outcome for signs of voter sentiment heading into 2024 — when abortion-rights supporters are planning to put measures on the ballot in several other states.

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel will take “overall security responsibility” in Gaza indefinitely after its war with Hamas. That was the clearest indication yet that Israel plans to maintain control over the coastal enclave one month into a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and leveled whole swaths of the territory. In an interview with ABC News that aired late Monday, Netanyahu expressed openness to “little pauses” in the fighting to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza or the release of some of the more than 240 hostages seized by Hamas in its Oct. 7 attack into Israel that triggered the war. But he ruled out any general cease-fire without the release of all the hostages.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Taxpayers will be able to digitally submit all sorts of tax documents and other communications to the IRS months earlier than originally planned. That's according to a new timetable being announced Tuesday. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the IRS is three months ahead of schedule on going paperless. She plans to discuss the effort in a speech at IRS headquarters that is intended to signal that a new infusion of cash for the IRS is working. But as IRS and Treasury plan to outline new customer service improvements for the 2024 filing season, Republicans continue to try to cut funding for the agency.

NEW YORK (AP) — WeWork has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking a stunning fall for the office sharing company once seen as a Wall Street darling that promised to upend the way people went to work around the world. WeWork said it entered into a restructuring support agreement with the majority of its stakeholders to “drastically reduce” the company’s debt while further evaluating WeWork’s commercial office lease portfolio. WeWork added that it was requesting the ability to cancel leases in particular locations that WeWork described as largely non-operational as part of its filing. All affected members have received advanced notice.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The field of candidates onstage for the third Republican presidential debate will be the smallest yet. The Republican National Committee says five candidates will participate in Wednesday night’s debate in Miami. They are Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Former President Donald Trump, the field's current front-runner, is yet again skipping the debate and holding an event of his own. The escalating qualification markers have become increasingly difficult for candidates to satisfy. Former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his campaign last month, avoiding the ignominy of failing to qualify.

Monday's sports highlights: The Chargers roll past the Jets on Monday Night Football, James Harden makes his debut for the Clippers and college basketball opens with 4th ranked Michigan State getting stunned.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have hired manager Craig Counsell away from Milwaukee, landing the former big leaguer with a record-breaking contract and firing David Ross in a tandem of surprising moves. The 53-year-old Counsell became the majors’ highest paid manager with a five-year contract worth more than $40 million. That's according to a person with knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the terms weren’t announced. Ross went 262-284 in four seasons with Chicago, winning the NL Central in 2020 in his first year in charge. Counsell led the budget-conscious Brewers to five playoff appearances in the last six years.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their manager, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. Mendoza spent the past four seasons across town as Aaron Boone’s bench coach with the New York Yankees. He replaces Buck Showalter, who was fired by the Mets at the end of last season. It's the first high-profile hire by new Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who took over his hometown team early last month.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Guardians have hired Stephen Vogt, a journeyman catcher with no managerial experience, as their new manager to replace Terry Francona. Vogt was Seattle’s bullpen coach last season. Although the 39-year-old Vogt has never been a manager, he checked every other box for the Guardians, who also spoke with Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell last week. A two-time All-Star, Vogt played for six teams in 10 seasons before retiring with Oakland in 2022. He homered in his final at-bat for the Athletics. The Guardians are beginning a new era following 11 successful seasons with Francona, the winningest manager in the club’s 123-year history.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is vigorously defending his wealth and his business as he testifies in a civil fraud lawsuit accusing him of dramatically inflating his net worth. He suggested on Monday that the New York judge hearing the case was biased against him and he called the state attorney general who brought the case a “political hack.” The testy exchanges underscored Trump’s unwillingness to adapt his famously freewheeling rhetorical style to a formal courtroom setting governed by rules of evidence and legal protocol.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Personal appeals from President Joe Biden to his Israeli counterpart and a grueling Middle East diplomatic tour by his Secretary of State Antony Blinken have left the Biden administration with little to show for its efforts to ease civilian suffering. More than a week after the U.S. began its public calls for “humanitarian pauses” in Gaza, Israel is intensifying its war against Hamas. Biden on Monday appeared to be rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, when he repeated during their first conversation in eight days his for call for lulls in the fighting to allow civilians to flee and for humanitarian aid to flow to hundreds of thousands in need.

CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago man has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and other charges for allegedly firing his gun into a crowd at a Halloween party, injuring 15 people. Police said Tuesday the 48-year-old man faced 15 counts each of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm and single counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and aggravated discharge of a firearm into an occupied building. The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. Sunday after the man was thrown out of the party and returned with a gun. Police say all of the victims are expected to recover.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are hiring Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza as their manager, according to a person familiar with the decision. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not been announced. Mendoza spent the past four seasons across town as Aaron Boone’s bench coach with the Yankees. He replaces Buck Showalter, who was fired by the Mets at the end of last season. It's the first high-profile hire by new Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who took over his hometown team early last month.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. regulators are warning drivers to steer clear of aftermarket decals used to embellish a car’s logo on the center of its steering wheel. Such metal or plastic emblems are typically adorned with rhinestones or other decorations and attached to the steering wheel with an adhesive back. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says they can cause serious injury if ejected when the airbag deploys during a crash. The agency says that at least one driver lost sight in one eye after an aftermarket decal covered in rhinestones became dislodged from the wheel during a crash and hit them in the face.

LONDON (AP) — Four men have been charged over the theft of an 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace, the sprawling English mansion where British wartime leader Winston Churchill was born. The toilet, valued at $5.95 million, was the work of Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan. It was part of an art installation that had been installed at Blenheim Palace, near the city of Oxford, before it vanished overnight in September 2019. The Crown Prosecution Service said Monday it has authorized criminal charges against four men, ages 35-39, over the theft. They are accused of burglary and conspiracy to transfer criminal property. The golden toilet, titled “America,” was intended to be a pointed satire about excessive wealth. It has never been found.

BEAR, Del. (AP) — President Joe Biden has promoted new cash for Amtrak. He visited Bear, Delaware, to announce more than $16 billion in new funding that will go toward 25 passenger rail projects between Boston and Washington. Bear is close to Wilmington, where Biden has a home and spends many weekends away from the White House. His remarks Monday were held at the Amtrak Bear Maintenance Shops, where trains are maintained and repaired. The White House says investments will help trains run faster, cut delays and create union jobs. And the money comes from Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law, which is one of several legislative accomplishments he will tout during his reelection campaign.

NEW YORK (AP) — James Corden may be off TV screens after leaving CBS’ “The Late Late Show” but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped chatting with celebrities. The multiple Emmy- and Tony Award-winner who gave the world “Carpool Karaoke” is launching a new weekly show set for early 2024 on SiriusXM called “This Life of Mine with James Corden.” The show will feature in-depth conversations with the world’s biggest stars. In a statement, Corden called his new show “a new chapter,” adding “it’s a dream to have a space to engage in deep conversations with the people whose work and talent I greatly admire.”

On this week's AP religion roundup, Muslim Americans are skeptical about President Biden's fight against Islamophobia as the United States supports Israel's war in Gaza.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 6 at 7 a.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — When Donald Trump takes the stand Monday in a Manhattan courtroom to testify in his civil fraud trial, it will be an undeniable spectacle. He'll be a former president and the leading Republican presidential candidate defending himself against allegations that he dramatically inflated his net worth. The charges cut to the very heart of the brand Trump spent decades carefully crafting and put him at risk of losing control of much of his business empire. But the appearance will also mark the beginning of what will likely be a defining feature of the 2024 election: a major candidate, on trial, using the witness stand as a campaign platform.

Israeli troops have divided the northern and southern parts of Gaza, as communications across the besieged territory were temporarily cut Monday for a third time since the war started. Israeli media reported the troops are expected to enter Gaza City on Monday or Tuesday. The developments came after Israeli airstrikes hit two refugee camps in the central Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing scores of people, health officials said. Israel has so far rejected U.S. suggestions that it take a humanitarian pause from its relentless bombardment of Gaza and the rising civilian deaths. The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza says the Palestinian death toll has reached 9,700. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine has confirmed that 19 service members were killed by a Russian missile strike in Zaporizhzhia during a military awards ceremony. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says it's a “tragedy that could’ve been avoided” and the defense minister has ordered an investigation into why the event was held so close to front lines. The announcement came as officials say Russian drone and missile strikes wounded eight people in Odesa and damaged an art museum that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Satellite photos analyzed by The Associated Press show damage done by a Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian naval ship.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Two senators from Maine are asking the U.S. Army inspector general to provide a full accounting of interactions with a reservist before he killed 18 people at a bowling alley and bar. U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King told Lt. Gen. Donna Martin in a letter Monday that it’s important to understand “what occurred, or failed to occur” at the federal level, including the Army. The senators posed several questions including under what circumstances the Army reports personnel to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Fellow soldiers expressed concerns about Robert Card’s mental health before the Oct. 25 shootings. It was the deadliest shooting in Maine history.

Universal and Blumhouse's video game adaptation “Five Nights at Freddy's” topped the North American box office in its second weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” placed second. The weekend had plenty of high-profile films opening or expanding, including Sofia Coppola's “Priscilla” and Meg Ryan's “What Happens Later.” But in aggregate it's also one of the slowest weekends of the year. Before the SAG-AFTRA strike, this was the weekend “Dune: Part Two” was supposed to open. When Warner Bros. and Legendary pushed that opening back to March 2024 and no other blockbuster stepped in to take its spot.

NEW YORK (AP) — The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, expects shoppers will spend more this year than last year, but their spending pace will slow given all the economic uncertainty. The group said Thursday that it expects holiday sales to be 3% to 4% for November through December, compared with 5.4% growth of a year ago. Sales for the two-month period will increase to between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion. The pace is consistent with the average annual holiday increase of 3.6% from 2010 to pre-pandemic 2019. Americans ramped up spending during the pandemic, which accounted for some outsized sales numbers. For the holiday 2021 season, sales for the two-month period surged 12.7%.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ruth Glenn knows from personal experience the danger of putting a gun in the hands of a violent spouse or partner. That's the issue at the heart of a case before the Supreme Court this week. Glenn was shot three times and left for dead outside a Denver car wash in 1992. The shooter was her estranged husband, Cedric, who was under a court order to stay away from Glenn. Two years later Congress enacted a law to keep people like Cedric Glenn from having a gun. The high court is hearing arguments Tuesday in a challenge to the 1994 law. It's the first case involving guns to reach the justices since last year's landmark decision expanding gun rights.

The Eagles win an NFC East showdown, the Chiefs defense shines in Germany, NASCAR has a first-time champion, while the NBA and NHL featured light schedules.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sheryl Crow and Olivia Rodrigo kicked off the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony Friday night and Missy Elliott closed the show more than four hours later with a roof-shaking set, as the hall celebrated a strong representation of women and Black artists. Chaka Khan, Kate Bush, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius, The Spinners and DJ Kool Herc were also inducted in a celebration of funk, art-rock, R&B and hip-hop, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Country music was represented by Willie Nelson, punk had Rage Against the Machine, the late George Michael repped pure pop and Link Wray defined guitar heroes.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” the new anthology series on Paramount+.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The Texas Rangers won a World Series for the first time in franchise history after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
There were several notable deaths including legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight, “Friends” actor Matthew Perry and “Night Court” favorite Richard Moll.
And multiple players were on the move ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller and I talk about “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” on the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. CT:

CHICAGO (AP) — Brunch dates and flag football games might be a little easier to get to this Sunday, when phones grace early-risers with an extra hour of rest before alarm clocks go off. Come Nov. 5, daylight saving time is out and standard time is in, and will last until March 10, 2024. The sun will be setting next week well before many folks step foot out of the office. But besides scheduling stumbles and sleep habit disruptions, experts say the twice-yearly ritual can have more serious effects on human health. Northwestern Medicine sleep researcher Dr. Phyllis Zee says that one hour can change the quality and quantity of sleep.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s employers slowed their hiring in October, adding a modest but still decent 150,000 jobs, a sign that the labor market may be cooling but remains resilient despite high interest rates that have made borrowing much costlier for companies and consumers. Last month’s job growth, though down sharply from a robust 297,000 gain in September, was solid enough to suggest that many companies still want to hire and that the economy remains sturdy. And job growth would have been higher in October if not for the now-settled United Auto Workers’ strikes against Detroit’s automakers. The strikes likely shrank last month’s job gain by at least 30,000, economists say.

NEW YORK (AP) — A new government report shows fewer high school students are vaping. About 10% of high school students said they had used electronic cigarettes in the previous month. That's down from 14% from the same survey conducted last year. Fewer high schools students also smoked cigarettes and cigars. The use of e-cigarettes among middle school students was about the same as last year. The report was released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC considers the annual survey its best measure of youth smoking trends.

FINDLAY, Ohio (AP) — Legal settlements could provide local and state governments $50 billion to fight the deadly U.S. opioid overdose crisis. What could that look like? One Ohio community is already doing many of the things advocates say should be considered. Hancock County funds harm reduction efforts such as a needle exchange and naloxone distribution. It also has a recovery community center, a drug court intended to get people into treatment rather than jail, housing for some people in recovery and aggressive outreach to help people with substance use disorder navigate their options for help.

In a country shadowed by the threat of mass shootings and neighborhood violence, courts have embraced an increasingly absolute reading of the right to guns. That raises difficult questions about how to protect the full range of freedoms Americans cherish. With nearly 400 million guns in civilian hands, the violence they enable feels to many like a threat to their right to worship in peace, go to school and be safe at home. To many others, an unfettered right to own and carry guns is essential to protecting those liberties.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gallaudet University and AT&T developed a football helmet for Deaf and hard-of-hearing players that they hope can make the sport more accessible. The innovation is the latest example of the private university being an incubator for technology that can have much wider applications beyond the Deaf community. Experts and advocates hope the tech can one day help firefighters, construction workers and first responders while giving the Deaf and hard of hearing better access to jobs and everyday activities.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia will try to control its population of more than 100 hippopotamuses, descendants of animals illegally brought to the country by late drug kingpin Pablo Escobar in the 1980s, through surgical sterilization, the transfer of hippos to other countries and possibly euthanasia. The hippos, which spread from Escobar’s estate into nearby rivers, have no natural predators in Colombia and have been declared an invasive species. Authorities estimate there are 169 hippos in Colombia, especially in the Magdalena River basin, and that if no measures are taken, there could be 1,000 by 2035. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad said the plan's first stage will be the sterilization of 40 hippos per year.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 3 at 6 a.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel to press for more humanitarian aid to be allowed into besieged Gaza. His visit comes while Israeli troops tightened their encirclement of Gaza City, the focus of Israel’s campaign to crush the enclave’s ruling Hamas group. Blinken's trip Friday follows President Joe Biden’s suggestion for a humanitarian pause in the fighting. On the northern border with Lebanon, tensions escalated ahead of a speech planned for later Friday by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. He is making his first public comments since Hamas launched its attack on Israel in the south nearly a month ago, stoking fears the conflict could become a regional one.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian state media say a court has sentenced a woman to death for adultery. The IRAN newspaper says the woman worked as a trainer in a gym for females. It says her husband contacted police in 2022 when he found her with another man at their home. Under Iranian law, she can appeal. Iran is under international pressure for its extensive use of the death penalty. The U.N. says it executed at least 419 people in the first seven months of this year, up 30% from the same period last year.

BLETCHLEY PARK, England (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says achievements at the first international AI Safety Summit will “tip the balance in favor of humanity” in the race to contain the risks from rapid advances in cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Sunak said agreements struck at the meeting of politicians, researchers and business leaders “show that we have both the political will and the capability to control this technology, and secure its benefits for the long term.” Sunak organized the summit as a forum for officials, experts and the tech industry to better understand “frontier” AI that some scientists warn could pose a risk to humanity’s very existence. The meeting was held at Bletchley Park, a former codebreaking spy base near London.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York jury has convicted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried of fraud charges. The 31-year-old California man was convicted Thursday in Manhattan federal court by jurors who rejected his testimony that he didn’t defraud thousands of customers worldwide who counted on him to safeguard the billions of dollars they deposited in accounts. Bankman-Fried has been jailed since August, when a judge concluded he’d tried to influence prospective trial witnesses. He was extradited to the United States last December from the Bahamas, where he had operated the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and a hedge fund, among other businesses.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions target 130 firms and people from Turkey, China and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions, imposed by the Treasury Department on Thursday, target third-party firms and people alleged to assist Moscow in procuring equipment needed on the battlefield, including suppliers and shippers. In addition, the State Department has imposed diplomatic sanctions targeting Russian energy production and its metals and mining sector. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says Russia “is dependent on willing third-country individuals and entities to resupply its military."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has approved a nearly $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel, but without humanitarian assistance for Gaza. The partisan approach by new Speaker Mike Johnson poses a direct challenge to Democrats and President Joe Biden. Biden has said he'd veto the bill. Next steps are uncertain, since Democrats say the GOP bill will go nowhere in the Senate. Johnson's approach requires the emergency aid be offset with spending cuts at the IRS, taking money intended to be used to go after tax dodgers. Biden instead wants nearly $106 billion for Israel, Ukraine, Gaza, U.S. border security and other needs. The House also approved a resolution condemning support on college campuses for Hamas.

The Steelers hold off the Titans, the Sixers use a balanced attack to defeat the Raptors, the Golden Knights and Bruins are still without a regulation loss, and Big Ten football coaches are mad at Michigan.

Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell head to free agency one day after the end of the World Series. And in other baseball news, slugger Nelson Cruz retired at age 43 after hitting 464 homers over 19 seasons.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says that 74 more U.S. citizens have left the Gaza Strip He announced the development as he dispatched his top diplomat, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to the Mideast for talks with Israeli and Jordanian officials as the nearly four-week old Israel-Hamas war rages on with no end in sight. Biden said those who evacuated were dual citizens. The White House has previously said some 500 to 600 U.S. citizens had been trapped in Gaza since the start of the Oct. 7 Israel-Hamas war. The administration said earlier this week that a handful of Americans were among dozens of dual citizens who were able to get out of the Strip where a humanitarian crisis is unfolding.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York City lawmaker has been arraigned on a gun charge after prosecutors say she brought a firearm to a pro-Palestinian demonstration. Authorities say Republican City Council member Inna Vernikov was seen in photos and videos with the butt of a gun jutting out from her waistband while attending an Oct. 13 protest at Brooklyn College. She was charged in Brooklyn criminal court with one count of possessing a gun in a sensitive location. Vernikov’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, said images appearing to show his client bringing a gun to the protest could have been altered.

NEW YORK (AP) — Eric Trump has testified that he never involved himself with financial statements that New York state lawyers say fraudulently puffed up the ex-president’s wealth and the worth of their family business. He clarified his answer Wednesday after he was shown decade-old emails from a fellow Trump executive asking him for information for the financial statement. Eric Trump testified: “We’re a major organization, a massive real estate organization — yes, I’m fairly sure I understand that we have financial statements.” But, he insisted: “I had no involvement and never worked on" Donald Trump’s financial statement. Eric Trump followed brother and co-executive Donald Trump Jr. to the witness stand at the family’s New York civil fraud trial. Their father is scheduled to testify Monday.

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) — An unarmed U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile was intentionally destroyed when something went wrong during a test launch from California. The Air Force Global Strike Command says the flight of the Minuteman 3 was “safely terminated” over the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday due to an anomaly during launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. An investigative group is being formed to determine the cause. The Minuteman system is one of the main pillars of U.S. nuclear strength but it is decades old. The Air Force says test launches are conducted to gather data to keep the system effective and to identify and correct any issues.

PARIS (AP) — Recording-breaking winds in France and across much of western Europe left at least seven people dead and injured others. Storm Ciarán charged through the continent overnight and into Thursday. Vast numbers of people were plunged into darkness, homes were devastated and travel was disrupted in several countries. Roofs were torn from homes on the Channel Islands where gusts of more than 160 kph (100 mph) were reported amid severe travel disruption in several countries. The storm blew out windows and left 1.2 million French households without electricity on Thursday. A truck driver was killed when a tree hit his vehicle in northern France and emergency workers hurt. Hundreds of schools stayed closed in the English coastal communities of Cornwall and Devon.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — Walter Davis, a five-time NBA All-Star and standout at North Carolina for the late Dean Smith, has died. North Carolina released news of Davis' death and said he died of natural causes while visiting family in Charlotte, North Carolina. Davis' nephew, Hubert Davis, is the current Tar Heels coach. Davis helped his alma mater to the NCAA Tournament title game in 1977 before losing to Marquette. He was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and became NBA rookie of the year. He played 11 of his 16 pro seasons with the Suns, who retired his No. 6.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate has circumvented holds by Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and confirmed the nominations of two senior military leaders, including the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Adm. Lisa Franchetti was confirmed Thursday by a vote of 95-1 to lead the Navy, making her the first woman to serve as a Pentagon service chief and hold a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. David Allvin was also confirmed by a vote of 95-1 to be chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. Tuberville has drawn bipartisan criticism for holding up almost 400 military nominations. Tuberville says he's protesting Pentagon abortion policy.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A former Southern California street gang leader has pleaded not guilty to orchestrating a 1996 drive-by shooting that killed rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Duane “Keffe D” Davis is the only person still alive who was in the vehicle from which shots were fired and the only person to be charged with a crime in the case. The 60-year-old had attorneys appointed Thursday to his defense and the judge acknowledged that prosecutors won't seek the death penalty. Davis remains jailed pending another court appearance next Tuesday. He's originally from Compton, California, and was arrested Sept. 29 near his home in suburban Henderson.

DETROIT (AP) — Autoworkers at the first Ford factory to go on strike have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a tentative contract agreement reached with the company. Members of Local 900 at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, west of Detroit voted 81% in favor of the four year-and-eight month deal, according to Facebook postings by local members on Thursday. Two union officials confirmed the accuracy of the percentage. Neither wanted to be identified because the vote totals had not been made public. About 3,300 UAW members went on strike at the plant Sept. 15 after the union’s contract with Ford expired. They remained on the picket lines until Oct. 25, when the union announced the tentative deal with Ford. Voting at Ford will continue until Nov. 17.

Beyond Meat is cutting 19% of its non-production workforce after a weaker-than-expected third quarter. The plant-based meat company said Thursday that the reduction of about 65 employees is part of a broader corporate review. It is also considering exiting some product lines, changing pricing, shifting its manufacturing and restructuring its Chinese operations. Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown says the company had anticipated a return to sales growth in the July-September period that didn't happen. The company plans to release its third quarter earnings next week, but said revenue is expected to be down 8.5% for the quarter.

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The host of a weekend family lunch at her Australian country home has been charged with murdering her ex-husband's parents and aunt with poisonous mushrooms and attempting to murder a fourth guest. Police said Erin Patterson was arrested Thursday at her home in Victoria state, where her former in-law's, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail Patterson’s sister and brother-in-law were invited for lunch in July. All four guests were hospitalized the next day and only one survived. Patterson has also been charged with three counts of attempting to murder her former husband. She publicly denied wrongdoing when police started investigating.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 2 at 6:40 a.m. CT:

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Joe Biden says he thinks there should be a humanitarian “pause” in the Israel-Hamas war. Biden was talking to a roomful of supporters gathered in Minneapolis for a reelection fundraiser when he was interrupted by a protester calling for a cease-fire. The call for a pause was a subtle departure for Biden and top White House aides. Throughout the Mideast crisis they have been steadfast in stating they would not dictate how the Israelis carry out their military operations in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump Jr. has testified that he never worked on his father’s business financial statements. He was questioned Wednesday in court about the documents that now are at the heart of the civil fraud trial that threatens former President Donald Trump’s real estate empire. The lawsuit filed by New York state's attorney general centers on whether the former president and his business misled banks and insurers by inflating his net worth on the financial statements. The Trumps deny wrongdoing.

PARIS (AP) — Winds up to 180 kilometers per hour (108 mph) have slammed the French Atlantic coast as Storm Ciaran lashes western Europe. The storm blew out windows overnight and left 1.2 million French households without electricity on Thursday. A truck driver was killed when a tree hit his vehicle in northern France. Strong winds and rain also battered southern England and the Channel Islands, where gusts of more than 160 kph (100 mph) were reported. Hundreds of schools stayed closed in the coastal communities of Cornwall and Devon. Dutch airline KLM scrapped all flights in and out of the Netherlands from the early afternoon until the end of the day,

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says armed forces will boost security at some of the country's most important airports, ports and along its international borders to tackle organized crime. The decision comes days after members of a criminal gang set fire to dozens of buses in Rio de Janeiro, apparently in retaliation for the police killing their leader’s nephew. The deployment is part of a broader plan that includes increasing the number of federal police forces in Rio, improving cooperation between law enforcement entities and boosting investment in technology for intelligence gathering.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA's Lucy spacecraft has encountered the first of 10 asteroids on its long journey out to Jupiter. The spacecraft on Wednesday zoomed past the pint-sized Dinkinesh in the main asteroid belt beyond Mars. Lucy came within 270 miles of the asteroid, testing its instruments in a dry run for the bigger and more alluring asteroids ahead. The asteroid is just a half-mile across, quite possibly the smallest of the space rocks on Lucy's tour. Wednesday's flyby caps what NASA is calling Asteroid Autumn. NASA returned its first asteroid samples in September. Then in October, it launched a spacecraft to a metal-rich asteroid named Psyche.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. George Santos has easily survived a vote to expel him from the House as most Republicans opted to withhold punishment as both his criminal trial and a House Ethics Committee investigation proceed. The effort to kick Santos out of the House was led by his fellow New York Republicans, who are anxious to distance themselves from a colleague infamous for fabricating his life story and accused of stealing from donors, lying to Congress and receiving unemployment benefits he did not deserve. But the vast majority of Republicans and more than 30 Democrats have voted against expelling Santos. The final vote was 179 for expulsion and 213 against.

The Major League Baseball season comes to an end as the Texas Rangers defeated the Arizona Diamonds in five games. Legendary college basketball coach Bobby Knight died. There was also a lot of NBA action and a couple of rookie quarterbacks will start in the NFL's Week 9.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The death of American hockey player Adam Johnson from a skate blade to the neck has led officials in the NHL and other leagues to continue discussions about cut-resistant protection. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh have already touched base. More talks are planned between the league and union on the topic of skate blade safety. The American Hockey League and ECHL last summer mandated cut-resistant wrist and foot and ankle protection. At least one minor league team is mandating neck guards immediately in response to Johnson's death.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its key short-term interest rate unchanged for a second straight time but left the door open to further rate hikes if inflation pressures should accelerate in the months ahead. The Fed said in a statement after its latest meeting that it would keep its benchmark rate at about 5.4%, its highest level in 22 years. Since launching the most aggressive series of rate hikes in four decades in March 2022 to fight inflation, the Fed has pulled back and has now raised rates only once since May. The statement noted that recent tumult in the financial markets has sent longer-term interest rates up to near 16-year highs and contributed to higher borrowing rates across the economy.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — After more than three weeks of siege, the first Palestinians were allowed to leave Gaza. They were hundreds of dual passport holders and dozens of seriously injured people. Israeli airstrikes pounded a densely populated area for the second day in a row. And Jordan, a key U.S. ally, recalled its ambassador from Israel. Jordan also told Israel’s ambassador to remain out of its country in protest over the “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump Jr. has taken the witness stand at the civil fraud trial over whether his father overstated his wealth to banks and insurers. The former president’s eldest son began testifying Wednesday. His testimony is kicking off a blockbuster stretch as the trial in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit enters its second month. She says Donald Trump, his company and top executives, including Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric, overstated his wealth to banks and insurers. The Trumps deny wrongdoing and are fighting to keep their Trump Organization intact.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The mayors of Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and New York are pressing to meet with President Joe Biden about the migrants arriving in their cities. The Democratic leader want to discuss getting federal help in managing the surge of migrants they say are arriving with little to no coordination, support or resources from the president's administration. The Democratic leaders say in a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday that while they appreciate Biden’s efforts so far, much more needs to be done to ease the burden on their cities. Biden is increasingly under fire on this issue from members of his own party. And Republicans claim he's soft on border security.

Prosecutors have dropped charges against a Louisiana state trooper accused of withholding graphic body-camera footage that shows another officer dragging Black motorist Ronald Greene by his ankle shackles during his deadly 2019 arrest. A district attorney said this week that Lt. John Clary has agreed to take the stand in the trial of Master Trooper Kory York, a former colleague charged with negligent homicide in the case. York is accused of forcing the heavyset Greene to lie facedown and handcuffed for more than nine minutes. Use-of-force experts said that likely restricted Greene's breathing.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A murder trial in Texas is underway in the fatal shooting of pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson. Kaitlin Armstrong faces up to 99 years in prison in the May 2022 slaying. Prosecutors told jurors Wednesday that the last thing Wilson did was “scream in terror.” Armstrong has pleaded not guilty. In a short opening statement, defense attorney Geoffrey Puryear said Armstrong was caught in a “web of circumstantial evidence.” Police have said Wilson previously dated Armstrong’s boyfriend, Colin Strickland, and had gone swimming with him that day. Strickland and Wilson were both competitive gravel racers. Wilson was a 25-year-old Vermont native who was also a mountain bike racer.

Former President Donald Trump is fighting to stay on the 2024 ballot in Colorado and Michigan. Section Three of the 14th Amendment bars anyone who “engaged in insurrection” against the Constitution from holding higher office.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has signaled that it would rule against a man who wants to trademark the suggestive phrase “Trump too small.” The dispute is over the government’s decision to deny a trademark to Steve Elster, a California man seeking exclusive use of the phrase on T-shirts and potentially other merchandise. It is the latest case relating to former President Donald Trump to reach the Supreme Court, following arguments Tuesday in social media cases with echoes of Trump. The justices repeatedly invoked the phrase Wednesday as they questioned whether the government was justified in denying the trademark. Elster’s lawyers argue that the decision violated his free speech rights, and a federal appeals court agreed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s administration is privately developing a national strategy to combat Islamophobia. That word comes from three people familiar with the matter. But the effort is being met with skepticism from many Muslim Americans because of the administration's staunch support of Israel’s military assault in Gaza. The White House originally was expected to announce its plans to develop the strategy when Biden met last week with Muslim leaders. The people familiar with the matter said the delay was due partly to concerns from Muslim Americans that the administration lacked credibility on the issue given its robust backing of Israel’s military. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss the White House plans.

NEW YORK (AP) — An 80-foot-tall (24-meter) Norway spruce from the Binghamton area has been selected as this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and will be cut down and trucked to New York City next week. Rockefeller Center officials say the tree will be cut on Nov. 9 in Vestal, New York, and will arrive at Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan on Nov. 11. After it’s wrapped in more than 50,000 lights and crowned with a star, the tree will be lighted during a live television broadcast on Nov. 29. It will be on display until Jan. 13, 2024.

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The Hamas-run government in Gaza says Israeli airstrikes have hit a refugee camp near Gaza City for a second day in a row, causing many deaths and injuries. Meanwhile, dozens of people with foreign passports were allowed to enter the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt. Communications and internet services were gradually being restored Wednesday after the second major cut in five days. The Palestinian death toll in the war has surpassed 8,500, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, more than 120 Palestinians have been killed. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them civilians slain in the initial Hamas rampage.

BLETCHLEY PARK, England (AP) — Digital officials, tech company bosses and researchers are converging on a historic estate near London to discuss what to do about extreme risks posed by cutting-edge artificial intelligence. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is convening the two-day AI Safety Summit that’s focused on so-called frontier AI. The term frontier AI refers to the latest and most powerful systems that take the technology right up to its limits, but could come with as-yet-unknown dangers. One of the most high-profile delegates is U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s scheduled to attend the summit’s second day after making a separate speech on AI in London on Wednesday.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A senior U.N. official says Russian strikes are inflicting unimaginable suffering on the people of Ukraine and that more than 40% of them need humanitarian assistance. Ramesh Rajasingham, director of coordination in the U.N. humanitarian office, says thousands of civilians have been killed in strikes on homes, schools, fields and markets since Russia’s invasion in February 20022. The U.N. human rights office has formally verified 9,900 civilians killed, but Rajasingham says the actual number is likely to be higher. He told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that about 18 million Ukrainians — more than 40% of the population — need some form of humanitarian assistance.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Maryland doctors say the second person to receive a transplanted heart from a pig has died. Lawrence Faucette was dying from heart failure and ineligible for a traditional heart transplant when he received the genetically modified pig heart in September. According to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the heart had seemed healthy for the first month after the highly experimental surgery. But doctors say it began showing signs of rejection in recent days and he died on Monday. The team last year performed the world’s first transplant of a pig heart into another dying man who survived two months.

The Rangers take Game 4 of the World Series, an NFL coach and GM are fired, the NFL trade deadline passes, three games in the NBA and two in the NHL, and the first College Football Playoff rankings are out.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Christopher Wray said Tuesday that multiple foreign extremist groups have called for attacks against Americans and the West in the past few weeks and suggested Hamas’ attack on Israel could inspire threats like those motivated by the Islamic State group years ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are urging an increasingly divided Congress to immediately send major aid to both Israel and Ukraine. They said at a Senate hearing on Tuesday that in addition to helping the two countries in their fights against Hamas and Russia, broad support for the foreign aid would send a vital signal of strength to U.S. adversaries worldwide. The leaders' testimony comes as the administration’s massive $105 billion emergency aid request for conflicts in those countries and others has hit roadblocks. There is bipartisan support in the Democratic-led Senate for sending aid to both countries. But in the Republican-led House, new Speaker Mike Johnson has proposed focusing on Israel alone.

NEW YORK (AP) — A man who beat a 66-year-old Sikh man to death after a fender bender in New York City has been charged with manslaughter as a hate crime. Prosecutors said Tuesday that 30-year-old Gilbert Augustin also faces charges including assault as a hate crime and unlicensed driving in the Oct. 19 death of Jasmer Singh. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Augustin called Singh “turban man” during the argument that followed their crash on an expressway in the borough of Queens. Singh's family had pushed for hate crimes charges to be filed against Augustin. A message seeking comment was left with Augustin’s attorney.

RUMFORD, Maine (AP) — Law enforcement officers in Maine have killed a man who confronted officers outside a police station with a rifle. Twenty-three-year-old Sean Dyment of Canton, Maine was shot by two officers from Oxford County Sheriff’s Office Monday night. Dyment was transported to Rumford Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Authorities said they were talking to a resident outside the Rumford station about a vehicle that had been following the person. As they talked, police said a vehicle matching the person's description drove up to the station. Dyment then allegedly confronted officers with a rifle and was shot.

CHICAGO (AP) — A pair of recent reports from the Environmental Protection Agency put striking numbers on America's problem with food waste. One-third of the food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, and 58% of planet-warming methane emitted from U.S. landfills comes from decomposing food. That’s why over 50 local lawmakers wrote to the EPA on Tuesday to ask the agency to scale up programs that help cities divert food from landfills. The EPA says these reports represent an important step in defining the problem, but that the U.S. is still a long way off from its goal of cutting food waste in half by 2030. That's a benchmark that will require a significant shift in mindset from producers and consumers alike.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Children have returned to school and plan to go trick-or-treating in Lewiston, Maine, after the deadliest mass shooting in state history. Area residents spent days locked in their homes last week while police searched for the man who fatally shot 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar. He was found dead on Friday. On Tuesday, hundreds of students returned to a high school that had recently been transformed into a law enforcement command post. Inside, students petted therapy dogs and were signing a large banner that read “Lewiston Strong,” the community’s new motto.

WASHINGTON (AP) — American consumers are feeling increasingly less confident these days as fears of an oncoming recession remain elevated. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell to 102.6 from 104.3 in September. The index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The index measuring Americans short-term outlook for income, business and job market declined again, to 75.6 in October from 76.4 in September. Readings below 80 for future expectations historically signal a recession within a year. Consumer spending accounts for around 70% of U.S. economic activity, so economists pay close attention to the mood of consumers.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The stars of “Friends” say they are mourning the “unfathomable” death of Matthew Perry. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer say in a joint statement to People magazine that they "utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew.” Perry was found dead at his Los Angeles home Saturday, and investigation is ongoing. The “Friends” actors say they “were more than just cast mates” with Perry. They say they “are a family.” Perry, who played Chandler Bing throughout the show’s 10 seasons, is being mourned worldwide. Fans are placing flowers and heartfelt tributes outside the New York building that served as an exterior for the show.

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — A person familiar with the trade says the Philadelphia 76ers have traded James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers sent Harden, P.J. Tucker and Filip Petrušev to LA for Marcus Morris, Robert Covington, Nic Batum, K.J. Martin, a 2028 unprotected first-round pick, two second-round picks, a 2029 draft-pick swap and additional first-rounder from a third team. The third team is not yet specified, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the final details of the trade are not yet official.

Patrick Mahomes stands alone at the top. The two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP again was the unanimous choice by The Associated Press for No. 1 quarterback at the midpoint of the season. A panel of nine AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at QB, making their selections based on current status through Week 8. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Mahomes also received all nine first-place votes in the preseason poll. Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts each received second-place votes.

Andy Reid again was a near-unanimous choice by The Associated Press for the top spot among NFL head coaches, receiving eight of nine first-place votes. A panel of nine AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five head coaches, making their selections based on current status through Week 8. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points. Reid also received eight of nine first-place votes in the preseason poll. Six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick again got the other first-place vote. Doug Pederson, Kyle Shanahan, Mike Tomlin and Nick Sirianni each got second-place votes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The COVID-19 treatments millions of have taken for free from the federal government will enter the private market next week with a hefty price tag. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is setting the price for a five-day treatment of Paxlovid at $1,390, but Americans can still access the pills at no cost -- for now. Millions of free, taxpayer-funded courses of the pills will remain at pharmacies, hospitals and doctor’s offices across the country, U.S. Health and Human Services officials said Friday. Many Americans won't face copays for the treatment until those pills run out.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that was a focal point of a deadly white nationalist protest in 2017 has been melted down and will be repurposed into new works of art. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, a Charlottesville-based Black history museum, said Thursday that the statue had been destroyed. The Charlottesville City Council voted in 2021 to donate the statue to the heritage center, after it proposed a Swords into Plowshares project that would melt the statue and repurpose it into public art. The statue was taken down in 2021 after years of debate and delay. Lawsuits that sought to block the statue's destruction were unsuccessful.

—The Associated Press

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops are battling Hamas militants and attacking underground compounds with a focus on northern Gaza. An estimated 800,000 Palestinians have fled south despite continued Israeli bombardment across the besieged enclave. Buoyed by the first successful rescue of a captive held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a cease-fire and again vowed to crush Hamas’ ability to govern Gaza or threaten Israel following its bloody Oct. 7 rampage. That attack ignited the war. More than half the territory’s 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, with hundreds of thousands sheltering in packed U.N.-run schools-turned-shelters or in hospitals alongside thousands of wounded patients.

PARIS (AP) — Paris police have opened fire on a woman who allegedly made threatening remarks on a train. The shooting Tuesday is the latest security incident in the country that has been on heightened anti-terror alert since a fatal stabbing at a school. Police said they had no immediate information on the woman’s condition. Police said officers opened fire after she didn’t respond to their warnings. Police responded after several train passengers phoned the emergency services and reported that a woman who was wearing a face and head covering was making threats. A Metro and suburban train station that serves the Francois Mitterrand national library in eastern Paris has been evacuated.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is poised to leave its key interest rate unchanged at a time when the Fed faces an economy that has proved resilient but is nevertheless under pressure from surging interest rates, overseas turmoil and anxious investors. U.S. economic growth surged in the July-September quarter on the back of robust consumer spending, and inflation showed signs last month of staying uncomfortably high. Chair Jerome Powell will want to make sure that the economy cools and that inflation resumes its descent before signaling any let-up in the Fed’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% target level.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — An east-moving snowstorm, the first major one of the season, continued Thursday into North Dakota. Northwestern North Dakota was impacted by the first of two waves of the storm, which left more than 7 inches of snow in some areas. As much as 11 inches of snow piled up near Stanley, North Dakota. The heaviest snowfall was still forecast for later Thursday afternoon in central and southwestern North Dakota. Below-normal cold temperatures are expected to follow into next week, as low as single digits or below zero in some areas.

NEW YORK (AP) — A little-known New York City jail believed to be the last operating prison ship in the country is set to shutter the week. The barge first arrived in the South Bronx in 1992 and was one of several floating jails used by the city at the time. But while it was meant to be a temporary solution, the jail has remained operational — even as detainees and their advocates have repeatedly condemned its dank, cramped conditions and extreme isolation. Most of the roughly 500 people incarcerated in the jail earlier this month will be moved to Rikers Island, the city's main jail complex.

The Rangers have taken a 2-1 lead in the World Series, Craig Counsell interviews with the Guardians, Lions plow through the Raiders, and Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is out for season.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has signed a sweeping executive order to guide the development of artificial intelligence. Monday's order requires industry to develop safety and security standards, introduces new consumer protections and gives federal agencies an extensive to-do list to oversee the rapidly progressing technology. AI has been a source of deep personal curiosity for Biden, given its potential impact on the economy and national security. Biden had directed his staff to move with urgency on a policy that could maximize AI's possibilities and contain its perils. The Democratic president's order requires leading AI developers to share safety test results and other information with the government.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative contract agreement that could end a six-week-old strike against Detroit automakers, three people briefed on the deal said. The agreement follows the pattern set with Ford last week and Jeep maker Stellantis over the weekend. The deals will last four years and eight months and include 25% general pay raises and cost of living adjustments. Combined they bring the wage increase to over 30% over the life of the contract. The people briefed on the matter didn't want to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the deal. It was to be announced later Monday.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Maine's authorities are trying to piece together the events that led to the worst mass shooting in the state’s history. Those same authorities are also facing growing scrutiny over how the shooter was able to keep his guns and remain on the street despite exhibiting signs that he might commit violent acts. The gunman's record of interaction with police and warning signs involving mental illness and violent threats emerged as key threads. Officials say that the shooter underwent a mental health evaluation after he began acting erratically at an Army training facility in New York last summer.

ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Cornell University administrators have dispatched campus police to a Jewish center after threatening statements against Jewish students appeared on an online discussion board. Cornell President Martha E. Pollack says there was a series of “horrendous, antisemitic messages” over the weekend threatening violence against the university’s Jewish community and specifically naming the address of the Center for Jewish Living. The website is unaffiliated with the school in Ithaca. The Cornell University Police Department is investigating and has notified the FBI of a potential hate crime. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says authorities aren't sure if the threats are credible but state police are taking steps to ensure student safety.

JERUSALEM — Israel says a female soldier captured by Hamas militants during their Oct. 7 incursion has been released during Israel's ground operations in Gaza. The military provided few details, but she appears to be the first captive to be freed since Israel stepped up its ground war. The military says Private Ori Megidish “was medically checked, is doing well, and has met with her family.”

HUDSON, Colo. (AP) — Some pumpkin farmers in the West, particularly wholesalers in places like Colorado and New Mexico, are feeling the pinching effects of drought. Farmers have had to rely on dwindling water for irrigation while battling wacky weather to get their crops planted on time. Some have cut back on other crops they grow because pumpkins bring in the most money, while others have described lower yields of smaller gourds. Still, pumpkins in major-producing places like Illinois are doing okay. Issues in the West are a reminder that all crops suffer when water becomes more scarce -- and that other challenges, like labor and inflation, are stymieing farmers across the board, resulting in higher prices at the grocery store or pumpkin patch.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Shootings across the U.S. over the weekend before Halloween have left at least 11 people dead and more than 70 injured. Authorities say the deaths between Friday and Sunday included two in Tampa, Florida, three in Texarkana, Texas, and two each in Dodge City, Kansas; San Antonio, Texas; and Mansfield, Ohio. Many involved altercations arising from Halloween celebrations, including a Florida mass shooting early Sunday as bars were closing and scores of people in costumes spilled out on the streets. The violence unfolded after 18 people were killed last week by a gunman in Lewiston, Maine. More than 1,000 people turned out Sunday for a vigil.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A flow of recent data from the U.S. government has made one thing strikingly clear: A surge in consumer spending is fueling strong growth, demonstrating a resilience that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls. Spending by consumers rose by a brisk 0.4% in September — even after adjusting for inflation and even as they face ever-higher borrowing costs. Economists caution that such vigorous spending isn’t likely to continue in coming months. Many households have been pulling money from a shrinking pool of savings. Others have been turning increasingly to credit cards. And the additional savings that typical households amassed during the pandemic are nearly depleted.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops due to the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The advisory from the Food and Drug Administration applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Rite Aid and Target. The agency says consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any found in pharmacies and other stores. The agency recommended recalling the products last week after FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions at the factory that produced the drops.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matthew Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. Coroner's records show the Emmy-nominated actor was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. An investigation into how Perry died is ongoing and it may take weeks before his cause of death is determined. Several media outlets reported Perry was found dead in a hot tub. Perry’s 10 seasons on “Friends” made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, starring opposite Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer as a friend group in New York.

GENEVA (AP) — The Spanish soccer official who provoked a players’ rebellion and a reckoning on gender when he kissed an unwilling star player on the lips is banned for three years by the sport’s global governing body. Luis Rubiales is excluded from working anywhere in soccer until after the men’s 2026 World Cup. His ban will expire before the next women’s tournament in 2027. His bigger problem is a criminal investigation in Spain for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the team’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney at the Women’s World Cup final trophy ceremony. Spanish state prosecutors have formally accused Rubiales of sexual assault and an act of coercion. According to Hermoso, Rubiales pressured her to speak out in his defense as the post-match incidents became a global furor.

For the second year in a row, U.S. shoppers are seeing double-digit inflation in the candy aisle. Candy and gum prices are up an average of 13% in October. That’s on top of a 14% increase in candy and gum prices in October 2022. Weather is the main culprit. Cocoa prices are trading at 44-year highs after heavy rains in West Africa caused limited production in the season that began last fall. Now, El Nino conditions are making the region drier and are likely to linger well into the spring. Meanwhile, global sugar prices are at 12-year highs.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the Christian right cheers new House speaker Mike Johnson as one of their own.

—The Associated Press

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The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting Monday afternoon on Israel’s ground incursion in Gaza and the dire humanitarian plight of Palestinians at the request of the United Arab Emirates. Relief workers said the largest convoy of humanitarian aid to arrive in Gaza still fell far short of needs.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Residents of Lewiston are returning to work the morning after coming together to mourn those lost in Maine’s worst mass shooting. More than 1,000 people gathered for an evening vigil Sunday. The names of the 18 killed were read aloud at Sunday’s event. Authorities say 40-year-old Robert Card opened fire Wednesday at a bowling alley and then a bar, leaving 18 dead and 13 injured. He was found dead Friday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Rev Todd Little from the First United Pentecostal Church of Lewiston spoke at Sunday’s vigil of how that diverse community is now sharing “brokenness, worry, fear and loss” because of the shooting. But he vowed the community is bigger than the tragedy and will emerge stronger.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is signing a sweeping executive order to guide the development of artificial intelligence. Monday's order will require industry to develop safety and security standards, introduce new consumer protections and give federal agencies an extensive to-do list to oversee the rapidly progressing technology. AI has been a source of deep personal curiosity for Biden, given its potential impact on the economy and national security. Biden had directed his staff to move with urgency on a policy that could maximize AI's possibilities and contain its perils. The Democratic president's order will require leading AI developers to share safety test results and other information with the government.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Around 2,000 Ukrainians have taken part in a one-kilometer race in Kyiv, wearing bibs displaying the name of a person instead of a number. Each runner chose one person to whom they dedicated the run. Spouses, children, friends, siblings, neighbors, and colleagues ran for someone they knew who either was killed, taken captive or injured during Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The organizers of Sunday's event called it the world’s longest marathon “because no race has lasted as long as Ukraine has been fighting for its freedom.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Former Vice President Mike Pence is dropping his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, ending his campaign for the White House after struggling to raise money and gain traction in the polls. He made the announcement in Las Vegas on Saturday at the annual gathering of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Pence said, “It’s become clear to me: This is not my time." Pence becomes the first major candidate to leave a race that has been dominated by his former boss-turned-rival, Donald Trump. Pence did not immediately endorse any of his rivals, but continued to echo language he has used to criticize Trump.

A prolific day for NFL quarterbacks Sunday with three of them throwing for four touchdown passes and four others throwing three aerial strikes, an apparent season ending injury for another quarterback and action on both the hardcourt and on the ice

NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Moll, a character actor who found lasting fame as an eccentric but gentle giant bailiff on the original sitcom “Night Court,” has died. He was 80. Moll died Thursday at his home in Big Bear Lake, California, according to publicist Jeff Sanderson. Moll played “Bull” Shannon on NBC’s “Night Court” from 1984 to 1992 alongside stars Harry Anderson and John Larroquette. His character formed a close friendship with the court’s other bailiff, Roz Russell, played by Marsha Warfield. Bull was known for his catchphrase, “Ohh-kay,” and a dim but sweet world view.

Fans flocked to movie theaters across the country to see the scary video game adaptation “Five Nights at Freddy's” on the big screen, which made $78 million to top the North American box office. That is according to studio estimates Sunday. The movie also opened in more than 60 markets internationally, where it’s expected to gross $52.6 million, giving the film a $130.6 million global launch — the biggest of any horror movie released this year. Universal Pictures bet on a day-and-date release on the weekend before Halloween, sending it to 3,675 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, while also making it available for Peacock subscribers.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss new projects from Sting and Billie Jean King, the actors strike and Christmas movies.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The last new Beatles song, 'Now And Then,' is on the way.
Patty Loveless, Bob McDill and Tanya Tucker were inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame.
'Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, died at age 81.
And Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker announced his retirement.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller and I talk about Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel on the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. CT:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hospitals and health care systems are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to help summarize doctors’ notes and analyze health records. But a new study led by Stanford School of Medicine researchers cautions that popular chatbots are also perpetuating racist, debunked medical ideas. That is prompting concerns the tools could worsen health disparities for Black patients. Powered by AI models trained on troves of text pulled from the internet, chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google’s Bard responded to the researchers’ questions with a range of misconceptions and falsehoods about Black patients, according to the study published Friday in the academic journal Digital Medicine.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A novel program in Tennessee aims to interest more Black and other minority medical students in organ transplants, to help ease troubling disparities. Six students from Meharry Medical College spent the summer shadowing specialists at Tennessee Donor Services for hands-on lessons in recovering organs, matching them to recipients — and the empathy needed to work with grieving families. Thousands die awaiting a transplant because there aren't enough donated organs and some don’t get a fair chance, including Black Americans. Whatever their career paths, the students say they plan to educate others about organ donation.

Air conditioning has made life in many hot places possible, but the special fluids that make it work are extremely hazardous to the climate. Refrigerants used in fridges, freezers, and cars change from a fluid to gas to transport heat away from the place you want cooled. They can absorb several thousand times more heat than water or other common fluids, making them great for cooling systems, but bad for climate change when they escape. In 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol phased down the use of one damaging group of refrigerants 85% by 2036. According to the most recent report from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it will meaningfully prevent some warming of the Earth if fully enforced.

A pediatricians' group is warning powdered drink mixes known as “toddler milks” are unregulated, unnecessary and nutritionally incomplete. The drinks are marketed for older babies and toddlers up to age 3. The American Academy of Pediatrics says the products often contain high amounts of added sugar and salt. A trade group for the manufacturers of the products say the drinks could fill nutritional gaps. Experts say babies and toddlers older than age 1 should eat a balanced diet of solid foods and drink breast milk, fortified whole cow's milk and water.

PARIS (AP) — Bedbugs go wherever people go, and they have become a nightmare haunting France for weeks. The government has been forced to step in to calm an anxious nation that will host the Olympic Games in almost nine months — a prime venue for infestations of the crowd-loving insects. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne called a meeting of ministers for Friday to tackle the bedbug crisis. The country’s transport minister, Clement Beaune, met this week with transportation companies to draw up a plan for monitoring and disinfecting — and to try to ease what some have called a national psychosis inflamed by the media.

PARIS (AP) — The “Mona Lisa” has given up a secret. Scientists used X-rays to peer into the chemical structure of a tiny speck of the celebrated work of art. They came up with a new insight into the techniques used by Leonardo da Vinci when he painted his portrait of the woman with the enigmatic smile. Research published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Chemical Society says the oil-paint recipe he used as his base layer had a distinctive chemical signature. A rare compound in Leonardo’s first layer of paint suggests the famously inventive Italian Renaissance master may have been in an experimental mood when he started the “Mona Lisa” early in the 16th century.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m. CT:

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Authorities have launched a multistate search on land and water for a U.S. Army reservist who they say fatally shot 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Maine. The shootings in the city of Lewiston on Wednesday night sent panicked patrons scrambling under tables and behind bowling pins. Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card. He was still at large Thursday afternoon, sparking a massive search and prompting schools and businesses to shut down and residents to shelter in place. A U.S. official told The Associated Press that Card was taken by police for a mental evaluation in July after he was acting erratically during training. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Authorities say a man suspected of killing a Maryland judge last week has been found dead in a heavily wooded area about a mile from where authorities had earlier spotted the his abandoned SUV. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the body of 49-year-old Pedro Argote was found Thursday in Williamsport. Authorities believe Argote was angry about losing custody of his children when he shot Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson outside the judge's home. Law enforcement launched a search for Argote almost immediately after the shooting. Authorities had searched the area near where his SUV was found over the weekend, but a more thorough search turned up his body.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops and tanks launched an hourslong ground raid into northern Gaza overnight. The military said troops struck several militant targets in Thursday's raid in order to “prepare the battlefield” ahead of a widely expected ground invasion. The raid came after the U.N. warned it is on the verge of running out of fuel in the Gaza Strip, forcing it to sharply curtail relief efforts in the besieged territory. Hospitals in Gaza are struggling to treat masses of wounded with dwindling resources. The war, sparked by Hamas' bloody incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, is already the deadliest of five fought between Israel and Hamas in the last 15 years.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — Survivors of the Pacific hurricane that killed at least 27 people as it devastated Acapulco spent Thursday searching for acquaintances and necessities. They hope that aid arrives quickly in the wake of Hurricane Otis. Resentment grew in impoverished neighborhoods. Residents worried that Mexican government attention will go to repairing tourism infrastructure, not helping the neediest.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s economy expanded at a robust 4.9% annual rate from July through September as Americans defied higher prices, rising interest rates and widespread forecasts of a recession to spend at a brisk pace. The economy expanded last quarter at the fastest pace in more than two years — and more than twice the 2.1% annual rate of the previous quarter. Thursday’s report on the nation’s gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — showed that consumers drove the acceleration, ramping up their spending on everything from cars to restaurant meals.

Wall Street fell in mixed trading after some big-name companies warned about an uncertain global economy hitting their upcoming profits. R

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea, the U.S. and Japan have strongly condemned what they call North Korea’s supply of munitions and military equipment to Russia. A joint statement issued Thursday by the top diplomats of South Korea, the U.S. and Japan said such weapons shipments will sharply increase the human toll of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Last week, Russia’s foreign minister scoffed at a recent U.S. claim that his country received munitions from North Korea. The U.S., South Korea and others believe North Korea seeks to receive sophisticated weapons technologies to enhance its nuclear program in exchange for its munitions supply.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Norfolk Southern has installed the first of what will be more than a dozen of a new generation of automated inspection portals on its tracks in Ohio — not far from where one of its trains derailed in February and spilled hazardous chemicals that caught fire. The new portals are equipped with high-speed cameras that will take hundreds of pictures of every passing rail car to help quickly identify defects on moving trains. The pictures are analyzed by artificial intelligence software. Other major railroads have invested in similar inspection technology to supplement — and where regulators approve it, replace — human inspections. University of Delaware railroad safety expert Allan Zarembski said it’s significant that Norfolk Southern is investing in so many of these portals.

New House Speaker Mike Johnson said “prayer is appropriate” as a response to the mass shootings in Maine. “This is a dark time in America,” Johnson said at the Capitol. He added: "Prayer is appropriate at a time like this, that the evil can end and the senseless violence can stop.”

ATLANTA (AP) — A federal judge says some of Georgia’s congressional, state Senate and state House districts are racially discriminatory, ordering the state to draw an additional Black-majority congressional district. U.S. District Judge Steve Jones on Thursday also ordered the state to draw two new Black-majority state Senate districts and five new Black-majority state House districts. Jones ordered the state to redraw maps before Dec. 8. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is responding by setting a Nov. 29 special session. One of Georgia’s 14 congressional seats could shift from Republican to Democratic control. The Georgia case is part of a wave of litigation after the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year stood behind its interpretation of the Voting Rights Act.

NEW YORK (AP) — This is it — the last “new” Beatles song. Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania, the surviving members of the quartet are releasing the song “Now And Then.” Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr got a little help from artificial intelligence. The song was written and recorded in sketch form by the late John Lennon in the late 1970s. McCartney, Starr and the late George Harrison worked on it in the 1990s but were stymied by technical limitations. AI was used last year to clean up Lennon's vocals, and McCartney and Starr added backing voices and instrumentation. It will be released next week.

In sports: Baseball's new rules are having an impact in the postseason, Pacers keeping coach Rick Carlisle on board with multiyear contract extension, and Ottawa's Shane Pinto was suspended 41 games, becomes the 1st modern NHL player banned for gambling.

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (AP) — It ain’t the Olympics, but a group of Floridians plan to host competitions themed according to the collective antics of the beer-loving, gator-possessing, rap-sheet heavy, mullet-wearing social media phenomenon known as “Florida Man.” The games will poke fun at Florida’s reputation for producing strange news stories involving guns, drugs, booze and reptiles — or some combination of the four. Organizers say the contests planned for next February in St. Augustine, Florida, includes the the self-explanatory beer-belly wrestling contest, as well as the Evading Arrest Obstacle Course. Contestants will be asked to jump over fences and through yards while being chased by real police officers.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 26 at 7 a.m. CT:

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Officials say at least 16 people are dead after a man opened fire at a bar and a bowling alley in Lewiston, Maine, and police are searching for a person of interest who is a trained firearms instructor. Hundreds of law enforcement officers are seeking Robert Card after Wednesday night's shooting, and a shelter-in-place advisory is in place in an area that includes Maine's second-largest city and nearby Lisbon. A police bulletin says Card was a firearms instructor believed to be in the Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — A day after Hurricane Otis roared ashore in Acapulco, unleashing massive floods and setting off looting, the resort city of nearly 1 million descended into chaos, leaving residents without electricity or internet service as the toll remained uncertain. The early images and witness accounts were of extensive devastation, toppled trees and power lines lying in brown floodwaters that in some areas extended for miles. The resulting destruction delayed a comprehensive response by the government, which was still assessing the damage along Mexico’s Pacific coast, and made residents desperate. Many of the once sleek beachfront hotels in Acapulco looked like toothless, shattered hulks after the storm blew out hundreds — possibly thousands — of windows.

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union says it has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford that could be a breakthrough to end the nearly 6-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers. The four-year deal still has to be approved by 57,000 union members at the company. It could bring a close to the union’s series of strikes at targeted factories run by Ford, General Motors and Jeep maker Stellantis. The Ford deal could set the pattern for agreements with the other two automakers, although no other agreements were announced Wednesday.

Cleveland and Boston with tight wins in the NBA, Doncic powers Dallas past San Antonio, a full night of NBA results, the Capitals skate past New Jersey, and Dusty Baker retires.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — The judge in Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial has fined the former president $10,000. The judge says Trump violated a limited gag order barring personal attacks on court staffers. The fine was issued Wednesday after Trump complained outside court about what he called “a person who’s very partisan sitting alongside” the judge in the case, Arthur Engoron. Weeks ago, Engoron ordered all participants in the case not to comment publicly about his staff. The Oct. 3. gag order came after Trump made a social media post maligning the judge’s principal law clerk, who sits beside him in court. Trump said his comment Wednesday was about witness Michael Cohen. Engoron said Trump’s claim was “not credible."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana has been elected House speaker. Republicans eagerly gave Johnson the gavel on Wednesday by a vote of 220-209, with a few absences. Johnson picked up an important nod of support from Donald Trump. Johnson was the fourth candidate Republicans nominated to replace Kevin McCarthy. The Republican majority has been desperate to end the chaos after ousting Kevin McCarthy at the start of the month. Johnson was quickly sworn into office. He said Republicans would “restore the people's faith” in the House. President Joe Biden congratulated the new speaker saying it's time for all to “act responsibly” addressing the nation's challenges.

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said there is no going back to the “status quo” in Israel and the region following the deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. “When this crisis is over, there has to be a vision of what comes next,” Biden said during a press conference at the White House with the Prime Minister of Australia. “And in our view, it has to be a two-state solution.”

The U.S. Postal Service says law enforcement officials have charged more than 600 people with postal crimes since launching a crackdown in May. The so-called “Operation Safe Delivery” follows a surge in robberies. The Postal Service also deployed over 10,000 high-security boxes in high-risk areas to prevent mail theft. To reduce robberies of mail carriers, the agency is replacing tens of thousands of antiquated “arrow keys” that make them a target for criminals. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says it’s important to protect what he calls the “sanctity of the nation’s mail.” But he says his primary concern is the safety of postal carriers.

NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say a man was trapped inside a steel-reinforced concrete jewelry vault in New York City overnight after firefighters had to abandon an attempt to rescue him for safety reasons. Fortunately, the vault was on a timer and opened on its own Wednesday morning. Assistant Fire Chief John Sarrocco says the fire department was called to the midtown Manhattan building on Tuesday evening but did not explain how the man became trapped. After about 10 hours of drilling, firefighters stopped fearing their attempts to breach the vault could harm the man trapped inside. Sarrocco says the doors opened as scheduled around 7 a.m. and the man was freed unharmed.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California regulators have revoked the license of a robotaxi service owned by General Motors after determining its driverless cars that recently began transporting passengers throughout San Francisco are a dangerous menace. The California Department of Motor Vehicles' indefinite suspension of the Cruise robotaxi service comes just two months after another state regulator, the Public Utilities Commission, approved an expansion that authorized around-the-clock rides throughout San Francisco. That approval came over a chorus of protests, including some lodged by police and fire officials who asserted the driverless vehicles had been impeding traffic in emergencies.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Three people with direct knowledge of the situation say the San Francisco Giants have hired manager Bob Melvin away from the division rival San Diego Padres. Melvin will be returning to the Bay Area where he grew up, played for the Giants and then managed the Oakland Athletics from 2011-21. He leaves San Diego with a year on his contract amid reports of friction with general manager A.J. Preller.

For the second consecutive year, Caitlin Clark of Iowa is a unanimous pick for The Associated Press preseason All-America team in women's basketball. Clark led Iowa to the NCAA championship game for the first time in school history where the Hawkeyes lost to Angel Reese and LSU. Reese is also on the team along with Elizabeth Kitley of Virginia Tech, Cameron Brink of Stanford, Paige Bueckers of UConn and Mackenzie Holmes of Indiana.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 25 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has warned that without immediate deliveries of fuel it will soon have to sharply cut back relief operations across the Gaza Strip. The territory has been blockaded and hit by devastating Israeli airstrikes since Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel more than two weeks ago. The warning came as hospitals in Gaza struggled to treat masses of wounded with dwindling resources. Health officials in the Hamas-ruled territory also said the death toll was soaring as Israeli jets continued striking the territory overnight into Wednesday. The Israeli military said its strikes hit Hamas targets.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — Hurricane Otis has slammed into Mexico’s southern Pacific coast as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, bringing 165 mph winds and heavy rain to Acapulco and nearby towns. Otis rapidly intensified Tuesday, growing from a tropical storm to a Category 5 monster in 12 hours. The storm then quickly weakened to a Category 4 shortly after making landfall with its maximum sustained winds decreasing to 130 mph. The hurricane is expected to continue to weaken quickly in Guerrero state’s steep mountains. But the 5 to 10 inches of rain forecast, with as much as 15 inches possible in some areas, raises the threat of landslides and floods.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have chosen congressman Mike Johnson of Louisiana as their latest nominee for House speaker. Johnson will face a floor vote Wednesday trying to unify the divided Republican majority. Johnson is the fourth candidate Republicans have nominated to replace Kevin McCarthy. Johnson's nomination came just hours after an earlier pick, congressman Tom Emmer of Minnesota, dropped out amid opposition from Donald Trump. The Republican majority has been without a speaker for three weeks and is desperate to end the chaos and get back to work. Johnson had no opposition on a private tally, but many were absent. Johnson will need almost all Republicans to win the gavel in a floor vote.

BANGKOK (AP) — China said the United States is the “biggest disruptor of regional peace and stability” in the world in a scathing response to a Pentagon report on China’s growing military buildup. The annual report that is required by Congress is one way the Pentagon measures the military capabilities of China, which the U.S. government sees as its key threat in the Asia-Pacific region and America’s primary long-term security challenge. The statement China’s Ministry of Defense issued in response early Wednesday morning called the Pentagon report’s findings false and used it in turn to hit back at the U.S.′ recent actions in helping Israel and Ukraine, as well as its buildup of military installations worldwide.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor for Black filmmakers who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in the 1971 action movie “Shaft” and several sequels, has died. He was 81. Roundtree’s longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, says the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy. Roundtree was considered as the “first Black action hero” and became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film. At age 28, it was Roundtree’s feature film debut after starting his career as a model.

The Diamondbacks end their two-plus decade World Series drought, the defending champion Nuggets raise a banner and beat the Lakers, Kevin Durant helps the Suns win in his Phoenix debut, and the Kraken rally for an overtime victory against the Red Wings.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Health Ministry in Gaza says hundreds of people were killed in the past day as a result of Israeli airstrikes. Israel has been striking Gaza since Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli towns on Oct. 7. Israel said Tuesday it had launched 400 airstrikes over the past day, killing Hamas commanders, hitting militants as they were preparing to launch rockets into Israel and striking command centers and a Hamas tunnel shaft. The Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, said more than 700 people were killed in the past day, a claim that AP could not independently verify.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have picked Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota as their nominee for House speaker, but there's no guarantee he can win the gavel. In fact, Republicans are no closer to ending the bitter infighting as Donald Trump and hard-liners have rejected the choice. As the GOP whip, Emmer jumped out front in private balloting Tuesday as the top vote-getter among the hodgepodge list of mostly lesser-known congressmen. He won a simple majority of his colleagues behind closed doors but fell far short of the support of almost all Republicans he would need during a House floor vote ahead. It’s been three weeks since Republicans ousted Kevin McCarthy as speaker.

ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump’s lead attorney in the 2020 Georgia election case against him is using another attorney’s guilty plea to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the racketeering charges brought against all 19 defendants. Trump attorney Steve Sadow says it's the fourth time Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has dismissed the racketeering charge “in return for a plea to probation." Attorney Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty Tuesday to a felony over efforts to overturn Trump’s election loss in Georgia. The Florida resident is the fourth defendant in the case to enter into a plea deal with prosecutors. Prosecutors say Ellis helped other lawyers as they lied to Georgia lawmakers.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful Haitian gang leader has been charged by U.S. prosecutors with ordering the kidnapping of an American couple, which left a woman dead. The U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia announced a new indictment Tuesday against Vitel’Homme Innocent, the leader of the Kraze Barye gang, in connection with the October 2022 kidnapping in Haiti of Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin. Marie Franklin was shot and killed in the kidnapping. Jean Franklin was held for 21 days. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest. He was previously charged in connection to the 2021 kidnappings of Christian missionaries.

Dozens of US states, including California, New York, Arizona and Indiana are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people’s mental health and contributing the youth mental health crisis by knowingly designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to the platforms. The lawsuit filed in federal court in California also claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law.

DETROIT (AP) — A strike by autoworkers against General Motors is expected to cut the automaker's pretax earnings by $800 million this year, and another $200 million per week after that. That's according to the company’s chief financial officer. And those figures just include factories that are on strike now by the United Auto Workers union. So if more plants are added, the losses will pile up further, CFO Paul Jacobson told reporters. His statements came as GM reported Tuesday just over $3 billion in net income from July through September, a figure that was 7% below a year ago due to lost production from the strike and increased warranty costs. But the results soundly beat Wall Street estimates.

NEW YORK (AP) — A new shot for infants against RSV is in short supply, and U.S. health officials are telling doctors they should prioritize giving the drug to babies at the highest risk of severe disease. The one-time shot is called Beyfortus. It was developed by AstraZeneca and Sanofi. It contains a lab-made antibody that helps the immune system fight off the virus. RSV is a common cause of coldlike symptoms, but it can be dangerous for young children. A seasonal virus, it’s already widely reported in the southern United States and is expected to continue to spread over the next month or two.

Georgetown women’s basketball coach Tasha Butts has died after a two-year battle with breast cancer. The 41-year-old coach was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer in 2021. She stepped away from coaching Georgetown last month. Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed announced Butts' death on Monday. Her diagnosis inspired the Tasha Tough campaign which has brought awareness and raised money to bring quality care to women who can’t afford it through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Butts came to Georgetown from Georgia Tech this past April after a long coaching and professional WNBA career.

Reigning AP national player of the year Zach Edey is a unanimous selection on The Associated Press preseason All-America team in college basketball. The big man tested the NBA waters before deciding to play one more season for No. 3 Purdue. Edey is joined by Marquette guard Tyler Kolek, Kansas center Hunter Dickinson, Duke big man Kyle Filipowski and North Carolina forward Armando Bacot. Edey was the consensus national player of the year last season after averaging 22.3 points and 12.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 61% from the field.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 24 at 7 a.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — 85-year-old Yocheved Lifshitz, one of two Israelis freed by Hamas on Monday, spoke of her captivity. Appearing weak in a wheelchair and speaking softly, Lifshitz told reporters Tuesday that the militants beat her with sticks, bruising her ribs and making it hard to breathe as they kidnapped her. Lifshitz, whose husband remains a hostage, said conditions were kept clean and she received medical care, including medication.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An off-duty pilot riding in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in midflight. It happened Sunday on a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. The plane diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by law enforcement officers. Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said Monday that the crew reported “a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat" — one of its pilots, who was off duty. Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office says he is being held on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

BERLIN (AP) — German authorities say two cargo ships have collided in the North Sea off the German coast and one vessel apparently sank. One sailor died and four are missing. Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said the ships, Polesie and Verity, collided early on Tuesday morning about 22 kilometers, about 14 miles, southwest of the island of Helgoland. One of the ships, the British-flagged Verity, is believed to have sunk. Two sailors were rescued. Vessels supporting the rescue effort included a cruise ship that has doctors on board and could treat people if needed.

DENVER (AP) — A former National Security Agency employee from Colorado has pleaded guilty to trying to sell classified information to Russia. Under a plea agreement approved by a federal judge on Monday, prosecutors agreed to not ask for more than about 22 years in prison for 31-year-old Jareh Sebastian Dalke if he follows the terms of the deal. He will be sentenced in April, but the judge will ultimately decide the sentence. The Army veteran faces up to a possible life sentence for allegedly giving the information to an undercover FBI agent who prosecutors say Dalke believed was a Russian agent.

The Rangers are going to the World Series, the Diamondbacks and Phillies are going to a game 7 in the NLCS, Kirk Cousins leads the Vikings to a win, and Giannis Antetokounmpo agrees to an extension with the Bucks. Correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. CT:

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The International Committee of the Red Cross says Hamas militants have released two hostages it had been holding captive in the Gaza Strip. It was the second time the group has freed hostages seized in its bloody Oct. 7 cross-border incursion into Israel. The hostages were identified by Israeli media as Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper of the Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz. A U.S. official said Monday that Washington has advised Israel to delay a possible ground invasion to allow more time to try and secure the release of more hostages. Palestinian officials and witnesses say heavy airstrikes across Gaza demolished buildings, killing hundreds of people.

DETROIT (AP) — Investigators say they have identified several people of interest in the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue president. Authorities found 40-year-old Samantha Woll’s body outside her home early Saturday. Detroit Police Chief James E. White said during a news conference Monday that Woll attended a wedding Friday night and left the celebration around 12:30 a.m. He says there was no sign that anyone forced their way into her home. He says investigators have identified a number of people of interest, but that they believe a suspect acted alone. Woll led the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue. Police have repeatedly said they found no evidence that her killing was motivated by antisemitism.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says the dozens of U.S. technology hubs President Joe Biden is announcing will help communities across the country become centers of innovation critical to its competitiveness. Biden is designating 31 technology hubs that reach 32 states and Puerto Rico. The tech hubs are designed to help spur innovation in industries concentrated in these areas and to create jobs. The Democratic president announced the tech hubs Monday. The tech hubs are the result of a process the Commerce Department launched in May for cities to share $500 million in grants. The hubs tie into Biden's economic message that people should able to find good jobs wherever they live.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A man who was living in a tent in the woods has been convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a retired New Hampshire couple who were out for a walk. After deliberating for a day and a half, the jury on Monday found 27-year-old Logan Clegg guilty of second-degree murder in the April 2022 killings of Stephen and Djeswende Reid. They were killed while walking on a trail near their apartment in Concord. Clegg lived near the trail. He was arrested in Vermont in October 2022. His lawyers said he left the state because he was hiding from police due to a probation violation, not because of the Reids’ deaths. Clegg faces up to life in prison.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey has returned to a New York City federal court and entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging he conspired to act as an agent of the Egyptian government. The Democratic former chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee entered the plea on Monday. Menendez stepped down from his powerful post on the Senate committee after he was criminally charged last month with other conspiracy counts. Those charges allege Menendez and his wife accepted bribes from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for his assistance. Menendez has vowed to prove his innocence.

MILLEN, Ga. (AP) — A body found wrapped in plastic inside a Georgia dumpster 35 years ago has been identified as that of a South Korean woman. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Monday that they used DNA analysis to determine that 26-year-old Chong Un Kim was the person whose body was discovered in rural Millen in February 1988. Kim died from asphyxiation, but it’s unclear whether someone killed her or who dumped her body. Investigators say Kim lived for several years in Hinesville, 70 miles south of Millen. Her body was found wrapped with plastic inside a suitcase. Investigators say Kim had been dead four to seven days when her body was found.

KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — A decade after swimming nonstop for more than two straight days from Cuba to Florida, Diana Nyad has returned to the Key West beach where she completed her epic journey. Nyad and her former support team helped mark the swim's 10th anniversary Sunday by helping return a rehabilitated sea turtle to the Atlantic. Nearly 2,000 people had lined the beach on Labor Day 2013 to welcome Nyad as she came ashore after swimming for 52 hours and 54 minutes across the Florida Straits from Havana — a distance of 111 miles. She succeeded on her fifth attempt at the age of 64.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Federal authorities have unsealed charges against four men in the theft earlier this year of more than 2 million dimes from a tractor-trailer that had picked up the coins from the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Authorities have said the driver was bound for Miami on April 13 when he pulled into a parking lot to sleep. They say thieves raided the truck overnight, stealing a portion of the $750,000 in dimes — a shipment weighing six tons. The heist left thousands of coins scattered over the lot. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports four defendants face conspiracy, robbery, theft of government money and other charges that were unsealed Monday.

The United Auto Workers union has once again escalated its strikes against Detroit Three automakers, this time adding a factory that makes Ram pickup trucks for Stellantis. The union says in a statement that 6,800 members walked out Monday morning at the Sterling Heights, Michigan, Assembly Plant, a huge profit center for the company. The move came just three days after union President Shawn Fain reported progress in talks with General Motors and Stellantis but said the companies will have to make better offers. No progress was reported with Ford. The union went on strike Sept. 15 at one assembly plant from each company. About 40,800 workers are now on strike against all three automakers.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The United States has renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines in case of an armed attack after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels in the South China Sea. Philippine diplomats summoned a Chinese Embassy official in Manila on Monday for a strongly worded protest following Sunday’s collisions off Second Thomas Shoal, which is also claimed by China. No injuries were reported but the Philippine ships reported damage. China has blamed the Philippines for the collisions saying the vessels were carrying construction materials to strengthen the Philippine outpost at the shoal. The Philippines and other neighbors of China have resisted Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Anti-abortion groups seeking to build opposition to a reproductive rights measure in Ohio are messaging heavily around a term for an abortion procedure that hasn’t been legal in the U.S. for over 15 years. The opposition campaign and top Republicans increasingly reference partial-birth abortions in ads, debates and public statements. The abortion opponents say partial-birth abortions are an imminent threat if voters approve the constitutional amendment Nov. 7. Partial-birth abortion is a non-medical term for a federally prohibited procedure known as dilation and extraction. Abortion rights group Pro-Choice Ohio says talk of partial-birth abortions is a scare tactic. Constitutional scholars say the amendment would not override the existing federal ban if Ohio voters approve it.

Patty Loveless, Bob McDill and Tanya Tucker were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday in Nashville.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 23 at 7 a.m. CT:

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin say the United States is ready to protect American forces or personnel in the Middle East should the Israel-Hamas war escalate as they expect. The two men say they expect the war will escalate through proxies for Iran. Blinken says the U.S. doesn't want to see escalation but he adds “we're ready for it." The pair of top U.S. officials delivered the warnings as the war that followed a deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel entered its third week. The U.S. State Department has ordered all non-essential personnel at the embassy in Iraq to leave the country because of the heightened tensions in the region.

Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy spoke of the current disarray in the House to elect a new speaker on NBC's "Meet the Press."

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is returning to Manhattan federal court to enter a not guilty plea to a conspiracy charge alleging that he acted as an agent of the Egyptian government even as he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez was scheduled to appear before Judge Sidney H. Stein on Monday afternoon. The Democrat stepped down from his powerful post on the Senate committee after he was criminally charged last month with other conspiracy charges. Those charges alleged that he and his wife accepted bribes from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for the senator's assistance. He has vowed to show his innocence.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Venezuelans became the largest nationality arrested for illegally crossing the U.S. border last month, replacing Mexicans for the first time on record. Figures released Saturday also show that September was the second-highest month for arrests of all nationalities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection says arrests for the government’s budget year ended Sept. 30 topped 2 million for the second year in a row. Venezuelans were arrested nearly 55,000 times by the Border Patrol after entering from Mexico in September. That's more than double the number from August and well above the previous monthly high of about 34,000 arrests in September 2022.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An ambitious 2021 agreement by more than 140 countries and territories to weed out tax havens and force multinational corporations to pay a minimum tax has been weakened by loopholes and will raise only a fraction of the revenue that was envisioned, a tax watchdog backed by the European Union has warned. The landmark agreement, brokered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, set a minimum global corporate tax of 15%. The idea was to stop multinational corporations from using accounting and legal maneuvers to shift earnings to low- or no-tax havens. Those havens are typically places like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands where the companies actually do little or no business.

The Rangers and Astros are going to the limit, the Eagles win a matchup of division leaders, the Browns, Patriots and Falcons win close ones and the Chiefs and Ravens win again. Correspondent David Schuster reports.

NEW YORK (AP) — In a movie match-up almost as unlikely as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” Martin Scorsese took on Taylor Swift in cinemas over the weekend. And while the box office belonged for a second time to “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” got off to a strong start in Apple Studios’ first major theatrical gambit. After a record-breaking opening weekend of $92.8 million, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” took in an estimated $31 million over the weekend from 3,855 locations, according to AMC Theaters. “Killers of the Flower Moon” debuted with $23 million, marking the third best opening for the 80-year-old Scorsese. The $200-million film is the largest production yet from Apple Studios.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Film and TV actors are still on strike in what has become the longest walk-off in their history. The strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists hit its 100th day on Saturday, while writers are busy back at work after ending their strike. The actors' union and studios announced Saturday that negotiations will resume Tuesday. Their talks abruptly ended Oct. 11 when studios walked away from the negotiating table saying the two sides were too far apart to go on. The prolonged strike means films and TV shows will remain sidelined indefinitely, and it's already starting to affect the upcoming awards season.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — There isn’t much Cher hasn’t done in her career. She’s achieved EGOT status. She’s the only artist to have a No. 1 song in each of the past six decades. She's even got her own gelato business, Cherlato. But a Christmas album? That’s new territory. Her new first album in five years, the appropriately titled “Christmas,” releases Friday. On “Christmas,” Cher enlists an all-star list of collaborators. There’s Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Wonder, Darlene Love, Michael Bublé, and even the rapper Tyga. She also discussed 25 years of “Believe,” artificial intelligence technology, and whether she's ready to act again.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Rolling Stones celebrated the release of their first collection of new original songs in 18 years with a club gig in Manhattan before a few hundred invited guests. The rock legends performed seven songs Thursday, four of them from the new “Hackney Diamonds” disc. The album is out Friday. But they had time for a few favorites. “You might be familiar with this one,” singer Mick Jagger said before Keith Richards began the opening riff to “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” instantly trumping the thousands of bar band versions attempted in the 55 years since its release. Only this time, the band at the bar was the Rolling Stones.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the latest movie from Martin Scorsese, “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Britney Spears discusses her abortion while dating Justin Timberlake in her upcoming memoir.
Prosecutors are seeking to recharge Actor Alec Baldwin in a fatal shooting on a movie set.
And Suzanne Somers, star of ‘Three’s Company,’ dies at age 76.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller and I talk about family-friendly Halloween programs such as the Netflix hit “Wednesday” during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. CT:

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli government said Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans -- Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago. The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released of the roughly 200 abducted. Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons. Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have dropped Jim Jordan as their nominee for House speaker in a private meeting. This comes after Jordan failed Friday in a third try for the speaker's gavel. Digging in for a fight Jordan had said at the Capitol that Congress needs “to get to work for the American people.” But Jordan lost ground as opposition deepened. GOP lawmakers had been warning the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump that no threats or promises could win their support. More than two dozen centrist Republicans revolted over the Ohio congressman's nomination and the hardball tactics being used to win them over. Some have received death threats.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional chaos and opposition will be a hurdle for President Joe Biden as he pushes for $105 billion in funding for Israel, Ukraine, border security, humanitarian assistance and countering China. Friday's announcement follows Biden's Oval Office address the night before, when he made the case for deepening U.S. support for its allies in the midst of two wars. National security adviser Jake Sullivan says the Democratic president's budget request "is critical to advancing America’s national security and ensuring the safety of the American people.” But the chances of progress on Capitol Hill are in doubt because of political resistance and Republican infighting that has left the House of Representatives at a standstill.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Authorities say a Maryland judge who was shot to death in the driveway of his home had presided over the divorce case of a man now identified as a suspect in the killing. Washington County Sheriff Brian Albert said Friday that authorities are “actively working” to apprehend Pedro Argote in the shooting of Maryland Circuit Court Judge Andrew Wilkinson. Wilkinson was 52. He was found with gunshot wounds around 8 p.m. Thursday outside his Hagerstown home. Wilkinson was taken to Meritus Medical Center, where he died. Albert says the 49-year-old Argote was still at large and should be considered “armed and dangerous.” Albert said the judge had given custody of Argote’s children to his wife at a hearing earlier Thursday - and that was the motive for the killing.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium’s justice minister has resigned after it was discovered that Tunisia was seeking the extradition last year of an Islamic extremist who shot dead two Swedes and wounded a third this week. Abdesalem Lassoued was fatally shot after gunning down the men with a semiautomatic rifle on Monday night. The attack forced the lockdown of more than 35,000 people in a soccer stadium where they had gathered to watch Belgium play Sweden. Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne said Friday that Tunisia had sought the shooter's arrest last year, and that through a “monumental error” Belgian authorities had failed to act upon the demand.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s civil fraud trial judge has threatened to hold the former president in contempt. This raises the possibility of fining or even jailing Trump because a disparaging social media post about a key court staffer remained visible for weeks on his campaign website after the judge had ordered it deleted. Judge Arthur Engoron said Friday the website’s retention of the post was a “blatant violation” of his order requiring Trump to immediately delete the message. The gag order also barred personal attacks on members of the judge's staff. The judge didn't immediately rule on sanctioning Trump. The post was removed from the website late Thursday after Engoron flagged it to Trump’s lawyers. A Trump attorney calls the post’s presence online an unintentional oversight.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Gale-force winds and floods have struck several countries in Northern Europe as the region endures more heavy rain that forecasters say will continue into the weekend. At least three people have been reported dead, two in Scotland and one in England. A plane in the north of England steered off the runway amid worsening conditions. The U.K.’s weather forecaster issued a new “red” warning for parts of eastern Scotland for further flooding throughout Saturday. The winds are expected to hit hardest in the eastern part of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula and the Danish islands in the Baltic Sea.

HOUSTON (AP) — A Texas judge has ruled that Infowars host Alex Jones cannot use bankruptcy protection to avoid paying more than $1.1 billion to families who sued over his conspiracy theories that the Sandy Hook school massacre was a hoax. U.S. District Judge Christopher Lopez of Houston issued the ruling Thursday. It's another defeat for Jones in the wake of juries in Texas and Connecticut punishing him over spreading falsehoods about the nation’s deadliest school shooting. Financial documents filed by Jones say his present net worth is around $14 million. Jones says he is over $1 million in debt personally and has little money to pay the Sandy Hook families.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Film and TV actors are still on strike in what has become the longest walk-off in their history. The strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists hits its 100th day on Saturday, while writers are busy back at work after ending their strike. There is no end in sight for actors. Their talks abruptly ended Oct. 11 when studios walked away from the negotiating table saying the two sides were too far apart to go on. The prolonged strike means films and TV shows will remain sidelined indefinitely, and it's already starting to affect the upcoming awards season.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A lawyer speaking for the former Southern California street gang leader charged with killing Tupac Shakur in 1996 says he sees key weaknesses in the murder case in Las Vegas. Attorney Ross Goodman told reporters Thursday that police and prosecutors have no gun, no car and "no witnesses from 27 years ago.” Goodman told a judge he's close to being hired to represent Duane “Keffe D” Davis, and the judge reset arraignment for Nov. 2. Goodman told reporters that Davis will plead not guilty and seek release from jail pending trial. Davis was arrested Sept. 29 in a Las Vegas suburb. He's accused of orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur and wounded rap music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight.

CVS Health is pulling from its drugstore shelves some cough-and-cold treatments that contain an ingredient that has been deemed ineffective by doctors and researchers. The company said it will remove a small number of products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient. CVS also said it will still sell “many other oral cough and cold products to meet consumer needs.” A company spokeswoman declined to elaborate on how many products will be removed. CVS Health runs more than 9,000 stores. Representatives of its national rival, Walgreens, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 20 at 5:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden has made his case for major U.S. backing of Ukraine and Israel in a time of war. He said Thursday night that support is “vital for America's national security.” The speech was an opportunity for Biden to argue that the United States has an obligation to help in both places, as well as for him to lobby lawmakers for the money to do so. The administration plans to request billions of dollars for additional military assistance for Israel and Ukraine. Biden also wants more money for Taiwan's defense and for managing migrants at the southern border with Mexico.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Police say a Maryland circuit court judge was fatally shot in the driveway of his home. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Judge Andrew Wilkinson was found around 8 p.m. Thursday at the home in Hagerstown and taken to a hospital, where he died. The sheriff’s office is investigating the fatal shooting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Army private who fled to North Korea before being returned home to the United States last month has been detained by the U.S. military. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the charges have not been publicly announced. The officials say Pvt. Travis King is facing charges including desertion and possessing sexual images of a child. The eight counts against King are detailed in a charging document seen by the AP. King’s mother, Claudine Gates, said in a statement that her son should be “afforded the presumption of innocence.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fifty years after the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the current crisis in the Middle East has the potential to disrupt global oil supplies and raise prices. But don’t expect a repeat of the catastrophic price hikes and long lines at the gasoline pump, experts say. The head of the International Energy Agency said the latest Israel-Hamas war is “definitely not good news” for oil markets already stretched by cutbacks in oil production from Saudi Arabia and Russia and expected stronger demand from China. Benchmark crude traded above $91 a barrel Thursday, up from $85 the day before Hamas attacked Israel, killing hundreds of civilians.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Refusing to drop out, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan is telling GOP colleagues he is still running for House speaker. But he says he would back a temporary speaker for several months until January as he works to shore up support to win the gavel himself. However, neither plan seems viable at the moment after Jordan failed on two ballots, and no immediate third vote is planned. Jordan delivered his message Thursday at a closed door meeting of Republicans at the Capitol, according Republicans familiar with the meeting and insisting on anonymity to discuss it.

Arizona and Houston win in MLB’s postseason, Jacksonville tops New Orleans on Thursday Night Football, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is under investigation, and a busy night in the NHL.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. CT:

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue and Israel’s defense minister has told troops to be ready for a ground assault on the Palestinian territory, although he has not said when that will begin. More than 1 million Palestinians, roughly half of Gaza’s population, have fled homes in the north and Gaza City after Israel told them evacuate. The airstrikes early Thursday continued across the entire territory, including in areas in the south that Israel had declared “safe zones.” The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that limited humanitarian aid would be allowed into Gaza from Egypt following a request from U.S. President Joe Biden.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will deliver only the second Oval Office address of his term on Thursday night to make the case for U.S. backing of Ukraine and Israel in a time of war. The speech will be an opportunity for Biden to argue that the United States has an obligation to help in both places, as well as for him to lobby lawmakers for the money to do so. The administration plans to request billions of dollars for additional military assistance for Israel and Ukraine. Biden also wants more money for Taiwan's defense and managing migrants at the southern border with Mexico. The funding request, which is to be formally submitted on Friday, is expected to be around $100 billion.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Refusing to drop out, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan is telling GOP colleagues he would back a temporary U.S. House speaker for several months until January as he works to shore up support to win the gavel himself. But after failing twice to win the gavel, no third vote is planned. Jordan delivered the message at a closed door meeting of Republicans at the Capitol, according Republicans familiar with the meeting and insisted on anonymity to discuss it. The Republican majority is considering an extraordinary plan to give the interim Speaker Pro-tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry more powers to reopen House and conduct crucial business. But Jordan's hardline backers don't like that idea.

ATLANTA (AP) — A former federal prosecutor says Sidney Powell’s guilty plea in the case over efforts to overturn Donald Trump’s 2020 loss in Georgia is a “significant win” for the district attorney prosecuting the former president and others. Former U.S. Attorney John Fishwick says Powell “was at ground zero of these allegations.” Powell pleaded guilty Thursday to six misdemeanors accusing her of conspiring to intentionally interfere with the performance of election duties. Powell will serve six years of probation. Powell has agreed to testify truthfully against her co-defendants at future trials. Powell was charged alongside the Republican ex-president and 17 others with violating the state’s anti-racketeering law. Most of the others have pleaded not guilty.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two U.S. officials tell The Associated Press that a military base in southern Syria where U.S. troops have maintained a presence to train forces as part of a broad campaign against the Islamic State group was attacked by drones on Thursday. One official say one drone was shot down, but another caused minor injuries. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before an official announcement about the incident. The attacks follow similar drone strikes over the past few days against U.S. and coalition bases in Iraq amid simmering anger in the region after an explosion at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds of people.

Michigan says it has been notified by the NCAA that football program is being investigated for allegedly stealing signs. The university said it is cooperating with the investigation. The conference provided no further details, only to say that it had notified Michigan’s upcoming opponents about the investigation. The second-ranked Wolverines play at Michigan State on Saturday. The NCAA does not have rules specifically against stealing signs but does prohibit in-person advanced scouting of opponents and also does have bylaws prohibiting unsportsmanlike activities.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Federal regulators on Thursday approved the expansion of a natural gas pipeline in the Pacific Northwest over the protest of environmental groups and top West Coast officials. The project aims to expand the capacity of the Gas Transmission Northwest pipeline by about 150 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. The pipeline runs more than 1,300 miles through Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The owner of the pipeline, TC Energy, says the project is needed due to growing demand. It’s opposed by environmental groups and officials including U.S. senators, governors and attorneys general from Washington, Oregon and California. Those officials say the pipeline expansion would undermine their states’ climate goals to reduce emissions.

NEW YORK (AP) — Longtime Syracuse basketball coach and Hall of Famer Jim Boeheim is becoming a member of the media. Boeheim spent 47 years coaching the Orange but was replaced by associate head coach Adrian Autrey after last season. He told Syracuse.com he’s negotiating a deal with ESPN and also expects to do radio work for Westwood One late in the season. Boeheim finished second only to Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski with 1,015 career victories. He frequently had an antagonistic relationship with reporters while guiding the Orange to 35 NCAA Tournaments, five Final Fours and the 2003 national championship.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Pentagon report on China’s military power says Beijing is on track to significantly increase its nuclear weapons arsenal by 2030 and is “almost certainly” learning lessons from Russia’s war in Ukraine about what a conflict over Taiwan might look like. The annual report from the Defense Department also warns that China may be pursuing a new intercontinental missile system using conventional arms that, if it were fielded, would allow Beijing to threaten conventional strikes against targets in the continental United States as well as Hawaii and Alaska. The report comes as the latest Israel-Hamas war has forced the U.S. military to prioritize the Middle East, instead of pivoting to the Pacific.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Communities across the U.S. are confronting a new vaping problem: how to get rid of millions of disposable e-cigarettes that are considered hazardous waste. The devices contain nicotine, lithium and other materials that cannot be reused or recycled. Under federal law they also aren’t supposed to go in the trash. With little federal guidance, local officials are finding their own ways to dispose of e-cigarettes collected from schools, colleges and vape shops. In Monroe County, New York, officials have shipped thousands of e-cigarettes to an industrial incinerator more than 1,000 miles away. Vaping critics say the industry has skirted responsibility for the environmental impact of its products.

SAN MATEO, Calif. (AP) — Playing video games has long been a challenge for many people with disabilities, since the traditional controllers for the PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo can be difficult or even impossible to maneuver when a person has limited mobility. Losing the ability to play doesn’t just mean the loss of a favorite pastime — it can also exacerbate social isolation for a community that already experiences it at far higher rates than the general population. Sony’s new Access Controller, developed with input from accessibility consultants, aims to change that.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 19 at 6:40 a.m. CT:

Israel has agreed to allow Egypt to deliver limited humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip while the Israeli military keeps up its airstrikes on the Palestinian territory. More than 1 million Palestinians, roughly half of Gaza’s population, have fled homes in the north and Gaza City after Israel told them evacuate. The airstrikes early Thursday continued across the entire territory, including in areas in the south that Israel had declared as “safe zones.” President Joe Biden will deliver an address from the Oval Office on Thursday discussing the war as well as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Refusing to drop out, Republican Rep. Jim Jordan has brought the House speaker’s race to a stalemate. The hard-fighting ally of Donald Trump has been unable to win the gavel but he and his far-right allies won’t step aside for a more viable GOP nominee. On Thursday, the House is tentatively set to convene in the afternoon for Jordan to try again.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (AP) — A Marine has been killed in a homicide at Camp Lejeune and a second Marine is being held on suspicion of being involved. A statement from the North Carolina base says authorities took the Marine into custody about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday after an incident that occurred in a barracks room earlier in the evening. The statement called the death a homicide and described the other Marine as a suspect but didn’t provide any other details, including how the Marine died.

PARIS (AP) — France’s government is threatening prison terms and heavy fines for callers who make fake bomb threats after a rash of false alarms forced the evacuation of 15 airports and cancellation of 130 flights and shut the doors of Versailles Palace three times in five days. French officials suggested that young people and children may be responsible.

HELSINKI (AP) — Telecom gear maker Nokia says it's planning to cut up to 14,000 jobs worldwide, or 16% of its workforce, as part of a push to reduce costs following a plunge in third-quarter sales and profit. The Finnish wireless and fixed-network equipment provider said Thursday that the planned measures are aimed at reducing its cost base and increasing operational efficiency “to navigate the current market uncertainty." Nokia says it's aiming to lower its cost base by between 800 million euros and 1.2 billion euros by the end of 2026. That's set to lead to a reduction from 86,000 employees now to between 72,000 and 77,000 during that time period.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A group of former U.S. diplomats and representatives of resettlement organizations has asked Pakistan not to deport thousands of Afghans who have been waiting for U.S. visas under an American program that relocates at-risk Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule. The appeal in an open letter on Wednesday came weeks after Pakistan announced a crackdown on migrants living in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans, telling them to return to their home countries by Oct. 31 to avoid mass arrest and expulsion. On Thursday, authorities in Pakistan said illegal migrants must leave before the crackdown starts.

The Astros take Game 3 of the ALCS, the Aces now have a pair of WNBA championships, the Red Wings and Senators each score six to cop victories, and Roger Goodell is good to go three more years as NFL Commissioner.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The trial of a Fugees rapper, who was convicted in multimillion-dollar political conspiracies, stretched across the worlds of politics and entertainment. Now the case is touching on the tech world with arguments that his defense attorney used an “experimental” artificial intelligence program to write his closing arguments. Prakazrel “Pras” Michel argued this week that use of the generative AI program was one of a number of errors his previous attorney made a trial for which he was “unqualified, unprepared and ineffectual,” according to a motion for new trial his new lawyers filed this week.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan has failed to win the vote to become House speaker on a crucial second ballot. Next steps are uncertain as Republican lawmakers float other options. The hard-edged ally of Donald Trump appears to have no path for the gavel. But Jordan vowed to stay in the race. A surprisingly large and diverse group of 20 Republican lawmakers rejected his bid on Tuesday, then 22 on Wednesday. Many view Jordan as too extreme for the powerful speaker's job, second in line to the president. Some holdout Republicans are talking with Democrats about an extraordinary plan to give a temporary speaker more power to reopen the House.

President Joe Biden is in Israel on an urgent mission to keep the Israel-Hamas war from spiraling into a broader regional conflict. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that limited humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza following a request from Biden. The president's visit comes after hundreds of Palestinians were reported killed in an explosion at a Gaza hospital the night before. Hamas blamed the blast on an Israeli airstrike, while the Israeli military blamed a rocket misfired by Palestinian militants. The Associated Press has not independently verified any of the claims or evidence released by the parties.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has imposed sanctions on a group of people and firms based in Iran, China, Hong Kong and Venezuela, tied to the development of Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs. The Wednesday penalties come as the United Nations’ restrictions on Iran missile-related activities under a Security Council Resolution are set to expire, as well as the E.U. restrictions on Iran ability to obtain nuclear and conventional arms.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The net worth of the typical U.S. household grew at the fastest pace in more than three decades from 2020 through 2022, while relatively low interest rates at that time made it easier for households to pay their debts. Wealth for the median household — the midpoint between the richest and poorest households — jumped 37% during those three years, the Federal Reserve reported, to nearly $193,000. (The figures are adjusted for inflation.) The increase reflected primarily a jump in home values and higher stock prices and a rise in the proportion of Americans who own homes and stocks.

PARIS (AP) — Reporters Without Borders says a Taliban court in Afghanistan has released a French-Afghan journalist held for 284 days and cleared him of espionage and other charges. The press freedom group said it is now working to quickly reunite Mortaza Behboudi with his wife, Alexandra, in Paris. The group’s secretary general called the journalist's release “the end of a painful ordeal." Behboudi was arrested on Jan. 7, two days after he arrived in Afghanistan as part of a reporting assignment. Behboudi was awarded the Bayeux Prize for War Correspondents last year for a series of reports about life in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong man who was shot by police during pro-democracy protests in 2019 has been sentenced to 47 months in prison on charges of rioting, assaulting a police officer and perverting the course of justice. Tsang Chi-kin was the first known victim of police gunfire during the months-long protests. After he was released on bail, he tried to seek asylum at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong but failed. He then hid in various locations in the city before being rearrested in July 2022. The judge said Tsang’s sentence reflected the court's determination to safeguard public order.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The chief suspect in the 2005 disappearance of Natalee Holloway has admitted he killed her and disposed of her remains in the sea. Joran van der Sloot’s confession comes as part of a plea deal with prosecutors on extortion charges. Joran van der Sloot pleaded guilty Wednesday to trying to extort money from Holloway’s mother in exchange for revealing the location of her daughter’s body. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for extortion and wire fraud but is not charged in Holloway’s death or disappearance. U.S. Judge Anna Manasco said she considered van der Sloot’s confession to Holloway’s murder and destruction of her remains in her sentencing decision.

MOSCOW (AP) — The lower house of Russia’s parliament has approved a bill revoking the ratification of a global nuclear test ban treaty, a move Moscow described as putting it on par with the United States. The State Duma lawmakers voted unanimously to revoke the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty on Wednesday. The bill will now go to the upper house, the Federation Council, which is expected to support the legislation. The bill was introduced to parliament following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned earlier this month that Moscow could revoke its 2000 decision to ratify the treaty to “mirror” the stand taken by the United States, which has signed but not ratified the nuclear test ban.

NEW YORK (AP) — A new report says that crash and fatality rates among drivers under 21 have fallen dramatically in the U.S. during the past 20 years but young drivers are still the riskiest group behind the wheel. Using data from 2002-2021, a non-profit group of state highway safety offices says that fatal crashes involving a young driver fell by 38%, while deaths of young drivers fell even more, by about 45%. The report from the Governors Highway Safety Association acknowledges that young people are driving less than they were 20 years ago, but it highlights several other reasons for the improvement, including the phasing in driving privileges.

FORT MILL, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina hot pepper expert who set a world record for the hottest pepper a decade ago is at it again. Ed Currie has officially broken the record with Pepper X, a crossbreed of the Carolina Reaper, which was Currie's old record holder. Pepper X is hotter than pepper and bear sprays, coming in at 2.69 million Scoville units, the scientific measurement for a pepper's hotness. A regular jalapeno registers around 5,000 units and a habanero, the record-holder about 25 years ago, usually tops 100,000. The Guinness Book of World Records lists the Carolina Reaper at 1.64 million units. Currie said he ate a Pepper X and felt the heat for three-and-a-half hours.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 18 at 6:50 a.m. CT:

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Joe Biden says an explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital appears to have been caused by the “other team,” not Israel. Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his assessment was based on information he's seen. He did not go into detail. Biden spoke during an urgent meeting with Netanyahu in Israel on Wednesday. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike caused the destruction at the hospital. The Israeli military denied involvement and blamed a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group. That group has also denied responsibility.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is moving quickly to confirm Jacob Lew as ambassador to Israel, holding a hearing on his nomination. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing Wednesday comes as President Joe Biden visits the region to reinforce U.S. support for Israel and try to ease tensions in its new war with Hamas. The White House has told lawmakers it could soon request between $90 billion and $100 billion for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. That's according to four people familiar with the conversations. Lew was a Treasury secretary under President Barack Obama. Lew was nominated by Biden last month after Ambassador Tom Nides left the post in July.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Having lost the first vote to become House speaker, Rep. Jim Jordan will try a decisive second ballot. Wednesday's House vote will test whether the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump can win over the holdouts or if his bid for the gavel is collapsing, A surprisingly large and diverse group of 20 Republican lawmakers rejected his bid on Tuesday. Many view Jordan as too extreme for the powerful speaker's job, second in line to the president. The combative Jordan made a plea for colleagues to “stop attacking each other.” But some holdout Republicans are talking with Democrats about an extraordinary plan to give a temporary speaker more power to re-open the House.

LONDON (AP) — Elon Musk’s social media platform X has begun charging a $1 fee to new users in the Philippines and New Zealand. It's a test designed to cut down on the spam and fake accounts flourishing on the platform formerly known as Twitter. The company said late Tuesday that it's started trying out the annual subscription method for new and unverified accounts. The program, dubbed Not a Bot, won’t apply to existing users. It’s not clear why it only applies to New Zealand and the Philippines or why those countries were chosen. The company said it's "not a profit driver.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS plans to invite a select group of taxpayers across 13 states to try out the agency’s pilot electronic free file tax return system, beginning this January. Facing intense blowback from private tax preparation companies that have made billions from charging people to use their software — if successful, the introduction of a government-run option could upend the industry and fundamentally change the way taxpayers interact with IRS. The agency, which is working on implementing state filing into its pilot, estimates that hundreds of thousands of taxpayers will participate in the limited rollout of the program for the 2024 filing season.

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans showed their steadfast resilience and kept spending in September even as they grappled with higher prices, interest rates and a host of other headwinds piling up. Retail sales rose 0.7% in September, more than twice what economists had expected, and close to a revised 0.8% bump in August, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. Retail sales in August were inflated after gasoline prices spiked, however. That was not the case in September when gas prices began to ease. Excluding sales from gas and autos, retail sales rose 0.6%. September’s uptick in retail sales, the sixth consecutive monthly gain, reflects how the U.S. economy has remained resilient despite attempts by the Federal Reserve to cool spending and hiring.

The Phillies are off to a terrific start in the National League Championship Series, while today, the Rangers try to continue their winning ways in the ALCS, an NFL rookie's season may be ending sooner than planned, and the Sabres need overtime to defeat the Lightning. Correspondent Bruce Morton has more.

Britney Spears wrote that she had an abortion while dating Justin Timberlake more than 20 years ago. That's according to a peek inside her hotly anticipated memoir published Tuesday in People magazine. She wrote in an excerpt from “The Woman In Me” that she wouldn't have got the abortion but “Justin was so sure he didn't want to be a father." Representatives for Timberlake did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. The AP has not been able to independently review a copy of the “The Woman in Me.” The book will be published Oct. 24.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Special prosecutors say they're seeking to recharge actor Alec Baldwin in the 2021 fatal shooting on a movie set in New Mexico by presenting evidence to a grand jury. New Mexico-based prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis said Tuesday they’ll present evidence to a grand jury within two months. They said “additional facts” have emerged in the shooting on the set of the Western movie “Rust” that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. A coproducer of the film, Baldwin was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal on the set outside Santa Fe when the gun discharged, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin’s attorneys say they're prepared to answer any charges in court.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have rejected congressman Jim Jordan for House speaker on the first ballot. More voting is expected Tuesday as the staunch ally of Donald Trump works to shore up support and seize the speaker's gavel. Clearly, not all Republicans are ready to elevate Judiciary Committee Chairman Jordan to the center seat of U.S. power, second in line to the presidency. Twenty Republicans voted against Jordan. Some are still upset over Kevin McCarthy's sudden ouster as speaker two weeks ago. With Trump's backing, a win for the Ohio congressman would show just how far the GOP’s once far-right flank has moved into the party’s mainstream.

Hamas says hundreds of people have been killed in an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza City, after intensifying bombardments near towns in southern Gaza rattled civilians where Israel had ordered them to take refuge. One attack on a refugee camp in central Gaza killed a top Hamas commander. Thousands of people trying to escape Gaza are gathered in Rafah, which has the territory’s only border crossing to Egypt. Mediators are pressing for an agreement to let aid in and refugees with foreign passports out. The U.S. hopes to break the deadlock with President Joe Biden set to head to Israel, Jordan and Egypt on Wednesday.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Authorities in the Belgian capital shot and killed a Tunisian national hours after they say he gunned down three Swedish soccer fans, killing two of them. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for Monday night's attack in Brussels, which happened not far from where Belgium's men's soccer team was hosting Sweden in a European Championships qualifier. Acting on a tip, authorities say they tracked the attacker to a cafe, where they shot and killed him. A federal prosecutor says the man posted a video online in which he claimed that he had killed three Swedish people and said the Quran was “a red line for which he is ready to sacrifice himself.”

Federal authorities say a broken rail caused a train derailment that collapsed a bridge over a Colorado highway. The National Transportation Safety Board announced the preliminary findings Tuesday. The steel bridge built in 1958 collapsed Sunday when 30 cars from a BNSF train hauling coal derailed while crossing over Interstate 25 north of Pueblo. The 60-year-old driver of a semitrailer truck that was passing beneath the bridge was killed. I-25 is the main north-south route through Colorado. It’s expected to remain closed for several more days as crews clear piles of coal and other debris from the site.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — The National Toy Hall of Fame is celebrating its 25th anniversary with more public participation in the induction process. The Hall of Fame Tuesday announced that one extra toy will be inducted this year, chosen by fans, from among five toys that have been finalists multiple times. On that list are the Fisher-Price Corn Popper, My Little Pony, PEZ, the pogo stick, and Transformers. Fans can cast one vote per day through Oct. 24 on the National Toy Hall of Fame website. The winner, along with the other inductees, will be revealed Nov. 9. They will join past winners including the jump rope and teddy bear on permanent display.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s political fundraising machine is raking in donations at a prodigious pace, but he’s spending tens of millions of dollars he’s bringing in to pay attorneys to deal with the escalating costs of the various criminal cases he is contending with as he moves further into the 2024 presidential campaign. Contributions to Trump's Save America political action committee are also being used to pay for lawyers who represent co-defendants and potential witnesses in several of the cases, which include civil lawsuits against the former president. Federal Election Commission records show that Save America has paid nearly $37 million to more than 60 law firms and individual attorneys since January 2022.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle division after receiving reports of incidents where vehicles may not have used proper caution around pedestrians in roadways. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation said that the reports involve automated driving system equipped vehicles encroaching on pedestrians present in or entering roadways, including crosswalks. This could raise the risk of a vehicle striking a pedestrian, which could result in severe injury or death.

A clinical trial is recruiting thousands of volunteers to try to figure out if 3D mammograms are better than standard 2D imaging for catching advanced cancers. The trial includes a large number of Black women who face disparities in breast cancer death rates. The study has enrolled nearly 93,000 women from several nations and 32 U.S. states. The newer 3D technique has been around for a decade, but there’s never been conclusive evidence that 3D is better than 2D at detecting advanced cancers. Previous studies did not randomly assign patients to a screening method, the gold standard for research.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A volleyball shoe startup is bringing attention to colleges' multi-million-dollar contracts with athletic apparel companies and terms that prevent athletes from wearing other brands. Nebraska volleyball player Harper Murray is an ambassador for Avoli. She said she would prefer to wear Avoli shoes in practices and competition. She can't because of Nebraska's contract with adidas. Ramogi Huma is head of the advocacy group College Athletes Players Association. He said healthy and safety could be compromised if an athlete is unable to wear a brand that fits better. Huma said it also limits an athletes' NIL earning potential.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 17 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

Palestinians are describing intense bombardments early Tuesday near two towns in southern Gaza, where Israel had ordered civilians to seek refuge. Details of causalities in the Khan Younis and Rafah areas were not immediately available. Thousands of people trying to escape Gaza are gathered in Rafah, which has the territory’s only border crossing to Egypt. Mediators are pressing for an agreement to let aid in and refugees with foreign passports out. The U.S. hoped to break a deadlock with President Joe Biden set to head to Israel and Jordan. Aid workers warned that life in Gaza was near complete collapse because of the Israeli siege that followed a Hamas attack on Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans will try to elect a top Donald Trump ally, Rep. Jim Jordan, as the new House speaker. The House is scheduled to vote Tuesday in what could be a showdown for the gavel. Not all Republicans are ready to elevate Jordan, the firebrand Judiciary Committee chairman to the center-seat of U.S. power, second in line to the presidency. Some are still upset over Kevin McCarthy's sudden ouster as speaker two weeks ago. But with Trump's backing, Jordan is close to having enough support. It would show just how far the GOP’s once far-right flank has become the party’s mainstream.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has announced he is limiting shelter stays for migrant families with children to 60 days in the city’s housing system. Monday's move to tighten the rules comes as the Democratic mayor seeks to ease the pressure a city system overwhelmed by the arrival of more than 120,000 international asylum seekers in this past year. Authorities said they will begin sending 60-day notices to migrant families with children in shelters, though they could reapply for housing if they're unable to find a new place to live. The mayor's office says more than 60,000 migrants currently live in city shelters, many of them without the legal ability to work.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Data in the FBI's annual crime report released Monday shows that violent crime across the U.S. decreased last year, dropping to about the same level as before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But property crimes rose substantially. Violent crime dropped 1.7%, and that included a 6.1% decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter. While violence waned, property crimes jumped 7.1%. The biggest increase was in motor vehicle thefts, which rose 10.9%. Some law enforcement agencies failed to provide data. A change in collection methods in compiling 2022 numbers helped, and the FBI says the new data represents 83.3% of all agencies covering 93.5% of the population. By contrast, last year’s numbers were from only 62.7% of agencies, representing 64.8% of Americans.

The Rangers remain unbeaten in the MLB post season, the Phillies win the opener of the NLCS, Cowboys bounce back with a win, and Kansas is number one in college basketball.

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins have announced Kim Ng is leaving the team after three seasons as general manager. The 54-year-old Ng became the majors’ highest-ranking woman in baseball operations and the first female GM in the four major North American professional sports leagues in a groundbreaking hire in November 2020. The Marlins exercised their team option for her to return for the 2024 season, but Ng declined her mutual option. Marlins chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman announced her departure on Monday.

Cricket is an Olympic sport again. Flag football gets in for the first time. Five sports have been finally added to the 2028 Los Angeles Games by the International Olympic Committee. Baseball-softball, lacrosse and squash have also been included on the program. All five cleared a final hurdle Monday from the Olympic body’s full membership. The slate of sports was proposed by Los Angeles officials one week ago and recommended by the IOC executive board on Friday. Cricket has been elevated to Olympic status for the first time since 1900 in one of the hotpots of the sport, Mumbai, where the IOC is holding annual meetings while India hosts the sport’s World Cup.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. CT:

More than a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israel invasion that seeks to eliminate Hamas’ leadership after its deadly incursion. Aid groups warn an Israeli ground offensive could hasten a humanitarian crisis. Israeli forces positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished neighborhoods but failed to stop militant rocket fire into Israel. The war that began Oct. 7 has become the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides, with more than 4,000 dead.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says in a social media post he'll appeal a narrow gag order imposed on him in his 2020 election interference case in Washington. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's Monday order bars the Republican presidential candidate from making statements targeting prosecutors, possible witnesses and the judge’s staff. The judge says the former president can’t mount a “smear campaign” against prosecutors. Monday’s order marks a milestone moment in the federal case that accuses Trump of illegally conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team had raised alarm about a barrage of Trump statements disparaging prosecutors, the judge and prospective witnesses.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A proposed court settlement prevents the government from policies to separate migrant parents from their children at the border for eight years. The agreement announced Monday also provides families that were split under the Trump administration with temporary legal status and short-term housing aid. If approved by a judge, the settlement between the Biden administration and the American Civil Liberties Union would at least temporarily prohibit the type of “zero-tolerance” policy on illegal immigration under which former President Donald Trump separated thousands of families. Trump hasn't ruled out such an effort if elected president next year.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. (AP) — LinkedIn said Monday it is laying off hundreds of workers. The Microsoft-owned career network is cutting about 668 roles across its engineering, product, talent and finance teams. The job cuts follow another more than 700 layoffs LinkedIn announced in May, as well as thousands more this year from parent company Microsoft. LinkedIn keeps growing and said its annual revenue surpassed $15 billion for the first time in the fiscal year that ended in June.

SONOMA, Calif. (AP) — Natural wine is gaining a following in the U.S. even as overall wine sales drop. Natural wine has no definition, but it's usually made with organic grapes and fermented naturally, with no additives. The result is wines that are earthy, savory and less predictable than many of the wines churned out by big producers. But natural wine needs to overcome some hurdles that may be hampering its growth. Unlike organic wine that must be government certified, natural wine has no set definition in the U.S. It’s not easy to find, since most natural wines don’t have the word “natural” on their labels. Still, many winemakers say the natural movement isn't about rules, and they want the freedom to add ingredients if it will improve taste.

LONDON (AP) — A lawyer for Donald Trump has told a London judge that the ex-president plans to prove that a “shocking and scandalous” report by a former British spy was wrong and harmed his reputation. Trump has sued the company founded by Christopher Steele, who created a dossier in 2016 that contained rumors and uncorroborated allegations about Trump that erupted in a political storm just before his inauguration. Trump is seeking damages from Orbis Business Intelligence for allegedly violating British data protection laws. Steele’s company is seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed during two days of hearings at London’s High Court.

DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford called on autoworkers to come together and end a monthlong strike that he says could cost the company the ability to invest in the future. In a rare speech during contract talks in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford said high labor costs could limit future investments. The great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford said that will cost many jobs and America will also lose. The company is near an impasse with the United Auto Workers union, which walked out at targeted Detroit Three factories on Sept. 15.

A new study finds that the medicine in the diabetes drug Mounjaro helped people with obesity or who are overweight lose at least a quarter of their body weight. That's about 60 pounds on average. The people also did three months of intensive diet and exercise. A group of people who also dieted and exercised, but got dummy shots instead, lost weight initially. But they regained some. The study results were published Sunday. The drug is called tirzepatide. It is under review to treat obesity in the U.S. A decision is expected later this year.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, fear and anger dominate Jewish and Muslim reactions after the Hamas attack in Israel and the war in Gaza.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 16 at 7 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is considering a trip to Israel in the coming days but no travel has been finalized, a senior administration official said Sunday. It would be a powerful symbol of sympathy and support following the brutal attack by Hamas.

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinians in besieged Gaza are crowding into hospitals and schools. They are seeking shelter and running low on food and water ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive following more than a week of punishing airstrikes launched in response to a deadly Hamas rampage. More than a million Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza in the past week. As the enclave’s food, water and medicine supplies dwindled, all eyes were on the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, where trucks carrying badly needed aid have been waiting for days as mediators press for a cease-fire that would allow them enter Gaza and allow foreigners to leave.

CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities say a 71-year-old Illinois man has been charged with a hate crime, accused of fatally stabbing a young boy and seriously wounded a woman because of their Islamic faith and the Israel-Hamas war. The Will County Sheriff’s Office says in a statement that the man was in custody Sunday and is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, hate crimes and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Authorities say they found the woman and child repeatedly stabbed Saturday morning at a home southwest of Chicago. The sheriff's office says the woman was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds and is expected to survive.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors and lawyers for former President Donald Trump are heading to court to argue over a proposed gag order aimed at reining in his diatribes on likely witnesses and others in his 2020 election interference case in Washington. Special counsel Jack Smith’s team has accused Trump of using increasingly incendiary rhetoric to try to undermine the public’s confidence in the justice system and taint the jury pool. Trump’s defense has called the gag order proposal an unconstitutional effort to “silence” his political speech as he campaigns for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. It's unclear whether U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan will issue a ruling Monday.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Major U.S. pharmacy chain Rite Aid says it has filed for bankruptcy and obtained $3.45 billion in fresh financing as it carries out a restructuring plan while coping with falling sales and opioid-related lawsuits. Rite Aid said it would also close “underperforming” stores. Rite Aid, which owns Bartell Drug, is among the companies that has faced lawsuits over the opioid epidemic. It said the head of a financial advisory firm, Jeffrey Stein, was appointed CEO as of Sunday, replacing interim CEO Elizabeth Burr. In 2022, Rite Aid settled for up to $30 million to resolve lawsuits alleging its pharmacies contributed to an oversupply of prescription opioids.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan becoming House speaker would help cement the far right’s takeover of the Republican Party and trigger conflict with Democrats over the size and scope of government. A Jordan speakership would also come with political baggage heading into next year’s election. The Ohio congressman has such a reputation as a political brawler that former House Speaker John Boehner once said he’d never met someone “who spent more time tearing things apart.” Jordan is a favorite of former President Donald Trump. But Jordan's path to the speakership is by no means certain. Jordan will need support from nearly every House Republican in a chamber they narrowly control.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee raised more than $71 million for his reelection in the three months ending Sept. 30, a strong indication that party donors remain united behind him going into a 2024 race that may feature a rematch with Donald Trump. Sunday’s announcement follows the president’s campaign and party saying they’d raised slightly more, $72-plus million in the 10 weeks between the official announcement he was seeking reelection on April 25 and the end of the second quarter on June 30. The campaign also said Democrats have $91 million in cash on hand, the highest-ever total by a Democrat at this point in an election cycle.

Actor Suzanne Somers, who's best known for playing Chrissy Snow on the U.S. TV sitcom “Three’s Company,” has died. She was 76. Her family said in statement that Somers had breast cancer for over 23 years and died Sunday morning. Her immediate family members were with her in Palm Springs, California, and had been planning to celebrate her 77th birthday on Monday. Somer's most famous acting role came with “Three’s Company.” That ABC network sitcom aired from 1977 to 1984, though Somers' participation ended in 1981. On “Three’s Company,” she played the ditzy blonde opposite John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt.

Unbeatens are no longer in the NFL as the last two teams with unblemished records tasted defeat for the first time, a placekicker had a field day over in London, Baseball's post season resumed with game one of the American League Championship Series and the WNBA Championship series will continue into next week.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fran Drescher said Thursday that she is baffled and disappointed that Hollywood studios abruptly broke off talks this week with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The actors guild president told The Associated Press that she did not understand why negotiations collapsed but that these bargaining tactics will not weaken the actors guild’s resolve. The studios announced Wednesday that they had suspended contract negotiations, saying the gap between the two sides was too great to make continuing worth it, despite an offer they said was as good as the one that recently ended the writers strike.

Piper Laurie, the strong-willed, Oscar-nominated actor who performed in acclaimed roles despite at one point abandoning acting altogether in search of a “more meaningful” life, has died. She was 91. She received Academy Award nominations for three very different films: The 1961 poolroom drama “The Hustler”; the film version of Stephen King’s horror classic “Carrie,” in 1976; and the romantic drama “Children of a Lesser God,” in 1986. She also appeared in several acclaimed roles on television and the stage, including in David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” in the 1990s.

Movie theaters turned into concert venues this weekend as Swifties brought their dance moves and friendship bracelets to multiplexes across the country. The unparalleled enthusiasm helped propel “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” to a massive, first place debut between $95 million and $97 million in North America, AMC Theaters said Sunday. In just three days, it’s already surpassed the total $73 million in domestic earnings of “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.” And if it comes in on the higher end of projections when totals are released Monday, it could be the biggest October film opening ever.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the new show “Goosebumps” and other family-friendly movies and shows for Halloween.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Talks between Hollywood studios and striking actors have ended for now.
Taylor Swift’s new concert film opened this weekend.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have been separated since 2016.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On Oct. 7 Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel igniting a war that has led to thousands of dead Israelis and Palestinians.

As the conflict in Israel continues to heat up in Gaza, Jaime Holguin with The Associated Press held an in depth discussion with AP's news director for Israel, Palestine and Jordan Josef Federman to help explain the situation.

In a second segment, Matthew Levitt with The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, explains the history and focus of Hamas.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 13 at 5:40 a.m. CT:

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military has told some 1 million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza and head to the southern part of the besieged territory. That's an unprecedented order applying to almost half the population ahead of an expected ground invasion against the ruling Hamas militant group. The U.N. warned that so many people fleeing en masse would be calamitous. Hamas dismissed it as a ploy and called on people to stay in their homes. The militant group staged a shocking and brutal attack on Israel nearly a week ago and has fired thousands of rockets since.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Steve Scalise has ended his bid to become House speaker after failing to secure the votes to win the gavel. Scalise told GOP colleagues at a closed-door meeting late Thursday of his decision. Next steps are uncertain as the House is essentially closed while Republicans try to elect a speaker after ousting Kevin McCarthy from the job. Scalise says the Republican majority “still has to come together and is not there.” He had been working furiously to secure the votes after being nominated by a majority of his colleagues, but after hours of private meetings over two days it was clear many other Republican lawmakers were not budging from their refusal to support him.

SMYRNA, Ga. (AP) — Police say a person suspected of fatally shooting two people northwest of Atlanta died by suicide while fleeing officers. The Cobb County Police Department says their major crimes unit is investigating a double homicide that happened Thursday near a dental office in Smyrna. Police say their preliminary investigation suggests that a person approached the business and then shot and killed two people who were known to that person. Law enforcement say the suspected shooter then fled in a vehicle and that when police located the vehicle and tried to stop it, the person died by suicide. No further information was immediately released.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — An official says a ban on gasoline and diesel-fueled cars from a commercial district of Stockholm’s downtown in 2025 will be the first for a European capital. Lars Strömgren, the city council member for the Greens who’s in charge of the Swedish capital’s transportation told the Associated Press Thursday the ban will take effect in a 20-block area of shops, pedestrian walkways and a few homes in order to curb pollution, reduce noise and encourage use of electric vehicles. Many European capitals have restrictions on gasoline and diesel cars, but Strömgren says Stockholm’s complete ban would be a first. The idea is to create an “environmental zone” where only electric vehicles will be allowed.

U.S. stocks slipped as the clamps tightened on Wall Street from rising yields in the bond market. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Thursday, breaking a four-day winning streak. The Dow lost 173 points, and the Nasdaq composite gave back 0.6%. A weak auction for long-term Treasury bonds drove yields up across the bond market. Yields had already been climbing following a report showing inflation was a touch higher last month than expected. Higher yields can knock down stock prices, all else equal. Oil prices eased after zigzagging through the day.

The Phillies advance to the NLCS, Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs to a win, the status of the Browns' Deshaun Watson is in question and a wild ending to a college football game. Correspondent Chuck Freimund reports.

DALLAS (AP) — Walt Garrison, who led the Big 8 in rushing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, won a Super Bowl as a fullback with the Dallas Cowboys and competed as a rodeo cowboy, has died. He was 79. The NFL team said on its website Thursday that Garrison died overnight. It did not give a cause of death. A fifth-round draft choice out of Oklahoma State, the 6-foot, 205-pound Garrison played nine years in Dallas and retired in 1974 as the No. 3 rusher and No. 4 receiver in franchise history. But it was Garrison’s rodeo career — which he called his first love — that made him the ultimate cowboy. He also was a longtime spokesman for U.S. Tobacco and its Skoal smokeless brand.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. CT:

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israel military pulverized the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip with airstrikes, prepared for a possible ground invasion and said Thursday its complete siege on the territory would remain in place until Hamas militants freed some 150 hostages taken during a grisly weekend attack. A visit by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, along with shipments of U.S. weapons, were a powerful green light to Israel to drive ahead with its retaliation in Gaza. But international aid groups warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Israel has halted deliveries of food, fuel, medicine and electricity to Gaza’s 2.3 million people and prevented entry of supplies from Egypt. The war has claimed at least 2,700 lives on both sides.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Steve Scalise has been unable to sway enough skeptical Republican colleagues to support him for speaker, and the anger and frustration is growing in the House. Republicans went behind closed doors for another long meeting Thursday, but there's no resolution is in sight. Even though Scalise won the majority party's nomination during a private meeting Wednesday, he finding that some of fellow Republicans are reluctant to back him in a floor vote. Scalise must peel off more than 100 votes, mostly from those who back chief rival Jim Jordan. Jordan says he's longer in the running and has tossed his vote to Scalise. But many hard-liners taking their cues from Donald Trump have dug in for a prolonged fight.

PRINCETON, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a suspect has been arrested after five drug task force officers were shot and wounded while serving a search warrant near the Minnesota city of Princeton. A news release from Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck says the officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect Thursday morning. The man, who was injured in the incident, was taken away for treatment after his arrest several hours later. The sheriff says the extent of his injuries wasn't immediately known. The officers’ injuries were not life-threatening. The area is about 50 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The acting Social Security commissioner says a 3.2% increase in benefits next year “will help millions of people keep up with expenses." The increase announced Thursday is far less than this year’s historic boost and reflects moderating consumer prices. The Social Security Administration says the average recipient will get more than $50 more per month. The AARP estimates $59 per month. About 71 million people including retirees, disabled people and children receive Social Security benefits. This year’s cost-of-living adjustment was 8.7%, triggered by record-high inflation pushing up costs of consumer goods. The cost-of-living adjustments have a big impact for people like 83-year-old Louisiana resident Alfred Mason, who says “any increase is welcomed."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Measures of U.S. inflation barely declined in September, evidence that consumer price increases are grinding lower at a gradual pace. Consumer prices rose 0.4% from August to September, below the previous month’s 0.6% pace. Year-over-year inflation was unchanged last month from a 3.7% rise in August. And underlying inflation declined a bit: So-called core prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, climbed 4.1% in September from a year earlier, down from a 4.3% pace in August. That is the smallest such increase in two years. Economists pay particularly close attention to core prices because they provide a good signal of inflation’s likely future path.

President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Kyrgyzstan on a rare trip abroad for the Russian leader who was indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Ukraine. It's the first time this year that Putin has traveled outside Russia and Russian-held territories of Ukraine. Earlier this year, he visited the partially occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson, as well as the annexed Crimean Peninsula. In March, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over the deportation of children from Ukraine. Countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute, which created the ICC, are now bound to arrest him if he sets foot on their soil. Kyrgyzstan isn't a signatory of statute.

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (AP) — The Danish wind energy company Orsted has put up a $100 million guarantee that it will build New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm. But it will lose that money if the project is not operating by Dec. 2025 — a year after the deadline approved by state utility regulators. New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities approved an agreement Wednesday with Orsted under which the company would forfeit that money if the project is not up and running within 12 months of a series of deadlines previously set by the board. The guarantee money is required under terms of a tax break New Jersey granted Orsted in July.

NEW YORK (AP) — Federal prosecutors in New York City have rewritten their indictment against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his wife to charge them with conspiring to have him act as an agent of Egypt and Egyptian officials. The superseding indictment filed in Manhattan federal court Thursday accuses Menendez of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The new charge comes just weeks after the Democrat and his wife were accused of accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car from three New Jersey businessmen who wanted the senator's help and influence over foreign affairs. Messages left Thursday with Menendez’s Senate staff and attorney haven't been returned.

MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of betraying him just before the U.S. killed a top Iranian general in 2020. That's a break from the Republican 2024 presidential field’s uniform support of Israel as it responds to Hamas’ deadly attack. Trump's comments at a Florida rally Wednesday were quickly denounced by one of Netanyahu’s allies and several Republicans who oppose Trump. Trump claims Israel pulled out of assisting in the 2020 airstrike that killed the Iranian general the night before it happened. Trump says Netanyahu “let us down.” A member of Netanyahu's Likud Party accused Trump of spreading propaganda and said Israelis “don't have to bother with him.”

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union significantly escalated its walkout against Detroit's Three automakers by going on strike Wednesday at the largest and most profitable Ford plant in the world. The union's president on Thursday threatened escalation at Jeep maker Stellantis. In a surprise move, 8,700 members left their jobs at Ford's Kentucky truck plant in Louisville Wednesday evening. The plant makes profitable heavy-duty F-Series pickup trucks and large SUVs. UAW President Shawn Fain says the union has waited long enough to bargain for a fair contract. Ford called the strike expansion “grossly irresponsible” and said it has made strong wage and benefit offers.

The hypnotic “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film is a near exact replica of her blockbuster concert performance, which recaps all 10 of her studio albums across 17 years of recorded work. For those who’ve managed to snag tickets to the Eras Tour, it offers the ability to relive the experience. For those who didn’t attend, it’s a chance to test expectations versus reality, writes The Associated Press' Maria Sherman. But for everyone, it is the opportunity to have every seat in the house transform into the best seat in the house, up close and personal footage from every vantage point.

—The Associated Press

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JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Gaza but political leadership has not yet decided on one. Lt. Col. Richard Hecht briefed reporters Thursday as the latest Israel-Palestinian war rolled into a sixth day of fighting since Hamas launched its attack. In a sign of U.S. support for Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was traveling to Israel for meetings.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Strike talks have broken off between Hollywood actors and studios. The alliance of studios and streaming services that negotiates with actors says the two sides are so far apart in their contract talks that there is no point in continuing. The actors union slammed what they called “bullying tactics” from their opponents. Negotiations resumed last week for the first time since the actors went on strike in July. The studios say the deal they offered was as generous as the one that ended the writers strike last month. Actors called that misinformation, saying the offer was nowhere near as generous as described.

ATLANTA (AP) — Police say a woman is in custody after she allegedly stabbed three people at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They said in a statement on Facebook that officers encountered a woman armed with a knife outside of a security checkpoint Wednesday afternoon. Police say she stabbed another woman and a police lieutenant who tried to take her into custody. Another officer tackled and disarmed her before arresting her. Police say the woman had also stabbed a taxi driver who had transported her to the airport. Authorities say all the victims were alert and conscious and were being treated at a hospital.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A player in California has won a $1.765 billion Powerball jackpot, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize. The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night were: 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and the Powerball 10. Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service says Microsoft owes the U.S. Treasury $28.9 billion in back taxes, plus penalties and interest. That was revealed by the company Wednesday in a securities filing. That figure, which Microsoft disputes, stems from a long-running IRS probe into how Microsoft allocated its profits among countries and jurisdictions in the years 2004 to 2013. Critics of that practice, known as transfer pricing, argue that companies use it to minimize their tax burden by reporting lower profits in high-tax countries and higher profits in lower-tax jurisdictions. Microsoft said it will appeal the decision within the IRS, a process expected to take several years. The company's shares dropped slightly in aftermarket trading, falling $1.42 to $331.

The Diamondbacks and Astros are advancing, the Phillies are a game closer to moving on, the Blackhawks get a big game from David Pastrnak among NHL’s schedule, and the Aces win Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — An independent panel has downgraded five Level I violations lodged by the NCAA against Kansas and basketball coach Bill Self. That effectively ends a long saga that began with a 2017 FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Kansas will be required to remove its 2018 Final Four banner and vacate wins from the 2017-18 season in which Silvio De Sousa, a player central to the case, participated. The case against the Jayhawks hinged on whether representatives of the apparel company Adidas were considered boosters when two of them arranged payments to prospective recruits. Self served a school-imposed four-game suspension last season.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department says the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday. U.S. citizens also are among the estimated 150 hostages captured by Hamas during its shocking weekend assault on Israel, which has left at least 2,200 people dead on both sides. President Joe Biden is seeking to connect the attacks directly to decades of antisemitism and violence endured by Jews around the world. He is set to meet with Jewish leaders later Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The speaker of the House is normally elected every two years, in January, when the House organizes for a new session. A new election can be held if the speaker dies, resigns or is removed from office. What's going on now in Washington is the first time an election is being held after the removal of Kevin McCarthy as speaker. Republicans on Wednesday nominated Majority Leader Steve Scalise as their nominee for speaker. Now the race is on to secure the 217 votes he'll need on the House floor to win the gavel. But nearly half the GOP conference in the closed-door vote supported Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman who was backed by Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials regarded the U.S. economy’s outlook as particularly uncertain last month, according to minutes released Wednesday, and said they would “proceed carefully” in deciding whether to further raise their benchmark interest rate. Such cautious views are generally seen as evidence that the Fed isn’t necessarily inclined to raise rates in the near future. Economic data from the past several months “generally suggested that inflation was slowing,” the minutes of the Sept. 19-20 meeting said. The policymakers added that further evidence of declining inflation was needed to be sure it would slow to the Fed’s 2% target.

KFAR AZZA, Israel (AP) — An Israeli village that was attacked by militants lies in ruin, not far from the border with Gaza. On the streets of Kfar Azza, the bodies of militants lie scattered between the shells of burned-out cars. Walls and doors of what used to be neatly kept stucco homes are blasted wide open. As bags holding the bodies of slain residents await identification, the smell of death hangs thick in the hot afternoon air. The Israeli military led a group of journalists, including an Associated Press reporter, on a tour of the village Tuesday, a day after retaking it from what they said was a group of about 70 Hamas fighters.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Apartment Association says President Joe Biden's proposed rule to ban hidden and bogus junk fees could end up increasing the cost of rental housing. The association's CEO says policymakers should understand that layering additional regulations will “harm the affordability and availability of rental housing,” hurting the people they seek to protect. Biden says the Federal Trade Commission's junk fee ban proposed Wednesday will help families and “honest” businesses by unmasking the total cost of concert tickets, hotel rooms and utility bills. The Democratic president has made the removal of junk fees a priority. Biden administration officials says the additional costs can mislead people and waste their time.

NEW YORK (AP) — Movie theaters are readying for an onslaught like they’ve never seen before beginning Friday when “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” debuts. The concert film compiled from several Swift shows at Southern California’s SoFi Stadium is expected to launch with $100 million, or possibly much more. “The Eras Tour” heralds something new and potentially game-changing in the movie industry. Swift and Beyoncé are two of the biggest stars on the planet and are both heading into cinemas, the latter in December. These are first-of-their-kind deals made directly with AMC Theaters that circumvent Hollywood studios and, for now, leave streamers waiting on the sidelines.

Jada Pinkett Smith and husband Will Smith have lived what she says are “completely separate lives” since 2016. Pinkett Smith made the revelation in a interview with Hoda Kotb. The prominent Hollywood couple married in 1997 and have addressed separations and marital troubles. But never this specifically. Though it’s not a legal divorce, Pinkett Smith told Kotb in a clip released Wednesday that it is essentially a divorce without papers. Smith and Pinkett Smith share two children, Willow and Jaden, as well as a son, Trey, from Smith’s first marriage. Representatives for the actors did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Less than a year after leading the New Jersey Devils to their best regular season, coach Lindy Ruff has been signed to a multi-year contract extension. Terms were not immediately available. General manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the signing on Wednesday, a day before the Devils opened the 2023-24 season at home against the Detroit Red Wings. Devils managing partner David Blitzer said the extension was well deserved. The young Devils won 52 games and posted 112 points last season, both franchise records. New Jersey made the playoffs for the first time since 2018 led by the young superstar Jack Hughes.

The NHL sent a memo to teams last week clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations this season, including a ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride nights. The updated guidance reaffirms on-ice player uniforms and gear for games, warmups and official team practices cannot be altered to reflect theme nights, including Pride, Hockey Fights Cancer or military appreciation. Players can voluntarily participate in themed celebrations off the ice. Previously the NHL had decided not to allow teams to wear any theme jerseys for warmups after a handful of players opted out last season.

—The Associated Press

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Residents in Gaza are facing an imminent loss of electricity as fuel supplies run dangerously low in the sealed-off territory. Israeli airstrikes left entire neighborhoods demolished Wednesday, and hospitals in the Gaza Strip are struggling to treat the injured with dwindling medical supplies. The war has claimed more than 2,200 lives on both sides and is expected to escalate. The weekend attack that Hamas said was retribution for worsening conditions for Palestinians under Israeli occupation has inflamed Israel’s determination to crush the group’s hold in Gaza. Foreign governments are tallying their dead and missing as the latest Israel-Palestinian war stretches into its fifth day.

MARRAKECH, Morocco — United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the war between Israel and Hamas militants poses “additional concerns” to the American economy, but she still expects inflation can be contained without causing a recession.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has joined a meeting of more than 50 defense leaders from around the world to make a personal pitch for military aid. Political support in the U.S. for the war has been lagging and allies are under pressure to send weapons to bolster Israel in its war with Hamas. It is the first time Zelenskyy has attended the NATO meeting in Brussels person. His presence underscores growing concerns about cracks in what has been staunch international backing for Kyiv in its war against Russia’s invasion, and worries that Ukrainian forces haven’t made measurable progress in the counteroffensive as winter closes in. The new Mideast war has complicated matters and has created competition for weapons and funding.

High school students’ scores on the ACT college admissions test have dropped to their lowest in more than three decades, showing a lack of student preparedness for college-level coursework, according to the nonprofit organization that administers the test. Scores have been falling for six consecutive years, but the trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students in the class of 2023 whose scores were reported Wednesday were in their first year of high school when the virus reached the U.S. The average ACT composite score for U.S. students was 19.5 out of 36. Last year, the average score was 19.8.

Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old Chicago woman whose recent skydive could see her certified by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to ever jump from a plane, has died. Hoffner’s close friend, Joe Conant, says she was found dead Monday morning by staff at the Brookdale Lake View senior living community. Conant says Hoffner had an amazing energy and “she just kept going.” On Oct. 1, Hoffner made a tandem skydive at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois, that could land her a world record. Conant says he's working to ensure that Guinness World Records certifies Hoffner posthumously as the world’s oldest skydiver.

NEW YORK (AP) — A new indictment filed Tuesday charges U.S. Rep. George Santos with stealing the identities of donors to his campaign and then using their credit cards to ring up tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges. Prosecutors say some of that stolen money ended up in his own bank account. The 23-count indictment replaces one filed earlier against the New York Republican charging him with embezzling money from his campaign and lying to Congress about his wealth, among other offenses. Santos told reporters at the U.S Capitol he had no comment on the superseding indictment.

The Rangers advance to the ALCS, awaiting the winner of the Twins-Astros series, one of the Vikings' top receivers will be out for a while with an injury, and the much-anticipated debut of Blackhawks center Connor Bedard includes an assist and a victory.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is confirming that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of civilians have been killed, including at least 14 American citizens. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke by phone earlier Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.

The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, says it is trying to take action on a flood of posts sharing graphic media, violent speech and hateful conduct about the latest war between Israel and Hamas. X says it’s treating this crisis with its highest level of response. But outside watchdog groups and a European Union official say misinformation about the war abounds on the platform that billionaire Elon Musk bought last year. Musk himself has recommended unreliable accounts posting about the war. And his job cuts since taking over Twitter last year have left fewer people responsible for taking action on posts that violate the platform's policies.

TORONTO (AP) — General Motors and the union representing Canadian auto workers have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a strike that began just after midnight. About 4,300 striking workers at two GM factories and a parts warehouse will return to work Tuesday afternoon and will vote on the three-year deal later. Lana Payne, president of the Unifor union, said in a statement that, when faced with the strike, GM had no choice but to follow a pattern agreement reached earlier with Ford. GM said it reached the three-year agreement around 1 p.m. Tuesday after workers went on strike at the Ontario facilities. GM said the deal recognizes employee contributions with significant pay and benefit increases and additional job security.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The White House is condemning a violent crash at the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco that ended with police fatally shooting a man. The man created a chaotic scene Monday when he rammed a car into the consulate’s lobby. A White House official said Tuesday that U.S. government officials have been in contact with Chinese foreign ministry officials in the aftermath of the crash. The official was not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity. San Francisco police had not released the driver’s identity or a possible motive as of Tuesday morning.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former baseball MVP Steve Garvey is joining the race to succeed the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The Republican Garvey gives his party a splash of star quality on the ballot in a heavily Democratic state where the GOP hasn’t won a U.S. Senate race in 35 years. Garvey signaled in a video that he would lean toward the political center, saying: "I never played for Democrats or Republicans or independents. I played for all of you.” As a Republican, he starts as a longshot. Democrats hold every statewide office. Leading candidates include Democratic U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.

NEW YORK (AP) — Evidence shown at former President Donald Trump's New York civil business fraud trial shows that he signed a 1994 document that gave the true size of the New York penthouse that was listed later as far larger on his financial statements. The evidence appeared in an email attachment shown during testimony Tuesday from Allen Weisselberg, the former finance chief of Trump’s company. James’ lawsuit alleges that Weisselberg engineered Trump’s financial statements to meet his demands that they show increases in his net worth and signed off on lofty valuations for assets despite appraisals to the contrary. Trump denies any wrongdoing.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.73 billion after no one matched the game’s six numbers and won the giant prize. The winning numbers announced Monday night are: 16, 34, 46, 55, 67 and the Powerball 14. There has been no winner for 35 consecutive drawings. The scarcity of Powerball jackpot winners reflects the game’s long odds of 1 in 292.2 million. The $1.73 billion prize is for a sole winner who is paid through an annuity, with annual checks over 30 years. Most jackpot winners opt for cash, which for the next drawing Wednesday night would be an estimated $756.6 million.

MOSCOW (AP) — Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained in Russia on espionage charges, has lost an appeal to be released from jail, meaning he will stay behind bars at least until Nov. 30. Gershkovich was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip in late March. The 31-year-old U.S. citizen and his employer deny the allegations, and the U.S. government declared him to be wrongfully detained. Russian authorities have not provided any evidence to support the espionage charges. Gershkovich is the first American reporter to face espionage charges in Russia since 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB.

In an AP interview, Matthew Levitt with The Washington Institute for Near East Policy explains the history and focus of Hamas.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 10 at 7 a.m. CT:

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are packed into United Nations shelters as Israeli warplanes pound the tiny territory of 2.3 million people after their Hamas militant rulers launched an unprecedented weekend attack on Israel. Israel says it takes pains to avoid civilian casualties as it targets Hamas militant sites. But its military has also bombed multi-story family homes in crowded residential neighborhoods. Palestinians say there is no real escape in Gaza, which has been under a suffocating 16-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. When war breaks out, as it has four times since the Hamas militant group seized power in 2007, even U.N. facilities that are supposed to be safe zones risk becoming engulfed in the fighting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Joe Biden has been interviewed as part of the special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents. Spokesperson Ian Sams says Biden was voluntarily interviewed at the White House on Sunday and Monday. The investigation is being led by special counsel Robert Hur, who's looking into the improper retention of classified documents from Biden's time as vice president. The documents were found in Biden's Delaware home and a private office he used after he left public office. Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier this year appointed Hur to oversee the politically sensitive matter to avoid conflicts of interest.

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump’s longtime finance chief is set to testify as the former president’s civil trial enters its second week. Allen Weisselberg is also a defendant in New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. Weisselberg is expected to testify Tuesday about his role in preparing Trump’s annual financial statements, including conversations they had while finalizing the documents used to make deals and secure loans. James’ lawsuit alleges Weisselberg engineered Trump’s financial statements to meet his demands they reflect increases in his net worth and signed off on lofty valuations for assets. Trump attended the first three days of the non-jury trial last week but is not expected to return Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two Federal Reserve officials have suggested that the central bank may leave interest rates unchanged at its next meeting in three weeks. That's because a surge in long-term interest rates has made borrowing more expensive and could help cool inflation without further action by the central bank. Since late July, the yield, or rate, on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note has jumped from around 4% to about 4.8%, a 16-year high. The run-up in the yield has inflated other borrowing costs and raised the national average 30-year mortgage rate to 7.5%, a 23-year high. Business borrowing costs have also risen as corporate bond yields have accelerated.

Joby Aviation is working to develop electric-powered aircraft that will take off and land like a helicopter but fly like a small plane. Battery technology is helping Joby and other startups that are developing eVTOLs – short for electric vertical takeoff and landing. The company's biggest shareholder is Toyota, and it has a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt says the company is the realization of a longtime dream of his to make a better way for people to get from one place to another.

The National League Division Series took center stage in Major League Baseball's playoffs, Monday Night Football saw the Raiders defense steal the show, and the NHL season begins today.

The NFL’s ongoing push for worldwide exposure got another boost when organizers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics delivered a proposal to put flag football on the program when the Summer Games return to the United States for the first time in 32 years. The International Olympic Committee will vote on the proposal at meetings in India that begin later this week. Also on the LA proposal were baseball and softball, which have been bouncing on and off the program for decades; lacrosse; squash; and cricket. Flag football involves 5-on-5 action in which players tackle their opponents by stripping flags off belts worn by all players. It is viewed as a less-violent, faster-paced version of the game that has captured imaginations in the U.S. for decades.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. CT:

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and sealed it off from food, fuel, and other supplies in retaliation for a bloody incursion by Hamas militants, as the war’s death toll rose to nearly 1,600 on both sides. Hamas also escalated on Monday, pledging to kill captured Israelis if attacks targeted civilians without warnings. In the war’s third day, Israel was still finding bodies from Hamas’ stunning weekend attack into southern Israeli towns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy the militants’ “military and governing capabilities.”

The U.S. State Department said Monday that at least nine American citizens have been killed in the weekend Hamas attacks on Israel, raising the toll from four.

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union has reversed an earlier announcement that it was “immediately” suspending aid for Palestinian authorities and instead said it would urgently review such assistance in the wake of the attacks on Israel by Hamas. A terse European Commission statement said late Monday that “there will be no suspension of payments” at the moment. It came five hours after EU Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi had said that all payments from the development program for Palestinians be “immediately suspended. All projects put under review. All new budget proposals … postponed until further notice.” No immediate explanation for the reversal was given.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Claudia Goldin, a Harvard University professor, was awarded the Nobel economics prize for research that helps explain why women around the world are less likely than men to work and to earn less money when they do. Fittingly, the announcement marked a small step toward closing a gender gap among Nobel laureates in economics: Out of 93 economics winners, Goldin is just the third woman to be awarded the prize and the first woman to be the sole winner in any year. Her award follows Nobel honors this year in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace that were announced last week.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — How much is Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago worth? That’s now a point of contention after a New York judge ruled that the former president exaggerated the Florida property’s value when he said it is worth at least $420 million. In siding with New York in the state’s lawsuit accusing Trump of grossly overvaluing his assets in business transactions, Judge Arthur Engoron found that Trump consistently exaggerated Mar-a-Lago’s worth. He compared Trump’s estimate to the Palm Beach County tax appraiser’s recent valuations of about $20 million. But Palm Beach real estate agents strongly disagree. They think Mar-a-Lago would easily fetch hundreds of millions and a bidding war could push the price over a billion.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy launched an independent run for the White House. Kennedy declared independence from the Democratic Party in Philadelphia on Monday. He spoke of a “rising tide of discontent” in the United States and said he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” from corporations, the media and the two major political parties.

NEW YORK (AP) — Lexington Candy Shop has had a line outside for over a year since a TikTok of its Coke float went viral. The owner of Fatima's Grill parlayed his viral fame into an expansion. When a smaller restaurant unexpectedly goes viral on TikTok or other social media, the sudden demand can be overwhelming. Owners have to adapt on the fly, revamping operations to quickly serve a crush of people. But savvy business owners who are able to adapt can parlay newfound fame into a lasting boost for their business. Just ask Dominique Ansel, who created a craze with the Cronut a decade ago, before the term “going viral” was widely used.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, those who don't identify with a religion or religious groups are on the rise across the United States.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 9 at 7 a.m. CT:

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he's ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides. Meantime, a U.S. official says preliminary reports indicate that at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks and an additional seven were missing and unaccounted for. The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said authorities would cut electricity to Gaza and block the entry of food and fuel there as part of a “complete siege” he ordered.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has drawn a parallel between Russia’s invasion of his country and the Hamas militant group’s incursion into Israel, saying only “rules (and) international law” can ensure peace around the world.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A senior Taliban delegation is visiting western Afghanistan's Herat province in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that killed at least 2,000 people and flattened entire villages. Saturday’s magnitude 6.3 quake hit a densely populated area in Herat and was followed by strong aftershocks. It was one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in two decades. A statement from Kabul said the Taliban-appointed deputy prime minister for economic affairs and his team will visit the quake-affected region on Monday to deliver “immediate relief assistance” and ensure “equitable and accurate distribution of aid." The quake also trapped hundreds and people have been digging with their bare hands and shovels to pull victims from under the rubble.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Nobel economics prize has been awarded to Claudia Goldin, a professor at Harvard University, for research that has advanced the understanding of the gender gap in the labor market. Hans Ellegren, secretary-general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, announced the award Monday in Stockholm. Goldin is only the third woman to win the prize. Ellegren says Goldin “was surprised and very, very glad” upon hearing she received the award. Goldin has studied 200 years of women’s participation in the workplace, showing that despite continued economic growth, women’s pay did not continuously catch up to men’s and a divide still exists despite women gaining higher levels of education than men.

In this week's entertainment update: Rapper 21 Savage can now legally travel outside the United States and plans to make his international performance in his native London. Singer Maxwell will hose a cruise in February and has another album in the works. Lucinda Williams is heading back on tour three years after suffering a stroke.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s decision to insert himself into the chaotic race to replace Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker will serve as a test of the former president’s sway with lawmakers as he works to win a second term. Trump first volunteered to serve as an interim candidate. Then he offered Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, one of his closest allies in Washington, his “Complete & Total Endorsement!” Jordan's path to victory is complex, and he is facing at least one other candidate, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who's also on good terms with Trump. It’s unclear whether anyone has enough votes to win the gavel.

NECOCLI, Colombia (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams has capped off a four-day trip to Latin America by calling for a “right to work” for migrants in the United States. He spoke Saturday during a visit to Necocli, the northern Colombia city where thousands of migrants start the perilous trek across the Darien Gap jungle into Panama, as they head for the U.S. Adams says countries in the region need to “come together” to find solutions to the immigration crisis being felt across the Americas as well as in cities in the United States, including his own. He is urging the U.S goverment to find pathways for migrants and asylum seekers to work legally in the United States.

The NFL's two undefeated teams remain undefeated, the Chiefs shake off Travis Kelce's injury, the Rangers slam the Orioles to go up 2-0 while the Twins knot up their ALDS with the Astros, and Georgia still tops the AP poll.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “The Exorcist: Believer” took possession of the weekend box office with a North American opening of $27.2 million. According to studio estimates Sunday, the latest sequel to the 1973 horror classic was a runaway No. 1 in its opening weekend for Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions, but it still fell short of expectations with no other new releases with which to compete. Last week’s top film, “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie,” was a distant second, with $11.8 million, and has earned $38.9 million after two weekends. Another horror sequel, “Saw X,” was third for Lionsgate Films, with $8.2 million.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the upcoming concert films from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, as well as some of the great concert movies of all time.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus died.
There are updates in the case of Tupac’s Shakur’s fatal shooting.
And Simone Biles led the U.S. women to a record 7th straight team title at the gymnastics world championships.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller talks about the genius that is Taylor Swift during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s employers added 336,000 jobs in September, an unexpectedly robust gain and the largest monthly rise since January, evidence that many companies remain confident enough to keep hiring despite high interest rates and a hazy outlook for the economy. President Joe Biden tied his economic policies to the report. Last month’s job growth jumped from a 227,000 increase in August, which was revised sharply higher. The economy has now added an average of 266,000 jobs a month for the past three months, a streak that could make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will raise its key rate again before year’s end as it continues its drive to tame inflation. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8%, not far above a half-century low.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio to succeed Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. Trump says Jordan was a star long before making his journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District. Trump wrote on his Truth Social site early Friday the Republican congressman “will be a GREAT Speaker of the House” and has his "Complete & Total Endorsement!” Jordan is the House Judiciary Committee chairman and a longtime Trump defender. Trump had earlier said he would be open to serving as interim leader if Republicans couldn’t settle on a successor following McCarthy’s stunning ouster. Jordan is one of two leading candidates maneuvering for speaker along with Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana.

Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi has won the Nobel Peace Prize. She has campaigned for women’s rights, democracy and against the death penalty in Iran for years. The 51-year-old has kept up her activism despite numerous arrests. She has remained a leading light for nationwide, women-led protests, sparked by the death last year of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. Those demonstrations grew into one of the most intense challenges ever to Iran’s theocratic government. The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the prize Friday in Oslo. She said it was a recognition of the work of a whole movement in Iran. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A massive health care strike over wages and staff shortages is heading into its final day without a deal between industry giant Kaiser Permanente and the unions representing the 75,000 workers who picketed this week. The three-day strike will officially end on Saturday morning. Workers are scheduled to return to their jobs in Kaiser’s hospitals and clinics that serve nearly 13 million Americans. The two sides did not have any bargaining sessions scheduled after concluding their talks midday Wednesday. Union officials and Kaiser representatives say they both want an agreement.

HOUSTON (AP) — Attorneys for a condemned Texas killer say drugs he is to be injected with next week were exposed to heat from a fire and have asked a federal judge to stop his execution. They allege in a lawsuit filed Wednesday that extreme heat and smoke from the August fire at a prison unit made them unsafe. The Texas attorney general’s office denies the claim. It says testing done after the fire shows the drugs “remain potent and sterile.” Jedidiah Murphy is scheduled to be executed Tuesday. He was condemned for a fatal October 2000 shooting during a carjacking.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — State election officials and privacy advocates are raising alarms about a push by several conservative groups to gain access to state voter rolls. One goal is to create free, public online databases of registered voters so other groups and individuals can take it upon themselves to try to identify instances of potential fraud. Election officials say the lists could find their way into the hands of malicious actors. They also say voters could be disenfranchised, either through intimidation or canceled registrations. Some of the groups pushing for access have ties to allies of former President Donald Trump. They say access to the data is essential to make sure officials maintain accurate voter rolls.

A United Nations report says that storms, fires and other extreme weather events led to more than 43 million displacements involving children between 2016 and 2021. The UNICEF report says that in some areas, like the Horn of Africa, the equivalent of nearly half of all children were uprooted during over that period. The report says the threat will worsen as climate change intensifies. In Africa and Asia, the biggest factors forcing families from their homes were floods and storms. In wealthier nations like the U.S. and Canada, wildfires were a major problem. The report says slower disasters like droughts can be hard to track and their impacts are likely underreported.

GENEVA (AP) — A unique 2030 World Cup is set to be played in Europe and Africa with the surprising addition of South America. The deal will allow FIFA to open the men’s soccer tournament with a 100th birthday party in Uruguay. FIFA reached an agreement between soccer’s continental leaders to accept a bid spearheaded by Spain and Portugal, which had already grown to include Morocco as co-host earlier this year. The agreement also includes South American countries Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, who will host a game each. The deal still needs formal approval at a meeting of FIFA's member federations. FIFA also opened bidding for the 2034 World Cup, with only member federations from Asia and Oceania eligible. Saudi Arabia immediately entered that contest.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 5 at 5:35 a.m. CT:

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Imprisoned activist Narges Mohammadi has won the Nobel Peace Prize. She has campaigned for women’s rights, democracy and against the death penalty in Iran for years. The 51-year-old has done her work despite facing numerous arrests and spending years behind bars for her activism. The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the prize Friday in Oslo. She said it was a recognition of the work of a whole movement in Iran. Authorities arrested Mohammadi after she attended a memorial for a victim of violent 2019 protests. She is the 19th woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the second Iranian woman.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is officially backing Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the pugnacious House Judiciary Committee chairman and longtime Trump defender, to succeed Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. “Congressman Jim Jordan has been a STAR long before making his very successful journey to Washington, D.C., representing Ohio’s 4th Congressional District,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social site shortly after midnight Friday. “He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!” The announcement came hours after Texas Rep. Troy Nehls said Thursday night that Trump had decided to endorse Jordan for the role.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Lawyers for Donald Trump have asked a judge to dismiss the Washington federal election subversion case against him. The lawyers argued Thursday the Republican is immune from prosecution for actions they say were taken in his official role as president. The motion amounts to the most pointed attack on the federal case charging Trump with plotting to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. The Trump lawyers' motion says prosecutors can't argue that "Trump’s efforts to ensure election integrity, and to advocate for the same, were outside the scope of his duties.” Prosecutors are expected to contest the motion.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Biden administration is going to resume deporting migrants to Venezuela. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, speaking in Mexico City Thursday, cited the new measure as one of the “strict consequences” the Biden administration is pairing with the expansion of legal pathways for asylum seekers. The process is expected to begin shortly, two U.S. officials tell The Associated Press, though they did not provide specific details on when the flights would begin taking off. The resumption of deportation comes not long after the administration increased protected status for Venezuelans who arrive to the U.S., so if someone arrived to the U.S. before July 31 of this year, but not after, they’d be eligible for protections.

NEW YORK (AP) — The father of a toddler who authorities say died of fentanyl poisoning at a New York City day care center said he had hoped to have a photo of his son’s kindergarten graduation in four years. Otoniel Feliz cried as he held up a photo of his son Nicholas Dominici, who died after he and three other young children were sickened at their Bronx day care center. District Attorney Darcel Clark says Grei Mendez, Felix Herrera Garcia and Carlisto Brito were arraigned on charges including murder on Thursday. An attorney for Mendez says she is not guilty. Messages seeking comment were left with attorneys for the other two defendants.

GRANADA, Spain (AP) — European Union leaders have pledged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy their unwavering support. On Friday, they will face one of their worst political headaches on a key commitment — how and when to welcome debt-laden and war-battered Ukraine into the bloc. The 27-nation EU has said since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022 that at the end of the war it will work steadfastly on “lasting unity” that will eventually translate into Ukraine's membership in the wealthy bloc. For a nation fighting for its very survival, that moment cannot come quickly enough. For the bloc itself, that remains to be seen.

BEIJING (AP) — A typhoon is heading toward southern China and Hong Kong after bringing record-breaking winds and leaving one dead in Taiwan. Typhoon Koinu is weakening Friday as it heads west across the South China Sea toward China’s Guangdong province. The China Meteorological Administration forecasts it will turn to the southwest in waters off the coast by Sunday. Ferry service was suspended in parts of Guangdong province, and the city of Guangzhou canceled some flights and trains. One person was killed by flying glass Thursday in the Taiwanese city of Taichung, and more than 300 others were injured around the island.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A first-of-its-kind assessment says whales, dolphins and seals living in U.S. waters face major threats from the warming ocean temperatures, rising sea levels and decreasing sea ice associated with climate change. Researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration examined more than 100 stocks of American whale and dolphin species and found more than 70% are vulnerable to threats such as loss of habitat and food due to impacts of warming waters. The impacts also include loss of dissolved oxygen and changes to ocean chemistry. Advocates for marine mammals say the study is evidence that management of the animals must adapt to save them.

An all-time NFL great dies, his former team snaps a double-digit losing streak, an ex-Big Ten football coach files a nine-figure lawsuit against his former school, the NCAA rules a college football star eligible, an MLB team’s general manager steps down amid an investigation and an NBA star commits to play for the U.S. at the Olympics. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh has the latest in sports.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. CT:

NEW YORK (AP) — A man who wounded 10 people in a rush-hour subway shooting in New York City last year has been sentenced to life in prison. Frank James was sentenced on Thursday. He pleaded guilty to terrorism charges earlier this year for the April 2022 mass shooting. His attorneys requested a reduced sentence of 18 years, pointing to the lack of fatalities as evidence James didn’t intend to kill anyone. Federal prosecutors say James spent years carefully planning the subway shooting in order to “inflict maximum damage at the height of rush hour.” They said the fact that no one was killed was “miraculous.” Before the shooting, James posted dozens of videos online under the moniker “Prophet of Doom.”

BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s health minister says a drone attack that hit a packed military graduation ceremony in the central city of Homs has killed 80 and wounded 240. Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabash says civilians, including children, and military personnel are among those killed Thursday. He says there are concerns the death toll could rise further as many of the wounded were in serious condition. In an earlier statement, Syria’s military said drones laden with explosives targeted the ceremony crowded with young officers and their families as it came to an end. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The war-torn country’ is now in its 13th year of conflict.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters of American troops in northeastern Syria. It was a rare use of force by one NATO member against another. Air Force Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a “regrettable incident” and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby. He says U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart about the incident Thursday and underscored the importance of close coordination between their two countries to prevent risks to U.S. forces or to the mission to defeat Islamic State militants in the region.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former University of Southern California gynecologist charged with sexually assaulting numerous students has died. Attorney Leonard Levine said Thursday that George Tyndall was found dead in his home Wednesday. Tyndall was in his mid-70s and was awaiting trial on 35 criminal counts of sexual misconduct between 2009 and 2016 at the university’s student health center. He had pleaded not guilty and was free on bond. While the coroner’s office will do an autopsy, Levine said there is “no evidence of foul play or suicide.” The university agreed in 2021 to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who made accusations against Tyndall.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is in talks to make a trip to Capitol Hill next week. A potential visit would come as Republicans work to decide who should be the next speaker of the House following Kevin McCarthy’s ouster. Three people familiar with the talks disclosed them to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday ahead of a formal announcement. Some on the far right have floated the idea of Trump as a speaker candidate, perhaps on an interim basis. Trump has said he is focused “totally” on his campaign to return to the White House, but says, “If I can help them during the process, I would do it."

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse. The permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy announced the prize Thursday in Stockholm. The academy says the prize is for Fosse's “innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unsayable.” Fosse is a master of spare Nordic writing in a sprawling body of work ranging from plays to novels and children’s books. One of his country’s most-performed dramatists, Fosse said he had “cautiously prepared” himself for a decade to receive the call. He is the author of 40 plays as well as novels, short stories, children’s books, poetry and essays.

BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Police say a man has been accused of stalking a woman in New York via his small airplane, flying out of an airport in nearby Vermont. Sixty-five-year-old Michael Arnold appeared in court Wednesday in Bennington, Vermont. He was arrested Tuesday as he was driving into the William H. Morse State Airport in town. Police say his single-engine Cessna 180 was at the airport and he had been flying from there. Arnold, of Manchester, New Hampshire, had been served with a temporary order of protection from a court in Saratoga, New York, in May. It said he had to “cease and desist from flying any and all aircraft."

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump's lawyers have asked a judge to postpone his Florida classified documents trial until after next year’s presidential election. The lawyers say they haven't received all the records they need to prepare Trump's defense. The trial on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort is among four criminal cases the Republican ex-president faces. The trial is scheduled for May 20, 2024. The defense lawyers argued in a motion late Wednesday a postponement is necessary because of scheduling conflicts and because of what they say are delays in obtaining and reviewing the classified records cited in the indictment. Prosecutors deny delaying the production of evidence in the case.

WASHINGTON (AP) — AT&T and Gallaudet University have developed a football helmet for quarterbacks who are deaf or hard of hearing. The innovation allows a coach to call a play on a tablet from the sideline that then shows up visually on a small display screen inside the quarterback's helmet. Gallaudet, which competes in Division III, was cleared by the NCAA to use the helmet in its game on Saturday at home against Hilbert.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald is suing the school for $130 million, saying his alma mater wrongfully fired him in the wake of a hazing and abuse scandal that has engulfed the athletic department. The announcement by Chicago-based attorneys Dan K. Webb and Matthew R. Carter on Thursday comes nearly three months after Fitzgerald was suspended and then fired after 17 years. Webb said that Fitzgerald would also be seeking additional money for “infliction of emotional distress,” future lost income and punitive damages. He said the suit in Cook County Circuit Court is against the university and its President Michael Schill.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — On Sunday, Habitat for Humanity's 2023 annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Week Project kicked off on the President's 99th birthday. Country legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood hosted. They tell the Associated Press they've built alongside the Carters at many recent work projects with the exception of this one. Jimmy Carter has been in hospice care since February 2023. They say they're keeping one of the former president's traditions going — giving jobs quickly to anyone who looks like they're standing idle. Brooks adds that the construction site offers unexpected musical inspiration. He jokes that one can "pick up some good old hammer tracks here.”

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 5 at 7:07 a.m. CT:

STOCKHOLM (AP) — The Nobel Prize in literature has been awarded to Norwegian author Jon Fosse. The permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy announced the prize Thursday in Stockholm. The academy says the prize is for Fosse's “innovative plays and prose, which give voice to the unsayable.” Fosse told Norwegian public broadcaster NRK that he was both surprised and not, saying he had cautiously prepared himself over the years for the award. The Nobel Prizes carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor from a bequest left by their creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and diploma at the award ceremonies in December.

PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no players matched all six numbers and hit it rich. The winning numbers announced Wednesday night are: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and the Powerball 1. Players will next have a shot at the Powerball jackpot Saturday night. No matter how large the prize grows the odds stay the same. It’s those odds of 1 in 292.2 million that make the jackpot so hard to win. The $1.4 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who takes an annuity, paid annually over 30 years. Winners choosing the cash option would receive an estimated $643.7 million.

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security announced that the Biden administration leveraged sweeping executive power to waive 26 federal laws in South Texas. This is the first time the administration has done this, a practice often employed by the Trump presidency. The waived laws will allow the construction of up to 20 miles of border barriers. The Department of Homeland Security made the announcement Wednesday on the Federal Registry that waives federal protections in Starr County, Texas. Environmental advocates said they were shocked with the Democratic administration's reversal to support such construction. The structures will run through public lands, habitats of endangered plants and species.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he hoped to “manage expectations” of migrants setting out on their journeys, and to inform migrants that his city was “at capacity” after receiving around 120,000 migrants over the past year.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Some 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers are taking to picket lines in multiple states over wages and staff shortages. Unions representing the workers who walked off the job Wednesday approved a strike for three days in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and one day in Virginia and the District of Columbia. Doctors are not participating, and the company says it will keep its 39 hospitals open. Kaiser union members say understaffing is boosting the hospital system’s profits but hurting patients, while Kaiser say they offer better compensation than competitors. There have been work stoppages within multiple industries this year in the U.S.

DETROIT (AP) — Meaningful progress has been made in the negotiations between the striking United Auto Workers union and Detroit’s three auto companies. That's according to a person with direct knowledge of the talks, who said some offers had been exchanged. Another said there was more movement in talks with Jeep maker Stellantis, with less at Ford and General Motors. Neither person wanted to be identified because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the bargaining. Union President Shawn Fain will update members Friday on talks toward bringing to an end the nearly 3-week-old strikes against the companies.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Adnan Syed is now free after being imprisoned for the murder of his ex-girlfriend more than two decades ago. But his attorneys will be arguing for his freedom once again on Thursday, this time in front of the Maryland Supreme Court. The case became known to millions through the true-crime podcast “Serial.” Syed is appealing a reinstatement of his murder conviction, after a lower court ordered a redo of the hearing that let the 42-year-old walk free. The court had found that the victim’s family didn’t get adequate notice to attend the hearing in person. The judges said that violated their right to be “treated with dignity and respect.”

It was day two of the Major League Baseball playoffs opening round on Wednesday and all four series are finished.

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships. The American team of Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Leanne Wong combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge Brazil and France. The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying. The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men and made Biles the most decorated female gymnast in history.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 4 at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a likely roadblock from House Republicans on aid for Ukraine, President Joe Biden said Wednesday he’s planning to give a major speech on the issue and hinted there may be “another means” to support Kyiv if Congress balks. Biden told a group of reporters after giving remarks at the White House that “I’m going to be announcing very shortly a major speech I’m going to make on this issue and why it’s critically important for the United States and our allies that we keep our commitment” to Ukraine.

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump showed up for several hours on the third day of his New York civil fraud trial, complaining anew about his treatment before leaving for Florida. In court on Wednesday, his lawyers cross-examined an accountant who prepared financial statements at the heart of the case. Trump's lawyers are trying to blame the accountant for any shortcomings in the statements. New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit accuses Trump and his business of exaggerating his wealth in financial statements that went to banks, insurers and others. Outside the courtroom, his lawyers also appealed a key pretrial ruling. It found that Trump engaged in fraud by inflating the values of prized assets including his Trump Tower penthouse.

WASHINGTON (AP) — If your cellphone was on at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time you should have heard a loud noise and seen a message flash across your screen. That's when the U.S. government on Wednesday conducted its once-every-three-years nationwide test of the emergency alert system. Alerts also went out on radio and television. The cellphone alerts went off at the White House during press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s briefing. Ahead of the test, organizations that work with abuse survivors who have secret phones recommended they turn them off so as to not have the blaring noise tip off their abusers. The last nationwide test was Aug. 11, 2021.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened a big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church. He says the church is in need of repair to make it a place of welcome for “everyone, everyone, everyone.” He says it shouldn't be a rigid barricade riven by fears and ideology. Francis presided over a solemn Mass in St. Peter’s Square to formally open the meeting Wednesday. Progressives are hoping it will lead to more women in leadership roles and conservatives are warning could split the church. The meeting won’t make any binding decisions and is only the first session of a two-year process. But it nevertheless has drawn an acute battle line in the church’s perennial left-right divide.

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. (AP) — After two years of receiving federal subsidies, 220,000 child care programs across the country lost funding. Part of the largest investment in child care in U.S. history, the monthly payments ranged from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. The funding that ended Saturday was meant to stabilize the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers say ending it puts at risk millions of children and their families. The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank in Washington, D.C., analyzed a provider survey and government data. It concluded that half of all providers are threatened in Arkansas, Montana, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The once-critical white COVID-19 vaccination cards are being phased out. Vaccines are not being distributed by the federal government anymore, so the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped printing new cards. People can still get proof of vaccination from a doctor or state health department. Some states have online options that create a QR code. Health officials recommend keeping your card in a safe place if you still have one.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican California congressman Kevin McCarthy's ouster from the speaker role has left the House of Representatives roiling. An essential body of American democracy no longer has an elected leader. Lawmakers were stunned Tuesday when a House speaker was voted out of leadership for the first time. The vacant speaker job comes as the House still grapples with the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, a Republican Party in upheaval and the United States’ contested role in global leadership. The House faces pressing questions of how to avert a government shutdown, whether to continue to fund Ukraine’s defense against Russia's invasion and whether to proceed with an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The man facing a murder charge in the fatal shooting of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas 27 years ago has made his first court appearance. Duane “Keffe D” Davis faced a Nevada judge Wednesday following his indictment last week. Police and prosecutors say Davis orchestrated the drive-by killing of the hip-hop icon in September 1996 and provided his nephew with the gun to do it. Davis has publicly described his role in the killing for several years. Court records list Edi Faal as his attorney. Davis denied an interview in jail where he's being held without bail.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press and theGrio have come together for a candid conversation about issues facing Black Americans ahead of the 2024 election and amid high levels of polarization. The panel discussion, titled “Race and Democracy: The Facts and The Fury,” addresses topics ranging from targeted racial violence to barriers to voting. It is the first of its kind between the nation’s oldest wire service and Allen Media Group’s multimedia platform. It will be carried on APNews.com and theGrio.com, Wednesday at 12 p.m. Eastern. It also will air on theGrio Television Network Series “TheGrio with Marc Lamont Hill” at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (AP) — Former NFL tight end Russ Francis was killed along with another aviation enthusiast when their single-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from an upstate New York airport. The 70-year-old Francis and 63-year-old Richard McSpadden had taken off from Lake Placid Airport in a single-engine Cessna when it crashed Sunday afternoon in a corner of the airport. Francis was a first-round pick in the NFL draft in 1975 and played with the New England Patriots from 1975 to 1980. Francis joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1982, and was part of the team that won the 1984 Super Bowl. He rejoined New England in 1987 and retired the year after.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 4 at 6:50 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House of Representatives has entered uncharted territory after the success of a last-ditch, right-wing effort to remove fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. A resolution called a motion to vacate was brought forward by Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and passed Tuesday with the support of eight Republicans and every Democrat present. The effort makes McCarthy the first speaker in history to be removed from office. McCarthy's subsequent announcement he would not run for the job again clears the path for any Republican to jump in. Some members, including Gaetz, have been broaching potential consensus candidates like Majority Leader Steve Scalise or Whip Tom Emmer who they believe could bring the conference together.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Three scientists have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for their work on quantum dots. Those are tiny particles that can release very bright colored light and are used in electronics and medical imaging. Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov were honored Wednesday for their work with the particles just a few atoms in diameter and that spread their light from television screens and LED lamps. Quantum dots’ electrons have constrained movement, and this affects how they absorb and release visible light, allowing for very bright colors.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has announced another $9 billion in federal student loan debt forgiveness. The relief will be provided through existing programs. The details were provided by the White House on Wednesday. Biden has been under pressure to fulfill his promises on student debt relief even though his original plan was overturned by the conservative majority on the Supreme Court. In total, 3.6 million borrowers will have had $127 billion in debt wiped out since the Democratic president took office. The White House says Biden believes college should be a ticket to the middle class, not a burden weighing on families. Republicans have fought Biden’s plans on student debt.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Officials say at least five people have been wounded, none critically, in a shooting at Morgan State University in Baltimore that happened as students were headed to a homecoming week campus ball. A shelter-in-place order was lifted around 12:30 a.m. Police Commissioner Richard Worley said the five victims, four men and one woman, are between the ages of 18 and 22, but police released no information on suspects and said they did not know how many shooters were involved. Morgan State University President David Wilson said he had canceled Wednesday’s classes, and would hold an emergency meeting Wednesday morning to decide whether to hold other homecoming week events.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams says he's traveling to Latin America to discourage people from seeking asylum in the city as it struggles to handle a massive influx of migrants. The Democratic mayor detailed the trip in a news conference Tuesday. He says he wants to give an honest assessment of the situation and tell people in the region that the city's shelter system has been overwhelmed and is at capacity. Adams has made a series of urgent pleas for a shift in federal immigration policy and for funding to help the city manage the arrival of migrants.

VENICE (AP) — A bus carrying dozens of people plummeted 50 feet from an elevated road in Venice, causing a fiery crash that killed 21 people and injured at least 15 mostly foreign tourists returning to a nearby campsite. Those who died in the crash Tuesday night included at least four Ukrainians and a German citizen, according to Venice prefecture. At least two of the dead were children. The new, electric bus was carrying foreign tourists when it fell from an elevated street on Tuesday evening, catching fire. The driver was killed. A Venice city councilor said he was an experienced driver and local prosecutors are investigating if he felt ill.

The Rangers and Twins win their American League Wild Card openers, while the Diamondbacks and Phillies do the same in the National League.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. CT; updated at 4 p.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has been voted out of the job in an extraordinary showdown, a first in U.S. history. The 216-210 vote was forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives and throws the House and its Republican leadership into chaos. McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, brought forward the “motion to vacate,” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership. Next steps are uncertain, but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority.

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has imposed a limited gag order on President Donald Trump after he disparaged a key court staffer during his civil business fraud trial. Judge Arthur Engoron issued the order Tuesday. The order applies to all parties in the case and pertains only to verbal attacks on court staff. It came after Trump recirculated a disparaging social media post about Engoron’s principal law clerk, Allison Greenfield. Trump then deleted the post.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty in Delaware to three federal firearms charges filed after the implosion of an earlier deal to resolve a long-running investigation. The California resident's Tuesday plea sets the case on a track toward a possible trial in 2024 while President Joe Biden is running for reelection. The Democratic president’s son has been charged with lying about his drug use in 2018 on a form to buy a gun he kept for about 11 days. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. A judge asked Hunter Biden if he understood the charges against him, and Biden replied: “Yes, Your Honor.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says President Joe Biden has been in touch with U.S. allies and partners to discuss continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Tuesday's conversation came after Biden signed legislation late Saturday to keep the U.S. government funded. The bill did not include billions in aid for Ukraine that he had requested. The Republican-controlled House dropped the Ukraine aid request as a concession to growing opposition among GOP lawmakers. Poland’s president told reporters after the call that Biden assured the leaders that backing exists for continuing U.S. support to Ukraine.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has issued a weather alert as Typhoon Koinu is approaching and may make landfall later this week, bringing gales and downpours to the southeastern parts of the island. The weather bureau put out a land warning on Tuesday after issuing a sea alert late Monday. Koinu was moving northwest with sustained winds of 101 mph near its center, according to the bureau. Forecasters expected it to bring strong winds and downpours to southern and eastern parts of Taiwan early Wednesday and potentially make landfall in the southeastern part of the island on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former union leader and Democratic insider Laphonza Butler has been sworn in as the newest member of the U.S. Senate, replacing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein after her death and becoming only the third Black female senator in history. Butler was appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday, just two days after Feinstein died at her home in Washington. Butler is a longtime fundraiser and strategist in the state’s Democratic circles and was the head of Emily’s List, a national organization that raises money for women candidates who support abortion rights. Butler was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the second Black female senator.

Donald Trump’s campaign is calling on the Republican National Committee to cancel all remaining presidential primary debates. In a statement late Monday, top Trump advisers say the RNC must instead “refocus its manpower” on defeating Joe Biden next year. The statement also repeats debunked falsehoods about election fraud, claiming without evidence that Democrats are working to steal the 2024 election. Trump has maintained the lie that the 2020 election was stolen, despite multiple legal cases, investigations and his own attorney general finding no fraud. The RNC didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Rival Ron DeSantis' campaign says Trump should show up to debate and that the U.S. “needs a president who will fight for them anywhere, in any forum.”

TORONTO (AP) — An official says India has told Canada to remove 41 of its 62 diplomats in the country, ramping up a confrontation over Canadian accusations that India may have been involved in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in suburban Vancouver. The official spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of public reaction from the Canadian government later Tuesday. The official confirmed an earlier report from the Financial Times. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a 45-year-old Sikh leader who was killed by masked gunmen in June

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Zoo’s three giant pandas are set to return to China in December with no public signs the 50-year-old exchange agreement struck by President Richard Nixon will continue. There are diplomatic tensions between China and a number of Western governments. And China appears to be gradually pulling back its pandas from Western zoos as their agreements expire. The departure of the bears from the nation's capital would mean the only giant pandas left in America are at the Atlanta Zoo — and that agreement expires next year. Panda-philes visiting the Washington zoo say they're making plans to visit Atlanta next summer to see those pandas before they leave.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado’s highest court says it will hear the case of a Christian baker who refused to make a cake celebrating a gender transition. The decision announced Tuesday comes after a U.S. Supreme Court victory this summer for a graphic artist who didn’t want to design wedding websites for same-sex couples. Baker Jack Phillips won a partial victory before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 in another case after refusing to make a gay couple’s wedding cake. He was later sued by a transgender woman after he refused to make her cake to celebrate her gender transition.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas is back at work after being carjacked by three armed attackers less than a mile from the Capitol. Cuellar said Tuesday he was “good” and even joked about the frightening experience, saying his car was recovered but what really upset him was that they had taken his sushi. The Democrat says the robbers “came out of nowhere" and pointed guns at him. Monday night’s carjacking is the second assault on a member of Congress in the District of Columbia this year. In February, Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig was assaulted in her apartment building. Craig suffered bruises while escaping serious injury.

DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling nearly 273,000 trucks in the U.S. because the radio software can stop the rear view camera image from being displayed. The recall announced Tuesday by U.S. safety regulators covers certain Ram 1500 pickup trucks and some Ram 3500 chassis cabs from the 2022 and 2023 model years. Also covered are 2022 through 2024 Ram 2500 trucks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says a rear view display without an image reduces a driver’s view and increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the radio software at no cost to owners, who will be notified by letter starting Nov. 17.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Army is launching a sweeping overhaul of its recruiting to focus more on young people who've spent time in college or are job hunting early in their careers. The Army's aim is to reverse years of enlistment shortfalls. A major part of this is the formation of a new professional force of recruiters instead of relying on soldiers assigned to the task. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth tells The Associated Press some of the changes will begin in the next 90 days but a wholesale transformation to turn around years of decline is several years in the making. Wormuth says the Army hasn’t met its annual goal for new enlistment contracts since 2014.

DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has turned down an appeal and cleared the way for the parents of the Oxford High School shooter to face trial on involuntary manslaughter charges. James and Jennifer Crumbley are accused of making a gun available to Ethan Crumbley and ignoring his mental health needs. The state appeals court in March said the couple could face trial, and the Supreme Court says it will let that decision stand. Ethan Crumbley killed four fellow students and injured seven other people at Oxford High in November 2021. A judge last week said he’s eligible for life in prison without parole.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. CT:

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un vowed “full and unconditional support” for Russia’s Vladimir Putin as the two leaders isolated by the West held a summit that the U.S. warns could lead to a deal to supply ammunition for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Escaped murderer Danelo Cavalcante was captured after eluding hundreds of searchers for two weeks in rural southeastern Pennsylvania.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Schumer said more than 60 senators attended a forum on artificial intelligence and that there was some broad consensus in building a foundation for bipartisan AI policy.
Utah Republican Sen. Mitt Romney will not run for reelection in 2024. The former presidential candidate and Massachusetts governor announced his intentions in a video statement Wednesday, creating a wide-open contest in a state that heavily favors Republicans and is expected to attract a crowded field.
Preventing dengue fever has long meant teaching people to fear mosquitoes and avoid their bites. But now mosquitoes are bred in laboratories to carry bacteria that halt the spread of dengue.
Authorities say a wandering bull moose has been captured in downtown Santa Fe and relocated to a suitable habitat in northern New Mexico.
The famous stopwatch will still announce the show as “60 Minutes.” But for six episodes this fall, the long-running CBS newsmagazine will become 90 minutes.
A former NFL Media journalist is accusing the league of refusing to address what he calls long-standing institutional discrimination and says his contract was not renewed because he repeatedly voiced concerns regarding equity and racial injustice.
After months of testing, TikTok is fully launching its e-commerce product in the U.S., in an effort to translate the app’s cultural relevance among young consumers to sales.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. CT:

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says he's directing a House committee to open an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.
Five former Memphis police officers have been charged with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols.
Iran has identified the five prisoners it hopes to see freed in the United States in exchange for five Iranian-Americans now held in Tehran and billions in assets once held by South Korea.
Emergency workers in Libya's eastern city of Derna have uncovered more than 1,500 bodies after devastating flooding. It's feared the toll could spiral with more than 10,000 missing.
Google is confronting a threat to its dominant search engine as federal regulators launch an attempt to dismantle its internet empire in the biggest U.S. antitrust trial in a quarter century.
New York Jets coach Robert Saleh says Aaron Rodgers has a torn left Achilles tendon and the 39-year-old quarterback will miss the rest of the season.
Jussie Smollett’s lawyers have told an Illinois appellate court that it should toss the former “Empire” actor’s convictions for staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and then lying about it to Chicago police.
Thousands of soldiers from the United States, Indonesia, Australia and other allied forces demonstrated their armor capabilities in combat drills on the Indonesian island of Java at a time of increased Chinese aggression in the region.
The famous marching bands at historically Black colleges and universities have been putting on their must-watch shows for decades. They are a treasured hallmark of the Black community, which is eager to embrace them.
Recent food recalls have been spurred by foreign objects like rocks, insects and plastic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says this type of contamination is one of the top reasons for food recalls.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. CT:

Bells tolled at ground zero and solemn tributes unfolded across the country as Americans looked back on the horror and legacy of 9/11. People gathered Monday at memorials, firehouses, city halls, campuses and elsewhere to observe the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.
Sports betting company DraftKings has apologized after using the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks to entice people to bet on baseball and football games.
U.S. regulators have approved updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, shots aimed at revving up protection this fall and winter.
The head of one of Libya’s rival governments says flooding that swept through the eastern parts of the north African nation has left as many as 2,000 people feared dead.
The president of the Dominican Republic says he has suspended issuing visas to Haitians, and he is threatening to shut down land, air and sea traffic between the two neighbors over their latest dispute.
Casino and hotel giant MGM Resorts International says a cybersecurity issue led to the shutdown of computer systems at its properties across the U.S.
After the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, concerns have arisen that a pathway into medicine may become much harder for students of color. Heightening the alarm: the medical field’s reckoning with longstanding health inequities.
A rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump may be on the horizon in 2024, whether voters like it or not.
President Joe Biden has wrapped up a five-day diplomatic sprint through Vietnam and India that put a spotlight on complicated relationships he believes will be crucial for global stability.
One of three active-duty Marines who stormed the U.S. Capitol together has been sentenced to probation instead of prison time. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes also on Monday ordered Dodge Hellonen to perform 279 hours of community service. She said that's one hour for every Marine who was killed or wounded fighting in the Civil War.
Spanish soccer is ready to move forward three weeks after its women’s team won the Women’s World Cup but had its celebrations marred by a kiss that ignited a crisis. Luis Rubiales resigned late Sunday following weeks of relentless pressure after the Spanish soccer federation president kissed a player on the lips without her consent during the trophy ceremony in Australia last month.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 11 at 6:45 a.m. CT:

Americans are looking back on the horror and legacy of 9/11. People are gathering Monday at memorials, firehouses, city halls, campuses and elsewhere to observe the 22nd anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.
Authorities say an escaped murderer who has eluded capture since breaking out of a southeastern Pennsylvania prison a week and a half ago slipped out of the search area, changed his appearance and stole a dairy delivery van, abandoning it miles away.
Moroccan soldiers and aid teams in trucks and helicopters are battling to reach remote mountain towns devastated by a monstrous earthquake that killed more than 2,400 people.
Russia and North Korea confirmed Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are apologizing for character letters the celebrity couple wrote on behalf of fellow “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson before he was sentenced for rape this week.
Police say one person has been shot and wounded at a concert headlined by rapper Lil Baby in Memphis, Tennessee.
Country music star Zach Bryan says he was arrested by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and jailed briefly in northeast Oklahoma. Bryan said he supports law enforcement, called himself an idiot and said he later shook hands with the officer and apologized.
Dallas wins big in NFL Sunday night opener, the Dolphins’ offense sparks a late-game rally in Los Angeles, Green Bay opens the Jordan Love era in style and the Browns shut down Joe Burrow. Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff are winners at the U.S Open. And there were big wins for the Braves, Dodgers and Astros.
Like many horrors before it, bad reviews didn’t scare off moviegoers from buying tickets for “The Nun II.” The sequel to the 2018 hit earned an estimated $32.6 million, the studio said Sunday. “The Nun II” bumped Denzel Washington’s “Equalizer 3” to second place in its second weekend. Third place went to another new movie: The third installment of Nia Vardalos’ “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” which earned an estimated $10 million despite largely negative reviews.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Francis considers the future of the Catholic church, Ukraine complains about the pope's remarks about Russia's past, and new research reveals how Catholic convents saved Jews in World War II.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller previews the fall TV lineup, which seems a little thinner than normal due to the ongoing writers and actors strikes.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

Also, be sure to check out our special Hot off the Wire bonus episode previewing the NFL season. That episode dropped on Wednesday.

This week’s top headlines include:

The Rolling Stones are back with a studio album of new material called Hackney Diamonds.
Lainey Wilson leads the 2023 Country Music Award nominations for a second year in a row.
And Joe Jonas filed for divorce from Sophie Turner after four years of marriage.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller talks about the show that got him most excited when he was 12 during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

A special grand jury investigating efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results recommended indictments against a much larger group than prosecutors ultimately charged, including one current and two former U.S. senators. The grand jury report released Friday shows the jurors recommended charges against 39 people, compared to the 18 charged along with ex-President Donald Trump. Those not indicted include Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former U.S. Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue of Georgia and former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn.
The IRS is launching an effort to crack down on 1,600 millionaires and 75 large business partnerships that owe hundreds of millions of dollars in past due taxes.
Apple released a significant security update for iPhones and iPads Thursday to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities in the devices' system software.
The White House Situation Room — a space of great mystique and even higher secrecy — just got a $50 million facelift. The 5,500-square-foot, highly secure complex of conference rooms and offices in the West Wing has undergone a gut renovation that took a year to complete.
A growing number of parents across the U.S. are being criminally charged with murder or manslaughter after their children die from exposure to fentanyl.
The arrival of indoor plumbing in an Alaska village is a godsend for residents who can now turn on a tap for their drinking water or start a machine to do their laundry. But most of all, they're grateful to say goodbye to the “honey bucket” — the humble indoor pail that provided relief in homes without plumbing.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. CT:

That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women two decades ago. Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo handed down the sentence to the 47-year-old Masterson at a hearing on Thursday.
Rescuers from across Europe rushed to a cave in Turkey to save an American researcher who became trapped around 3,000 feet below the cave's entrance after suffering stomach bleeding.
The hunt for an elusive murderer who escaped a Pennsylvania prison has stretched into a second week. Residents of the Philadelphia suburbs where he's believed to be hiding say they’re unsettled and perhaps frustrated — but not panicked.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has told attendees at a judicial conference in Ohio that addressing recent ethics concerns can increase public confidence in the institution.
Ta’Kiya Young, the 21-year-old pregnant Black woman who was fatally shot by police in a supermarket parking lot near Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 24., was mourned at a funeral for her on Thursday.
Political ads using artificial intelligence on Google and YouTube must soon be accompanied by a prominent disclosure if imagery or sounds have been synthetically altered.
Lainey Wilson leads the 2023 Country Music Association Awards nominations for a second year in a row with nods in six categories. Wilson is followed by Jelly Roll with five nominations and Luke Combs and HARDY with four each.
A person familiar with the situation says LSU women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey has agreed to a 10-year contract worth about $32 million.
Researchers have discovered new documentation that substantiates reports that Catholic convents and monasteries in Rome sheltered Jews during World War II.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 6 at 4 p.m. CT:

The judge overseeing the Georgia election subversion case involving former President Donald Trump has denied requests by two of the 19 defendants to be tried alone, instead saying the pair would be tried together starting next month. Prosecutors are estimating a trial would take four months and that they’d call more than 150 witnesses.
The head of the United Auto Workers warned that the union plans to go on strike against any Detroit automaker that hasn’t reached a new agreement by the time contracts expire next week.
President Joe Biden was holding but not wearing a mask, just days after after First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19.
A Russian missile tore through an outdoor market in eastern Ukraine, killing 17 people and wounding dozens.
A high school football coach in Washington state who won his job back after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled he could pray on the field resigned Wednesday after just one game.
A British soldier awaiting trial on terror-related charges has escaped from a prison in southwest London and police have launched an urgent manhunt.
A blast of late summer heat caused disruptions Wednesday for schools from Michigan to Virginia, with some districts dismissing students early and others holding classes online just days into the new academic year.
A liberal group has filed a lawsuit to bar former President Donald Trump from the primary ballot in Colorado. The lawsuit contends Trump is ineligible to run for the White House again under a rarely used clause in the U.S. Constitution aimed at candidates who have supported an “insurrection.”
Four months after a civil trial jury found Donald Trump sexually abused and defamed advice columnist E. Jean Carroll, a federal judge has ruled still more of the ex-president’s comments about her were libelous.
The Rolling Stones are back, and they’ve brought a few famous friends. The band is releasing “Hackney Diamonds,” its first album of new songs in 18 years.
Joe Jonas has filed for divorce from Sophie Turner after four years of marriage and two children.
Cricket, breakdancing and flag football are still waiting to find out if they will be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Edge rusher Carl Nassib, the NFL’s first openly gay player to play in a regular-season game, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Spanish state prosecutors say soccer player Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to this bonus episode of Hot Off The Wire that looks at the upcoming NFL season.

The season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 7, when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions. While most Thursday night games will be broadcast by Amazon Prime Video, the opening game will be on NBC.

As has been the case in recent years, FOX will broadcast Sunday afternoon matchups between NFC teams, CBS will broadcast Sunday afternoon matchups between AFC teams, and the two networks will split crossover games between the two conferences. NBC will air Sunday Night Football and ESPN will handle Monday Night Football.

The NFL Network will also air select games throughout the season. What’s new for this season? YouTube TV begins its first season as the carrier of NFL Sunday Ticket. As always, check your local listings to see what games are available to you on each network.

In this episode, Rob Maaddi, Pro Football Writer for The Associated Press, provides a breakdown on the top players at each position. But first, Maaddi’s Pro Picks column from September 1 made predictions for the season. So which team’s come out on top? Here are his predictions:

NFC division winners: Cowboys, Lions, Saints, 49ers
NFC wild-card teams: Eagles, Vikings, Seahawks
NFC championship: Cowboys over 49ers
AFC division winners: Jets, Bengals, Jaguars, Chiefs
AFC wild-card teams: Bills, Ravens, Chargers
AFC championship: Bengals over Jets
Super Bowl: Bengals over Cowboys

You can read his complete column here: Pro Picks: Bengals over Cowboys in Super Bowl 58

Get more NFL coverage from The Associated Press here.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 5 at 4:15 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has awarded the Medal of Honor to an Army pilot from the Vietnam War who risked his life to rescue a reconnaissance team that was about to be overrun by the enemy — facing almost certain death.
Strong ocean rip currents along the mid-Atlantic coast created hazardous swimming conditions in the aftermath of two hurricanes. Rip current warnings remained in effect Tuesday from New York to North Carolina.
The impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that could lead to his permanent removal from office is underway.
A U.S. official says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin.
Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to extend their voluntary oil production cuts through the end of the year.
Gov. Phil Scott says the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Vermont a natural disaster area from the catastrophic July flooding, making farms eligible for emergency federal loans.
The coach of Spain’s World Cup-winning women’s soccer team has been fired. The firing on Tuesday came less than three weeks after the victory celebration that led to the suspension of the country’s soccer federation president for kissing a player.
Backers of an international agreement that bans cluster munitions are striving to prevent erosion in support for it after what one leading human rights group calls an “unconscionable” U.S. decision to ship such weapons to Ukraine for its fight against Russia.
Fierce rainstorms are battering neighboring Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria, causing at least seven deaths.
The U.S. Capitol physician says 81-year-old Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s health episodes show no evidence of a stroke or seizure disorder.
The front-runners for their party’s presidential nomination, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, are barely campaigning in crucial early-voting states as the primary season enters the fall rush.
No. 21 Duke and No. 22 Colorado have jumped into the Associated Press Top 25 college football poll after scoring the biggest upsets of the opening weekend of the season.
Tight end Travis Kelce hyperextended his knee during the Chiefs’ final practice before their opener against Detroit on Tuesday, leaving his status in question for Thursday night's game.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. CT:

Former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio will be sentenced for a plot to attack the U.S. Capitol in a bid to stop the transfer of power after Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election.
Congress is returning to Capitol Hill to try to avert a government shutdown, while House Republicans consider whether to pursue an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Senators return Tuesday.
First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. The White House says the first lady received the positive test result Monday.
Partygoers stranded for days at a counterculture festival by a late summer storm were allowed to start leaving Monday afternoon after muddy roads dried up enough for them to begin their exodus from the northern Nevada desert.
Much of the nation will be dealing with extreme heat Monday.
A U.S. official said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may travel to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin. That's a trip that would bring the two isolated leaders closer together.
The race for the top spot in the American League West division is heating up, the Twins win big to extend their division lead, Cubs pitcher Justin Steele notches another victory, the Orioles pad their lead in the American League East division and a top ten college football team loses on the road.
After a mild start to the U.S. Open, the forecast calls for much higher temperatures in the second week. The U.S. Open often is the hottest of the four majors in any given year.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urías was arrested near BMO Stadium, where Lionel Messi was playing in a Major League Soccer game with numerous celebrities in attendance.
Major League Baseball is keeping the pitch clock the same for the postseason as it was for the regular season, brushing aside urging from some players.
Police say former Georgia and NFL linebacker Jarvis Jones was arrested for speeding and reckless driving ahead of the Bulldogs’ season opener.
Steve Harwell, the longtime frontman of the Grammy-nominated pop rock band Smash Mouth, has died. He was 56.
A statement on Jimmy Buffett's website has disclosed the cause of the singer-songwriter's death: a rare, aggressive skin cancer.
Adam Driver talked about starring in the upcoming biopic "Ferrari" at the Venice Film Festival.
According to studio estimates, the third installment in the Denzel Washington-led “Equalizer” franchise has topped the domestic box office this weekend with $34.5 million. “Barbie” officially became the biggest movie of 2023 while Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” sailed past $850 million globally.

—The Associated Press

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As this Labor Day holiday, this special episode of Hot off the Wire looks at select feature stories from the past month, including:

A new study says Alexa, Siri and other voice assistants could do a better job giving instructions on CPR to help bystanders respond in emergencies. Researchers asked voice assistants questions that might be posed by someone witnessing a cardiac arrest.
Republican and independent support for gun restrictions is slipping a year after Congress passed the most comprehensive firearms safety legislation in decades with bipartisan support. A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows the gap between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of guns is widening.
Federal safety regulators are warning airlines to make sure that workers stay away from jet engines that are still running. The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that the alert follows “multiple" incidents of workers being hurt or killed during ground operations.
A neurosurgeon investigating a woman’s mystery symptoms in an Australian hospital has plucked a 3-inch wriggling worm from the patient’s brain. Hari Priya Bandi was performing a biopsy through a hole in the 64-year-old patient’s skull at Canberra Hospital last year when she pulled the parasite out with forceps.
North America’s grassland birds are in trouble 50 years after adoption of the Endangered Species Act as habitat loss, land degradation and climate change threaten what remains of a once-vast ecosystem. Their overall population fell by more than half since 1970 — more than any other type of bird, with some species declining 75% or greater.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller talks about some movies getting less buzz than the big summer blockbusters that you won’t want to miss as they will likely gain traction as awards season approaches.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

Also, on this week’s episode of our personal finance podcast PennyWise, we have an episode dedicated to the Swifties, with financial advice before you splurge on Taylor Swift tickets or merch.

Listen to the Taylor Swift episode of PennyWise here.

This week’s top headlines include:

An update on the actors strike with a star from “Breaking Bad.”
Legendary game show host Bob Barker died.
And the US Open has become the noisiest Grand Slam tournament.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

But first, Bruce Miller and I discuss streaming platforms during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened. And then we have a clip from our PennyWise podcast on saving money for Taylor Swift.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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As we head into the weekend, this special episode of Hot off the Wire looks at select feature stories from the past month, including:

Liberal groups are trying to end Donald Trump's attempt to return to the White House by arguing he's ineligible to be president after trying to overturn the 2020 election. The groups cite a rarely used provision of the 14th Amendment barring from public office those who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and then engaged in “insurrection” against it.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has delivered a recommendation to the Drug Enforcement Administration on marijuana policy. HHS recommended that marijuana be moved from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance.
President Joe Biden is planning to request more money from Congress to develop another new coronavirus vaccine, as scientists track new waves and hospitalizations rise, though not like before.
A nearly 200-year-old time capsule that appeared to yield little more than dust when it was opened at West Point actually contained centuries-old coins potentially worth thousands of dollars.
A Connecticut man says he didn't steal the $5,000 in cash he found in a bag, lying in a parking lot in May. But police disagree and have charged him with larceny.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez and 13 other top prosecutors from around the U.S. are uniting in support of efforts to compensate people sickened by exposure to radiation during nuclear weapons testing.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty and sought to sever his case from other defendants accused along with him of illegally trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.
Joseph Biggs of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the U.S. Capitol attack to try to keep Donald Trump in power after the Republican lost the 2020 presidential election.
A Missouri judge has ruled that an 84-year-old white man will stand trial for shooting Ralph Yarl, a Black teen who went to the man’s house by mistake.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is acknowledging that he took three trips last year aboard a private plane owned by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow.
A federal judge has blocked a new Texas law that drag artists fear will be used to shut them down or put them in jail.
The attending physician to Congress says he's cleared Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to continue with his planned schedule. That word from Dr. Brian Monahan comes after he evaluated an incident Wednesday when McConnell appeared to freeze up at an event in Kentucky.
Italian authorities say a speeding out-of-service train has slammed into a group of workers doing nighttime track maintenance, killing five of them.
The Biden administration is proposing a new rule that would require thousands more firearms dealers to run background checks.
If you're squeezing in one last summer trip over the Labor Day weekend, expect lots of company.
The Chicago White Sox promoted Chris Getz to general manager, staying inside the organization for the position almost two decades after the franchise last won a playoff series.
Gil Brandt, overshadowed by coach Tom Landry and general manager Tex Schramm as part of the trio that built the Dallas Cowboys into “America’s Team” in the 1970s, has died. He was 91.
The University of Nebraska laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women’s sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for the Cornhuskers’ volleyball match against Omaha.
Prosecutors in Finland have filed charges against four Finnish men, who are part of a radicalized domestic group, for plotting attacks against migrants, critical infrastructure and their perceived political opponents, authorities said.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden on Wednesday called Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to let him know that federal support would be available to deal with any destruction from Hurricane Idalia.
Idalia made landfall as a dangerous Category 3 hurricane in the lightly populated Big Bend region, where the Florida Panhandle curves into the peninsula. Then it moved east of Tallahassee toward Valdosta, Georgia, where downed powerlines shut down part of the interstate highway into town.
President Biden announced more funds would be made available to Hawaii following wildfires.
The United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea and Japan are urging North Korea to halt arms negotiations with Russia following revelations Russian and North Korean talks on a weapons sale are advancing.
A Massachusetts judge has ruled that once-powerful Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick is not competent to stand trial on charges he sexually assaulted a teenage boy decades ago.
Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed his nation following Hurricane Idalia.
Former Proud Boys national leader Enrique Tarrio’s sentencing for orchestrating the far-right extremist group’s attack on the U.S. Capitol has been delayed until Sept. 5. The judge was sick Wednesday.
The stars of "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" reunited on the picket line to call for studios to resume negotiations with actors.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.1% annual pace from April through June, showing continued resilience in the face of higher borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, the government said in a downgrade from its initial estimate.
Some 15,000 people, including many tourists, have pasted each other with tomatoes in Spain’s annual “Tomatina” street battle in the eastern town of Buñol.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. CT:

Idalia has strengthened into a hurricane as it barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast. Authorities are warning residents of vulnerable areas to pack up and leave to escape the twin threats of high winds and devastating flooding.
President Joe Biden is celebrating a new phase of his administration's efforts to lower medical costs. Officials on Tuesday announced the first 10 drugs that would be targeted for Medicare price negotiations.
The Biden administration will send an additional $250 million in weapons and ammunition to Ukraine as part of its ongoing support of Kyiv's counteroffensive.
A judge has ordered a University of North Carolina graduate student held without bond on charges alleging that he shot and killed his faculty advisor.
A person with direct knowledge of the decision confirmed to The Associated Press that Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has made the 53-player cut.
Tennessee lawmakers have ended a special session initially touted to improve public safety in the wake of a deadly school shooting.
A neurosurgeon investigating a woman’s mystery symptoms in an Australian hospital has plucked a3-inch wriggling worm from the patient’s brain.
The second ranking House Republican says he has been diagnosed with blood cancer. Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana said Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Chemical and consumer product manufacturer 3M has agreed to pay $6 billion to settle numerous lawsuits from U.S. service members who say they experienced hearing loss or other serious injuries from using earplugs made by the company.
A private burial has been held for Yevgeny Prigozhin, ending a tumultuous journey from St. Petersburg street thug to Kremlin-financed mercenary leader.
Zach Johnson has filled out his U.S. Ryder Cup team with some familiar faces. He has added Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler among his six captain's picks. Another choice of his is LIV Golf player and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 29 at 4 p.m. CT:

The University of North Carolina has ended the lockdown after an apparent shooting at its flagship campus in Chapel Hill. Although school officials and local authorities didn’t provide details about the alleged shooting on campus, Gov. Roy Cooper posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had spoken to the Orange County sheriff and the state’s public safety secretary and “pledged all state resources needed to capture the shooter and protect the UNC campus.”
Florida residents are evacuating from homes in low-lying areas along the Gulf Coast as forecasters predict that Tropical Storm Idalia will hit the state as a major hurricane by Wednesday.
A judge has set a March 4, 2024, trial date for Donald Trump in the federal case in Washington charging the former president with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
A lead box believed to have been placed in the base of a West Point monument by cadets almost two centuries ago yielded no bombshells when unsealed during a livestreamed event, just silt.
A medical rescue helicopter has crashed into an apartment complex near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, killing a fire captain and a woman on the ground.
The man who became known as “Joe the Plumber” during the 2008 U.S. presidential election has died. He was 49 and had pancreatic cancer.
Hawaii’s electric utility acknowledged Sunday night its power lines started a wildfire on Maui but faulted county firefighters for declaring the blaze contained and leaving the scene, only to have a second wildfire break out nearby and become the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.
The Russian authorities have announced an endeavor to boost production of movies glorifying Moscow’s actions in Ukraine this year.
On this week's AP religion roundup, amputees in Oregon can get their body parts back for spiritual reasons and oil activities encroach on sacred sites in Uganda.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 28 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Idalia is near the coast of Cuba on a potential track to come ashore as a hurricane in the southern U.S. Forecasters say they expect Idalia to become a hurricane on Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico and then curve northeast and approach Florida on Wednesday with winds up to 100 mph, becoming a Category 2 hurricane.
Hundreds of people have gathered at prayer vigils and in church to mourn yet another racist attack in America. Authorities say a white, 21-year-old man who left behind white supremacist writings killed three Black people Saturday at a dollar store in Jacksonville, Florida.
A new poll finds rare agreement across partisan lines and in this case President Joe Biden is the unifying figure, though not the way he would prefer to be. A hefty 77% in the AP-NORC poll say he's too old to be effective in a second term.
The Associated Press has found that 14 of the 20 most populous U.S. cities are experimenting with removing police from some nonviolent 911 calls and sending behavioral health clinicians.
Eight U.S. Marines remain in a hospital in the Australian north coast city of Darwin after they were injured in a fiery crash of tiltrotor aircraft that killed three of their colleagues.
Donald Trump's campaign says he's raised $7.1 million since Thursday when he was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in the state and became the first former president in U.S. history to ever have a mug shot taken.
The Mariners sail into first place, the Rays and Phillies continue to lead their league wild card races, the FedEx Cup championship has a new victor and California comes up big in the Little League World Series.
A publicist says the enduring and dapper game show host Bob Barker has died at his home in Los Angeles. Barker was 99 and was a household name for more than a half-century as host of “Truth or Consequences” and “The Price Is Right.”
Dotun Olubeko talks about love following "The Bachelorette."
“Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story” and “Barbie” are in a dead heat for the box-office crown, with the video game adaptation just edging Greta Gerwig’s pop sensation, according to studio estimates Sunday.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller shares tales from the many television sets he has visited during his career as an entertainment reporter.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

A change for the voice of Nintendo’s Mario character.
The investigation of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco.
And the list of college football’s preseason All-Americans has been announced.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

But first, Bruce Miller talks about visiting the sets of Gray’s Anatomy and ER during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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As we head into the weekend, this special episode of Hot off the Wire looks at select feature stories from the past month, including:

Federal officials estimate that local governments now have spending plans in place for most of the money they received under a prominent pandemic relief law. The American Rescue Plan, passed two years ago, provided $350 billion of flexible aid to be divided among thousands of governments.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Facebook of putting profits over people’s safety during Canada’s wildfire emergencies. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced earlier this summer it would keep its promise to block news content in Canada on its platforms in response to a new law that requires tech giants to pay publishers for linking to or otherwise repurposing their content online.
A new report says female soldiers face rampant sexism, sexual harassment and other gender-related challenges in male dominated Army special operations units.
The Air Force says no harmful levels of carcinogenic PCBs were found inside the launch facilities at a nuclear missile base in Wyoming. F.E. Warren Air Force Base is among three bases the service is investigating as it looks for possible causes for the number of cancers being reported among its nuclear missile community.
Lawyers and unions representing rail workers say there is a clear pattern across the industry of railroads retaliating against workers who report safety violations or injuries on the job.
A giraffe born without spots at a northeastern Tennessee zoo may be plain, but she's anything but ordinary. The female reticulated giraffe was born July 31 at the family-owned Brights Zoo in Limestone, a rural community in northeastern Tennessee.
A new study shows a promising procedure to treat severe injuries in one eye by using stem cells from the other. Researchers take a small biopsy from the healthy eye, grow and expand the stem cells in a lab and then transplant them into the injured eye.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 24 at 4:15 p.m. CT:

A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment has found that the plane crash presumed to have killed Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was intentionally caused by an explosion. That's according to U.S. and Western officials.
Prince Harry is expected to return to the U.K. next month to attend a charity awards ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Fran Drescher says the strike she's leading as head of the actors union is a huge moment for both Hollywood and the world of work beyond it.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has decided to retire. The 2019 World Series MVP has had his career derailed by injuries.
The Arizona Cardinals have traded Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants, moving on from the No. 8 overall pick in the 2020 draft after three seasons.
FIFA has opened a disciplinary case against the Spanish soccer official who kissed a player on the lips while celebrating the team’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. CT:

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed Wednesday, killing all 10 people on board, emergency officials said. It wasn’t immediately clear if Prigozhin was on the plane.
Former President Donald Trump won’t be at the GOP’s first presidential debate but his presence will be felt. The first Republican presidential debate was expected to be North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum's introduction to the national stage, but his attendance is now in doubt after an injury.
Around 100 million Americans are experiencing extreme temperatures.
Tropical Storm Franklin is unleashing heavy floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic after making landfall in the country’s southern region.
Authorities evacuated neighbors from a Pittsburgh neighborhood after someone reportedly facing eviction began firing from inside a home.
Sixty years ago, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. issued his resounding call for racial harmony that set off decades of push and pull toward progress. The historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom remains a marker by which progress is measured.
Rudy Giuliani has surrendered to authorities in Georgia to face an indictment alleging he acted as former President Donald Trump’s chief co-conspirator in a plot to subvert the 2020 election.
India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole on Wednesday — a historic voyage to uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and a technological triumph for the world’s most populous nation.
U.S. regulators have announced a settlement with the company that runs Dollar Tree and Family Dollar aimed at improving worker safety at thousands of the bargain stores across the country.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. CT:

John Eastman, a conservative attorney who pushed a plan to keep Donald Trump in power, has turned himself in to authorities on charges in the Georgia case alleging an illegal plot to overturn the then-president’s 2020 election loss.
Army commandos using helicopters and a makeshift chairlift rescued eight people from a broken cable car as it dangled hundreds of feet above a canyon in Pakistan.
Newly released video shows the 98-year-old mother of a Kansas newspaper publisher confronting police officers as they searched her home in a raid that has drawn national scrutiny.
Thousands of homes and businesses in the South Texas city of Corpus Christi are without power after the state’s first tropical storm of the hurricane season made landfall, bringing strong winds, welcome rain and cooler temperatures following months of hot, dry weather.
Authorities say a school bus full of children overturned after a crash with a minivan in Ohio, killing one child and injuring 23 others, one seriously.
Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave indefinitely by Major League Baseball while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigate the Tampa Bay Rays' All-Star shortstop for an alleged relationship with a minor.
The NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden $100,000 for public comments he made about his status with the team.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last month to the slowest pace since January, as elevated mortgage rates and a stubbornly low inventory of homes on the market combined to discourage many would-be homebuyers.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez has agreed to a new multiyear contract with the club he led to the 2019 World Series championship. The team announced the new deal Tuesday.
Spain’s acting prime minister has greeted the country's Women’s World Cup champions at the presidential palace in Madrid and slammed the head of the Spanish soccer federation for kissing a team member on the lips without her consent.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 21 at 4 p.m. CT:

Tropical Storm Hilary drenched Southern California from the coast to the desert resort city of Palm Springs before heading east. The first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years, Hilary dropped more than half an average year’s worth of rain on some areas.
Tropical Storm Franklin is churning through the Caribbean Sea as authorities in Haiti and the Dominican Republic warn residents to prepare for floods and landslides.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are flying to Maui to comfort survivors of the wildfires that ripped through the western part of the Hawaiian island.
A Little League World Series coach with Cuba’s first-ever team in the series has gone missing. A Little League International spokesperson said Monday that Bayamo Little League coach Jose Perez left the Little League International Grove late Saturday night and did not return.
House conservatives in a group known as the Freedom Caucus have unveiled a list of demands they want included in a stopgap spending measure to keep the federal government running after the end of September.
Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams of USC, Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michigan running back Blake Corum are among the returning first-team All-Americans who were selected to The Associated Press preseason All-America team.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will serve a three-game suspension to start this season as part of self-imposed penalties for NCAA recruiting infractions.
Charles Martinet, the original voice of Mario in Nintendo games since the 1990s, is stepping down.
Still haven’t seen “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer”? This Sunday, you’ll be able to catch up for $4 a ticket in movie theaters nationwide. Theater owners announced Monday that the second annual National Cinema Day will be held Sunday, Aug. 27.
General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle unit has agreed to cut its fleet of San Francisco robotaxis in half as authorities investigate two recent crashes in the city.
In this week's AP religion roundup, recovery begins with prayers and difficult questions for those affected by deadly wildfires in Hawaii.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 21 at 7 a.m. CT:

Tropical Storm Hilary deluged arid parts of Mexico and then drenched Southern California from the coast to inland mountains and deserts, forcing rescuers to pull several people from swollen rivers.
The remains of 114 people have been found, most of them yet to be identified. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has said the death toll will likely rise in the days to come as the painstaking search for remains continues in the heaps of rubble and ash in Lahaina, a seaside community of 12,000 and a tourist hotspot on Maui.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are traveling to Maui to comfort survivors of the devastating wildfires.
On Monday, the Biden administration announced a new investment of $667 million to build broadband infrastructure in rural areas of the country.
Former President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be skipping Wednesday’s first Republican presidential primary debate — and likely others as well.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked Danish lawmakers for helping his country resist Russia’s invasion. He visited Copenhagen on Monday, a day after Denmark and the Netherlands announced they will provide Kyiv with American-made F-16 warplanes.
Just five years ago, a price-conscious auto shopper in the United States could choose from among a dozen new small cars selling for under $20,000. Now, there’s just one: The Mitsubishi Mirage.
Starbucks has been ordered to pay an additional $2.7 million in lost wages to a former regional manager who was fired after two Black men were arrested at a Starbucks in 2018.
Another busy Sunday with lots of major league baseball action, a record breaking round in golf, a repeat winner on the NASCAR racing circuit and a thrilling match in men's tennis.
Spain won its first Women's World Cup title, beating England 1-0 in the final.
The DC superhero film “Blue Beetle” led weekend ticket sales with an estimated $25.4 million, according to studio estimates, dethroning “Barbie” from the top spot after a record-setting run that left movie theaters colored pink for a month.
A New York City drug dealer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for providing “The Wire” actor Michael K. Williams with fentanyl-laced heroin, causing his death.
Ron Cephas Jones, who won two Emmys for his role on the NBC television series “This Is Us,” has died at age 66.
Paul & Paula, Ray Hildebrand, who formed half of the pop duo Paul & Paula with Jill Jackson, died Friday. They had a No. 1 hit in 1963 with "Hey Paula."

—The Associated Press

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View Details

Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the top movies and television shows to date from 2023.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Britney Spears’ marriage is coming to an end.
There was a coaching shakeup following the U.S. women’s soccer team’s early World Cup exit.
And Georgia begins its quest for another national championship as the preseason favorite.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller talks about binging shows at home rather than seeing mediocre movies in a theater during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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As we head into the weekend, this special episode of Hot off the Wire looks at select feature stories from the past month, including:

A national political movement that could offer an independent presidential ticket in 2024 as an alternative to major-party nominees has now won ballot access in 10 states. The latest happened in North Carolina when the State Board of Elections voted Sunday to recognize the No Labels Party as an official party following a successful petition effort.
Almost a week after the Apple faithful collectively gasped at the first evidence that the iPhone's “end call” button might soon be shifting upward and a column to the right, it looks like the whole thing might have been a false alarm.
New York surgeons transplanted a pig's kidney into a brain-dead man and for over a month it's worked normally.
COVID-19 has taken a toll on the nation's heart health but how profound is only starting to emerge. Heart attack deaths spiked early in the pandemic, erasing years of progress in battling cardiovascular disease.
Researchers in heavily drilled Pennsylvania are adding to a body of evidence suggesting links between the natural gas industry and certain health problems.
Fifty years after the U.S. Endangered Species Act took effect, officials say 99% of the animals and plants it protects have survived. But some scientists and activists fear the act itself is in trouble.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 17 at 4:30 p.m. CT:

Wall Street fell for a third straight day as rising yields in the bond market keep cranking up the pressure.
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate jumped this week to 7.09%, its highest level in 20 years.
On Maui, another day of waiting for some to hear word of their loved ones while others worry about jobs and their homes.
Residents of the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories are fleeing an approaching wildfire in long convoys of cars, while air evacuations are underway for those who cannot leave by road.
A Mississippi judge has cited police errors in declaring a mistrial for two white men accused of chasing and shooting at a Black FedEx employee who was making a delivery.
More than 1.5 million dehumidifiers are under recall following reports of nearly two dozen fires, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. The recall impacts 42 models of dehumidifiers sold under five brand names: Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze.
Britney Spears' husband Sam Asghari is seeking financial support from the pop superstar in his divorce filing.
Police in eastern Pakistan have arrested 129 Muslims after a mob angered over an alleged desecration of a Quran by two men attacked more than a dozen churches and homes of minority Christians.
A new scientific study suggests the world should start preparing to protect the ecosystems that emerge from under the disappearing ice, as a warming planet is inevitably causing glaciers to melt.
Only 36% of U.S. adults approve of President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy, slightly lower than the 42% who approve of his overall performance.
Maximizing player rest and limiting travel demands were again part of the NBA’s formula for the coming regular season. That's what the league indicated Thursday when announcing the schedule for 2023-24.
Twila Kilgore will serve as interim coach of the U.S women’s national team following the resignation of coach Vlatko Andonovski. U.S. Soccer formally announced Andonovski’s resignation on Thursday.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon has been found not guilty of aggravated menacing in a January traffic dispute.
A new study on inclusion in film shows just how much of a rarity “Barbie” is. For every woman as a speaking character in the most popular films of 2022, there were more than two men, according to report by University of Southern California’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.
The world’s top chess federation has ruled that transgender women cannot compete in its official events for women until an assessment of gender change is made by its officials.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. CT:

In Hawaii, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it has opened its first disaster recovery center on Maui to help victims of the Lahaina wildfires.
Rural areas near California’s border with Oregon are under evacuation orders after gusty winds from a thunderstorm sent a lightning-sparked wildfire racing through national forest lands.
New restrictions on access to a drug used in the most common form of abortion would be imposed under a federal appeals court ruling. But those restrictions won’t take effect, at least right away, because the Supreme Court previously intervened to keep the drug available during the legal fight.
A Kansas prosecutor says that he found insufficient evidence to support the police raid of a weekly newspaper and that all seized material should be returned.
Most Federal Reserve officials last month still regarded high inflation as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting.
A new poll shows Americans are deeply divided along party lines in their views of President Donald Trump’s actions in the most recent criminal charges brought against him.
The U.N. special envoy for global education says the International Criminal Court should prosecute Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity for denying education and employment to Afghan girls and women.
Former West Virginia men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins has entered a 12-month diversion program to resolve a drunken driving arrest.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden says he and first lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii “as soon as we can” to survey the Maui wildfire damage. He said he doesn’t want his presence to interrupt recovery and cleanup efforts.
The mother of a 6-year-old who shot his teacher in Virginia pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of felony child neglect, seven months after her son used her handgun to critically wound the educator in a classroom full of students.
Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago property manager, Carlos De Oliveira, has pleaded not guilty to scheming with Trump to try to delete security footage sought by investigators probing the former president’s hoarding of classified documents.
The Indianapolis Colts have seen enough of rookie Anthony Richardson to name him their opening day starting quarterback.
The presidents of 13 universities are elevating free speech on their campuses this academic year, as part of a new nonprofit initiative announced Tuesday.
Americans increased their purchases at retailers last month – for clothing, dining out, sporting goods and other areas – in a sign that solid consumer spending is still powering a resilient U.S. economy.
Pets and people are recovering this week after fleeing Maui wildfires that claimed over 90 lives and decimated a historic town. The Maui Humane Society estimates 3,000 animals from Lahaina are lost or missing.
Outdoor dining was a rare part of the pandemic that many people actually liked. As New York City has moved out from under its pandemic-era regulations, how to handle the new landscape of outdoor dining structures has been a growing question.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 14 at 4 p.m. CT:

Court officials in Atlanta published a list of criminal charges against former President Donald Trump. But as a Fulton County grand jury began hearing from witnesses Monday, there was no public indication that Trump had been indicted in a long-running investigation of the 2020 presidential election.
Donald Trump is attacking the federal judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against him days after she warned him not to make inflammatory statements about the case.
New guidance from the Biden administration urges colleges to use a range of strategies to promote racial diversity on their campuses after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in admissions.
Georgia begins its drive for an unprecedented college football championship three-peat as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press preseason Top 25.
Clarence Avant, the manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as the "Black Godfather" of entertainment and beyond has died at 92.
A small central Kansas police department is facing a torrent of criticism after it raided the offices of a local newspaper and the home of its publisher and owner.
Patients taking blockbuster drugs like Wegovy for weight loss may face potentially deadly complications if they need surgery or other procedures that require empty stomachs for anesthesia.
On this week's religion roundup, a congregation wants to see its historic church demolished.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 14 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

As Hawaii residents mourned those killed in ferocious wildfires, officials warned that the full human and environmental toll was not yet known and the recovery only just beginning from the destruction wrought by flames that galloped a mile every minute.
Authorities say five people, including an adolescent, were found dead after a house explosion in western Pennsylvania that destroyed three structures and damaged at least a dozen others.
An airline flight from Australia to Malaysia has returned to Sydney where a passenger was arrested hours later in what police described as an emergency incident.
Niger’s mutinous soldiers say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason” and undermining state security.
Democrats were already concerned about President Joe Biden’s age, his leadership on the economy and his stalled agenda in Congress. And on Friday, Attorney General Merrick Garland exposed another significant vulnerability for Biden’s reelection by appointing a special counsel to probe the president’s son, Hunter Biden.
U.S. officials say the Pentagon is developing plans to restructure the National Guard in Washington, D.C. The goal is to address problems highlighted by the chaotic response to the Jan. 6 riot and safety breaches during the 2020 protests over the murder of George Floyd.
Thanks to his victory at the Brickyard 200, a NASCAR driver has qualified for the playoffs, the tight race in the American League West remains the same after the Rangers and Astros each lose, and in basketball, the US World Cup team picks up a nice pre-tournament win.
“Barbie” is cruising atop the box office. Studio estimates Sunday said director Greta Gerwig’s film phenomenon remained a runaway No. 1 in its fourth week, bringing in $33.7 million. The Margot Robbie-led and produced film from Warner Bros. surpassed $500 million in North America overall.
The organizer of a Malaysian music festival is seeking $2.7 million in losses from British band The 1975 over a breach of contract.
The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" is credited by hip-hop artists as a major influence as the genre turned 50.
Tom Jones, the lyricist, director and writer of “The Fantasticks,” the longest-running musical in history, has died. He was 95.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss a number of streaming shows that have returned with new seasons, such as "Only Murders in the Building," "Reservation Dogs" and "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty."

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

An extended look at the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music.
The Emmy Awards have a new date due to the strikes in Hollywood.
MTV Video Music Award nominations were announced.
Musicians Robbie Robertson and Sixto Rodriguez died, as did Oscar-winning director William Friedkin.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller and I discuss the return of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty" on HBO during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. CT:

Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel in the Hunter Biden probe, deepening the investigation of the president’s son ahead of the 2024 election.
The federal judge overseeing the election conspiracy case against Donald Trump is warning that there are limits on what the former president can publicly say about the investigation as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.
The Federal Election Commission has begun a process to potentially regulate AI-generated deepfakes in political ads ahead of the 2024 election.
Nationwide, students have been absent at record rates since schools reopened after COVID-forced closures. More than a quarter of students missed at least 10% of the 2021-22 school year.
A woman in suburban Detroit says she got a scare when she discovered a live frog in a container of spinach she had just bought at a grocery store.
A summer sleepaway camp in California serves as a haven for Jewish children of color.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has declared Hawaii a disaster area, clearing the way for federal aid to help Maui residents and businesses recover from devastating wildfires.
Prosecutors with special counsel Jack Smith’s team have asked a judge to set a Jan. 2 trial date for ex-President Donald Trump in the Washington case charging him with plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss. Donald Trump’s valet, Walt Nauta, has pleaded not guilty to new charges in the case accusing the ex-president of illegally hoarding classified documents at his Florida estate. The judge accepted a not guilty plea the Republican former president made in court papers last week.
Federal forecasters are doubling chances of a nasty Atlantic hurricane season this summer and fall.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s largest school system has cancelled the second and third day of school after a disastrous overhaul of the transportation system. Some children didn't arrive home until almost 10 p.m. on opening day. The Courier Journal reports the disaster came after major changes to school bus routes and school start times this year. Those were meant to alleviate the effects of a bus driver shortage. Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio calls it a “transportation disaster” in a video posted on social media. Pollio apologized to students, families, bus drivers, and the school officials who had to stay with students for hours as they waited for buses Wednesday.
The Biden administration is asking Congress to provide more than $13 billion in emergency defense aid to Ukraine and an additional $8 billion for humanitarian support through the end of the year.
Ukrainian authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation of nearly 12,000 civilians from 37 towns and villages in the Kupiansk district of Ukraine’s eastern Kharkiv region.
The strike-delayed 75th Emmy Awards have a new date — one that places them directly in Hollywood’s awards season for a change. Fox announced Thursday that the Emmys will air Jan. 15 from the Peacock Theater at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.
Inflation in the United States edged up in July after 12 straight months of declines. But excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core inflation matched the smallest monthly rise in nearly two years, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes have continued to slow price increases.
The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits jumped last week, but not enough to cause concern about a still-strong U.S. labor market.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 9 at 4 p.m. CT:

Special counsel Jack Smith’s team obtained a search warrant in January for records related to former President Donald Trump’s Twitter account, and a judge levied a $350,000 fine on the company for missing the deadline to company.
A single lottery ticket sold in Florida has won a $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot but the prize has not yet been claimed and may not be for some time.
Wind-whipped wildfires are racing through parts of Hawaii, burning structures in a historic town on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and leading some to flee to the relative safety of the ocean, where they were rescued by the Coast Guard.
An aid organization in Haiti says that American nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter have been freed nearly two weeks after they were kidnapped in the capital Port-au-Prince.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein fell in her home and went to the hospital for a short time.
Waves of severe thunderstorms in the U.S. during the first half of this year led to $34 billion in insured losses, an unprecedented level of financial damage in such a short time as climate change contributes to the frequency and severity of violent meteorological events.
A member of an outlaw motorcycle club accused of killing an associate member and leaving his body in a crypt at a Philadelphia cemetery has been convicted of murder and other charges.
Donald Trump and his legal team face long odds in their bid to move his 2020 election conspiracy trial out of Washington.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday suspended the top prosecutor in Orlando, again wielding his executive power over local government in taking on a contentious issue in the 2024 presidential race.
Sixto Rodriguez, who lived in obscurity as his music career flamed out early in the U.S. only to find success in South Africa and a stardom he was unaware of, has died in Detroit. He was 81.
In the five decades since hip-hop emerged out of New York City, it has spread around the country and the world. This year is being marked as a 50th anniversary celebration.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has signed a national monument designation for the greater Grand Canyon, declaring it good “not only for Arizona but for the planet.”
Thousands of Los Angeles city employees, including sanitation workers, engineers and traffic officers, walked off the job for a 24-hour strike alleging unfair labor practices.
The White House held its first-ever cybersecurity “summit” on the ransomware attacks plaguing U.S. schools.
The Supreme Court is reinstating a regulation aimed at reining in the proliferation of firearms without serial numbers, called ghost guns.
In late June, the Amazon city of Guajara-Mirim approved a law that designates the Komi Memem River “as a living entity and subject to rights.”
U.S. auto safety investigators have opened a probe into reports that some older Ram 1500 pickup trucks can lose their power-steering assistance with little or no warning.
Taylor Swift tops the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards nominations with eight. She's followed by SZA, who has six.
Willie Perry Jr., a Chicago disc jockey known as “DJ Casper” and creator of the iconic “Cha Cha Slide” dance, has died. He was 58.
Authorities say a woman was seriously injured when a shark bit her on the leg while she was swimming at a New York City beach.
A new study concludes that Antarctica is already being and will continue to be affected by more frequent and severe extreme weather events, a known byproduct of human-caused climate change.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer convicted in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, didn't show any repentance or admit any wrongdoing as he was sentenced to nearly five years.
A federal judge has tossed out former President Donald Trump’s countersuit against the writer who won a sex abuse lawsuit against him. The judge ruled Monday that Trump can’t claim that E. Jean Carroll defamed him by continuing to say she was not only sexually abused but raped.
New York Mayor Eric Adams says the city will house as many as 2,000 migrants on an island in the East River where a migrant center was set up last year and then taken down weeks later.
Authorities say a body has been found on the grounds of the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix for the second time in less than two weeks.
President Joe Biden says he can relate to Dusty Baker, the oldest manager to win the World Series. Baker was 73 when he guided the Houston Astros to the title last year. The team celebrated at the White House on Monday.
Chicago’s Tim Anderson has been suspended six games and Cleveland’s José Ramírez for three games by Major League Baseball for fighting and touching off a lengthy, wild brawl between the White Sox and Guardians on Saturday night.
William Friedkin, the Oscar winning director of two gripping film classics, “The French Connection” and “The Exorcist,” has died. He was 87.
Elon Musk says he may need to get surgery before a proposed “cage match” with Mark Zuckerberg.
The U.S. government’s most ambitious plan ever to slash planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from passenger vehicles faces skepticism about how realistic it is and whether it goes far enough.
In a small South Carolina town, a community is getting ready to show off a little-remembered part of the history of the segregated South. The restoration of the Rosenwald school in St. George is nearly complete.
The Loch Ness Centre in Scotland is calling for “budding monster hunters” and volunteers to join in what it dubs the largest search for the Loch Ness Monster since the 1970s.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 7 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

The Justice Department has asked a federal judge overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in Washington to step in after he released a post online that appeared to promise revenge on anyone who goes after him. Prosecutors want U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to issue a protective order concerning evidence in the case. Chutkan gave Trump’s legal team until 5 p.m. Monday to respond to the government’s request.
Authorities say three passengers died after a charter bus carrying up to 50 people collided with a vehicle on an interstate in Pennsylvania.
Emergency officials say three people were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided in Southern California while fighting a blaze in Riverside County.
Russia unleashed a missile and drone barrage across parts of Ukraine that officials in Kyiv say killed six people, as Moscow followed through on its promise to retaliate for a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea near Crimea late Friday.
Pope Francis says his recovery from his latest abdominal surgery is going well.
Tou Thao, the last former Minneapolis police officer to face sentencing in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd, is expected to learn Monday whether he’ll spend any additional time in prison.
In sports, there were great performances throughout the majors on Sunday, the U.S. women's soccer team goes down down under and Lucas Glover earns a spot in the St. Jude Championship.
“Barbie,” which Greta Gerwig directed and co-wrote, added another $53 million from 4,178 North American locations this weekend, according to studio estimates on Sunday. Warner Bros. said the film will cross $1 billion before the end of the day. Second place went to “Meg 2: The Trench,” with $30 million, while “Oppenheimer” landed in third place in its third weekend, with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” close behind in fourth.
Rapper Tory Lanez is expected to be sentenced for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion in the feet and wounding her.
Country superstar Keith Urban and Kix Brooks of powerhouse country duo Brooks & Dunn will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year.
Actor Mark Margolis, who indelibly played murderous former drug kingpin Hector Salamanca in “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul,” has died at 83 following a short illness, his son announced.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2023 on Saturday.
Elon Musk says his potential in-person fight with Mark Zuckerberg would be streamed live on his social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Aug. 5 at 4 p.m. CT:

The IRS says it is ending its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits — in a an effort to keep its workers safe and combat scammers who pose as IRS agents. Effective immediately, the change follows a number of other actions the agency has taken to improve worker safety.
Food manufacturers who deliberately add sesame to their products and include it on their labels are not violating a new federal allergy law. That's according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. More companies are adding sesame flour to foods that didn’t have it before because they say its easier to do that than try to keep the allergen away from other foods and equipment.
After a three-year exile driven by the pandemic, San Francisco’s downtown has waited for the crowds, the commuters and electric ambience to return. Instead, it has become a prime example of what downtowns shouldn’t look like: vacant, crime-ridden and in decay.
Japan's population has declined in all of its 47 prefectures for the first time in a record drop, while its population of foreign residents reached a new high of almost 3 million people, highlighting the increasing role that non-Japanese people play in the shrinking and aging country.
A system of ocean currents that transports heat northward across the North Atlantic could collapse this century, according to a new study. The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation has been weakening over the last several decades, scientists found. Scientists earlier have said a complete collapse could lead to more extreme weather in Europe and rising sea levels in the United States.
A United Nations report says the Asia-Pacific region needs to drastically increase its investments in disaster warning systems and other tools to counter rising risks from climate change.
Thousands of crime victims each year are confronted with the difficult financial reality of state compensation programs that are billed as safety nets to offset costs like funerals, medical care, relocation and other needs. Many programs require victims to pay for those expenses first and exhaust all means of payment before they reimburse costs, often at rates that don’t fully cover expenses.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Donald Trump pleaded not guilty Thursday to trying to overturn the results of his 2020 election loss, answering for the first time to federal charges that accuse him of orchestrating a brazen and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to block the peaceful transfer of presidential power.
Ukrainian drones have attacked a major Russian port on the Black Sea.
Two U.S. Navy sailors were charged Thursday with providing sensitive military information to China — including details on wartime exercises, naval operations and critical technical material.

The two sailors, both based in California, were charged with similar moves to provide sensitive intelligence to the Chinese. But they were separate cases, and it wasn’t clear if the two were courted or paid by the same Chinese intelligence officer as part of a larger scheme. Federal officials at a news conference in San Diego declined to specify whether the sailors were aware of each other’s actions. * Phoenix rises to 113F again. * Mega Millions jackpot tops $1.2 Billion. * Expelled Tennessee lawmakers win back their seats. * PAC12 may be getting thinner as 3 of the 9 remaining schools have expressed interest in other conferences. * MLB news and scores

—The Associated Press

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Former President Donald Trump is expected appear at an arraignment in Washington, D.C. on Thursday following his indictment on felony charges for working to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the U.S.
Authorities say a man who posed as an undercover police officer kidnapped a woman in Seattle, drove her hundreds of miles to his home in Oregon and locked her in a cinder block cell until she bloodied her hands breaking the door to escape.
A Russian court on Thursday imposed fines on Apple and the host of Wikipedia for failing to remove material deemed to be “false information” about Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
NYC calls for help amid migrant crisis after seeing 2300 arrive in the past week.
Braves playing like the best team in baseball
Cubs set scoring record as they surge over Reds

—The Associated Press

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3rd Trump indictment, due in court tomorrow
Hollywood writers' union to resume talks to end 3 month strike
U.S. soldier dies in Germany
Europeans forced to consider air conditioning
Dow gains
Astros' Valdez gets no-hitter while Verlander returns
MLB highlights

—The Associated Press

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The National Weather Service calls the south central U.S. heat "dangerous"
Suspect critical in Memphis after police stopped his attempt to enter a jewish school while brandishing a gun
Mega Millions tops $1 Billion
Women's World Cup - U.S. ties
Paul Reubens - who famously played Pee Wee Herman - dies after long cancer battle at 70
Actor Angus Cloud dead at 25
MLB teams break through trade deadlines
Baseball scores

—The Associated Press

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Trump accused of asking Mar-A-Lago worker who is headed to court today, to delete camera footage in Florida classified documents case. Campaigning in Pennsylvania Sunday, Trump calls on GOP to rally around him.
Extreme heat in south central U.S. punctuates what will likeley be the hottest July on record.
China is restricting exports of civilian drones
Suicide bomber blows himself up in Pakistan injuring hundreds
Joe Biden, the oldest sitting American president, needs young voters to win reelection
MLB news - The Cincinnati Reds take 1st place in NL Central, PGA, NASCAR Richmond news

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss our thoughts on “Barbenheimer” as we each saw the blockbuster films “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” last week.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Jason Aldean's “Try That in a Small Town” rocketed to No. 2 on charts after a music video controversy.
Hollywood stars joined a SAG-AFTRA rally in Times Square in support of striking actors and writers.
A jury in London acquitted Kevin Spacey of sexual assault charges.
Singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor died at age 56.
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani will remain with the Angels through the end of the season.
And Scott Rolen and Fred McGriff entered the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press. But first, Bruce Miller talks about how “Barbie” could be in the mix for multiple Oscars during the latest episode of Streamed & Screened.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 28 at 4 p.m. CT:

Signs that inflation pressures in the United States are steadily easing emerged Friday in reports that consumer prices rose in June at their slowest pace in more than two years and that wage growth cooled last quarter. Together, the figures provided the latest signs that the Federal Reserve’s drive to tame inflation may succeed without triggering a recession, an outcome known as a “soft landing.”
Ford is recalling more than 870,000 F-150 pickup trucks in the U.S. because the electric parking brakes can turn on unexpectedly. The recall covers certain pickups from the 2021 through 2023 model years with single exhaust systems.
Federal officials are considering a crackdown on defective lithium-ion batteries that power hoverboards, scooters and motorized bicycles because of a rash of deadly fires caused by exploding batteries. The effort comes as New York City implements new laws meant to reduce the number of fires, injuries and deaths in a city where e-bikes have become ubiquitous.
Homeless kids often fell through the cracks during the tumult of the pandemic, when many schools struggled to keep track of families with unstable housing. The number of children identified as homeless by schools nationwide dropped by 21% from the 2018-2019 school year to the 2020-2021 school year, according to federal data. But the decrease, representing more than 288,000 students, likely includes many kids whose homelessness was unknown to schools.
A new analysis shows students across the U.S. fell further behind academically last school year despite extensive efforts to help them recover from learning setbacks tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research comes from K-12 assessment and research organization NWEA. The analysis found that the average student will need the equivalent of 4.1 additional months of schooling to catch up in reading and 4.5 months for math.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 27 at 4 p.m. CT:

Lawyers for Donald Trump have met with members of special counsel Jack Smith’s team ahead of a potential indictment over the former president’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
With heat waves spreading across the United States, President Joe Biden has announced new steps to protect workers, improve weather forecasts and make drinking water more accessible.
A derailment of an Amtrak train in Montana that killed three people in 2021 was caused by a poor track conditions at the accident site, federal investigators said in a final report on the accident.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says the fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region of southeastern Ukraine has “intensified significantly.”
At least 100,000 people in the U.S. have become allergic to red meat since 2010 because of a weird syndrome triggered by tick bites.
Sometime this summer, if President Vladimir Putin can be believed, Russia moved some of its short-range nuclear weapons into Belarus, closer to Ukraine and onto the doorstep of NATO’s members in Central and Eastern Europe. The declared deployment of the weapons onto the territory of its neighbor and loyal ally marks a new stage in the Kremlin’s nuclear saber-rattling over its invasion of Ukraine.
Shohei Ohtani is staying with the Los Angeles Angels, at least for the rest of the season. The playoff-contending team said Thursday it has decided not to deal the two-way superstar, just days before MLB’s trade deadline.
LeBron James says his family is “safe and healthy” three days after his oldest son, Bronny, went into cardiac arrest.
President Joe Biden says the first cancer-focused initiative under his advanced health research agency is a “major milestone in the fight to end cancer as we know it.”
Archaeologists said Wednesday that the ruins of Nero’s Theater have been discovered under the garden of the future Four Seasons Hotel.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 26 at 4 p.m. CT:

The plea deal in Hunter Biden’s criminal case unraveled during a court hearing Wednesday after a federal judge raised concerns about the terms of the agreement that has infuriated Republicans who believe the president’s son is getting preferential treatment.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell briefly left his own press conference Wednesday after stopping his remarks mid-sentence and staring off into space for several seconds, appearing to be disoriented.
The Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate for the 11th time in 17 months, a streak of hikes that are intended to curb inflation but that also carry the risk of going too far and triggering a recession.
A London jury has acquitted Kevin Spacey on sexual assault charges stemming from allegations by four men dating back 20 years.
New York City officials plan to set up a shelter for up to 1,000 migrants in the parking lot of a state psychiatric hospital as thousands of asylum seekers continue to arrive in the city weekly.
President Joe Biden has nominated former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to lead the Social Security Administration.
Singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor has died at 56. The gifted and troubled Irish performer was known for her shaved head and for her fierce and expressive voice.
Hugh “Sonny” Carter Jr. has died. He's the Carter who helped organize the “Peanut Brigade” that helped elect his cousin Jimmy to the White House and later enforced the president’s frugal ways in the West Wing.
Gas prices are going up, but it's not due to demand. Supplies are tight, so prices are going up according to AAA.
The water temperature on the tip of Florida hit hot tub levels, exceeding 100 degrees two days in a row, which meteorologists say could potentially be the hottest seawater ever measured.
The president of the International Olympic Committee has formally invited the world’s nations but not Russia or its military ally Belarus to gather in one year in Paris for the 2024 Games.
Volunteers are working frantically on a second day to save dozens of pilot whales that have stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia, but more than 50 have already died.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 25 at 4 p.m. CT:

A proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing access to abortion will appear on Ohio’s fall ballot. That sets up a volatile and expensive fight rife with emotional messaging and competing factual claims.
A federal judge has blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities to deny asylum to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through.
UPS has reached a contract agreement with its 340,000-person strong union Tuesday, averting a strike that had the potential to disrupt logistics nationwide for businesses and households alike.
Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is hospitalized in stable condition a day after going into cardiac arrest while participating in a basketball practice at the University of Southern California.
Republican presidential contender Ron DeSantis is cutting far more campaign staff than previously thought as he works to reset his stumbling campaign amid unexpected financial trouble.
U.S. consumer confidence shot to the highest level in two years this month as inflationary pressures eased and the American economy continued to show resilience in the face of dramatically higher interest rates.
Philippines made history at its first Women’s World Cup with its first goal and first win, holding on under pressure to upset co-host New Zealand.
Casey Phair has become the youngest player in soccer World Cup history at the age of 16 years and 26 days.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says one of its agents was driving Gov. Ron DeSantis' vehicle in a motorcade when it was involved in a multi-car accident in Tennessee.
Secret Service records show that President Joe Biden's dog Commander has bitten or attacked agency officers stationed at the White House 10 times between October 2022 and January.
Former President Barack Obama’s personal chef has drowned near the Obama family’s home on Martha’s Vineyard.
Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” is experiencing exponential growth following controversy over its music video. The song, which was released in May, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week just behind BTS’s Jung Kook solo single “Seven,” featuring Latto.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 24 at 5 p.m. CT:

The Justice Department is suing Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott over a floating barrier that the state placed on the Rio Grande to stop migrants from entering the U.S.
The American-led U.N. Command says it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.
The hazing scandal at Northwestern University has widened to include a volleyball player who has become the first female athlete to sue the university over allegations she was retaliated against for reporting mistreatment and a new lawsuit by former Northwestern quarterback Lloyd Yates.
An Arkansas truck driver who beat a police officer with a flagpole attached to an American flag during the U.S. Capitol riot has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.
Ary Borges has scored a hat trick as Brazil made a flying start at the Women’s World Cup by beating Panama 4-0.
Green Bay Packers CEO Mark Murphy says it will probably take “at least half a season” for the team to know what it has in new starting quarterback Jordan Love.
Elon Musk has unveiled a new “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he follows through with a major rebranding of the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year.
As the deadline to reach a new contract nears, a potential UPS strike feels closer than ever.
Excessive heat continues to bear down on sections of the United States, a reminder of the impetus for the The Inflation Reduction Act, the significant climate legislation that turns one year old on August 16.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Europe's iconic churches struggle to accommodate both worship and tourism.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 24 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

Phoenix is still sweltering and the heat dome that was across the Southwest is starting to expand across the country.
The American-led U.N. Command says it has started a conversation with North Korea about a U.S. soldier who ran into the North last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.
Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on Moscow during which one of the aircraft fell near the Defense Ministry’s main headquarters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been released from the hospital after an emergency heart procedure, as the nation braces for a vote on the first major piece of a contentious overhaul of the country’s justice system.
Elon Musk has unveiled a new black and white “X” logo to replace Twitter’s famous blue bird as he follows through with a major rebranding of the the social media platform he bought for $44 billion last year.
Scott Rolen and Fred McGriff have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rolen was the only player to be voted in by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America this year, and McGriff was selected unanimously by the Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee.
In sports: Brian Harman runs away with the British Open, Cooperstown inducts two new members, the Orioles fly higher atop the AL East, and the Rangers win the battle of Western division leaders.
In entertainment: “Barbenheimer” didn’t just work – it spun box office gold. Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” claimed the top spot with a massive $155 million in ticket sales from North American theaters from 4,243 locations. Universal’s “Oppenheimer” also soared past expectations, taking in $80.5 million from 3,610 theaters. And few artists could match Tony Bennett's ability to transcend generations. The legend died Friday.
A White House official says President Joe Biden will establish a national monument honoring Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. Emmett Till is the Black teenager from Chicago who was tortured and killed in 1955 after being accused of whistling at a white woman in Mississippi.
A deadlocked jury has prompted a mistrial in the double murder trial of rapper YNW Melly in South Florida. The panel could not reach a unanimous verdict Saturday after three days of deliberations.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the state of the actors and writers strikes.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Things to know about the Hollywood strikes.
Jason Aldean released a controversial new music video.
There was an update in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur.
And style icon Jane Birkin died.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 21 at 3 p.m. CT:

Tony Bennett, the eminent stylist and last of the great saloon singers whose devotion to classic American songs and knack for creating new standards such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” graced a decadeslong career, has died at 96.
A federal judge in Florida has set a trial date for next May for former President Donald Trump in a case charging him with illegally retaining hundreds of classified documents. The May 20, 2024, trial date was set Friday by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon.
President Joe Biden has chosen Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy. If confirmed, she will be the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
President Joe Biden is praising new commitments by Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and other companies that are leading the development of artificial intelligence technology to meet a set of AI safeguards brokered by his White House as an important step toward managing the “enormous” promise and risks posed by the technology.
TV meteorologist Chris Gloninger faced intensifying harassment as he did more reporting on climate change during local newscasts. So on June 21, he announced that he was leaving KCCI — and his 18-year career in broadcast journalism altogether. Gloninger’s experience is all too common among meteorologists across the country who are encountering reactions from viewers as they tie climate change to extreme temperatures, blizzards, tornadoes and floods in their local newscasts.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 20 at 4 p.m. CT:

The White House is deeply concerned about the well-being of a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed North Korea border earlier this week. Administration officials say North Korea has yet to respond to U.S. requests for basic information about the AWOL soldier, Pvt. Travis King.
A tiny neighborhood store in downtown Los Angeles near Skid Row has sold the winning ticket for the Powerball jackpot worth an estimated $1.08 billion.
A South Florida jury awarded $800,000 in damages to a little girl who received second-degree burns when a hot Chicken McNugget fell on her leg as her mother pulled away from the drive-thru of a McDonald’s restaurant.
Miami police say an 18-year-old mother tried to hire a hitman to kill her 3-year-old son, who was living with his grandmother at the time.
A sea otter launched into the national spotlight after social media images circulated of her aggressively wresting surfboards away from surfers off the coast of Santa Cruz, California is building a fan club as she continues to evade capture.
Country music star Jason Aldean has released a controversial music video for his latest single, “Try That In A Small Town." Country Music Television removed it Monday from rotation, three days after its release.
Pop star Shakira is facing more trouble from Spain’s tax office after a court near Barcelona agreed to open an investigation into a second case of alleged tax fraud by the Colombian singer.
A row of tightly trimmed ficus trees along a stretch of sidewalk outside Universal Studios has become a hot spot in the face-off between Hollywood studios and striking screenwriters and actors.
Security was heightened ahead of Thursday night’s opening Women’s World Cup game after a gunman killed two people at a downtown construction site in Auckland, roughly 12 hours ahead of co-host New Zealand’s match against Norway.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 19 at 4 p.m. CT:

U.S. officials are seeking information on Pvt. Travis King, who fled across the border from South Korea into North Korea.
A federal judge has rejected Donald Trump’s bid to move his hush-money criminal case from New York state court to federal court.
High-water rescue crews have been pulling people from flooded homes and vehicles in Kentucky.
Officials say a 39-year-old woman and her 5-year-old daughter were swept away in a swollen Connecticut river and died.
The Biden administration is proposing new guidelines for corporate mergers, taking steps to disclose junk fees charged by landlords and launching a crackdown on price-gouging in the food industry.
A federal judge has denied a motion to move the trial of a man charged in last year’s attack against former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband out of San Francisco.
New York may ban cash prizes for hunting coyotes and squirrels.
Allegations of hazing in Northwestern’s athletic programs have broadened as attorneys say male and female athletes reported misconduct within two other sports and suggested sexual abuse and racial discrimination within the football program was so rampant coaches knew about it.
A federal judge has upheld a $5 million jury verdict against Donald Trump, rejecting the ex-president's claim the jury vindicated him by failing to conclude he raped a columnist in a New York department store in the 1990s.
With Hollywood’s actors and writers on strike, you may have some questions. Yes, you can still go see “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” No, the guilds don’t want you to cancel Netflix — yet.
The Women's World Cup kicks off on Thursday. The U.S. women are vying for their third-straight title.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges has apologized for “the pain and embarrassment” caused by the domestic violence investigation that kept him out of the league last season.
Chinese livestreamers have set their sights on selling to TikTok shoppers in the U.S. and Europe.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 17 at 4 p.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he's been notified he is a target of the Justice Department investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
U.S. officials say an American soldier who fled across the heavily armed border from South Korea into North Korea had been facing military disciplinary actions.
The extreme heat scorching Phoenix set a new record Tuesday, the 19th consecutive day temperatures hit at least 110 degrees Fahrenheit in a summer of suffering echoing around much of the globe.
An Australian sailor who was rescued by a Mexican tuna boat after being adrift at sea with his dog for three months has stepped foot on dry land for the first time since their ordeal began.
An ongoing eruption of a remote volcano in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands produced an ash cloud so large Tuesday warnings were sent to pilots about potentially dangerous conditions.
Detectives investigating the long-unsolved slayings known as the Gilgo Beach killings have searched a storage facility in the Long Island community of Amityville over the weekend.
Americans increased their spending last month as inflation eased in many areas, and the job market remained remarkably strong.
The Biden administration and major consumer tech players are launching an effort to put a nationwide cybersecurity certification and labeling program in place.
A meeting in India of finance chiefs and central bank governors of the Group of 20 leading economies has ended without consensus because of differences over the war in Ukraine.
Farm workers are 35 times more likely to die of heat exposure than workers in other industries, according to the National Institutes of Health.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 17 at 4 p.m. CT:

Russia has halted a breakthrough wartime deal that allows grain to flow from Ukraine to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where hunger is a growing threat and high food prices have pushed people into poverty.
Authorities in Oregon say the deaths of four women whose bodies were found over three months are linked and that at least one person of interest has been identified.
Longtime police official Edward Caban has been sworn is as commissioner of the New York Police Department, becoming the first Latino to lead the 178-year-old department.
U.S. officials have approved a new long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against RSV, a respiratory virus that causes thousands of hospitalizations each year.
New research shows another experimental Alzheimer's drug can modestly slow patients' inevitable worsening.
Elton John has testified for the defense at Kevin Spacey’s sexual assault trial as the actor’s lawyer attempted to discredit a man who claimed Spacey aggressively grabbed his crotch in a car on the way to the singer’s house.
A red sweater adorned with a flock of sheep worn by the young Princess Diana is expected to sell for more than $50,000 at auction.
A Florida neighborhood is having to deal with a growing group of domestic rabbits on its streets after a breeder illegally let hers loose. Between 60 and 100 lionhead rabbits have taken up residence in the yards of a suburban Fort Lauderdale community.
The World Health Organization says more than two dozen cats have been infected with bird flu across Poland, but no people appear to have been sickened.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, New Mexicans are fighting for the survival of their historic churches.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 14 at 4 p.m. CT:

Heavy rains are pounding an already saturated Northeast for the second time in a week, spurring another round of flash flooding, canceled airline flights and power outages.
A heat wave continues to stretch across the South from California to Florida.
Authorities say officers killed a man in an exchange of gunfire as they tried to arrest the suspect in the weekend killings of four people near Atlanta.
Vehicle traffic on the single bridge that links Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea and serves as a key supply route for the Kremlin’s forces in the war with Ukraine has come to a standstill after one of its sections was blown up.
Russia has halted a breakthrough wartime deal that allows grain to flow from Ukraine to countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where hunger is a growing threat and high food prices have pushed people into poverty.
Lots of sweeps and exciting finishes in Major League Baseball Sunday, Rory McIlroy supplied the exciting finish in golf and a marathon exciting Men's final at Wimbledon that was won by Carlos Alcaraz.
The sidewalks of Hollywood and midtown Manhattan teemed with actors joining Hollywood's writers in protest outside the corporate offices of studios, streamers, and production companies.
After a globe-trotting publicity blitz by star Tom Cruise, “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” launched with a franchise-best $80 million over five days, though it came in shy of industry expectations with a $56.2 million haul over the three-day weekend.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the disappointing start for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” the return of “What We Do in the Shadows” and the sleeper hit “Sound of Freedom.”

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Hollywood actors vote to strike and join writers on picket lines.
Emmy Nominations were announced with HBO’s “Succession,” “The Last of Us” and “The White Lotus” leading the way.
An autopsy report revealed the cause of death for Lisa Marie Presley.
And it was a big week of baseball with the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 14 at 4 p.m. CT:

The House has passed a sweeping defense bill that provides a pay raise for service members but strays from traditional military policy with Republicans add-ons blocking abortion coverage, diversity initiatives at the Pentagon and transgender care.
Iowa’s ban on most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy has been signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds, but a judge is still considering abortion advocates’ request to put the restrictions on hold.
The Rev. Jesse Jackson plans to step down from leading the Chicago civil rights organization Rainbow PUSH Coalition he founded in 1971.
A Long Island architect has been arrested in connection with three of the long-unsolved killings known as the Gilgo Beach murders.
Hollywood productions and promotional tours around the world have been put on indefinite hold as actors join writers on the picket lines.
French fighter jets trailed red-white-and-blue smoke over Paris monuments and families held picnics around France to celebrate Bastille Day.
A little more than a week after contract talks between UPS and the union representing 340,000 of its workers broke down, UPS said it will begin training many of its non-union employees in the U.S. to step in should there be a strike.
IRS leaders have laid out how they netted $38 million in delinquent taxes from more than 175 high-income taxpayers in the past few months.
A new poll finds that only about 1 in 10 U.S. adults give high ratings to the way democracy is working in the United States or how well it represents the interests of most Americans.
The NCAA has fined Tennessee more than $8 million and issued a scathing report outlining more than 200 infractions during the three-year tenure of former football coach Jeremy Pruitt.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 12 at 4 p.m. CT:

Actors will join screenwriters in a combined strike that will have huge consequences for Hollywood. Leaders of SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents the actors, voted Thursday to strike after contract talks collapsed with the studios and streaming services that hire them.
The gunman who killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018 is eligible for the death penalty.
Wall Street’s winning streak barreled into a fourth day following the latest signal that inflation is easing its chokehold on the economy.
U.S. officials have approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill, a major change that will broaden access for women and teenagers.
No fingerprints or DNA turned up on the baggie of cocaine found in the West Wing lobby last week despite a sophisticated FBI crime lab analysis, and surveillance footage of the area didn’t identify a suspect, according to summary of the Secret Service investigation obtained by The Associated Press.
President Joe Biden says it is “irresponsible” of an Alabama senator to block confirmation of military officers in protest of a Defense Department policy that pays for travel when a service member has to go out of state to get an abortion or reproductive care.
President Joe Biden says he’s serious about pursuing a prisoner exchange for a Wall Street Journal reporter who has been detained in Russia for more than 100 days.
The NCAA Division I men’s basketball committee discussed possible expansion of March Madness at its meetings this week but said no moves were imminent to increase the field beyond the current 68 teams.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 13 at 6:44 a.m. CT:

The union representing film and television actors says no deal has been reached with studios and streaming services and its leadership will vote on whether to strike later Thursday.
The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport prompting passengers to take shelter and disrupting hundreds of flights.
A heat wave that’s been scorching much of the U.S. Southwest is bringing triple digit temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires to California.
A Russian general in charge of forces fighting in southern Ukraine has been relieved of his duties after speaking out about the problems faced by his troops.
Ukrainian officials said air defenses shot down 20 Iranian-made drones fired by Russia mostly at the Kyiv region.
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to Beijing next week to discuss strategies for limiting global warming.
Vice President Kamala Harris has tied the record for the most tiebreaking votes in the U.S. Senate. The only other vice president to play the role of tiebreaker so many times was John C. Calhoun. However, Harris reached the record in two and a half years, compared to Calhoun's eight.
It'll be another year without a U.S. Wimbledon champ, the Celtics lock up their new center, the 2024 MLB season will open in South Korea and the Pro Football Hall of Fame names its 2024 semifinalists.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 12 at 4 p.m. CT:

U.S. President Joe Biden is declaring “we will not waver” in defense of Ukraine. He made the pledge Wednesday in Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was attending this week's NATO summit.
A prisoner suspected of stabbing Larry Nassar at a federal penitentiary in Florida said the disgraced former sports doctor provoked the attack by making a lewd comment while they were watching a Wimbledon tennis match.
A Florida judge says the 2018 Parkland high school massacre can be reenacted on campus by both sides in lawsuits against former Broward Sheriff's Deputy Scot Peterson, the sheriff's office and others.
HBO dominates this year's Emmy nominations, with the elite trio of “Succession,” “The White Lotus” and “The Last of Us” combining for a whopping 74 nods.
Volunteers have showed up with snow shovels across Vermont to help communities clear the mud from epic floods.
Spain is sweltering under an unrelenting heat wave as temperatures start to build toward what is forecast to be a torrid weekend across southern Europe.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says it's time for Supreme Court justices to bring their conduct in line with the standards of other branches of government.
FBI Director Chris Wray defended what he calls the “real FBI” before a contentious hearing of the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee.
Unionized Hollywood actors on the verge of a strike have agreed to allow a last-minute intervention from federal mediators.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will consider increasing time on the pitch clock for the postseason but is reluctant to adjust an innovation the sport considers a great success.
A PGA Tour executive has told Congress that Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund agreed to invest more than $1 billion in a new commercial entity controlled by the tour.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 10 at 4 p.m. CT:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was to meet with NATO leaders Wednesday, had expressed deep frustration that the alliance was providing no firm timetable for when his country could join, calling that “absurd.”
A storm that dumped two months of rain in two days is bringing more flooding across Vermont.
A federal judge has handed Microsoft a major victory by declining to block its looming $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard.
Bank of America must reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for “double-dipping” on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards and opening accounts without customer consent.
Mikala Jones, a surfer from Hawaii known for shooting awe-inspiring photos and videos from the inside of massive, curling waves, has died after a surfing accident in Indonesia.
A German surgeon has been ordered to pay a fine of $7,900 for parachuting into the stadium before a European Championship match in Munich two years ago as part of a botched climate protest.
The Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners that contribute to global warming.
Few Republicans have high confidence that votes will be tallied accurately in next year’s presidential contest, suggesting years of sustained attacks against elections by former President Donald Trump and his allies have taken a toll.
The fossilized skeletons of an aerial predator with a 20-foot wingspan and an aquatic reptile with a snake-like neck will be auctioned in New York this month. The two ancient creatures will be sold July 26 at Sotheby's.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 10 at 4 p.m. CT:

Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar has been stabbed multiple times during an altercation with another inmate at a federal prison in Florida. Nassar is serving decades in prison after admitting sexually assaulting athletes at Michigan State University and at Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, including Olympic medalists.
Heavy rain has washed out roads and forced evacuations in the Northeast as more downpours were forecast throughout the day. Heavy downpours with possible flash flooding were forecast in parts of Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Police say the suspect in the 1982 Tylenol poisonings that killed seven people in the Chicago area and triggered a nationwide scare has died.
The New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole will start Tuesday night’s All-Star Game for the American League and Arizona’s Zac Gallen will open on the mound for the NL.
After postponing her career-spanning Celebration Tour due to a “serious bacterial infection" last month and spending several days in an intensive care unit, Madonna says she's “on the road to recovery.”
Torrential rain has pounded southwestern Japan, triggering floods and mudslides and leaving two people dead and at least six others missing.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country might approve Sweden’s membership in NATO if European Union nations “open the way” to Turkey’s bid to join the EU.
The New York Times is getting rid of its sports department and will instead rely on sports coverage from its website The Athletic going forward.
A jury has been selected in Michigan in a dispute over the estate of music superstar Aretha Franklin.
The Republicans who lead three key House committees are joining forces to probe the Justice Department’s handling of charges against Hunter Biden after making sweeping claims about misconduct at the agency.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 10 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Heavy rain has spawned extreme flooding in New York’s Hudson Valley, killing at least one person and forcing road closures. The flooding came Sunday night as much of the rest of the Northeast U.S. prepared for a major storm.
Extreme heat continues in the Southwest. It will be 106 in Yuma, Arizona.
President Joe Biden’s itinerary this week in Europe is dominated by the war in Ukraine. But first, he'll have a royal visit with King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
The Kremlin’s spokesman says Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin days after a short-lived rebellion by the mercenary chief and his private army.
Nearly 50,000 Russian soldiers have died in the war in Ukraine, according to a new statistical analysis.
Indiana Jones’ reign atop the box office was short-lived. In its second weekend in theaters, the Disney release was usurped by another franchise fifth -– “Insidious: The Red Door.”
Pope Francis has announced he has chosen 21 new cardinals, including prelates from Jerusalem and Hong Kong, places where Catholics are a small minority.
Senator Chuck Schumer on Sunday called on the Food and Drug Administration to investigate PRIME over its potentially dangerous levels of caffeine. The beverage brand was launched last year by YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI and has become something of an obsession among the influencers’ legions of young followers.

—The Associated Press

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As the holiday week comes to an end, we're taking this opportunity to provide you with a special episode filled with feature stories covering a variety of topics.

Headlines include:

Scientists have finally "heard" the chorus of gravitational waves that ripple through the universe.
Families push for full school days for children with disabilities.
Buzzworthy: Honeybee health is blooming at federal facilities across the country.
California condors confront bird flu in flight from extinction.
Animal sedative adds new suffering to opioid drug crisis, but is it driving up deaths?
More states legalize fentanyl test strips to combat surging opioid deaths.
A new menopause drug for hot flashes gets FDA approval.
Some Dutch people seeking euthanasia cite autism or intellectual disabilities, researchers say.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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A week of record-breaking temperatures gets attention.
U.S. officials granted full approval to Leqembi, a closely watched Alzheimer’s drug on Thursday, clearing the way for Medicare and other insurance plans to begin covering the treatment for people with the brain-robbing disease.
The Texas gunman who killed 23 people in a racist 2019 attack at a Walmart has returned to federal court for sentencing. Patrick Crusius is facing multiple life sentences after pleading guilty to one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
Russia’s war in Ukraine is set to complete 500 days since its beginning.
Off the coast of Long Island, drones are sweeping over the ocean, patrolling the water for danger that might be lurking off the coast as officials and beachgoers grow more vigilant because of a recent spate of human encounters with sharks.
At a sprawling Kentucky military installation, workers are close to destroying rockets holding the last of the United States’ declared chemical weapons arsenal. An Army facility in Colorado destroyed its stockpile in June.
Sons battle over Aretha Franklin will
MLB scores and Wimbledon highlights

—The Associated Press

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The planet’s temperature spiked this week to its hottest day in at least 44 years and likely much longer.
A missing 2-year-old girl from Lansing, Michigan was found dead in Detroit on Wednesday, authorities announced. The disappearance of Wynter Cole Smith sparked a massive three-day search.
2 New Jersey firefighters died battling a blaze deep in a ship carrying 5,000 cars.
Prosecutors on Thursday charged a 55-year-old Swede with fraud and falsifying records for allegedly putting his dead companion in a freezer and cashing in her pension.
Some Federal Reserve officials pushed to raise the Fed’s key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point at their meeting last month to intensify their fight against high inflation, though the central bank ultimately decided to forgo a rate hike.
Major League Baseball - Reds and Braves are heating up the National league.

—The Associated Press

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Nine people were shot and wounded, including two juveniles, early Wednesday in Washington, D.C., police said. Shortly before 1 a.m. police responded to a report of a shooting on Meade Street in the northeastern quadrant of the U.S. capital
Eating superstar Joey “Jaws” Chestnut shook off a rain delay and gobbled his way to another win at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest, downing 62 franks and buns in 10 minutes.
The U.N. nuclear agency gave its endorsement on Tuesday to Japan’s planned release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant, saying it meets international standards and its environmental and health impact would be negligible.
Meta is poised to unveil a new app that appears to mimic Twitter — a direct challenge to the social media platform owned by Elon Musk
Ohtani leaves Angels game with blister, unlikely to pitch in All-Star Game
Roger Federer received a standing ovation of 1 1/2 minutes from spectators as he entered the Royal Box at Centre Court on Tuesday, when he was celebrated during a brief ceremony for his career and his men’s-record eight singles championships at Wimbledon.

—The Associated Press

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It's July 4 and Independence Day in the United States. So we're taking this opportunity to provide you with a special episode filled with feature stories covering a variety of topics.

Headlines include:

The U.S. has tons of leftover food. Upcycling seeks to turn would-be trash into ice cream and pizza.
Arizona's Oak Flat is sacred land to some Native Americans, but it's endangered by a plan for a mine.
Vending machines are the latest tool for fighting opioid overdoses.
New Zealand says it's the first to ban thin plastic bags from supermarkets.
New York skyscrapers are turning to carbon capture to lessen climate change.
High art becomes body art as visitors to Amsterdam's Rembrandt House Museum get inked.
Sex, sexual intercourse, neither: Teens weigh in on evolving definitions and habits.
Professional sports leagues balance profit vs. integrity risks in the legal betting era.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Excessive heat warnings remain in place in many areas across the U.S. and are expected to last at least through Monday. In Arizona’s largest metro area, Phoenix and surrounding communities flirted with a high of 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius) on Sunday. The National Weather Service in Phoenix is forecasting 116 degrees for Monday, just two degrees off the record high for that date set in 1907, before temperatures drop a few degrees for the next three days.
Police in Baltimore say two people were killed and 28 wounded in a mass shooting, including three people who are in critical condition. Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley says the shooting took place at a block party early Sunday.
Russia’s armed forces are bruised but by no means beaten in the war in Ukraine, a top NATO military officer said Monday, as he laid out the biggest revamp to the organization’s military plans since the Cold War should Moscow dare to widen the conflict.
The U.S. recommended Americans reconsider traveling to China because of arbitrary law enforcement and exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. were elected Thursday to start in the July 11 All-Star Game at Seattle’s Safeco Field.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I have a special holiday-themed episode as we discuss the greatest patriotic films in advance of Independence Day.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

A serious illness forces Madonna to postpone her Celebration tour.
Ryan Seacrest will host “Wheel of Fortune” after Pat Sajak retires.
Rediscovered photos from Paul McCartney offer a unique look at Beatlemania.
And Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will compete again.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 30 at 7:15 p.m. CT:

A divided Supreme Court has struck down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring race cannot be a factor and forcing institutions of higher education to look for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.
A former Florida sheriff’s deputy has been found not guilty of failing to act during the 2018 Parkland high school massacre.
Dangerous heat and humidity is smothering parts of the South and Midwest.
An attorney for rap superstar Travis Scott says a grand jury has declined to indict him in a criminal investigation of a massive crowd surge that killed 10 people at the 2021 Astroworld music festival in Houston.
California’s first-in-the-nation reparations task force met for a final time in a crowded hearing room in Sacramento Thursday.
The NFL has suspended three players indefinitely for violating the league’s gambling policy and a fourth was sidelined for six games. Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts along with free agent Demetrius Taylor received indefinite suspensions through at least this season for betting on NFL games in 2022. Tennessee Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was suspended for the first six games of the 2023 season for betting on non-NFL sports at the team’s facility.
Showing surprising resilience in the face of higher interest rates, the U.S. economy grew at a 2% annual pace from January through March as consumers spent at the fastest pace in nearly two years.
James Harden picked up his $35.6 million contract option for next season with the Philadelphia 76ers, with the franchise exploring trades to move the veteran scorer, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.
Olympics boss Tony Estanguet vows the 2024 Paris Games will be safe and says no resignations are planned following two police probes.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 29 at 6:30 a.m. CT:

Air travelers have been putting up with widespread delays all month, and it's continuing again heading into the July 4 holiday weekend, as bad weather rakes the Northeast.
Scorching heat blamed for at least 13 deaths in Texas and another in Louisiana is blanketing more of the Southeast.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has lowered curtains of haze on broad swaths of Canada and the United States, pushing into southern Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and moving into parts of West Virginia.
Former President Donald Trump’s criminal indictment on charges of mishandling government secrets appears to have dented his popularity among Republicans — but only slightly.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the central bank may have to tighten its oversight of the American financial system after the failure of three large U.S. banks this spring.
The U.S. Coast Guard says it has likely recovered human remains from the wreckage of the Titan submersible.
The White House says President Joe Biden has started using a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine at night to help with sleep apnea.
Madonna has postponed her career-spanning 2023 “Celebration” tour due to what her manager calls a “serious bacterial infection.”
In sports: Yankees pitcher Domingo German joins one of the most exclusive clubs in baseball, the Astros rally late in St. Louis, the Brewers pull away late to beat the Mets, and Olympic champion Simone Biles plans to return to gymnastics. Also: The NBA released the full Collective Bargaining Agreement to its teams on Wednesday and Mets owner Steven Cohen is threatening his underperforming team with the prospect of a trade deadline selloff.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 27 at 4 p.m. CT:

A court appearance has been postponed for a Donald Trump valet charged with helping the ex-president hide classified documents the Justice Department wanted back. A lawyer for valet Walt Nauta told a judge Nauta had been unable to find a Florida-based attorney and was stuck in New Jersey after his flight was canceled.
A New York appeals court dismissed Ivanka Trump on Tuesday from a wide-ranging fraud lawsuit brought against her father and his company last year by the state’s attorney general.
Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is criticizing former President Donald Trump for being too friendly to China during his time in office while also warning that weak support for Ukraine would “only encourage” China to invade Taiwan.
The Justice Department’s watchdog says negligence, misconduct and job failures enabled Jeffrey Epstein to take his own life at a federal jail in New York City while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The Supreme Court has ruled that state courts can act as a check on their legislatures in redistricting and other issues affecting federal elections.
The American consumer’s confidence jumped in June to its highest level in 18 months as a strong labor market continues to buoy the U.S. economy.
A community college in eastern Kentucky says Bluegrass musician Bobby Osborne has died. He was 91.
Ryan Seacrest will become the new “Wheel of Fortune” host after Pat Sajak’s retirement next year.
Britain’s National Portrait Gallery is offering a fresh perspective on The Beatles with an exhibition of band’s-eye-view images taken by Paul McCartney as the group shot to global fame.
Double Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, whose stellar acting career was derailed by sex assault allegations, goes on trial in London this week, accused of sexual offenses.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 26 at 4 P.m. CT:

The person who killed five people and pleaded guilty in a 2022 mass shooting at a LGBTQ+ club in Colorado Springs has been sentenced to life in prison. Lee Aldrich pleaded guilty during a Monday court hearing.
Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked the nation on Monday for unity after an armed rebellion staged by a mercenary chief over the weekend was aborted less than 24 hours after it began.
President Joe Biden pledged that every household in the U.S. would have access to high-speed internet by 2030, using cables made in the country.
A white woman accused of firing through her door and fatally shooting a Black mother in front of her 9-year-old son in central Florida has been charged with manslaughter and assault.
An international group of agencies is investigating what may have caused a submersible to implode while carrying five people to the Titanic wreckage.
Angela Bassett and Mel Brooks will receive honorary Oscars from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Supreme Court has left in place an appellate ruling barring a North Carolina public charter school from requiring girls to wear skirts to school.
The Supreme Court lifted its hold on a Louisiana case that could force the state to redraw congressional districts to boost Black voting power.
The next big advance in cancer treatment could be a vaccine that can shrink tumors and stop cancer from coming back.
In this week's AP Religion Roundup, attendance continues to decline at Black Protestant Churches.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 26 at 7 a.m. CT:

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has made his first public appearance since a mercenary uprising demanded his ouster. But uncertainty still swirled about Shoigu’s fate, that of the rebellion leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his private army, the impact on the war in Ukraine.
A tornado struck a home, killing one occupant and injuring another as severe weather hit parts of Indiana, Tennessee and other states.
Losing significant amounts of weight may soon be as easy as taking a daily pill. New research released Sunday shows high-dose oral versions of the medication in the blockbuster drugs Ozepmic and Wegovy may work as well as the popular injections — even in hard-to-treat people with diabetes.
In recent days, the massive hunt for a submersible vehicle lost during a north Atlantic descent to explore the wreckage of the Titanic has refocused attention on the conundrum: who should pay for the sweeping search?
LGBTQ+ revelers and allies are partying coast to coast for the grand crescendo of Pride Month.
Lawmakers in several Republican-led states have been looking to exert more authority over state and local election offices. They're trying to claim new powers that Democrats say could be used to target left-leaning counties in future elections.
In sports: The Yankees rally to earn a series win over Texas, Freddie Freeman reaches a historic milestone in a Dodgers loss, the Cardinals rally to split the London Series with the Cubs and Keegan Bradley sets a tournament record for his sixth career PGA Tour victory.
In entertainment: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” slung its webs back atop the box office ranks while “The Flash” saw a drop faster than the film’s speedy character. “Titanic” director James Cameron says the search operation for a deep-sea tourist sub turned into a “nightmarish charade” that prolonged the agony of the families of the passengers. Charity Lawson has 25 guys vying for her attention in the 20th season of the reality dating show, “The Bachelorette.”

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. Streamed & Screened is available on major podcast platforms and there is a link in this episode’s show notes. “Elemental” and “The Flash” were the two biggest releases to hit theaters last week but opened to lukewarm ticket sales. Bruce Miller and I discuss the two films, the multiverse and more!

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Results from the U.S. Open.
A new class for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Another controversy involving a host city of the Olympics.
And Changes are coming to the Grammy Awards.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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This bonus episode of Hot off the Wire looks at the state of abortion access in the United State one year after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade. Stories include:

» A year after the U.S. Supreme Court rescinded a five-decade-old right to abortion, 25 million women of childbearing age now live in states where the law makes abortions harder to get. Saturday is the one year anniversary of the court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which struck down Roe v. Wade. Abortion law is now in the hands of state lawmakers and courts.

» Most Republican-led states have restricted abortion. Fourteen ban abortion in most cases at any point in pregnancy. Twenty Democratic-leaning states have protected access to abortion. Many women are traveling across state lines to end their pregnancies. Because of reporting lags and gaps in data, the number of abortions across the U.S. since Dobbs is not completely clear.

» Many maternal care doctors in states that have restrictive abortion laws are facing the choice of whether to stay or leave after last year's Supreme Court decision. The doctors are weighing tough questions about medical ethics, their own families and whether they can provide good care without risking their careers or winding up in prison.

» New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a law to protect doctors in the state who prescribe abortion pills to patients in other states where the procedure is outlawed. The law was signed Friday, a year after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the nationwide right to abortion. It bars New York officials from cooperating with certain legal actions initiated in states where abortion is banned, such as arrests or extraditions.

» President Joe Biden is banking on reproductive rights to be a galvanizing issue for voters in 2024. The Democrat is collecting three top-level endorsements, issuing an executive order to bolster access to contraception and hosting a rally Friday ahead of the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that overturned federal abortion protections. The endorsements are from Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice America and Emily’s List.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 22 at 3:45 p.m. CT:

The U.S. Coast Guard and the company leading the expedition say a missing submersible imploded near the wreckage of the Titanic, killing all five people on board.
President Joe Biden says his comments calling Chinese leader Xi Jinping a “dictator” did not undermine progress in the U.S. relationship with China and that he expects to meet with Xi in future.
Hard-right House Republicans pressing to impeach President Joe Biden forced a vote Thursday that sends an impeachment measure to House committees.
U.S. regulators have sent warning letters to dozens of retailers selling fruity disposable e-cigarettes, including the current best-selling brand, Elf Bar.
A storm pummeled concertgoers at Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver with golf ball-sized hail, sending them scurrying for cover, injuring dozens and forcing the cancellation of the show’s headliner, former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson.
Comedian Billy Crystal, rapper and actor Queen Latifah, opera singer Renée Fleming, 1970s music icon Barry Gibb and prolific hitmaker Dionne Warwick were selected for this year’s Kennedy Center Honors.
Denver is hosting a conference this week that's being put on by a psychedelic advocacy group. The group is bringing together an unlikely cohort of speakers, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Pop star Kesha and producer Dr. Luke have settled nearly a decade of suits and countersuits over her accusation that he drugged and raped her and his claim that she made it up and defamed him.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 21 at 4 p.m. CT:

The U.S. Coast Guard says more underwater noises have been heard in the area where rescuers are searching for a submersible that went missing in the North Atlantic while bringing five people down to the wreck of the Titanic.
With inflation in the United States still too high, most Federal Reserve officials expect to raise interest rates further this year, Chair Jerome Powell said in prepared testimony to be delivered to a House committee.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito accepted a 2008 trip to a luxury fishing lodge in Alaska from two wealthy Republican donors, one of whom repeatedly had interests before the court. That's according to the nonprofit investigative journalism organization ProPublica, which also reported that that the conservative jurist did not disclose the trip on his financial disclosure that year.
A newly released police document alleges an Idaho father ‘executed’ a neighboring family because he was upset that the neighbor’s 18-year-old son had reportedly exposed himself to the man’s children.
An official says that gang members inside a women’s prison in Honduras slaughtered 46 other women inmates by spraying them with gunfire, hacking them with machetes and then locking survivors in their calls and dousing them with flammable liquid.
Tropical Storm Bret is growing stronger as it takes aim at islands in the eastern Caribbean that are bracing for torrential rainfall, landslides and flooding.
The Federal Trade Commission is suing Amazon for what it calls a yearslong effort to enroll consumers without consent into Amazon Prime and making it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions.
The IRS has processed tens of millions of tax returns faster this year compared with years past, and getting through to customer service on the phone is slowly improving.
Manhattan prosecutors say neither Donald Trump nor his lawyers have shown any evidence to support their claims that the judge in the former president’s hush-money criminal case has an anti-Trump bias.
Lionel Messi is expected to make his Major League Soccer debut with Inter Miami at a July 21 home game, the team confirmed Tuesday.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 20 at 4 p.m. CT:

The U.S. Coast Guard says a search covering 10,000 square miles has turned up no signs of a missing submarine off New England. Rescuers were racing against time to find the submersible before the oxygen supply runs out for five people who were on a mission to document the wreckage of the Titanic.
President Joe Biden’s son Hunter will plead guilty to federal tax offenses and avoid prosecution on a separate gun charge in a deal with the Justice Department that likely spares him time behind bars.
Attorney John Eastman, a lead architect of some of the former President Donald Trump's efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election, is facing possible disbarment.
A Florida sheriff’s deputy and a motorist are lucky to be alive after they were sucked into a storm drain during a torrential downpour.
Authorities say a fire that started in a New York City e-bike shop spread to upper-floor apartments, killing four people and injuring several others.
Iranian state media says 10 people died after drinking home-made liquor made with methanol at a party.
Officials say French investigators have searched the Paris Olympic organizers’ headquarters as part of corruption investigations into contracts linked to the Games.
Actor Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence case will go to trial Aug. 3.
Romanian prosecutors say social media personality Andrew Tate has been charged with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women.
Electric vehicle maker Rivian says it will follow General Motors and Ford and join Tesla’s charging network starting next year.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 19 at 4 p.m. CT:

A search is underway for a missing submersible that carries people to view the wreckage of the Titanic.
Officials say multiple tornadoes swept through Mississippi overnight, killing one and injuring nearly two dozen.
The Idaho State Police are investigating a shooting that left four people dead in the small city of Kellogg on Sunday.
Officials say about 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been sent to lawmakers and other public officials across Kansas.
Milton Powell, a Houston rapper who performed under the name Big Pokey, has died after performing a show in Texas over the weekend. He was 48.
The Kremlin's spokesman says U.N. aid workers who want to visit areas ravaged by a recent dam collapse in southern Ukraine can’t go there because fighting in the war makes it unsafe.
Pop star Bebe Rexha says she's OK after being hit in the face and injured by a cellphone hurled from the audience at a hometown show in New York City.
About 1.5 million people have lost Medicaid coverage in more than two dozen states as a post-coronavirus pandemic purge of the rolls gets underway.
Americans across the country are observing the relatively new Juneteenth federal holiday with festivals, parades, cookouts and other gatherings. On a long holiday weekend seen by many as a reason for a party, others are urging quiet reflection about the end of slavery and the treatment of Black Americans throughout U.S. history.
According to a source, Bradley Beal is being traded to Phoenix, where he will form a new power trio alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The person says Phoenix has agreed to send Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and a package of future second-round picks to Washington for Beal, a three-time All-Star.
In this week's AP religion roundup, Southern Baptists reject churches with women pastors, and can artificial intelligence preach a good sermon?

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 19 at 7 a.m. CT:

A spate of mass shootings and violence across the U.S. over the weekend killed at least six people including a Pennsylvania state trooper and left dozens injured. They happened in suburban Chicago, Washington state, central Pennsylvania, St. Louis, Southern California and Baltimore.
Summer hasn't officially started, but extreme heat is already making itself right at home in Texas and around the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. officials say Secretary of State Antony Blinken was able on Sunday to secure a visit to Washington by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang during a nearly 6-hour meeting.
Britain’s House of Commons is likely to endorse a report that found Boris Johnson lied to lawmakers about lockdown-flouting parties in his office. That would be a humiliating censure that would strip the former prime minister of his lifetime access to Parliament.
Back in March 2021, Merrick Garland pledged on his first day as attorney general a return to what he calls the “norms” of the Justice Department. But since then it's been anything but typical. The former federal judge now finds himself in the middle of a political firestorm of historic proportions because the special counsel he appointed has brought federal criminal charges against Donald Trump.
In sports, the U.S. Open golf tournament has a first-time major champion, a big trade highlights news in the NBA, a White Sox pitcher has a record tying day but loses, and four Major League baseball teams now have winning streaks of at least six games.
DC and Warner Bros.’ long-in-the-works superhero movie “The Flash" opened to $55 million in its first three days in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday. The new Pixar family film “Elemental” took second place.
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged former “Saturday Night Live” star Pete Davidson with reckless driving, three months after authorities said he crashed into a Beverly Hills home.
The Grammys Awards have introduced changes to its programming, including a new decision regarding artificial intelligence that says “only human creators are eligible” can win awards.
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and his dancer girlfriend Melanie Hamrick have put their Florida home up for sale.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. Streamed & Screened is available on major podcast platforms and there is a link in this episode’s show notes. June 18 is Father’s Day, and to celebrate Bruce Miller and I are talking about television and movie dads.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

A new song from The Beatles is on the way thanks to AI.
The Tony Awards went off as planned despite the Hollywood writer’s strike.
Pat Sajak plans to step down from “Wheel of Fortune.”
And it was a busy week in sports with the end of the NBA and NHL seasons to go along with the finals in the French Open.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 15 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden spoke at a summit in Connecticut to mark the first anniversary of a gun safety law signed after the Uvalde, Texas, school massacre. Biden also used the moment to push for more robust action, including universal background checks and the banning of so-called “assault weapons.”
The Justice Department issued a withering critique of Minneapolis police, alleging that they systematically discriminated against racial minorities, often violated constitutional rights and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before George Floyd was killed.
Daniel Ellsberg, the government analyst and whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971, has died at 92. Ellsberg had announced in February that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.
A truck driver who spewed hatred of Jews has been convicted of barging into a Pittsburgh synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath and fatally shooting 11 congregants in an act of antisemitic terror for which he could be sentenced to die.
A man has allegedly shot and killed his three young sons and wounded their mother at their Ohio home.
A longtime producer for Tucker Carlson is out of a job after being deemed responsible for the onscreen message this week that referred to President Joe Biden as a “wannabe dictator.”
Memphis guard Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming season for a second social media video in which he flashed a gun.
The NBA and the Miami Heat are investigating an allegation that former UFC champion Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman inside an arena bathroom after Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Worldwide temperatures briefly exceeded a key warming threshold earlier this month, drawing notice in the scientific community and prompting public chatter that climate change might be accelerating.
A small but growing group of young teens are turning to drastic treatments to lose large amounts of weight, things like body-altering surgery and new drugs that rewire metabolism.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 15 at 4 p.m. CT:

The suspect in a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub is expected to strike a plea deal to state murder and hate charges that would ensure at least a life sentence for the attack that killed five people and wounded 17.
President Joe Biden has highlighted progress in chipping away at so-called junk fees as a “win for consumers" while meeting at the White House with executives from Live Nation, Airbnb and other companies that have taken steps to embrace more transparent pricing.
Authorities say an American man has been arrested over the death of one U.S. tourist and an assault on another near Neuschwanstein castle in southern Germany after he allegedly pushed the two women down a steep slope.
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog is visiting Europe’s largest atomic power plant in southern Ukraine.
Americans increased their spending at retailers last month despite pressure from still-high inflation and rising borrowing costs.
The Supreme Court has preserved the system that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children.
The outcome of past cases against defendants accused of hoarding classified documents looms as an ominous guidepost for the legal jeopardy Donald Trump could face.
A committee of lawmakers has harshly rebuked former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The head of the United Nations attacked fossil fuel companies Thursday, accusing them of betraying future generations and undermining efforts to phase out a product he called “incompatible with human survival.”
Glenda Jackson, a two-time Academy Award-winning performer who had a long second career as a British lawmaker, has died. She was 87.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 14 at 4 p.m. CT:

The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged after having raised it 10 straight times to combat high inflation. But in a surprise move, the Fed signaled that it may raise rates twice more this year, beginning as soon as next month.
The Vatican spokesman says Pope Francis is expected to be released from the hospital “in the coming days.” He reported that Francis is recovering well, on schedule and without complications.
Jurors in federal court in New Jersey have awarded $25.6 million to a former regional Starbucks manager who alleged that she and other white employees were unfairly punished by the coffee chain after the high-profile arrests of two Black men in 2018 at a Philadelphia location.
Two southwest Oklahoma police officers who fatally shot an unarmed Black man have been ordered by an arbitrator to be reinstated.
The Southern Baptist Convention has refused to welcome Saddleback Church back into its fold.
A Detroit-area community has banned LGBTQ+ flags from publicly owned poles.
An onscreen headline on Fox News Channel called President Biden a “wannabe dictator” who sought to have his political rival arrested.
After more than two decades as America’s best-selling beer, Bud Light has slipped into second place.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro won't say how long it'll take to get traffic flowing again, but he says union crews will work nonstop until Interstate 95 in Philadelphia is rebuilt.
The autopsy report of Olympic sprinter Tori Bowie concluded she died from complications of childbirth. Bowie, who won three medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, was found dead last month. She was 32.
Roger Payne, the scientist who spurred a worldwide environmental conservation movement with his discovery that whales could sing, has died. He was 88.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 13 at 5:15 p.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging that he hoarded classified documents detailing sensitive military secrets and schemed to thwart government efforts to get them back. Trump was released without having to pay a bond. His first stop after court was the iconic Versailles restaurant and bakery in the Little Havana neighborhood.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg met with President Joe Biden at the White House a day after the president had a root canal.
Transgender and nonbinary people are front and center this year at Pride festivals where they've often been sidelined. Many celebrations this June are taking a public stand against legislation targeting transgender people.
Consumer prices in the United States cooled last month, rising just 0.1% from April to May and extending the past year’s steady easing of inflation.
Paul McCartney says artificial intelligence has been used to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo to create “the last Beatles record," decades after the band broke up.
The leader of a Senate subcommittee wants the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf to present records about negotiations that led to their new agreement and plans for what golf will look like under the arrangement.
Vice President Kamala Harris saluted more than a thousand U.S. college athletes from championship teams who gathered Monday at the White House South Lawn.
A German museum curator has made it his mission to return silver objects stolen by the Nazis to Jewish families around the globe.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 12 at 4 p.m. CT:

Donald Trump has arrived in Florida ahead of a history-making federal court appearance Tuesday on dozens of felony charges accusing him of illegally hoarding classified documents and thwarting the Justice Department’s efforts to get the records back.
President Joe Biden got a root canal on Monday and it left something of a cavity in his daily schedule.
Officials in Lockport, New York, say one person died and multiple people are in the hospital after a boat capsized during a tour of an underground cavern system built to carry water from the Erie Canal.
The mother of a 6-year-old Virginia boy who shot and wounded his teacher in Virginia has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of using marijuana while possessing a firearm.
Crews have started demolishing the remains of a six-story apartment building in Davenport, Iowa, that partially collapsed more than two weeks ago.
Youth plaintiffs say warming temperatures are harming their health and threatening their futures as a closely-watched climate trial kicks in Montana.
JPMorgan Chase announced a tentative settlement with the sex victims of financier Jeffrey Epstein, the bank said Monday, which had accused the bank of being the financial conduit that Epstein used to pay off his victims for several years.
In a national first, New York City will implement a minimum pay rate for app-based food delivery workers.
Mississippi is tough political territory for Democrats. But the party sees an unusual opportunity this year to unseat the Republican governor, Tate Reeves.
Mississippi is tough political territory for Democrats. But the party sees an unusual opportunity this year to unseat the Republican governor, Tate Reeves, with Democratic nominee Brandon Presley, a second cousin of Elvis Presley.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, three states eliminate time limits on filing child sex abuse suits and Pat Robertson leaves a religious and political legacy.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 12 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

Donald Trump and his allies are escalating efforts to undermine the criminal case against him and drum up protests as the former president braces for a history-making federal court appearance this week on dozens of felony charges accusing him of illegally hoarding classified information.
Drivers have started longer commutes after an elevated section of Interstate 95 collapsed in Philadelphia following damage caused by a tanker truck carrying flammable cargo catching fire.
An Associated Press analysis found that fraudsters potentially stole more than $280 billion in COVID-19 relief funding; another $123 billion was wasted or misspent.
Three people were killed and three wounded in a shooting Sunday night at a house in the Maryland’s capital city, the police chief said.
U.N. cultural and scientific agency UNESCO has announced that the United States plans to rejoin — and pay more than $600 million in back dues — after a decade-long dispute sparked by the organization’s move to include Palestine as a member.
Silvio Berlusconi, the boastful billionaire media mogul who was Italy’s longest-serving premier despite scandals over his sex-fueled parties and allegations of corruption and bribery, has died at age 86.
The Taliban is criticizing a U.N. report that highlighted discord and strife within their ranks.
Ted Kaczynski, the man known as the Unabomber who carried out a 17-year bombing campaign that killed three people and injured 23 others, died by suicide.
It was a history making day at the French Open, a Pittsburgh Pirate joins the two thousand hit club, the Rays see their starting pitcher become the first ten game winner in the league this season, the Phillies complete a successful homestand, and a PGA title needed a playoff to determine a winner.
Tony Awards history was made when Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first nonbinary people to win Tonys for acting. The show went on despite the writers' strike.
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” the seventh entry in the series, took the No. 1 spot in its first weekend in theaters with $60.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," now in its second weekend, placed second with $55.4 million.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week we have interviews with the stars of “The Wonder Years” and we discuss whether movie theaters are finally returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

Lionel Messi, the world’s biggest soccer star, is coming to America.
Rival golf tours are putting their differences aside.
Astrud Gilberto, George Winston and The Iron Sheik were among notable celebrities that died.
And the bar from “Cheers” sold at auction for $675,000.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Former President Donald Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to an indictment unsealed Friday that alleges that he described a Pentagon "plan of attack" and shared a classified map related to a military operation.

The 49-page charging document paints a damning portrait of Trump's treatment of sensitive information, accusing him of willfully ignoring Justice Department demands to return documents he had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago and even directing aides to help him hide the records sought by the government.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

Joran van der Sloot, the main suspect in the 2005 disappearance of U.S. student Natalee Holloway, has landed in the U.S. after being handed over to U.S. custody.
The hazardous haze from Canada’s wildfires is something new for those in the Eastern U.S.
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are reiterating their commitment to help Ukraine repel Russia’s ongoing invasion.
A white Florida woman charged with shooting and killing her Black neighbor told detectives that she called the victim’s children by racist slurs in the months leading up to the slaying, according to an arrest report.
Former President Donald Trump and his aides are bracing for a potential indictment in the classified documents investigation as prosecutors handling the probe have been spotted at a Miami courthouse where a grand jury has been hearing from witnesses.
Malaysia has condemned a Singapore-born comedian who made fun of the 2014 disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 during a skit in the United States.
The Supreme Court handed Jack Daniel's a new chance to win a trademark dispute with the makers of a dog toy that mimics the whiskey’s signature bottle.
The Supreme Court has issued a surprising ruling in favor of Black voters in a congressional redistricting case, rejecting a Republican-led effort to weaken a landmark voting rights law.
Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson has died. Robertson turned a tiny Virginia television station into the far-reaching Christian Broadcasting Network, where he hosted the flagship “700 Club” show for half a century.
The American public is broadly skeptical of common intelligence practices and of the need to sacrifice civil liberties for security.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 7 at 4 p.m. CT:

Mike Pence has opened his presidential bid with an unusually forceful denunciation of former President Donald Trump over Jan. 6, Trump's temperament and abortion.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is pouring into the U.S. East Coast and Midwest and covering the capitals of both nations in an unhealthy haze.
Opening statements are underway in the trial of a former Florida sheriff's deputy charged with failing to stop the Parkland school massacre five years ago.
Pope Francis underwent successful surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair a hernia in his abdominal wall, the latest maladies to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.
The fallout from the breach of a dam along a front line of Russia’s war in Ukraine is wreaking havoc on lives, livelihoods and the environment.
Chris Licht was ousted as chief executive at CNN, following a series of missteps and plunging ratings.
Prince Harry has rejected a suggestion that a lack of evidence meant his phone wasn’t hacked by reporters for Mirror Group Newspapers.
New York City has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia, claiming that the automakers’ vehicles are too susceptible to theft.
After a payment pause that has lasted more than three years, more than 40 million student loan borrowers will be on the hook for payments starting in late August.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 6 at 4 p.m. CT:

The most disruptive year in golf is coming to an end. The PGA Tour and European tour have agreed to a merger with Saudi Arabia’s golf interests.
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has settled with a woman who claims he raped her, averting a trial that was about to begin in New York City.
Astrud Gilberto, the Brazilian singer, songwriter and entertainer whose off-hand, English-language cameo on “The Girl from Ipanema” made her a worldwide voice of bossa nova, has died at age 83.
Two Cleveland Browns defensive players were robbed at gunpoint by six masked men outside a downtown nightclub, according to police. A person familiar with the situation identified the players as cornerback Greg Newsome II and tackle Perrion Winfrey.
Kristin Harila, a Norwegian who is aiming to be the fastest climber to scale all the world’s 14 highest mountains, says she can achieve her goal in half the time she initially planned.
The bar from the television series “Cheers” sold for $675,000 at auction over the weekend, garnering the highest bid among the nearly 1,000 props, costumes and sets from classic TV shows offered up from a collection amassed by one man.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 6 at 4 p.m. CT:

Federal investigators say it will take days to gather highly fragmented debris from a small plane that flew over the nation’s capital and crashed in Virginia, killing four people.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has filed paperwork declaring his campaign for president in 2024, setting up a historic challenge to his former boss, Donald Trump.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu says he will not seek the presidency in 2024. In a social media post, he wrote: “The stakes are too high for a crowded field to hand the nomination to a candidate who earns just 35 percent of the vote, and I will help to ensure this does not happen.”
Lawyers for Donald Trump were meeting with Justice Department officials on Monday as a decision nears on whether to bring charges over the handling of classified documents at the former president’s Florida estate.
A 2-year-old Palestinian boy who was shot by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank last week has died of his wounds.
The United States military has released video of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision.
Families of the victims of India’s deadliest train crash in decades are filling a hospital to try to identify the bodies of their loved ones.
The European Union is pushing online platforms like Google and Meta to step up efforts to fight false information by adding labels to text, photos and other content generated by artificial intelligence.
Prince Harry was a no-show at court on the opening day of his case with a British tabloid publisher and is expected to testify Tuesday in the High Court.
The Supreme Court says it will hear a case in which a man tried to trademark a phrase mocking former President Donald Trump as “too small.”
Michael Vick, Larry Fitzgerald and Terrell Suggs are among the college football stars who will be considered for induction to the Hall of Fame for the first time this year.
Victor Wembanyama’s will almost certainly be selected by the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on June 22. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says the league doesn’t have a preference regarding the site of Wembanyama’s first game with the Spurs.
The cause of global warming is showing no signs of slowing as heat-trapping carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere has increased to record highs in its annual Spring peak.
Jimmy Carter is now 98 years old as he receives hospice care. His fellow Georgian, Martin Luther King Jr., would have been 94. The two men never met during all their time in Atlanta. But the Rev. Bernice King tells The Associated Press that Carter has been a “courageous” and “principled” figure who built on her father’s work, advancing the King family's vision of racial equality and human rights.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 5 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

A wayward and unresponsive business plane that flew over the nation’s capital Sunday afternoon caused the military to scramble a fighter jet before the plane crashed in Virginia.
California's attorney general says the state of Florida appears to have arranged for a group of South American migrants to be dropped off outside a Sacramento church.
The United States military has released video of what it called an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on the weekend, in which a Chinese navy ship cut sharply across the path of an American destroyer, forcing the U.S. vessel to slow to avoid a collision.
Four people are dead and seven others were seriously injured after a car crossed the center line of a Missouri highway and struck five motorcycles.
France’s beloved abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel has reached a ripe old age. It’s been 1,000 years since the laying of its first stone.
Chuck Todd says he's leaving “Meet the Press” after a tumultuous near-decade of moderating the NBC political panel show and will be replaced by Kristen Welker.
Prince Harry has become the royal family's most famous litigant in London. The Duke of Sussex has five active legal cases, three of them involving his battle with the British tabloids.
It was a nip and tuck affair in the NBA Finals Sunday night. Lots of big individual performances in Major League baseball as well as numerous sweeps. And a close finish in the PGA Memorial tournament.
“The Eric Andre Show” is back on Adult Swim. “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” opened in U.S. and Canadian theaters with a massive $120.5 million. And Cynthia Weil, a Grammy-winning lyricist of great range and endurance who enjoyed a decades-long partnership with husband Barry Mann and helped write "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling," "On Broadway," "Walking in the Rain" and dozens of other hits, has died at age 82.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television.

Listen to the latest episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

At 83 Al Pacino is about to become a father again.
"That 70s Show" actor Danny Masterson could spend the rest of his life in prison.
An update in the 2002 shooting death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay.
And we have results from two big auto races.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 2 at 4 p.m. CT:

The nation’s employers stepped up their hiring in May, adding a robust 339,000 jobs, well above expectations and evidence of enduring strength in an economy that the Federal Reserve is desperately trying to cool.
A building under construction near the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven has partially collapsed, injuring several people who were pulled from the rubble.
An Iowa task force has completed its search for survivors at the site of a partially collapsed Davenport apartment building without finding three missing people who are feared dead, authorities said Friday.
Police officers are separating protesters and counterprotesters outside a Los Angeles elementary school that has become a flashpoint for LGBTQ+ issues involving children in California during Pride month.
Customers of Chase’s online banking services were seeing double transactions, fees and/or payments in their accounts, with the situation not immediately being resolved as of early afternoon on Friday.
A lawsuit has been filed challenging an Arkansas law that would subject librarians and booksellers to criminal charges if they provide harmful materials to minors.
Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, has formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed a bill banning build-at-home firearms without serial numbers.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Washington won’t support peace talks in the war in Ukraine until Kyiv holds the upper hand, possibly after a Ukrainian counteroffensive that appears to be taking shape.
A long stretch of New Jersey's Garden State Parkway has reopened as firefighters work to contain a 5,000-acre forest fire.
Customers of Venmo, PayPal and CashApp should not store their money with those apps for the long term because the funds may not be covered by deposit insurance.
In this week's AP religion roundup, an island nation in the Caribbean allows the religious use of marijuana.
Dozens of transgender people in Florida who can't afford to move are turning to crowdfunding to help them leave after the passage of new legislation that targets the LGBTQ community.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 1 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has delivered a commencement address at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, thanking graduates for choosing “service over self.”
Days away from a default crisis, the U.S. Senate is dashing to wrap up work on the big debt ceiling and budget cuts package.
Prosecutors have dropped murder charges against a man who spent nearly 21 years in prison for the slayings of two Michigan hunters.
A structural engineer report issued just days before an Iowa apartment building partially collapsed indicated a wall of the century-old structure was in imminent risk of crumbling.
Thousands of people have taken part in Jerusalem’s Pride parade, the first to take place under Israel’s most right-wing government ever.
Eric Lewis was not selected as one of the 12 referees who will work the NBA Finals, while the league continues to investigate whether he used a Twitter account to defend himself and other referees from online complaints.
A judge in a civil case says a decorated Australian veteran unlawfully killed prisoners and committed other war crimes in Afghanistan.
Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, 28, has married Rajwa Alseif, 29, the scion of a prominent Saudi family in a palace celebration attended by royals and other VIPs from around the world.
Across the U.S. economy, a number of industries are facing the same formidable challenge: Replenishing a workforce that is being diminished by a surge of retirements that began during the pandemic and has continued since.
A new study says Earth has pushed past seven out of eight scientifically established safety limits and into “the danger zone,” not just for an overheating planet that’s losing its natural areas, but for well-being of people living on it.
The U.S. government’s auto safety agency plans to require that all new passenger cars and light trucks include potentially life-saving automatic emergency braking and meet stricter safety standards within three years.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 31 at 4 p.m. CT:

The debt ceiling and budget cuts package is heading toward a crucial House vote. President Joe Biden expressed optimism the deal he negotiated with Speaker Kevin McCarthy would pass Wednesday.
President Joe Biden has approved a new package of military aid for Ukraine that totals up to $300 million and includes additional munitions for drones and an array of other weapons.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has named John Scott to temporarily serve as the state’s attorney general.
U.S. job openings rose unexpectedly in April a sign the American labor market remians surprisingly resilient as the Federal Reserve pushes interest rates higher to combat inflation.
Sweden, which has the lowest rate of smoking in the Europe Union is now close to declaring itself “smoke free” — defined as having fewer than 5% daily smokers in the population.
A representative for Al Pacino confirms that the 83-year-old actor and 29-year-old Noor Alfallah are expecting a baby.
A third man has been charged in the 2002 shooting death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay.
After ballooning for years, CEO pay growth is finally slowing. The typical compensation package for chief executives who run S&P 500 companies rose just 0.9% last year, to a median of $14.8 million, according to data analyzed for The AP by Equilar.
Scandinavian Airlines says travelers will soon be able to book flights on the carrier’s first commercial flights that are due to start five years from now in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark aboard electric-powered aircraft.
China has warned of the risks posed by advances in artificial intelligence while calling for heightened national security measures.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 30 at 4 p.m. CT:

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter has dementia, her family announced Tuesday. Carter, now 95, remains at home with former President Jimmy Carter, who has been at home receiving hospice care.
Under fire from conservatives, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is hunting votes from fellow Republicans for the debt ceiling deal.
An Iowa mayor says five Davenport residents are missing including two people who could still be in the wreckage of a partly collapsed apartment building.
Police are searching for three gunmen who they believe opened fire along a crowded Hollywood, Florida beach promenade, wounding nine.
The Israeli army says Palestinian gunmen have shot and killed an Israeli man near the entrance to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank.
A Japanese court has ruled that the government's policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, in a closely watched decision that supporters say is a step toward marriage equality.
A federal court ruling has cleared the way for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma to settle thousands of legal claims over the toll of opioids.
Scientists and tech industry leaders, including executives at Microsoft and Google, have issued a new warning about the perils that artificial intelligence poses to humankind.
President Joe Biden is marking one of the saddest days of his life, the death of his son Beau.
New York City is sinking under the weight of its skyscrapers, homes, pavement and humanity itself. New research published this month says the city is sinking at an average rate of 1 to 2 millimeters a year.
As the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, most people in the U.S. say the court should allow consideration of race as part of the admissions process.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 30 at 7 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden says he “feels good” about the debt ceiling and budget deal negotiated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The White House and congressional leaders are working to ensure passage in time to lift the nation’s borrowing limit and prevent a U.S. default.
Nine people were injured when gunfire erupted along a beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, sending people frantically running for cover along the crowded beach on Memorial Day.
A rare drone attack jolted Moscow Tuesday morning, lightly damaging some buildings and leading to the evacuation of others, while Russia pursued its relentless bombardment of Kyiv with a third assault on the city in 24 hours.
German truck maker Daimler, Toyota and two other automakers plan to work together on new technologies, including the use of hydrogen fuel, to help fight climate change.
Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes on Tuesday will be moving to her new home —-a federal prison where she has been sentenced to spend the next 11 years for overseeing a blood-testing hoax that became a parable about greed and hubris in Silicon Valley.
George Maharis, the handsome actor who became an icon to American youth on the hit 1960s TV series “Route 66,” has died at age 94.
President Joe Biden said in a Memorial Day address Americans “must never forget" the price paid by troops who “dared all and gave all” to protect their democracy.
An American soldier awarded the Medal of Honor after he went missing in battle during the Korean War was buried on Memorial Day near his hometown in Georgia.
In sports, the Heat finally advance to the NBA Finals, the Golden Knights make it to the Stanley Cup Finals, Ryan Blaney is the real thing at the Coca-Cola 600, Marcus Stroman fires a one-hit shutout and Aaron Judge blasts two more homers. Correspondent Tom Mariam reports.
In entertainment news, groups protested against Roger Waters, 1950s pop singer Ed Ames died and "The Little Mermaid" led the weekend box office.

—The Associated Press

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With the Memorial Day holiday we're offering an abbreviated program featuring a selection of feature stories:

From the Civil War to today's mattress sales, Memorial Day is full of contradiction.
How busy will Atlantic hurricane season be? It depends on who wins the unusual battle of climatic titans.
States seek ways to curb deadly highway wrong-way crashes.
'Take It Down' is a tool for teens to remove explicit images.
A study shows that dogs know when they're being teased.
Pay-Per-Chew: More restaurants are trying subscription programs.
What should I do on the death anniversary? More people are asking as mass killings rise.

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I conclude our discussion about the biggest of this summer’s blockbusters that didn’t make our initial top 6 list.

Listen to that full episode of Streamed & Screened here.

This week’s top headlines include:

The death of iconic singer Tina Turner.
The future for NBA legend LeBron James.
And a lot of news out of the NFL.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

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About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 26 at 4 p.m. CT:

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and debt ceiling negotiators have hit “crunch” time as they strain to make a deal with the White House to raise the nation's debt limit, avert default and cut federal spending.
An Army veteran, Jessica Watkins, who stormed the U.S. Capitol in a military-style formation with fellow Oath Keepers members has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison.
A political aide familiar with the plans says two-term North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum is expected to run for the Republican presidential nomination.
The Vatican No. 2 says a fever that a fatigued Pope Francis developed was owed to the fact that the pope greeted a huge crowd of people.
An Indiana board has decided to reprimand an Indianapolis doctor after finding that she violated patient privacy laws by talking publicly about providing an abortion to a 10-year-old rape victim from neighboring Ohio.
A judge has put a temporary halt to South Carolina’s new law banning most abortions around six weeks of pregnancy until the state Supreme Court can review the measure.
Authorities say Russia’s southern Belgorod region that borders Ukraine came under attack from Ukrainian artillery fire, hours after two drones struck a Russian city in a region next to the Crimea Peninsula.
Two top rights groups say the severe restrictions imposed on women and girls by the Taliban in Afghanistan amount to gender-based persecution, which is a crime against humanity.
A London court has rejected an attempt by the publisher of The Sun newspaper to throw out a lawsuit by actor Hugh Grant alleging that journalists and investigators it hired illegally snooped on him.
Thanks to recent advances in artificial intelligence, tools that can create lifelike photos, video and audio are now cheap and readily available.
A new exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City features dozens of costumes and props from throughout Taylor Swift’s career.
This week's AP Religion Roundup looks at the Chicago church abuse investigation.
President Joe Biden has announced a new government strategy to fight hate, bias and violence directed at Jews. The document released Thursday outlines more than 100 steps the administration and its partners can take to combat an alarming rise in antisemitism.
All of Ford‘s current and future electric vehicles will have access to about 12,000 Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. and Canada starting next spring.
Just in time for the summer dining season, the U.S. government has given its blessing to restaurants that want to allow pet dogs in their outdoor spaces.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 25 at 4 p.m. CT:

The unofficial start of the summer travel season is here, with airlines hoping to avoid the chaos of last year and travelers scrounging for ways to save a few bucks on pricey airfares and hotel rooms.
Days from a deadline, President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are narrowing in on a two-year budget deal that could unlock a vote for lifting the nation’s debt ceiling.
A judge is poised to sentence two members of the Oath Keepers who stormed the U.S. Capitol in a military-style formation with other members of the far-right extremist group during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.
Asiana Airlines and government officials say a passenger opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea.
War and Treaty and Trace Adkins will play the Memorial Day Concert in Washington.
The Celtics and Stars stave off elimination in their conference finals, the Rays and Orioles get strong pitching performances in wins, and Harry Hall leads the Charles Schwab Classic.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 26 at 7:06 a.m. CT:

Both President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are speaking hopefully of the likelihood of an agreement to raise the government's debt limit and avert an economically chaotic federal default. Yet House Republicans are pushing debt ceiling talks to the brink.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The archbishop of Chicago is urging the Illinois attorney general to provide information about newly uncovered cases of priests who sexually abused minors that were included in a statewide investigative report.
Air Force fighter pilot Gen. CQ Brown Jr. has been tapped to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A man was arrested after a car collided with the gates of Downing Street in central London, where the British prime minister’s home and offices are located.
Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks told graduates of Harvard University to be superheroes in their defense of truth and American ideals, and to resist those who twist the truth.
Lawmakers in several states are looking to loosen child labor laws, even as the federal government cracks down on surging violations. In at least 10 states, legislators have proposed letting children work longer hours and in more hazardous occupations as a fix for labor shortages.
Many residents of Guam are without power and utilities after Typhoon Mawar tore through the remote U.S. Pacific territory and ripped roofs off homes, flipped vehicles and shredded trees.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 25 at 6:53 a.m. CT:

Fitch Ratings warned the nation’s AAA rating was under threat as negotiations to raise the debt ceiling continue between House GOP leaders and the White House.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has entered the 2024 presidential race with an announcement plagued by technical glitches. He’s stepping into a crowded Republican primary contest that will test his national appeal as an outspoken cultural conservative and the party’s willingness to move on from former President Donald Trump.
President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama were among those paying tribute to Tina Turner following the news of the singer's death.
AAA predicts that 37 million Americans will drive at least 50 miles from home this weekend, an increase of more than 2 million from Memorial Day last year but still below pre-pandemic numbers in 2019.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, companies were quick to respond, some announcing they would get out of Russia immediately. More than a year later, it’s clear: Leaving Russia isn't as easy as the first announcements might have made it seem.
The Panthers reach the Stanley Cup Finals thanks to more Matthew Tkachuk heroics, the Rays bounce back from their 20-1 defeat, an 8-run inning was enough for the Orioles, and the Brewers blank the Astros again.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 24 at 4 p.m. CT:

Tina Turner has died at age 83. She teamed with husband Ike Turner for a dynamic run of hit records and live shows and survived her horrifying marriage to triumph in middle age with the chart-topping “What’s Love Got to Do With It."
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says he's sending Republican negotiators to the White House to finish out debt limit talks. But he's warning that the two sides are “still far apart” as they try to reach a budget deal with President Joe Biden.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has entered the 2024 presidential race. DeSantis revealed his decision in a Federal Election Commission filing before a planned online conversation with Twitter CEO Elon Musk.
Lawyers for Donald Trump have asked for a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland as a Justice Department investigation into the former president’s handling of classified documents shows signs of winding down.
Target is removing certain items from its stores and making other changes to its LGBTQ+ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride month, after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers.
Rapper Fetty Wap has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role in a New York-based drug-trafficking scheme.
A man walking on tidal mud flats with friends in an Alaska estuary got stuck up to his waist in the quicksand-like silt and drowned as the tide came in before frantic rescuers could extract him.
The first double above-the-knee amputee to climb Mount Everest has returned from the mountain pledging to dedicate the rest of his life to helping people with disabilities.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 24 at 6:54 a.m. CT:

A criminal investigation in Texas over the hesitant police response to the Robb Elementary School shooting is still ongoing a year after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde. Wednesday marks one year since the deadliest school shooting in Texas history.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to launch his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday. The 44-year-old Republican governor is an outspoken cultural conservative and long seen as Donald Trump’s leading rival for the Republican nomination.
The South Carolina Senate has approved a bill that would ban most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy, sending the bill to the governor who has promised to sign it.
The National Weather Service says Typhoon Mawar has barreled into Guam as a powerful Category 4 storm.
Russian troops and security forces quashed an alleged cross-border raid from Ukraine in what appeared to be one of the most serious cross-border attacks since the war began.
The Boston Celtics stayed alive in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Golden Knights take a commanding lead in their Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals, there's a new kickoff rule in the NFL, and the Tampa Bay Rays suffer their most lopsided loss in franchise history.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 23 at 4 p.m. CT:

Debt ceiling negotiators for President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are holed up again at the Capitol. Republicans warn there’s a “lack of urgency” at the White House to resolve the budget standoff in time to avert a potentially chaotic federal default.
Donald Trump has made a video appearance in a New York courtroom, where the judge tentatively scheduled the former president’s criminal trial for March 25.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says the goal for this year's travel season is to be better than last year when airline delays were high.
A witness to the crash of a U-Haul truck into a security barrier at a park across from the White House says the driver struck the barrier at least twice.
The last time UPS workers walked off the job more than two decades ago, it crippled the shipping company. An emboldened union is threatening to do the same and this time the disruption would be far greater.
Swiss watchmaker Swatch says Malaysian authorities have raided its stores and confiscated 164 watches from its Pride Collection.
The U.S. surgeon general is calling for tech companies and lawmakers to take “immediate action” to protect kids’ and adolescents’ mental health on social media.
LeBron James began the final game of his 20th NBA season with the highest-scoring postseason half of his matchless NBA career. He ended it by questioning retirement after his Los Angeles Lakers were swept out of the Western Conference finals.
A London judge has ruled against Prince Harry in his efforts to pay for police protection when he visits Britain. The ruling Tuesday rejected the Duke of Sussex's assertion that the British government exceeded its authority when it denied his request to hire police.
Owners of new Ford vehicles will be able to tune in to AM radio in their cars, trucks and SUVs after all. CEO Jim Farley wrote in social media postings Tuesday that the company is reversing a decision to scrub the band after speaking with government policy leaders.
WhatsApp is allowing users to edit the messages they've sent. The popular chat app announced the update in a blog post Monday, saying people can correct misspellings, add more details or otherwise change what they have messaged to friends, family and coworkers.

—The Associated Press

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The Associated Press spent a year examining how racial health disparities have impacted generations of Black Americans. From birth to death, Black Americans fare worse in measures of health compared to their white counterparts.

They have higher rates of infant and maternal mortality, higher incidence of asthma during childhood, more difficulty treating mental illness as teens, and higher rates of high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and other illness as adults.

Ted Anthony, director of new storytelling and newsroom innovation, Katie Oyan, deputy director of local news success, and Kat Stafford, investigative race writer, gather to discuss the project.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 23 at 6:56 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy say they and their lead negotiators have had a productive meeting at the White House on the impasse over the government's debt ceiling. Yet there was no agreement Monday as Washington races to strike a budget compromise and raise the nation’s borrowing limit in time to avert a potentially devastating federal default as soon as next week.
The judge in Donald Trump’s criminal case is holding a hybrid hearing Tuesday to make sure that the former president is aware of new rules barring him from using evidence to attack witnesses.
Russian troops and security forces are fighting for a second day against an alleged cross-border raid that Moscow blamed on Ukrainian military saboteurs but which Kyiv portrayed as an uprising against the Kremlin by Russian partisans.
A judge has entered not guilty pleas for a man who opted to “stand silent” to charges in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students. Bryan Kohberger declined to enter pleas on his own behalf in Monday's arraignment.
The Denver Nuggets are going to their first NBA Finals after completing a four game sweep. The Florida Panthers are on the verge of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals. In baseball it was a two homerun night for a couple of power hitters — plus lots of NFL news from Monday.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 22at 4 p.m. CT:

Stocks drifted to a mixed finish as Wall Street waited for the results of a pivotal meeting between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meant to avoid a potentially disastrous default on the U.S. government's debt.
Venmo will officially allow teenagers to open an account with their parents' permission, the company said Monday, expanding the popular social payments app to a demographic that is likely to embrace it almost immediately.
A group of Chinese citizens living and working in Florida is suing the state over a new law that bans Chinese nationals from purchasing property in large swaths of the state.
A private flight carrying two Saudi astronauts and other visitors has arrived at the International Space Station.
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen says he was blindsided during an attack on him outside a South Florida hotel following a concert earlier this year.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a new film explores faith and growing up, and CeCe Winans talks about her career in contemporary Christian music.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 22 at 7 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have a pivotal meeting coming up on the impasse over the debt ceiling. Washington is racing to strike a budget compromise and raise the nation’s borrowing limit in time to avert a devastating federal default.
Officials say that Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest atomic power station, has spent hours operating on emergency diesel generators after losing its external power supply for the seventh time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbor.
Officials and witnesses say that fans angry at being blocked from entering a Salvadoran soccer league match knocked down an entrance gate to the stadium, leading to a crush that killed 12 people and injured dozens.
Authorities say fire has raced through a school dormitory in Guyana. It killed at least 20 students and injuring an undetermined number more.
The European Union has slapped Meta with a record $1.3 billion privacy fine and ordered it to stop transferring user data across the Atlantic by October.
The 10th installment of the “Fast and Furious” franchise was off to the races this weekend, knocking “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” out of first place and easily claiming the No. 1 spot at the box office.
Swathes of India are bracing for more scorching heat, with New Delhi under a severe weather alert, as extreme temperatures strike parts of the country.
In sports, the NBA Eastern Conference Finals is turning into a one sided rout, in hockey the Western Conference Finals has one team in control, baseball had some huge individual performances on Sunday while in golf the second of this years major championships went to a player who has racked up five major titles now.
In entertainment, Garth Brooks will have a focused crowd in Las Vegas, Martin Scorsese talks about his new movie at the Cannes Film Festival and football great and actor Jim Brown has died.
Just 33% of American adults say they approve of President Joe Biden’s handling of the economy and only 24% say national economic conditions are in good shape.
Bob Baffert’s National Treasure won the Preakness Stakes hours after another of the Hall of Famer's horses was euthanized on the track with a racing injury.
NFL legend, actor and social activist Jim Brown has died at the age of 87. Brown shattered records during a relatively short NFL career, leading the Cleveland Browns to their last championship in 1964 — and retired in his prime to become an actor.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

I’m Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises and your host. Be sure to subscribe to Hot off the Wire through Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss daily news updates.

As always, be sure to check out our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss “American Born Chinese,” a new program on Disney+. Get the full episode of Streamed & Screened on major podcast platforms or follow the link in this episode’s show notes.

This week’s top headlines include:

Johnny Depp talks at the Cannes Film Festival.
Kelly Clarkson respond to a report about her talk show.
Martha Stewart is on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.
And the latest news out of the NBA.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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About this program

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 19 at 3 p.m. CT:

Debt limit talks came to an abrupt standstill after Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said it’s time to “pause” negotiations. A White House official acknowledged there are “real differences” that are making talks difficult.
President Joe Biden has approved plans to train Ukrainian pilots on U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, according to two people familiar with the matter.
A Tennessee judge has continued to temporarily block the release of more video footage and records in the Tyre Nichols investigation. But during a court hearing Friday, he said he does want to make public as much information as possible that would not interfere with the rights to a fair trial for five Memphis police officers charged in Nichols’ death.
The Mideast-based chiefs of the U.S., British and French navies have transited the Strait of Hormuz aboard an American warship. They say it is a sign of their unified approach to keep the crucial waterway open after Iran seized two oil tankers.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina made it official Friday: He's running for president. The Senate's only Black Republican has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Committee declaring his intention to seek his party's nomination.
Direct flights have resumed between Russia and Georgia amid protests and sharp criticism from the South Caucasus nation's president.
A new poll finds that most U.S. adults say they are highly concerned about how the nation's economy would be affected if the debt limit isn't increased and the government can't pay its debts.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are pushing to keep AM radio in the nation’s cars. A bipartisan group in Congress has introduced the “AM for Every Vehicle Act.” It would require automakers to keep AM radio in new cars at no additional cost.
A 9-mile stretch on on St. George Island in Florida sugar-white is the nation’s best beach for 2023. That's according to an annual ranking released by a university professor known as “Dr. Beach.”
A tiff over Taco Tuesday is heating up, with Taco Bell asking U.S. regulators to force Taco John's to abandon its longstanding claim to “Taco Tuesday” as a trademark.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 19 at 6:56 a.m. CT:

Leaders of the world's most powerful democracies have vowed to tighten punishments on Russia for invading Ukraine. The Group of Seven leaders declared Friday that their support for Ukraine “will not waver." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to join the summit in Japan in person on Sunday, following a virtual appearance on Friday.
A judge is poised to decide whether Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira, accused of leaking highly classified military documents, will remain behind bars while he awaits trial.
Police in Ohio say a man was killed and a second victim was wounded in a shooting at an auto plant Thursday night.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says Congress “must move quickly” to regulate artificial intelligence and has convened a bipartisan group of senators to work on legislation.
The Walt Disney Co. says it's scrapping plans to build a new campus in central Florida and relocate 2,000 employees from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development. Thursday's announcement follows a year of attacks from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature, with Disney filing a First Amendment lawsuit against him and other officials last month.
Denver goes up 2-0 over the Lakers, the Panthers win a multiple overtime thriller in the NHL playoffs, Eric Cole leads the PGA Championship, and the Mets are among the winners in the MLB Thursday.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 18 at 4 p.m. CT:

Negotiators from the White House met over the debt limit with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s emissaries at the Capitol. They were grinding through a second day of head-to-head talks trying to strike a budget deal.
President Joe Biden is in Japan for the Group of Seven summit.
Ukrainian officials say Russia has fired 30 cruise missiles against various parts of the country in the latest nighttime test of Ukrainian air defenses which shot down 29 of them.
Investigators looking into the collapse of a Pittsburgh bridge last year want transportation officials nationwide to examine more than 10,000 other bridges with similar steel construction.
A Michigan teenager who is credited with using an uncommon weapon to save his sister from an abduction says he was “freaking out” when he reached for his slingshot.
The head of the U.S. agency charged with enforcing civil rights in the workplace says artificial intelligence-driven “bossware” tools that closely track the whereabouts, keystrokes and productivity of workers can also run afoul of discrimination laws.
An 84-year-old climber attempting to become the oldest person to summit all the world’s highest peaks has been rescued from a mountain in Nepal where he was injured.
The Supreme Court has sided with Google, Twitter and Facebook in lawsuits seeking to hold them liable for terrorist attacks. But the justices sidestepped the big issue hovering over the cases — namely the federal law that shields social media companies from being sued over content posted by others.
President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is vowing to hold the states that won him the White House in 2020 but also compete in places it lost like North Carolina and Florida, providing what it says are “a number of viable pathways" to victory.
Walmart reported strong first-quarter sales results as the nation’s largest retailer’s low-prices continue to draw budget conscious consumers in a challenging economic environment of stubbornly high inflation.
Rafael Nadal has pulled out of the French Open because of a lingering hip injury that has sidelined him since January and says that he expects 2024 to be his last year on the tennis tour.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 18 at 6:55 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden is in Japan for global diplomacy in a nation that has already tightened its economic and national security alliance with the U.S. He met privately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida before joining the Group of Seven gathering of major industrialized nations.
Montana has become the first state to enact a complete ban on TikTok. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the legislation Wednesday and it is scheduled to take effect next January.
Rescue crews are working to reach towns and villages in northern Italy that were cut off from highways, electricity and cell phone service following heavy rains and flooding.
Ukrainian officials say Russia has fired 30 cruise missiles against various parts of the country in the latest nighttime test of Ukrainian air defenses which shot down 29 of them.
Authorities say a high school student who killed three women in northwestern New Mexico with an indiscriminate spray of gunfire left a cryptic note presaging “the end of the chapter” and wore a bulletproof vest that he discarded before being shot to death by police.
The NBA Eastern Conference Finals begin, the Dodgers get late heroics but lose a pitcher early, the Orioles continue to play well, the Yankees have one of their pitchers suspended by the league, the NHL's Conference Final series are set to begin as is the PGA Championship.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 17 at 4 p.m. CT:

A limousine service manager has been convicted of manslaughter in a crash that killed 20 people in rural New York. The 2018 crash was one of the deadliest U.S. road wrecks in two decades.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, were trailed in their car by photographers as they left a New York City charity event Tuesday night, briefly taking refuge at a police station before being whisked away in a yellow taxicab.
President Joe Biden is declaring he's confident the U.S. will avoid an unprecedented and potentially catastrophic debt default, saying talks with congressional Republicans have been productive.
A grand jury has indicted a man who was already charged in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students, allowing prosecutors to skip a planned week-long preliminary hearing that was set for late June.
Florida is banning gender affirming care for minors, effective immediately. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a series of anti-LGBTQ+ bills on Wednesday. Others address drag shows and how schools handle the use of personal pronouns and bathrooms.
Target has reported another quarterly profit decline and issued a cautious sales and profit outlook for the current period.
Appearing at the Cannes Film Festival the day after premiering his first film in three years, Johnny Depp said Wednesday that he has “no further need” for Hollywood. Depp made a rare public appearance to face questions from the press following the opening-night premiere of “Jeanne du Barry,” in which Depp plays King Louis XV.
Disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes will remain free through the Memorial Day weekend before surrendering to authorities on May 30. That would be the start of her more than 11-year prison sentence for defrauding investors in a blood-testing scam.
Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana have seen a promising turnaround in their student reading scores after passing a series of similar literacy reforms.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 17 at 6:54 a.m. CT:

Debt limit talks have entered an encouraging new phase as President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have tapped top emissaries to negotiate a deal to avert an unprecedented national default. The president also cut his upcoming overseas trip short in hopes of closing out a deal before the end of the month.
Legislation banning most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy is becoming law in North Carolina after the state’s Republican-controlled General Assembly successfully overrode the Democratic governor’s veto.
The IRS is planning to launch a pilot program for a government-run, online tax filing system that’s free for all.
Officials say five people are now confirmed dead in northern Italy following floods from rain-swollen rivers. Officials are warning the rivers could again burst their banks as rain continues.
YouTube is great at sending users videos that it thinks they'll like based on their interests. But new research shows that the site's powerful algorithms can also flood young users with violent and disturbing content.
In sports, Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets outduel LeBron James and the Lakers, the Spurs are the victors in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, Doc Rivers is out in Philadelphia, the Rangers and Twins win interleague matchups of division leaders, and the Rays continue to shine.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 16 at 4 p.m. CT:

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the head of the artificial intelligence company that makes ChatGPT, told Congress that government intervention will be critical to mitigating the risks of increasingly powerful AI systems.
President Joe Biden and top congressional leaders have opened their second meeting on talks over raising the debt limit. Biden is meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The Justice Department has announced a series of criminal cases tracing the illegal flow of sensitive technology, including Apple’s software code for self-driving cars and materials used for missiles, to foreign adversaries like Russia, China and Iran.
A lawyer has asked a London judge to allow Prince Harry to challenge the government's denial of his request to pay for police protection when he visits the U.K.
The Swedish singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest with her power ballad “Tattoo,” has returned to Sweden, saying she was proud to have won the contest twice and became the second person in Eurovision history to win a second time.
China's military says it is prepared to “resolutely smash any form of Taiwan independence” as the U.S. prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons to the self-governing island democracy.
The Philadelphia 76ers fired coach Doc Rivers following a third straight exit in the second round of the playoffs.
Draft Lottery day has arrived, and the NBA is about to learn which team will win the chance to select Victor Wembanyama next month.
More than a century after the U.S. started selling oil leases on public lands, the Biden administration is seeking to let conservationists lease government property to restore it.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 16 at 6:42 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden will discuss the debt limit with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and congressional leaders at the White House. It's a high-profile Tuesday afternoon session with reverberations across the globe ahead of the president's trip to the Group of Seven summit in Japan.
The recent failures of a trio of midsize banks has once again raised questions on whether executive compensation is tilted toward short-term gains rather than companies' long-term health.
Ukrainian air defenses have thwarted an intense Russian air attack on Kyiv, shooting down all 18 missiles aimed at the capital.
The police chief of Farmington, New Mexico, says it appears an 18-year-old man who shot and killed three people and wounded six others fired at random as he roamed the neighborhood.
Sports Illustrated has chosen Martha Stewart as one of its 2023 swimsuit issue models. At 81, the businesswoman and media personality is the oldest model to pose for the cover of the swimsuit edition.
In sports, the Dallas Stars are headed for the Western Conference Finals, Angels' Shohei Ohtani makes more baseball history, Bregman lifts Astros, and an NFL playoff game will be exclusively on a digital platform.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 15 at 4 p.m. CT:

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia says a man with a baseball bat walked into his Fairfax office, asked for him, and then assaulted two members of his staff.
The White House says Russia is looking to buy additional advanced attack drones from Iran for use in its war in Ukraine after using up most of the 400 drones it had previously purchased from Iran.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has begun his first term leading the nation's third-largest city. Johnson struck a positive tone in his inaugural address after being sworn in Monday.
Two Republicans and an independent senator in the Oregon Senate stretched their walkout to 10 days, triggering a new constitutional provision that prohibits lawmakers with 10 or more unexcused absences from being reelected.
The European Union’s executive body raised its economic growth forecast, saying Europe had dodged a winter recession that was feared amid an energy crisis.
Two people have been charged in Austria for allegedly playing speeches by Adolf Hitler via the loudspeaker system of a train running from Bregenz to Vienna. Spreading Nazi propaganda is a criminal offense in Austria.
A federal appeals court says Elon Musk cannot back out of a settlement with securities regulators over 2018 tweets claiming he had the funding to take Tesla private.
Vice Media is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the latest digital media company to falter after a meteoric rise. Vice has agreed to sell its assets to a consortium of lenders in exchange for $225 million in credit.
For decades, Scabby the Rat — a giant, inflatable rat with beady eyes, sharp teeth and a pustule-covered belly — has been looming over union protests, drawing attention to construction sites or buildings with labor disputes.
In this week's AP Religion Roundup, a recent tragedy prompts Lauren Daigle to reflect on her role as a performer.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 15 at 7 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden says he and congressional leaders will likely resume talks on Tuesday at the White House over the debt limit as the nation continues to edge closer to its legal borrowing authority with no agreement in sight.
Around Manhattan and elsewhere in New York City, hotels that served tourists just a few years ago have become de facto emergency shelters. The latest is the historic Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan, which shuttered three years ago and is reopening later this week as a welcome center and shelter for asylum seekers.
China has sentenced a 78-year-old United States citizen to life in prison on spying charges. John Shing-Wan Leung, who also holds permanent residency in Hong Kong, was detained in 2021 by the counterintelligence agency in the southeastern city of Suzhou.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Britain as the staunch ally of Ukraine prepares to give more military aid in an effort to change the course of the war.
The agency tasked with securing America's airports is testing the use of facial recognition technology at a number of airports across the country.
Turkey’s presidential elections appear headed for a runoff. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pulled ahead of his chief challenger, but fallen short of an outright victory that would extend his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade.
A Sherpa guide has scaled Mount Everest for the 26th time, matching the record set by a fellow Nepalese guide for the most ascents of the world's highest peak.
Buffalo, New York, paused to mark one year since a white supremacist gunman killed 10 Black people and wounded three victims at a supermarket.
In sports, Jayson Tatum’s Game 7-record 51 points sent the Celtics back to the NBA East Finals, the Golden Knights eliminated Connor McDavid and the Oilers, the Rays slammed the Yankees, the Dodgers blanked the Padres, and a big day on the links for Jason Day.
The top two box office spots were once again claimed by Marvel and Mario. According to studio estimates Sunday, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” added $60.5 million from North American theaters in its second weekend. Second place went to “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” with $13 million in its sixth weekend.
Kelly Clarkson has responded to a Rolling Stone report accusing her daytime talk show of being a toxic workplace. Clarkson says that there’s “always room to grow” and that she wants the show to be the “best version of ourselves in any business.”

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

First, we have a short clip from our latest episode of Streamed & Screened, a podcast dedicated to movies and television. This week Bruce Miller and I discuss the six summer blockbusters to watch this summer. Get the full episode of Streamed & Screened on major podcast platforms or follow the link in this episode’s show notes.

LISTEN HERE: Top 6 summer blockbuster films to see in 2023

Other top headlines include:

Mage wins the Kentucky Derby.
The popularity of sports betting continues to rise.
The NFL schedule was released and there are international games of note.
And an NCAA basketball coaching legend died.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 11 at 4 p.m. CT:

Pandemic-related asylum restrictions that expelled migrants millions of times have ended in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation’s beleaguered immigration system. Meanwhile, the administration was dealt a potentially serious legal setback when a federal judge temporarily blocked its attempt to release migrants more quickly when Border Patrol holding stations are full.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday the state’s budget deficit has grown to nearly $32 billion.
Indianapolis police say four people were shot, one fatally, outside an Indianapolis fast-food restaurant.
Storms in parts of the southern Plains produced numerous small tornadoes but no reports of deaths or injuries. The Storm Prediction Center says another round of storms is possible beginning Friday afternoon.
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has left a high court in Islamabad after it granted him broad protection from arrest in multiple legal cases.
Ukrainian military commanders say their troops recaptured more territory from Russian forces at the scene of the war’s longest and bloodiest battle, for the eastern city of Bakhmut.
Hodding Carter III, a Mississippi newspaperman and award-winning television journalist who kept Americans informed about the Iran hostage crisis as State Department spokesman, has died at age 88.
Elon Musk is welcoming a veteran ad executive to the helm of Twitter. He says he has hired Linda Yaccarino as the social media site's new CEO.
The U.S. Postal Service is replacing thousands of antiquated keys used by postal carriers and installing thousands of high-security collection boxes to stop a surge in robberies and mail thefts.
Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre is ending his lawsuit against sportscaster Pat McAfee after McAfee publicly apologized for his previous on-air statements that Favre had been “stealing from poor people in Mississippi” in a welfare misspending case.
Fans of swimming, gymnastics and track & field can rejoice. For the first time in a European Olympics, those event finals will be televised live on network television in the United States.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 12 at 6:48 a.m. CT:

Pandemic-related asylum restrictions that expelled migrants millions of times have ended in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation’s beleaguered immigration system. The change came early Friday after migrants raced to enter the United States before the new restrictions set in.
A man who kept a chokehold around the neck of an agitated fellow passenger on a New York City subway, leading to the other rider’s death, is expected to turn himself in to authorities on a manslaughter charge.
The Eurovision Song Contest has barred President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from addressing the final of the pan-continental music competition as it would breach “the nonpolitical nature of the event.”
China is sending a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia starting next week in what it calls an effort to help reach a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
Researchers are studying how flavor molecules give champagne a distinct taste.
In sports, the Nuggets advanced in the NBA playoffs while the Celtics rallied late to force a seventh game in their series against the 76ers. The Hurricanes eliminated the Devils in the NHL playoffs and the Stars picked up a big win on home ice. The Rays continued to win and the 2023 NFL schedule was released.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 11 at 4 p.m. CT:

Migrants are rushing across the Mexico border in hopes of entering the U.S. in the final hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are lifted.
House Republicans are aiming to pass a sweeping bill to build more U.S.-Mexico border wall and impose new restrictions on asylum seekers.
Protecting a narrow, four-vote majority, Republican leaders in the House are making clear the legal process will need to play out with New York Rep. George Santos before they take steps to force his resignation or expel him.
Peloton is recalling more than 2 million of its exercise bikes in the U.S. because the bike’s seat post assembly can break during use, posing fall and injury hazards.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says the U.K. is sending Ukraine long-range cruise missiles to help push back Russian forces.
The Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as martyrs.
The number of Americans filing for jobless claims last week rose to its highest level in a year-and-a-half, though the labor market remains healthy by historical standards.
Wholesale prices in the United States rose modestly last month, the latest sign that inflationary pressures may be easing more than a year after the Federal Reserve unleashed an aggressive campaign of steadily higher interest rates.
On Wednesday, the NFL announced that Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars will become the first NFL team to play two international games in the same season when they spend back-to-back weeks in London.
Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is coming out of retirement and heading to the NBA. That is, as an adviser — not as a coach.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 11 at 6:56 a.m. CT:

Former President Donald Trump dug in on his lies about the 2020 election during a tense CNN town hall. He also downplayed the violence on Jan. 6, 2021, and repeatedly insulted the woman whom a civil jury this week found him liable of sexually abusing and defaming.
U.S. Rep. George Santos has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success. Santos was released on a $500,000 bond following his arraignment Wednesday and told reporters he would not resign.
Migrants are rushing across the border hours before pandemic-related asylum restrictions are to expire, fearing that policies will make it far more difficult to gain entry into the United States.
German authorities say a man opened fire at a Mercedes-Benz factory in southwestern Germany leaving two people dead.
Police say two dozen people, many of them children, were injured when a temporary pedestrian bridge collapsed in the southern Finnish city of Espoo.
The British government has announced it is giving long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine to help drive out Russia’s occupying forces. Thursday's announcement came as Kyiv is poised to launch a possible counteroffensive more than 14 months after the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion.
In sports, the Knicks and Warriors avoided elimination in the NBA, the Maple Leafs and Oilers won on the ice, an MLB closer hit a milestone and West Virginia announced discipline for Bob Huggins.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 10 at 4 p.m. CT:

U.S. Rep. George Santos pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges alleging a financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success.
President Joe Biden is launching a new phase of his pressure campaign against House Republicans as he makes his case lawmakers should lift the nation’s borrowing authority without any strings attached.
A U.S. Army sergeant has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting an armed protester during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Texas in July 2020.
Federal health advisers are recommending that a decades-old birth control pill be sold without a prescription.
Bob Huggins has agreed to a three-game suspension and a $1 million pay cut after he used a homophobic slur during a radio show.
Refugees from Sudan continue to flee to Egypt as fighting continues between rival generals.
An MTV special on mental health that was expected to feature Vice President Kamala Harris next week has been postponed. A person familiar with the decision says Harris chose not to travel to the Los Angeles-area event because that would have been seen as crossing the picket line for striking Hollywood writers.
Denny Crum, who won two NCAA basketball championships and built Louisville into one of the 1980s’ dominant programs during a Hall of Fame coaching career, has died. He was 86.
Former Minnesota Vikings and Cal quarterback Joe Kapp has died at the age of 85. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
A lesser-known form of solar power that has several advantages over the traditional kind is gaining traction. The solar panels float on water, so they don't take up land; the water keeps the panels cooler, which makes them produce more electricity, plus the arrays prevent the loss of water through evaporation.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 10 at 6:49 a.m. CT:

A jury has found Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing advice columnist E. Jean Carroll in 1996. Jurors awarded her $5 million in a judgment that could haunt the former president as he campaigns to regain the White House.
U.S. Rep. George Santos, who has faced outrage and mockery over a litany of fabrications about his heritage, education and professional pedigree, has been charged with federal criminal offenses. That's according to two people who could not publicly discuss specific details of the case while it remains under seal and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Consumer prices are forecast to have risen 0.4% from March to April, much faster than the 0.1% increase the previous month.
The publisher of British tabloid the Daily Mirror has acknowledged and apologized for unlawfully gathering information about Prince Harry in its reporting, and said it warrants compensation.
In sports, Joel Embiid led the Sixers to a NBA playoff series lead over the Celtics, the Nuggets took a series advantage on the Suns, the Stars and Hurricanes won their playoff series games, and Louisville basketball coaching legend Denny Crum died.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 9 at 3:30 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden is convening congressional leaders ahead of a looming June 1 deadline when money could run short for paying the nation’s bills.
A shooter with neo-Nazi leanings who killed eight people at a suburban Texas mall was shot dead by police within four minutes, authorities said Tuesday.
Bond has been set at $300,000 for a Louisiana man who authorities say fired a gun at children playing hide and seek outside his home, striking a 14-year-old girl.
A federal task force is recommending that women start getting every-other-year mammograms at age 40 instead of waiting until 50.
Two transgender children, their families and allied health care providers are challenging a Montana law that would ben gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
The Justice Department says it has disrupted a long-running Russian cyberespionage campaign that stole sensitive information from computer networks in dozens of countries.
Donald Trump's town hall forum on CNN on Wednesday is the first major TV event of the 2024 presidential campaign, and a big test for the chosen moderator, Kaitlan Collins.
The leader of a major anti-abortion group has met with former President Donald Trump, weeks after raising questions about his commitment to restricting access to the procedure.
Americans have bet over $220 billion on sports with legal gambling outlets in the five years since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for all 50 states to offer it.
Golf superstar Tiger Woods wants a judge to halt his ex-girlfriend's lawsuits seeking $30 million.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 8 at 4 p.m. CT:

The Biden administration is starting work on new regulations it says will expand the rights of airline passengers. The rulemaking process being announced Monday would require airlines to compensate passengers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they're stranded for reasons within the airline's control.
The driver of an SUV that killed eight people when it slammed into a bus stop in Brownsville, Texas has been charged with manslaughter, police said Monday as investigators tried to determine if the crash was intentional.
The White House says President Joe Biden would veto a House GOP bill that aims to restrict asylum, build more border wall and cut a program that allows migrants a chance to stay in the U.S. lawfully.
Mississippi sheriff's deputies already being investigated for possible civil rights violations after shooting a Black man are now being accused of attempting to sexually assault him.
A jury is hearing closing arguments from a lawyer for advice columnist E. Jean Carroll who says Donald Trump sexually attacked her in a department store in 1996.
French President Emmanuel Macron has led the traditional ceremony on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, commemorating the day that marked the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.
As Joe Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, embarks on his reelection campaign, he is increasingly musing aloud about his advanced age, cracking self-deprecating jokes and framing his decades in public life as a plus.
U.S. health regulators are weighing the first-ever request to make a birth control pill available without a prescription.
The idea of later school start times, pushed by many over the years as a way to help adolescents get more sleep, is getting a new look as a way to address the mental health crisis affecting teens across the U.S.
French bulldogs are ranked as the United States’ favorite dog breed, yet none has ever won the nation’s pre-eminent dog show. But this year, a Frenchie named Winston is a strong contender to take the trophy at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 8 at 6:15 a.m. CT:

Police in Brownsville, Texas, say eight people are now dead and at least 10 are injured after a driver struck a group of people waiting at a bus stop outside a migrant shelter.
A law enforcement official says federal investigators are looking into whether the gunman who killed eight people at a Dallas-area mall expressed an interest in white supremacist ideology as they work to try to discern a motive.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” there are “simply no good options” for solving the debt limit stalemate in Washington other than Congress lifting the cap and cautioned that resorting to the 14th Amendment would provoke a constitutional crisis.
Black voters in South Carolina rescued Joe Biden’s bid for the presidency during the 2020 Democratic primary, and he rewarded them by moving the state to the head of the party’s nominating calendars in 2024. But interviews two years into his presidency with more than a dozen Black voters representing a variety of ages and backgrounds reveal mixed views, especially between older and younger voters.
In sports, the Sixers and Suns even their respective NBA playoff series at two-two, the Panthers are one game away from advancing in the NHL playoffs, while the Hurricanes and Kraken are each up, two games to one, and in baseball, the team with the majors' best record keeps getting better.
This weekend, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” earned $114 million in ticket sales on its opening weekend in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. Internationally, where the film opened in 51 territories not including China, “Vol. 3” earned $168 million, giving it a $282 million global debut.
Get the highlights from this past weekend's coronation of King Charles III.
Two more horses died in the hours before 15-1 shot Mage won the Kentucky Derby by a length, making it seven in all and casting a shadow over the 149th edition of the world's most famous race.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

This week’s top headlines include:

The next class to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was announced.
Aerosmith’s will kick off a farewell tour starting in September.
“Some Like It Hot” earned 13 Tony Award nominations.
And the Writers Guild of America went on strike, shutting down production of late night television.

Be sure to check out our Streamed & Screened podcast for information on the strike and what it means for your favorite shows and movies. Streamed & Screened is available on all major podcast platforms.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 5 at 3 p.m. CT:

The World Health Organization says that COVID-19 no longer qualifies as a global emergency. The announcement on Friday marks a symbolic end to the devastating coronavirus pandemic that triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions of people worldwide.
The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is resigning. Dr. Rochelle Walensky says the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic is a good time to make a transition.
The Supreme Court has blocked Oklahoma from executing death row inmate Richard Glossip after the state’s attorney general agreed Glossip’s life should be spared.
President Joe Biden is expected to announce Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. to serve as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
America’s employers added a healthy 253,000 jobs in April, evidence of a labor market that still shows surprising resilience despite rising interest rates, chronically high inflation and a banking crisis that could weaken the economy.
Indigenous families and tribal communities are gathering across North America, many wearing red in solidarity as they honor thousands of missing and slain relatives.
Closing arguments are expected Friday in the trial of a woman accused of killing her 11-year-old stepson in Colorado, putting his body in a suitcase and then dumping it over a bridge in Florida.
A court in Kenya has given police five more days to hold a pastor facing possible terror-related charges in the deaths of more than 100 his congregants.
President Joe Biden celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Friday by stepping out for quesadilla and tacos at a food hall in Washington.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla sent a message to London commuters on the eve of his coronation.
Adidas still hasn't figured out what to do with $1.3 billion worth of high-end Yeezy sneakers after splitting with the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 4 at 4 p.m. CT:

A coroner says a gunman killed two relatives and a fast food worker in rural south Georgia before taking his own life Thursday.
An autopsy report shows Tyre Nichols died of blunt force injuries to the head after he was beaten by Memphis police during a January arrest.
Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and three other members of the far-right extremist group have been convicted of a plot to attack the U.S. Capitol to keep Donald Trump in power after he lost the 2020 presidential election. A jury in Washington, D.C., found Tarrio guilty of seditious conspiracy after hearing from dozens of witnesses over more than three months.
BMW is warning the owners of about 90,000 older vehicles in the U.S. not to drive them due to an increasing threat that the air bags can explode in a crash.
California lawmakers have agreed to loan $150 million to financially distressed hospitals. The vote on Thursday comes after the only hospital in rural Madera County closed in January.
A jury has concluded that British singer Ed Sheeran's hit song “Thinking Out Loud” didn't copy key components of Marvin Gaye's classic tune “Let's Get It On.”
Vladimir Putin's spokesman alleged the U.S. was behind what Russia claimed was a Ukrainian attack on the Kremlin.
The U.S. Department of Justice says an environmental justice probe found Alabama engaged in a pattern of inaction and neglect regarding the risks of raw sewage for residents in an impoverished county.
A Republican donor paid two years of private school tuition for a child raised by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and Thomas didn't disclose the payments.
U.S. regulators say Facebook misled parents and failed to protect the privacy of children using its Messenger Kids app.
The U.S. has approved the first vaccine for RSV, shots to protect older adults.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 3 at 4 p.m. CT:

The Federal Reserve reinforced its fight against high inflation by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point to the highest level in 16 years. But the Fed also signaled that it may now pause its streak of 10 rate hikes, which have made borrowing for consumers and businesses steadily more expensive.
Police say a shooter opened fire inside an Atlanta medical building, killing one and injuring four others as authorities swarmed the city’s bustling midtown neighborhood in search of the 24-year-old suspect.
A man suffering an apparent mental health episode aboard a New York City subway died this week after being placed in a headlock by a fellow rider.
Russia claimed it foiled an overnight attack by Ukrainian drones on the Kremlin, calling it an unsuccessful assassination attempt against President Vladimir Putin and promising retaliation for what it termed a “terrorist” act.
A New York Times report says a racist text message from Tucker Carlson helped drive the commentator's ouster from Fox News.
Scientists for the first time have caught a star in the act of swallowing a planet.
Kevin Costner and his wife of nearly 19 years are divorcing. Costner's publicist said in a statement Tuesday that due to circumstances beyond the actor's control, he and wife Christie Baumgartner are ending their marriage.
It looks likely to be a long grind for Hollywood writers who have gone on strike to preserve pay and hang on to job security.
Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Chaka Khan, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and the late George Michael have all been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Kate Bush also finally reaching the top of that hill.
Eli Lilly and Co. says its experimental Alzheimer's drug appears to slow worsening of the mind-robbing disease.
The College Football Playoff released a schedule for the 12-team format that will be used in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, which will feature New Year’s Day quarterfinal tripleheaders but no games played on Saturday.
Former Las Vegas Raiders player Henry Ruggs will admit that he drove drunk at up to 156 mph before causing a fiery crash that killed a woman. That will mean the 24-year-old first-round NFL draft pick will avoid trial and be sentenced to three to 10 years in state prison.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 2 at 4 p.m. CT:

The Biden administration will send 1,500 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border amid an expected migrant surge following the end of coronavirus pandemic-era restrictions.
The first Hollywood strike in 15 years began Tuesday as the economic pressures of the streaming era prompted unionized TV and film writers to picket for better pay outside major studios, a work stoppage that is leading most late-night shows to air reruns.
A prosecutor says a former Memphis police officer who hit Tyre Nichols with a stun gun during a traffic stop that preceded Nichols’ brutal beating by other officers won’t be charged criminally.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Lionel Messi has been suspended by Paris Saint-Germain for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia without the club’s permission.
The latest Super Bowl ended up setting a viewer record. Nielsen released a revised number of 115.1 million for Fox Sports’ broadcast of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in February.
The U.S. surgeon general says loneliness poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, costing the health industry billions of dollars annually.
“Some Like It Hot,” a musical adaptation of the cross-dressing movie comedy that starred Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, has waltzed away Tuesday with the most number of Tony Award nominations.
Folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has died. He penned hundreds of songs, including “Carefree Highway,” “Early Morning Rain” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” He was 84.
Ed Sheeran says he's getting encouragement from other performers who also worry that they'll be sued after they heard he is testifying against claims that he stole material from Marvin Gaye's “Let's Get It On.”
Before the glory of his coronation weekend, King Charles III has visited Parliament to get a reminder that the monarch’s power has limits.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look at the United Kingdom’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Charles ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. However, the coronation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 6, starting at 11 a.m. local time and ending at 1 p.m.

Here in the United States, that two-hour ceremony will begin at 6 a.m. Eastern, 3 a.m. Pacific. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the festivities on most broadcast and cable news channels. Check your local listings for details.

In this episode, listen to updates from The Associated Press on both the ceremony and the drama.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically.

That music is of the Brixton Chamber Orchestra from April 21st rehearsing in South London ahead of the Coronation Carnival and courtesy The Associated Press. In this bonus episode of Hot Off the Wire, we look at the United Kingdom's coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Charles ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

However, the coronation ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 6, starting at 11 a.m. local time and ending at 1 p.m. Here in the United States, that two hour ceremony will begin at 6 a.m. Eastern, 3 a.m. Pacific. Viewers in the U.S. can watch the festivities on most broadcast and cable news channels. Check your local listings for details.

And now the latest updates from The Associated Press on both the ceremony and the drama. King Charles, the third plans to take a shortcut and smooth a ride to Westminster Abbey for his coronation. Charles, is innovation tremulous at the procession route his mother, Queen Elizabeth, took in 1953 as he aims for a more modest event that will include some modern touches.

Buckingham Palace says, however, the lower key ceremony on May six will still be steeped in ancient traditions and adorned with the royal regalia from the crown jewels, but will also feature its bespoke emoji, reflecting the first British crowning of the social media era Queen Elizabeth. The second was the first coronation televised 70 years ago. The 1.3 mile route is a bit shorter than the one Elizabeth took to the Royal Church, passing a statue of Charles, the first the monarch beheaded in 1649 before arriving for the 11 a.m. religious service.

Charles de Ledesma, London.

King Charles III joins as many as 2800 guests for his coronation on May the sixth at Westminster Abbey. His complicated family will once again take center stage. There's a second wife, an embarrassing brother, and an angry son and daughter in law, all with allies who aren't shy about whispering family secrets in the ears of friendly reporters.

How King Charles manages his family drama over the coming weeks and years is crucial to the king's efforts to preserve and protect the 1000 year old hereditary monarchy. Editor of Majesty magazine Jay Little, says Charles's ongoing family drama was never going to justice appear. I think it was inevitable that when Charles became king, the loss of the personal stuff would come back to haunt him.

Royal historian Robert Lacey says the standards were set too high. The British monarchy is supposed to be representative, and that used to be thought to mean It's got to be ideal, it's got to behave in absolute, immaculate fashion. Well, that wasn't realistic and proved not to be realistic in facts. Lacey believes Charles's fractious family may be easier for the British public to identify with.

But I think most people in Britain find an imperfect and honest family easier to live with. Karen Chammas, London.

Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry will attend his father's May 6th coronation. Harry's attending the coronation service of his father, King Charles, the third at Westminster Abbey. Setting aside months of speculation about his presence. The palace adds Harry's wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain in California with the couple's two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Harry's attendance comes despite a rift within at the House of Windsor, prompted by Harry's decision to reveal family secrets in his bestselling book Spare. Charles de Ledesma, London.

As the coronation of King Charles, The third fast approaches. All eyes are on Camilla, the queen consort who will be crowned alongside her husband's. The moment will mark the culmination of years of efforts that helped to transform her image from being one of the most reviled women in the country to becoming a likable, down to earth hard worker.

Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty magazine, explains. Just by giving it time and going gently, gently, she has managed to show people the real person that she is and that she's not this villainous. However, spiritedness, her triumph is not a complete one. But there are still people in this country and there are a lot of people abroad who will never forgive her for being the third person in the marriage.

Camilla herself admitted last year in an interview with Vogue magazine that she had learned to live with the scrutiny of her past. Karen Chammas, London.

Towns and cities will be awash with union flags and patriotic decorations to celebrate King Charles the Third's coronation this weekend. But the events, viewed with a large dose of ambivalence by some in Britain's diverse communities.

Darren White, a descendant of migrants from Jamaica, and Adriano Phillips Durrant, a musicians with the Brixton Chamber Orchestra here, rehearse ahead of the Coronation Carnival. While whites excited about the gig, he tells the Associated Press that some might find it hard to connect to the whole occasion. With the economy on the precipice of recession. While Forbes says it's strange that the event would happen at a time when people don't really have the money to get by.

I have mixed opinions on kind of on general, kind of like the royal family and the coronation. Just but just because I think that there are, you know, bigger things happening in Britain right now. Across the capital, John Pan, Basra, the head of Southall Community Alliance, says people are going through a cost of living crisis. Is it fair that there is so much attention and resource being put into a massive coronation celebration when people are in record numbers having to rely upon food banks facing poverty on a believable scale?

Elsewhere in Southall, proprietor guru Anand recalls the Royals demeanor when he ate at his restaurant. Charles, he says, actually listens to you, wants to know where you've come from. Charles de Ledesma, London.

Thousands of British military personnel will join King Charles's coronation. The UK Defense Ministry says 6000 troops, including soldiers, sailors and aviators, will participate on May 6th, making it the force's biggest ceremonial deployment for seven decades.

Thousands of them will escort the king and Camilla, the queen consort, as they travel by gilded horse drawn coach between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Gun salutes will sound from British army bases and warships and military aircraft, including World War two. Spitfires will perform a flypast. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace calls it a spectacular and fitting tribute to King Charles, who is the armed forces commander in chief.

Mimi Montgomery, London.

Tourism industry officials have high hopes the May six coronation of King Charles will provide a vital boost to the industry, which is still reeling from two years of COVID 19 shutdowns.

Outside Buckingham Palace, Patricia Yates, chief executive of the VisitBritain Tourism Board, says she hopes next week's coronation, the first for nearly 70 years, will be a great success. Events like this really kick start at the recovery, don't they? And they put Britain on the world stage again. And goodness, we do that so well. Pageantry around the coronation will just be amazing.

History, heritage and the Royals are the biggest draw for international tourists, Yates adds. And royalty, a particular magnet for Americans who are driving the country's tourism recovery. Queen Elizabeth. The second platinum Jubilee celebrations last year brought in an extra 2.6 million visitors to London, and Charles's coronation is expected to have a similar effect. Visitors to London's Westminster Abbey will be allowed to stand for the first time on the exact spot where King Charles The third will be crowned, though they'll need to make sure they don't have holes in their socks for the Shoot US tour meant to protect the Abbey's medieval mosaic floor.

Abbey officials say the section of the church's floor, known as the Cosmati Pavement, where the coronation chair has been placed for some 700 years, will be on display during Charles's crowning ceremony. Vanessa Simeon, head conservator at Westminster Abbey, says it will be a unique visitor experience. It's such a rare opportunity. Nobody apart from the clergy go up to this space.

So for visitors to come here and be able to walk on the pavement and get up close and look at the designs and all the different materials that make up this incredible piece of art, it's going to be just a once in a lifetime experience. The intricate mosaic of marble, stone, glass and metal located in front of the Abbey's high altar was commissioned by Henry the third in the 1200s and made by Italian craftsmen.

It's said to be the best surviving example outside Italy, of course, Marti after the Italian family which created it. Charles de Ledesma, London.

The Biden administration is defending the decision to have First Lady Jill Biden attend King Charles Third's coronation instead of her husband. The president told the king in a call his wife will attend on America's behalf. We're proud that she's going to be representing the United States.

Asked why the president himself will not be at Westminster Abbey, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said there is precedent. President Eisenhower did didn't attend Queen Elizabeth's coronation either. In fact, no sitting U.S. president has ever attended a British royal coronation. On the events invitations, Buckingham Palace officially identifies the king's wife for the first time as Queen Camilla. Sagar Meghani, Washington.

I'm Terry Lipshetz, thanking you for listening. Audio provided by The Associated Press. Music is by Skilsel and provided through Pixabay. Be sure to subscribe to Hot off the Wire on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 1 at 4 p.m. CT:

The White House says it now estimates that just since December Russia has suffered 100,000 casualties, including more than 20,000 killed, as Ukraine has rebuffed a heavy assault in eastern Ukraine.
First Republic Bank became the second largest failure in history Monday when regulators seized it and JP Morgan Chase stepped up as a buyer.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is recommending the U.S. rethink its decades-old policy of insuring only as much as $250,000 in bank deposits.
Fourteen-year-olds in Wisconsin could serve alcohol to seated customers in bars and restaurants under a bill circulated for cosponsors by a pair of Republican state lawmakers.
Days after Disney sued Florida’s governor in federal court for what it described as retaliation for opposing the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, members of Disney World’s governing board made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis appointees have authorized a lawsuit against the entertainment giant.
A dizzying number of props, sets and costumes from television shows beloved by generations of viewers will be sold at auction next month. The collection James Comisar has spent over 30 years amassing includes “The Tonight Show” set Johnny Carson gave him after retiring, the timeworn living room from “All in the Family” and the bar where Sam Malone served customers on Cheers.
A first-of-its-kind federal investigation has found two hospitals put a pregnant woman's life in jeopardy and violated federal law by refusing to provide an emergency abortion when she experienced premature labor at 17 weeks.
There are more than 200 LGBTQ+ lawmakers across the country, and they're increasingly finding themselves fighting against bills that target their communities.
Aerosmith will be touring a city near you for the last time to celebrate their 50-plus years together. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band announced Monday the dates for their “Peace Out” farewell tour starting Sept. 2 in Philadelphia.
Nearly nine years after Johnny Winter’s death, a battle for control of the legendary blues guitarist’s music is being fought in court with allegations of theft and greed flying.
In this week's AP religion roundup, Pope Francis laments the return of war in Europe, and Pittsburgh's Jewish congregations prepare for a trial in the nation's deadliest antisemitic attack.
Doctors are zapping the heart with radiation normally reserved for cancer in a bid to better treat a dangerous kind of irregular heartbeat.
Scientists say many North American bats are in trouble. A report by experts from the U.S., Canada and Mexico says more than half of the continent's 154 bat species are at risk of “severe population decline” in the next 15 years.
Legal marijuana growers along the West Coast are struggling with oversupply, low prices and limited outlets for selling their product.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 1 at 7 a.m. CT:

Regulators have seized troubled First Republic Bank and sold all of its deposits and most of its assets to JPMorgan Chase Bank in a bid to head off further banking turmoil in the U.S. First Republic on Monday becomes the third midsize bank to fail in two months.
Law enforcement officers say they have no idea where a Texas man is who police say shot and killed five neighbors on Friday after they asked him to stop firing off rounds in his yard.
The United Nations’ top official in Sudan says the country's warring generals have agreed to send representatives for negotiations, potentially in Saudi Arabia.
Ukrainian officials say that Russia launched its second large salvo of missiles at Ukraine in recent days. The attack damaged buildings and wounded at least 34 people in the eastern city of Pavlohrad.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkish forces have killed the leader of the Islamic State group during an operation in Syria.
The Bruins' season comes to a shocking end, while the Kraken shock the defending champion Avalanche. In the NBA, the defending champs advance to the second round. Those sports highlights and more.
More than a year after the maker of OxyContin reached a tentative settlement over the toll of opioids, the money isn't flowing yet. That's because a federal court is still considering whether it's lawful to give members of the Sackler family who own Purdue Pharma protection from civil lawsuits in exchange for their contribution to the settlement: the company itself and up to $6 billion in cash.
It’s still Mario Time at the box office. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” led ticket sales for the fourth straight weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters with $40 million as the global haul for the Universal Pictures release surpassed $1 billion.
A new study suggests water on Mars may be more widespread and recent than previously thought. Scientists reported the finding from China's Mars rover in Science Advances on Friday.
As heat waves fueled by climate change arrive earlier, grow more intense and last longer, people over 60 who are more vulnerable to high temperatures are increasingly at risk of dying from heat-related causes.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

This week’s episode includes:

The end of the “Late Late Show” with James Corden.
Deaths of notable celebrities Harry Belafonte, Jerry Springer and others.
A trial involving singer Ed Sheeran.
Shakeups at CNN and Fox News.
And the fight between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney.

Also, be sure to check out our Streamed & Screened podcast for the latest episode on Star Wars Day and the limited series “A Small Light” on National Geographic. Streamed & Screened is available on all major podcast platforms.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically

Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot Off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment. I'm Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises and your host. Be sure to subscribe to Hot Off the Wire through Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss Daily News updates.

This week's episode includes the end of The Late Late Show with James Corden, deaths of notable celebrities Harry Belafonte, Jerry Springer and others, a trial involving singer Ed Sheeran, shakeups at CNN and Fox News, and the fight between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney. Also, be sure to check out our Streamed and Screened podcast for the latest episode on Star Wars Day and the limited series A Small Light on National Geographic. Streamed and Screened is available on all major podcasts, platforms.

James Corden has said farewell to The Late Late Show. Corden says he's ending his run on CBS because he wants to return to the UK to be close to his family. Moving here to America eight years ago, it was a huge leap for me. My family, my son was three, our daughter was 12 weeks old and we now have another small person and she's a medic.

Corden says he started the show with Obama. Then Trump, then a global pandemic. But he says all he's ever tried to do with the show is bring joy. All we've ever wanted is just be a little a little bit of light and levity at the end of your day. And he ended his last show with a song. Thanks for watching.

That's our show. I'm Donna Border. But entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte has died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York, according to his publicist. Belafonte was 96. I'm Archie's are a letter with a look at his life there. That right there is what Harry Belafonte was best known for. Belafonte said in a 2001 AP interview.

He heard about that song used in all kinds of ways, but one in particular, more people have told me they sing that song in the shower than any place, than any other song I've ever heard of. Belafonte was one of the first popular black performers on film. He was one of the first to sell a million records and the first to win an Emmy.

Belafonte also was an activist marching for civil rights and taking on presidents to push for social change. For 27 years on daytime TV, audiences chanted his name. And Jerry Springer has died. He was the mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a TV news anchor. His career took off hosting a talk show that featured brawls, thrown chairs and lots of words that had to be bleeped.

In a 1998 AP interview, Jerry Springer said he didn't worry about what was said about his show. Someone comes up to me and love you, man. Love you, man. You're the greatest. I don't go to sleep at night thinking, you know what? I must be the greatest. Because, you know, nor when someone comes and says, Boy, you're ending Western civilization.

Do I go to sleep at night sobbing, saying, Oh, my God, I've ended Western civilization. You know, it's just not anything you can really take seriously. The statement says Springer died peacefully at his home near Chicago after a brief illness. He was 79. I’m Ed Donahue AP news before Bo Jackson knew everything. Before Deion Sanders introduced prime time.

There was Dick Groat, a wiry shortstop with a slick glove and a lightning quick guard with a lethal set shot. Groat was a star on the baseball diamond, and the basketball court in the 1950s wrote, who parlayed a spectacular hoops career with Duke into a brief stint in the NBA before becoming an all-star in the 1960 National League MVP while playing baseball for his hometown, Pittsburgh Pirates died Thursday. He was 92. Rhodes family said in a statement that he died from complications of a stroke. I'm definitely back. Tony Award winning comedian Barry Humphries, internationally renowned for his garish stage persona, Dame Edna Everage, has died. He was 89 years old. Humphrey's death was confirmed by a Sydney hospital where he spent several days following complications from a hip surgery.

Humphries had lived in London for decades and returned to his native Australia in December for Christmas. He found fame as Dame Edna Everage, a condescending and imperfectly veiled snob whose evolving character has delighted audiences over seven decades. In 2016, Humphries spoke about playing the quirky character. I've always enjoyed watching her on stage because she says things I wouldn't dream of, said Humphries.

A law school dropouts found major success as an actor, writer and entertainer in Britain in the 1970s. However, the United States was an ambition that he found stubbornly elusive. I'm Karen Travers. A trial begins over whether musician Ed Sheeran copied a Marvin Gaye song. I'm Margie Szaroleta with the latest. The Estate of Ed Townsend, a songwriting partner of Marvin Gaye, is arguing that Let's get it on.

It sounds an awful lot like Sheeran's song Thinking Out Loud. Done in Townsend's tenor, say. Even Sheeran has segued from thinking out loud to Let's get it on in concert. Sheeran's lawyers say the two songs have common chord progressions that are freely available to all songwriters. Jurors will be asked to consider the raw elements of melody, harmony and rhythm, but not lyrics or the vibe of the songs.

Testimony continues in a New York courtroom in a case involving musician Ed Sheeran and the estate of a co-writer of a Marvin Gaye song, Ed Sheeran testified You would be an idiot to stand in front of 20,000 people and admit he ripped off a song. At issue is whether Sheeran Song Thinking out loud copies the Marvin Gaye song Let's Get It On, co-written by late songwriter Ed Townsend.

Lawyers for the Townsend Estate say video showing Sheeran flipping between the two songs in concert are tantamount to a confession. Sheeran says it's easy to weed the songs because they're in the same key. Townsend daughter Kathryn Townsend Griffin told reporters outside court she wants to protect her father. All I'm expecting is his name to be honored and his work and his legacy.

Two big shakeups in cable news. Familiar hosts are gone. Here's the AP's Jack Quinn. Fox News has announced it's parting ways with Tucker Carlson, whose last show was on Friday. Carlson frequently made news himself with his controversial coverage of the Capitol insurrection onscreen. Friendship with Donald Trump and embarrassing emails just made public in the lawsuit filed by Dominion Voting Systems.

The other show host, Don Lemon, fired from CNN. Pop culture expert Professor Robert Thompson at Syracuse University says Carlson's departure is the most surprising. One of their big moneymakers now being kicked to the curb at the same time, they're having to shell out an enormous chunk of money to dominion over it. CNN. No reason was given for terminating Don Lemon after 17 years.

But he had gotten into hot water with a comment suggesting presidential candidate Nikki Haley was past her prime. I'm Jackie Quinn. Disney will be laying off several thousand employees this week, including at ESPN. A second round of cuts, that's part of a previously announced plan to eliminate 7000 jobs this year. His agent says Dancing with the Stars Judge Len Goodman has died after battling bone cancer.

He was 78. Here's the AP's Margie Szaroleta. I don't know what's going on. Was that an earthquake or did you just rock this place? Len Goodman was famous for delivering pithy observations as head judge on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Goodman had been a competitive dancer and British champion before starting a dance school and eventually judging competitions. He was head judge on the British show Strictly Come Dancing for 12 Years.

Goodman said in a 2014 AP interview, the producer of that show stood up for him when ABC wanted to do its own version, but thought Goodman was too old. He said, You got to have Len, you know, he's wise and I and know what she said. But I know eventually they agreed. Marches are Aleta Herb Douglas, who turned a chance encounter with Jesse Owens as a teenager into fuel to win a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1948 Olympics has died in Pittsburgh.

He was 101. I'm Ed Donahue. AP News. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is brushing off Disney's lawsuit against him as politically motivated. The AP's Ben Thomas. The corporate kingdom finally comes to an end. Disney alleges the governor waged a targeted campaign of government retaliation after the company opposed a law that bans classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity, a policy critics called don't say gay.

We had a little bit of a tussle earlier this year. DeSantis framed it this way. Disney came out against something that was really just about protecting young kids and making sure that students are able to go to school, learning to read, write and subtract, and not having a teacher tell them that they can change their gender. Disney accuses DeSantis of weaponizing government power against it for expressing a political viewpoint with which he disagrees.

He's back. Tucker Carlson has emerged on Twitter with a video that does not directly mention his recent former employer, Fox News. Two days after being fired, Tucker Carlson tweeted a two minute monologue that did not address why he suddenly became unemployed. The other thing you notice when you take a little time off is how unbelievably stupid most of the debates you see on television are.

They're completely irrelevant, the conservative, a former TV host, said Corporate media and political parties work to prevent discussions of big issues. But when honest people say what's true calmly and without embarrassment, they become powerful. At the same time, the liars who've been trying to silence them shrink. Fox News did not explain why it fired its most popular personality a week after settling a lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems.

Media reports centered on private messages sent by Carlson. Sources say they included crude remarks and slurs against a senior Fox executive, Jennifer King. Washington And I'm Rita Foley. AP News Fox ratings have tumbled and Tucker Carlson slot after his firing. I'm Lisa Dwyer. Hundreds of thousands of Fox News viewers are reacting to Tucker Carlson's firing by abandoning the network and his old timeslot, at least temporarily.

Fox had 56% fewer viewers in the 8 p.m. Eastern hour Wednesday than Carlson had on the same day a week ago. Meanwhile, Eric BOLLING at the Conservative Alternative Newsmax has seen his audience shoot up. BOLLING had 510,000 viewers on Wednesday, compared to 168,000 on the previous Wednesday. It's reminiscent of Fox's slump amongst viewers who were angry at the network's coverage on election night 2020.

But that anger proved only temporary and viewers later returned. I'm Lisa Dwyer. Comedian Richard Lewis says he has Parkinson's disease. Marches are a letter with the latest. Richard Lewis says in an online video he's had a rocky time for the past three and a half years. One reason is because he's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which he discovered because he was shuffling when he walked.

Lewis, who is 75, says he also has had shoulder and hip replacement surgeries and back pain. He is retiring from standup comedy and will focus on writing and acting. Musician Prose Michelle of the Fugees has been found guilty of illegally funneling money from a malaysian businessman into a political campaign and trying to stop a federal investigation. Marches are Aletta with the latest.

A jury in Washington has found Michelle guilty on charges that include conspiracy and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Prosecutors say Michelle used straw donors to funnel businessman Joe Lowe's money to President Barack Obama's reelection campaign in 2012. Prosecutors say Michelle also tried to stop an investigation into Lowe from the Justice Department under the Trump administration.

Michelle did not comment after the verdict, but his lawyer, David Counter, says he's extremely disappointed and this is not over. AP Sports. I'm Josh round three history right off the top of the NFL draft Thursday night. More from correspondent Greg ECHLIN. It was the first time two black quarterbacks were taken with the first two picks after former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young was taken by the Carolina Panthers.

C.J. Stroud from Ohio State went to the Houston Texans with trailblazing people like Ward Moon, Randall Cunningham, Jackie Robinson, Magic Johnson, everybody. All the all the people who paved the way for our culture to be here in this moment. It's amazing. I hope that I can be a specialist in one day. Quarterbacks accounted for three of the first four picks when Indianapolis grabbed Anthony Richardson, who played at Florida.

The only non-quarterback among the top four was defensive end Wil Anderson Jr who came from Alabama. After six weeks of waiting, Aaron Rodgers is leaving behind his brilliant legacy in green bay and heading to the bright lights and massive expectations of the Big apple. The new york jets have agreed on a deal to acquire the four time NFL MVP from the Packers, according to a person with knowledge of the trade.

The Jets will receive Rodgers, the number 15 overall pick and a fifth rounder this year from the Packers. The 39 year old Rodgers passed for 3695 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Rodgers is expected to replace former number two overall pick Zach Wilson as the Jets starter. I'm given cool off. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is taking a big picture approach to his team's stunning first round loss to the Miami Heat in the NBA playoffs after the eighth seeded Heat ended the top seeded Bucks season with a 128 126 overtime loss in Game five Wednesday.

Antetokounmpo's answer to a reporter's question about whether or not the team's season was a failure went viral. There's no failure in sports. You know, there's good days, bad days of some days you are able to be successful so that you're not content. And Cooper averaged 23.3 points and 11 rebounds over three games in the series while missing two games with a back injury.

I'm given cool by the Houston Rockets are set to name email Udoka as the team's new head coach, a source tells the Associated Press. The 45 year old Udoka spent one season as the coach of the Boston Celtics, leading the team to an NBA Finals appearance last season. However, you doco was suspended by the Celtics for the 2022 23 season after a month long investigation found multiple violations of team policy.

The Celtics officially parted ways with Utica in February while naming interim Jill Missoula as head coach. You doco will replace Stephen Silas in Houston following the Rockets 22 and 60 season. I'm gettin cooled off. Brittney Griner got emotional talking about her detainment in Russia. The WNBA star had to take a moment to compose herself in Phenix after being asked about her resiliency over the ten months she was in a Russian prison on drug charges.

You know, I'm no stranger to a hard time. Griner was arrested last year at a moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. What did she do to survive? Just dig in deep. Honestly. You know, you're going to be faced with adversities throughout your life. And this was a pretty big one.

But I just kind of relied on my hard work getting through it. Griner was exchange for a Russian arms dealer in December. She's kept a low profile following her return to the U.S.. I'm Ed Donahue. And animatronic Dragons burst into flames during a show at Disneyland in California over the weekend. The fire breathing dragon in the popular band has MCS show normally as Flames.

But the crowd at Disneyland got a different show Saturday night as it caught on fire. Ryan Lough, who captured the scene on cellphone video, says he knew something was wrong when the dragon's head was on fire. Then the whole body went up in flames. No injuries were reported by the Anaheim Fire Department. The show features Mickey Mouse battling the dragon.

But Lough said Mickey banished from the stage as soon as the dragon's head became engulfed in flames. I'm Julie Walker. Bud Light may have fumbled its attempt to broaden its customer base by partnering with a transgender influencer. But experts say inclusive marketing is simply good business. And here to stay, Bud Light sales fell 17.6% after transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney posted a video of herself with a beer can with her face on it that the brand sent her, setting off backlash almost immediately.

Still, marketing experts say younger people support diversity efforts and want companies to take a stand on controversial issues. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 21% of people in Gen Z identify as LGBT, compared to 3% of baby boomers. Gallup has also found younger consumers are the most likely to want brands to promote diversity and take a stand on social issues.

However, marketing experts say it's possible Bud Light's experience will cause other brands to rethink using transgender people in their ads. I'm Julie Walker. I'm Terry Lipshetz, thanking you for listening. Audio provided by the Associated Press. Music is by skill sell and provided through pixabay. Be sure to subscribe to Hot off the Wire on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 28 at 4 p.m. CT:

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke out against the debt ceiling package passed by Republicans as they try to push President Biden into negotiations on federal spending.
Police say a Tennessee teacher was grazed when a gun discharged in a high school classroom Friday, but no other injuries were reported.
Pope Francis has blasted the “adolescent belligerence” that brought war back to Europe and says the continent must recover its founding spirit of peaceful unity to confront Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The Federal Reserve blamed last month’s collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on poor management, watered-down regulations and lax oversight by its own staffers, and said the industry needs stricter policing on multiple fronts to prevent future bank failures.
Key measures of prices and wages remained high in March, keeping the Federal Reserve on track to raise interest rates next week for the 10th time since March of last year in its drive to defeat high inflation.
In this week's "talker" from The Associated Press, no one is driving this taxi. What possibly could go wrong?
He is a senior at 16. His grade point average is 4.98. Even before graduating from high school, he has earned 27 college credits. But perhaps the most impressive numbers for Dennis Maliq Barnes of New Orleans are the roughly 130 college scholarship offers he has received totaling more than $9 million so far.
Armed private guards aboard a famous yacht once owned by the late Welsh actor Richard Burton have fired on approaching ships in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, sparking an intense gunfight.
Barbie has introduced its first doll representing a person with Down syndrome. Mattel worked with the National Down Syndrome Society to create the Barbie, which is part of the toy company's 2023 Fashionistas line aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 28 at 7:01 a.m. CT:

The U.S. Army says three soldiers have been killed and another has been injured after two helicopters collided and crashed in Alaska while returning from a training flight.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has testified before a federal grand jury investigating efforts by then-President Donald Trump and his Republican allies to overturn the 2020 election.
Russia has fired more than 20 cruise missiles and two drones at Ukraine in attacks that killed at least 17 people.
James Corden bid farewell Thursday to his late-night CBS talk show “The Late Late Show with James Corden" after eight seasons.
The chairman of the BBC has resigned after a report found he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest over his role in arranging a loan more than two years ago for Boris Johnson.
Overall, 1.86 million people were collecting unemployment benefits the week that ended April 15, 3,000 fewer than the previous week.
Three quarterbacks went in the top four picks of the NFL Draft, the Celtics closed out the Hawks, and there were three NHL playoff games on the ice.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 27 at 4 p.m. CT:

The U.S. economy slowed sharply from January through March, decelerating to just a 1.1% annual pace as higher interest rates hammered the housing market and businesses reduced their inventories.
Jerry Springer, the former Cincinnati mayor and news anchor whose namesake TV show unleashed strippers, homewreckers and skinheads to brawl and spew obscenities on weekday afternoons, has died. He was 79.
Donald Trump’s lawyer is going on the attack against writer E. Jean Carroll’s claims that she was raped by Trump in the 1990s.
Republican legislators in Kansas have enacted possibly the most sweeping transgender bathroom law in the U.S.
President Joe Biden has greeted hundreds of children at the White House for Take Our Kids to Work Day. The president fielded a range of questions during his appearance on the South Lawn.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was tricked into an extended phone call in January with Russian pranksters posing as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Powell appeared to discuss the impact of interest rate hikes.
Brittney Griner got emotional quickly while speaking to reporters for the first time since a nearly 10-month detainment in Russia on drug-related charges.
Carolyn Bryant Donham, the white woman who accused Black teenager Emmett Till of whistling at her — causing his 1955 lynching in Mississippi, which galvanized a generation of activists to rise up in the Civil Rights Movement — has died at 88.
Food prices are falling on world markets, but those savings are not being passed to consumers.

—The Associated Press

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On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 26 at 4 p.m. CT:

President Joe Biden and South Korea's Yoon Suk Yeol have unveiled a new plan to counter North Korea’s persistent nuclear threat. It includes plans to periodically dock U.S. nuclear-armed submarines in South Korea for the first time in decades, bolster training between the two countries, and more.
Asa Hutchinson launched his Republican campaign for president in his hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy is pushing toward a swift vote on his sweeping debt ceiling package. The White House calls the Republican proposal extreme and President Joe Biden has threatened to veto it.
Disney is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the Republican’s takeover of its theme park district, alleging Wednesday that the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”
A writer has told a jury that Donald Trump raped her after she accompanied him into a deluxe department store fitting room in 1996. E. Jean Carroll began testifying Wednesday in the trial of her federal lawsuit.
There is a growing phenomenon at historically Black colleges and universities. HBCUs are adding sports outside the more typical offerings of football, basketball, and track and field.
Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich says he and general manager Scott Fitterer have reached an agreement on which quarterback the team will take with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. But Reich says the team won’t say who that is until Thursday night, when the draft begins.
The co-founder of a fundraising group linked to Steve Bannon that promised to help Donald Trump construct a wall along the southern U.S. border has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
Ed Sheeran has taken the witness stand in a New York courtroom to deny allegations that his hit song “Thinking Out Loud” ripped off Marvin Gaye’s soul classic “Let’s Get It On.”
The remains of a U.S. Army corporal killed during the Korean War and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor have been identified, 73 years after he went missing.
Bud Light may have fumbled its attempt to broaden its customer base by partnering with a transgender influencer. But experts say inclusive marketing is simply good business, and it’s here to stay.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 25 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden has made it official — he's running for reelection. The Democratic president is asking voters to give him more time to “finish this job” and set aside their concerns about extending the run of America’s oldest president for another four years.
While Biden faces a smooth path to winning his party’s nomination, the Republican field led by former President Donald Trump is less clear.
A Japanese company's attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon has apparently failed. Flight controllers lost contact Wednesday with the lander after it descended from lunar orbit, aiming for the dusty surface.
Harry Belafonte has died at age 96. He was a dedicated activist and award-winning actor and singer.
Authorities say an explosion and fire at a suburban Chicago petroleum refinery killed one person and injured a second Tuesday morning.
A jury of six men and three women has been chosen to hear a former advice columnist’s lawsuit accusing ex-President Donald Trump of raping her in the 1990s in a luxury department store dressing room.
Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, say they're still living in limbo almost three months after a fiery Norfolk Southern train derailment blackened the skies and sent residents fleeing.
Sweden has informed Russia that five employees of the Russian Embassy in Stockholm were asked to leave the country because they were suspected of spying.
The World Health Organization says it has fired one of its doctors who faced allegations that he had repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct.

—The Associated Press

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(Note: This episode may be updated with news prior to the start of the NFL Draft.)

It’s April, which means it’s time once again for the NFL Draft.

The 2023 edition will take place in Kansas City, Missouri. The first round begins at 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday. The second and third rounds are on Friday starting at 7 p.m. The fourth through seventh rounds are on Saturday starting at noon. You can watch the draft on the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

A few important notes about the draft:

The Miami Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-round pick and 2024 third-round pick following an investigation into whether the team violated league policies pertaining to the integrity of the game. The Houston Texans forfeited their 2023 fifth-round pick due to a salary cap reporting violation.

GET THE COMPLETE DRAFT ORDER HERE

The Carolina Panthers will make the first selection with a pick they obtained from Chicago.

The Houston Texans will make the second selection followed by the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to round out the top 5. Seattle’s pick was obtained from Denver.

The Detroit Lions will go at No. 6 with a pick from the Los Angeles Rams, followed by Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles to round out the top 10. Chicago’s pick is from Carolina and Philadelphia has a selection from New Orleans.

Picking 11 through 15 are the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New York Jets. Houston’s pick came from Cleveland and the Packers and Jets swapped picks as part of the trade that sent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to New York.

The Washington Commanders will make the No. 16 pick followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.

Picking 21 through 25 will be the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants.

The Dallas Cowboys are at No. 26, followed by the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints. The Saints pick comes from San Francisco through Miami and Denver.

The final two picks are for last season’s top finishers with the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles picking 30th and and Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs closing out the first round.

For the rest of this episode we present Ralph Russo, a college sports writer from the Associated Press, and Rob Maadi, an AP NFL writer, who offer their thoughts on the top players at each position.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

Episode transcript

Note: The following transcript was created by Adobe Premiere and may contain misspellings and other inaccuracies as it was generated automatically:

It's April, which means it's time once again for the NFL draft. I'm Terry Lipshetz bringing you a special draft preview edition of Hot off the Wire. Our daily news program available on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The 2023 NFL draft will take place in Kansas City, Missouri. The first round begins at 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday.

The second and third rounds are on Friday, starting at 7 p.m.. The fourth through seventh rounds are on Saturday starting at noon. You can watch the draft on the NFL Network, ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. A few important notes about the draft. The NFL announced in August that the Miami Dolphins will forfeit their 2023 first round pick in 2020 for third round pick following an investigation into whether the team violated league policies pertaining to the integrity of the game.

The NFL announced on March 9th that the Houston Texans will forfeit their 2023 fifth round pick due to a salary cap reporting violation from the 2020 league year. We will have a link in the show notes to details on the draft order. The complete first round draft order is as follows. The Carolina Panthers will make the first selection overall with a pick they obtained from Chicago.

The Houston Texans will make the second selection, followed by the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks to round out the top five. Seattle's pick was obtained from Denver. The Detroit Lions will go at number six with a pick from the L.A. Rams, followed by Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles to round out the top ten.

Chicago's pick is from Carolina, and Philadelphia has a selection from New Orleans, picking 11 through 15 or the Tennessee Titans. Houston Texans. Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots and New York Jets. Houston's pick came from Cleveland and the Packers and Jets swapped picks as part of the trade that sent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to New York. The Washington commanders will make the number 16 pick, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. Picking 21 through 25 will be the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Giants. The Dallas Cowboys are at number 26, followed by the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints. The Saints pick comes from San Francisco through Miami and Denver. The final two picks are for last season's top finishers with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles picking 30th and the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs closing out the first round.

For the rest of this episode. We present Ralph Russo, a college sportswriter from the Associated Press, and Rob Maaddi, an AP NFL writer who offered their thoughts on the top players at each position.

I think it's interesting you talk about the decision makers making this a hard decision. I would deflect to the prospects is also what makes this a hard decision. Neither of these guys is Trevor Lawrence. It is Andrew Luck, right? That's such an obvious prospect that checks all the boxes. Consensus number one. And I think that's the reason why we have much a bit of uncertainty here, not just because of decision makers, but who is being who is who the decision is being made about.

Right. You have young who's a little undersized but an incredible playmaker with a strong enough arm. You know, I met Bryce Young for the first time before he even got to Alabama. He was he was going into his freshman year. And I'm not that big of a guy. And I remember standing next to him thinking like, is this going to work?

And he ends up winning a Heisman Trophy and is a spectacular player at the University of Alabama. I think both guys have an interesting piece of this evaluation and that they're both surrounded by great players. Right. And I think you look at the way that evaluation takes place and you start wondering, well, how much of it is the receivers around him and how great is the circumstances that they are in that list, their talents?

I tend to go more towards Bryce because I've seen him play and I find his escape ability and things along those lines to be, you know, hard to recreate, right When things go poorly, I feel like Bryce Young can still make good things happen. But I think the main takeaway for me is neither of these guys is a slam dunk number one prospect.

You're right, Ralph, And that's what would make it easy if this was Trevor Lawrence, if this was Andrew Luck, we know who's going to be pencil man. We'd ink them in and move on. But for two years in a row now, we don't have a consensus. Number one, the number one safety in this draft is Brian Branch. He's got everything you want in NFL safety in terms of versatility can play close to the line against the run and could also split out and be a pretty good coverage guy maybe in the slot or even outside the number two safety Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M.

He's got size, he's got athleticism, he's got versatility. He's a great fit for the Eagles, the Chiefs and the Ravens. The number three safety Jordan battle. Brian Branch, his teammate at Alabama more of a traditional safety in that is a thumper against the run and we'll play a little bit more of a center field against the pass. The number one cornerback in this draft Devin Weatherspoon from Illinois.

He's a ball hawk. He breaks up, passes. He's an aggressive tackler, great fit for the Lions Texans and the commanders bracing bizarre from Oregon is the number two corner in this draft long player good ball skills got lost in the shuffle a little bit though as a very good player on what wasn't a particularly good defense. Number three corner is Joey Porter, junior from Penn State.

He's got the great genes, too. His dad was a Pro Bowl linebacker here. He's physical matches up well against bigger wide receivers, maybe a little too aggressive at times. Great fit for the commanders. The Steelers, the number one interior lineman. It's a slam dunk here. Jalen Carter George, he's a league. He's a top pick talent but only issues are off the field concerns.

He's a great fit for the Seahawks and the Eagles number two at defensive tackle Calais you can see from Pitt will remind some people a little bit of Aaron Donald and undersized defensive tackle from Pitt who super quick ran one of the fastest 40 times ever for defensive tackle at the combine. Number three, Mazi Smith, Michigan physical a sled that needs to be a little bit more consistent great fit for the Saints the Bills and the Bears will Anderson is the number one edge rusher in this draft out of Alabama.

He was a dominant player for one of the best programs in the country over the last couple of years. Best way I can describe Bill Anderson is good is Aidan Hutchinson is right now with the Detroit Lions. Anderson was probably a better player in college at Alabama. Number two edge rusher Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech. He's strong and long.

He's a potential nightmare for opponents at Edge needs to improve on the run defense side. Great fit for the Raiders, the Falcons and the Eagles. Number three eight edge rusher is Myles Murphy from Clemson prototypical build to 70 tall player. I think he just needs to probably hone his pass rush skills a little bit but at the very least, he'll be the type of player who develops into a three down defensive lineman, number one offensive lineman on the board, Peter Skoronski from Northwestern.

He excelled at left tackle in college. Strong run blocker. He's got great genes, something he's best suited maybe to move inside to guard. I see him being a left tackle, a great fit for the Bears, the Eagles, the Jets. Number two offensive lineman is Ohio State's Parris Johnson. All ticks all the boxes athletically long, athletic, good feet quick player and a bonus want to be a sportswriter after he's done playing the NFL number three offensive lineman Broderick Jones from Georgia very athletic He's got size he's got length to play left tackle in the NFL.

Great fit for the Bears, the Steelers in the New York Jets. Number one tight end on the board. We'll go with Dalton Kincaid from Utah. I think a little Mark Andrews here. Maybe not the best inline blocker, but a guy who could become a really, really solid, deep threat down the seam, a little raw as a player late to football, but there's a lot of upside that comes with that number two tight end Michael Meyer Notre Dame, a above average receiver and blocker guy who moves the chains when he catches the ball.

He's not a great YAC guy yet is a great fit for the Packers, the Jaguars in Dallas. Number three tight end Darnell Washington is a is a jumbo tight end. He looks like a tackle at two seven close to 80 great athlete needs to be a little bit more refined as a receiver has done more blocking at Georgia than he did pass receiving but again that leads you to think there might be some upside as he becomes a more refined route runner, but an incredible athlete, number one wide receiver in the draft.

We have Jackson Smith and Jake Ba from Ohio State didn't play much last year after a hamstring injury, but had a spectacular junior season where he was even more productive then NFL stars Garrett Wilson and Chris Elway. Number two wide receiver prospect Zay Flowers from Boston College. Quick feet he's a crisp route runner, a playmaker. Average hands is somewhat of a liability in some scouts minds.

Great fit for the Chargers, the Packers, the Seahawks. Number three wide receiver Jordan Addison from USC was a Pitt transfer. He won the political award in 2021, playing with Kenny Pickett, then transferred to USC to play with Caleb Williams explosive play a little undersides, but gets great separation has very good hands. Number one quarterback prospect for me is C.J. Stroud from Ohio State.

Strong arm accurate he can extend plays checks off all the boxes for intangibles I spoke to him at the Super Bowl. Love the kid, love his confidence. Great fit for Carolina at number one or the Texans at number two. He's not going any lower than that might have been the number two prospect that Bryce Young out of Alabama, the 2021 Heisman winner.

Unbelievable capability, has that great talent to match his eyes to his feet. Right. And move around while still looking downfield and making plays a little undersized. But I think his leadership, his character, his arm strength, he checks a lot of the boxes, even though he's a little younger size and he's our number two quarterback in the draft. Number three quarterback on my board, A.B. Richardson from Florida, Freak athlete, excellent arm strength.

He's raw though needs time to develop great fit for the Colts, the Texans or Titans. I'm Terry Lipshetz thanking you for listening. Audio provided by the Associated Press. Music is by skill sell and provided through Pixabay. Be sure to subscribe to Hot off the Wire on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode.

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 24 at 4 p.m. CT):

Police say one person was shot and killed at a small Oklahoma college and that a suspect in custody after school officials told students to shelter in place.
Fox News is parting ways with Tucker Carlson, less than a week after settling a lawsuit over the network’s 2020 election reporting.
Longtime CNN host Don Lemon is out at the cable news network a little over two months after apologizing to viewers for on-air comments about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
The Walt Disney Co. will be laying off several thousand employees this week, a second round of cuts that’s part of a previously announced plan to eliminate 7,000 jobs this year.
Police say two explosions at a counterterrorism police facility in northwest Pakistan have killed at least 12 people and wounded at least 50.
Jury selection has begun in the federal death penalty trial of a truck driver accused of shooting to death 11 Jewish worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
A man was shot to death by a police officer in suburban St. Louis early Monday after allegedly pulling a gun while being arrested.
Len Goodman, an urbane long-serving judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” has died aged 78.
Herb Douglas, who turned a chance encounter with Jesse Owens as a teenager into fuel to win a bronze medal in the long jump at the 1948 Olympics, has died at 101.
The former Louisville police officer who fatally shot Breonna Taylor has a new job in law enforcement in a county northeast of the city.
Comedian Richard Lewis is retiring from stand-up following four surgeries and a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Jury selection has begun in a trial that mashes up Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” with Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
In this week's AP Religion Roundup, the world's Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan and the Supreme court weighs the case of a postal worker who refused to work on Sundays.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 24 at 7:15 a.m. CT):

A sheriff's office in Texas says nine teenagers were shot in a home at a prom after-party attended by hundreds.
Foreign government have airlifted hundreds of diplomats and other citizens out of Sudan, and several governments have said more evacuations are possible if security conditions allow.
Jury selection is set to begin in the federal death penalty trial of a truck driver accused of shooting to death 11 Jewish worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
Disneyland’s fire-breathing animatronic dragon burst into flames during the popular “Fantasmic” show.
Len Goodman, an urbane long-serving judge on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Strictly Come Dancing,” has died aged 78.
Bed Bath & Beyond — one of the original big box retailers known for its seemingly endless offerings of sheets, towels and kitchen gadgets — filed for bankruptcy protection, following years of dismal sales and losses and numerous failed turnaround plans.
A growing number of developers are considering converting empty office towers into housing as part of an effort to revive struggling downtown business districts that emptied out during the pandemic.
Donald Trump, stinging from a rebuke by the nation’s leading anti-abortion group, used a speech Saturday before influential evangelicals in Iowa to spotlight his actions as president to try to restrict abortion rights.
One of the last two remaining survivors of the USS Arizona battleship, which sank during the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, has died. Ken Potts was 102.
A proposed Drug Enforcement Administration rule aimed at cracking down on prescriptions for dangerous drugs has spurred a backlash from dying patients and those who care for them.
In sports, the defending NBA champs even their first-round playoff series, the Timberwolves stave off elimination, the Bruins roll over the Panthers, and the Astros and Pirates keep winning.
In entertainment, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” continued to rack up coins at the box office, leading ticket sales for the third straight weekend, as the animation hit neared $1 billion after just 18 days in theaters.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to the weekly bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, where we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

This week’s episode includes:

The latest on the film ‘Rust’ with Alec Baldwin;
Results from this year’s Boston Marathon;
The final Broadway performance of “The Phantom of the Opera;”
And the latest on Damar Hamlin.

Also, be sure to check out our Streamed & Screened podcast for recent episodes on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” the best baseball movies and a new thriller starring Rachel Weisz on Amazon Prime Video.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 21 at 4 p.m. CT):

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the United States will begin training Ukrainian forces on how to use and maintain Abrams tanks in the coming weeks, as the U.S. continues to speed up its effort to get them on the battlefield as quickly as possible.
Russia’s military has acknowledged that a bomb accidentally dropped by one of its warplanes caused a powerful blast in a Russian city about 25 miles east of the Russia-Ukraine border.
The Pentagon has deployed forces and is developing options to assist in the possible evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel from Sudan, but the White House said Friday there are no plans for now for a broader pullout of Americans from the African country.
An early morning fire engulfed much of a large high school in the southern Idaho city of Pocatello on Friday.
The Supreme Court is facing a self-imposed Friday night deadline to decide whether women’s access to a widely used abortion pill will stay unchanged until a legal challenge to its Food and Drug Administration approval is resolved.
A group of Credit Suisse investors have sued Swiss financial regulators after a government-engineered takeover of the struggling bank by rival UBS left them with billions in losses.
Korean American chef Edward Lee says food, at its best, tells a story. And the story Lee wants told with the meal he's preparing for next week's White House state dinner is of the connection between the United States and ally South Korea.
Belgian customs have destroyed more than 2,000 cans of Miller High Life, advertised as the ″Champagne of Beers,” at the request of houses and growers of the bubbly beverage.
The U.S. is setting a record pace for mass killings this year. The carnage has taken 88 lives in 17 mass killings over 111 days.
Looking back at 2022’s weather with months of analysis, the World Meteorological Organization says last year really was as bad as it seemed when people were muddling through it.
A historic amount of money is being spent on urban tree planting and maintenance in underserved, often concrete-covered neighborhoods across the country.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 20 at 4 p.m. CT):

Supreme Court Justice John Roberts is being asked to testify to Congress as scrutiny mounts around Justice Clarence Thomas. The hearing is likely to focus on business transactions and travel involving Justice Clarence Thomas that Thomas did not disclose.
The Pentagon is moving additional troops and equipment to a Naval base in the tiny Gulf of Aden nation of Djibouti to prepare for the possible evacuation of U.S. Embassy personnel from Sudan.
Transgender athletes whose biological sex assigned at birth was male would be barred from competing on girls or women’s sports teams at federally supported schools and colleges under legislation pushed through by House Republicans on Thursday.
Chances are shrinking fast for a key gun-control proposal to make it out of the Tennessee Legislature.
Sudan’s military has ruled out negotiations with a rival paramilitary force, saying it would only accept its surrender. The two sides continued to battle in central Khartoum and other parts of the country.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan has died at age 92. Current Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement late Wednesday that Riordan loved Los Angeles and devoted himself to bettering the city.
SpaceX’s giant new rocket exploded minutes after blasting off on its first test flight and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico.
Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in March and prices edged lower for the second month in a row, a tepid start to the spring homebuying season as buyers contend with sharply higher mortgage rates and a near historic-low number of properties on the market.
The longstanding racial gap in U.S. stroke death rates widened dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For decades, two schools of thought have clashed on how to best teach children to read, with passionate backers on each side of the so-called reading wars. But momentum has shifted lately in favor of the “science of reading.”

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 19 at 4 p.m. CT):

Alabama investigators say two teenagers have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with a shooting that killed four young people at a Sweet Sixteen birthday party.
The family of Tyre Nichols, who died after a brutal beating by five Memphis police officers, sued the officers and the city of Memphis, blaming them for his death and accusing officials of allowing a special unit’s aggressive tactics to go unchecked despite warning signs.
Nebraska lawmakers have passed a bill to allow people to carry concealed guns in the state without a permit.
The Florida Board of Education has approved a ban on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country has built its first-ever military spy satellite and that he planned to launch it on an undisclosed date, state media reported Wednesday.
Each April, the country’s smallest capital city — Montpelier, Vermont — goes all out to celebrate poetry.
An Argentine court says eight health care professionals will stand trial in the death of soccer great Diego Maradona in 2020.
An Oklahoma sheriff’s office says the recording in which the sheriff and others are reportedly heard discussing killing two journalists was illegal and predicted felony charges will be filed.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume playing 4 1/2 months after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati.
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, made $579,514 last year and paid $137,658 in federal income taxes. That works out to a 23.8% tax rate, more than the average of roughly 14% for all U.S. households.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 19 at 4 p.m. CT):

A Russian judge has ruled that American journalist Evan Gershkovich must remain behind bars on espionage charges. Gershkovich, his employer and the U.S. government deny the charges and demand his release.
China has revealed new details of sanctions it previously announced against two U.S. weapons manufacturers, including a ban on Chinese companies doing business with them.
Southwest Airlines says planes are taking off again after departures were held up because of what the airline calls an intermittent technical problem.
Certain Americans at high risk from COVID-19 can get an extra vaccine booster this spring. The Food and Drug Administration is allowing an extra dose of the omicron-targeted vaccine for anyone 65 and older if it's been four months since their last shot.
Get highlights of Monday's NHL and NBA playoff games.
A Tennessee Air National Guardsman has been arrested after federal agents say he responded to a parody website promoting jobs for hitmen.
A new report from the National Urban League is citing what the civil rights and urban advocacy group says are some of the top threats to democracy for Black Americans.
While almost every sector of higher education has fewer students registering for classes, many trade programs are booming.
Where is the line between art, and advertising? The unresolved question is testing the direct democracy of a small New England town, where a painting of pastries has led to zoning dispute, a First Amendment lawsuit and a local vote.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 17 at 4 p.m. CT):

Republicans upset with Donald Trump’s indictment are escalating their war on the prosecutor who charged him. They're trying to embarrass Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on his home turf. The House Judiciary Committee's field hearing near Bragg's offices was billed as an examination of the Democrat’s “pro-crime, anti-victim” policies.
Justice Department officials say two men have been arrested on charges that they helped establish a secret police outpost in New York City on behalf of the Chinese government.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are ratcheting up pressure on Walt Disney World. They announced on Monday plans to introduce legislation that would end an exemption for Disney parks, allowing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to inspect Disney rides.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is pledging to pass legislation to raise the nation’s debt ceiling — but only if coupled with a cap on future federal spending.
French President Emmanuel Macron says that he heard people’s anger over raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. But Macron insisted Monday that it was needed to keep the pension system afloat as the population ages.
Sudanese are huddling in their homes for a third straight day as the army and a powerful rival force fight in the streets of the capital and other cities for control of the country.
Defending champion Evans Chebet has won the Boston Marathon again with a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, 54 seconds. Hellen Obiri won the women’s race in 2:21:38 to complete the Kenyan sweep.
SpaceX has called off the first launch attempt of its giant rocket.
Jalen Hurts is set to sign one of the richest deals in NFL history, agreeing to a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, including $179.3 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.
The final curtain came down Sunday on New York’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera,” ending Broadway’s longest-running show with thunderous standing ovations, champagne toasts and gold and silver confetti.
Love isn’t patient, love isn’t kind — at least if you ask the fans of Netflix’s “Love Is Blind.” Viewers had to wait more than an hour to watch the Season 4 reunion special set to stream live Sunday.
Prosecutors in Washington state have charged former NBA star Shawn Kemp with first-degree assault in a parking lot shooting last month over a stolen cellphone.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 17 at 7:15 a.m. CT):

The U.S. military says a helicopter raid by U.S. forces in northern Syria has resulted in the “probable death” of a senior leader of the militant Islamic State group.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed the military’s performance during massive naval drills that involve the entire Russian Pacific Fleet in a show of force amid the tensions with the West over the fighting in Ukraine.
Republicans upset with Donald Trump’s indictment are escalating their war on the prosecutor who charged him, trying to embarrass him on his home turf. The House Judiciary Committee is holding a field hearing Monday near the offices of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Law enforcement officers are imploring people in an Alabama town to come forward with information about a shooting that killed four people and injured 28 others during a teenager’s birthday party.
The Boston Marathon is today, 10 years after the deadly bombing at the event.
The final curtain came down Sunday on New York’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” scored the best second weekend ever for an animated movie in North American theaters with $87 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.
An Alabama home where Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders planned the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches has been sold to a historical museum in Michigan and will be moved to a site near Detroit for preservation.
The 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing was marked Saturday with a wreath laying at the finish line to remember those who were killed, a day of community service and an event for the public to gather to reflect on the tragedy.
The IRS has been tasked with looking into how to create a government-operated electronic free-file tax return system for all. But that doesn’t sit well with the big tax-prep companies.
In sports, road teams win three of the four NBA playoff games Sunday, great picthing performances in Major League Baseball, an exciting finish on the PGA circuit, and Kyle Larson wins in NASCAR racing.
In this week's entertainment update, Jessica Chastain counts her performance as Nora in the current Broadway revival of “A Doll’s House” to be one of the “hardest things” she has ever done; Mark Sheehan of Irish rock band The Script died at age 46; and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has another big weekend.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The Library of Congress is adding 25 selections to the National Recording Registry.
Star Wars has new movies in the works.
And Major League Baseball games are getting shorter, but that also means less time for beer sales.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

And for more entertainment coverage, check out the Streamed & Screened podcast, available on Apple, Spotify and other major platforms.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 14 at 4 p.m. CT):

For the second year in a row, the National Rifle Association is holding its convention within days of mass shootings that shook the nation. The gathering kicked off Friday in Indianapolis with a bevy of top Republican presidential candidates.
A Massachusetts Air National Guardsman has appeared in court, accused in the leak of highly classified military documents. The guardsman, Jack Teixeira, did not enter a plea at Friday's hearing in Boston and was returned to detention pending his next appearance — next week.
France’s Constitutional Council has approved an unpopular plan to raise the retirement age to 64 that unleashed mass protests.
Admirers pack the streets for President Joe Biden on his last day in Ireland Friday.
The Justice Department has charged 28 members of Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa cartel, including sons of notorious drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, in a sprawling fentanyl-trafficking investigation.
The Biden administration and a drug manufacturer are asking the Supreme Court to preserve access to an abortion pill free from restrictions imposed by lower court rulings, while a legal fight continues.
Historians and archeologists in South Carolina are preparing to rebury 12 unknown U.S. Revolutionary War soldiers who died in the 1780 battle at Camden.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the confluence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter sparks tensions in Jerusalem.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 13 at 4 p.m. CT):

A Massachusetts Air National Guard member who has emerged as a main person of interest in the disclosure of highly classified military documents on the Ukraine war was taken into custody Thursday by federal agents.
Former President Donald Trump spent hours at the offices of New York’s attorney general for his second deposition in a legal battle over his company’s business practices, with his lawyer signaling he was answering questions this time instead of invoking his Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination.
Schools in an Indiana city are closed for a second day while crews pour water and dig for hot spots at a major industrial fire fueled by tons of scrap plastics.
A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and including Magic Johnson has an agreement in principle to buy the Washington Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder for $6 billion.
U.S. wholesale prices fell in March, a sign that inflationary pressures in the economy are easing more than a year after the Federal Reserve began aggressively raising interest rates.
Police in Florida say former Nickelodeon actor Jared “Drake” Bell is safe after being declared “missing and endangered.”
Authorities say the suspect who made threats against California's Capitol on Thursday shot a gun from his vehicle while driving through two Sacramento suburbs the night before.
Country artist HARDY leads the Academy of Country Music Awards nominees with seven including song of the year for “Wait in the Truck,” featuring Lainey Wilson.
British fashion designer Mary Quant has died at the age of 93. Quant’s family said the icon whose styles epitomized the Swinging '60s died “peacefully at home” in Surrey, southern England, on Thursday.
Thanks to the pitch clock, the action is moving much faster at Major League Baseball games. It also means a little less time for fans to enjoy a frosty adult beverage. To combat that time crunch, at least four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through the eighth inning this season.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 12 at 4 p.m. CT):

Commissioners in Memphis have voted to reinstate the second of two Black Democrats kicked out of the Republican-led Tennessee House. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to send Justin Pearson back to the Legislature in Nashville.
Frantic calls from witnesses reporting a mass shooting at a Louisville bank were released by police, including one from a woman who was on a virtual meeting and saw the shooter, as well as one from the man’s mother, who told a 911 operator that her son “currently has a gun and is heading toward” the bank.
The calls were released Wednesday, hours before an interfaith vigil was scheduled to be held Wednesday in downtown Louisville to remember victims. The event at the Muhammad Ali Center is just a few blocks away from Old National Bank, where the gunman killed five and injured eight others on Monday before police fatally shot him.
President Joe Biden received a rock star-like welcome on Wednesday in Dundalk, a town in the Irish county where his mother's family was from. “I don’t know why the hell my ancestors left here. It’s beautiful," Biden declared.
Los Angeles prosecutors have charged two former police detectives in the 2020 shooting of an unarmed man that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Ukraine is investigating a gruesome video that purportedly shows the beheading of one of its soldiers, in the latest accusation of atrocities said to have been committed by Russia since it invaded.
National Public Radio is quitting Twitter over the social media company’s recent actions under owner Elon Musk to stamp it with labels that NPR says undermine its credibility.
New York Mayor Eric Adams has named a former school teacher as the city's “rat czar,” tasked with leading the battle against the clawed vermin.
Second base umpire and crew chief Larry Vanover was struck in the head with a throw on during a frightening moment in the sixth inning of the New York Yankees' game against the Cleveland Guardians.
U.S. consumer inflation eased in March, with less expensive gas and food providing some relief to households that have struggled under the weight of surging prices.
Buckingham Palace says Prince Harry will attend the Coronation service of his father, King Charles III, at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
The Biden administration is proposing strict new automobile pollution limits that would require up to two-thirds of new vehicles sold in the U.S. to be electric by 2032.
Embattled electronic cigarette-maker Juul Labs Inc. will pay $462 million to six states and the District of Columbia.
An album from Madonna, a carol from Mariah Carey and music from “Super Mario Bros.” are among the audio titles the US. National Recording Registry.
Saying she is ready to share the “unfathomable” experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 11 at 4 p.m. CT):

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has filed a federal lawsuit against Rep. Jim Jordan, accusing the Republican of a “transparent campaign to intimidate and attack” him over his prosecution of former President Donald Trump.
Police say Connor Sturgeon, the shooter who opened fire at a Louisville bank, legally bought the weapon a week ago.
Police say a man was killed and three others were critically injured in a shooting outside of a funeral for a homicide victim in the nation’s capital.
The Biden administration has begun sharing with a bipartisan group of lawmakers known as the Gang of Eight classified documents found in the possession of former President Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence.
New York City officials have unveiled three new high-tech policing devices including a robotic dog that critics called creepy when it first joined the police pack 2 1/2 years ago.
A retired firefighter who threw a fire extinguisher at police officers during the U.S. Capitol riot has been sentenced to more than four years in prison.
A new poll shows that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults are at least somewhat likely to go electric when it comes time to buy a new vehicle. They say the main deterrents are high prices and too few charging stations.
Most shows used to kick off in the fall, air big episodes in November and February, and go out with a bang in May for sweeps. Network television still largely follows that model, but the streamers and premium cable competitors of the new guard tend to operate with different goals.
Former Mad magazine cartoonist Al Jaffee died Monday at the age of 102. Jaffee, one of the magazine’s longest contributors, had delighted millions of kids with such fixtures as the Fold-In and “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.”
The outlook for the world economy this year has dimmed in the face of chronically high inflation, rising interest rates and uncertainties resulting from the collapse of two big American banks. That’s the view of the International Monetary Fund, which has downgraded its outlook for global economic growth.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 10 at 4 p.m. CT):

Police say a 23-year-old used a rifle to kill four people at the Louisville bank where he was an employee while livestreaming the attack.
The Justice Department is appealing a Texas court ruling that would halt approval of the most commonly used method of abortion in the U.S.
The Pentagon says online leaks of scores of highly classified documents about the Ukraine war present a “very serious” risk to national security and senior leaders are quickly taking steps to mitigate the damage.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has apologized after a video showing him kissing a child on the lips triggered criticism.
Paris is working to clean up the Seine, a heavily polluted river, ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
Not even the annual White House Easter Egg Roll is safe from presidential politics. President Joe Biden alluded to his expected reelection bid by telling an interviewer that he planned to participate in up to five more White House egg rolls.
The major league batting average rose 16 points to .249 over the first 1 1/2 weeks of this season with new shift limits in place, while game time dropped 31 minutes to 2:38 in the first year of the pitch clock.
A growing number of state legislatures are considering banning the sale of cosmetics and other consumer products that contain the toxic industrial compound PFAS, so-called forever chemicals.
America's beekeepers have faced challenges during the unusually cold and wet winter in California's farm country. Bees have been slow to emerge from their hives due to the chilly weather.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 10 at 7 a.m. CT):

Nashville officials are poised to vote to reinstate one of the two Black Democratic lawmakers expelled by Republican colleagues over their gun control protest on the House floor after a deadly school shooting.
The nation’s top health official says a court ruling threatening the availability of a main drug used in medication abortion was “not America.” And Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra isn't ruling out defying the judge’s order if necessary.
China’s military has declared it is “ready to fight” after completing three days of large-scale combat exercises around Taiwan that simulated sealing off the island in response to the Taiwanese president’s trip to the U.S. last week.
French local authorities say the death toll from Sunday’s avalanche in the French Alps has risen to six, including two mountain guides.
King Charles III will be taking a shortcut and a smoother ride to Westminster Abbey, trimming the procession route his mother took in 1953 as he aims for a more modest coronation that will include some modern touches.
In sports, Jon Rahm won the Masters, the Boston Bruins made history on the ice, the NBA wrappeds up the regular season setting the stage for postseason play, the Tampa Bay Rays continued their torrid start to the season, the Yankees used the long ball to post a win, the Pirates will be without one of their stars for a while and Odell Beckham Jr. has a home for the 2023 NFL season.
For “Star Wars” lovers, new entertainment is a little less far, far away. Lucasfilm announced Friday three new live-action films in the franchise at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023.
Audiences said let’s go to the movie theater for “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” this weekend. The animated offering from Universal and Illumination powered up with $204.6 million in its first five days in North American theaters, including $146.4 million over the weekend.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Men’s and women’s basketball teams are crowned NCAA champions.
Jelly Roll reigns at the CMT Music Awards show.
The Country Music Hall of Fame announces its next class of inductees.
And there was a guilty plea in the death of actor Michael K. Williams.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

And for more entertainment coverage, check out the Streamed & Screened podcast, available on Apple, Spotify and other major platforms.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 7 at 3 p.m. CT):

The Vatican said Pope Francis wouldn't go to the Colosseum for the traditional Good Friday Way of the Cross procession. Instead, he would watch it from his home at the Vatican due to unseasonably cold nighttime temperatures in Rome.
Two Russian news agencies says jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been formally charged with espionage in Russia and has entered an official denial.
A teenager and a 12-year-old have been arrested in Florida in connection with the deaths of three other teens.
About a dozen people have been hurt in an early morning apartment building fire on Detroit’s west side.
A bill in the California Legislature would ban five chemicals found in some of the most popular candy in the U.S.
Americans are deeply opposed to cutting into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and most support raising taxes on the nation’s highest earners to keep Medicare running as is.
A federal appeals court has sided with the Justice Department in a case that could have upended hundreds of charges brought following the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
ProPublica is reporting that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has for more than two decades accepted luxury trips nearly every year from Republican megadonor Harlan Crow without reporting them on financial disclosure forms.
The IRS is outlining how it plans to use an infusion of $80 billion for improved operations. The agency is pledging to invest in new technology, hire more customer service representatives and expand its ability to audit high-wealth taxpayers.
Tesla cut prices on its entire U.S. electric vehicle model lineup for the third time this year in an apparent effort to lure more buyers amid rising interest rates.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 7 at 6:19 a.m. CT):

Tennessee’s GOP-dominated House has expelled two of three Democratic members for their roles in a demonstration in favor of gun control following the Nashville school shooting.
Israel has conducted rare airstrikes in Lebanon and continued bombarding the Gaza Strip, an escalation that sparked fears of a broader conflict following violence over Jerusalem’s most sensitive site.
Eight Filipinos have been nailed to crosses to reenact Jesus Christ’s suffering in a gory Good Friday tradition that is rejected by the Catholic church.
Three men convicted in the 2018 killing of star rapper XXXTentacion were sentenced Thursday to life in prison in Florida.
In sports, the Heat and Suns picked up big wins, there is a three-way tie at the Masters, the Braves walked off the Padres and the Penguins grabbed a key win.

On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 6 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden’s administration is laying the blame on his predecessor, President Donald Trump, for the deadly and chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan that brought about some of the darkest moments of Biden’s presidency.
Long-time Mideast rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia have taken another significant step toward reconciliation, formally restoring diplomatic ties, affirming the need for regional stability and agreeing to pursue economic cooperation.
The Supreme Court is allowing a 12-year-old transgender girl in West Virginia to continue competing on her middle school’s girls sports teams while a lawsuit over a state ban continues.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the vote in Tennessee's GOP-controlled House to expel three Democrats as “legislative bullying.”
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed new rules for monitoring and limiting harmful emissions from chemical plants.
Are robot waiters the future? It’s a question the restaurant industry is increasingly trying to answer. Many think the waist-high machines are the solution to the industry’s labor shortages.
House Republicans have subpoenaed one of the former Manhattan prosecutors who had been leading a criminal investigation into Donald Trump before quitting last year in a clash over the direction of the probe.
China is vowing reprisals against Taiwan after a meeting between the United States House speaker and the island’s president, saying the U.S. is on a “wrong and dangerous road.”
Rising methane levels in the atmosphere last year again played a big part in an overall increase in the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 5 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Midwest continued to deal with severe weather weather across the Midwest and South, while the East was seeing unseasonably warm weather and the West was unusually cold.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy won new pledges of military and economic cooperation on a state visit to staunch ally Poland.
Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, who is being sought for war crimes for deporting children from Ukraine, says they were taken for their safety and Moscow is coordinating with international organizations to return them to their families.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Wednesday repealing Michigan's abortion ban from 1931 that made it a crime to assist in an abortion.
Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday signed a bill that bans all gender-affirming care for minors in the state, joining at least 12 other states that have enacted laws restricting or banning such care.
President Joe Biden will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland next week in part to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday accord.
First lady Jill Biden will represent the U.S. at the coronation of King Charles III next month, President Joe Biden told the royal during a Tuesday call, the White House said. No sitting U.S. president has ever attended a British royal coronation.
Republican state Rep. Dan Knodl has won an open Wisconsin Senate seat, creating a GOP supermajority in the chamber that could be used to impeach Gov. Tony Evers and other office holders.
Klaus Teuber, creator of the beloved Catan board game in which players compete to establish settlements on a fictional island, has died after a brief illness, according to a statement from his family. He was 70.

—The Associated Press

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From this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 4 at 3:30 p.m. CT):

Former President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter.
The Biden administration says the U.S. will send Ukraine about $500 million in ammunition and equipment and spend more than $2 billion to buy an array of munitions, radar and other weapons for that country in the future.
Finland has joined the NATO military alliance, dealing a major blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
About 5,000 white-collar workers at General Motors took the company’s buyout offers, which the automaker says is enough to avoid layoffs at this time.
U.S. job openings slipped to 9.9 million in February, fewest since May 2021.
Tennessee Republican lawmakers have taken the first steps to expel three Democratic members from the GOP-dominant House for their role in a recent gun control protest at the state Capitol.
The Food and Drug Administration says it found a host of problems at an Indian manufacturing plant recently linked to contaminated eyedrops.
Gleb Karakulov, an officer in Putin’s secretive personal security service, defected in October. The 35-year-old engineer is one of few Russians to flee and go public who have rank, as well as knowledge of intimate details of Putin’s life and potentially classified information.
Harry Styles, Post Malone, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, the cast of “Ted Lasso” and the web series that gave us a kid loving corn are among the nominees for this year’s Webby Awards.

—The Associate Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 3 at 4 p.m. CT):

Former President Donald Trump has arrived in New York from his home in Florida for his historic booking and arraignment. As he prepared to head into Manhattan, the nation’s largest city was bolstering security and warning potential agitators that it is “not a playground for your misplaced anger.”
A top official in Virginia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner says an autopsy determined the cause of death for Irvo Otieno was “positional and mechanical asphyxia with restraints."
Residents across a wide swath of the U.S. are racing to assess the destruction from fierce storms that spawned possibly dozens of tornadoes from the South and the Midwest into the Northeast.
Floridians will be able to carry concealed guns without a permit under a bill signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A giant red spoon that was stolen from an Arizona Dairy Queen and sparked a mystery on social media was found and it’s partly thanks to Pokémon GO.
Riding terrific reviews and a strong word-of-mouth, the role playing game adaptation “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” opened with $38.5 million in U.S. and Canadian movie theaters over the weekend. That is according to studio estimates Sunday, stealing the top box-office perch from “John Wick: Chapter 4.”
NASA has named the four astronauts who will fly around the moon late next year. The first moon crew in 50 years includes the first woman and the first African American assigned to a lunar mission.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says Finland will officially join the military alliance on Tuesday.
Grammy winners Tanya Tucker and Patty Loveless, along with hit country songwriter Bob McDill, are going into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted April 3 at 6: 45 a.m. CT):

Former President Donald Trump was returning to New York in advance of his arraignment on Tuesday on charges arising from hush money payments during his 2016 campaign.
Residents across a wide swath of the U.S. are racing to assess the destruction from fierce storms that spawned possibly dozens of tornadoes from the South and the Midwest into the Northeast. At least 32 people have died.
Russia’s top counterterrorism body has blamed Ukrainian intelligence agencies for the bombing attack that killed a well-known Russian military blogger who fervently supported Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Pope Francis has presided over his first ceremony in St. Peter's Square following a three-day hospitalization for bronchitis. Palm Sunday opened his heavy schedule of Holy Week appointments.
Connecticut police have charged two people with cutting more than 2,000 fiber optic cables, leaving over 40,000 homes and businesses without internet service in the southwest part of the state.
“Son of Sinner” Jelly Roll is a three-time winner at the CMT Music Awards. The rapper-turned-country singer reigned at Sunday night's fan-voted awards show in Austin, Texas.
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will seek the Republican presidential nomination and he's positioning himself as an alternative to Donald Trump just days after the former president was indicted by a grand jury in New York.
In sports, it was a busy day in major league baseball, the NCAA title game was decided in women's basketball, and highlights from the NBA, NHL, NASCAR and golf circuits.

—The Associated Press

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The historic indictment of former President Donald Trump has thrust the 2024 presidential election into uncharted territory. It raises the remarkable prospect that the leading contender for the Republican nomination will seek the White House while also facing trial for criminal charges in New York.
The Quad-City region is now at a Level 4 risk, or moderate risk, for severe storms on Friday that are expected to pack damaging winds and could produce large hail, lightning and possibly spawn a tornado, the National Weather Service, Davenport, said.
The Vatican says that Pope Francis is expected to be discharged on Saturday from the Rome hospital where he is being treated for bronchitis.
The president of Belarus says Russian strategic nuclear weapons might be deployed in his country along with part of Russia’s tactical nuclear arsenal. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this week that his country intended to deploy tactical, comparatively short-range and small-yield nuclear weapons in Belarus, its neighbor and ally.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s live-streamed trial over a 2016 ski collision at a posh Utah resort has drawn worldwide attention, spawned memes and sparked debate about the burden and power of celebrity.
MLB, Judge start on high note; Final Four Weekend

---- The Associated Press

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Two Army helicopters crashed in southwestern Kentucky during a routine training mission, causing several casualties, military officials said.
Russia’s top security agency says an American reporter for the Wall Street Journal has been arrested on espionage charges. The Federal Security Service said Thursday that Evan Gershkovich was detained in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg while allegedly trying to obtain classified information.
The Vatican says Pope Francis has rested well overnight and is “progressively improving” after being hospitalized with a respiratory infection.
First lady Jill Biden attended Wednesday night’s candlelight vigil in Nashville, Tennessee, to honor and mourn the six victims killed in the Covenant School shooting.
King Charles III has become the first monarch to speak before Germany’s parliament. Charles is on his first foreign trip since becoming U.K. king.
A fire broke out on a ferry in the southern Philippines and raged overnight for eight hours, killing at least 31 of the approximately 250 passengers and crew.

----The Associated Press

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The Vatican says Pope Francis will be hospitalized for several days for treatment of a respiratory infection after experiencing difficulty breathing in recent days. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni says Francis, 86, does not have COVID-19, but requires several days of therapy.
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz defended the coffee giant’s labor practices and denied union busting Wednesday in his testimony before a Senate committee chaired by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Congress is taking another look at creating a new no-fly list for unruly passengers. It's an idea that was floated last year but never got off the ground.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that it had approved Narcan for over-the-counter, nonprescription use. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids when given in time.
Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal is facing a possible misdemeanor charge in central Florida. A fan accused the NBA All-Star of hitting him during an argument after a March 21 game against the Orlando Magic.
The Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money paid on Donald Trump’s behalf is scheduled to consider other matters next week before taking a previously scheduled two-week break. That means a vote on whether or not to indict the former president likely wouldn’t come until late April at the earliest.
Sotheby's in New York is bringing to auction a 10.57-carat purplish-pink diamond that it says may break the sales record for such gemstones. Officially, they estimate the diamond, Eternal Pink, will sell for over $35 million in June.

----The Associate Press

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is warning that his nation must win a drawn-out battle in a key eastern city. Otherwise, he says, Russia could begin building international support for a deal that could require Ukraine to make unacceptable compromises.
Police say the Nashville school shooter legally bought seven firearms in recent years and hid the guns from their parents before killing three children and three adults at a Christian school. Police on Tuesday said the shooter did not specifically target their victims.
Economists for a California task force on potential reparations for Black residents estimate payouts could reach more than $800 billion for harm caused by policing and housing discrimination. That's more than 2.5 times California's annual budget.
Authorities in Mexico say a U.S. tourist was shot in the leg by unidentified assailants at a resort town on Mexico's Caribbean coast.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel makes its own decisions, rebuffing President Joe Biden’s suggestion that that the premier drop a contentious plan to overhaul the legal system.
Dan Snyder’s departure from the NFL is moving closer to reality. A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and another group led by Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted fully financed bids for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

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The former student who shot through the doors of a Christian elementary school in Nashville and killed three children and three adults had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance of the building before carrying out the massacre.
A Mexican official says 39 people died and 29 were injured in a fire in an immigration detention center in northern Mexico. The fire broke out late Monday.
Protests and strikes against unpopular pension reforms are kicking off again across France. In Paris, striking workers waving burning flares invaded and blocked train tracks serving one of the French capital's main railway stations. Fears that violence could mar the demonstrations prompted what Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin described as an unprecedented deployment of 13,000 officers, nearly half of them concentrated in the French capital.
The man suing Gwyneth Paltrow over a Utah skiing collision has testified that the actor crashed into him from behind and sent him “absolutely flying.” Retired optometrist Terry Sanderson said Monday the collision with Paltrow was “a serious smack.” He also said the 2016 crash left him with life-altering injuries, including a concussion with symptoms that have lasted years.
Lamar Jackson’s frustration over contract negotiations reached a boiling point when he announced Monday that he has requested a trade from the Ravens
Va. Tech's Elizabeth Kitley scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Georgia Amoore added 24 points and top-seeded Virginia Tech advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history.

--Associated Press

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A massive storm ripped through the southeast Friday; tornado killed at least 25 people in Mississippi, Alabama.
North Carolina-based First Citizens will buy Silicon Valley Bank, the tech industry-focused financial institution that collapsed earlier this month. The deal could reassure investors at a time of shaken confidence in the banking industry.
Some parts of Twitter’s source code - the fundamental computer code on which the social network runs -were leaked online, the social media company said in a legal filing that was first reported by The New York Times.
Tens of thousands of Israelis have poured into the streets across the country in a spontaneous outburst of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly fired his defense minister for challenging the Israeli leader’s judicial overhaul plan.
Gwyneth Paltrow has testified about a 2016 ski collision at a Utah ski resort where a man is suing her, saying he's since suffered from broken ribs and brain damage. Paltrow says Friday that the 76-year-old Utah man is the culprit for the collision at Deer Valley Resort in Park City.
“John Wick: Chapter 4,” the fourth installment in the Keanu Reeves assassin series, debuted with a franchise-best $73.5 million at the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Germany trains, planes and public transportation halted by strike in Germany
The NCAA Final Four is set.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

President Biden the National Medal of Arts to Bruce Springsteen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and others.
Actor and comedian Adam Sandler received the Mark Twain prize.
And Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen is recovering from an attack outside of a Florida hotel.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 24 at 2 p.m. CT):

The immigration deal expected to be announced by U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would end a legal process that has enabled tens of thousands of immigrants from across the world to move between the countries and pursue asylum cases without going through an official border crossing.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has ended some of the state water restrictions.
A lawyer for Donald Trump is back in court in Washington after being ordered to answer questions before a grand jury investigating the possible mishandling of classified documents at the former president’s Florida estate.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to repeal the state's decade-old “right-to-work” law, which was passed by a Republican-controlled Legislature.
Mexico's president angrily rejected comments by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the Mexican government has lost control of parts of the country.
Severe weather moved across the nation on Friday, with flooding in Missouri and a tornado touching down in Texas.
Officials in Kyiv say long-range Russian bombardment has killed at least 10 civilians and wounded 20 others in several parts of Ukraine.
Four of five former Memphis police officers charged with murder in the beating death of Tyre Nichols can no longer work as law enforcement in Tennessee.
House Republicans have narrowly passed legislation that would fulfill a campaign promise to give parents a role in what’s taught in public schools.
Federal officials are expected to prohibit king salmon fishing this season along much of the West Coast, which many predict could stretch into 2024 season as the drought and other factors take their toll on the iconic Chinook fish.

e Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 23 at 4 p.m. CT):

Track and field has banned transgender athletes from international competition while adopting new regulations that could keep Caster Semenya and other athletes with differences in sex development from competing.
Pentagon leaders have told Congress that the U.S. military must be ready for possible confrontation with China. And they're pushing Congress to approve the Defense Department’s proposed $842 billion budget, which would modernize the force in Asia and around the world.
The Manhattan district attorney investigating Donald Trump has rebuffed House Republicans’ request to turn over documents. The office called the effort an “unprecedented inquiry” into an ongoing probe.
Authorities say a woman accused of setting fire last year to a Wyoming abortion clinic that was under construction told investigators that she opposes abortion and was experiencing anxiety and nightmares over the facility opening.
A new report from the American Library Association says attempted book bannings and restrictions at school and public libraries continue to surge, setting a record in 2022.
A young zebra walked, trotted, and galloped for hours in the busy streets of South Korea’s capital before emergency workers tranquilized the animal and brought it back to a zoo.
A federal appeals court in a sealed order has directed a lawyer for Donald Trump to turn over to prosecutors documents in the investigation into the former president’s retention of classified records at his Florida estate.
A top Russian security official has declared that the risk of a nuclear war has risen and blasted a German minister for threatening Russian President Vladimir Putin with arrest.
Holocaust survivor Tova Friedman is a TikTok star at age 85, thanks to her 17-year-old grandson.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 22 at 4 p.m. CT):

Authorities say a shooting near a middle school in North Carolina left two 16-year-old boys dead and one wounded.
Authorities say a 17-year-old student shot and wounded two school administrators after a handgun was found during a daily search of a student at a Denver high school.
Manhattan prosecutors have postponed a scheduled grand jury session in the investigation into Donald Trump over hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign.
Stocks fell sharply after the Federal Reserve said it doesn’t expect to cut rates anytime soon despite Wall Street’s hopes.
The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades.
A possible tornado Wednesday left a line of damage across roofs of commercial buildings in the Los Angeles suburb of Montebello.
Moderna’s CEO is defending a plan to more than quadruple the company’s COVID-19 vaccine price.
China says President Xi Jinping's just-concluded visit to Russia was a “journey of friendship, cooperation and peace.”
A dispute between Jack Daniel’s and the makers of a squeaking dog toy that humorously mimics the whiskey’s signature look gave Supreme Court justices a lot to chew on.
Swedish lawmakers have overwhelmingly voted in favor of the country joining NATO.
TikTok’s CEO plans to tell Congress on Thursday that the video-sharing app is committed to user safety, data protection and security, and keeping the platform free from Chinese government influence.
For 40 years, former President Donald Trump has navigated a flurry of legal investigations without ever facing criminal charges. That record may soon come to an end.
As the Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, credit card debt is already at a record high, and more people are carrying debt month to month.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 22 at 6:36 a.m. CT):

Former President Donald Trump was waiting in Florida as New York City braces for potential charges to be filed against the ex-president.
Most economists expect the Fed to announce a relatively modest quarter-point hike in its benchmark rate on Wednesday.
Tens of thousands of workers in the Los Angeles Unified School District have walked off the job over stalled contract talks.
Ukraine’s president posted a video Wednesday showing what he said was a Russian missile slamming into an apartment building in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, after Russia launched launched exploding drones.
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen says he is recovering from an attack outside a Florida hotel.
The typical home price is now $363,000.
A classic finish to the World Baseball Classic, another milestone for Alex Ovechkin, FDU's coach parlays his historic upset win into a new job, and a basketball legend passes away.
President Joe Biden welcomed a high-wattage collection of singers, authors, artists and humanitarians to the White House on Tuesday to present them with medals. Bruce Springsteen, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mindy Kaling and Gladys Knight were among the 22 people and organizations being honored.

From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 21 at 4 p.m. CT):

Russia and China have showcased their “no-limits friendship” during a pomp-laden Kremlin ceremony intended to further cement ties amid the fighting in Ukraine.
A magnitude 6.5 earthquake has rattled much of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Willis Reed, who led the New York Knicks to two NBA titles, has died. He was 80.
French garbage collectors, refinery workers and others are striking again. They are angry about President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to force the divisive bill raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 through without a parliamentary vote.
MacKenzie Scott is launching a $250 million “open call” for community-focused nonprofits that the billionaire philanthropist can fund.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says she's focused on stabilizing the U.S. banking system following regional bank failures in California and New York.
A handful of red-state Democrats were instrumental in helping Republicans secure a rollback of banking regulations sought by then-President Donald Trump in 2018. Now those changes are being blamed for contributing to the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank that prompted a federal rescue and stoked anxiety about a broader banking contagion.
Gwyneth Paltrow trial started Tuesday in the ski town of Park City, Utah, where Paltrow is accused in a lawsuit of crashing into a skier, who says he has brain damage and four broken ribs.
Two years after a fire devastated Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang camp for seriously ill children, a rebuilt camp center is opening.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 21 at 6:46 a.m. CT):

The decision whether to indict former President Donald Trump over hush-money payments made on his behalf during his 2016 presidential campaign lies in the hands of a Manhattan grand jury that has been meeting in secret to hear evidence for weeks. An indictment of Trump, who is seeking the White House again in 2024, would be an unprecedented moment in American history.
Tens of thousands of workers in the Los Angeles Unified School District are walking off the job over stalled contract talks. They’re being joined Tuesday in solidarity by teachers for a planned three-day strike that’s shutting down the nation’s second-largest school system.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is heading to Kyiv for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Saudi Arabia has freed an American citizen it had imprisoned more than a year over his old tweets critical of the kingdom’s crown prince.
Federal investigators say a Norfolk Southern train that derailed in Alabama earlier this month lacked required alignment control couplers and a company inspection didn't identify their absence.
Amazon is planning to eliminate 9,000 more jobs.
In sports, Hall of Fame basketball coach Rick Pitino is on the move, NBA and college basketball highlights and Japan advanced to the World Baseball Classic final against the United States.

On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 20 at 4 p.m. CT):

A New York grand jury is hearing from final witnesses in the investigation into Donald Trump as law enforcement officials accelerate security preparations in advance of a possible indictment.
Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are attacking a special grand jury and prosecutors who investigated him in Georgia.
President Joe Biden has issued the first veto of his presidency in an early sign of shifting White House relations with the new Congress since Republicans took control in January.
Fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso has used a White House visit to encourage people to make it a point to check in often with friends, family and co-workers to ask how they're doing and listen.
Police says one student was fatally shot and another injured when a third student opened fire outside a Dallas-area high school.
Parliament has adopted a divisive pension bill raising the retirement age in France from 62 to 64, after lawmakers in the lower chamber rejected two no-confidence votes against the government.
A bill that would allow Idaho to execute condemned inmates by firing squad is headed to the governor’s desk after passing the Legislature with a veto-proof majority.
Montreal’s mayor is vowing to better regulate Airbnb in her city as the search continues for six people missing through a building that included Airbnb units in a historic city section where they are banned.
Humanity still has a chance, close to the last one, to prevent the worst of climate change’s future harms, a top United Nations panel of scientists said Monday.
A host of comedic and entertainment royalty have gathered at Washington’s Kennedy Center as Adam Sandler received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
A Florida jury has convicted three men of first-degree murder in the 2018 killing of star rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot during a robbery that netted $50,000.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, it will soon be time to render unto Caesar to visit Rome's pantheon, a Hong Kong ritual whacks away troubles, and a Zoroastrian holiday cause some to hit the streets as others hit their pocket books.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 20 at 7 a.m. CT):

Shares of Credit Suisse are down 60% in trading on the Swiss stock exchange. The drop comes after the announcement that banking giant UBS will buy its troubled rival for almost $3.25 billion.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has arrived in Moscow on a three-day visit that shows off Beijing’s new diplomatic swagger and offers a welcome political lift for Russian President Vladimir Putin as the fighting in Ukraine slows to a grinding war of attrition.
A lawyer allied with Donald Trump is expected to testify before a New York grand jury.
Miami Beach officials imposed a curfew beginning Sunday night during spring break after two fatal shootings and rowdy, chaotic crowds that police have had difficulty controlling.
A new report says an estimated 43,000 people died amid the longest drought on record in Somalia last year and half of them likely were children.
“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” felt the fury of the marketplace in its theatrical debut this weekend. The New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. superhero movie opened to a disappointing $30.5 million from 4,071 theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.
A TV meteorologist in Los Angeles says she's recovering after fainting on the air during a weekend newscast.
Former Vice President Donald Trump says the investigation into former President Donald Trump is politically motivated as Trump has called supporters to protest if he is arrested as he has claimed will happen this week.
In sports, a few bluebloods were ousted in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Nuggets knocked off the Nets, the Bruins battered the Sabres, Taylor Moore won a PGA title and Joey Logano won in Atlanta.
In entertainment, Lance Reddick, an actor from "The Wire" and "John WIck," has died at 60, Taylor Swift kicked off her tour and new music is due out soon from the late rapper Coolio.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” shined at the 95th Academy Awards.
Legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he plans to play for the New York Jets.
And high jumping pioneer Dick Fosbury died.

With a Best Picture announcement from Harrison Ford, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” put the finishing touches on a dominating night at the 95th Academy Awards. The film scored 7 Oscars out of 11 nominations.

Besides best picture, the collective known as The Daniels – Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert – won Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Michelle Yeoh took the Award for Best Actress with a message of perseverance. Jamie Lee Curtis earned Best Supporting Actress with a nod to her Hollywood roots. And Ke Huy Quan, a child actor who struggled to find roles as an adult, acknowledged that difficult period in an emotional best supporting actor speech.

Even Brendan Frazier, who won Best Actor for his role in “The Whale,” gave a nod to “Everything” when he accepted his award. And while the results of the Oscars are a closely guarded secret until each winner is announced, Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue foreshadowed a couple of big wins.

My co-host on the Streamed & Screened podcast is longtime entertainment reporter and film critic Bruce Miller, who offered his thoughts on “Everything’s” big night on our post-Oscars episode.

You can listen to our full breakdown of the big moments of the night on Streamed & Screened, available on all major podcast platforms. You can listen to that episode here: 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' leads the Oscars and other highlights from the night

Listen now and subscribe to Streamed & Screened: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | Omny Studio

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 17 at 3 p.m. CT):

The International Criminal Court says it has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.
President Joe Biden welcomed Ireland’s prime minister to the White House for a St. Patrick’s Day meeting joined by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Wisconsin’s Democratic Secretary of State Doug La Follette has resigned, three months into his 11th consecutive term in office.
The mystery to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic now has some new clues. International scientists have found raccoon dog DNA comingled with the virus in previously unavailable genetic data.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his government will move forward with ratifying Finland’s NATO application, paving the way for the country to join the military bloc ahead of Sweden.
China is accusing the U.S. of spreading disinformation amid reports the Biden administration is calling for TikTok's Chinese owners to sell their stakes in the company.
Twenty years ago, the Associated Press' Yves Dam-Van and Jerry Harmer were embedded in a U.S. Marines artillery unit as it prepared to invade Iraq. As the invasion began, Harmer kept a diary. The following excerpts have been edited for brevity.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 16 at 4 p.m. CT):

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is telling Congress and the nation that the U.S. banking system remains sound.
A group of Wall Street banks is planning a rescue package of around $30 billion for First Republic Bank.
Attorneys for the family of a Black Virginia man who died in police custody say video of the incident shows seven sheriff’s deputies pushing down “every part of his body” with “absolute brutality.”
Two BNSF trains derailed in separate incidents in Arizona and Washington state on Thursday, with the latter spilling diesel fuel.
New data suggests U.S. deaths of pregnant women dropped significantly in 2022. It comes after a year when the maternal death rate was the highest in nearly six decades.
The North Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that a state abortion ban will remain blocked while a lawsuit over its constitutionality proceeds.
The decision by Utah’s Republican governor to sign into law a ban on abortion clinics is raising concerns about how already overburdened hospitals will accommodate becoming the only place for legal abortions in the state.
Allies of former President Donald Trump have filed a complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics accusing Gov. Ron DeSantis of violating campaign finance and ethics rules by running a shadow bid for the White House.
The first Republican presidential primaries are nearly a year away and the candidate field is unsettled. But already, a shadow contest of another sort is underway with several Republicans openly jockeying to position themselves as potential running mates to Donald Trump, the early front-runner for the nomination.
Poland’s president says his country plans to give Ukraine around a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets.
British authorities say they're banning the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok from government mobile phones on security grounds, following similar moves by the U.S. and European Union.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 15 at 4 p.m. CT):

Russia and the United States ratcheted up their confrontational rhetoric over a U.S. surveillance drone that encountered Russian warplanes and crashed near the Crimean Peninsula.
Texas officials have announced a takeover of Houston’s nearly 200,000-student school district.
Aaron Rodgers says he intends to play for the New York Jets in 2023 after 18 seasons in Green Bay.
After killing hundreds and displacing thousands as it barreled through Mozambique and Malawi since late last week, Cyclone Freddy has dissipated over land, although flooding remains a threat in both countries, a regional monitoring center said late Wednesday.
Honda is recalling a half-million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because the front seat belts may not latch properly.
America’s consumers trimmed their spending in February. The government said Wednesday that retail sales slipped 0.4% after jumping a revised 3.2% in January.
Ryan Redington has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which his grandfather helped co-found.
As part of a yearlong investigation, The Associated Press obtained the data points underpinning several algorithms deployed by child welfare agencies to understand how they predict which children could be at risk of harm.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 14 at 4 p.m. CT):

The U.S. military said a Russian warplane struck the propeller of a U.S. drone over the Black Sea, causing America forces to bring the unmanned aircraft down in international waters.
Forecasters are warning of more flooding and potentially damaging winds as a new atmospheric river pushes into a swamped California.
Ohio has filed a lawsuit against railroad Norfolk Southern to make sure it pays for the cleanup and environmental damage caused by a fiery train derailment on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border last month.
Stocks closed higher after a report showed inflation is still high, though no more than expected.
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing the first federal limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, saying it could prevent thousands of illnesses.
Chevron has not complied with a new California law requiring it to disclose data on pricing.
President Joe Biden says he plans to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who remains under hospice care at his home in south Georgia.
Facebook parent Meta will slash another 10,000 jobs and will not fill 5,000 open positions as the social media pioneer cuts costs.
A class action lawsuit is being filed against the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, its CEO and its chief financial officer, saying that company didn’t disclose the risks that future interest rate increases would have on its business.
Dick Fosbury, the lanky leaper who completely revamped the technical discipline of high jump and won an Olympic gold medal with his “Fosbury Flop,” has died at age 76.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 13 at 4 p.m. CT):

Depositors withdrew savings, and investors broadly sold off bank shares as the federal government raced to reassure Americans that the banking system is secure following two bank failures.
The Pentagon intends to load up on advanced missiles, space defense and modern jets in its largest defense request in decades in order to meet the threat it perceives from China.
The search for the man suspected of killing one small-town Missouri police officer and badly injuring another ended Monday when the man came out of a home that had been surrounded by police.
A split among jurors means there will be no death penalty for an Islamic extremist who maniacally raced a truck along a popular New York City bike path, killing eight people and maiming others.
A person with knowledge of the deal says quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
An agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations has cast China in a leading role in Middle Eastern politics — a part previously reserved for longtime global heavyweights like the U.S. and Russia.
The Biden administration is approving a major oil-drilling project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope. The decision brought quick condemnation from environmentalists who said it flies in the face of the Democratic president’s pledges.
Pfizer is spending about $43 billion to reach deeper into new cancer treatments that target tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The pharmaceutical giant said Monday it will pay $229 in cash for each share of Seagen Inc.
Scientists can now see the big picture on water globally — which areas are repeatedly drying and which are getting hammered by extra-strong rainstorms, thanks to new analysis of satellite data.
On this week's AP religion roundup, Paris' iconic cathedral prepares to re-open, and ancient runes reveal the Norse god Odin's deep history.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 13 at 7:30 a.m. CT):

U.S. regulators are working to reassure depositors at failed institutions that they could access all their money quickly.
"Everything Everywhere All At Once" led the way at the 95th Academy Awards.
Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen is poised to testify Monday before a Manhattan grand jury investigating hush money payments he arranged and made on the former president’s behalf.
President Xi Jinping is calling for China to play a bigger role in managing global affairs.
Two storms are expected to hit both coasts over the next two days.
Oscar weekend in theaters belonged to “Scream VI,” as the horror sequel notched a franchise-best $44.5 million in ticket sales.
Pope Francis is marking the 10th anniversary of his election as pope on Monday.
In sports, Alabama wins the SEC and the top seed for the NCAA Men's Tournament, South Carolina is number one overall for the Women's tourney, three straight losses for the Nuggets, a rare loss for the Bruins, and Scottie Scheffler is again the top player after winning the Players.
Gas prices surged around the nation, but analysts say the increase could be short-lived amid a recent drop in demand and the cost of crude oil.
Three years after the emergence of COVID-19, it appears the virus is here to stay.
When students don’t have enough to eat, it can affect their ability to learn and perform up to their ability.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The 95th Academy Awards are Sunday and the Streamed & Screened podcast has you covered.
The third season of “Ted Lasso” returns to Apple TV+ on March 15. We have an interview with star Jason Sudeikis.
Actors Tom Sizemore, Robert Blake and Chaim Topol died.
Legendary coach Jim Boeheim is out at Syracuse.
And there were several updates on star NFL quarterbacks, including Derek Carr and Daniel Jones.

Regarding the Oscars, there has been a lot of buzz around “Everything Everywhere All at Once” as it's among the favorites for Best Picture, Best Director and several key acting awards.

Over on the Streamed & Screened podcast, a program co-hosted by longtime editor and entertainment reporter Bruce Miller and Hot off the Wire host Terry Lipshetz, we have been previewing the big night the past several episodes.

Whether you are listening to this podcast before the awards are handed out or after the show is complete, head on over to Streamed & Screened for complete details. We have a post-Oscars wrap episode that will be uploaded shortly after the last Oscar is handed out.

Listen now and subscribe to Streamed & Screened: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | Omny Studio

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 9 at 4 p.m. CT):

Norfolk Southern’s CEO is apologizing to Congress and pledging millions of dollars to help East Palestine, Ohio, recover from last month's fiery train derailment. But he stopped short on Thursday of fully endorsing a Senate bill that would toughen safety regulations.
President Joe Biden chose a union training center in Philadelphia to lay out his new 10-year budget proposal and challenge congressional Republicans to release their own spending blueprint.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell suffered a concussion after a fall at a local hotel and remains hospitalized “for a few days of observation and treatment,” a spokesman said Thursday.
A former Goldman Sachs banker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in looting a Malaysian development fund.
Former state House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Matt Borges have been convicted in a $60 million bribery scheme that federal prosecutors have called the largest corruption case in state history.
Israeli leaders say the award-winning Israeli actor known for portraying Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof has died in Tel Aviv. Chaim Topol's death at 87 was confirmed Thursday by Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid and other leaders who tweeted their condolences to Topol's family.
A New York jury has begun deliberating whether to impose the death penalty on a Uzbekistan citizen who killed eight people on a Manhattan bike path in a terrorist attack five years ago.
Visa and Mastercard paused their decision to start categorizing purchases at gun shops, a significant win for conservative groups and Second Amendment advocates who felt that tracking gun shop purchases would inadvertently discriminate against legal firearms purchases.
U.S. women getting mammograms will soon receive information about their breast density because of new government rules.
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fifth straight week to its highest level since breaching 7% in November, just as the spring buying season gets ready to kick off.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week jumped by the most in five months, but layoffs remain historically low as the labor market continues to be largely unaffected by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 8 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden’s upcoming budget proposal aims to cut deficits by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. The president's package is unlikely to pass the House or Senate as proposed.
The U.S. Justice Department has found Louisville police engaged in discrimination and a pattern of violating constitutional rights, after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor.
The Justice Department announced Wednesday that it will review the Memphis police department policies on use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in response to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols during an arrest.
New details emerged in the kidnapping of four Americans in Mexico. Two of the victims were killed.
The first meeting of the new board of Walt Disney World’s government hinted at future controversial actions they may take, including prohibiting COVID-19 restrictions at Disney World.
Tens of thousands of people are marching in Athens and Greek cities to protest the deaths of 57 people and the serious safety deficiencies the country’s worst train disaster exposed.
U.S. employers posted 10.8 million job openings in January, indicating the American job market continues to run too hot for the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve.
From demands for constitutional rights in Islamabad to calls for economic parity in Manila, Paris and Madrid, International Women’s Day demonstrations in cities around the world are highlighting the unfinished work of providing equity for half of the planet’s population.
Jason Sudeikis talked about the new season of his hit streaming show "Ted Lasson."
Scientists have identified the oldest-known reference to the Norse god Odin on a gold disc unearthed in western Denmark in 2020.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 7 at 4 p.m. CT):

Two Americans are back on U.S. soil Tuesday after surviving a deadly kidnapping in Mexico, and have been taken to a Texas hospital for treatment. Two other Americans were killed.
The Biden administration is considering detaining migrant families who cross into the U.S. illegally as it prepares to end COVID-19 restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Federal Reserve could increase the size of its interest rate hikes and raise borrowing costs to higher levels than previously projected if evidence continues to point to a robust economy, Chair Jerome Powell says in prepared testimony to a Senate panel.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has positioned himself as the architect of a new conservative vision for the nation during his annual State of the State address.
The U.K. government says it's ready for human-rights legal challenges to a tough new law intended to stop tens of thousands of migrants a year reaching the country in small boats across the English Channel.
Five women who said they were denied abortions even when pregnancy endangered their lives are suing Texas over its abortion ban.
A second person died following a stampede after a rap concert in Rochester, New York.
A new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that voters support adjusting the number of immigrants and asylum-seekers allowed into the country.
Federal agriculture officials are proposing a new rule that would clarify the meaning of meat labels that say foods are “Made in the USA.”
A rocket made by the largest metal 3D printer is set to lift off this week. It is 85% 3D printed.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 6 at 4 p.m. CT):

The FBI and Mexican officials say four U.S. citizens were kidnapped by gunmen after crossing into Mexico. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Monday the four were going to buy medicine and were caught in the crossfire between two armed groups.
National transportation authorities say a corporate jet may have experienced stability problems before the severe buffeting that caused the death of a passenger.
Two flights scheduled to depart from Boston Logan International Airport made contact with each other near the gate area.
Election officials in Florida, Missouri and West Virginia say they are withdrawing from a bipartisan, multistate effort aimed at ensuring the accuracy of voter rolls that has found itself in the crosshairs of conspiracy theories fueled by Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 presidential election.
Greenhouse gas emissions from the way humans consume food could add nearly 1 degree of warming to Earth’s climate by 2100, according to a study out Monday in Nature Climate Change.
French officials say the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is going fast enough to allow its reopening to visitors and faithful at the end of 2024.
The government is rolling out a new “dashboard” that lets travelers see which which airlines let families with young children sit together on flights at no extra cost.
Police say one person is dead and two are fighting for their lives after unfounded fears of gunfire led to a stampede at the end of a rap concert in upstate New York.
In this week's religion roundup, a sacred, sinking town in India faces a grim future.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 6 at 7 a.m. CT):

The FBI says four U.S. citizens have been kidnapped after gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the northern Mexico border city of Matamoros.
A flight to Florida from Cuba was forced to turn back Sunday after it struck birds that caused an engine to catch fire and filled the cabin with smoke.
The Great Lakes region and parts of Pennsylvania will get hit by more snow today. Meanwhile, it will be 86 in Palm Springs, Florida.
Authorities in Ohio say there is no indication of any risk to public health from the derailment of a Norfolk Southern cargo train between Dayton and Columbus, the second derailment of a company train in the state in a month.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he ordered police to crack down on illegal firearms and private armies and described as “terrifying” the weekend shootings that killed a provincial governor and eight others.
Bulgarian health authorities say that 2.8 million of expired COVID-19 doses will be destroyed this year in addition to 2.3 million doses that have already been scrapped.
Democrats across New Hampshire are upset with President Joe Biden for undermining their state’s status as home to the first-in-the-nation presidential primary. But their concerns about Biden run much deeper, in line with a majority of Democratic voters nationwide, who oppose the 80-year-old president’s plans to launch his reelection campaign.
In sports, top-ranked Houston won a close one in men's college basketball while the fifth ranked team also post a win, the South Carolina women's basketball team earned some hardware, the Knicks won again while the Bucks improved on their NBA-best record, the Golden Knights recently acquired goaltender had a successful debut, Kurt Kitayama earned his first PGA tour win, NASCAR raced in Las Vegas, and a Big 12 conference head men's basketball coach was suspended.
Former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, a fierce critic of Donald Trump, says he won't run for the White House in 2024, after long positioning himself as a possible alternative to the ex-president.
For the first time, United Nations members have agreed on a unified treaty to protect biodiversity in the high seas, concluding two weeks of talks in New York.
In entertainment news, actor Tim Sizemore died, Chris Rock had a live standup special on Netflix, John Mellancamp will donate his memorabilia to Indiana University and "Creed III" topped the box office this weekend.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” dominated the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Joni Mitchell was honored with the Gershwin Prize at a tribute concert.

Brad Paisley wrote a country song featuring Ukraine President 's Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

And the family of NBA legend Kobe Bryant settled a lawsuit for $28.5 million.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 3 at 2:30 p.m. CT):

A judge has sentenced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to life in prison a day after he was convicted of murder in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. The sentence issued Friday carries no chance of parole or early release.
The U.S. has announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine that for the first time includes armored vehicles that can launch bridges.
An 83-year-old Vietnam veteran is at long last getting his due. President Joe Biden on Friday awarded the Medal of Honor to retired Col. Paris Davis, one of the first Black officers to lead a Special Forces team in combat.
A new crew from the United States, Russia and United Arab Emirates has arrived at the International Space Station. Friday's docking was delayed an hour because of a switch problem with one of the capsule's docking hooks.
Severe weather continues to move through the Midwest and South and is heading toward the Northeast.
King Charles III will travel to France and Germany for his first state visits since becoming monarch, underscoring Britain’s efforts to build bridges with its European neighbors.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs says corrections officials won't carry out an execution even though the state Supreme Court scheduled it over the objections of the state’s new attorney general.
Walgreens says it won’t sell an abortion pill by mail in 20 conservative-led states.
Colombia is proposing transferring at least 70 hippopotamuses that live near Pablo Escobar’s former ranch to India and Mexico as part of a plan to control their population.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 2 at 4 p.m. CT):

The House Ethics Committee is launching an investigation into embattled Republican Rep. George Santos. The committee announced the probe Thursday of the New York congressman whose lies and embellishments about his resume and personal life have drawn deep scrutiny in Congress.
The Justice Department says former President Donald Trump can be sued by injured Capitol Police officers and Democratic lawmakers over the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
The judge has turned disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh's fate over the the jury in his double murder trial following closing arguments from the defense.
Officials say a Lufthansa flight that experienced “significant turbulence” was diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport and seven people on board were taken to area hospitals.
Legislation is heading to Tennessee’s Republican governor that would ensure drag shows cannot take place in public or in front of children.
Republican senators says the Biden administration is taking $39 billion in federal money that's meant to build computer chip factories and using it to further “woke” ideas such as requiring some recipients to offer child care and encouraging the use of union labor.
Joni Mitchell was this year’s recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
An inquiry has found that Britain’s domestic intelligence agency missed a significant opportunity to prevent the suicide bombing that killed 22 people at a 2017 Ariana Grande concert in northwest England.
Former President Barack Obama is marking the retirement of the South Carolina woman credited with popularizing the chant “Fired up, ready to go!” The chant came to epitomize Obama's two presidential campaigns.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted March 1 at 4 p.m. CT):

Prosecutor Creighton Waters gave his closing argument Wednesday in the murder trial of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh.
Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, projected as one of the top players in the NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in conjunction with the crash that killed offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.
The TV provider Dish Network continues to recover from a ransomware attack it said disrupted operations, internet sites and call centers.
Emergency workers are searching late into the night for survivors and bodies after a passenger train and a freight train crashed head-on in central Greece.
The Supreme Court seems ready to allow New Jersey to withdraw from a commission the state created decades ago with New York to combat mob influence at their joint port.
Eli Lilly will cut prices for some older insulins later this year and immediately give more patients access to a cap on the costs they pay to fill prescriptions.
The family of the late Kobe Bryant has agreed to settle legal issues surrounding photos of the body of the NBA star and others who were killed in a 2020 helicopter crash.
U.S. intelligence agencies say they cannot link a foreign adversary to any of the incidents associated with so-called “Havana syndrome,” the hundreds of cases of brain injuries and other symptoms reported by American personnel around the world.
Officials with the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, say they've located the Ironton, a freight schooner that plunged to the bottom of Lake Huron in 1894.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. CT):

Conservative justices holding the Supreme Court’s majority seem likely to sink President Joe Biden’s plan to wipe away or reduce student loans held by millions of Americans. Chief Justice John Roberts led his conservative colleagues Tuesday in questioning the administration’s authority to broadly cancel federal student loans because of the COVID-19 emergency.
The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says he doesn’t want any stigmas attached to the Ohio community where a train derailed and spewed toxic gases three weeks ago.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill suspending the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with the United States.
China is pushing back at renewed suggestions the COVID-19 pandemic could have been the result of a lab leak, saying it has been “open and transparent” in the search for the virus’ origins.
The Federal Aviation Administration says a JetBlue pilot had to take evasive action while landing at Boston’s Logan International Airport when another aircraft crossed an intersecting runway.
A former FTX executive is pleading guilty to conspiracy and wire fraud charges as part of a deal to cooperate with federal prosecutors building their case against FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.
The death toll has risen to at least 63 in the migrant tragedy off Italy’s southern coast after rescue crews recovered several more bodies.
The White House is giving all federal agencies 30 days to wipe TikTok off all government devices, as the Chinese-owned social media app comes under increasing scrutiny in Washington over security concerns.
The man credited with inventing the cellphone 50 years ago is optimistic that future advances in mobile technology can transform human lives. But Martin Cooper also is worried about the risks smartphones pose to privacy and young people.
The Transportation Security Administration is looking to hire more than 400 new air marshals.
The Mexican president says that electric car company Tesla has committed to building a plant in the industrial hub of Monterrey in northern Mexico.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden is seeking facts into the origins of the Coronavirus pandemic. There is no consensus in the government as to how it started.
Federal officials say they’re working to cut down on a growing backlog of complaints lodged against health care providers and government agencies by patients who claim their civil rights or privacy have been violated.
Severe weather continues to hit the Southern Plains.
Mexico’s president lashed out Monday at demonstrators who protested cuts to election funding over the weekend, belittling their concerns about threats to democracy and dashing any hopes that he would try to ease rising political tensions.
The death toll has risen to at least 64 in the migrant tragedy off Italy’s southern coast after rescue crews recovered several more bodies.
New York City’s Department of Transportation swung and missed with a road sign for the Jackie Robinson Parkway that misspelled the baseball Hall of Famer’s first name.
U.S. first lady Jill Biden says there's “pretty much” nothing left to do but choose the time and place for President Joe Biden's reelection announcement.
The Supreme Court says it will take up a Republican-led challenge to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a case that could threaten how the consumer watchdog agency functions if the high court agrees with the challenge.
The Supreme Court won’t have far to look for a personal take on the “crushing weight” of student debt that underlies the Biden administration’s college loan forgiveness plan.
A survey business economists think a recession will begin sometime this year.
In this week's religion roundup, Pope Francis calls for peace on the anniversary of the War in Ukraine, Southern Baptists oust Saddleback Church over women pastors, and Iranian clerics say harsh crackdowns were a mistake.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 27 at 7 a.m. CT):

Fierce weather including tornadoes hit Oklahoma and Kansas. Meanwhile, rain and snow hit Norther California.
GOP lawmakers, including Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, are pushing back against the Biden administration for not sending F-16s to Ukraine.
China says it has been monitoring a U.S. surveilance plane moving over the Taiwan Strait.
The death toll has risen to 62 in the migrant tragedy off Italy’s southern coast after rescue crews recovered three more bodies.
The ex-husband and former in-laws of a slain Hong Kong model have been detained on charges in her killing after police found body parts in a refrigerator and a pot.
Last-minute technical trouble forced SpaceX to call off Monday's attempt to launch four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA.
Thirty years after terrorism first struck the World Trade Center, victims’ relatives and survivors are remembering the deadly 1993 bombing that foreshadowed 9/11.
In sports, Portland's Damian Lillard was red hot, the Atlanta Hawks have a new head coach, the Padres gave a huge contract extension to one of their star players, and both the PGA and LIV golf circuits crowned their weekly winners.
In a weekend entertainment update, Sunday studio estimates say the gonzo R-rated horror comedy “Cocaine Bear” sniffed up $23.1 million in its opening weekend, while Marvel's “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” shrank unusually quickly in its second weekend. “Everything Everywhere All at Once" won best ensemble at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Some prominent media publishers are dropping the comic strip Dilbert after its creator referred to people who are Black as members of “a hate group” and urged white people to "get away" from them.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

There are new rules coming to Major League Baseball season.

Actor and comedian Richard Belzer died.

Harvey Weinstein and R. Kelly received more prison time.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. CT):

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions on Russian firms, banks, manufacturers and people. The package is aimed at entities that helped Russia evade sanctions earlier in the year-old war against Ukraine.
China is calling for a cease-fire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Severe weather continues to move across the nation. Snowstorms are hitting California with winter weather also spread across the Great Plains and Northeast.
Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh is testifying he cooperated with police investigating the killings of his wife and son in every way except mentioning the last time he saw them alive.
A chunk of weather-beaten flotsam that washed up on a New York shoreline last fall has piqued the interest of experts who say it is likely part of the famous shipwreck SS Savannah.
Publisher Penguin Random House says it will publish “classic” unexpurgated versions of Roald Dahl’s children’s novels, after criticism of cuts and rewrites intended to make the books suitable for modern readers.
Russia has launched a rescue ship for two cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut whose original ride sprang a dangerous leak at the International Space Station.
Tensions over Russia's war on Ukraine have flared at meetings of finance ministers from Group of 20 nations and central bank chiefs in India.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge rose last month at its fastest pace since June, an alarming sign that price pressures remain entrenched in the U.S. economy and could lead the Fed to keep raising interest rates well into this year.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. CT):

Federal safety investigators have released a preliminary report on the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and toxic chemical release. The National Transportation Safety Board says the train's crew did not receive a critical warning about an overheated axle until just before dozens of cars went off the tracks.
Disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has denied killing his wife and son but admitted lying about when he last saw them alive while testifying in his own defense.
A Los Angeles judge on Thursday sentenced Harvey Weinstein to 16 years in prison after a jury convicted him of the 2013 rape and sexual assault of an Italian actor and model.
R. Kelly has received a 20-year prison sentence for child pornography and the enticement of minors for sex. In a victory for Kelly, however, the court said Thursday that he will serve 19 years of that sentence simultaneously with his 30-year sentence imposed last year in New York.
The number of U.S. mass killings linked to extremism was at least three times higher in the last decade than the total from any other 10-year period since the 1970s.
Former President Donald Trump’s lawyers in Georgia are criticizing the Fulton County investigation into potential illegal election meddling after the foreperson of the special grand jury helping the probe went public.
Nearly 30 million Americans who got extra government help with grocery bills during the pandemic will soon see that aid shrink.
Draft U.S. rules would allow soy, oat, almond and other drinks that bill themselves as “milk” to keep using the name.
One year after President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine both countries are preparing for offensives that could set the stage for a potentially even more disastrous phase of the war.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. CT):

Both houses of Russia's parliament have quickly endorsed President Vladimir Putin’s move to suspend the last remaining nuclear arms treaty with the United States. President Joe Biden says Russian President Vladimir Putin made a “big mistake” by suspending that treaty, known as New START.
Nearly all Federal Reserve policymakers agreed earlier this month to slow the pace of their rate increases to a quarter-point, with only “a few” supporting a larger half-point hike.
The Supreme Court seems skeptical of a lawsuit trying to hold social media companies responsible for a terrorist attack at a Turkish nightclub that killed 39 people.
Israeli forces stormed into a major Palestinian city in the occupied West Bank for a rare daylight arrest raid, triggering a fierce gun battle that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded scores of others.
Astronomers have discovered what appear to be massive galaxies dating back to within 600 million years of the Big Bang. The findings suggest the early universe may have had a stellar fast-track that produced these monster galaxies.
The Biden administration says it will generally deny asylum to migrants who show up at the U.S. southern border without first seeking protection in a country they passed through.
CNN's Don Lemon returns to work on Wednesday after being off for three days following on-air remarks that Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley was not in "her prime."
Amazon has closed its $3.9 billion acquisition of the primary care organization One Medical. The health company runs a membership-based service offers virtual care as well as in-person visits.
Microsoft is ready to take its new Bing chatbot mainstream — less than a week after making major fixes to stop the artificially intelligent search engine from going off the rails.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. CT):

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suspended Moscow’s participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States.
Federal environmental regulators have taken charge of the cleanup from the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and chemical burn and ordered Norfolk Southern to foot the bill.
A federal judge has barred the public and media from a courtroom where defense lawyers say emotional testimony from victims has spoiled the death penalty phase of the trial of a man who admits that he killed eight people on a bike path on behalf of a terrorist group.
Free agent Brittney Griner is headed back to the Phoenix Mercury.
Of all of baseball’s tweaks under Commissioner Rob Manfred, the pitch clock might be the one that affects the most players.
The nation’s housing slump deepened in January as home sales fell for the 12th month in a row to the slowest pace in more than a dozen years.
A trial of a four-day workweek in Britain, billed as the world’s largest, has found that most employees are less stressed, burned out and have better work-life balance.
A family from Canada is traveling the world as children gradually lose eyesight due to a vision disorder.

—The Associated Press

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On this edition of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine. The trip was a gesture of solidarity coming days before the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Michigan State University students and faculty have returned to the East Lansing campus, one week after a gunman killed three students and injured five others.
A new 6.4 magnitude earthquake has killed three people and injured more than 200 in parts of Turkey laid waste two weeks ago by a massive quake that killed tens of thousands.
Nearly one year after Russia invaded Ukraine, new questions are rising over China's potential willingness to aid Moscow in the drawn-out conflict.
Project Veritas founder James O’Keefe said in a speech posted online Monday that he has been removed as the right-wing group’s leader.
New court filings show the prosecution in the case of a fatal New Mexico film-set shooting has made a stark turnaround that drops the possibility of a mandatory five-year sentence against Alec Baldwin.
Well-wishes and fond remembrances for former President Jimmy Carter were pouring in a day after he entered hospice care at his home in Georgia.
A landmark Supreme Court decision on the Second Amendment is upending gun laws across the country, dividing judges and sowing confusion over what firearm restrictions can remain on the books.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a 103-year old nun reflects on her years as a college basketball fan, and ministers consider using artificial intelligence for writing sermons.

—The Associated Press

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On this edition of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 20 at 7:15 a.m. CT):

President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine. Monday's visit was a gesture of solidarity coming days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Biden delivered remarks and met with Zelenskyy at Mariinsky Palace to announce an additional half-billion dollars in U.S. assistance and to reassure Ukraine of American and allied support as the conflict continues.
New Orleans police say five people were shot, including a young girl, during a Mardi Gras parade.
About 50,000 utility customers in the east San Francisco Bay Area were without power on Sunday afternoon. Oakland fire officials say a fire at a Pacific Gas & Electric substation caused the outages.
Well-wishes and fond remembrances for former President Jimmy Carter were pouring in a day after he entered hospice care at his home in Georgia.
Last year saw a record number of guns intercepted at airport checkpoints across the country. The numbers have been steadily climbing and hit 6,542 last year, according to the Transportation Safety Administration.
In sports, the Daytona 500 needed extra laps to determine a winner, a Celtics star had a big night at the NBA All-Star Game, Jon Rahm continued his winning ways, the second and third ranked teams in men's college basketball each won as did the top ranked team in women's college hoops, and the Wild scored late to beat the Predators as part of a six game NHL slate.
Richard Belzer, who played one of TV’s most indelible detectives as John Munch in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: SVU,” has died. The long-time stand-up comic was 78.
Phase five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe may have gotten off to a rocky start, but Ant-Man is bigger than ever at the box office. “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” opened with $104 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, easily surpassing the box-office debuts of the previous two Ant-Man films.
Tom Sizemore is in critical condition after suffering a brain aneurysm, a representative for the actor said Sunday.
Stella Stevens, a prominent leading lady in 1960s and '70s comedies who is perhaps best known for playing the object of Jerry Lewis’ affection in “The Nutty Professor,” has died. She was 84.
Ben Affleck was promoting his movie “Air” at NBA All-Star weekend. It's the story of how Nike signed a rookie named Michael Jordan in 1984 to what became an iconic deal. Jordan is not shown in the film. “Air” will be released April 5.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

There were several deaths this week, including Raquel Welch, De La Soul co-founder Trugoy the Dove and a Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Tim McCarver.

We have an update on the health of action star Bruce Willis, who had to step away from acting a year ago.

Beloved character Winnie the Pooh is the focus of a slasher film.

And the Kansas City Chiefs won another Super Bowl.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. CT):

Five former Mempis, Tennessee, officers pleaded not guilty Friday to second-degree murder and other charges following the death of Tyre Nichols.
U.S. officials say the military has finished efforts to recover the remnants of the large balloon that was shot down off the coast of South Carolina, and analysis of the debris so far reinforces conclusions that it was a Chinese spy balloon.
Ohio’s governor says a plume of chemicals that spilled into the Ohio River after a fiery train derailment has broken up and is no longer a concern.
Attorneys for Donald Trump want to ban from his upcoming civil rape trial the “Access Hollywood” tape in which the former president boasts graphically about how celebrities can molest women.
India’s Finance Ministry has accused the BBC of tax evasion, saying that it had not fully declared its income and profits from its operations in the country.
Several Biden Cabinet members have received a letter from House Republicans as they launch the second investigation into the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Startups are competing to bring electric boats to the waterways of cities.
Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to give singer R. Kelly 25 more years in prison for his child pornography and enticement convictions last year in Chicago.
President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are preparing for a possible rematch in 2024. But a new poll finds a notable lack of enthusiasm within the parties for either man as his party's leader, and a clear opening for new leadership.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden says the U.S. is developing “sharper rules” to track, monitor and potentially shoot down unknown aerial objects. This follows three weeks of high-stakes drama sparked by the discovery of a suspected Chinese spy balloon transiting much of the country.
Police say the man who shot eight students at Michigan State University, killing three, was found with two handguns and a note containing a possible motive for the attack.
Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman is in Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to seek treatment for clinical depression.
The famed broadcaster and former St. Louis Cardinals star Tim McCarver has died. He was 81.
A United Nations official says the death toll from the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake is likely to rise as teams scramble to remove rubble in hard-hit areas.
Stocks are falling on Wall Street on worries that inflation is remaining hotter than feared. The S&P 500 was 1% lower Thursday after a report showed inflation at the wholesale level slowed by less last month than economists forecast.
Wholesale prices in the United States reaccelerated in January, indicating that inflation pressures continue to underlie the U.S. economy despite longer-term signs of improvement.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin said Wednesday he never intended to offend anyone for attending the Super Bowl wearing a jacket that critics deemed to feature an offensive depiction of Jesus.
Pope Francis has made clear in comments published by a Jesuit journal that he believes being pope is a lifetime position and that the late Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation was an exception.
The unveiling of ChatGPT has panicked educators around the country who fear students will use the artificial intelligence powered chatbot it to write their essays and cheat on homework. But some teachers are embracing it.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. CT):

A white supremacist who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket has been sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after listening to the relatives of his victims express the pain and rage caused by his racist attack. Wendesday's sentencing hearing for Payton Gendron was disrupted briefly when he was charged by a man in the audience, who was quickly restrained.
Rep. Matt Gaetz says the Justice Department has ended a sex trafficking case with no charges against him.
America’s consumers rebounded last month from a weak holiday shopping season by boosting their spending at stores and restaurants at the fastest pace in almost two years.
The Ohio village upended by a train derailment and the intentional burning of some hazardous chemicals on board has invited residents to a town hall meeting Wednesday evening to discuss lingering questions.
Officials in Arizona anticipate "an extended closure” of the state's main southern highway, a day after a deadly crash caused a hazardous material leak and forced evacuations nearby.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to resign.
A Kentucky lawmaker has introduced a bill to prosecute illegal abortions as homicides. The measure drew pushback from the state’s anti-abortion attorney general.
Republican Nikki Haley has kicked off her 2024 presidential campaign.
Justice Department prosecutors investigating the mishandling of classified documents at Donald Trump’s Florida estate are seeking to pierce the attorney-client privilege.
Support among the American public for providing Ukraine weaponry and direct economic assistance has softened as the Russian invasion nears a grim one-year milestone. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Among sermon writers, there is fascination – and unease – over the fast-expanding abilities of artificial-intelligence chatbots. For now, the consensus is this: Yes, they can write a passably competent sermon. But no, they can’t replicate the passion of actual preaching.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 14 at 4 p.m. CT):

Some voters in last year's midterm elections were open to supporting Democrats even if they weren’t fond of President Joe Biden. Roughly 1 in 6 voters for Democratic House candidates said they disapproved of Biden's job performance, but most said Biden wasn't a factor in their midterm decision. The findings from AP VoteCast are a warning sign for both parties at the outset of the 2024 presidential campaign.
In the opening stages of the Republicans' 2024 presidential race, the “parents’ rights” movement and lessons for schoolchildren are emerging as flashpoints.
The Army is trying to recover from its worst recruiting year in decades, and officials say those recruiting woes are the result of traditional hurdles. Young people don’t want to die or get injured, they don't want to deal with the stress of Army life and they don't want to put their lives on hold.
Recent revelations about Republican election strategies targeting minority communities in Wisconsin’s biggest city came as no surprise to many Black voters.
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach says the organization is not on the wrong side of history by aiming to help Russians and Belarusians qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. CT):

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says Ukraine is using up ammunition far faster than its allies can provide it just as Russia ramps up its military offensive.
The White House is defending the shootdowns of three unidentified objects in as many days even as it acknowledged that it had no indication they were intended for surveillance in the same manner as the high-altitude Chinese balloon that traversed American airspace earlier this month.
In Turkey, rescuers cheered and clapped as a 13-year-old boy was pulled from earthquake rubble. Experts say the window for such rescues has nearly closed.
President Joe Biden has fired the embattled Architect of the Capitol, the official who oversees the Capitol complex.
The World Health Organization says Equatorial Guinea has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease, saying the Ebola-related virus is responsible for at least nine deaths in the tiny Western African country.
Few have navigated the turbulent politics of the Trump era like Nikki Haley. She once vowed not to step in the way if former President Donald Trump ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. But on Wednesday, she will become the first major Republican candidate to enter the race against him.
More than four in ten Jews in the United States feel their status in America is less secure than it was a year earlier. That's according to a new survey by the American Jewish Committee.
Vegans and vegetarians searching for love and companionship have their own dating app.
Federal workplace safety authorities have fined a central Pennsylvania confectionary factory more than $14,500 following an accident last year in which two workers fell into a vat of chocolate.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 13 at 6:45 a.m. CT):

Patrick Mahomes was magical when the Kansas City Chiefs desperately needed him to pull off another Super Bowl comeback. Playing on an injured ankle, Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and scrambled 26 yards on the go-ahead drive before Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds left to give the Chiefs a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
China says more than 10 U.S. high-altitude balloons have flown in its airspace during the past year without its permission. In response, the United States denied that it operates any surveillance balloons over China.
A U.S. fighter jet shot down an “unidentified object” over Lake Huron on Sunday on orders from President Joe Biden. It was the fourth such downing in eight days.
A leading rights group urged the U.S. and Libya Monday to clarify the legality of a surprise extradition of a suspect in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.
Thousands of Israelis are protesting outside the country’s parliament building ahead of a preliminary vote on a bill that would give politicians greater power over appointing judges.
Moldova’s President has outlined what she says is Moscow’s plans to overthrow Moldova’s government, and involves the use of external saboteurs that would ultimately “put our country at the disposal of Russia” and throw it off course to one day join the European Union.
Ukraine's presidential office says fierce battles are raging outside Bakhmut as Russian forces are pushing their advance on the eastern city with heavy shelling and infantry attacks.
New Mexico State has called off the rest of its men’s basketball season after reviewing a police report that cited three players for false imprisonment, harassment and criminal sexual contact against a teammate.
In sports, the Chiefs are Super Bowl champions, the top ranked team in men's college basketball loses while the No. 1 women's team continues to roll, it was a light schedule in the NBA and just four NHL contests, and Scottie Scheffler is victorious in Phoenix.
David Jude Jolicoeur, known widely as Trugoy the Dove and one of the founding members of the Long Island hip-hop trio De La Soul, has died. He was 54.
The third installment in the “Magic Mike” series danced its way to the top of the box office charts this weekend with a James Cameron double header, “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Titanic” (yes that “Titanic”), looming close behind.
In other entertainment news, big stars were part of Super Bowl ads, Hugh Hudson, 'Chariots of Fire' director, dead at 86, and Dionne Warwick isn't ready to slow down.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

It was a week of broken records. First, in music, Beyoncé established a new mark with her 32nd Grammy. And then, in basketball, LeBron James became the all-time leading scorer.

In other news:

AMC is planning to charge more money for good seats.
Composer and songwriter Burt Bacharach as well as "Murphy Brown" actor Charles Kimbrough died.
Disney is working on new "Toy Story," "Frozen" and "Zootopia" movies.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. CT):

The Pentagon has shot down an unknown object flying in U.S. airspace off the coast of Alaska. That's according to White House officials Friday.
President Joe Biden will travel to Poland later this month to rally allies a year after Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Years before a Memphis police officer pulled Tyre Nichols from his car on Jan. 7, he was accused of taking part in the savage beating of an inmate at a county jail.
The FBI searched former Vice President Mike Pence’s Indiana home following the discovery by his lawyers last month of sensitive government documents there.
Russia has announced it will cut oil production by 500,000 barrels per day next month after Western countries capped the price of its crude over its action in Ukraine.
Police in North Carolina have released body camera footage that shows the arrest of a Black man who died after officers repeatedly used stun guns on him.
A Texas lawsuit could threaten the nationwide availability of medication abortion, which now accounts for the majority of abortions in the U.S.
China has dismissed a U.S. House of Representatives resolution condemning Beijing over a suspected Chinese spy balloon shot down above U.S. waters as “purely political manipulation and hyping up.”

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Biden administration says the China balloon shot down by the U.S. was equipped to collect intelligence signals as part of a huge, military-linked aerial spy program that has targeted more than 40 countries.
Congress is hearing about the December meltdown at Southwest Airlines.
A Delaware man who threatened a Black police officer with a pole attached to a Confederate battle flag as he stormed the U.S. Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison.
A man repeatedly caught trying to smuggle finches from Guyana into New York for birdsong competitions has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison.
Rihanna is putting in the work ahead of her Super Bowl halftime show, focusing on what she promises will be “a jam-packed show.”
Popular composer Burt Bacharach has died at 94. Working with lyricist Hal David, Bacharach penned a long run of hit songs.
President Joe Biden is taking direct aim at Republicans who have floated cuts to Social Security and Medicare. He told an audience in Florida on Thursday that he would create a “nightmare” for anyone who tried to do so.
An estimated 27.3 million people watched President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on television Tuesday night.
Disney is working on sequels for its “Toy Story,” “Frozen” and “Zootopia” franchises as the company concentrates more on brands that have continued to perform well.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden has made Wisconsin his first stop after his State of the Union address, visiting a training center run by a union near Madison, the state capital.
Former Twitter executives conceded to Congress that they made a mistake by blocking a story about Hunter Biden, the president’s son, from the social media platform in the run-up to the 2020 election.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the British people for their support since “Day One” of Russia’s invasion — and pressed for fighter jets to ensure his country's victory.
Federal authorities say more than 200 shotguns have been found in a dumpster outside an Oklahoma firearms dealer.
Stretched rescue teams in Turkey and Syria are searching for signs of life in the rubble of thousands of buildings toppled by a catastrophic earthquake.
As U.S.-China relations cool amid trade disputes and espionage fears stoked by the Chinese spy balloon shot down off the Atlantic Coast, lawmakers in Congress and at least 11 statehouses are weighing legislation to further limit foreign ownership of farmland.
The International Olympic Committee is defending efforts to help Russian and Belarusian athletes qualify for the 2024 Paris Games.
High-profile problems involving electronic pollbooks in recent years have opened the door for those peddling election conspiracies.
A growing online conspiracy theory is using the tagline “died suddenly” to baselessly claim that COVID-19 vaccines are killing people.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to a special Super Bowl LVII episode of Hot off the Wire, where we’ll look toward Sunday’s big game.

The AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs finished 14-3 and are in their third Super Bowl in the past four years. The Chiefs beat San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following season.

The Philadelphia Eagles, also 14-3 in the regular season, are back in the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl LII when they beat the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs are appearing in their fifth Super Bowl and are 2-2 all time. The Chiefs represented the AFL in Super Bowl I and lost to the Green Bay Packers.

This is the fourth Super Bowl for the Eagles, who are looking for their second championship.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Eastern and the game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The stadium is the home of the Arizona Cardinals and hosted Super Bowl XLII when the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots. The stadium also hosted Super Bowl XLIX when the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks.

Fox will broadcast the game on television. Kevin Burkhardt will handle play-by-play, Greg Olsen is the in-booth analyst, and Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi are sideline reporters. Mike Pereira is the rules analyst.

On the radio side, Westwood One will broadcast the game with Kevin Harlan handling play-by-play duties, Kurt Warner serving as analyst, and Laura Okmin and Mike Golic handling sideline reporting duties. Gene Steratore is the rules analyst.

Chris Stapleton will perform the national anthem and the halftime show performer is Rihanna.

In the first segment, Ian Wharton of Pro Football Network talks about how Patrick Mahomes went from intriguing prospect to NFL superstar.

We’ll follow that up with several more segments that look forward to the game and commercials, plus we have a recap of the AFC and NFC Championship games so you can get caught up on the action that is leading to this final game of the season.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 7 at 4 9.m. CT):

President Joe Biden will deliver his second State of the Union on Tuesday evening.
U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is expected to leave the Biden administration to run the National Hockey League Players’ Association.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday that if the U.S. job market further strengthens in the coming months or inflation readings accelerate, the Fed might have to raise its benchmark interest rate higher than it now projects.
The House ethics committee is investigating New York Republican Rep. George Santos.
Search teams and aid are pouring into Turkey and Syria as rescuers working in freezing temperatures dig through the remains of buildings flattened by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
The Navy has released the first photos of Chinese balloon recovery.
A blockbuster exhibition at the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history is bringing together 28 works by 17th-century Dutch master Johannes Vermeer.
An estimated 1 in 5 American adults will make some sort of bet on the Super Bowl, laying out a whopping $16 billion, or twice as much as last year, according to an industry trade group.
A new study finds that as glaciers melt and pour massive amounts of water into nearby lakes, some 15 million people across the globe are living in the danger zone of a sudden and deadly outburst flood.
The secrets of a glittering golden Egyptian mummy are being uncovered thanks to CT scans.
Navy ships are getting fewer steaming hours because of growing maintenance delays and costs, a troubling trend that comes as at time when the U.S. is struggling to keep pace with China’s growing fleet.

—The Associated Press

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An 1835 treaty between the Cherokee Nation and United States that led to the death of thousands on the Trail of Tears included a provision that would allow the Cherokee to seat a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Nearly 200 years later, the Cherokee have renewed calls for Congress to honor the treaty and seat its delegate.

But what would that mean for the Cherokee Nation as well as other tribes not covered by that treaty? What issues would a delegate focus on as a non-voting member of Congress?

Dr. Julie Reed, an Associate Professor in History at Penn State University and a citizen of of the Cherokee Nation, recently wrote an article for The Conversation called:

Cherokee Nation wants to send a delegate to the House – it’s an idea older than Congress itself.

That article serves as an entry point for a discussion on the topic between Reed and Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises and host of Hot off the Wire.

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. CT):

U.S. officials say that efforts ordered by President Joe Biden to strengthen defenses against Chinese espionage helped identify last week’s spy balloon — and determine that similar flights were conducted at multiple points during the Trump administration.
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked wide swaths of Turkey and neighboring Syria, killing more than 3,400 people and injuring thousands more.
Officials say a Maryland woman conspired with a neo-Nazi leader in Florida to plan an attack on Baltimore’s power grid in an effort to further their racist mission.
A Florida teenager faces a possible life sentence after he pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a 13-year-old classmate 114 times and leaving her body in a wooded area near their homes in 2021.
A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
New York City is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for municipal employees including police officers, firefighters and teachers.
COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for military personnel. But that hasn’t ended litigation over the issue.
The hottest ticket in town for advertisers is officially sold out. Fox said Monday that in-game ads for Super Bowl LVII have all been sold.
Police say an 82-year-old woman was pronounced dead at a New York nursing home but found to be breathing three hours later at the funeral home where she had been taken.
AMC Theaters is the nation’s largest movie theater chain and on Monday, it unveiled a new pricing scheme in which seat location determines how much your movie ticket costs.
On this week's AP religion roundup, Pope Francis makes a historic trips to Africa, and psychedelic churches are pushing the boundaries of law and religion.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 6 at 6:45 a.m. CT):

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked wide swaths of Turkey and Syria. It toppled hundreds of buildings and killed more than 1,300 people.
Officials monitoring the smoldering, tangled wreckage of a train derailment in Ohio have warned hundreds of nearby residents who had declined to evacuate to do so immediately, citing concerns about a potential explosion.
Harry Styles won album of the year at the Grammy Awards, taking home the top honor on a night that Beyoncé dominated and became the ceremony’s most decorated artist. Beyoncé won her 32nd award Sunday, breaking a 26-year-old record.
China has accused the United States of indiscriminate use of force in shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, saying it seriously damaged both sides’ efforts to stabilize Sino-U.S. relations.
Tens of thousands of nurses and ambulance staff are walking off the job in the U.K. in what unions called the biggest strike in the history of the country's public health system.
Temperatures in many areas of the Northeast U.S. are climbing into the mid-40s Fahrenheit, a day after the region suffered through temperatures that plummeted into the negative teens.
A majority of Democrats now think one term is plenty for President Joe Biden, despite his insistence that he plans to seek reelection in 2024. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Charles Kimbrough, a Tony- and Emmy-nominated actor who played a straight-laced news anchor opposite Candice Bergen on “Murphy Brown,” has died. He was 86.
After seven weeks as the top film in theaters, “Avatar: The Way of Water” was finally knocked out of the No. 1 spot by the M. Night Shyamalan thriller “Knock at the Cabin” and the octogenarian comedy “80 for Brady.”
In sports, All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving was traded, the Knicks won at home and the Cavaliers picked up a road victory, women's college basketball's top ranked team passed a big road test, the PGA tour will need an extra day to determine a winner at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and NASCAR paid a visit to Los Angeles.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The list of nominees for the next class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was released.
Ozzy Osbourne had to cancel his tour.
One year after retiring and unretiring, legendary quarterback Tom Brady calls it quits for good this time.
Notable deaths this week include actor Cindy Williams and NHL great Bobby Hull.
And some changes are coming to daytime television.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some recent headlines in science, health, climate and technology.

Vaccination rates have dropped for school-age children in the U.S.
COVID shots could soon be administered annually, much like flu shots.
Google’s digital advertising practices are at the center of a justice department case.
And we’ll look at water levels in California, temperatures in Greenland and other news about global warming.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. CT):

A huge, high-altitude Chinese balloon is sailing across the U.S. The spectacle was drawing severe Pentagon accusations of spying on Friday — while sending excited or alarmed Americans outside with binoculars.
A major hospital system in northern Florida says it is diverting some emergency room patients and canceling surgeries after an security problem with information technology.
The parents of Amir Locke, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer when a SWAT team executed a no-knock search warrant one year ago, are suing the city and the officer.
For nearly a year, the Federal Reserve has been on a mission to cool down the job market to help curb the nation’s worst inflation bout in four decades. The job market hasn’t been cooperating. Consider what happened in January: The government reported Friday that employers added a sizzling 517,000 jobs last month and that the unemployment rate dipped to 3.4%, the lowest level since 1969.
Nearly 50 businesses and nonprofits including rideshare companies Uber and Lyft and industrial giant 3M are pledging millions of dollars in initiatives to stem a crisis in road fatalities under a new federal effort.
A man who was arrested in the grounds of Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow has pleaded guilty to treason for planning to attack Queen Elizabeth II.
The 65th annual Grammy Awards will air Sunday on CBS and Paramount+. Beyonce leads the nominations with nine and there will be tribute to Christine McVie.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met for more than an hour at the White House, aiming to avert a national debt limit crisis.
House Republicans have voted to oust Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
A published report says federal authorities are investigating whether embattled New York Rep. George Santos raised $3,000 for life-saving surgery for a disabled veteran’s dog and then kept the money for himself.
Federal prosecutors say a New York man has pleaded guilty to making threatening phone calls to Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
The Philippines says it is allowing U.S. forces to broaden their footprint in that Southeast Asian nation.
The most expansive federal report in over two decades on guns and crime shows a shrinking turnaround between the time a gun was purchased and when it was recovered from a crime scene.
A whale that washed ashore in Hawaii over the weekend likely died in part because it ate large volumes of fishing traps, fishing nets, plastic bags and other marine debris.
President Joe Biden attended the annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday in Washington and delivered a message of unity.
People gathered Thursday at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned the groundhog from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow — and they say he did, meaning six more weeks of winter.
Australia is removing the British monarchy from its bank notes. The nation’s central bank said Thursday its new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. CT):

A funeral for Tyre Nichols blended a celebration of his life with outrage over the brutal beating he endured at the hands of the Memphis police and heated calls for police reform.
Wall Street rose to its highest level since the summer following the latest hike to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which said it’s finally seeing improvements in inflation.
The FBI has searched President Joe Biden’s Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home as part of its investigation into the potential mishandling of classified documents.
Tom Brady has announced his retirement. Brady won a record seven Super Bowls for New England and Tampa Bay.
House Republicans have begun their promised aggressive oversight of the Biden administration, starting with coronavirus aid programs.
On his trip to Congo, Pope Francis has heard firsthand accounts of atrocities some people have endured during years of fighting in the eastern part of the country.
Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow and the late George Michael are nominees for 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a list that includes a mix of country, soul, hip-hop, metal, pop, rap-rock and grunge.
Hard rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has announced the cancellation of his 2023 tour dates in the U.K. and continental Europe.
‘Dr. Phil’ McGraw says he'll stop making new episodes of his daytime TV show after 21 years this spring.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. CT):

Omaha police say they have fatally shot a man who entered a Target store with an AR-15-style rifle and “plenty of ammunition.”
The New York Attorney General's office released video of a deposition given by former President Donald Trump in its civil fraud investigation.
The FBI searched President Joe Biden’s former office at the Penn Biden Center in Washington in November. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a law enforcement action.
President Joe Biden has showcased a $292 million mega grant that'll be used to help build a rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River.
In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency Tuesday because of the ice storm.
Republican Rep. George Santos of New York has told GOP colleagues he is temporarily stepping down from his two congressional committees.
The U.S. is imposing sanctions on a group of people and organizations connected to Myanmar’s military regime as the two-year anniversary nears for the coup that removed the country’s civilian government.
The Biden administration is faulting Russia for failing to allow on-the-ground nuclear inspections, accusing Moscow of endangering arms control efforts.
The U.S. Justice Department has requested documents from Tesla related to its Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” features.
The Treasury Department has announced plans to increase its borrowing during the first three months of 2023.
Six Western states that rely on water from the Colorado River have agreed on a model to dramatically cut water use in the basin. California is the holdout.
A closely watched study by an anti-graft organization has found that most of the world continues to fail to fight corruption, with 95% of countries having made little to no progress since 2017.
The outlook for the global economy is growing slightly brighter as China eases its zero-COVID policies and the world shows surprising resilience in the face of high inflation, elevated interest rates and Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
A new study using artificial intelligence finds that the world will likely warm a few more tenths of a degrees within the next 10 to 12 years and breach a key climate change threshold.
A comet is streaking back our way after 50,000 years. NASA says the dirty snowball last visited during Neanderthal times. It will come within 26 million miles of Earth on Wednesday before speeding away again.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden went to Baltimore to visit an aging rail tunnel that's slated to be replaced with help from bipartisan infrastructure legislation he signed in 2021.
The House Oversight Committee is set to hear testimony from former Twitter employees involved in the social media platform’s handling of reporting on President Joe Biden’s son Hunter.
A sixth Memphis Police Department officer has been disciplined for his involvement in the brutal beating and arrest of Tyre Nichols.
A Detroit-area doctor has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $30 million.
The Ukrainian presidential office says Russian shelling has killed at least five people and wounded 13 others over the past 24 hours.
Hall of Fame forward Bobby Hull, who helped the Chicago Blackhawks win the 1961 Stanley Cup Final, has died. Hull was 84.
Barrett Strong, one of Motown’s founding artists and most gifted songwriters who sang lead on the company’s breakthrough single “Money (That’s What I Want)” and later collaborated on such classics as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and “War,” has died. He was 81.
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, anchors at the afternoon extension of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” are leaving the network. Their romance was revealed when photos of them holding hands and spending time together surfaced in November.
The U.S. population center is on track this decade to take a southern swerve for the first time in history.
A silent frustration has been brewing about an age-old practice of tipping, and many people think it's getting out of hand.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Francis says homosexuality is sin but not a crime, protests against Quran desecrations erupt across the Middle East, and a group of young Jewish rescuers are commemorated on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 30 at 6:45 a.m. CT):

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC Championship and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in the AFC Championship to set the matchup for Super Bowl LVII.
The World Health Organization chief says the coronavirus remains a global health emergency.
Police video of the deadly beating of Tyre Nichols by officers in Memphis, Tennessee, is hard to watch. Advocates say nothing less than a cultural change in law enforcement will provide the safety and liberty Black people demand.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is urging Israel and the Palestinians to exercise restraint and ease tensions amid a spike in violence that has put the region on edge.
The Ukrainian presidential office says Monday in a report covering the previous 24 hours that Russian shelling killed at least five people and wounded 13 others, as the Kremlin’s and Kyiv’s forces remained locked in combat in eastern Ukraine.
President Joe Biden is heading to Baltimore to visit an aging rail tunnel that's slated to be replaced with help from bipartisan infrastructure legislation that he signed in 2021.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy says he's looking forward to discussing with President Joe Biden a “reasonable and responsible way that we can lift the debt ceiling” when the two meet Wednesday at the White House.
Former President Donald Trump has kicked off his 2024 White House bid with stops Saturday in New Hampshire and South Carolina.
The National Prayer Breakfast is one of the most visible and long-standing events that brings religion and politics together in Washington. But due to concerns the gathering had become too divisive, it's now splitting from the private religious group that had overseen it for decades.
In sports, the Eagles and Chiefs are Super Bowl bound, the top ranked men's and women's teams in college hoops are victorious, Novak Djokovic continues to dominate in Australia, and the Bucks win behind a big night from their star.
In entertainment, Jay Leno is recovering after a motorcycle crash, "Avator: The Way of Water" has now grossed an estimated $2.1 billion, and guitarist Tom Verlaine, co-founder of Television, dies at 73.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” received 11 nominations to the 95th Academy Awards.
Former third baseman Scott Rolen was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Senators grilled Ticketmaster over Taylor Swift tickets.
And mourners bid farewell to Lisa Marie Presley at Graceland.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In October, billionaire business magnate and investor Elon Musk completed his purchase of the social media platform Twitter. Since that time a variety of moves to cut costs as well as try and generate more revenue for the platform have led some to wonder whether Musk’s acquisition was the beginning of the end for popular microblogging site.

While Twitter has many critics, Dr. Anjana Susarla,Professor of Information Systems at Michigan State University, is raising concerns over a world without Twitter as the platform has proven to be an important source of real-time information as well as geotagged data.

Susarla recently wrote an article for The Conversation that serves as a launching pad for a discussion with Lee Enterprises senior producer Terry Lipshetz:

What the world would lose with the demise of Twitter: Valuable eyewitness accounts and raw data on human behavior, as well as a habitat for trolls.

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. CT):

Newly released video shows Paul Pelosi, the husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fighting for control of a hammer with his assailant during an attack in the couple’s San Francisco home last year.
Authorities are about to release police video depicting Memphis officers beating a Black man who later died.
The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood by easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of HIV.
For the second time this month, House Republicans have advanced a measure to restrict presidential use of the nation’s emergency oil stockpile — a proposal that has already drawn a White House veto threat.
The Justice Department has charged three men in an alleged plot that originated in Iran to kill an Iranian American author and activist who has spoken out against human rights abuses.
Ukrainian air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said Russia used its latest hypersonic Kinzhal missiles to strike energy facilities in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia regions Thursday.
Billy Packer, an Emmy award-winning college basketball broadcaster who covered 34 Final Fours for NBC and CBS, has died at 82.
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge eased further in December, and consumer spending fell — the latest evidence that the Fed’s series of interest rate hikes are slowing the economy.
Restaurants are beginning the new year with a recurring problem: labor shortages. Chipotle is looking to hire 15,000 people in North America ahead of the busy spring season.
Auschwitz-Birkenau survivors and other mourners have commemorated the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German death camp in the final months of World War II.
A proposed settlement between New Jersey and the current owner of a notoriously polluted industrial site is drawing fire from residents of Toms River, where memories of children getting cancer at elevated rates are still a fresh source of pain.
Tennessee State University is hoping to make history after their marching band was nominated for a Grammy in the roots gospel category.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. CT):

The National Archives has asked former presidents and vice presidents to recheck their personal records for any classified documents following the news that President Joe Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence had documents in the possession after they left office.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.9% annual pace from October through December, ending 2022 with momentum despite the pressure of high interest rates and widespread fears of a looming recession.
Five fired Memphis police officers each face charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
A federal grand jury in Los Angeles is gathering evidence in a criminal investigation of Goodyear recreational vehicle tires that the government blames for crashes that killed eight people.
Palestinian officials say Israeli forces have killed at least nine Palestinians and wounded several others during a raid in a flashpoint area of the occupied West Bank.
Emergency officials in Ukraine say Russia’s latest widespread barrage of drone and missile attacks has killed 11 people and wounded 11 more. The attacks came a day after Germany and the United States announced they would send advanced battle tanks to Ukraine.
The second consecutive quarter of economic growth that the government reported Thursday underscored that the nation isn’t in a recession despite high inflation and the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes.
An asteroid the size of a delivery truck will whip past Earth on Thursday night, one of the closest encounters ever recorded. NASA insists it will be a near miss.
The Biden administration is expanding sanctions against Russia's Wagner Group and related companies and individuals for their role in the war in Ukraine and mercenary activities, including human rights abuses, in Africa.
The U.S. consul general in Hong Kong says about 20% of the Americans living in the city have left over the past two years.

—The Associated Press

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On this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, Associated Press NFL writer Rob Maaddi makes his picks for this Sunday's NFL conference championship games.

In the NFC Championship, The Philadelphia Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers at 3 p.m. Eastern and the Kansas City Chiefs host the Cincinnati Bengals at 5:30 p.m. Eastern in the AFC Championship.

Also, former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon offers insight into the games in a discussion with Maadi. Plus, we have highlights of last weekend's games from the divisional round of playoffs that set up the matchups that will determine the teams heading to Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden says the U.S. will send 31 M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, reversing months of persistent arguments that the tanks were too difficult for Ukrainian troops to operate and maintain. The U.S. decision announced Wednesday came on the heels of Germany agreeing to send 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from its own stocks.
An attorney says a Virginia teacher who was shot by a 6-year-old student during class plans to sue the school district. Diane Toscano, a lawyer for the 25-year-old teacher, Abigail Zwerner, said Wednesday that on the day of the shooting, concerned teachers and employees warned administrators three times that the boy had a gun on him and was threatening other students, “but the administration could not be bothered.”
Spain’s interior ministry says one person has been killed and another severely injured in an attack carried out by a person with a bladed weapon at a church in the southern city of Algeciras.
Chicago authorities say one person has died and eight others were taken to hospitals Wednesday as firefighters responded to a high-rise apartment building fire on the city’s South Side.
Jill Biden's Inauguration Day outfits are now at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. She says the two dresses — one blue, one white — with matching coats and face masks were her “voice” on one of the most important days of her life.
Senators grilled Ticketmaster Tuesday about its spectacular breakdown last year during a sale of Taylor Swift concert tickets. Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee debated possible action, including making tickets non-transferable to cut down on scalping and requiring more transparency in ticket fees.
The Carter Center said Tuesday that only 13 human cases of Guinea worm disease were reported worldwide last year.
Vaccination rates for U.S. kindergarteners are down again, and federal officials are launching a new campaign to try to bring them up.

—The Associated Press

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On this updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 25 at 7:04 a.m. CT):

Pope Francis is lamenting that the use of guns by civilians to defend themselves is becoming a “habit.” He also criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are. Those were among the topics he discussed during an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press.
With rain, snow and ice in the forecast for portions of the country today, a powerful storm system took aim at the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, spawning a tornado that caused damage east of Houston.
The German government has confirmed it will provide Ukraine with Leopard 2 battle tanks and approve requests by other countries to do the same. The long-awaited decision came after U.S. officials said the United States had agreed to send M1 Abrams tanks to help Ukraine’s troops push back Russian forces.
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Peru’s capital and were met with volleys of tear gas and pellets amid clashes with security forces just hours after President Dina Boluarte called for a “truce” in almost two months of protests.
In sports, a new Hall of Famer is rolling into Cooperstown, the Nuggets continued to dominate in the NBA while the Bruins iced their opponents in the NHL, and three ranked Big 12 teams won their games while another lost.

On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 24 at 4 p.m. CT):

Documents with classified markings were discovered in former Vice President Mike Pence’s Indiana Home last week, according to his attorney.
An agricultural worker killed seven people in back-to-back shooting sprees at two mushroom farms that employed him in Northern California and the massacre is believed to be a “workplace violence incident,” officials said Tuesday as the state mourned its third mass killing in eight days.
The Justice Department and eight states have filed an antitrust suit against Google, seeking to shatter its alleged monopoly on the entire ecosystem of online advertising as a hurtful burden to advertisers, consumers and even the U.S. government.
The sci-fi indie hit “Everything Everywhere All at Once” leads nominations to the 95th Academy Awards with 11 nominations.The Oscars will be presented March 12 in Los Angeles.
Denmark's government wants to scrap a springtime public holiday but major trade unions, all of Denmark’s Lutheran bishops, thousands of voters and rank-and-file members of the government’s parties have criticized the move.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists says the world is closer to Armageddon than it has ever been. The science-based advocacy group is moving its famous Doomsday Clock to just 90 seconds before midnight.
A gynecologist who molested some of his patients during a decadeslong career has been convicted of federal sex trafficking charges.
New York City’s Madison Square Garden and other sports venues would be barred from refusing entry to perceived enemies of their owners under a bill introduced to the state Legislature Monday.
Willie Nelson is turning 90 this year and he's celebrating with an all-star, two-day concert in Los Angeles this April.
A hand-drawn map with a red letter X purportedly showing the location of a buried stash of precious jewelry looted by Nazis from a blown-up bank vault has sparked a modern-day treasure hunt. It's all happening in a tiny Dutch village.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. CT):

Four members of the Oath Keepers have been convicted of seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack in the second major trial involving far-right extremists accused of plotting to forcibly keep President Donald Trump in power.
An Arkansas man who propped his feet up on a desk in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the U.S. Capitol riot has been convicted of joining a mob’s attack on the building two years ago.
A teacher and two other people, including at least one student, were injured in a shooting at a Des Moines school on the edge of the city’s downtown.
A lawyer for the family of a Black man who died at a hospital three days after a confrontation with Memphis police during a traffic stop says video of the encounter shows it was “violent” and “troublesome on every level.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reiterated the state's rejection of a proposed nationwide advanced African American studies course, saying it pushes a political agenda.
Turkey’s president said Monday Sweden shouldn’t expect support for its NATO membership bid following weekend protests in Stockholm by an anti-Islam activist and pro-Kurdish groups, putting at risk the expansion of the military alliance.
Colombia's human rights watchdog is reporting that 215 human rights advocates were killed last year, the highest death toll since a peace accord was signed with leftist rebels in 2016.
U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach so that most adults and children would get a once-a-year shot.
Music streaming service Spotify said Monday it’s cutting 6% of its global workforce, or about 600 jobs. It's yet another tech company forced to rethink its pandemic-era expansion as the economic outlook weakens.
A new pill aims to make it easier to treat diabetic cats without insulin shots twice a day. The drug is the first oral treatment for feline diabetes approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Brooke Shields reveals that she was the victim of a sexual assault in a new documentary about her life that premiered Friday afternoon at the Sundance Film Festival.
A young Rhode Island girl has finally figured out how to determine if Santa Claus is real — DNA. Cumberland police Chief Matthew Benson said Friday that the local girl sent a partially eaten cookie as well as a couple of gnawed-on carrot sticks to the police department to ask if they can be tested for DNA.
In this week's religion roundup, Alabama churches offer prayers after a tornado, the Church of England delivers an apology, and an image of the Prophet Muhammad sparks a college controversy.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 23 at 7:15 a.m. CT):

Authorities are searching for a motive for the gunman who killed 10 people at a Los Angeles-area ballroom dance club during Lunar New Year celebrations. The gunman was found Sunday, dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a van.
Senior Democrats are expressing criticism of how President Joe Biden handled classified material after leaving office as vice president.
Lisa Marie Presley, a singer, songwriter and the daughter of Elvis Presley, has been remembered during a funeral service as a loving mother and an “old soul” who endured tragedy but persevered as a dedicated protector of her father’s legacy.
The race for Republican National Committee chair will be decided on Friday by secret ballot as Republican officials from all 50 states gather in Southern California. Current RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel is fighting for reelection.
In sports, the Bengals and 49ers advanced, the Nuggets finally lost at home, the Canucks made a coaching change, Temple pulled off a stunner and Jon Rahm and Brooke Henderson captured more hardware.
President Joe Biden is expected to name Jeff Zients, the man who ran his administration’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as his next chief of staff.
President Joe Biden persuaded Democrats in Congress to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to fight climate change. Now comes another formidable task: enticing Americans to buy millions of electric cars, heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient appliances.
James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water” led ticket sales in movie theaters for the sixth straight weekend, making it the first film to have such a sustained reign atop the box office since 2009′s “Avatar.”

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

David Crosby, who was inducted twice into the the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash, died.
Snoop Dogg and Gloria Estefan highlight a list of artists heading to the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Taylor Swift’s guitar is among items heading to a charity auction.
And the Buffalo Bills Damar Hamlin faces a long road to recovery.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 20 at 3 p.m. CT):

The U.S. Treasury Department will impose additional sanctions on the Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, that has been aiding Russia’s military in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Associated Press NFL writer Rob Maaddij offers his predictions for this weekend's playoff games.
A Florida judge has sanctioned former President Donald Trump and one of his attorneys, ordering them to pay nearly $1 million for filing a bogus lawsuit against Trump’s 2016 rival Hillary Clinton.
A family spokesman for Damar Hamlin tells The Associated Press the Buffalo Bills safety still faces a long rehabilitation despite enjoying a remarkable recovery some three weeks after having to be resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 19 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden is touring damaged areas of California and being briefed on recovery efforts in the wake of devastating storms that have hit the state in recent weeks.
The Biden administration is directing $930 million toward reducing wildfire dangers in 10 western states by clearing trees and underbrush from national forests.
Actor Alec Baldwin and a weapons specialist will be charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on a New Mexico movie set.
The Supreme Court says it hasn't determined who leaked a draft of the court’s opinion overturning abortion rights, but that the investigation continues.
Florida lawmakers can fine local government officials who attempt to restrict gun and ammunition sales under a state law upheld by the state Supreme Court.
A Russian spy ship has been patrolling off the coast of Hawaii but so far has remained in international waters.
Stocks fell on Wall Street as worries build that the U.S. may be headed for a painful recession.
To honor the supporting role that entertainment journalism can play in this beloved pastime, The Associated Press on Thursday unveiled its inaugural AP Top 25 Movies ranking.
Award-winning actor and writer and bestselling author Bob Odenkirk, perhaps best known as shady lawyer Saul Goodman on “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” has been named 2023 Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
The U.S. remains divided over the Supreme Court's repeal of Roe vs. Wad as abortion foes plan for Friday's March for Life.
King Charles III has asked that profits from a $1.2 billion Crown Estate windfarm deal be used for the public good rather than the royal family.
Authorities say actor Julian Sands, who starred in the Oscar nominated film “A Room With a View," has been missing for five days in the Southern California mountains.

—The Associated Press

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. CT):

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told political leaders at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, that supplies of Western weapons must come quicker than Russia’s attacks.
A prosecutor says the husband of a Massachusetts woman who's been missing since New Year’s Day went online to look up ways to dismember and dispose of a body.
Authorities say they killed a man who shot and injured a Georgia state trooper as law enforcement officers tried to clear protesters from the site of a planned public safety training center just outside Atlanta.
Elon Musk was alternately depicted in a San Francisco courtroom as a liar who callously jeopardized the savings of “regular people” or a well-intentioned visionary. Those descriptions emerged Wednesday in opening statements at a trial focused on a Tesla buyout that never happened.
Microsoft is cutting 10,000 workers, almost 5% of its workforce, as it joins other tech companies in a scaling back of their pandemic-era expansions.
Americans cut back on spending in December, the second consecutive month they’ve done so, underscoring how inflation and the rising cost of using credit cards slowed consumer activity over the crucial holiday shopping season.
Growing evidence that high inflation is finally easing shows that the Federal Reserve’s sharp interest rate hikes are working as intended, says Loretta Mester, a key Fed policymaker.
Edmunds Top Rated Awards honored six winners for 2023 for best car, SUV, truck and the electric versions of each.
Snoop Dogg, Gloria Estefan, Sade, Jeff Lynne, Glen Ballard, Teddy Riley and Liz Rose have been chosen to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 17 at 4 p.m. CT):

The White House is brushing aside criticism of its fragmented disclosures about the discovery of classified documents and official records at President Joe Biden’s home and former office.
Republican Greg Abbott is starting a record-tying third term as Texas governor promising safer classrooms.
A Navy reservist who is charged with storming the Capitol on Jan. 6 is going back on trial in Virginia on separate charges that he illegally bought silencers and talked about using them against Jewish people.
Peoria police and fire officials are investigating a fire at a central Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic as arson, police said Tuesday.
President Joe Biden has hosted the Golden State Warriors, who won the 2022 NBA championship, at the White House.
Nepalese authorities are returning to families the bodies of plane crash victims and are sending the aircraft’s data recorder to France for analysis as they try to determine what caused the country’s deadliest air accident in 30 years.
A trial in absentia has opened for Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus’ top opposition leader, who denounced the proceedings as a farce and urged the West to bolster support for the country’s beleaguered opposition.
Kevin Spacey received a lifetime achievement award from the National Cinema Museum in Turin and discussed his key roles to a sold-out crowd Monday.
Taylor Swift’s acoustic guitar, Eminem’s signed tennis shoes and an ensemble worn by a BTS member are among the items to be auctioned for charity next month.
The fastest Corvette ever made comes out later this year, and it’s not powered soley by a howling V8. The E-Ray is a gas-electric hybrid, the first all-wheel-drive version of the storied sports car with the front wheels running on an electric motor the traditional 6.2-liter V8 powering the back.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 17 at 7 a.m. CT):

Solomon Pena, a failed Republican candidate who authorities say was angry over his defeat and made baseless claims the election last November, was rigged against him has been arrested in connection with a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of Democratic lawmakers in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sheriff's officials say six people including a 17-year-old mother and her 6-month-old baby were killed in a shooting early Monday at a home in central California, and authorities are searching for at least two suspects.
The ninth in a three-week series of major winter storms is churning through California. A barrage of atmospheric river storms has dumped rain and snow on California since late December, cutting power to thousands, swamping roads, unleashing debris flows and triggering landslides.
Nepalese authorities are returning to families the bodies of plane crash victims and are sending the aircraft’s data recorder to France for analysis as they try to determine what caused the country’s deadliest air accident in 30 years.
Turkey and the United States will aim to smooth out a series of disagreements between the NATO allies when Turkey’s foreign minister visits this week.
In sports, the Dallas Cowboys advanced out of Super Wild Card weekend, the Celtics' Jason Tatum scored 51 points, the Grizzlies extended their winning streak and the Kraken's winning streak ended.
Italian tennis player Camila Giorgi has denied allegations that she obtained a false COVID-19 vaccine certificate to allow her to travel.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some health, science and technology stories.

Callers keep flooding 988, the mental health and suicide prevention helpline.
Health gadgets are among the items at this year’s CES show in Las Vegas.
And there are new recommendations regarding childhood obesity.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The Golden Globe Awards were back on TV.
Jeff Beck, one of the guitar gods from 1960s rock,and Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of Elvis Presley, died.
Prince Harry’s memoir ‘Spare’ hit bookstores.
And Bills safety Damar Hamlin was released from the hospital.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some political headlines from the past week.

There is a new controversy involving classified documents, but this time with President Biden.
A Georgia grand jury has completed its probe into the 2020 election.
And we look at several headlines involving the new GOP-controlled House.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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From the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. CT):

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has notified Congress that the U.S. is projected to reach its debt limit on Thursday and will then resort to “extraordinary measures” to avoid default.
Forecasters say rain-soaked California will see several more rounds of stormy weather through the weekend and into next week.
Rescuers are racing to find survivors in the aftermath of a deadly storm system that barreled across parts of Georgia and Alabama.
Oklahoma authorities searching for a 4-year-old girl say a second person has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.
Actor Ezra Miller is going to spend the next year on probation and continue with mental health treatment after they pleaded guilty to a trespassing charge at a Vermont home.
Donald Trump’s company has been fined $1.6 million as punishment for a scheme in which some of his executives dodged personal income taxes on lavish job perks.
The U.S. has now collected 510 reports of unidentified flying objects, many of which are flying in sensitive military airspace. That's according to a declassified intelligence report summary released Thursday.
The official start date of the 2023 tax filing season is Jan. 23, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2022 returns.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 12 at 4 p.m. CT):

Attorney General Merrick Garland has appointed a special counsel to investigate the presence of documents with classified markings found at President Joe Biden’s home in Wilmington, Delaware, and at an office in Washington.
Rising U.S. consumer prices moderated again last month, bolstering hopes that inflation’s grip on the economy will continue to ease this year and possibly require less drastic action by the Federal Reserve to control it.
A large tornado damaged homes and uprooted trees in Alabama on Thursday as a powerful storm system pushed through the South.
Wisconsin has become the latest state to ban the use of TikTok on state phones and other devices.
A federal prosecutor says former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and four lieutenants charged with seditious conspiracy in the Capitol attack took aim at "the heart of our democracy” on Jan. 6, 2021.
Trevor Bauer was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who cut ties after the pitcher’s unprecedented 324-game suspension over sexual misconduct allegations was reduced by an arbitrator.
The Justice Department accused Los Angeles-based City National Bank on Thursday of discriminating against Black and Latino residents, requiring the bank to pay more than $31 million in what is the largest redlining settlement in DOJ history.
Prince Harry's memoir “Spare” sold 1.4 million copies on its first day, according to publisher Penguin Random House.
Many current and former intelligence officials are increasingly warning that the $90 billion U.S. spy apparatus is falling behind because it has not embraced collecting open-source intelligence.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. CT):

Local Republican leaders in New York are calling for the immediate resignation of their new GOP congressman George Santos. Santos is facing multiple investigations by prosecutors over his personal and campaign finances and lies about his resume and family heritage.
Planes were stuck on the ground for hours across the United States on Wednesday, leading to thousands of canceled and delayed flights after a government system used to give pilots safety and other information broke down overnight.
Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been released from a hospital in Buffalo after his doctors said they completed a series of tests a little over a week after he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated during a game at Cincinnati.
The first lady's office says Jill Biden's surgery to remove a potentially cancerous lesion above her right eye is “proceeding well and as expected.”
Around 25,000 U.K. ambulance workers have gone on strike as they walked out for the second time since December in an ongoing dispute with the government over pay.
Russia will send up a new capsule next month to bring back three space station astronauts whose original ride home was damaged. The switch in capsules means the two Russians and one American will remain several extra months at the International Space Station.
House Republicans have opened their long-promised investigation into President Joe Biden and his family. They are wielding the power of their majority to demand information from the Treasury Department and former Twitter executives as they lay the groundwork for public hearings.
Harvey Weinstein is asking New York’s highest court to overturn his 2020 rape conviction, arguing that the judge betrayed his right to a fair trial by “succumbing to the pressure” of the #MeToo movement.
The Supreme Court is allowing New York to continue to enforce for now a sweeping new law banning guns from “sensitive places” such as schools, playgrounds and Times Square and increasing training requirements.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 10 at 4 p.m. CT):

The latest in a relentless string of California storms is swamping roads, battering coastlines with high surf, turning rivers into gushing flood zones and forcing the evacuation of thousands in towns with histories of deadly mudslides. At least 14 people have died since the storms began last week, including two people killed by falling trees.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have pledged their resolve to promote prosperity for people through the hemisphere as they opened wide-ranging talks in Mexico City.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been sworn in as Arkansas' 47th governor and the first woman to hold the office her father once held.
Former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg has been sentenced to five months in jail for dodging taxes.
A nursing strike that has disrupted patient care at two of New York City’s largest hospitals has entered its second day.
A person familiar with the negotiations says Carlos Correa has agreed to a $200 million, six-year contract that keeps him with the Minnesota Twins after failing to complete deals with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
After days of hype and leaks, readers have the chance to judge Prince Harry’s book for themselves. Publisher Transworld Penguin Random House said 400,000 hardback, e-book and audio copies of “Spare” sold in the U.K. as the book went on sale around the world on Tuesday.
Connecticut’s first round of recreational cannabis sales for adults 21 and older have begun. Twenty-one states have legalized recreational marijuana for adults.
The 988 mental health and suicide prevention helpline has quickly expanded its reach in the six months since it launched. It has received just over 2 million calls, texts and chat messages since July.
Mpox is no longer the exploding health crisis that it appeared to be less than six months ago. So who deserves the credit for controlling the U.S. outbreak?

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. CT):

Doctors who treated Damar Hamlin say the Bills safety was moved to a hospital in Buffalo to continue his recovery.
The Biden administration says Iran’s sale of lethal drones to Russia for use in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine means the country may be “contributing to widespread war crimes.”
California weather has calmed but the lull is expected to be brief. More Pacific storms are lined up to blast into the state, where successive powerful weather systems have knocked out power to thousands, battered the coastline, flooded streets, toppled trees and caused at least six deaths.
The Arizona Cardinals have fired coach Kliff Kingsbury and parted ways with general manager Steve Keim after a dreadful season that saw constant unwanted headlines, a serious knee injury to star quarterback Kyler Murray and lots of losing.
The number of traffic deaths on U.S. roadways fell slightly during the first nine months of 2022, but pedestrian and cyclist deaths continued to rise.
A tweet from Elon Musk indicating that Tesla might allow some owners who are testing a “Full Self-Driving” system to disable an alert that reminds them to keep their hands on the steering wheel has drawn attention from U.S. safety regulators.
The special grand jury in Atlanta that has been investigating whether then-President Donald Trump and his allies committed any crimes while trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia has finished its work.
The Virginia teacher who authorities say was shot by a 6-year-old student is known as a hard-working educator who's devoted to her students and enthusiastic about the profession that runs in her family.
NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg says it's time for Sweden to join the military alliance because it has done what's necessary to secure Turkey's approval for membership.
Health gadgets for the home are among the highlights of CES 2023 in Las Vegas.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 9 at 7 a.m. CT):

New guidelines suggest children struggling with obesity should be evaluated and treated early and aggressively. The American Academy of Pediatrics says treatments can include medication for kids as young as 12 and surgery for those as young as 13.
President Joe Biden wrapped up a four-hour visit to the U.S.-Mexico border and is facing criticism from Republicans over his administration's policies.
Brazilian authorities were picking up pieces and investigating after thousands of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and presidential palace then trashed the nation’s highest seats of power.
California was hit with more turbulent weather as thunderstorms, snow and damaging winds swept into the northern part the state. Sunday's system preceded another series of incoming storms this week that raised the potential for flooding, rising rivers and mudslides on soils already saturated after days of rain.
Searchers have located the body of a second snowmobiler killed in a Colorado mountain avalanche this weekend.
Adam Rich, the cute child actor who charmed TV audiences in the late 1970s as Nicholas Bradford on “Eight is Enough," has died. He was 54.
The Vatican is allowing the public to visit the new tomb of Pope Benedict XVI under St. Peter's Basilica.
After an epic 15-ballot election to become House speaker, Republican Kevin McCarthy faces his next big test in governing a fractious, slim majority. That could come Monday when lawmakers are set to consider a rules package to govern the House.
In sports, the NFL playoffs are set with the Dolphins and Seahawks sneaking in on the final day, and the Nets are hoping they won't spend too much time without their best player.
The Blumhouse evil-doll horror film “M3gan” got off to a killer start, debuting with $30.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates, while “Avatar: The Way of Water” continued its box-office reign in the top spot.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

We have the latest on Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
Details are emerging from Prince Harry’s upcoming memoir “Spare.”
The stars of the 1968 film 'Romeo & Juliet' are suing over a nude scene.
And Jeremy Renner underwent surgery after being hit by a snow plow.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. CT):

House leader Kevin McCarthy is getting closer to victory in the grueling, hard-fought struggle to become speaker of the new Congress. On the fourth day of voting, 15 of the 20 conservative holdouts switched to him on the 12th and 13th rounds of balloting.
U.S. health officials have approved a new Alzheimer’s drug that modestly slows the brain-robbing disease.
America’s employers added a solid 223,000 jobs in December, evidence that the economy remains healthy even as the Federal Reserve is rapidly raising interest rates to try to slow economic growth and the pace of hiring.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin's agent says the player is breathing on his own and able to talk after having his breathing tube removed. It comes four days after he went into cardiac arrest and was resuscitated on the field. Hamlin also joined the team's morning meeting by videoconference.
More than 1.3% of the adult population in the U.S. was displaced by natural disasters in the past year, with hurricanes responsible for more than half of the forced relocations.
A flying electric vehicle from Aska called the A5, the size of an SUV that seats four, made its debut at CES in Las Vegas. It could become available in 2026.
A new study calculates that two-thirds of the world's glaciers will disappear by the end of the century at current climate change trends.
An explosive memoir reveals many facets of Prince Harry, from bereaved boy and troubled teen to wartime soldier and unhappy royal. From accounts of cocaine use and losing his virginity to raw family rifts, “Spare” exposes deeply personal details about Harry and the wider royal family.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 5 at 4 p.m. CT):

Two people familiar with the decision say the NFL won't resume the Bills-Bengals game that was suspended Monday night after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin collapsed and went into cardiac arrest on the field. Both people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the league is still figuring out how to determine playoff seedings and scheduling.
Hamlin has shown what physicians treating him are calling “remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours." The team announced that three days after Hamlin went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field.
The House stalemate over choosing a new speaker is continuing. Kevin McCarthy is determined to win over enough fellow Republicans, but he failed again on Thursday.
President Joe Biden says the U.S. will immediately begin turning away Cubans, Haitians and Nicaraguans who cross the border from Mexico illegally.
The U.S. will send Ukraine nearly $3 billion in military aid, in a massive new package that will for the first time include several dozen Bradley fighting vehicles. Also Thursday, Germany announced it was sending armored personnel carriers to Ukraine.
Texas has fired basketball coach Chris Beard, who faces a felony domestic family violence charge after his fiancée told police he strangled and bit her.
As COVID-19 surges in China, the U.S. is expanding its traveler surveillance program, an early warning system for detecting new variants. With the addition of Los Angeles and Seattle, there are now seven airports where volunteer passengers can swab themselves on arrival.
U.S. officials say federal agents have arrested a Puerto Rican woman accused of assaulting two Spirit Airlines employees after she was removed from a plane and tried to get back on it.
Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow has announced she won't run for a fifth term in 2024. Her surprise announcement opens up a seat in a critical battleground state.
Shortages of computer chips and other parts continued to hobble the U.S. auto industry last year. That led to sales dropping 8% from 2021 to the lowest level in more than a decade.
Prince Harry alleges in a much-anticipated new memoir that his brother Prince William lashed out and physically attacked him during a furious argument over the brothers’ deteriorating relationship.
A family member says rapper Theophilus London has been found safe after disappearing for months.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 4 at 4 p.m. CT):

Republican leader Kevin McCarthy failed anew to win the House speakership in three votes, faring no better than he had in the same number on Tuesday when 20 fellow Republicans rejected his bid.
President Joe Biden says he intends to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in connection with his meeting next week in Mexico City with the leaders of Canada and Mexico.
More than 500 Cuban immigrants have come ashore in the Florida Keys since the weekend, the latest in a large and increasing number who are fleeing the communist island.
The European Union has “strongly encouraged” its member states to impose pre-departure COVID-19 testing of passengers from China, in a move that is likely to upset Beijing and has already been criticized by the global airline industry.
Rick Singer, the mastermind of the nationwide college admissions bribery scheme that ensnared celebrities, prominent businesspeople and other parents, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.
Authorities say Bryan Kohberger, the man accused in the November slayings of four University of Idaho students, has left a Pennsylvania jail in the custody of state police.
U.S. job openings slipped in November but remained at high suggesting businesses are still determined to add workers, a blow to the Federal Reserve’s efforts to cool hiring and wage gains.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is vowing to fight his own City Hall — again — after he was ticketed for rats at his Brooklyn townhouse.
Twitter says it will ease up its 3-year-old ban on political advertising. It's the latest change by Elon Musk as he tries to pump up revenue after purchasing the social media platform last year.
Grappling with the biggest flood of Cuban migrants in decades, the United States reopened their long-closed legal pathway on Wednesday by resuming all visa services at its embassy in Havana.
The stars of the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet” have sued Paramount Pictures for more than $500 million over a nude scene shot when they were teens. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting filed the suit Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging sexual abuse and fraud.
More than 30 graves at a historic Christian cemetery in Jerusalem have been found toppled and vandalized, jolting the Christian minority in the contested city.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. CT):

Republican leader Kevin McCarthy is falling far short in voting to become House speaker. House Republicans fell into a tangle on the opening day of the new Congress, refusing to elect McCarthy by more than a dozen votes in two rounds.
The NFL has informed the Bills and Bengals their suspended game will not be resumed this week while the Week 18 schedule remains unchanged. The game was suspended Monday night in the first quarter when Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest.
Frank James, who opened fire and wounded 10 passengers on a Brooklyn subway train last year, has pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges.
The New York Police Department says a man accused of attacking police with a machete near Times Square on New Year’s Eve, injuring two officers, has been arrested on charges of attempting to murder officers.
U.S. authorities say two men have been arrested and charged with vandalizing electrical substations in Washington state, attacks that left thousands without power over the holidays.
Jeremy Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in a snow plow accident in Reno, Nevada, on Sunday, a representative for the actor said Monday, and remains in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Tens of thousands of people have filed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s body as it lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica.
Police say a hit-and-run driver rear-ended a sport utility vehicle and sent it crashing into a New York City restaurant, injuring 22 people.
CES, the annual tech industry event formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is returning to Las Vegas this week with the hope that it looks more like it did before the coronavirus pandemic.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Jan. 3 at 6:30 a.m. CT):

Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin was in critical condition early Tuesday after the Bills say he suffered a cardiac arrest on the field following a tackle hours earlier, leading to the indefinite postponement of Buffalo’s pivotal Monday night showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The new Congress opens with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy grasping for his political survival. McCarthy could become the first nominee for speaker in 100 years to fail to win support from his own colleagues in the first round of voting.
Bryan Kohberger, facing first-degree murder charges in the slayings of four University of Idaho students, is not expected to fight extradition at a hearing Tuesday in Pennsylvania.
Authorities say the man suspected of fatally shooting a Pennsylvania police chief and wounding another officer in confrontations near Pittsburgh was killed by police after a chase.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia is preparing to step up its attacks on Ukraine using Iranian-made exploding drones.
At least 500 migrants have arrived in the Florida Keys over the last several days in what the local sheriff’s office describes as a “crisis.”
The House Jan. 6 committee is shutting down. The panel has completed a whirlwind 18-month investigation of the 2021 Capitol insurrection and has sent its work to the Justice Department along with a recommendation for prosecuting former President Donald Trump.
Jeremy Renner suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries in a snow plow accident in Reno, Nevada, on Sunday, a representative for the actor said Monday, and remains in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery.
Tennis great Martina Navratilova says she has been diagnosed with throat cancer and breast cancer. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame said in a statement released Monday that her prognosis is good and she will start treatment this month.
Prince Harry has said he wants to have his father and brother back and that he wants “a family, not an institution,” during a TV interview ahead of the publication of his memoir. The interview with Britain’s ITV channel is due to be released this Sunday.
In sports, Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed after a tackle during Monday Night Football, Penn State won the Rose Bowl, Tulane stunned USC in the Cotton Bowl, Donovan Mitchell scored 71 for the Cavaliers and Boston won the Winter Classic NHL game at Fenway Park.

—The Associated Press

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With the long holiday weekend, we’ve produced a brief episode that looks at a few key topics from 2022 involving newsmakers, entertainment and sports.

First, we’ll look back at some of the influential people who died this past year. We’ll also look at the Associated Press breakthrough entertainers of the year. Finally, we’ll look at the AP’s sports story of the year.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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With the long holiday weekend, we've compiled several recent health and science stories:

Want to email your doctor? You may be charged for that.
Pausing breast cancer treatment for pregnancy appears safe.
A vaccine may help in the fight against the nation's fentanyl crisis.
The Pentagon has received "several hundreds" of new UFO reports.
A relative of the manatee is among 700 new species now facing extinction.
The oldest DNA reveals life in Greenland 2 million years ago.
Tourists dive and learn more about the threatened Great Barrier Reef.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire:

Jan. 6 panel drops Trump subpoena as it wraps up work
Pelé, Brazil’s mighty king of ‘beautiful game,’ has died
Benedict XVI lucid, stable, but condition 'serious'
Maryland Rep. Raskin says he's been diagnosed with lymphoma
US will require COVID-19 testing for travelers from China
Djokovic says no hard feelings over Australian deportation

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire:

Southwest cancels more flights, draws federal investigation
With warming, snowbound Buffalo braces to find more dead
Judge orders another long prison term in Gov. Whitmer plot
Winter weather upends water systems across the Deep South
House committee expected to release Trump's taxes Friday
North Korea's Kim lays out key goals to boost military power
Supreme Court keeps immigration limits in place indefinitely

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

There was a settlement between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of rape.
A woman was caught inside the home of Robert DeNiro.
And Pittsburgh Steelers icon Franco Harris died.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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With the long weekend, we've compiled several stories tied to the holidays, travel and inflation. Stories include:

Triple-A expects almost 113 million Americans to travel during the holidays.
Inflation dampens an otherwise bright small business holiday season.
Christmas tree demand remains high despite inflation.
Holiday advice for home bartenders, plus four festive cocktails.
TSA is raising fines after finding a record number of guns in carry-ons.
Working at 76: Inflation forces hard choice for older adults.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 22 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Senate has passed a $1.7 trillion bill to finance federal agencies through September, aid Ukraine and provide assistance to communities recovering from hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. The bill passed by a vote of 68 to 29 and now goes to the House for action later in the day.
President Joe Biden has warned Americans to take seriously a storm that is spreading severe cold, snow and wind.
Shrugging off rampant inflation and rising interest rates, the U.S. economy grew at an unexpectedly strong 3.2% annual pace from July through September, the government reported Thursday in a healthy upgrade from its earlier estimate of third-quarter growth.
Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried has left Manhattan federal court after his parents signed a $250 million personal recognizance bond. He wore an electronic monitoring bracelet as he rushed to a car Thursday to head with his parents to their California home to await trial.
Australian authorities say vandals have destroyed rock art believed to be some 30,000 years old.
The U.S. government’s highway safety agency says it's sending teams to investigate November crashes in California and Ohio involving Teslas that may have been operating on automated driving systems.
Gov. Doug Ducey says Arizona will take down a makeshift wall made of shipping containers at the Mexico border, settling a lawsuit and political tussle with the federal government over trespassing on federal lands.
Inflation is driving many consumers to put off their holiday shopping until the last minute. This year, higher prices on everything are squeezing shoppers’ budgets and pushing them to postpone their buying.
Nearly 107,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year. That's according to final figures released Thursday.
A group of women in a California commune known as the "weed nuns," marijuana is a religion.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Biden administration says it will provide $1.85 billion in military aid to Ukraine. The administration is rolling out funding for a Patriot missile battery as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits with President Joe Biden.
Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris has died. He was 72. Harris' heads-up thinking authored the “Immaculate Reception.” Harris ran for 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s.
The American consumer’s confidence rebounded this month, even as the Fed continues to raise interest rates and many economists fear an oncoming recession.
Thousands of ambulance workers in Britain are staging a one-day strike, with unions and the government swapping accusations of blame for putting lives at risk.
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown will not face charges stemming from a domestic incident in Tampa, Florida.
The Biden administration says it will release doses of prescription flu medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile to states as flu-sickened patients continue to flock to hospitals and doctors' offices around the country.
Sen. Patrick Leahy is wrapping up a 48-year career representing Vermont. The longest-serving Senate Democrat tells The Associated Press that he’s leaving with a mixture of resignation and resolve.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Democratic-controlled House Ways and Means Committee is meeting to vote on whether to publicly release years of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns.
Former Texas police officer Aaron Dean, who was convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting Atatiana Jefferson through a rear window of her home in 2019, has been sentenced to 11 years and 10 months in prison.
A day ahead of the onset of winter, a large swath of the U.S. is bracing for a potentially deadly weather trifecta — dangerously cold temperatures, howling winds and a significant winter storm.
A California judge has rejected a new murder trial for Scott Peterson. The decision Tuesday comes nearly 20 years after Peterson was charged with dumping the bodies of his pregnant wife, Laci, and the unborn child they planned to name Conner into San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve 2002.
Two people with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press that the San Francisco Giants postponed a news conference Tuesday to introduce Carlos Correa after a medical concern arose during the All-Star shortstop’s physical.
A German court has convicted a 97-year-old woman of being an accessory to murder for her role as a secretary to the SS commander of the Nazis' Stutthof concentration camp during World War II.
A series of lawsuits beginning in South Carolina detail the alleged sexual abuse of at least 20 cheerleaders across six states.
The Postal Service says it will sharply increase the number of electric-powered delivery trucks in its fleet and will go all-electric for new purchases starting in 2026.
A Planned Parenthood affiliate says it has started teleconferences with off-site doctors for patients seeking medication abortions at one of its Kansas clinics.
A judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit filed by the defeated Republican candidate for Arizona governor, Kari Lake, but will allow her to call witnesses in an attempt to prove that she lost because of misconduct by election officials.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. CT):

The House Jan. 6 committee is urging the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against former President Donald Trump for the violent 2021 Capitol insurrection, calling for accountability for the former president and “a time of reflection and reckoning.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci is excited by the prospect of next-generation coronavirus vaccines but worried about health misinformation as he prepares to step down at the end of the month.
A second person has died after a crush at a London's concert venue last week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare trip to close ally Belarus as his forces pursue their campaign to bombard Ukraine with missiles and drones amid a broad battlefield stalemate almost 10 months into the war.
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street as investors brace for higher interest rates from central banks to fight inflation.
Actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have settled their defamation lawsuits following a high-profile trial earlier this year in which the former couple accused each other of physical and verbal abuse.
A man has been arrested after Nazi symbols were carved into a menorah in Beverly Hills, California.
Millions of Twitter users asked Elon Musk to step down as head of Twitter in a poll the billionaire created and promised to abide by.
Police say a serial burglar has been caught attempting to poach Christmas presents from actor Robert De Niro’s Manhattan home.
The Vatican has defrocked an anti-abortion U.S. priest, Frank Pavone, for what it says were “blasphemous communications on social media” as well as “persistent disobedience” of his bishop.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 19 at 6:45 a.m. CT):

Forecasters are warning of treacherous holiday travel and life-threatening cold for big parts of the nation, an arctic air mass blows into the already-frigid southern United States.
The House Jan. 6 committee is wrapping up its investigation into the violent 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection. At a final meeting scheduled for Monday, the panel’s seven Democrats and two Republicans are poised to recommend that the Justice Department consider criminal charges against former President Donald Trump.
Canadian police say five people have been shot and killed in a condominium unit a Toronto suburb and the gunman has been killed by police.
The European Union has accused Facebook parent Meta of breaching the bloc’s antitrust rules by distorting competition in the online classified ads business.
Cities along the U.S.-Mexico border are preparing for a dramatic increase in the number of asylum-seekers as pandemic-era immigration restrictions are set to expire this week.
In sports, the Chiefs clinched another AFC West title, the Raiders won on a play against all odds in Vegas, Argentina took the World Cup away from France, and a repeat Magic trick in Boston.
In entertainment, “Avatar: The Way of Water” led the box office and Cecily Strong made her final appearance on "Saturday Night Live" as a cast member.
Iran’s state media say authorities have arrested one of the country’s most famous actresses on charges of spreading falsehoods about nationwide protests. The report by IRNA says Taraneh Alidoosti, star of the Oscar-winning movie ’’The Salesman,″ was detained a week after she made a post on Instagram expressing solidarity with the first man executed for crimes allegedly committed during the nationwide protests.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The nominees for the Golden Globes were announced.
Classic movies were added to the National Film registry.
The Associated Press revealed its breakthrough entertainers of the year.
And a DJ for The Ellen DeGeneres Show died.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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We’ll review several topics on this week's look back at the week in news.

First, we’ll look at the latest following the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange as well as the arrest of its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried. We’ll also review other key financial stories this week, including interest rates and inflation.

In political news, President Biden signed a bill that will protect gay and interracial marriage. We’ll also look at what the outgoing governor of Arizona is doing about the border crisis.

We have stories looking back at the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

And finally, we'll listen to key health and science headlines from the week.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. CT):

Brittney Griner said she’s “grateful” to be back in the United States and plans on playing basketball again next season for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
The return of Griner to the United States in a dramatic prisoner swap with Russia is the AP Sports Story of the Year.
Douglas Jensen, an Iowa construction worker, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being at the center of of one of the most harrowing scenes of the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
The European Union says its latest round of sanctions will hit Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as people and groups that are attacking Ukrainian civilians or kidnapping children.
Oberlin College has finished paying out a $25 million judgment to an Ohio bakery that won a libel lawsuit against the school after a shoplifting incident involving three Black students.
Starbucks workers around the U.S. are planning a three-day strike starting Friday as part of an effort to unionize the coffee chain's stores.
Facing massive pandemic learning loss, two communities in Virginia looked at adjusting the academic calendar, but they came away with different results.
Gas prices have continued to fall thanks to supply and demand. Prices remain higher in the West and are lower in the South.
One of California’s largest counties will consider whether to secede and establish a new state, a largely symbolic move driven by economic stress and frustration with state government.
German police say a huge aquarium in the center of Berlin burst and caused a wave of devastation in and around the popular tourist attraction.
On this week's religion roundup, Catholic immigrant workers in Qatar find a Christmas oasis.

—The Associated Press

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On the updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 16 at 6:41 a.m. CT):

Twitter suspended the accounts of several journalists who cover the social media platform, the latest battle over what can and cannot be said on the site since billionaire Elon Musk took control of it.
Heavy snow and high winds meant more blizzards in the northern Midwest from the Dakotas through Michigan, with ice and snow causing trouble in places from the Appalachians through New England.
A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military and provide nearly $858 billion for national defense has passed the Senate and now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Officials in Ukraine say Russian forces launched at least 60 missiles across the country. They reported blasts in at least four cities on Friday, including Kyiv.
The Senate has passed legislation to fund the government for an additional week as lawmakers race to finish work on a full-year spending package before they head home for the holidays and a new Congress is sworn in.
In sports, the 49ers are NFC champions, the Grizzlies dominated the Bucks and the Yankees signed a big name free agent.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. CT):

The House committee investigating the Capitol riot will hold its final meeting Monday, wrapping up its year-and-a-half-long inquiry by asking the Justice Department to investigate potential crimes.
President Joe Biden on Thursday said he will soon make a visit to sub-Saharan Africa, announcing bare details of his travels plans as he wrapped up the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
The Department of Homeland Security says more migrants may be released into the United States to pursue immigration cases when Trump-era asylum restrictions end next week.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry is warning that if the United States confirms reports that it plans to deliver sophisticated air defense missiles to Ukraine, it would be a “provocative move" that could prompt a response from Moscow.
A storm system that spawned dozens of reported tornadoes from east Texas to the Florida Panhandle was all but done with the South on Thursday after killing at least three people and uprooting families across Louisiana, where some homes were blown into pieces.
German tennis legend Boris Becker has returned to Germany after serving eight months in prison. Becker's lawyer said Thursday afternoon that the 55-year-old, who has lived in Britain since 2012, was released on Thursday morning ahead of his deportation.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has banned TikTok and two popular messaging applications from all computer devices controlled by Georgia’s state government.
A judge has handed down the longest prison terms so far in the plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Joe Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar were not charged with having a direct role in the conspiracy. But they were members of a paramilitary group that trained with Adam Fox, the leader of the scheme.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, vent their grievances against the British monarchy in the second half of their Netflix documentary series. In the final three episodes, Harry talks about a growing rift between him and William.
Americans cut back their retail spending last month as the holiday shopping season began amid high prices and rising interest rates that are forcing some families, particularly those with lower incomes, curtail their consumption.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Federal Reserve reinforced its inflation fight by raising its key interest rate for the seventh time this year and signaling more hikes to come. But the Fed announced a smaller hike than it had in its past four meetings at a time when inflation is showing signs of easing.
Whether increased regulation would have prevented the spectacular collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX was fiercely debated at a hearing of the Senate’s banking committee Wednesday. However, new legislation is potentially on the way.
Police say a shooting at an Amazon Flex warehouse facility in Arizona has left one contract worker at the facility wounded and the suspect dead.
A San Francisco police sergeant has testified that the man accused of attacking the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said there was “evil in Washington” and he was targeting Pelosi because she is second in line to the presidency.
Ukrainian authorities say they thwarted a Russian attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region as their air defense system destroyed 13 explosive-laden drones.
This year’s nine Associated Press’ Breakthrough Entertainers of the Year includes actors and musicians who flowered in 2022. They are Sadie Sink, Stephanie Hsu, Tenoch Huerta, Joaquina Kalukango, Iman Vellani, Daryl McCormack, Tobe Nwigwe, Simone Ashley and Danielle Deadwyler.
Twitter has suspended an account that used publicly available flight data to track Elon Musk’s private jet, despite a pledge by the social media platform’s new owner to keep it up because of his free speech principles.
President Joe Biden says the U.S. “should have societal guilt” for the slow pace of action on restricting access to firearms as he marked the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Longtime “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” DJ Stephen “tWitch” Boss has died at the age of 40. Boss’ wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed his passing in a statement published Wednesday on People.com.
General Motors is recalling more than 825,000 SUVs and cars in the U.S. and Canada because the daytime running lights may not turn off when the headlights are on.
Company holiday parties are making a comeback. A survey of 252 U.S.-based companies by hiring firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas finds that more than 57% of companies are planning an in-person holiday party this year.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. CT):

The new CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX appeared before a House committee Tuesday, detailing for lawmakers the lack of oversight and financial controls that he discovered since taking over the company a month ago.
Scientists have declared on the same day that two active Hawaii volcanoes have stopped erupting.
A massive storm blowing across the country spawned tornadoes wrecked homes and injured a handful of people in parts of Oklahoma and Texas.
U.S. officials say the Biden administration is poised to approve sending a Patriot missile battery to Ukraine, finally agreeing to an urgent request from Ukrainian leaders desperate for more robust weapons to shoot down incoming Russian missiles.
The tropical tourist destination of Bali, Indonesia, is facing a worsening water crisis from tourism development, population growth and water mismanagement.
Scientists announced that they have for the first time produced more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to ignite it.
Inflation in the United States slowed again last month in the latest sign that price increases are cooling despite the pressures they continue to inflict on American households.
Stellantis is recalling about 1.4 million pickup trucks worldwide because the tailgates may not close completely and cargo could spill onto the road. The recall covers Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups from the 2019 to 2022 model years.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 12 at 4 p.m. CT):

The Supreme Court has refused a request from tobacco companies to stop California from enforcing a ban on flavored tobacco products that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November.
The Supreme Court says it won’t take the plunge into a dispute over Michigan State University’s decision to end its swimming-and-diving teams, a decision female athletes sued over.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking Western leaders to help overcome Russia’s weapons advantage by supplying more modern tanks, artillery, ammunition, rockets and air defense systems.
The city of Richmond — the capital of the Confederacy for most of the Civil War — has removed its last city-owned Confederate statue.
University of California postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers are back at work at all 10 of the university system’s campuses after ratifying a labor agreement.
A judge has declined to grant a new trial to Mexican telenovela star Pablo Lyle after he was convicted of fatally punching a man during a road rage confrontation in Miami in 2019.
A senior State Department official says the body and possessions of soccer journalist Grant Wahl have been repatriated to the United States after his death last week while covering the World Cup in Qatar.
Pelé is doing better after having been hospitalized to treat a respiratory infection aggravated by COVID-19.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden helped pack presents for children and encouraged holiday cheer as the White House marked the 75th anniversary of Toys for Tots at an event hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
This week marks the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
The 80th Golden Globe Awards nominations have been announced, with “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once” leading the pack.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 12 at 7:15 a.m. CT):

Severe weather moves into the center of the country after hitting the west.
About 112 million Americans will travel this holiday season, and times may be extended with Christmas and New Year's Day falling on Sunday.
The announcement that a Libyan man suspected in the 1988 bombing of a passenger jet has been taken into U.S. custody put the spotlight back on the notorious terrorist attack. The suspect, Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir Al-Marimi, is accused of building the bomb that destroyed a Pam Am flight over the Scottish town of Lockerbie.
Iran has executed a second prisoner detained and convicted over crimes committed during the nationwide protests now challenging the country’s theocracy.
Work crews are steadily erecting hundreds of double-stacked shipping containers along the rugged east end of Arizona’s boundary with Mexico as Republican Gov. Doug Ducey makes a bold show of border enforcement even as he prepares to step aside next month for Democratic Governor-elect Katie Hobbs.
Hamas authorities in Gaza have announced the discovery of over 60 tombs in an ancient burial site dating back to the Roman era.
Twitter is once again attempting to launch its premium service a month after a previous attempt failed. The social media company said it would let users buy subscriptions to Twitter Blue to get a blue checkmark and access special features starting Monday.
In sports, it was an action packed Sunday in the NFL, with a young quarterback outdueling a future Hall of Famer, big showdowns in the NBA including a 50-plus-point performance, and a three-time former NBA champion and long time coach died.
Jury deliberations will continue this week in a case involving Harvey Weinstein, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” led the box office for the fifth straight weekend and David Letterman has an interview with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
WNBA star Brittney Griner didn’t want quiet time as soon as she boarded a U.S. government plane that would bring her home. “I’ve been in prison for 10 months, listening to the Russians. I want to talk,” Griner said.
Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams has won the Heisman Trophy to make USC the first school to take home college football’s most prestigious player of the year award eight times.
Grant Wahl, an American journalist who helped grow the popularity of soccer in the U.S. and reported on some of the biggest stories in the sport, died while covering a World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Legends in the arts were honored by the Kennedy Center.
Kirstie Alley, an Emmy-winning “Cheers” star, Bob McGrath, a founding cast member of “Sesame Street” and Jim Stewart, a co-founder of Stax Records, died this past week.
Bill Cosby faces a new sexual abuse lawsuit.
And Will Smith is back with his first film post-slap.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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We’ll cover three primary topics during this week’s review of top stories.

First, we’ll look at control of the Senate as well as other political news. We’ll then move to same-sex marriage and LGBTQ issues. Finally, we’ll look at the rise of antisemitism in America.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. CT):

J. Alexander Kueng, the former Minneapolis police officer who held down George Floyd’s back as one of his colleagues kneeled on the Black man’s neck, has been sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison.
The head of NATO has expressed worry that the fighting in Ukraine could spin out of control and become a war between Russia and NATO.
In the World Cup, Croatia defeated Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Brittney Griner has returned to the United States, nearly 10 months after the basketball star’s detention in Russia made her the most high-profile American jailed abroad and set off a political firestorm.
The World Trade Organization has rejected the 2018 import taxes that then-President Donald Trump imposed on foreign steel and aluminum, saying they violated global trade rules.
U.S. officials say Florida's seasonal orange production is forecast to be down 36% from earlier estimates, in part a reflection of twin hurricanes that battered growing regions.
A prominent Russian opposition figure has been sentenced to 8 1/2 years in prison after being convicted on charges stemming from his criticism of the Kremlin’s action in Ukraine.
U.S. safety regulators and Honda Motor Co. are urging drivers once again to make sure their vehicles haven’t been recalled after another person was killed by an exploding Takata air bag.
Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona says she has switched her registration to independent. But the first-term senator also says she doesn't plan to caucus with Republicans and that will ensure Democrats retain their narrow voting majority in the Senate.
After disappointing results in this year's elections, Republicans are reevaluating their antipathy to mail voting.
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform says the Washington Commanders created a “toxic work culture” for more than two decades and downplayed sexual misconduct by men at the top levels of the organization.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has helped mark a milestone in U.S. history by holding up a newly minted $5 bill signed for the first time ever by two women. Yellen’s signature will appear alongside that of U.S. Treasurer Lynn Malerba, the first Native American in that position.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 8 at 3 p.m. CT):

The House has given final approval to protections for same-sex marriages. The vote Thursday sends the legislation to President Joe Biden, a monumental step in a decades-long battle for nationwide recognition of such unions. The bipartisan legislation would also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin." Biden says he'll promptly sign the measure into law.
A bill to rescind the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military has passed the House.
Brittney Griner’s loved ones and extended basketball family were ecstatic when news broke about her release from a Russian prison and that she was on her way back to the United States.
The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday sued to block Microsoft’s planned $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard, saying it could suppress competitors to its Xbox game consoles and its growing games subscription business.
A federal appeals court panel says New York can continue enforcing a new state law banning guns from “sensitive” places like parks and theaters while the judges consider a legal challenge.
German police have rounded up dozens of people including a self-styled prince, a retired paratrooper and a former judge, accusing the suspects of discussing the overthrow of the government, but leaving unclear how concrete the plans were.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, stick to a familiar script in a new Netflix series that chronicles the couple’s estrangement from the royal family, chastising Britain’s media and the societal racism they believe has fueled coverage of their relationship.
U.S. regulators have cleared doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccines for children younger than 5.
Celine Dion has put a halt on all performing after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. In video messages posted in French and English on Thursday on Instagram, Dion said stiff person syndrome is causing spasms that affect her ability to walk and sing.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. CT):

The FBI received a tip about the suspect charged with murder and hate crimes in a mass shooting at a Colorado gay nightclub the day before the suspect was arrested in a bomb threat case that evacuated a neighborhood.
Doug Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, says he's pained by a rise in antisemitism in the United States.
A handful of centenarian survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor gathered at the scene in Hawaii to commemorate those who perished 81 years ago in the Japanese bombing.
A published report says lawyers for former President Donald Trump found at least two items marked as classified during a recent search of a storage unit in West Palm Beach, Florida, and have provided them to the FBI.
Peru's Congress has removed President Pedro Castillo from office and sworn in his vice president to replace him.
Friction has been simmering within the global Anglican Communion for many years over its 42 provinces’ sharp differences on whether to recognize same-sex marriage and ordain LGBTQ clergy.
A study has found that the racial gap in graduation rates for this year’s bowl teams in college football has declined again and is now the smallest in its history.
Time Magazine has named Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy its person of the year. It awarded him the accolade “for proving that courage can be as contagious as fear.” He was named alongside “the spirit of Ukraine.”
Microsoft has agreed to make the hit video game Call of Duty available on Nintendo for 10 years should its $69 billion purchase of game maker Activision Blizzard go through.
This year's White House Christmas ornament gives a nod to former first lady Patricia Nixon. It's in the shape of a gingerbread White House, and Nixon was the first first lady to include a gingerbread house as part of the White House holiday decorations.
The deadline for obtaining the Real ID needed to board a domestic flight has been pushed back again, with the Department of Homeland Security citing the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the slower-than-expected rollout.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. CT):

Special counsel Jack Smith has subpoenaed local election officials in Wisconsin, Michigan, Arizona and Pennsylvania. Smith is asking for communications with or involving former President Donald Trump, his campaign aides and a list of allies involved in his efforts to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack will make criminal referrals to the Justice Department.
Top House and Senate leaders have bestowed Congressional Gold Medals on law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Anderson Lee Aldrich, the suspect accused of entering a Colorado Springs gay nightclub and killing five people and wounding 17 others, was charged with 305 criminal counts including hate crimes and murder.
North Korea has fired a barrage of artillery rounds into waters near rival South Korea for the second consecutive day for ongoing U.S.-South Korea live-fire drills.
A panel is calling for changes at the Food and Drug Administration, which oversees most of the nation's food supply, saying revamped leadership, a clear mission and more urgency are needed to prevent illness outbreaks and to promote good health.
Jim Stewart, the white Tennessee farm boy and fiddle player who co-founded the influential Stax Records with his sister in a Black, inner-city Memphis neighborhood and helped build the soulful “Memphis sound,” has died at age 92.
While filming “Emancipation,” Will Smith routinely drew inspiration from the words “sacred motivation” that were written on the front page of a script. But the Oscar winner heavily leaned on the phrase even more in recent months, as he tried to overcome the backlash to his Oscars slap and banishment from the ceremony.
The major freight railroads now face pressure from investors to add sick days after Congress declined to require them as part of the contracts they imposed last week to avert a potentially devastating nationwide rail strike.
Much of the Arctic is in a burst of freak December warming. Temperatures in Alaska’s northernmost community hit 40 degrees Monday morning.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. CT):

The extended Senate campaign in Georgia gives Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker a second chance to persuade voters to send them to Washington.
Richard Cottingham, a serial slayer known as the "Torso Killer" already serving a life sentence for murder, has also admitted to killing five women on Long Island decades ago.
Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti has been sentenced in Southern California to 14 years in federal prison for cheating his clients out of millions of dollars.
The Mississippi Department of Human Services is changing its demands against retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre in a lawsuit that seeks repayment of misspent welfare money.
Oxford Dictionaries has announced its 2022 word of the year: “goblin mode.” It defines the term as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”
The Mets and pitcher Justin Verlander agreed to a contract as did the Philadelphia Phillies and shortstop Trea Turner.
Voters with no religious affiliation supported Democratic candidates and abortion rights by staggering percentages in the 2022 midterm elections.
Fans from around the world have refashioned traditional Gulf Arab headdresses and thobes at the first World Cup in the Middle East.
A surge of anti-Jewish vitriol spread by celebrities is stoking fears that public figures are normalizing hate and ramping up the risk of violence.
FBI Director Chris Wray is raising national security concerns about TikTok. He warned Friday that control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government “that doesn’t share our values.”

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 5 at 7 a.m. CT):

Two power substations in a North Carolina county were damaged by gunfire in what is being investigated as a criminal act. A spokesman for Duke Energy said at a news conference with local officials on Sunday that the damage caused the night before could take days to repair.
The Supreme Court is hearing the case of a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court.
Georgia Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock faces off against Republican challenger Herschel Walker in Tuesday's runoff election.
Police say a private airplane crashed into the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast Saturday night, with two people confirmed dead as authorities searched for a third person.
Oxford Dictionaries has announced its 2022 word of the year: “goblin mode.” It defines the term as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”
China is easing some of the world’s most stringent anti-COVID controls and authorities say new variants are weaker. But they have yet to say when they might end a "zero-COVID“ strategy that confines millions of people to their homes and set off protests and demands for President Xi Jinping to resign.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is making clear he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops, as Republican governors and lawmakers press to rescind it.
The Supreme Court is about to confront a new elections case that could dramatically alter voting in 2024 and beyond. A Republican-led challenge is asking the justices for a novel ruling that could significantly increase the power of state lawmakers over elections for Congress and the presidency.
In sports, the Browns won in the debut of their new quarterback, the Eagles continued their strong start, the Vikings won again, college football has its semifinalists and the Baseball Hall of Fame added Fred McGriff.
Actor, musician and children’s author widely known for his portrayal of one of the first regular characters on the children’s show “Sesame Street,” Bob McGrath, has died at the age of 90.
Gladys Knight, George Clooney, Amy Grant, Tania León and U2 were feted during Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors. Every year the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts honors a select group of people for their artistic contributions to American culture. The show will be broadcast on Dec. 28 on CBS.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” held the box-office crown for the fourth straight weekend with $17.6 million.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Apple Music and Pandora revealed streaming song charts for 2022.

There were several notable deaths this past week, including a key member of Fleetwood Mac.

Tiger Woods talked about his health and ability to compete.

And the artist formerly known as Kanye West was back in the news.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

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We’re going to look at three topics this week: The state of the economy, political news and several key court cases.

In this first segment, we open with Cyber Monday and concerns of a potential rail strike. Those concerns ended late in the week when Congress intervened after negotiations between the two sides stalled. We also look at inflation and a jobs report.

In this second segment, we look at several key political stories including gun control, protection for same-sex marriage, former President Donald Trump’s controversial dinner guests and election news.

Finally, in this third segment, we review court cases of national interest including the trial of the Oath Keepers’ founder, a plea by the shooter in the Buffalo supermarket massacre and the Supreme Court’s plan to take up the Biden administration’s plans to forgive some student loans.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden is assuring the nation that the U.S. economy is chugging along. Biden pointed to the addition of 263,000 jobs and the unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7% last month as proof that his policies have bulked up the economy.
At the White House, the president signed a bill to avoid a rail strike that he said could have caused 765,000 job losses in two weeks and plunged the country into recession.
Prosecutors have resumed their closing argument in the Trump Organization’s criminal tax fraud trial. Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Joshua Steinglass continued his summary of the case on Friday after telling jurors Thursday that “Donald Trump knew exactly what was going on with his top executives."
The family of Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia for espionage, says that he has resumed contact after unexpectedly becoming unreachable in November. Along with WNBA star Brittney Griner, Whelan is the focus of efforts by the United States to arrange a prisoner swap with Russia.
Christian Pulisic was cleared to play for the United States in its round of 16 match at the World Cup against the Netherlands on Saturday.
Authorities say a U.S. woman was killed and four other passengers injured when a massive wave struck the Viking Polaris cruise ship while it was sailing toward the port of Ushuaia in southern Argentina on an Antarctic cruise.
An influential Iraqi cleric who announced his withdrawal from politics four months ago has broken a period of relative silence to launch an anti-LGBTQ campaign.
In this week's religion roundup, Native Hawaiians see a window to the natural and spiritual worlds in the lava flowing from the Mauna Loa volcano.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Dec. 1 at 3:55 p.m. CT):

The Senate has moved quickly to avert a rail strike that the Biden administration and business leaders say would greatly damage the economy. The Senate passed a bill Thursday to bind rail companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached between the rail companies and union leaders in September.
President Joe Biden is hosting a state dinner Thursday evening with French President Emmanuel Macron, and Biden signaled that he may be willing to tweak aspects of his signature climate legislation that have raised concerns with France and other European allies.
The Supreme Court says the Biden administration program to cancel student loans will remain blocked for now, but the justices have agreed to take up the case in late winter.
An official says lava from the world’s largest volcano shouldn’t be able to reach the main highway across Hawaii’s Big Island for at least a week.
A report from the Commerce Department showed that prices rose 6% in October from a year earlier.
A coroner says two children were among five people found dead at a suburban Chicago home following what police called a “domestic-related incident."
The nation’s new 988 hotline, intended to help anyone experiencing a mental health emergency, was out of service for several hours Thursday.
The Voice of America says the Taliban have banned FM radio broadcasts from VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Afghanistan.
German authorities say a 72-year-old woman has been arrested after she allegedly switched off her hospital roommate's ventilator twice because she was bothered by the sound it made.
An honorary member of the Buckingham Palace household has resigned after repeatedly asking a Black woman who runs a charity for survivors of domestic abuse what country she “really came from.’’
Award-winning “Squid Game” actor Oh Young-soo will stand trial on charges of indecent assault after a woman accused him of inappropriately touching her in 2017.
The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York was lit Wednesday night following a star-filled concert.
Wildfires in Colorado in the summer of 2020 have caused long-term damage.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. CT):

The U.S. economy grew at a 2.9% annual rate from July through September despite high interest rates and chronic inflation, the government said Wednesday in an upgrade from its initial estimate.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell says the Federal Reserve will push rates higher than previously expected and keep them there longer to fight a stubborn bout of inflation.
Christine McVie, the soulful British musician who sang lead on many of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, has died at 79.
Congress is moving urgently to head off the looming U.S. rail strike. The House passed a bill Wednesday that would bind companies and workers to a proposed settlement reached in September that failed to gain the support of all 12 unions involved. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
China's ruling Communist Party has vowed to “resolutely crack down on infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces."
The National Weather Service says record high temperatures in Texas and Louisiana fired up the storm front that spawned tornadoes across the Deep South.
Delivery company DoorDash is eliminating more than 1,200 corporate jobs, about 6% of its total workforce, saying it hired too many people when demand for its services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The world’s largest volcano is oozing rivers of glowing lava and drawing thousands of awestruck viewers who jammed a Hawaii highway that could soon be covered by the flow.
U.S. job openings dropped in October but remained high, a sign that businesses became slightly less desperate for workers as the Federal Reserve ramps up interest rates in an effort to cool the economy.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is holding fundraisers for future political activity at events where the Republican is expected to talk about his eight years as governor, as well as plans for the future.
The European Union wants to set up a U.N.-backed specialized court to investigate possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba Kuleba called the NATO membership delay a "strategic mistake."
The Prince and Princess of Wales are making their first overseas trip since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. The trip that began Wednesday is an occasion for Prince William and his wife, Kate, to show the world as much about who they are not as who they are.
A Taliban official says that at least 10 students were killed when a bomb blast hit a religious school in northern Afghanistan.
A new study says the U.S. gun death rate last year hit its highest mark in nearly three decades.
Ernő Rubik, the inventor of the Rubik's Cube, offers tips on how to solve the puzzle.

—The Associated Press

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On this updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 30 at 6:35 a.m. CT):

Congress is moving swiftly to prevent a looming U.S. rail workers strike. Lawmakers are reluctantly intervening in a labor dispute to stop what would surely be a devastating blow to the nation’s economy if the transportation of fuel, food and other critical goods were disrupted.
The Senate has passed landmark bipartisan legislation to protect same-sex marriages. Senate Democrats are moving quickly to send the bill to the House and President Joe Biden’s desk.
Residents in several towns across Louisiana and Mississippi took cover amid the blare of tornado sirens amid a severe weather outbreak erupting in the Deep South.
An organization of 34 democratic countries says democracy is being degraded around the world because people are losing faith in the legitimacy of elections and the imposition of restrictions on freedom of expression among range of issues.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes has been convicted of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to overturn President Joe Biden's election, handing the Justice Department a major victory in its massive prosecution of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Twitter has ended enforcement of its COVID-19 misinformation policy.
In sports, the United States men's soccer team advanced at the World Cup, the Bruins remained unbeaten at home, the latest College Football Playoff rankings are out and the Mavericks snapped their losing streak.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. CT):

NATO members met in Romania to discuss Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine called for more supplies of weapons to defend itself with, and quickly. “Faster, faster and faster,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. “We appreciate what has been done, but the war goes on.”
President Joe Biden says he hopes lawmakers can work together to fund the government, boost spending for Ukraine and avert a crippling rail strike. His comments came as he met with congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday.
U.S. consumer confidence fell for the second straight month in November amid ongoing high inflation, rising interest rates, and layoff announcements by several large tech companies.
A senior Russian diplomat says Russia and the United States repeatedly came close to reaching agreement on a prisoner exchange and a deal remains possible before the year’s end. The Biden administration has been trying for months to negotiate the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American jailed in Russia, Paul Whelan.
The smash hit by The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber “Stay” topped Apple Music’s global song chart in 2022 as the giant music streamer released its end-of-year lists.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” has won best feature at the 32nd Gotham Awards. The honor is boosting Oscar hopes for the anarchic indie hit of the year.
Clarence Gilyard Jr., a popular supporting actor whose credits include the blockbuster films “Die Hard” and “Top Gun” and the hit television series “Matlock” and “Walker, Texas Ranger,” has died at age 66.
Tiger Woods is painting an uncertain future when it comes to his golf career. He says plantar fasciitis in his right foot makes it hard to walk and that he doesn't have much left in this leg.
The former warden of an abuse-plagued federal women’s prison known as the “rape club” went on trial Monday. The former warden is accused of molesting inmates and forcing them to pose naked in their cells.
Don’t look for plastic partitions or faraway benches when visiting Santa Claus this year. The jolly old elf is back, pre-pandemic style. Santa booker HireSanta.com has logged a 30% increase in demand over last year after losing about 15% of its performers to retirement or death during the pandemic.
Australia’s environment minister says her government will lobby against UNESCO adding the Great Barrier Reef to a list of endangered World Heritage sites, arguing that criticisms of government inaction on climate change are outdated.

—The Associated Press

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On this updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 29 at 6:47 a.m. CT):

Days after flocking to stores on Black Friday, consumers are turning online for Cyber Monday to score more discounts on gifts and other items that have ballooned in price because of high inflation.
President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation to intervene and block a railroad strike before next month’s deadline in the stalled contract talks. A strike could lead to higher prices and shortages.
Waves of glowing lava and smoky ash are belching and sputtering from the world’s largest active volcano and people on Hawaii’s Big Island have been warned to be ready if their communities are threatened.
The Senate is set to vote Tuesday on legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, putting Congress one step closer to passing the landmark bill and ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law.
The United States takes on Iran today in the World Cup.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says war-torn Ukraine will one day become a member of the world’s largest security alliance. Stoltenberg's remarks came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his NATO counterparts gathered Tuesday in Romania.
In sports, the Steelers became the winningest team in Monday Night Football history, Joel Embiid led the Sixers, the Devils rallied and two major college football programs hired coaches.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. CT):

Payton Gendron, the white gunman who massacred 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket, has pleaded guilty to murder and hate-motivated terrorism charges. He’ll spend his life in prison without parole.
Five New Haven, Connecticut, police officers have been charged with misdemeanors over their treatment of a Black man after he was paralyzed from the chest down in the back of a police van.
The world’s largest active volcano was erupting Monday. Officials said that Mauna Loa wasn’t immediately threatening communities on Hawaii’s Big Island but people should be prepared for worse.
Stocks fell broadly on Wall Street as protests spread in China calling for President Xi Jinping to step down amid growing anger over severe restrictions imposed as part of his “zero COVID” strategy in the world's second-largest economy.
The White House says first lady Jill Biden has drawn inspiration from the nation's founding documents to decorate for the holidays.
Cryptocurrency lender BlockFi is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the fallout from the collapse of FTX continues.
Days after flocking to stores on Black Friday, consumers are turning online for Cyber Monday to score more discounts on gifts and other items that have ballooned in price because of high inflation.
Prince William and the Princess of Wales will make their first trip to the U.S. in eight years this week, hoping to focus attention on their Earthshot Prize for environmental innovators. But the trip will be clouded by tensions with William's brother, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, who have criticized Britain’s royal family in the American media.
Merriam-Webster has chosen “gaslighting” as its word of the year for 2022.
A community farm in Colorado has ditched tractors for chickens.

—The Associated Press

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 28 at 6:55 a.m. CT):

Authorities say two people have been rescued more than six hours after their single-engine plane crashed and got stuck in some live power lines in Maryland.
There has been renewed discussion over gun control following two mass shootings this past week.
Chinese authorities have eased some anti-virus rules but affirmed their severe “zero COVID” strategy after protesters demanded President Xi Jinping resign in the biggest show of opposition to the ruling Communist Party in decades.
Ukraine is preparing for more Russian strikes and has warned of the possibility of a new round of evacuations from the capital of Kyiv.
The U.S. Soccer Federation briefly displayed Iran’s national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic. The federation described the move as a show of support for protesters in Iran ahead of the two nations’ World Cup match Tuesday.
The United States’ 0-0 draw against England in the World Cup drew 19.98 million viewers for English- and Spanish-language broadcasts. It was the third-most watched men’s soccer game on U.S. television behind the 2010 and 2014 finals.
In sports, the Bengals pulled out a nice win at Tennessee, NFL underdogs had their day, namely the Jaguars, Browns and Raiders, the Celtics continued to have their way in the NBA, the upstart Kraken continued to amaze in the NHL and at the World Cup, Germany and Spain are fit to be tied.
The Associated Press college football poll got a remake near the top thanks to four top-10 teams losing this past weekend.
Thanksgiving often serves up a feast of new family movies at the box office, but the Walt Disney Co.’s animated offering “Strange World” fizzled with audiences out of the gates.
Former President Donald Trump is drawing criticism for dining with Holocaust-denying white nationalist Nick Fuentes and the rapper formerly known as Kanye West.
Oscar, Golden Globe and two-time Grammy winning singer-actress Irene Cara, who starred in and sang the title cut from the 1980 hit movie “Fame” and then belted out the era-defining hit “Flashdance ... What a Feeling” from 1983′s “Flashdance,” has died. She was 63.
Macao has tentatively renewed the casino licenses of MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and three Chinese rivals after they promised to help diversify the economy by investing in non-gambling attractions.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Taylor Swift won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards.
Former CEO Bob Iger returned to lead Disney.
Amy Schneider won the ‘Jeopardy!’ tournament of champions.
And Kyrie Irving returned to the Brooklyn Nets.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On this version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. CT):

The nation’s major shipping companies are in good shape to get shoppers’ packages delivered on time this holiday season. Carriers like the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx are expected to have excess capacity after struggling under a crush of holiday packages in 2020 and 2021.
Twitter has been a bit of a mess since billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk took helm. Lesser-known sites such as Mastodon and even Tumblr are emerging as new or renewed alternatives.
Here’s the sitch, Scrabble stans. Your convos around the board are about to get more interesting with about 500 new words and variations added to the game’s seventh edition of “The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.”
Disneyland has added two new characters in wheelchairs to “It’s a Small World.” Disney Resorts says it's part of an ongoing effort to accurately reflect diversity.
Frontier Airlines and five foreign carriers are paying more than $600 million in refunds to consumers whose flights were canceled or significantly delayed since the start of the pandemic.
A rapidly intensifying flu season is straining U.S. hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections.
John Ray III, who had to clean up the mess at Enron, says the situation at FTX is even worse, describing what he calls a “complete failure” of corporate control.
General Motors expects its portfolio of electric vehicles to turn a profit in North America by 2025. That will come as it boosts battery and assembly plant capacity to build over 1 million EVs per year.

—The Associated Press

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On this original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. CT):

Authorities and witnesses say a Walmart manager opened fire on fellow employees in the break room of a Chesapeake, Virginia, store, killing six people. It was the country’s second high-profile mass shooting in four days.
The alleged shooter facing possible hate crime charges in the fatal shooting of five people at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub has been ordered held without bail in an initial court appearance.
Four students are injured from an apparent drive-by shooting shortly after their Philadelphia high school let out early for the day.
The United States is sending another $400 million in ammunition and generators to Ukraine. The U.S. is pulling the gear from its own stockpiles to get the support to Ukraine as fast as possible as Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy sources and winter sets in.
The Georgia Supreme Court has reinstated the state’s ban on abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy.
Federal courts in Brazil have ordered a New Jersey-based fishing tour company operating in the Amazon to cease and desist.
Georgia counties will be allowed to hold early voting this Saturday in the U.S. Senate runoff election between Democratic incumbent Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker.
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose to the highest level since August but still remained low by historic standards. The Labor Department reported Wednesday that 240,000 people applied for jobless aid last week, up by 17,000 from the week before.
Across America, most high school football seasons are winding down. It will wrap up the first year since the Supreme Court ruled it was OK for a public school coach near Seattle to pray on the field. The decision prompted speculation that prayer would become an even bigger part of the game-day fabric, though that hasn’t seemed to be the case.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. CT):

President Joe Biden is announcing that his administration will extend the pause on federal student loan payments while the White House fights a legal battle to save his plan to cancel portions of the debt.
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the handover of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to a congressional committee after a three-year legal fight.
Americans who have gotten the updated COVID-19 boosters appear better protected against symptomatic infection than those who haven't. That's according to a first look at the new shots' real-world effectiveness, released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, held a COVID-19 briefing at the White House which was expected to be his last before he retires from the government at the end of year.
The holiday travel rush is already on, and it could spread out over more days than usual this year. AAA predicts that nearly 55 million people in the U.S. will travel at least 50 miles from home this week, an increase over last year and only 2% less than in 2019.
A huge horde of ancient gold coins dating back to around 100 B.C. has been stolen from a museum in southern Germany.
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has warned the United States that it would face “a more fatal security crisis” as Washington pushes for U.N. condemnation of the North’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test.
Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted earlier this year on charges including bank fraud and tax evasion.

—The Associated Press

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On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. CT):

The man suspected of opening fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs is being held on murder and hate crimes charges. The charges surfaced in online court records Monday, two days after the attack that killed five people and wounded many others.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says four people have been found dead and one injured following a reported hostage situation in northwest Oklahoma.
Elon Musk's Twitter has reinstated the personal account of far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was banned in January for violating the platform's COVID misinformation policies at the time.
An earthquake has toppled buildings on Indonesia’s densely populated main island, killing at least 162 people and injuring hundreds.
Consumers could quickly start seeing higher gas prices and shortages of some of their favorite groceries if railroads aren’t able to agree on contracts with al 12 of their unions ahead of next month’s deadline after the latest rejection vote Monday.
President Joe Biden participated in the annual pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey on Monday.
Authorities say an SUV crashed into an Apple store in Massachusetts, killing one person and injuring 16 others.
A recent study found the oldest evidence of using fire to cook, dating back to 780,000 years ago.
America’s top diplomat, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is in Qatar to hold talks as regional tensions remain high.
FIFA’s threat of on-field punishment for players has pushed World Cup teams to back down. They abandoned a plan Monday for their captains to wear armbands that were seen as a rebuke to host nation Qatar’s human rights record.
Get the latest entertainment and religion news with weekly roundups covering topics ranging from Taylor Swift's ticket sales to religious leaders urging awareness over climate concerns.

—The Associated Press

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Welcome to a special World Cup edition of Hot Off The Wire. In this episode, Associated Press correspondent Ed Donahue moderates a conversation with Jon Gambrell, AP Gulf and Iran news director, and James Robson, AP global soccer correspondent.

The three discuss the last-minute decision to ban the sale of beer with alcohol at stadiums, concerns over human rights and the teams and players to watch as games get underway.

The episode was recorded just prior to the start of the tournament that kicked off Sunday with Ecuador's victory over host Qatar

—The Associated Press

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Authorities say a 22-year-old gunman opened fire with a semiautomatic rifle at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 25 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons.
Parts of New York are finally catching a break after a storm dumped snow for days on cities and towns east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
The Walt Disney Company has tapped its former CEO Bob Iger to return to head the company for two years, firing his successor Bob Chapek, who took the post in 2020.
The Hong Kong government says leader John Lee tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Thailand.
Kyrie Irving has returned to the Brooklyn Nets and apologized to anyone who felt threatened or hurt when he posted a link to a documentary with antisemitic material.
Taylor Swift won six award and was named artist of the year for the seventh time at the American Music Awards. There was also a tribute to Lionel Richie.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” extended its box-office reign in its second week of release with $67 million in ticket sales over the weekend, according to studio estimates.
In sports, the Cowboys ended the Vikings winning streak, the Eagles were back in form, the Patriots won in dramatic fashion over the Jets, the Nets won as Kyrie Irving returned from his suspension, the top two teams in NCAA women's basketball met and Lydia Ko capped a terrific LPGA season.
Elon Musk has reinstated Donald Trump’s account on Twitter, reversing a ban that has kept the former president off the social media site since a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress was poised to certify Joe Biden’s election victory.
NBC “Today” show weather anchor Al Roker says he's recovering after he was hospitalized last week for blood clots in his leg and lungs.
Negotiators have approved an historic deal to create a fund for compensating poor nations that are victims of extreme weather worsened by rich countries’ carbon pollution.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Beyoncé tied a Grammy nomination record previously held by Jay-Z. More on that as well as other Grammy nomination news.
Roberta Flack can no longer sing due to Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Jay Leno suffered burns in a gasoline fire.
And the last original surviving star from “Hogan’s Heroes” has died.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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We’re going to look at two topics this week: Politics following the midterm elections as well as some international news.

In the first segment, we take a look at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s decision to step aside from leadership, former President Donald Trump’s announcement on Tuesday that he is launching a third bid for the White House and the state of Congress.

In the second segment, we look at President Joe Biden’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Russia’s intensifying attacks on Ukraine following its withdrawal from Kherson and other global news of note.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we take a look at a few headlines related to the upcoming holiday season.

There will be new editions to this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Air travel around Thanksgiving and Christmas will be more expensive.

And rising food prices will take a bite out of Thanksgiving dinner as well as the bottom line for small businesses.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 18 at 7:03 a.m. CT):

A dangerous lake-effect snowstorm paralyzed parts of western and northern New York, with more than a foot of snow already on the ground in places and a driving ban keeping people off the roads in the Buffalo area.
Also ahead of the storm, the NFL announced it would relocate the Buffalo Bills' home game against the Cleveland Browns to Detroit on Sunday.
North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed near Japanese waters in its second major weapons test this month that showed a potential ability to launch nuclear strikes on all of the U.S. mainland.
The Uvalde officer who was leading the city’s police department during the hesitant law enforcement response to the elementary school shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers has stepped down.
An investigation by Maryland’s attorney general has identified 158 Roman Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore accused of sexually and physically abusing more than 600 victims over the past 80 years.
A federal judge on Friday will decide whether disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes should serve a lengthy prison sentence for duping investors and endangering patients while peddling a bogus blood-testing technology.
Twitter is continuing to bleed engineers and other workers after its new owner Elon Musk gave them a choice: either pledge to “hardcore” work or resign with severance pay.
U.S. agriculture officials have proposed changes to the federal program that helps pay for fresh fruits and vegetables for low-income mothers and young children.
In sports, the Titans strengthened their grip on the AFC South, Major League Baseball has named its MVPs, there is a logjam atop the NBA's Western Conference, and nobody can stop the NHL's two hottest teams.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. CT):

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she won't seek a leadership role in the new Congress. She plans to stay on as a member of Congress, having won reelection from her San Francisco district.
In an Associated Press interview, Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she will remain focused on her post and not on growing national speculation she could mount a future presidential run.
U.S. authorities say a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent and a suspected smuggler died during a shootout Thursday morning off the Puerto Rico coast.
WNBA star Brittney Griner has begun serving her nine-year sentence for drug possession at a Russian penal colony.
Oklahoma has executed a man for the torture killing of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son in 1993.
Donald Trump’s longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg choked up on the witness stand Thursday, saying he betrayed the Trump family’s trust by scheming to dodge taxes on $1.7 million in company-paid perks.
Robert Clary, who played a prisoner of war in the TV sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” has died. Clary sported a beret in his role as the feisty Corporal Louis LeBeau in “Hogan’s Heroes,” which aired from 1965 to 1971. He was 96.
A federal judge in Florida has blocked the so-called “Stop Woke” act pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that restricts certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges.
The Federal Reserve may have to raise its benchmark interest rate much higher than many people expect to get inflation under control, said James Bullard, who leads the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Donald Trump's suspension from Facebook and Instagram will stand for now despite his candidacy for president.
In an Associated Press interview, former Vice President Mike Pence declined to say whether he believes Donald Trump is fit to be president again. But he also says the American people are “looking for new leadership” — as he positions himself as a potential alternative.
Six new floats will debut at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Small businesses that count on food-centric holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are bracing for a difficult season due to soaring costs.

—The Associated Press

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On the updated version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 17 at 6:48 a.m. CT):

Congress will be split next year as Republicans will take control of the House of Representatives and Democrats retaining control of the Senate.
Russian airstrikes have targeted Ukraine’s energy facilities again, as the first snow of the season fell in Kyiv.
Police in the college town of Moscow, Idaho, say they have not identified a suspect or found a weapon in the weekend slayings of four University of Idaho students in a rental house near campus.
Alabama and Oklahoma have executions scheduled for today.
Authorities say 25 Los Angeles County sheriff’s academy recruits on a training run were hit by a vehicle that veered onto the wrong side of the road Wednesday morning. The sheriff says a field sobriety test on the driver was negative.
Starbucks workers at more than 100 U.S. stores say they're going on strike Thursday. It's largest labor action since a campaign to unionize Starbucks' stores began late last year.
International climate talks in Egypt are winding down.
In sports, the Celtics won again, the Timberwolves beat the Magic, the Raptors outlasted the Heat and unanimous Cy Young winners.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. CT):

Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., accused of killing three University of Virginia football players, was ordered held without bond. His attorney did not address the substance of the charges against him. The school also announced Wednesday it was canceling its final home game of the season scheduled for the weekend against Coastal Carolina.
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky has been reelected as Republican leader, quashing a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.
Arizona's Murray Hooper, convicted of murdering two people in 1980, was put to death Wednesday in the state’s third execution since officials started carrying out the death penalty in May after a nearly eight-year hiatus.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said it does not look like Russia was responsible for the deadly missile strike in Poland.
Pilots of hot air balloons carrying paying passengers will need medical certificates, just like pilots of other kinds of commercial aircraft.
Legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages is moving forward in the Senate.
In two volatile spots in the occupied West Bank, Israel has installed robotic weapons that can fire tear gas, stun grenades and sponge-tipped bullets at Palestinian protesters.
Americans are bracing for a costly Thanksgiving this year, with double-digit percent increases in the price of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, canned pumpkin and other staples.
Americans stepped up their spending at retailers, restaurants and auto dealers last month, a sign of consumer resilience as the holiday shopping season begins amid painfully high inflation and rising interest rates.
Elon Musk sent an email to Twitter employees earlier telling them that they must be "extremely hardcore" to build "a breakthrough Twitter 2.0." He said anyone who cannot keep up can resign.
Britain's Crown Prosecution Service says actor Kevin Spacey will be charged with seven further sex offenses, all relating to the same alleged victim.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (updated Nov. 16 at 6:42 a.m. CT):

U.S. President Joe Biden said it was “unlikely” that Russia fired a missile which came down in Polish farmland, killing two people. Three U.S. officials said preliminary assessments suggested it was fired by Ukrainian forces at an incoming Russian one.
Members of the Group of 20 leading economies have ended their summit in Indonesia with a declaration of firm condemnation of the war in Ukraine and a warning that the conflict is making an already delicate world economy worse.
Former President Donald Trump has launched another run for the presidency, promising supporters he will “make America great and glorious again.” Trump made his plans official Tuesday night after teasing the potential of a comeback since before he even left the White House in 2021.
NASA’s new moon rocket has blasted off on its debut flight with three test dummies aboard. Wednesday's Florida launch brings the U.S. a big step closer to putting astronauts back on the lunar surface for the first time since the end of the Apollo program 50 years ago.
Highlights of Tuesday's Grammy nominations.
In sports, there were two college basketball thrillers in Indianapolis, the Mavs blew a 25 point lead but won and the Devils extended their win streak.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. CT):

Russia pounded Ukraine’s energy facilities with its biggest barrage of missiles yet, striking targets across the country and causing widespread blackouts. A senior U.S. intelligence official said missiles crossed into NATO member Poland, where two people were killed.
Police say four University of Idaho students found dead in an off-campus home were targeted and the killer or killers used a knife or other “edged weapon.”
House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy has cleared the first major step toward becoming House speaker after a secret ballot election.
Donald Trump’s longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg has taken the witness stand at the Trump Organization’s criminal tax fraud trial
The United Nations says the world's population is reaching the 8 billion mark on Tuesday. Much of the growth expected between now and 2050 is coming from just eight countries.
Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Military Services, who oversees Catholic ministries to the U.S. armed forces, has been elected as the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Beyoncé has propelled herself into the highest Grammy echelon. The star singer claimed a leading nine nominations Tuesday, making her tied with her husband Jay-Z as the most nominated music act in the history of the awards show at 88 apiece.
Prices at the wholesale level rose 8% in October from a year ago, the fourth straight decline and the latest sign that inflation pressures in the United States are easing from painfully high levels.
If you're looking for airline tickets or a hotel room around the holidays, you'll probably pay more than you did the last time you traveled over Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Qatar's mangrove forest is expected to be a big draw for World Cup visitors this year.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (updated Nov. 15 at 6:34 a.m. CT):

Republicans are closing in on the House majority, one seat shy of taking a majority. It takes 218 seats to control the House. Republicans have locked down 217 seats so far, with Democrats claiming 205.
Former President Donald Trump is expected to launch his candidacy for the 2024 election Tuesday night, one week after the midterms.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing Group of 20 leaders to pressure Russia over its invasion of his country.
Chinese consumer spending contracted in October as the country continues to enforce its "zero-COVID" policy.
The United Nations says the world will reach a population of 8 billion today and India will overtake China as the most-populated country in 2023.
Jay Leno, the former "Tonight Show" host, says he's doing OK after suffering serious burns in a gasoline fire.
In sports, Washington ended Philadelphia's bid for perfection in Monday Night Football. In NBA action, the Heat beat the Suns and the Hawks topped the Bucks. In the NHL, the Blues skated by the Avalanche.

On the original version of Hot off the Wire (posted Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. CT)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a triumphant visit to the newly liberated city of Kherson. He hailed the Russian withdrawal from the southern city as the “beginning of the end of the war” but also acknowledged the heavy price Ukrainian soldiers are paying in their grinding effort to push back the invaders.
President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student loan debt for millions of borrowers lost another battle in court on Monday when a federal appeals court panel agreed to a preliminary injunction halting the program while an appeal plays out.
Biden says he doubts there are enough votes in Congress to codify abortion rights. Although Democrats did better than expected in the midterm elections, they are still on track to lose control of the House, which would allow Republicans to block any such legislation.
Police have captured a University of Virginia student suspected of fatally shooting three members of the school’s football team as they returned to campus from a field trip.
José Irizarry accepts that he’s known as the most corrupt agent in U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration history, admitting he conspired with Colombian cartels to build a lavish lifestyle of sports cars, jewels and paramours around the world.
The White House says President Joe Biden has objected to what it says is China's “coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
A representative for Roberta Flack has announced that the legendary musician has ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and can no longer sing.
The mascots for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics have been revealed. It's a Phrygian cap. The soft bright red cap is an updated version of a conical hat worn in antiquity and also known as a liberty cap.
On this week's AP Religion Roundup, in the midst of an uptick in threats against Jewish school and houses of worship, Hollywood takes a constructive look at antisemitism in American life. Also, the midterm elections reinforced Christian voter trends on abortion and the GOP.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire:

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding their first in-person meeting since the U.S. president took office nearly two years ago. The leaders are meeting Monday on the Indonesian island of Bali at the Group of 20 summit.
The retaking of Kherson was one of Ukraine’s biggest successes in nearly nine months since Russia's invasion.
Congress is returning to an extremely volatile post-election landscape. Newly elected members of Congress are arriving for Monday's orientation week and leadership elections.
Authorities say three people have been killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at the University of Virginia and a student is being sought as a suspect.
Police are investigating the deaths of four University of Idaho students found in a home near the Moscow, Idaho, campus.
A memorial to the 20 first graders and six educators killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has opened to the public, a month before the 10th anniversary of the Newton, Connecticut, massacre.
The Biden administration is no longer accepting applications for student loan forgiveness after a second federal court shut down the program.
In sports, the Vikings took advantage of miscues to beat the Bills, the Dolphins are division leaders, the Titans won in the return of their No. 1 quarterback, the Giants passed the Cowboys in the NFC East, the 76ers and Nuggets won and the Bruins stay hot.
In entertainment, Alec Baldwin is suing people involved in handling and supplying the loaded gun that he was using when it fired and killed a crew member last year during filming of the movie "Rust." "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" earned $180 million in ticket sales, making it the second biggest opening of the year. Gallagher, the long-haired, watermelon-smashing comedian has died at age 76.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Chris Evans named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.
Luke Combs had a big night at the CMA Awards and some of music's biggest acts were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
A movie about the life of Snoop Dogg is in development.
Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscars again and Rihanna talked about her upcoming Super Bowl gig.
Guitarist Jeff Cook and singer Aaron Carter died.
Filmmaker Paul Haggis was found liable in a rape case.
And the District of Columbia has filed a civil suit against the Washington Commanders, owner Daniel Snyder, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (updated Nov. 10, 6:36 a.m. CST):

The Russian Defense Ministry says it has finished pulling out its troops from the western bank of the Dnieper River in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region.
Tropical Depression Nicole was moving through Georgia on Friday morning after a day of causing havoc in Florida as a hurricane and then a tropical storm. Flash and urban flooding will be possible as the rain spreads into the eastern Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and New England through Saturday.
A U.S. judge in Texas has blocked President Joe Biden’s plan to provide millions of borrowers with up to $20,000 apiece in federal student-loan forgiveness.
The Biden administration is ramping up efforts to reduce methane emissions, targeting the oil and gas industry for its role in global warming even as President Joe Biden has pressed energy producers for more oil drilling to lower prices at the gasoline pump.
Former President Donald Trump is moving forward with his planned Tuesday announcement, pressing on with a third presidential run. His decision comes as members of his party continue to blame him for an unexpectedly poor midterm showing and some call for the party to move on.
A jury has ordered Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis to pay at least $7.5 million to a woman who accused him of rape.
In sports, Carolina won on Thursday night, the Commanders and NFL are being sued, Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards to a victory, Charlie McAvoy returned to spark the Bruins and Justin Verlander turned down a big contract from the Astros.

Original version of Hot off the Wire (Released Nov. 10, 4 p.m. CST):

President Joe Biden addressed how Democrats performed during Tuesday's elections and thanked those Republicans that conceded last races.
One police officer is dead and another injured in a stabbing attack in Brussels, which a Belgian judicial official says is suspected to be terrorism-linked.
The U.S. will send $400 million more in military aid to Ukraine amid concerns financial assistance for the war against Russia could decline if Republicans take control of Congress.
President Joe Biden will meet Monday with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of next week’s Group of 20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia.
Tropical Storm Nicole has sent multiple Florida homes collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Russia says it has begun withdrawing troops from Kerson, a strategic Ukrainian city.
A Taliban official says women are banned from using gyms in Afghanistan. The rule, which comes into force this week, is the group's latest edict cracking down on women's rights and freedoms.
Embattled vaping company Juul Labs is announcing layoffs as the company tries to navigate growing setbacks to its electronic cigarette business.
The District of Columbia attorney general’s office has filed a civil consumer protection lawsuit against the Washington Commanders, owner Dan Snyder, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and his company have been ordered to pay an extra $473 million to families and an FBI agent for calling the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting a hoax.
The spinning top, whose origins can be traced to ancient times, has a permanent new place in the National Toy Hall of Fame. The top was inducted into the hall of fame on Thursday, along with Lite-Brite and Masters of the Universe action figures.
Universal Pictures announced Wednesday that the studio is developing a film about Snoop Dogg’s life to be produced by the 51-year-old rapper.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (updated Nov. 10, 6:55 a.m. CST):

For more election coverage, please listen to the special midterm election bonus episode.
Hurricane Nicole made landfall early Thursday along the east coast of Florida and was downgraded to a tropical storm, but it was still battering a large area of the storm-weary state with strong winds, dangerous storm surge and heavy rain.
Control of Congress remains unresolved as of Thursday morning. Republicans are close to securing the House but the Senate is coming down to several key races and a runoff in Georgia. President Joe Biden said that he knows voters are frustrated with continued inflation and his leadership.
The Labor Department is expected to report that consumer prices jumped 8% from 12 months earlier and by a sharp 0.6% from September to October.
Gas is $3.80 a gallon according to the AAA. A year ago, gas was $3.41 a gallon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the Group of 20 summit in Indonesia next week, avoiding a possible confrontation with the United States and its allies over his war in Ukraine.
Drinks are on the house at this year’s U.N. climate talks and the price of food will be slashed in half, Egypt’s foreign minister said Thursday following complaints from delegates.
Luke Combs is the winner of the Country Music Association Awards' coveted entertainer of the year trophy.
In sports, the Magic shut down a hot scorer, the Celtics got their fourth straight win, the Bills are monitoring the health of their quarterback and the Pens halted their skid.

Original version of Hot off the Wire (Released Nov. 9, 4 p.m. CST):

Georgia’s closely watched race between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker will go to a Dec. 6 runoff because neither candidate took more than half of the vote.
Republican Ron Johnson from Wisconsin won another term for U.S. Senate.
Massachusetts voters have approved an amendment to the state constitution that will increase taxes on those earning more than $1 million a year.
Abortion rights supporters won in the four states where access was on the ballot. Voters enshrined it into the state constitution in battleground Michigan as well as blue California and Vermont.
Russia’s military says it’s withdrawing from Kherson. It would mark one of Russia’s most significant and humiliating setbacks in the 8-month-old war.
Facebook parent Meta is laying off 13% of its employees as it contends with faltering revenue and broader tech industry woes.
NASA is again postponing the launch of its new moon rocket because of a storm threatening the Florida coast.
Fresh off his World Series win, Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker has agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the team next season.
Climate activist Vanessa Nakate has warned against new fossil fuel projects on the African continent at the U.N. climate summit.
Scores of turtle species are under threat from poaching. The illegal trade of turtles in the United States is aimed mostly at markets in Asia and Europe.
Mindfulness meditation appears to work as well as a standard drug to treat anxiety. That's according to the first head-to-head comparison of the two options.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire:

For election coverage, please listen to the special midterm election bonus episode.
Facebook parent Meta is laying off 11,000 employees, 13% of its workforce, as it contends with faltering revenue and broader tech industry woes.
American basketball star Brittney Griner's lawyers say she has been sent to a penal colony in Russia to serve her sentence for drug possession.
A surge in COVID-19 cases has spurred lockdowns in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Guangzhou.
In sports, Georgia led a major poll on Election Day, the Golden Knights and Devils extended their long winning streaks, the Blues lost again and baseball's free agency list now tops 150 players.
Guitarist Jeff Cook, who co-founded the successful country group Alabama, has died. He was 73. Cook had Parkinson’s disease and disclosed his diagnosis in 2017.
Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane as it churns toward the northwestern Bahamas and Florida’s Atlantic coastline. A range of warnings and watches remained in place Tuesday throughout the region.
A Tyrannosaurus rex skull is expected to sell for $15 million or more at auction in New York next month. Officials with Sotheby's said Tuesday that the 200-pound skull fossil is being sold Dec. 9 by an owner who wishes to remain anonymous.
The European Union has launched an investigation into Microsoft’s planned takeover of video game giant Activision Blizzard, fearing the $69 billion deal would distort fair competition to popular titles like Call of Duty.
“Captain America” star Chris Evans has a new title — he's been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.
An ambassador for the World Cup in Qatar has described homosexuality as a “damage in the mind” in an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF only two weeks before the opening of the soccer tournament in the Gulf state.
The cryptocurrency exchange Binance said it plans to buy its rival FTX Trading, in the latest example of how fortunes can change rapidly in the crypto world.

—The Associated Press

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Last updated Wednesday, Nov. 11, 12:40 p.m. CST: Republicans and Democrats are in a tight race for control of Congress and governors’ offices, with the outcome determining the future of Joe Biden’s agenda as polls closed across most of the country.

Among the topics in this podcast:

Former President Donald Trump is moving forward with his planned Tuesday announcement, pressing on with a third presidential run. His decision comes as members of his party continue to blame him for an unexpectedly poor midterm showing and some call for the party to move on.
Sen. Raphael Warnock, GOP candidate Herschel Walker pivot to overtime in the Georgia Senate contest.
President Joe Biden addressed how Democrats performed during Tuesday's elections and thanked those Republicans that conceded last races.
Trump loyalist Rep. Lauren Boebert's reelection bid could go to recount as the Republican from Colorado is in a tight race with Democrat Adam Frisch.
Control of Congress remained unresolved on Thursday morning. Republicans were close to securing the House but the Senate is coming down to several key races and a runoff in Georgia. President Joe Biden said that he knows voters are frustrated with continued inflation and his leadership.
Abortion rights supporters won in the four states where access was on the ballot. Voters enshrined it into the state constitution in battleground Michigan as well as blue California and Vermont.
Georgia’s closely watched race between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker will go to a Dec. 6 runoff because neither candidate took more than half of the vote.
Republican Ron Johnson from Wisconsin won another term for U.S. Senate.
Massachusetts voters have approved an amendment to the state constitution that will increase taxes on those earning more than $1 million a year.
Democrats appear to have avoided a red wave by showing surprising strength but control of Congress remains unclear.
Democrats beat Trump-backed GOP candidates in liberal states.
Democrats win gubernatorial races in Maryland and Massachusetts, Republicans take Arkansas and Florida.
Amid intense scrutiny, Americans vote with no major hitches
Democrats, Republicans make urgent final pitches as election season wraps.
How to read your social media feeds on Election Day.
Election Day tests voters, voting systems amid election lies.
Arizona county's plan to hand-count ballots blocked by judge.

—Compiled by Terry Lipshetz of Lee Enterprises from audio provided by The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (morning update):

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump each made stops Monday in their final appeals to voters ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections.
Election results in many locations may not be know Tuesday night, notably in places with competitive races.
Trump teases a potential presidential run with plans for an announcement next Tuesday, Nov. 15.
World leaders are making the case for tougher action to tackle global warming, as this year’s international climate talks in Egypt heard growing calls for fossil fuel companies to help pay for the damage they have helped cause to the planet.
The Multi-State Lottery Association says that the Powerball drawing was delayed and it’s likely that the results won’t be known until later Tuesday. The record-breaking $1.9 billion Powerball drawing scheduled for Monday night was delayed because a participating lottery had issues processing sales.
North Korea denied American claims it's shipping artillery shells and ammunition to Russia for use in its war against the Ukraine, and on Tuesday accused the United States of lying.
In sports, the Ravens got a road win on Monday Night Football, Frank Reich lost his job in Indy, the Bucks lost for the first time, and the college basketball season opened.

On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire (original version):

The Justice Department is sending monitors to 24 states in an effort to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws in the midterm elections.
A judge has thrown out a lawsuit that challenged voting by absentee ballot in Detroit, saying a Republican candidate for secretary of state failed to produce any evidence of violations.
Some of Pennsylvania’s largest counties are working to help voters fix mail-in ballots that have fatal flaws such as incorrect dates or lack of signatures on the envelopes used to send them in.
A judge has agreed to extend the deadline to return absentee ballots for voters in a suburban Atlanta county who didn’t receive their ballots because election officials failed to mail them.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told world leaders they must cooperate or perish, speaking Monday at the annual climate summit in Egypt. “Choose life over death,” former U.S. Vice President Al Gore urged. “It is not time for moral cowardice.”
A newly launched cargo capsule has run into trouble with a solar panel after liftoff. Only one of the two solar panels on the Northrop Grumman capsule opened successfully following Monday's predawn liftoff.
Mark David Chapman, who gunned down John Lennon outside his New York City apartment building in 1980, told a parole board that he knew it was wrong to kill the beloved former Beatle, but that he was seeking fame and had “evil in my heart.”
The U.S. government says four areas in Louisiana and two in Texas should be protected as critical habitat for a rare snake that eats small gophers and takes over their burrows.
Kremlin-connected businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has admitted that he interfered in U.S. elections and would continue to do so. The statement by the man known as “Putin's chef” because of his catering company confirmed for the first time the accusations that he has rejected for years.
Jimmy Kimmel is ready to host the Oscars again. The show's producers announced Monday that the late-night talk show host will preside over March's ceremony.
Rihanna says it was “now or never” when it came to performing the Super Bowl halftime show. The multi-Grammy winner, who gave birth to her first child in May, says she would only return to the stage this quickly for “something special.”
Qatar promised something to distinguish this World Cup from others in the past: It would be ‘carbon-neutral,’ meaning it would have no impact on the climate. But outside experts say Qatar and FIFA's plan rests on convenient accounting and projects that won't counteract the event's carbon footprint.
In this week's religion roundup, from Minnesota to Peru, Day of the Dead celebrations take many forms across the Americas.

—The Associated Press

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On the latest episode of Hot off the Wire:

Both President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Donald Trump, are hoping to provide their parties late boosts on the last full day of campaigning before midterm elections that could reshape the balance of power in Washington. Both made appearances this weekend and will campaign at events on Monday.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told world leaders that they much cooperate or perish at the annual climate summit in Egypt.
Elon Musk says Twitter will permanently suspend any account that impersonates another. The social media platform’s new owner issued the warning Sunday after some celebrities changed their Twitter display names — not their account names — to ‘Elon Musk’ in reaction to the billionaire’s decision to offer verified accounts to all comers for $8 month.
Apple Inc. is warning customers they'll have to wait longer to get its latest iPhone models after anti-virus restrictions were imposed on a contractor’s factory in central China.
A record Powerball jackpot grew to an even larger $1.9 billion after no one won the lottery drawing on Saturday night.
More than six months after Russian forces retreated from the towns around the Ukrainian capital, residents of the region are still struggling to rebuild their lives. An estimated 1 million people have returned to the Kyiv area, but many no longer have jobs and cannot afford to fix their houses.
A plane has crashed into Lake Victoria on approach to an airport in Tanzania. The country's prime minister says 19 people have died in the crash, raising the death toll.
Changes are coming to state capitols across the country. Heading into the November elections, more than one-quarter of incumbent state lawmakers already are guaranteed to be gone from office next year.
In Sunday's sports highlights, the Bengals clobbered the Panthers, the Dolphins inched closer to the AFC East lead, the Jets pulled off a stunner, the Vikings stretched their winning streak, the Patriots finally moved over .500, the Packers fell again, the Cavaliers won their eighth in a row and Joey Logano claimed a second NASCAR title.
Georgia has tightened its hold on No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll. TCU climbing up to No. 4 and Alabama dropping all the way to No. 10.
Evans Chebet of Kenya won the New York City Marathon men’s race in his debut after Daniel Do Nascimento collapsed 21 miles in. Sharon Lokedi of Kenya won the women’s race in her debut at the event.
Yordan Alvarez hit a towering three-run homer and the Houston Astros clinched their second World Series title in six seasons with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 6 on Saturday. That also gave 73-year-old manager Dusty Baker his first title in 25 seasons as a manager, the last three in Houston.
Warner Bros.' says “Black Adam” topped the box office for the third straight weekend with $18.5 million in ticket sales.
Duran Duran stumbled but stayed sophisticated. Pat Benatar roared. Lionel Richie Soared. Eminem was Eminem. All are now members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after a rousing show Saturday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Taylor Swift made history on the Billboard charts.

The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving.

The Astros tossed a rare World Series no-hitter.

Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy died and Migos rapper Takeoff was killed in a shooting.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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We look at three topics this week: The economy, politics and social media.

In this first segment, we review the state of the economy.

On Friday, a jobs report revealed employers kept hiring in October, adding 261,000 positions. A robust job market raises concerns that inflation isn’t going away anytime soon, even as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates.

We listen to those economic reports, the Fed’s plans to raise rates and the impact higher prices are having on family activities.

In the second segment, we look at politics as we are now just days away from the midterm elections. Democrats and Republicans continued to push their agendas, while concerns rose about the political climate in the country.

We also have updates regarding several court cases tied to former President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 riots.

Finally, in the third segment, we look at social media. More specifically, Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter.

On Friday, employees were bracing for widespread layoffs according to a letter to employees that was obtained by multiple media outlets. This news came after Musk revealed some plans he had for the platform, notably paid verification.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Pfizer says its updated COVID-19 booster significantly revved up adults' virus-fighting antibodies.

The rate of deaths that can be directly attributed to alcohol rose nearly 30% in the U.S. during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already said the overall number of such deaths rose in 2020 and 2021.

The Brooklyn Nets suspended Kyrie Irving for at least five games without pay, saying they were dismayed by his failure to “unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs.” Irving did later issue an apology on Instagram.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for peace talks over Ukraine and warned against the conflict going nuclear in a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Federal prosecutors have rested their case against Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and four associates charged in the U.S. Capitol attack. Rhodes’ lawyers have signaled that they will rely on an unusual defense strategy with former President Donald Trump at the center.

In sports, the Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 to take a 3-2 series lead. The Astros can clinch the title with a win in Houston on Saturday. The Eagles remained perfect in the NFL and the NBA's defending champs continued to roll.

Officials at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow have visited jailed WNBA star Brittney Griner, just weeks after a Russian court rejected her appeal of her nine-year sentence for drug possession.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup “strongly condemned” North Korea’s escalating military flexing, including ballistic missile test launches, multiple rocket launches and coastal artillery.

The U.N. nuclear agency, meanwhile, said Thursday its inspections have found no evidence to support Russia's unfounded claims that Ukraine is planning to set off radioactive “dirty bombs".

Pope Francis is urging Bahrain authorities to renounce the death penalty and ensure basic human rights for all citizens as he arrived in the Sunni-led kingdom.

A film museum in Italy's city of Turin says Kevin Spacey will receive a lifetime achievement award and teach a master class there early next year.

Ray Guy, the first punter to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, had died, He was 72.

The nation’s top public health agency has revised its guidelines for U.S. doctors prescribing oxycodone and other opioid painkillers. The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations are an update to 2016 guidelines.

President Joe Biden’s travel itinerary for his last big campaign swing before the midterm elections reveals his defensive stance in the campaign’s closing days.

The ACLU of Nevada has asked the state’s secretary of state to investigate what it called a “coordinated partisan election administration effort” during a rural county's hand-count of mail-in ballots that was shut down last week.

CBS and its former president, Leslie Moonves, will pay $30.5 million as part of an agreement with the New York attorney general’s office, which says the network’s executives conspired with a Los Angeles police captain to conceal sexual assault allegations against Moonves.

Sticker shock in youth sports is nothing new, but the onslaught of double-digit inflation across America this year has added a costly wrinkle on the path to the ballparks, swimming pools and dance studios across America.

—The Associated Press

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Just days before major midterm elections, President Joe Biden is imploring voters to save American democracy from Trump supporters' election-denying lies and the violence that he says they have inspired. Biden shined a spotlight on “ultra MAGA” Republicans — a reference to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan — and mounting concerns over political violence.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who stands to be speaker of the House if the GOP retakes control of the chamber, tweeted, “President Biden is trying to divide and deflect at a time when America needs to unite—because he can’t talk about his policies that have driven up the cost of living. The American people aren’t buying it.”

The bad news is that no one won Wednesday night’s huge $1.2 billion Powerball jackpot. The good news is that means the prize has grown even larger to $1.5 billion ahead of the next drawing Saturday night.

North Korea has added to its barrage of recent weapons tests, firing at least three missiles including an intercontinental ballistic missile that prompted the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and temporarily halt trains.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sought to strike a delicate balance at a moment when high inflation is bedeviling the nation’s economy and commanding a central role in the midterm elections. Powell suggested that the Fed may decide in coming months to slow its aggressive interest rate increases.

In sports, the Astros made history with a no-hitter against the Phillies in Game 4 to even the World Series. The Cavaliers outlasted the Celtics, the Sabres rallied past the Penguins and the Commanders are looking into financial changes to the team.

Survivors and loved ones of victims of the Parkland school shooting were berating gunman Nikolas Cruz for a second day before he was sentenced. Cruz was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for the 2018 massacre that left 17 dead and others wounded at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

President Joe Biden will deliver remarks on threats to democracy, as he seeks to raise the stakes for voters before next week's midterm elections.

Lawyers who aided former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election regarded an appeal to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as a “key” to their success.

Former President Donald Trump has settled a lawsuit filed by a group of protesters who say they were roughed up by the Republican’s private security guards during his 2015 presidential campaign.

Schools and offices closed and some events in Hong Kong were canceled as Tropical Storm Nalgae swept south of the city.

Hurricane Lisa has gained more force in the western Caribbean as it heads for an landfall in Belize.

The NFL's Washington Commanders could soon be for sale. Owners Dan and Tanya Snyder say they have hired Bank of America Securities to consider potential transactions.

A white police officer who fatally shot a Black driver during a struggle inside a car must pay his family $4.4 million. An Ohio jury made the award Tuesday, finding that Euclid officer Matthew Rhodes acted recklessly when he climbed into 23-year-old Luke Stewart’s car and shot him as Stewart drove away in 2017.

A group of winners of the Nobel Prize in Literature have urged world leaders to raise human rights issues as they visit Egypt for the COP27 climate change conference.

A government inquiry has begun hearing evidence of unsolved deaths resulting from gay hate crime over four decades in Australia’s most populous state. Peter Gray, a lawyer assisting the inquiry, said on Wednesday that the investigation of suspicious deaths in New South Wales is the “first of its kind anywhere in the world.”

—The Associated Press

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South Korea says North Korea has fired 23 missiles off its eastern and western coasts. The North Korean missile launches came as Pyongyang threatens to retaliate against ongoing South Korea-U.S. military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal.

A federal judge has ordered armed members of a group monitoring ballot drop boxes in Arizona to stay at least 250 feet away from the locations following complaints that people wearing masks and carrying guns were intimidating voters.

The public defender for the man accused of breaking into House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home, beating her husband and seeking to kidnap her told asked people to not pass judgement on David DePape.

Authorities are searching for a gunman who wounded two Newark, New Jersey, police officers as they sought to question him about a previous shooting.

CVS Health says it has agreed to pay about $5 billion to state, local and Native American tribal governments to settle lawsuits over the toll of opioids.

Days after taking over Twitter and a week before the U.S. midterm elections, billionaire Elon Musk has positioned himself as moderator-in-chief of one of the most important social media platforms in American politics.

In sports, the Phillies defeated the Astros 7-0, the Nets parted ways with Steve Nash, and some players have new teams at the NFL trade deadline.

President Joe Biden is using a visit to Florida to blast the Republican Party over proposals to undo prescription drug price caps and change Social Security and Medicare.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for Sen. Lindsey Graham’s testimony in a Georgia investigation of possible illegal interference in the 2020 election by then-President Donald Trump and his allies in the state.

Families of the 17 children and staff members Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz murdered have concluded their first day of confronting him in court. They variously wished him a painful death and called him a coward Tuesday as they got their chance to address him directly before he is sentenced to life in prison.

Sen. Ben Sasse been chosen by the University of Florida Board of Trustees to be the school’s next president. Despite student opposition and a faculty no-confidence vote, the Republican from Nebraska was recommended for the top post Tuesday by a unanimous vote of the trustees.

A Kansas native who led an all-female Islamic State battalion when she lived in Syria has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. That's the maximum the judge could have imposed.

Experts from the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency inspected two Ukrainian sites that Russia identified as involved in its unfounded claims that Ukrainian authorities planned to set off radioactive “dirty bombs” in their own invaded country.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging Russia and Ukraine to renew the deal that has seen more than 9 million tons of grain exported from Ukraine and brought down global food prices.

A representative confirms that rapper Takeoff is dead after a shooting outside of a Houston bowling alley. Kirsnick Khari Ball was known as Takeoff and part of Migos along with Quavo and Offset.

Chief Justice John Roberts has put a temporary hold on the handover of former President Donald Trump’s tax returns to a congressional committee. Roberts’ order Tuesday gives the Supreme Court time to weigh the legal issues in Trump’s emergency appeal to the high court, filed Monday.

U.S. job openings rose unexpectedly in September, suggesting that the American labor market is not cooling as fast as the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve hoped. Employers posted 10.7 million job vacancies in September, up from 10.2 million in August, the Labor Department said Tuesday.

“Midnights” became a perfect 10 for Taylor Swift as she is the first artist to claim the top 10 slots of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard reported that the pop star surpassed Drake, who had previously held the record with nine out of the 10 songs.

Billionaire Elon Musk is already floating major changes for Twitter as he begins his first week as owner of the social-media platform. One proposal would make some users pay if they want to keep a blue check mark on their profile.

Britain’s interior minister is facing criticism for describing migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats as an “invasion.” Home Secretary Suella Braverman used the term while defending conditions at a processing center for new arrivals where some 4,000 people were held in a facility intended for 1,600.

—The Associated Press

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Federal prosecutors say the man accused of attacking Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, told police he wanted to hold the speaker hostage and “break her kneecaps.” David DePape has been charged with two federal crimes and a state count of attempted murder. Nancy Pelosi says her husband is making progress and thanked those for sending messages of support.

Chicago Police say as many as 15 people were injured in a drive-by shooting Halloween night, including three children.

A new study suggests vaccinating pregnant women protects their newborns from the common but scary respiratory virus called RSV.

There were no big treats from the Halloween night Powerball drawing, as none of the tickets sold matched all six numbers. The lack of a winner means the next drawing Wednesday night will be for a massive $1.2 billion jackpot.

Hard of hearing, Thomas Edison found a unique way to appreciate piano music. As someone played, the great inventor would lean in close to the instrument, right above the keys, and he’d bite the piano. Robert Friedman recently showed off marks on a Steinway grand piano once owned by Edison — a cluster of shallow indentations roughing up the black lacquer above the keyboard.

Former President Donald Trump is going to the Supreme Court, again, this time to try to stop his tax returns from being handed to a congressional committee.

Millions of Americans can begin selecting their 2023 health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov on Tuesday.

With some help from Twitter's new owner, misinformation about the grievous attack on U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband is surging online.

In sports, Game 3 of the World Series was rained out, the Browns dominated the Bengals on Monday Night Football, the Bucks remained the NBA's only unbeaten team, and a hat trick for the Sabres' Tage Thompson.

A federal judge has blocked Penguin Random House’s proposed purchase of Simon & Schuster. The judge issued a brief ruling Monday, agreeing with the Justice Department that the joining of two of the world’s biggest publishers could “lessen competition” for “top-selling books.”

Members of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority are questioning the continued use of affirmative action in higher education. In lengthy arguments Monday, the justices wrestled with persistent, difficult questions of race.

A former Michigan police officer who shot a Black motorist in the back of the head will stand trial for second-degree murder. That's the decision a judge in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced Monday morning.

David DePape faces charges following an attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Authorities have arrested a drugstore worker in the slayings of two teenage girls who were killed in the woods outside their small town in Northern Indiana nearly six years ago.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are defending a decision by OPEC and its allies to cut oil production. The development came on Monday at a conference in the United Arab Emirates — even as an American envoy warned of “economic uncertainty” ahead for the world.

President Joe Biden plans to raise the possibility of imposing a ‘windfall tax’ on oil companies if they don’t boost domestic production.

A massive barrage of Russian strikes has hit critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities in Ukraine. The attacks on Monday morning knocked out water and power supplies in apparent retaliation for what Moscow alleged was a Ukrainian attack on its Black Sea Fleet over the weekend.

Police are investigating the collapse of a newly repaired 143-year-old suspension bridge. The collapse Sunday evening in Gujarat state plunged hundreds of people into a river, killing at least 134.

South Korean police are investigating what caused a crowd surge that killed more than 150 people during Halloween festivities in Seoul over the weekend.

In this week's religion roundup, Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, saw his fortunes fall over antisemitic remarks.

—The Associated Press

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South Korean police are investigating what caused a crowd surge that killed more than 150 people, including two Americans, during Halloween festivities in Seoul over the weekend.

The man accused of attacking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband in their San Francisco home carried zip ties with him when he broke in. Police say the suspect confronted 82-year-old Paul Pelosi early Friday.

Military teams are searching for people missing after a 143-year-old pedestrian bridge collapsed into a river in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Sunday evening, killing at least 133 people.

Brazilians have delivered a very tight victory to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in a divisive presidential election, giving the leftist former president another shot at power in a rejection of incumbent Jair Bolsonaro’s far-right politics.

As America loads up on an estimated 600 million pounds of Halloween candy, a handful of companies are trying to make it easier to recycle all those wrappers.

The Powerball jackpot keeps getting larger because players keep losing. That means the next drawing Monday night will be for a massive $1 billion through an annuity or $497.3 million in cash.

“Black Adam,” the Dwayne Johnson-fronted DC superhero film, kept its hold on the No. 1 spot at the North American box office in its second weekend in theaters. “Ticket to Paradise,” Universal’s Julia Roberts and George Clooney destination romp, claimed second place with $10 million. The horror films “Prey for the Devil," “Smile” and “Halloween Ends” rounded out the top five.

The future of affirmative action in higher education is on the table as the Supreme Court wades into the admissions programs at the nation’s oldest public and private universities.

America is getting ready to vote in the midterm election, and poll workers around the country are bracing for possible conflict in an era of polarization and misinformation.

Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for inflation as the midterm elections near.

It’s something that goes along with being a member of Congress, no matter your party or your status: constant threats to your life, and the unshakeable feeling that they're only getting worse. The concerns returned following the attack on Nancy Pelosi's husband.

The attack on Paul Pelosi has the United States is on edge about threats to American democracy. A new domestic intelligence assessment from the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies says extremists, fueled by election falsehoods, “pose a heightened threat” to the upcoming midterms.

A former U.S. Capitol Police officer has been convicted of obstruction of justice for deleting Facebook messages he exchanged with a man who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

The Eagles won again, the Vikings remained hot, the Titans ran through the Texans, the Lakers finally won and NASCAR's championship field is set for next Sunday.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen announced that they are divorcing.

Jerry Lee Lewis, one of rock’s early icons, and Leslie Jordan, the Emmy-winning actor, each died.

And there was more fallout for Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, following recent antisemetic remarks on social media.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we preview the midterm elections that will be held on Nov. 8.

Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight.com is a news site that uses statistical analysis to tell stories about elections and other topics. As of the morning of Oct. 28, FiveThirtyEight ranked the Senate as a toss-up and gave Democrats only a slight edge of maintaining control, winning 53 out of 100 simulations. That’s significantly down from mid-September when the forecast gave Democrats about a 70% chance of holding onto control of the chamber.

FiveThirtyEight’s forecast looks even bleaker in the House of Representatives for Democrats, where the GOP has a roughly 80% chance of taking control of the chamber according to its model. Based on the data, the question isn’t whether Republicans will retake the House, but by how much.

Historically, midterm elections do not favor the incumbent president and with Joe Biden’s disapproval rating at about 53% according to FiveThirtyEight, a red wave in November is not unexpected.

For a portion of the summer, it appeared Democrats might reverse recent trends following the ruling by the Supreme Court to strike down the right to abortion under Roe vs. Wade. However, with prices high and many Americans feeling the pinch in their wallets, voters appear to be favoring Republicans' economic policies.

In the first segment, Associated Press correspondent Ed Donahue hosts a discussion previewing some of the key races that will be decided on Nov. 8. Donahue is joined by AP correspondent Marc Levy, AP national political reporter Meg Kinnard and AP national political reporter Bill Barrow.

In the second segment, we’ll listen to recent news reports covering the midterm elections:

Legal challenges have already begun and the U.S. is warning about foreign efforts to sway voters.
According to a poll, most Americans say voting is vital despite a dour outlook.
President Biden vows abortion legislation is his top priority next year if Democrats retain control of Congress.
Biden recently touted his infrastructure policies.
And Biden’s White House Chief of Staff has been warned about a violation of the Hatch Act.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Two people familiar with the deal say that Elon Musk is in control of Twitter and has ousted the CEO, chief financial officer and the company’s chief lawyer. The people wouldn’t say if all the paperwork for the sale, originally valued at $44 billion, had been signed or if the deal has closed.

Police say they've found eight people dead in a burning house in Oklahoma in what they are investigating as a homicide case. The fire was reported Thursday afternoon in Broken Arrow, the largest suburb of Tulsa.

President Joe Biden will cast his midterm election ballot this weekend in his home state of Delaware, where in-person early voting begins Friday.

European Union lawmakers and member countries have reached a deal to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and vans by 2035.

A venomous king cobra which escaped from a Swedish zoo terrarium six days ago has been located inside the building where it lived but has not been recaptured.

The Georgia prosecutor investigating possible illegal election interference in the 2020 election has urged the Supreme Court not to stand in the way of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s testimony to a grand jury.

A Tennessee man who dragged a police officer into a mob of rioters during the U.S. Capitol attack has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison. Albuquerque Cosper Head declined to address the court on before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson sentenced him on Thursday to seven years and six months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.

The New York Post fired an employee on Thursday for a series of ‘vile’ postings that appeared on the newspaper's website and Twitter feed. The postings included calls for the assassinations of political leaders, and violent and racist statements falsely attributed to Lee Zeldin, the Republican candidate for New York governor.

In sports, the Ravens rallied past the slumping Bucs, the Bengals' top wideout is hobbling, the World Series begins Friday, the Mavericks' All-Star guard had a big game and the Bruins won in the return of Brad Marchand.

With Election Day less than two weeks away, efforts are already underway in courtrooms across the country to sow doubt over the outcome. Since the start of this year, more than 100 election lawsuits have been filed, largely by Republicans.

An independent government watchdog says President Joe Biden’s chief of staff violated the law by retweeting a political message on his official Twitter account.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied having any intentions of using nuclear weapons in Ukraine but described the conflict there as part of alleged efforts by the West to secure its global domination.

A new U.S. defense strategy says China remains the greatest security challenge for the United States despite Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

The U.S. economy grew at a 2.6% annual rate from July through September, snapping two straight quarters of contraction and overcoming high inflation and interest rates just as voting begins in midterm elections in which the economy’s health has emerged as a paramount issue.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates topped 7% for the first time in more than two decades this week.

The European Central Bank has made another outsized interest rate hike aimed at squelching out-of-control inflation, moving at the fastest pace in the euro currency’s history.

Hawaii officials are warning residents of the Big Island to prepare for the possibility that the world’s largest active volcano may erupt given a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of Mauna Loa.

Elon Musk is telling Twitter advertisers he is buying the platform to help humanity. He says he doesn’t want it to become a “free-for-all hellscape” where anything can be said with no consequences.

San Francisco is a foodie heaven with plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants. And San Franciscans love dogs. So it might come as no surprise that an entrepreneur has decided to combine the two passions, creating what’s believed to be the first restaurant exclusively for man’s best friend.

—The Associated Press

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The problems have hardly gone away. Inflation, still near a 40-year high, is punishing households. Rising interest rates have derailed the housing market and threaten to inflict broader damage. And the outlook for the world economy grows bleaker the longer that Russia’s war against Ukraine drags on. But for now anyway, the U.S. economy has likely returned to growth after having shrunk in each of the first two quarters of 2022.

Democratic candidate for Senate John Fetterman was back on the campaign trail a day after a rocky debate performance against Republican candidate Mehmet Oz.

A woman is accusing Herschel Walker, the anti-abortion Republican running for U.S. Senate in Georgia, of encouraging and paying for her 1993 abortion. The accusation comes weeks after a former girlfriend said Walker did the same for her in 2009.

Moscow-appointed authorities in southern Ukraine say tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from an area around the strategic city of Kherson as intense fighting and attacks on power infrastructure continue.

No one won an estimated $700 million Powerball jackpot, meaning the big prize will grow to an estimated $800 million for the next drawing.

Prince Harry’s memoir, an object of obsessive anticipation worldwide since first announced last year, is coming out Jan. 10. The book will be called “Spare.”

The rapper formerly known as Kanye West was escorted out of the California headquarters of athletic shoemaker Skechers Wednesday after he showed up unannounced. Skechers says the Grammy winner, who is now known as Ye, also engaged in unauthorized filming at its corporate headquarters in Manhattan Beach and was escorted out by two executives.

Elon Musk posted a video Wednesday showing him strolling into Twitter headquarters ahead of a Friday deadline to close his $44 billion deal to buy the company. Musk also changed his Twitter profile to refer to himself as “Chief Twit” and his location to Twitter's San Francisco headquarters,.

In sports, the Milwaukee Bucks remained unbeaten, the Timberwolves topped the Spurs, there was a battle on the ice in New York, the Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored his 200th career goal and defensive end Robert Quinn joined the Eagles.

Darrell Brooks was found guilty Wednesday of all 76 charges, including six counts of first-degree intentional homicide. He drove into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee after fleeing a domestic disturbance with an ex-girlfriend.

Three men have been convicted of supporting a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Joe Morrison, Pete Musico and Paul Bellar were found guilty Wednesday of providing “material support” for a terrorist act as members of a paramilitary group, the Wolverine Watchmen.

With time running out before the election, President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s push to crack down on so-called junk fees that banks, airlines and other companies charge their customers.

Biden held Oval Office talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, with the Israeli leader warning of a mounting Iranian “challenge."

Gunmen have attacked a major Shiite holy site in Iran, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens.

Rishi Sunak has faced the opposition in Parliament for the first time as Britain's prime minister, promising to restore economic stability after his predecessor’s tax plans triggered market tumult.

Who made the global warming mess the world is now in? More than half of the world’s heat-trapping gases comes from three places: The United States, China and Europe.

A judge has ordered former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows to testify before a special grand jury that’s investigating whether President Donald Trump and his Republican allies illegally tried to influence Georgia's 2020 election.

The eighth-largest lottery jackpot will be up for grabs when numbers are drawn for an estimated $700 million Powerball grand prize.

—The Associated Press

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Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman debated Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz as they vie for a critical Senate seat. The race represents the best chance for Democrats to flip a Republican-held Senate seat this year.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his army mobilization for the war in Ukraine, independent media outlets, human rights activists and draftees themselves have painted a bleak picture.

The Chinese city of Shanghai has started administering an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine in what appears to be a world first. The vaccine, a mist that is sucked in through the mouth, is being offered for free as a booster dose for previously vaccinated people, according to an announcement posted on an official city social media account.

Los Angeles detectives are investigating whether a recording last year that captured city councilmembers’ racist remarks was made illegally. Disclosure of the recording earlier this month unleashed a citywide scandal just weeks before Election Day.

The Clorox Company said it has recalled its scented multi-surface cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. The recall doesn’t include its iconic original pine-scented Pine-Sol, which is its only product that is registered as a disinfectant.

The Suns routed the defending champs, the Pelicans won without their two biggest stars, there's a new ironman in the NHL with a milestone goal, and a new manager for the Marlins.

President Joe Biden rolled up his sleeve and got his updated COVID-19 booster shot. Biden used Tuesday's White House occasion to urge everyone to get boosted to ensure they stay healthy over the holidays.

A Russian court has rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.

U.S. consumers were less confident this month as concerns about inflation took hold again after receding in recent months.

Police say the 19-year-old gunman who killed a teacher and a 15-year-old girl at a St. Louis high school was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and what appeared to be more than 600 rounds of ammunition.

WhatsApp said service on the popular chat app has been restored following a brief outage that left people around the world complaining that they couldn’t send or receive messages.

Rishi Sunak has become Britain’s third prime minister this year. He is tasked with taming an economic crisis that has left the country’s finances in a precarious state and millions struggling to pay their food and energy bills.

The House Jan. 6 committee is interviewing Hope Hicks, a longtime aide to former President Donald Trump. That's according to a person familiar with the meeting.

Ash Carter, the Obama administration defense secretary who opened military combat jobs to women, has died at age 68.

Adidas has ended its partnership with the rapper formerly known as Kanye West over his offensive and antisemitic remarks. The German sportswear company said Tuesday in a statement that it “does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech" and called Ye’s recent comments and actions “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous."

Americans who live in apartments without private garages are stringing extension cords across sidewalks and waiting in line at public charging stations for hours to power up their electric vehicles. EVs are soaring in popularity amid tax incentives and high gas prices, but how and where to charge up remains a dilemma that’s a barrier for most renters.

—The Associated Press

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Rishi Sunak has become Britain’s third prime minister of the year. He is now tasked with taming an economic crisis that has left the country’s finances in a precarious state and millions of Britons struggling to pay their food and energy bills. Sunak is the U.K.’s first leader of color. He met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

A new AP-NORC poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans think the federal government is not doing enough to fight climate change. That opinion comes as respondents have limited awareness about a sweeping new law that commits the U.S. to its largest ever investment to combat global warming.

A Russian court has started hearing American basketball star Brittney Griner’s appeal against her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession.

Ukraine’s nuclear energy operator says Russian forces have performed secret work at Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

WhatsApp said service on the popular chat app has been restored following a brief outage that left people around the world complaining that they couldn’t send or receive messages.

A prosecutor told jurors Monday that the women who will testify that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted them will tell uncannily similar stories of themselves as young aspiring women who were cornered in hotel rooms by a man who defined Hollywood power.

The Bears won on the road for Monday Night Football, the Colts made a quarterback switch, the Grizzlies beat the Nets with some big performances, and longtime CBS announcer Jim Nantz will leave the Final Four after next year.

Leslie Jordan, the Emmy-winning actor whose wry Southern drawl and versatility made him a comedy and drama standout on TV series including “Will & Grace” and “American Horror Story,” has died. He was 67.

A completed documentary about the rapper formerly known as Kanye West has been shelved amid his recent slew of antisemitic remarks. Ye's talent agency, CAA, has also dropped him.

A gunman broke into a St. Louis high school Monday morning, fatally shooting a woman and a teenage girl and wounding six others before police killed him. The shooting just after 9 a.m. at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School forced students to barricade doors and huddle in classroom corners, jump from windows and run out of the building.

A teenager has pleaded guilty to terrorism, first-degree murder and other charges in a Michigan school shooting. Four students were killed and seven people wounded when Ethan Crumbley opened fire nearly a year ago.

Two weeks ahead of the midterm elections, it is not clear which party will emerge with control of Congress.

A federal appeals court panel won't block a subpoena issued by the U.S. House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection that seeks phone records of the Arizona Republican Party’s leader.

Singer Mary J. Blige has joined first lady Jill Biden to promote cancer prevention. Blige was a guest Monday at the White House, where the American Cancer Society announced two new “roundtables” to address breast and cervical cancer.

A former Minneapolis police officer has pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd just as jury selection was about to begin. J. Alexander Kueng on Monday agreed to a deal that calls for 3 1/2 years in prison, with prosecutors agreeing to drop a count of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Three women were ejected from the set of ‘The View’ on Monday after interrupting an interview of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for what appeared to be a climate change protest.

Police in North Carolina say six people, including a toddler, were shot over the weekend. Oxford police say officers responded to Piedmont Avenue around 9:30 p.m. Saturday for a report of shots fired and found six people suffering from gunshot wounds.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the Church of Scientology is evoked in the rape trial of actor Danny Masterson, the White House weighs in on antisemitic comments made by Kanye West, and an ancient shrine destroyed by Islamic State militants gives up its secrets.

—The Associated Press

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New national test results show that the pandemic spared no part of the country as it caused historic learning setbacks for America’s children. Every single state saw math or reading scores decline in the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Russia’s defense chief has alleged that Ukraine was preparing a “provocation” involving a radioactive device, a stark claim that was strongly rejected by U.S., Ukrainian and British officials amid soaring tensions as Moscow struggles to stem Ukrainian advances.

Former President Donald Trump's company is set to face trial on charges that it helped some of its executives cheat on their taxes. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday in New York City.

A trial to determine whether Georgia can continue to ban abortion as early as six weeks into a pregnancy is set to begin in an Atlanta courtroom.

Climate protesters have thrown mashed potatoes at a Claude Monet painting in a German museum to protest fossil fuel extraction. The museum reported later that the painting was undamaged.

The House committee investigating the Capitol riot won’t give Donald Trump the chance to turn a possible live TV appearance of his subpoenaed testimony into a “circus” and “food fight” as lawmakers try to ensure he complies with their demands. That word came Sunday from the panel’s vice chair, Rep. Liz Cheney.

The Astros and Phillies advanced to the World Series, the Bengals whipped the Falcons, the Ravens outlasted the Browns, the Cowboys won in the return of their quarterback and the Packers continued to stumble.

Salman Rushdie's agent says the author has lost sight in one eye and the use of a hand as he recovers from an attack by a man who rushed the stage at an August literary event in western New York.

Warner Bros.′ “Black Adam” opened with an estimated $67 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, handing Dwayne Johnson his biggest box-office weekend as a leading man. “Ticket to Paradise,” the Bali-set romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, proved smart counterprogramming.

President Xi Jinping, China’s most powerful leader in decades, has increased his dominance after he was named to another term as head of the ruling Communist Party. Xi promoted allies who support his vision of tighter control over society and the struggling economy as the party ended a twice-a-decade congress.

Joanna Simon, a mezzo-soprano and one of the three singing Simon sisters, has died. She was 85. The eldest sister of pop star Carly Simon died just a day before the death of her sister, Lucy, who was 82

With COVID-19 cases expected to spike and flu season on the way, the CDC average of Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases has reach 5,000 per week.

Fans of the Miami Dolphins are celebrating the legacy of the team's perfect season in 1972 and its coach, Don Shula.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

This week's episode includes:

A jury ruled Oscar winner Kevin Spacey didn't molest actor Anthony Rapp in 1986.
Joni Mitchell will be back onstage after a rare performance.
The Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed its newest inductees.
Pop band BTS will need to serve in South Korea’s military.
Ezra Miller pleaded not guilty to liquor theft.
Basketball great Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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With ongoing inflation, the Biden administration announced plans to release oil to try and bring down gas prices.

But with it came criticism that the move was simply a political ploy ahead of the midterm elections.

President Joe Biden also announced the start of the student loan relief and the USDA shared debt relief plans for farmers. However, heading into winter there are expectations that heating costs are rising.

In other political news, the president touted his infrastructure plans and vowed to prioritize protecting abortion access if Democrats maintained majorities in Congress.

Biden also turned to a Trump-era rule to expel Venezuelan migrants.

A judge said former President Donald Trump knew voter fraud claims were false. Trump also sat for a deposition this week as part of a lawsuit and a House committee released documents that showed his companies charged the Secret Service high rates to stay at Trump properties.

Hurricane Ian may have passed but the impact of the storm can still be felt in Florida.

In other national news, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal to give American Samoans citizenship and a new website looks to reinvent the news.

It was another down month for U.S. home sales with prices high, low inventory and rising interest rates. However, airline profits are looking up.

In health and science news, carbon dioxide emissions are up again this year, but at a slower pace.

There were new reports on pregnancy deaths tied to COVID and a race gap in infant deaths after fertility treatments. Plus, efforts to end polio, mental health care and the death of an Apollo-era astronaut.

Finally, in international news, Liz Truss announced her resignation as British Prime Minister, developments in Russia’s war in Ukraine and the fate of an Iranian climber.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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As the harmful effects of extended pandemic school closures become more apparent, some educators and parents have regrets. They’re questioning decisions in cities across the U.S. to remain online long after clear evidence emerged that schools weren’t COVID-19 super-spreaders — and months after life-saving adult vaccines became widely available.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin has become the face of Russia’s new military strategy in Ukraine, which includes unleashing a barrage of strikes against the country's infrastructure. The 56-year-old general was put in charge on Oct. 8 after what has so far been a faltering invasion that has seen a number of chaotic retreats and other setbacks in nearly eight months of war.

Authorities say a Princeton University student from Ohio who went missing near campus roughly a week ago has been found dead.

A federal judge has dismissed an effort by six Republican-led states to block the Biden administration’s plan to forgive student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans.

Amazon is shutting down a subsidiary that’s been selling fabrics for nearly 30 years. The closure of fabric.com is the online retailer's latest cost-cutting move.

The Astros beat the Yankees for the second straight day, the Cardinals rediscovered their passing game, the Clippers topped the Lakers and the Sharks finally celebrated a win.

A jury sided with Kevin Spacey, finding he didn’t sexually abuse fellow actor Anthony Rapp in the 1980s. This brings to a conclusion a trial that was an outgrowth of the #MeToo movement.

The White House says the U.S. has evidence that Iranian troops are “directly engaged on the ground” in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and civilian population.

The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal.

President Joe Biden has checked out the repair work underway at a Pennsylvania bridge that became a symbol of the nation’s troubled infrastructure when it collapsed nine months ago. Biden visited Pittsburgh's Fern Hollow Bridge on Thursday to showcase his administration's efforts to revitalize the nation’s roadways.

Oklahoma has executed an inmate convicted of killing his infant daughter in 2002. Benjamin Cole was put to death Thursday morning at Oklahoma’s state penitentiary in McAlester.

An Afghan couple who arrived in the U.S. as refugees are suing a U.S. Marine and his wife for allegedly abducting their baby. The baby was injured in a U.S. military raid that killed her parents and 5 siblings, and was being raised as a daughter by her newlywed adult cousin and his wife.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell in September for the eighth month in a row, matching the pre-pandemic sales pace from 10 years ago, as house hunters grappled with sharply higher mortgage rates, rising home prices and a still tight supply of properties on the market.

American Airlines is reporting a $483 million profit for the third quarter, as planes were mostly full and fares were higher over the hectic summer months. American says demand for travel remains strong, and it forecast better fourth-quarter results than Wall Street was expecting.

Joni Mitchell had so much fun at her surprise performance at the Newport Folk Festival this summer that she's coming back to the stage. She'll appear next June at The Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state, again alongside Brandi Carlile, who announced the plans on “The Daily Show” late Wednesday.

—The Associated Press

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COVID-19 drove a dramatic increase in the number of women who died from pregnancy or childbirth complications in the U.S. last year, a crisis that has disproportionately claimed Black and Hispanic women as victims.

The U.S. Department of Energy is projecting sharp price increases for home heating compared to last winter.

Russian troops are fighting to regain lost ground in areas of Ukraine that President Vladimir Putin has illegally annexed. Moscow also is trying to pound the invaded country into submission with more missile and drone attacks on critical infrastructure.

Oklahoma is preparing to execute Benjamin Cole, 57, for killing his 9-month-old daughter in 2002.

Former President Donald Trump answered questions under oath in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s. The deposition Wednesday provided lawyers for E. Jean Carroll a chance to interrogate the Republican ex-president about Carroll's assault allegations, as well as statements he made in 2019 when she first told her story publicly.

A “swift-footed lizard” that lived millions of years ago in what's now Massachusetts has been named the state’s official dinosaur.

A federal judge says Trump signed legal documents after the 2020 election that included voter fraud claims he knew were inaccurate. U.S. District Court Judge David Carter wrote in an 18-page opinion issued Wednesday that emails between Trump and attorney John Eastman show efforts to submit false claims in federal court for the purpose of delaying the counting of the electoral vote on Jan. 6, 2021.

In sports, the Astros struck first in the ALCS while the Padres got even in the NLCS, Ben Simmons struggled in his Nets debut, the Cavaliers wasted a good performance from their top offseason pickup and the Jets knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champs.

President Joe Biden is telling voters that he hasn’t given up on lowering gasoline prices. Biden says he has ordered the release of 15 million barrels from the U.S. strategic reserve and will consider additional withdrawals this winter. It’s a message with clear political implications as the president’s approval rating has moved in the opposite direction from changes in gasoline prices.

The Biden administration on Wednesday awarded $2.8 billion in grants to build and expand domestic manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles in 12 states. The announcement comes as the administration seeks to boost production and sales of electric vehicles as a key part of President Joe Biden’s strategy to slow climate change and build up U.S. manufacturing.

Russian President Vladimir Putin doubled down Wednesday on his faltering invasion of Ukraine with a declaration of martial law in four illegally annexed regions and preparations within Russia for draconian new restrictions and crackdowns.

North Korea has fired about 100 more artillery shells toward the sea in response to South Korean live-firing drills at border areas as the rivals accuse each other of dialing up tensions with weapons tests.

British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has become the second senior minister in a week to leave embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss’ government. Her departure came hours after Truss appeared in Parliament to describe herself as “a fighter and not a quitter.”

The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine the scope of abortion restrictions in the state.

Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi has returned to Tehran after competing in South Korea without wearing a headscarf. Her move was seized upon by demonstrators as the Islamic Republic has faced weeks of protests over its mandatory hijab.

The International Energy Agency said Wednesday that it expects carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to rise again this year, but by much less than in 2021 due to the growth in renewable power and electric cars.

Florida has seen an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria this year driven largely by a surge in the county hit hardest by Hurricane Ian. The state Department of Health reports that as of Friday there have been 65 cases of vibrio vulnificus infections and 11 deaths in Florida this year.

Black-white disparities exist in fertility medicine and are reflected in life-and-death outcomes for babies. That's according to a large study of U.S. births published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics.

A 75-year-old New York City man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 1976 killing of a World War I veteran. Martin Motta pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the death of 81-year-old George Seitz.

—The Associated Press

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In Kherson, among the first Ukrainian cities seized by Russian forces in the February invasion, Moscow-installed authorities are bracing for a Ukrainian push to take it back, telling residents to expect shelling and to evacuate.

President Joe Biden will announce the release of 15 million barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve as part of a response to recent production cuts announced by OPEC+ nations. That's according to senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to outline Biden’s plans.

A new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows that many adults remain pessimistic about the state of U.S. democracy and the way elected officials are chosen.

Authorities say the airport in Norway’s second-largest city briefly closed after area residents spotted at least one drone nearby. At least six Russian citizens were detained over the past few weeks for flying drones or taking photographs of sensitive sites in Norway.

The federal government wants to expand all-hours mental health and substance abuse care in communities around the country. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced Tuesday that the government will award millions of dollars for states to plan how clinics can offer more on-demand help for people in crisis.

The federal government has announced a program to provide $1.3 billion in debt relief for about 36,000 farmers who have fallen behind on loan payments or face foreclosure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the farm loan relief program funded from $3.1 billion set aside in the Inflation Reduction Act allocated toward assisting distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA.

Paul Flores, the last man seen with Kristin Smart, was convicted of killing the college freshman, who vanished from a California campus more than 25 years ago. Smart is presumed dead and her body remains missing.

In sports, the Yankees advanced to the ALCS, the Phillies homered their way past the Padres in Game one of the NLCS and the NBA season gets started.

The national average for a gallon of gas was $3.87 a gallon on Tuesday, five cents cheaper than a week ago but still high. The White House rejected claims that President Joe Biden's efforts to lower gas prices is an attempt to boost Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

French cement company Lafarge has pleaded guilty to paying millions of dollars to the Islamic State group so a plant in Syria could remain open, a case the Justice Department describes as the first of its kind. Lafarge has agreed to pay fines of $91 million and forfeit $687 million.

A small plane has crashed into a car dealership parking lot near the border of Ohio and West Virginia, killing two people on board and sparking a large fire.

Police in eastern Oklahoma say that 67-year-old Joe Kennedy, wanted for questioning about the deaths and dismemberment of four men, has been arrested in Florida.

A new report finds preliminary agriculture losses in Florida from Hurricane Ian’s high winds and drenching rains could reach $1.56 billion, with citrus, cattle, vegetable and melon operations hit the hardest.

Iranian Elnaz Rekabi competitive climber has left South Korea after competing at an event in which she competed without her nation’s mandatory headscarf covering. Farsi-language media outside of Iran have warned that she may have been forced to leave early by Iranian officials and could face arrest back home.

Defending national champion South Carolina is the unanimous No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball poll.

President Joe Biden is promising that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill next year will be one that codifies Roe v. Wade — if Democrats control enough seats in Congress for Biden to sign abortion protections into law.

The NASA astronaut who commanded the Apollo 9 mission has died. NASA said Monday that James McDivitt died last week in Tucson, Arizona, at age 93.

The media organization Semafor launched Tuesday with no less an ambition than reinventing the news story. The much-publicized news site is the brainchild of Ben Smith, former media columnist at The New York Times, and Justin Smith, ex-CEO of Bloomberg Media.

This has not been a good week for Liz Truss. Britain's prime minister is powerless, humiliated, labeled a “ghost” prime minister and compared unfavorably to a head of lettuce. Truss is scrambling to recover her grasp on power after her economic plans were ripped up and repudiated by a Treasury chief whom she was forced to appoint to avoid meltdown on the financial markets.

—The Associated Press

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Russian forces are facing a shortage of supplies and are using up its stock of munitions at an unsustainable rates according to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.

President Joe Biden has officially kicked off the application process for his student debt cancellation program. He announced Monday that 8 million borrowers had already applied for loan relief during the federal government’s soft launch period over the weekend.

California’s coronavirus emergency will officially end in February. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday that the state has enough resources and plans to manage the pandemic without the need for a formal declaration that gives the governor power to suspend or change laws.

43-year-old Wesley Brownlee, who is suspected of killing six men and wounding a woman in a series of shootings in Northern California, has a criminal history that includes traffic violations and convictions for drug crimes.

Donald Trump’s private company arranged for the Secret Service to pay for rooms at his properties in excess of government-approved rates at least 40 times — including two charges for more than $1,100 per room, per night. That is according to documents released Monday by a congressional committee investigating the former president.

In sports, a late turnover and four field goals helped out the Chargers, the American League Division Series game gets rescheduled due to rain, and action on the ice round out the Monday's highlights.

A key witness in a trial that led to the conviction of disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes adamantly stood by his testimony during an unusual court appearance Monday. The prosecution witness, former Theranos lab director Adam Rosendorff, made a remorseful appearance at Holmes’ Silicon Valley home after the trial, raising questions about potential misconduct.

The Justice Department is arguing that Steve Bannon should serve six months behind bars and pay a $200,000 fine for defying a congressional subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Officials say two occupants of a small plane died after crashing into a house in a South Florida neighborhood. Miramar police say the single-engine Aventura II went down just before noon Monday, shortly after taking off from the nearby North Perry Airport.

Southern California police say a man with a knife has been arrested following a series of stabbings that killed a woman and wounded three others.

The acting president of the Los Angeles City Council is escalating the pressure on two members to resign over their participation in a private meeting in which they did not object to a colleague’s crude and racist remarks and at times joined in the banter.

Early rock pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis and bluegrass performer-turned-country star Keith Whitley were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Tennessee Titans have lined up the last financing for an estimated $2.1 billion domed stadium that will put the franchise in position to host a Super Bowl. The Titans hope to open the new stadium in time for the 2026 season.

Almost three weeks after Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida, students in the area’s largest school district are poised to return to class. The School District of Lee County says 28 of the district's 120 schools were reopening on Monday and Tuesday, and another 32 have been cleared to reopen soon.

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal seeking to give people born in American Samoa U.S. citizenship. The court passed up an invitation to overturn a series of decisions dating back to 1901 known as the Insular Cases, replete with racist and anti-foreign rhetoric.

Ezra Miller has pleaded not guilty to stealing bottles of liquor from a neighbor’s home in Vermont. The 30-year-old Miller appeared remotely for the arraignment Monday on one count of burglary and one count of petit larceny.

In this week's religion roundup, Jews in Jerusalem celebrated Sukkot at the Western Wall, Peruvian Catholics revived a tradition, and Muslims celebrated the Prophet's birthday

—The Associated Press

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Waves of explosive-laden suicide drones have struck Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, setting buildings ablaze and sending people scurrying for shelter or attempting to shoot down the kamikazes. The attack Monday comes a week after Russia unleashed its most widespread strikes against the country in months.

Stockton, California, is resting easier following the weekend arrest of 43-year-old Wesley Brownlee, who is suspected of killing six men and wounding a woman in a series of shootings.

The rapper formerly known as Kanye West is offering to buy right-wing friendly social network Parler shortly after being booted off Twitter and Instagram for antisemitic posts. West, who is legally known as Ye, was locked out of Twitter and Instagram a week ago over antisemitic posts that the social networks said violated their policies.

A Chinese official says the government plans to boost coal production through 2025 to avoid a repeat of last year’s power shortages. That adds to setbacks in efforts to cut climate-changing carbon emissions from the biggest global source.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it is committing $1.2 billion to efforts aimed at ending polio worldwide. The money will be used to help implement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s strategy through 2026.

Credit Suisse has agreed to pay $495 million as part of a settlement with the U.S. over a dispute tied to mortgage-backed securities, an investment vehicle that played a central role in the 2008 financial crisis.

A new poll shows 71% of voters think the future of the country is at stake when they vote in November's midterm elections. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

With increasing numbers of Venezuelans arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, President Joe Biden has invoked a Trump-era rule that Biden’s Justice Department is fighting in court.

In sports, the Yankees stayed alive, the Eagles won again, the Bills picked up a big win in Kansas City, and NASCAR had their first qualifier for the end of the season finale.

Cloned key fobs, high-powered Hellcats and thieves daring police and risking arrest are part of a trend in which vehicles are being stolen from factory lots and dealer showrooms only to be later sold on the street for tens of thousands of dollars less than their worth.

The thousands of oranges scattered on the ground by Hurricane Ian’s fierce winds are only the start of the disaster for citrus growers. Citrus is a $6 billion business in Florida, with more than 375,000 acres in the state devoted to oranges, grapefruit, tangerines.

The management agency of K-pop group BTS says the singers will serve their mandatory military duties as required under South Korean law, effectively ending a public debate on whether they should be granted exemptions because of their artistic accomplishments.

“Halloween Ends,” touted as the final showdown between Laurie Strode and Michael Myers, earned $41.3 million in ticket sales from 3,901 theaters in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. It’s the first film to open higher than $40 million since “Nope” debuted in July and it surpassed its production budget.

Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor, the NBA announced Saturday. Mutombo has been one of the NBA’s global ambassadors for years, and recently appeared at Hall of Fame enshrinement events in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a pair of preseason games in Saitama, Japan.

Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played a forensic psychologist on TV series “Cracker” and Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” movies, has died. He was 72.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Angela Lansbury died at age 96.

Kanye West had his social media accounts locked.

The NFL plans to look at better protecting quarterbacks.

There were changes in leadership for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco Giants.

And the puck was dropped with the start of the NHL season.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Thursday’s House Jan. 6 committee hearing may have been the last. If that turns out to be the case, it ended with an inside look from lawmakers on the day of the attacks on the Capitol as well as the committee voting to subpoena former President Donald Trump.

Associated Press reporter Eric Tucker explains what the January 6th committee hopes to gain by subpoenaing Trump in the following special report, plus Rita Foley and Ed Donahue recap the news from the hearing.

In other news involving the former president, the Supreme Court declined to take up a request to intervene in the Mar-a-Lago records case and a judge ruled Trump must sit for a deposition in a defamation lawsuit.

There were several notable court cases this week, including a verdict in the sentencing phase of the Parkland school shooter’s trial, a jury awarding families nearly $1 billion from Alex Jones in the Sandy Hook case, and a convicted “fake heiress” who was recently the subject of a Netflix miniseries was released from prison. Those cases and other judicial news.

In financial news, seniors will receive a boost in social security benefits in 2023 and the IRS wants millions to claim a child tax credit. Those stories as well as the latest on inflation and the state of the economy.

In international news, we take a look at U.S.-Saudi relations and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

And finally, in health, science and nature news, the FDA cleared updated COVID boosters for children, a look at mental health in the military, the need to better prepare for extreme heat, space news and a record-setting pumpkin.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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The House Jan. 6 committee has subpoenaed Donald Trump for his testimony about the 2021 Capitol attack. The panel voted unanimously to compel the former president to appear.

“We must seek the testimony under oath of January 6th’s central player,” said Rep. Liz Cheney, the committee’s vice chair. Cheney adds: “We are obligated to seek answers directly from the man who set this all in motion. And every American is entitled to those answers.”

Police in North Carolina say that the suspect who killed five people in a shooting was a juvenile male. Raleigh Police Lt. Jason Borneo says that the suspect was taken into custody around 9:37 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing sweeping changes in the way chicken and turkey meat is processed in an effort to reduce salmonella illnesses from food contamination.

Climate protesters have thrown soup over Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” in London’s National Gallery to protest fossil fuel extraction. The group Just Stop Oil, which wants the British government to halt new oil and gas projects, said activists dumped two cans of Heinz tomato soup over the oil painting on Friday.

Russian forces have launched at least four missile strikes on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported the explosions on Friday afternoon. He offered no details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties.

Netflix will unveil next month the first version of its video streaming service with ads. The move will give cost-conscious viewers a chance to watch most Netflix shows at a steep discount in exchange for putting up with commercial interruptions.

In a year when inflation has made Americans’ eyes pop when they fill up their gas or walk down grocery store aisles, many Social Security recipients worry whether the biggest cost-of-living increase in four decades — 8.7% in 2023 — will be enough to cover their needs.

More than 9 million people and families who did not receive their advance child tax credit checks, stimulus payments and other tax rebates will soon get a letter from the IRS to claim their money.

In sports, the Astros once again relied on the long ball to get a 'W', the Commanders barely beat the Bears, late heroics give West Virginia a victory and the Penguins dominated the Coyotes.

In other news involving the former president, the Supreme Court has rejected Trump’s plea to step into the legal fight over the FBI search of his Florida estate. The justices did not otherwise comment Thursday in turning away Trump’s emergency appeal. Trump had pressed the court on an issue relating to classified documents seized in the search of Mar-a-Lago.

Wall Street staged its biggest comeback in years as stocks roared back from steep morning losses caused by a worse-than-expected report on inflation. The S&P 500 jumped 2.6% Thursday, a stunning reversal after earlier being down as much as 2.4% and touching its lowest level in nearly two years.

Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz will be sentenced to life without parole for the 2018 massacre of 17 people at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. That sentence comes after the jury announced Thursday that it could not unanimously agree that Cruz should be executed.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates reached their highest level in more than two decades this week and are likely climb further as the Federal Reserve all but promised more rate increases as it tries to tamp down inflation. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30-year rate climbed to 6.92% from 6.66% last week.

An Associated Press investigation has found that Russia’s strategy to take Ukrainian orphans and bring them up as Russian is well underway. It's one of the war's most explosive issues.

The investigation drew on interviews with parents, officials and children in Ukraine and Russia. It found that officials deported thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia or Russian-held territories without consent, lied to them that they were not wanted by their parents and gave them Russian families and citizenship.

—The Associated Press

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The House Jan. 6 committee plans to unveil “surprising” details at its next public hearing about the 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol. The session Thursday afternoon is likely to be the last public hearing before midterm elections next month.

The panel is expected to include new evidence from the U.S. Secret Service about its actions with Donald Trump that day. Ahead of a report later this year, the panel is summing up its findings.

The president's office in Ukraine says Russia’s forces used Iranian-made kamikaze drones to bomb the Kyiv and Odesa regions as Moscow punished the country for a fourth day for a truck bomb attack on a landmark Russian bridge.

Millions of Social Security recipients will soon learn just how high a boost they’ll get in their benefits next year. The increase will be announced Thursday morning.

State police in Connecticut say two officers were fatally shot and a third wounded. Police say on Twitter early Thursday that the officers were shot in Bristol, and the wounded officer was reported to have “serious injuries.”

A Georgia toddler reported missing by his mother last week is believed to be dead, according to police, and his mother has been named a suspect in the boy’s death.

A Connecticut jury has ordered conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to pay $965 million to Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims’ relatives and an FBI agent. They said Jones turned their loss and trauma into years of torment by promoting the lie that the rampage was a hoax.

In sports, the Braves and Padres evened up their NLDS series, the Avalanche raised their Stanley Cup banner from last season and began the new season with a win and Connor McDavid started his season with hat trick.

Three Los Angeles City Council members face calls to resign over a recording of them using racist language to mock colleagues while they schemed to protect Latino political strength in council districts. Protesters gathered at Wednesday's meeting.

More U.S. adults are now feeling financially vulnerable amid high inflation. That's a political risk for President Joe Biden and fellow Democrats a month before the midterm elections. A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research says that some 46% of people now call their personal financial situation poor.

Federal Reserve officials at their last meeting stressed their commitment to taming “unacceptably high’’ inflation before announcing that they were raising their benchmark interest rate by a substantial three-quarters of a point for a third straight time and signaling more large rate hikes ahead.

For decades, Chinese journalist Ho Pin has made accurate predictions about who would ascend into the ranks of China's leadership. But this year, just weeks before Beijing reveals its next generation of leaders, Ho says there's little point. He says Xi has consolidated power to such a degree that no matter who is promoted, they will all have to obey Xi's rule.

Kids as young as 5 can soon get updated COVID-19 booster shots. The tweaked boosters rolled out last month for Americans 12 and older — shots designed to target the currently spreading omicron variants.

Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.5% in September from a year earlier, its third straight decline though it is still at a painfully high level.

A judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump will have to sit for a deposition next week in a defamation lawsuit filed by a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s.

The world’s first space tourist has signed up to spin around the moon aboard Elon Musk’s Starship. For Dennis Tito, it’s a chance to relive the joy of his trip 21 years ago to the International Space Station.

—The Associated Press

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The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency says Ukraine’s biggest nuclear plant has lost all external power needed for vital safety systems for the second time in five days. International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday called it a “deeply worrying development.”

The Los Angeles City Council is mired in uncertainty after a recording surfaced of members participating in a meeting in which racist language was used to mock their colleagues. It’s not known if the Council can assemble the required 10 members — out of 15 total — to conduct business Wednesday.

A now-former San Antonio police officer has been charged for shooting and gravely wounding a teen eating a hamburger in his car in a McDonald's parking lot. A family attorney says 17-year-old Erik Cantu remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Joe Biden’s three-state swing out West this week will capture, in a nutshell, the White House’s midterm strategy for a president who remains broadly unpopular: Promote his administration’s accomplishments and appear where he can effectively rally the party faithful.

Authorities say a tree trimmer was killed in the San Francisco Bay Area after he fell into a wood chipper. Police say the man, whose name has not been released, was working in the city of Menlo Park shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday when he fell.

The International Monetary Fund is downgrading its outlook for the world economy for 2023, citing a long list of threats that include Russia’s war against Ukraine, chronic inflation pressures, punishing interest rates and the lingering consequences of the global pandemic.

Angela Lansbury, the scene-stealing British actor who kicked up her heels in the Broadway musicals “Mame” and “Gypsy” and solved endless murders as crime novelist Jessica Fletcher in the long-running TV series “Murder, She Wrote,” has died. She was 96.

NASA says a spacecraft that plowed into a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away last month succeeded in shifting its orbit. NASA attempted the first test of its kind two weeks ago to see if a killer rock could be nudged out of Earth’s way.

In sports, the Houston got a 9th inning homer to complete a comeback, the New York Yankees got two homers in their win, Philadelphia's postseason success continued, the Los Angeles Dodgers got early offense in their win, and the NHL season opened.

Russian forces have carpeted Ukraine with a fresh barrage of missiles and munition-carrying drones. The bombardment came a day after strikes across the country killed at least 19 people and knocked out power across the country. The U.N. human rights office says the “particularly shocking” attacks could amount to war crimes.

President Joe Biden is reevaluating the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia. That's after the Riyadh-led OPEC+ alliance of oil-producing nations announced it would cut oil production and as Democratic lawmakers are calling for a freeze on cooperation with the Saudis.

The lead prosecutor of Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz has made his final case to persuade jurors to sentence him to death. Cruz pleaded guilty a year ago. The jurors will only decide whether Cruz is sentenced to death or life without parole.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the U.S. has brokered a “historic breakthrough” between Israel and Lebanon that would end a dispute over their shared maritime border.

A Connecticut jury has resumed deliberations on how much conspiracy theorist Alex Jones should pay for spreading the lie that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.

Crypto exchange Bittrex was fined $24 million by U.S. authorities on Tuesday for helping clients evade U.S. sanctions in places such as Syria, Iran and Crimea.

Prosecutors have dropped charges against Adnan Syed in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee after additional DNA testing excluded him as a suspect in a case chronicled by the hit podcast “Serial.”

A person with directly knowledge of the matter told The Associated Press that the NFL did not give officials a directive to emphasize roughing-the-passer penalties following Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion, but the topic will be discussed next week when NFL owners meet in New York.

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. says it plans to sell its Russian operations to its local partner and end manufacturing there.

A horticulture teacher from Minnesota has set a new U.S. record for the heaviest pumpkin after raising a giant gourd weighing 2,560 pounds.

—The Associated Press

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Russia has retaliated for a weekend Ukrainian attack on a critical bridge by unleashing its biggest and most widespread attacks against Ukraine in months. The lethal barrage Monday against multiple cities smashed civilian targets.

Uvalde’s school district superintendent has announced he plans to resign by the end of the academic year. Harrell, law enforcement, the school board and other school district officials have faced heavy criticism over their handling of the United States’ deadliest school shooting in nearly a decade.

Demand has been growing steadily for children’s books that address traumatic events such as school shootings. Sales of books for young people on violence, grief, and emotions have increased for nine straight years.

Former hurricane Julia has dissipated, but is drenching Guatemala and El Salvador with rain after reemerging in the Pacific. Julia is believed to have directly or indirectly caused the deaths of 28 people.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday over a California animal cruelty law that could raise the cost of bacon and other pork products nationwide. The case before the court involves a California law that says pork sold in the state needs to come from pigs whose mothers were raised with at least 24 square feet of space.

In sports, the Chiefs came from behind to beat the Raiders, the Carolina Panthers fired their head coach and a defensive coordinator, the San Francisco Giants hired a new GM, and Dustin Johnson has been raking in the cash on the Saudi-funded LIV Golf tour.

Protests continue in Iran after the burial of a 22-year-old woman who died in Iranian police custody.

Texas Democrats are embarking on another October blitz in pursuit of flipping America’s big red state. But Republicans are making an aggressive play to win races along Texas' mostly Hispanic southern border in November's midterms.

New York congressman and Republican candidate for governor Lee Zeldin says his family is safe after two teenagers were shot outside his Long Island home.

The international Red Cross and the United Nations want people and governments to do more to beat the heat by getting ready for heat waves like the 38 that have accounted for the deaths of more than 70,000 people worldwide from 2010 to 2019.

The second week of Kevin Spacey's federal trial starts Tuesday in a #MeToo-era case against the actor in New York — but no criminal charges are involved. Stage and screen star Anthony Rapp has sued Spacey, accusing him of assault, battery and intentionally inflecting emotional distress when Rapp was 14.

On this week's AP Religion Roundup, churches offer hope amid hurricane recovery, Pope Francis denounces the risk of nuclear war, and a famed US extreme skier gets traditional Buddhist funeral.

—The Associated Press

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Russia has unleashed a lethal barrage of strikes against multiple Ukrainian cities, smashing civilian targets including downtown Kyiv where at least eight people were killed. Russian President Vladimir Putin says the strikes on Ukraine on Monday came in response to Kyiv’s “terrorist” action, including an attack on a bridge to Crimea.

North Korea says its recent barrage of missile launches were the simulated use of its tactical battlefield nuclear weapons to “hit and wipe out” potential South Korean and U.S. targets. Its leader Kim Jong Un has signaled he would conduct more provocative tests.

Rising suicide rates among active service members have forced the Pentagon to review the military's mental health protocols. But many service members in crisis still fear coming forward and admitting they need help.

This year’s Nobel Prize in economic sciences has been awarded to U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke and two other U.S.-based economists. Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond and Philip H. Dybvig were recognized Monday for their research into the fallout from bank failures.

Chinese cities are imposing fresh lockdowns and travel restrictions after the number of new daily COVID-19 cases tripled during a weeklong holiday, ahead of a major Communist Party meeting in Beijing next week.

In sports, the Padres advanced to the NL Division Series, the Jets ran past the Dolphins, Kirk Cousins passed a test, the Cowboys won their fourth in a row, the Giants won in England and the Eagles remained perfect.

David O. Russell’s star-studded 1930s mystery “Amsterdam” flopped and the children’s book adaptation “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” debuted softly, allowing the horror thriller “Smile” to repeat atop the box office in U.S. and Canada theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Kanye West’s Twitter and Instagram accounts have been locked because of anti-Semitic posts by the rapper, now known legally as Ye. Spokespersons for Twitter and Instagram parent Meta said on Sunday that Ye posted messages that violated their policies.

Florida residents have a long road toward reconstructing their homes following the destruction of Hurricane Ian.

Ketanji Brown Jackson said before the Supreme Court's term began that she was “ready to work.” The first Black woman on the high court and its newest justice made that clear during arguments in the opening cases this past week.

Phony socialite and convicted swindler Anna Sorokin has been released from U.S. immigration custody to house arrest in New York. It's the latest turn in a case that inspired the Netflix series “Inventing Anna.”

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

A legend in country music died this past week. Loretta Lynn, whose career spanned six decades, was 90.

A lawsuit over the death of a cinematographer on the Alec Baldwin film “Rust” was settled. A producer from the television show “Scrubs” was charged with sexual assault. And Kim Kardashian settled with the SEC over a crypto currency promotion.

Aaron Judge made history with his 62nd home run of the season.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is brining “Bad Cinderalla” to Broadway. Meanwhile, Trevor Noah is exiting “The Daily Show.”

Those stories and more from The Associated Press.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Concerns over the economy have been ongoing since the start of the pandemic. And it doesn’t look like things will get better in the near future.

On Thursday, the International Monetary Fund lowered its projections for global economic growth in 2023. Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, said the Russian invasion of Ukraine has dramatically changed the organization’s outlook on the economy.

That news came a day after OPEC+, an alliance of oil-exporting countries, decided to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices. The move could further drive gas prices up after they had steadily declined, although they have been creeping back up recently.

In related news, California Gov. Gavin Newsom relaxed refinery rules in an effort to ease soaring gas prices in the state with the highest price per gallon in the nation.

We’re a month away from the midterm elections and there are warnings about efforts from Russia and China to influence outcomes. Herschel Walker, the former NFL star turned Republican Senate candidate from Georgia, denied a report he paid for an ex-girlfriend’s abortion.

Former President Donald Trump is suing CNN over its coverage centering on the phrase “The Big Lie.” His legal team also petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in the case involving classified documents taken from his Florida home.

In other Supreme Court news, a new justice was seated and the high court began hearing arguments in the new term.

In other national news, President Joe Biden took a step to decriminalize marijuana. The move came during a week in which he visited Puerto Rico and Florida following hurricanes that slammed the two locations.

In international news, there were multiple developments regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin signed laws that brought four regions of Ukraine into Russia. The U.S. is sending more military aid to Ukraine while President Biden raised concerns over nuclear war. Meanwhile, two Russians trying to avoid military service arrived on a remote Alaskan island seeking asylum.

And finally, in health and science news, Western states are dealing with drought, there are concerns over “best by” labels leading consumers to waste food, and older Americans are being reminded to get flu shots.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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This year’s Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to jailed Belarus rights activist Ales Bialiatski, the Russian group Memorial and the Ukrainian organization Center for Civil Liberties. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the judges wanted to honor "three outstanding champions of human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence.”

U.S. President Joe Biden says the risk of nuclear “Armageddon” is at the highest level since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Biden's remarks came as Russian officials speak of the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons after suffering massive setbacks in the eight-month invasion of Ukraine.

A judge in Ohio hears arguments Friday on whether to extend a block on Ohio’s law banning virtually all abortions on a more permanent basis. Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins has already paused the law through Oct. 12.

Authorities say a man accused of fatally shooting a hotel clerk in Dearborn, Michigan, during a dispute over money has surrendered to police after barricading himself inside a room.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average on the key 30-year rate dipped to 6.66% from 6.70% last week.

Relatives wailed and some collapsed as they grieved over the small coffins carrying children slain by a fired police officer who stormed a day care center in rural Thailand during naptime.

A North Carolina man has pleaded guilty to plotting with other members of the far-right Proud Boys extremist group to violently stop the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election. Jeremy Joseph Bertino is the first Proud Boys member to plead guilty to a seditious conspiracy charge.

In sports, no touchdowns, four interceptions and seven field goals highlight the Colts' win over the Broncos. The MLB playoffs get underway today and the NHL begins its campaign in Europe.

Police say one person has been fatally stabbed and at least five others wounded along the Las Vegas Strip and a suspect is in custody. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police say the attack occurred just before noon Thursday.

The International Monetary Fund is once again lowering its projections for global economic growth in 2023. It is projecting world economic growth lower by $4 trillion through 2026. Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, told an audience at Georgetown University on Thursday that “things are more likely to get worse before it gets better.”

President Joe Biden is pardoning thousands of Americans convicted of “simple possession” of marijuana under federal law, as his administration takes a dramatic step toward decriminalizing the drug and addressing charging practices that disproportionately impact people of color.

Georgia Republican Senate candidate Herschel Walker is remaining defiant after reports alleging he encouraged and paid for a woman's 2009 abortion — and later fathered a child with her. Digging in on his denials of reporting by The Daily Beast, Walker, a football icon turned celebrity politician, blamed the stories Thursday on Democrats and their “desperation.”

Elon Musk’s lawyers say Twitter is refusing the Tesla billionaire’s renewed $44 billion bid for the social media company and have asked a Delaware court to halt an upcoming trial.

Amazon will hire 150,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees across its warehouses ahead of the holiday season.

A New York City man has been charged with smuggling three Burmese pythons in his pants at a U.S-Canadian border crossing. Importation of Burmese pythons is regulated by an international treaty and by federal regulations listing them as injurious to humans.

Two Russians who said they fled the country to avoid compulsory military service have requested asylum in the U.S. after landing on a remote Alaska island in the Bering Sea, according to information from Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski's office.

More Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, the largest number in four months, but the labor market remains strong in the face of persistent inflation and a slowing overall U.S. economy.

French author Annie Ernaux has staunchly defended a woman's right to abortion after winning this year's Nobel Prize in Literature. Ernaux said she would “fight to my last breath so that women can choose to be a mother, or not to be.”

A North Dakota junior college has a senior statesman on its football team. North Dakota State College of Science has a 49-year-old backup defensive lineman named Ray Ruschel. He is a freshman who is a year older than his coach.

—The Associated Press

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Police say a baby girl, her parents and uncle have been found dead in a central California orchard two days after they were kidnapped at gunpoint from their business. Sheriff Vern Warnke announced Wednesday that the bodies were found in a Merced County orchard and told reporters: “Our worst fears have been confirmed.”

Authorities say a former police officer killed at least 24 children and 11 adults in a gun and knife attack that began at a child care center in Thailand. The assailant fled the first scene, shooting from his car as he drove home, before killing his wife and child and taking his own life.

South Korea says North Korea flew 12 warplanes near their mutual border on Thursday, prompting South Korea to scramble 30 military planes in response. The highly unusual incident came hours after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the sea in its sixth round of missile tests in less than two weeks.

California water agencies that rely on the parched Colorado River say they're willing to cut their use by about one-tenth. The four agencies laid out their proposal in a Wednesday letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Eric Weinberg, an executive producer and writer for the hit TV show “Scrubs” and many others, has been charged with sexually assaulting five women at photo shoots. Weinberg was arrested Tuesday and released on $5 million bond, days after he was charged with 18 felony counts ranging from rape to false imprisonment.

In sports, batting champions were crowned on the final day of the major league season, the Royals fired their skipper, Don Mattingly went out a winner and Cole Beasley announced his retirement.

President Joe Biden has toured hurricane-ravaged areas of Florida, surveying storm damage by helicopter and bringing a pledge that federal, state and local governments will work as one to help rebuild homes, businesses and lives.

Biden says he's putting politics on mute for now to focus on those in need in and around Fort Myers. He comforted local residents Wednesday, walking among them with Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 rival.

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries has decided to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices. The move Wednesday could deal the struggling global economy another blow and raise politically sensitive pump prices for U.S. drivers just ahead of key national elections.

A Democratic congressman who has made his opponent’s questionable record fighting the opioid epidemic a central theme of his campaign for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat has accepted campaign donations over the years from drug distributors blamed for key roles in the crisis. An Associated Press review found U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan received $27,000 in combined contributions from the nation's three largest drug distributors between 2007 and this August.

Authorities say a Mexican citizen who was shot at a U.S. Border Patrol station in Texas has died from his wounds. The man was in custody at the Ysleta Border Patrol Station in El Paso on Tuesday when he was shot.

Oscar-winning actors Marion Cotillard and Juliette Binoche, as well as other French screen and music stars, have filmed themselves chopping off locks of their hair in a video to support protesters in Iran. The video, released Wednesday on Instagram and hashtagged HairForFreedom, comes as Iran is engulfed by anti-government protests.

The family of a cinematographer shot and killed by Alec Baldwin on the set of the film “Rust” has agreed to settle a lawsuit against Baldwin and the movie's producers, and production may resume on the project in January.

Dallas baseball fan Cory Youmans made the catch of a lifetime, snagging the ball that New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit for his American League-record 62nd home run. Youmans caught the prized souvenir on the fly Tuesday night at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.

Ukrainian soccer federation president Andriy Pavelko says hosting World Cup matches in 2030 would be “the dream of people who survived the horrors of war” after his country launched a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.

Health insurers will flood the Medicare Advantage market again this fall with enticing offers of plans that have no monthly price tag. The number of so-called zero-premium plans has been growing for years, and they can appeal to retirees who live on fixed incomes. But experts say shoppers should exercise caution before jumping at the bargain.

—The Associated Press

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President Joe Biden is traveling to hurricane-ravaged Florida with a pledge that federal, state and local governments will work as one to help rebuild homes, businesses and lives. Biden plans to put politics on mute for now to focus on those in need during his tour Wednesday afternoon of Fort Myers, Florida.

Biden plans to meet with residents and small business owners, and to thank government officials providing emergency aid and removing debris. Joining Biden in Florida will be two of his most prominent Republican critics, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott.

This year’s Nobel Prize in chemistry has been awarded in equal parts to Americans Carolyn R. Bertozzi and K. Barry Sharpless, and Danish scientist Morten Meldal for developing a way of “snapping molecules together." that can be used to design better medicines.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed laws absorbing four Ukrainian regions into Russia, a move that finalizes the annexation carried out in defiance of international law. Earlier this week, both houses of the Russian parliament ratified treaties making the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions part of Russia.

Iran says an 85-year-old Iranian-American held by Iran has left the country for Oman. The state-run IRNA news agency published video of Baquer Namazi boarding a Royal Oman air force jet in Tehran.

"Best before” labels are coming under scrutiny as concerns about food waste grow around the world. The labels have nothing to do with safety, and some worry they encourage consumers to throw away food that’s perfectly fine to eat.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to step into the legal fight over the classified documents seized during an FBI search of his Florida estate. The Trump team asked the court Tuesday to overturn a lower court ruling and permit an independent arbiter, or special master, to review the roughly 100 documents with classified markings that were taken in the Aug. 8 search.

In sports, the Yankees and the Rangers traded wins in a doubleheader but Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole were setting records.

Seventy-nine deaths have been blamed on Ian, including 71 in Florida, five in North Carolina and three in Cuba. Authorities say the death toll could rise as crews continue searching homes in the hardest-hit areas.

The U.S. announced its providing an additional $625 million in military aid to Ukraine, a package that includes additional advanced rocket systems credited with helping the country’s military gain momentum in its war with Russia.

Russian troops abandoned a key Ukrainian city so rapidly that they left the bodies of their comrades in the streets. The scene offered more evidence Tuesday of Moscow’s latest military defeat as it struggles to hang on to four regions of Ukraine that it illegally annexed last week.

Some of the Supreme Court's conservative justices seem sympathetic to Alabama’s arguments in a case seeking to force the state to create a second Black majority congressional district. It's the latest showdown over the landmark Voting Rights Act.

President Joe Biden spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss their next steps after North Korea conducted its longest ever test launch by firing nuclear-capable ballistic missile over Japan.

As California’s drought deepens, more rural communities are running out of water. Heavy pumping is depleting groundwater supplies that aren’t being replenished by rain and snowmelt.

Thrifters who flock to Goodwill stores will now be able to do more of their treasure hunting online. The Goodwill Industries International Inc., the 120 year-old non-profit organization that operates 3,300 stores in the U.S., and Canada, has launched an online business as part of a newly incorporated venture called GoodwillFinds.

Elon Musk is offering to go through with his original proposal to buy Twitter for $44 billion. The Tesla CEO said in a regulatory filing Tuesday that he notified Twitter of plans to go through with the deal.

The number of available jobs in the U.S. plummeted in August compared with July, a sign that businesses may pull back further on hiring and potentially cool chronically high inflation.

Loretta Lynn, the Kentucky coal miner’s daughter who became a pillar of country music, has died. Lynn's family said she died Tuesday at her home in Tennessee. She was 90.

A new report says Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker paid for an abortion for his girlfriend in 2009. Walker has vehemently opposed abortion rights and calls the accusation in The Daily Beast a “flat-out lie."

U.S. officials say Russia is working to amplify doubts about the integrity of American elections while China is interested in influencing policy perspectives in favor of Beijing. That concern aligns with unclassified intelligence advisory obtained by The Associated Press that says China is probably seeking to influence select races to “hinder candidates perceived to be particularly adversarial to Beijing.”

—The Associated Press

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Nearly a week after Hurricane Ian smashed into Florida and carved a path of destruction that reached into the Carolinas, 78 deaths have been blamed on Ian, with 71 of them reported in Florida. A Florida sheriff issued a blunt warning to potential looters.

President Joe Biden promises to “rebuild it all” after visiting Puerto Rico on Monday to survey damage from Hurricane Fiona, as tens of thousands of people remain without power two weeks after the storm hit. Biden says he's “committed to this island,” and acknowledges that Fiona was only the latest in a string of disasters that have battered the U.S. territory in recent years. Biden will visit Florida on Wednesday.

Three scientists have jointly won this year’s Nobel Prize in physics for their work on quantum information science that has significant applications, for example in the field of encryption. Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger were cited by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for discovering the way that particles known as photons can be linked, or “entangled,” with each other even when they are separated by large distances.

The city council of Kyiv says it is providing evacuation centers with potassium iodine pills in preparation for a possible nuclear strike on the capital, Ukraine’s largest city. Potassium iodine pills can help block the absorption of harmful radiation by the thyroid gland if taken just before or immediately after exposure to nuclear radiation.

North Korea has conducted its longest-ever weapons test, a nuclear-capable ballistic missile that flew over Japan and could reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam and beyond. The launch early Tuesday forced the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and halt trains.

Former President Donald Trump has gone to court against CNN, a familiar target when he was president. He's seeking $475 million in damages, saying the network's reports are trying to short-circuit any future political campaign. Trump’s lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Florida, focuses primarily on use of the term “The Big Lie” about Trump's false claims of widespread fraud that he says cost him the 2020 presidential election.

Last month, new auto prices averaged $45,622, the fourth-highest monthly price on record, according to J.D. Power. In addition, average auto loan interest rates hit 5.7% between July and September, up from 4.3% a year ago, with terms stretched to average over 70 months, Edmunds said.

In sports, one National League team clinched a wild card spot while another tried to clinch a division crown, Albert Pujols passed another milestone, the 49ers continued to dominate the Rams and Tua Tagovailoa will get next Sunday off.

Wall Street rallied to its best day since July as falling bond yields eased some of the pressure that’s battered markets. The S&P 500 rose 2.6% Monday, the latest swing for a scattershot market that’s been mostly falling this year on worries about a possible global recession.

Ukrainian forces have scored more gains in their counteroffensive across a broad front. The troops advanced Monday in the very areas Russia is trying to absorb.

Prosecutors are saying at the opening of the most serious case to reach trial in the attack on the U.S. Capitol that the founder of the Oath Keepers extremist group and four associates planned for an “armed rebellion” to stop the transfer of presidential power.

Apple Music is about to reach a huge milestone, offering its eye-and-ear-popping 100 millionth song on the streaming service. The music giant tells The Associated Press that internal data indicates Apple Music will reach the heady mark on Monday. Every day, 20,000 singers and songwriters release music on the service.

Bono’s next tour will be without U2 or a new album to support. He will, instead, be promoting his memoir “Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story,” which comes out Nov. 1.

The Supreme Court began its new term Monday with a new justice on the bench, the public back in the courtroom and a spirited debate in a case that pits environmental protections against property rights. The new member of the court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, wasted no time joining the lively give-and-take, asking questions throughout nearly two hours of arguments in the dispute over the nation’s main anti-water pollution law, the Clean Water Act.

The long list of celebrities promoting cryptocurrencies just got shorter. Kim Kardashian is being barred from doing so for three years — and will pay a $1 million fine — to settle federal charges that she recommended a crypto security to her 330 million Instagram followers without making clear that she was paid to do so.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is saying goodbye to his last remaining show on Broadway and welcoming another. The musical theater icon announced Monday that his retooled version of “Cinderella” will land in New York at the Imperial Theatre in February with new songs, a new leading lady and a new title: “Bad Cinderella.”

The actor and activist who declined Marlon Brando’s 1973 Academy Award for “The Godfather” on his behalf in an indelible protest of how Native Americans had been portrayed on screen has died. Sacheen Littlefeather was 75.

In this week's religion roundup, Jewish pilgrims gathered in Ukraine despite the war, Brazil's president exhorted evangelicals to help keep him in office, and the Vatican imposed disciplinary sanctions on a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Bishop.

—The Associated Press

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Days after Hurricane Ian carved a path of destruction from Florida to the Carolinas, the dangers persisted, and even worsened in some places. It was clear the road to recovery from the monster storm will be long and painful.

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing Monday. And Ian still is not done. The storm doused Virginia with rain Sunday. It was dissipating as it moved offshore, but officials warned there still was the potential of severe flooding along Virginia's coast and a coastal flood warning was in effect Monday. Ian was one of the strongest storms to make landfall in the United States.

An investigation by The Associated Press and the PBS series “Frontline” has documented a sophisticated Russian-run smuggling operation that has used falsified manifests and seaborne subterfuge to steal Ukrainian grain worth at least $530 million. Legal experts say the theft is a potential war crime.

Swedish scientist Svante Paabo has won this year’s Nobel Prize in medicine for his discoveries on human evolution, the award’s panel said Monday. Paabo spearheaded the development of new techniques that allowed researchers to compare the genome of modern humans and our closest extinct relatives, the Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Moviegoing audiences kicked off the month of October with a horror movie. Studio estimates Sunday show Paramount’s “Smile” easily topped the North American charts with $22 million in ticket sales and left Universal’s rom-com “Bros” in the dust.

Doctors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don't skip your flu shot this fall. And for the first time, seniors are urged to get a special extra-strength kind. Because seniors don't respond as well, the U.S. now recommends they get one of three types made with higher doses or an immune-boosting ingredient.

In sports, the Chiefs handled the Buccaneers, the Eagles remained perfect, the Bills rallied against the Ravens, the Braves are on the verge of another division title, Albert Pujols caught the Babe, Aaron Judge's power-drought continued, the Padres extended their season and the Phillies have a magic number of one.

Distraught family members were struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of loved ones at the Indonesia soccer match in East Java’s Malang city that was watched only by hometown Arema FC fans. The organizer had banned visiting Persebaya Surabaya's supporters due to Indonesia's history of violent soccer rivalries. 125 people were crushed at the match.

A Wisconsin man accused of killing six people and injuring dozens more when he allegedly drove his SUV through a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee last year is set to go on trial Monday. Darrell Brooks faces nearly 80 charges in the 2021 disaster in Waukesha and will represent himself.

Congressional districts that a federal court panel said were unconstitutional because they dilute representation for Black voters in Alabama are nevertheless being used for the November election after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed them. The high court hears arguments in the case on Tuesday.

Venezuela’s government has freed seven Americans imprisoned in the South American country in exchange for the release of two nephews of President Nicolás Maduro’s wife who had been jailed for years by the United States on drug smuggling convictions.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on state regulators to relax rules on oil refineries in an effort to lower soaring fuel prices. According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gas in California is $6.30. That's far above the national average of $3.80.

President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill that finances the federal government through mid-December and provides another infusion of military and economic aid to Ukraine. He signed the bill Friday after lawmakers acted to avert a partial government shutdown set to begin after midnight.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed treaties to illegally annex parts of Ukraine, while Kyiv has submitted an “accelerated” application to join NATO.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the West of sabotaging the Russia-built gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea to Germany. Putin claimed that the West had turned from sanctions against Russia to “terror attacks,” sabotaging the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. The White House said Putin's comments were outlandish and just an attempt to distract the world from his annexation on Friday of four parts of Ukraine.

Civil rights lawyer John Burris is Northern California's go-to attorney when it comes to police brutality. At age 77, he continues to travel the state to appear with victims big and small to allege violations against law enforcement.

Consumers spent a bit more in August than the previous month, a sign the economy is holding up even as inflation lifts prices for food, rent, and other essentials. Americans boosted their spending at stores and for services such as haircuts by 0.4% in August, after it fell 0.2% in July, the Commerce Department said Friday.

Wall Street closed out a miserable September with a loss of 9.3%, the worst monthly decline since March 2020. The S&P 500 fell 1.5% Friday and is at its lowest level in almost two years.

The ranks of late-night television comedy are thinning. Trevor Noah told his studio audience during Thursday's taping that he's leaving as host of Comedy Central's “The Daily Show.”

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Rihanna is scheduled to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.

Two players reached home run milestones as Albert Pujols became only the fourth player to reach 700 career home runs and Aaron Judge tied Roger Maris’ American League record with his 61st blast of the season.

The NFL is ditching the Pro Bowl in favor of a skills competition and flag football.

Post Malone had another medical setback and Elton John performed at the White House.

A 1990s rap star as well as an Oscar-winning actor died.

Those stories and more.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Hurricane Ian dominated news cycles for much of the week. After forming and eventually leaving Cuba without power after slamming the island, the Category 4 storm became one of the strongest ever to hit the U.S.

As of this recording on Friday morning, the storm had killed at least six people in Florida and was tracking north toward Charleston, South Carolina.

For historical context, we take a look at how the storm progressed through the week.

By Tuesday morning, Ian had intensified into a Category 3. In the afternoon, concerns grew that the storm would continue to intensify. More than one million people in Cuba were left without electricity.

On Wednesday morning, Ian’s winds were reaching 155 mph and the region around Tampa, Florida, was bracing for a direct hit. By the afternoon, the storm’s eyewall had reached Florida and more than 2.5 million people were told to evacuate.

By Thursday morning, Ian had been downgraded to a tropical storm as the state dealt with the destruction. Meteorologists also warned that the storm could intensify once again.

On Friday, Ian was once again a Category 1 storm and tracking north along the Atlantic Coast.

There were several stories of note related to Capitol riots of Jan. 6, 2021. A trial began for the founder of the Oath Keepers and four associates. In separate trials, a rioter received a 7-year sentence and another was convicted. Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, spoke with the House committee investigating the events of the day.

In other national news, President Joe Biden had an embarrassing moment during a press conference. Sirhan Sirhan, who assassinated Robert F. Kennedy, asked for his release. A gunmaker is being sued over a July 4 parade shooting. And students in Virginia protested transgender policies.

In science, health and technology news, NASA rammed an asteroid. Pumpkin farmers are adapting to changing conditions. Nightly newscasts are morphing due to streaming habits. And teens are seeking out birth control following the Supreme Court’s abortion ruling.

In economic news, consumers have been gaining confidence as gas prices have fallen. Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits. The White House wants airlines to show more details about prices on plane tickets. Apple is shifting iPhone production and Amazon plans another Prime Day.

And in international news, Russia annexed four regions of Ukraine on Friday. Edward Snowden was granted Russian citizenship. Patrol boats spotted Chinese and Russian naval ships off the coast of Alaska.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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A revived Hurricane Ian is bearing down on South Carolina’s coast and the historic city of Charleston, with forecasters predicting a storm surge and floods. Earlier, the megastorm caused catastrophic damage in Florida, leaving people trapped in flooded homes and was blamed in growing reports of deaths in the state.

China is dismissing complaints from two U.S. lawmakers over the quarantining of American diplomats and their family members under the country's strict COVID-19 regulations. Republican Congressmen James Comer and Michael McCaul wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday asking for clarification of the quarantines.

Russia plans to annex four regions of Ukraine on Friday.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is making her first appearance on the Supreme Court bench in a brief courtroom ceremony three days ahead of the start of the high court’s new term. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their spouses are expected Friday at Jackson’s ceremonial investiture.

Hundreds of royal fans have lined up outside Windsor Castle for the chance to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II as the chapel where the late monarch is buried opened to the public for the first time since her death.

Virginia “Ginni” Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, stood by the false claim that the 2020 election was fraudulent during an interview with the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. That is according to Rep. Bennie Thompson, the panel's Democratic chairman.

In sports, the Dolphins lost a game and their quarterback to a concussion, the Chiefs-Buccaneers game will go on as scheduled Sunday in Tampa, and the race for the National League's final Wild Card between the Phillies and Brewers remains tight.

Previous updates

President Joe Biden says the entire United States "hurts" along with the people of Florida after Hurricane Ian flooded communities across the state, knocked out power and raised fear of a "substantial loss of life.” Biden went to the Washington headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a briefing on federal response efforts.

Congress is moving quickly to avoid a government shutdown. The Senate on Thursday passed a short-term spending bill that would finance federal agencies into mid-December.

British Prime Minister Liz Truss has defended her economic plan that roiled financial markets, saying she’s willing to make “difficult decisions” to get the economy growing.

The number of Americans filing for jobless benefits dropped last week, a sign that few companies are cutting jobs despite high inflation and a weak economy. Applications for unemployment benefits for the week ending Sept. 24 fell by 16,000 to 193,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The man who assassinated presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 said from a California prison that he wants a judge to free him so he can live the rest of his life in peace. Now 78-years-old, Sirhan Sirhan has been incarcerated for 54 years.

Nearly a dozen lawsuits in Illinois accuse gun-maker Smith & Wesson of illegally targeting young men at risk of violence with ads for firearms. The 11 suits filed Wednesday cite the 22-year-old gunman accused of opening fire on a July Fourth parade in suburban Chicago and killing seven people.

A scientist who built a global COVID-19 website received this year's Lasker award for public service. The Lasker Foundation, which gives out annual prizes for medical research, announced this year's winners on Wednesday.

—The Associated Press

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Hurricane Ian has left a path of destruction in southwest Florida, trapping people in flooded homes and knocking out power to 2.5 million people. It's now aiming for the Atlantic Coast as a tropical storm.

Russia has confirmed it will formally annex four parts of Ukraine where occupied areas held a Kremlin-orchestrated “referendum” on living under Moscow’s rule that the Ukrainian government and the West denounced as illegal and rigged.

Three Russian cosmonauts returned safely from a mission to the International Space Station. The Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft carrying Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveyev and Sergey Korsakov touched down softly on time at a designated site in the steppes of Kazakhstan.

The body of a famed U.S. extreme skier who fell from the world’s eighth-highest mountain has been recovered. Hilaree Nelson was skiing down from the summit of Mount Manaslu with her partner on Monday when she fell.

President Joe Biden sought out a deceased congresswoman during his remarks at a hunger conference Wednesday. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre later said Rep. Jackie Walorski was “top of mind” to Biden when he called out “Where's Jackie?”

In sports, Aaron Judge owns a piece of baseball history, the Mets regained sole possession of first place in the NL East and the Brewers moved closer to a playoff slot.

Coolio, the rapper who was among hip-hop’s biggest names of the 1990s with hits including “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage,” has died. Manager Jarez Posey tells The Associated Press that Coolio, whose legal name was Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died at the Los Angeles home of a friend on Wednesday. Coolio was 59.

Earlier update

Hurricane Ian has made landfall in southwestern Florida as a massive Category 4 storm. About 2.5 million people had been ordered to evacuate the area before the storm hit the coast on Wednesday with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph.

The storm was heading inland, where it was expected to weaken, but residents in central Florida could still experience hurricane-force winds. Before making its way through the Gulf of Mexico to hit Florida, Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba as a major hurricane Tuesday, killing two people and bringing down the country’s electrical grid.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has visited the site of the Auschwitz Nazi death camp to send a message against hatred. The “Terminator” actor and former California governor was given a tour of the site, where he viewed barracks, watchtowers and the remains of gas chambers that endure as evidence of the German extermination of Jews and others during World War II.

A published report indicates Saudi-funded LIV Golf might be close to a TV deal. Golfweek is citing sources as saying LIV Golf is nearing an agreement to buy time with FS1.

Katie Couric says she was diagnosed with breast cancer on the first day of summer, and since has undergone surgery and radiation treatment. The 65-year-old media personality memorably underwent screening for colon cancer on the "Today" show in 2000, two years after her first husband died of the disease at age 41.

Clergy in 33 states are exempt from laws requiring professionals such as teachers, physicians and psychotherapists to report information about alleged child abuse to police or child welfare officials. An Associated Press review found that over the past two decades, more than 130 bills have been proposed in state legislatures to create or amend child sex abuse reporting laws. After intense opposition from religious groups, the clergy privilege remained unchanged.

For more than half a century, ABC, CBS and NBC have aired evening newscasts each weeknight on television. This fall, the competition has spread to another medium. With the launch of “CBS News Prime Time” with John Dickerson a few weeks ago, all three networks are now also streaming competing evening newscasts.

Pumpkin farmers are adapting to changing conditions and trying to lower the carbon footprint of their crops.

—The Associated Press

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The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Ian has rapidly intensified off Florida's coast, gaining top winds of 155 mph, just shy of the most devastating Category 5 hurricane status. Ian is pushing a storm surge that could cause catastrophic damage along the state’s heavily populated Gulf Coast from Bonita Beach to the Tampa Bay region.

Forecasters say the stretch from Naples to Sarasota is at highest risk. At least 2.5 million people were ordered to evacuate. Winds and rain have begun intensifying, a day after Ian battered the western tip of Cuba, leaving the entire island without electricity.

At the White House, President Joe Biden said his administration was sending hundreds of Federal Emergency Management Agency employees to Florida and sought to assure mayors in the storm’s path that Washington will meet their needs.

South Korea says North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters a day before a visit by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff say the missiles were launched Wednesday from its capital region.

Russia is poised to formally annex areas of Ukraine where it has military control after referendums there reportedly endorsed Moscow’s rule. But the ballots were widely discredited and earned the Kremlin no relief from international pressure over its assault on Ukraine.

An Iowa man who admitted to taking part in the assault of a police officer as part of his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol was sentenced to seven years in prison Tuesday after the judge called him one of the most serious offenders on that day. Judge Amy Berman Jackson called Kyle Young a “one man wrecking ball" as she sentenced him to prison.

In sports, the Yankees clinched another AL East title, the Rays topped the Guardians, the Mariners continued their slide, the Mets lost and are now even with the Braves in the NL East.

Denmark says it believes “deliberate actions” by unknown perpetrators were behind big leaks, which seismologists said followed powerful explosions, in two natural gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. European leaders and experts pointed to possible sabotage amid the energy standoff with Russia provoked by the war in Ukraine.

Over 194,000 Russian nationals have entered Kazakhstan, Georgia and Finland in the week since President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of reservists to fight in Ukraine.

Student activists have walked out of class across Virginia to protest Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed changes to the state’s guidance on district policies for transgender students. If adopted by districts after they become final, the new policies would roll back some accommodations for transgender students.

A New Orleans social services nonprofit long known as the Kingsley House has ditched the name of a Victorian clergyman found to have held profoundly racist views. It was named in 1896 for both social reformer Charles Kingsley and the founder’s son Kingsley Warner, who died as a toddler. Now the organization is named “Clover."

U.S. consumers grew more confident for the second month in a row as gas prices continued to fall. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 108 in September, from 103.6 in August.

The Biden administration has an ambitious goal for America: ending hunger in the U.S. by 2030. The administration's plan includes expanding monthly benefits that help low-income Americans buy food. It also seeks to promote healthy eating and physical activity so that fewer people are afflicted with diabetes, obesity, hypertension and other diet-related diseases.

Biogen has agreed to pay $900 million to resolve allegations that it violated federal law by paying kickbacks to doctors in the form of speakers and consulting fees to persuade them to prescribe its multiple sclerosis drugs.

Jury selection is underway in one of the most serious cases to emerge from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The founder of the far-right Oath Keepers extremist group and four associates are charged with seditious conspiracy. Stewart Rhodes and the others are the first Jan. 6 defendants charged with the the rare Civil War-era offense to stand trial.

King Charles III’s new monogram has been unveiled, as the official period of mourning for his mother Queen Elizabeth II came to a close. The emblem, known as the king’s cypher, will appear on government buildings, state documents and some post boxes in the coming months and years. The cypher unveiled Tuesday features the initial C intertwined with the letter R for Rex, the Latin word for king. The Roman numeral III sits in the center of the R and a crown hovers above the letters.

—The Associate Press

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Hurricane Ian has made landfall in western Cuba, lashing the island with rain and winds as it barreled north toward the Florida coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Ian hit Cuba early Tuesday as a Category 3 storm as it continued to strengthen, with sustained winds of 125 mph. The hurricane is expected to strike Florida as early as Wednesday, possibly as a Category 4 storm.

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues continues, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said Tuesday that the U.N. Security Council should help mediate the end of the conflict. Also, a top Russian security official has issued the sternest warning yet that Moscow has the right to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine if under threat, saying that the West won’t dare intervene.

A NASA Dart spacecraft has rammed an asteroid in an unprecedented test to see if a potentially menacing space rock could be knocked off course. The galactic grand slam occurred at a harmless asteroid 7 million miles away Monday.

A senior member of the Taliban-run government has called on the Taliban to reopen schools for girls in Afghanistan beyond the sixth grade, saying there is no valid reason in Islam for the ban.

Experts say the U.S. Supreme Court’s June ruling overturning Roe v. Wade appears to be sending more teens to their doctors in search of birth control, including long-acting reversible forms like intrauterine devices and implants.

The U.S. Coast Guard says a ship on routine patrol in the Bering Sea came across a guided missile cruiser from China about 86 miles north of Alaska's Kiska Island. The U.S. patrol ship, known as a cutter, found two other Chinese ships and four Russian naval vessels, including a destroyer.

In sports, the NFL has dropped the Pro Bowl, the Cowboys knocked the Giants out from the unbeaten ranks, the Yankees' Judge is still sitting on 60 home runs, and NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson plans to scale back.

Japan’s assassinated hawkish former leader, Shinzo Abe, has been honored by a rare and divisive state funeral that was full of militaristic pomp and surrounded by throngs of mourners as well as by widespread protests.

Officials say one person was shot and a Chicago police officer was wounded during an incident inside a police facility on the city’s West Side. Shots were fired shortly before noon Monday at the building in Homan Square, police spokesman Tom Ahern told WGN-TV.

A Kentucky man who killed three fellow students and wounded five others when he was 14 years old will spend the rest of his life in prison without another opportunity to seek parole. The Kentucky Parole Board voted 7-0 on Monday to deny parole to 39-year-old Michael Carneal, and ordered him to serve out his full life sentence.

Authorities say a gunman has killed 15 people and wounded 24 others in a school in central Russia. According to officials, 11 children were among those killed in the Monday morning shooting in School No. 88 in Izhevsk, a city 600 miles east of Moscow in the Udmurtia region. The governor of the region said the gunman killed himself after the attack.

President Joe Biden says the Atlanta Braves will be “forever known as the upset kings of October” for their improbable 2021 World Series win. He called their drive an “unstoppable, joyful run.” Biden welcomed the champs for a packed East Room ceremony on Monday.

Oath Keepers militia group founder Stewart Rhodes was once a promising Yale Law School graduate. Rhodes was born in California and spent time in Nevada and once secured an Arizona Supreme Court clerkship. But Rhodes' deep distrust of government and thirst for greatness led him down a different path.

Rhodes built one of the country’s largest anti-government militia groups with members who'd eventually storm the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The 57-year-old Rhodes and four others tied to the group head to trial this week on charges of seditious conspiracy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted Russian citizenship to Edward Snowden, a former contractor with the U.S. National Security Agency. He has been living in Russia since 2013 to escape prosecution in the U.S. after leaking classified documents detailing government surveillance programs.

Biden plans to announce a new initiative that would eventually allow consumers to see a more complete price on airline tickets before they buy them. That would include baggage and change fees. The White House says the proposed rule from the Department of Transportation will prevent airlines from hiding the “true cost” of airline tickets, which would help consumers save money up front and encourage more competition among airlines to offer better fares.

New York City’s mayor says he plans to erect hangar-sized tents as temporary shelter for thousands of international migrants who have been bused into the Big Apple as part of a campaign by Republican governors to disrupt federal border policies.

In this week's religion roundup: Tens of thousands gathered to pray at Jerusalem's Western Wall, monks offered Buddhist prayers for Queeen Elizabeth II and the Unification Church promised reforms.

—The Associated Press

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Forecasters say Tropical Storm Ian has strengthened into a hurricane as it moves closer to Cuba on a track expected to take it to Florida in the coming days. A hurricane warning was in effect for Grand Cayman and the Cuban provinces of Isla de Juventud, Pinar del Rio and Artemisa. The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Ian should reach the far-western part of Cuba late Monday and it could become a major hurricane late Monday.

After seven weary months of war, many Ukrainians fear more suffering and political repression awaits them. Kremlin-orchestrated referendums conducted under gun barrels portend Russia’s imminent annexation of four occupied regions.

Apple Inc. has announced it will make its iPhone 14 in India. Manufacturers have been shifting production from China amid geopolitical tensions and pandemic restrictions that have disrupted supply chains for many industries.

Amazon says it is holding a second Prime Day-like shopping event in October. The company is the latest major retailer to offer holiday deals earlier this year to entice cautious consumers dealing with tighter budgets.

After off-screen drama threatened to consume Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling,” the Warner Bros. release opened No. 1 at the box office. The film debuted with $19.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. Last week’s top film, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s African epic “The Woman King,” starring Viola Davis, slid to second place with $11.1 million.

California will not expand education to make kindergarten mandatory after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a law meant to address decreasing attendance during the pandemic. Newsom said it was among many unfunded proposals lawmakers sent to him.

In sports, the Ravens won in Foxborough, the Bengals got their first victory, the Eagles remained perfect, the Colts stunned the Chiefs, the Mets mauled the A's, the Guardians clinched a title and the US won the Presidents Cup.

Rihanna is set to star in February’s Super Bowl halftime show. The singer, who declined to perform in the 2019 Super Bowl halftime show out of solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, on Sunday posted an image on Instagram of an arm holding up an NFL football.

Post Malone went to the hospital again Saturday after experiencing what he described on social media as difficulty breathing and stabbing pain, forcing him to postpone a scheduled show in Boston. He was treated for bruised ribs after falling into a hole on stage at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis last weekend.

Oscar winner Louise Fletcher has died at age 88. Fletcher set a new standard for screen villains with the role of Nurse Ratched opposite Jack Nicholson in 1975's “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest." Fletcher won the Academy Award for best actress for the role.

While the coronavirus pandemic was not the main focus of the U.N. General Assembly, the conversations were still happening on the sidelines. The U.N. Secretary-General gathered together with the head of the World Health Organization and others to discuss equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments.

Elton John transformed the White House South Lawn into a musical lovefest Friday night as he played a farewell gig to honor everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists. But as it turns out, the event was also to honor the 75-year-old British songwriter — President Joe Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for being a “tidal wave” who helped people rise up for justice.

An Iowa man has been convicted of charges that he led a crowd of rioters in chasing a U.S. Capitol police officer up a staircase and accosting other officers guarding the Senate. A federal jury deliberated for roughly four hours before convicting Douglas Jensen of felony charges that he obstructed Congress from certifying the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6, 2021, and that he assaulted or interfered with police officers during the siege.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

The end is near for “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

The Golden Globes television hiatus is over and will return to NBC.

“Ted Lasso” is about to return, but not in the way you think.

Kanye West – or Ye as he goes by now – apologized too Kim Kardashian and talked about his future.

There was upheaval in the sports world, plus an update in a scandal that has raised questions about the role played by Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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It was a week of setbacks for former President Donald Trump.

Eric Tucker, in his article “Trump's legal woes mount without protection of presidency” for The Associated Press, wrote:

Stark repudiation by federal judges he appointed. Far-reaching fraud allegations by New York’s attorney general. It's been a week of widening legal troubles for Donald Trump, laying bare the challenges piling up as the former president operates without the protections afforded by the White House.

The bravado that served him well in the political arena is less handy in a legal realm dominated by verifiable evidence, where judges this week have looked askance at his claims and where a fraud investigation that took root when Trump was still president burst into public view in an allegation-filled 222-page state lawsuit.

In politics, “you can say what you want and if people like it, it works. In a legal realm, it’s different,” said Chris Edelson, a presidential powers scholar and American University government professor. “It’s an arena where there are tangible consequences for missteps, misdeeds, false statements in a way that doesn't apply in politics.”

You can read the full article through this link.

There was also a report that Virginia Thomas has agreed to an interview with the House panel investigating the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Plus, the House passed a bill that would overhaul an election certification law.

In other national news, President Joe Biden pledged help for Puerto Rico after the island was slammed by Hurricane Fiona. He also met with the families of Americans being detained in Russia.

There were responses to Republican governors sending migrants to states led by Democrats.

The subject of the first season of the “Serial” podcast had his conviction overturned.

Sarah Sanders, the Republican candidate for governor of Arkansas, was released from a hospital after undergoing successful surgery to treat cancer.

The Federal Reserve board continued its bid to hold down inflation by raising interest rates. Mortgage rates continued to rise. The financial stress families are experiencing led Walmart and Target to both reveal plans to start holiday shopping deals sooner to ease the sting of inflation.

The funeral for Queen Elizabeth II was held this week. The United Kingdom and the rest of the world said farewell.

In a week where the leaders of the world met for the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was front and center. And in other news, an American contractor was released in a prisoner exchange, there were two large earthquakes in Mexico, and protests in Iran.

And finally, in science and health news, the latest on the updated COVID booster shot, NASA prepares for a test that could save the planet and a recommendation for adults to be screened for anxiety.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Hurricane Fiona is pounding Bermuda with heavy rains and winds as it sweeps by the island and is forecast to approach northeastern Canada as a still-powerful storm late Friday.

More than 4 million Americans have rolled up their sleeves for the new omicron-specific booster shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted the count Thursday. The new shots are designed to target the most common omicron strains of the coronavirus.

A NASA spacecraft is about to clobber a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away in the first save-the-world experiment of its kind. The spacecraft named Dart will zero in on the asteroid Monday, intent on slamming it head-on at 14,000 mph. The impact should be just enough to nudge the asteroid into a slightly tighter orbit around its companion space rock.

Protesters across Iran have continued to clash violently with security forces following the death of a young woman in police custody, as Iranian state TV suggested the death toll from the unrest could be as high as 26, without offering details.

In sports, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Yankees clinced a playoff spot and the Boston Celtics suspended coach Ime Udoka for the season.

The United States has made its case at the U.N. Security Council for why Russia should face further censure and isolation over the Ukraine invasion. It comes the day after Ukraine’s president laid out a forceful case against Russia’s invasion at the United Nations.

President Joe Biden says the full force of the federal government is ready to help Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of Hurricane Fiona. Speaking in New York Thursday, he said hundreds of FEMA and other federal officials are already on the ground with more help coming.

A former director of Mississippi’s welfare agency pleaded guilty Thursday to federal and state charges in a conspiracy to misspend tens of millions of dollars that were intended to help needy families. The scandal also raised questions about retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre and former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant.

Wildlife experts have rescued 32 of 230 whales that were found stranded on the wild and remote west coast of Australia’s island state of Tasmania.

A former professional tennis player-turned-coach from Chile has received a lifetime ban from the sport for a record-high number of match-fixing offenses.

Walmart and Target plan to begin offering deals and price matching offers earlier this year to keep up with Americans pressed by soaring inflation and looking for ways to take the sting out of holiday shopping.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped by more than a quarter-point this week to their highest level since 2008, a result of the Federal Reserve’s intensified effort to tamp down decades-high inflation and cool the economy. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year rate climbed to 6.29% from 6.02% last week.

The fictional soccer team from the Emmy-winning “Ted Lasso” are included in the FIFA 23 video game from EA Sports.

Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, apologized "for any stress that I have caused" to ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

—The Associated Press

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A federal appeals court has lifted a judge’s hold on the Justice Department’s ability to use classified records seized from former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate in its ongoing criminal investigation. The ruling Wednesday from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Atlanta clears the way for investigators to continue scrutinizing the documents as they evaluate whether to bring criminal charges over the storage of top-secret government records at Mar-a-Lago.

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 has caused buildings to sway in Mexico’s capital and left at least one person dead. The earthquake struck early Thursday, just three days after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook western and central Mexico, killing two people.

Intensifying its fight against high inflation, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by a substantial three-quarters of a point for a third straight time and signaled more large rate hikes to come — an aggressive pace that will heighten the risk of an eventual recession.

Ukraine has completed a high-profile prisoner swap with Russia, the culmination of months of efforts to free many of the Ukrainian fighters who defended a steel plant in the port of Mariupol during a months-long Russian siege. In exchange, Ukraine gave up an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin it was holding.

Britain’s government has confirmed it is lifting a ban on fracking in England, arguing that the move will help boost the country’s energy security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. New Prime Minister Liz Truss announced within days of taking office earlier September that she will reverse a 2019 ban on hydraulic fracturing, a controversial technique used to extract oil and gas from shale rock.

The wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, conservative activist Virginia Thomas, has agreed to participate in a voluntary interview with the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection.

The House has passed legislation to overhaul the rules for certifying the results of a presidential election as lawmakers accelerate their response to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and Donald Trump’s failed attempt to remain in power. The bill is similar to bipartisan legislation moving through the Senate.

In sports, Aaron Judge went homerless but his Yankees hit three homers, the Mets took a beating from the Brewers, the Guardians closed in on the AL Central title and a tennis legend will end his career playing with, not against, his top rival.

New York’s attorney general has sued former President Donald Trump and his company, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit was filed Wednesday in state court in New York.

President Joe Biden has declared that Russia has “shamelessly violated the core tenets” of the United Nations charter with its “brutal, needless war” in Ukraine. Biden on Wednesday delivered a forceful condemnation of Russia’s invasion to the international body, saying abuses against civilians in Ukraine “should make your blood run cold.”

Robert Sarver says he has started the process of selling the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, a move that comes only eight days after he was suspended by the NBA over workplace misconduct including racist speech and hostile behavior toward employees.

Pope Francis spoke out against the cruelty suffered by the Ukrainian people in Saint Peter's Square.

The Kansas City Royals have fired longtime general manager Dayton Moore, who took the club from a perennial 100-game loser to two World Series and the 2015 championship before its return to mediocrity.

Lottery officials say two people who wish to remain anonymous have claimed a $1.337 billion Mega Millions jackpot after a single ticket was sold in a Chicago suburb for a late July drawing, opting to take a lump sum payment of $780.5 million.

Firefighters have rescued a 13-year-old blind dog that fell into a hole at a California construction site. KABC-TV reports that the dog, named Cesar, lives next to the site in Pasadena with his owner. Cesar apparently wandered onto the site Tuesday night and fell into the hole, which was about 15 feet deep and 3 feet wide.

Roger Federer says he is at peace with his choice to retire from professional tennis and plans to close his career with one doubles match at the Laver Cup perhaps with longtime rival Rafael Nadal by his side.

The International Space Station is welcoming three new residents following a smooth Russian launch. The Soyuz capsule rocketed into orbit from Kazakhstan on Wednesday and, just three hours later, pulled up at the space station. Two Russians and one American are checking in for a six-month stay.

—The Associated Press

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial mobilization of reservists in Russia. He is risking a deeply unpopular step that follows a string of humiliating setbacks for his troops nearly seven months after invading Ukraine. It’s the first mobilization in Russia since World War II.

The Russian leader also warned the West on Wednesday he isn’t bluffing over using all the means at his disposal to protect Russia’s territory, in what appeared to be a veiled reference to Russia’s nuclear capability.

President Joe Biden is ready to make the case at the U.N. General Assembly that Russia's “naked aggression” in Ukraine is an affront to the heart of what the international body stands. In his address Wednesday morning, the American president is looking to rally allies to continue to back the Ukrainian resistance.

The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to raise its key short-term rate by a substantial three-quarters of a point for the third consecutive time. Many Fed watchers will be paying particular attention to Chairman Jerome Powell’s remarks at a news conference afterward.

Hurricane Fiona strengthened into a Category 4 storm Wednesday after lashing the Turks and Caicos Islands and was forecast to squeeze past Bermuda later this week. The storm was blamed for causing at least four direct deaths in its march through the Caribbean, where it unleashed torrential rain in Puerto Rico, leaving a majority without power.

In sports, Aaron Judge blasted his 60th homer, the Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff spot, the New York Mets rallied for a win, and Nathan MacKinnon is now the NHL's highest paid player.

The separatist leaders of four Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine say they are planning to hold referendums this week for the territories to become part of Russia as Moscow loses ground in the war it launched. The votes will be held in the Luhansk, Kherson and partly Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions.

There are reports that more migrants are on the move and will land in President Joe Biden's home state of Delaware.

A British official says around a quarter of a million people joined the huge queue to see Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin lying in state in London’s Westminster Hall. The figure was released a day after Britain ended 10 days of national mourning for the late monarch.

Jimmy Kimmel is celebrating his 20th anniversary as ABC’s late-night host early, signing a three-year contract extension for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” His show debuted in January 2003, and the new deal means he will remain with it into the 2025-26 season.

After a year spent off air, the Golden Globe Awards are returning to NBC in January, when the embattled Hollywood Foreign Press Association will seek a primetime comeback. The 80th Golden Globes will be held January 10, airing both on NBC and Peacock.

Federal authorities have charged 47 people in what they're calling the largest fraud scheme yet to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by stealing and defrauding the government of $250 million.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump are resisting independent arbiter Raymond Dearie's request for information about whether the seized records had been declassified, as Trump has maintained. In a letter to Dearie on Monday night, the lawyers said that issue could be part of Trump’s defense in the event of an indictment.

After bashing the proceedings on his web show, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has made his first appearance outside a courthouse in Connecticut where a jury will determine how much in damages he should pay for telling his audience the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. Jones showed up and made comments outside, but left a short time later.

An influential health guidelines group says U.S. doctors should regularly screen adults for anxiety. It’s the first time the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended anxiety screening in primary care for adults without symptoms.

—The Associated Press

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A Texas sheriff has opened a criminal investigation into two flights of migrants sent to Martha’s Vineyard by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. But Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar on Monday did not say what laws may have been broken in putting 48 Venezuelans on private planes last week from San Antonio.

Hurricane Fiona dumped more rain on Puerto Rico. The deluge came after the storm knocked out power and water to most of the island. The storm is now barreling toward the Turks and Caicos Islands as a Category 3 hurricane.

Student loan borrowers who paid down their debt during a pandemic freeze that started in March 2020 can get a refund — and then apply for forgiveness.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is warning that the world is in “great peril." And he says world leaders meeting in-person for the first time in three years at the U.N. General Assembly must tackle conflicts and climate catastrophes, increasing poverty and inequality, and divisions among major powers that have gotten worse since Russia invaded Ukraine.

A Baltimore judge has ordered the release of Adnan Syed after overturning Syed’s conviction for a 1999 murder that was chronicled in the hit podcast “Serial.” Circuit Court Judge Melissa Phinn on Monday ordered that Syed’s conviction be vacated and she approved the release of the now-41-year-old who has spent more than two decades behind bars.

On Sept. 20, 1973, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets to win the Battle of the Sexes and the $100,000 winner-take-all purse at Houston’s Astrodome.

In sports, the Eagles and the Bills dominated Monday night football and the Mets clinched a playoff berth.

Britain and the world said farewell to Queen Elizabeth II with pomp and pageantry. Crowds massed in the streets of London and at Windsor Castle to honor a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an era.

The first state funeral since Winston Churchill’s drew world leaders and other royalty. Before the service, a bell tolled 96 times for each year of Elizabeth’s life. Royal Navy sailors pulled a gun carriage carrying her flag-draped coffin to Westminster Abbey before pallbearers bore it inside.

Atop the coffin sat a handwritten note from King Charles III. After a committal service at a chapel in Windsor Castle, the coffin was lowered into the royal vault.

In movie theatres and pubs, on giant screens and smartphones, people watched and pundits droned on as the funeral in London flooded the airwaves live across time zones and continents.

An American contractor held hostage in Afghanistan for more than two years by the Taliban has been released. The White House and family members of Mark Frerichs said Monday his release came in an exchange for a convicted Taliban drug lord jailed in the United States.

A Northern California woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for faking her own kidnapping so she could go back to a former boyfriend, which led to an three-week, multi-state search. Forty-year-old Sherri Papini pleaded guilty last spring under a plea bargain.

The number of people killed on U.S. roadways fell slightly from April through June. But the government says traffic fatalities are still at a crisis level. Estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 20,175 people died in crashes from January through June, an increase of 0.5% over the same period last year.

The United Arab Emirates will launch its first lunar rover in November. The rover would be launched from the Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket and deposited on the moon by a Japanese ispace lander sometime in March.

A Russian missile has blasted a crater close to a nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, damaging nearby industrial equipment but not hitting its three reactors. Ukrainian authorities denounced Monday's attack as an act of “nuclear terrorism."

In this week's religion roundup, pastors offer a mixed response to Republican transports of migrants to Democratic-run jurisdictions, while a faith-led group seeks missing migrants in the US-Mexico desert. And Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine.

—The Associated Press

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Britain and the world are saying a final goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at a state funeral that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers. Crowds massed along the streets of London to honor a monarch whose 70-year reign defined an age.

In a country known for pomp and pageantry, the first state funeral since Winston Churchill’s was filled with spectacle. Royal Navy sailors drew the gun carriage carrying Elizabeth’s coffin to Westminster Abbey. King Charles III and his sons Princes William and Harry walked behind as pipers played.

Pall bearers then carried the coffin into the Abbey. Around 2,000 people ranging from world leaders to health care workers gathered to mourn her. After the funeral, the queen's coffin left the abbey to start a procession through central London.

Hurricane Fiona is bearing down on the Dominican Republic after knocking out the power grid and unleashing floods and landslides in Puerto Rico, where the governor said the damage was “catastrophic.” No deaths have been reported, but authorities in the U.S. territory said it was too early to estimate the damage from a storm that was still forecast to unleash torrential rain across Puerto Rico on Monday.

World leaders are gathering at the United Nations this week under the shadow of Europe’s first major conflict since World War II. It is taking place as many countries across the globe are also confronting inequality, an escalating climate crisis, the threat of multiple famines and increasing misinformation and hate speech.

The Viola Davis-led action epic “The Woman King” easily conquered the North American box office in its first weekend in theaters, against a crowded market of new releases. It surpassed expectations and earned $19 million in ticket sales, according to estimates from Sony on Sunday. The horror movie “Barbarian,” a 20th Century Studios release, took second place in its second weekend with $6.3 million.

In sports, a roundup of action in the NFL, the Yankees' Aaron Judge hit his 58th and 59th home runs and the Mets completed a four-game sweep.

“The Phantom of the Opera” — Broadway’s longest-running show — is scheduled to close in February 2023, a victim of post-pandemic softening in theater attendance in New York. A spokesperson says the closing will come less than a month after its 35th anniversary.

Former White House press secretary and Arkansas GOP gubernatorial candidate Sarah Sanders has been released from a hospital following surgery for thyroid cancer.

President Joe Biden met with family members of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another American detained in Russia, Paul Whelan. The meetings Friday at the White House were the first face-to-face encounter between the president and the relatives of Griner and Whelan.

Immigration lawyers are threatening legal action as they claim Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are breaking the law by sending migrants out of their states.

The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to lift a judge’s order that temporarily barred it from reviewing a batch of classified documents seized during an FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida home last month.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

"Ted Lasso" and "Succession" won top prizes at this year’s Emmy Awards.

Men’s and women’s champions were crowned at this year’s U.S. Open. Meanwhile, former Open champion Roger Federer announced his retirement.

R. Kelly was convicted in his federal trial.

New details were revealed in a Mississippi case involving former Packers great Brett Favre.

A rapper was killed in Los Angeles. In other news, a jazz legend and an iconic French director died.

Longtime St. Louis Cardinals teammates made history.

The owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury was fined and suspended.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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The state of the economy has been a major concern this past year and was nearly derailed further by a labor dispute.

Early Thursday, rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement to avert a strike that could have shut down the nation’s freight trains, further adding to supply chain problems that have persisted since the start of the pandemic.

Mortgage rates hit another high this week, topping 6% for the first time since the housing crash in 2008. A year ago the rate was below 3%.

Small businesses are feeling the crunch as consumers pull back on spending, and income inequality has been on the rise.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden unveiled a plan to modernize airports during a stop in Boston and touted a commitment to electric vehicles at the auto show in Detroit.

The midterm elections are right around the corner, so we’ll take a look at how President Biden has altered messaging as well as his approval rating, potential abortion legislation, shifting politics in Georgia and the latest news on former President Donald Trump.

This past Sunday was the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. We listen to details on memorials from the day as well as the status of the mastermind behind the attacks.

In other national news, there have been many societal changes since the start of the pandemic. Two suspicious packages, including one that exploded, were found in Boston. A onetime aid to Andrew Cuomo is suing the former New York governor.

A deal ended a teacher’s strike in Seattle. Ken Starr, who investigated former President Bill Clinton, died. It was the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s moonshot speech. And there was an unwanted patron at a North Dakota bar.

Details have been released for Monday’s funeral services for Queen Elizabeth II as the United Kingdom mourns its longtime monarch.

In other international news, Ukraine has made progress in pushing back its Russian invaders. We listen to details, as well get an update on the state of a nuclear plant and Russia’s attempts to influence foreign politics.

Plus, Iranian citizens have been charged in a hacking campaign and the state of COVID in the Philippines.

And finally, in health and technology news, a look at the perception of healthcare in the U.S. and concerns over misinformation on TikTok.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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A federal judge has appointed a veteran New York jurist to serve as an independent arbiter in the criminal investigation into the presence of classified documents at Donald Trump’s Florida home. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has also refused to permit the Justice Department to resume its use of the highly sensitive records seized in an FBI search last month. Cannon on Thursday empowered the newly named special master, Raymond Dearie, to review all the documents taken in the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago and set a November deadline for his work.

Republican governors are escalating their practice of sending migrants without advance warning to Democratic strongholds, including a wealthy summer enclave in Massachusetts and the Washington, D.C., home of Vice President Kamala Harris. The White House is calling the practice a “cruel, premeditated political stunt.”

Ukrainian authorities are expected to begin recovering bodies from a mass burial site in a forest recaptured from Russian forces. It's a delicate task that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said would help show the world “what the Russian occupation has led to.” It was discovered close to Izium after a rapid counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces retook the northeastern city and much of the Kharkiv region.

People are being told not to join the line to view Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin after a surge in numbers. British officials said Friday morning that the organized line was at capacity and no one will be allowed to join it for at least six hours.

Medical centers around the country say fires, flooding, heat waves and other extreme weather are increasingly jeopardizing medical services, damaging health care facilities and forcing patients to flee their hospital beds. That's according to findings released Thursday in a report from the House Ways and Means Committee.

In a memoir Anne Heche worked on last year, the actor shared candid thoughts on her 3-year relationship with Ellen DeGeneres in the late 1990s, when they were among Hollywood’s first openly gay couples.

Democrats are punting a vote to protect same-sex and interracial marriages until after the November midterm elections, pulling back just days after Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to put the Senate on the record on the issue “in the coming weeks.”

In sports, the Chiefs were three points better than the Chargers, the Twins and White Sox inched closer to the Guardians, the Rays made MLB history, the Mets ended their skid, a tennis great retired and the WNBA Finals will stretch into the weekend.

Rail companies and their workers reached a tentative agreement to avert a nationwide strike that could have shut down the nation’s freight trains and devastated the economy less than two months before the midterm elections. President Joe Biden announced the deal Thursday.

Biden plans to meet at the White House on Friday with the families of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, both of whom remain jailed in Russia. The meetings are to be the first in-person encounter between Biden and the families and come amid sustained but so far unsuccessful efforts by the administration to secure the two Americans' release.

A boil-water notice has been lifted in Mississippi’s capital city after nearly seven weeks. Gov. Tate Reeves and Jackson officials made the announcement Thursday.

A Virginia man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while wearing an antisemitic “Camp Auschwitz” sweatshirt over a Nazi-themed shirt has been sentenced to 75 days of imprisonment. Photographs of Robert Keith Packer wearing the sweatshirt went viral after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

Thousands of mourners are waiting for up to nine hours in line to file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as she lies in state at Westminster Hall. The queue to pay respects to the late monarch stretched for 4.4 miles past Tower Bridge on Thursday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for his “balanced” approach to the Ukrainian crisis and blasted Washington’s “ugly” policies at a meeting that followed a major setback for Moscow in the war.

Roger Federer has announced that he is retiring from professional tennis at the age of 41 after winning 20 Grand Slam titles. Federer has not competed since Wimbledon in July 2021.

Two minutes of silence will be observed Monday across the United Kingdom at the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey. That's to give the British public a chance to pay their respects to the late monarch. Buckingham Palace released details Thursday of the state funeral and a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor ahead of her private interment later Monday.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates climbed over 6% this week for the first time since the housing crash of 2008, threatening to sideline even more homebuyers from a rapidly cooling housing market. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year rate rose to 6.02% from 5.89% last week.

President Joe Biden’s popularity has improved substantially from his lowest point this summer, but concerns about his handling of the economy persist. That's according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Support for Biden recovered from a low of 36% in July to 45%, driven in large part by a rebound in support from Democrats just two months before the November midterm elections.

Newly revealed text messages show how deeply a Mississippi governor was involved in the state paying more than $1 million in welfare money to Brett Favre to help pay for one of the retired NFL quarterback’s pet projects. Instead of the money going to help low-income families in one of the nation’s poorest states, as intended, it was funneled through a nonprofit group to Favre and was spent on a new volleyball facility at a university both men attended.

—The Associated Press

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President Joe Biden says a deal has been reached to avert a looming freight-rail strike that could have disrupted numerous commuter rail services across the country. A strike would also intensify snarls in the nation’s supply chain that have contributed to rising prices.

Thousands of mourners have lined up through the night to file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Parliament’s Westminster Hall. The queue to see the queen lying in state stretched for nearly four miles past Tower Bridge. The queen's coffin will lie in state at Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday.

During the first two years of the pandemic, the number of people working from home tripled, home values grew and the percentage of people who spend more than a third of their income on rent went up. That's according to survey results released Thursday which provide the most detailed data on how life changed in the U.S. under COVID-19.

A onetime aide to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has sued him, saying he tried to groom her for a sexual relationship at the start of the pandemic and then later smeared her reputation publicly. The lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court Wednesday by Charlotte Bennett also named three former aides of Cuomo as defendants.

A federal jury in Chicago convicted R. Kelly on Wednesday of producing child pornography and enticing girls for sex after a monthlong trial in his hometown. It's another legal blow to a singer who was once one of the world’s biggest R&B stars.

In sports, the two top NL East contenders lost, the Padres and Brewers fell, and a pair of Cardinals made history.

President Joe Biden spent a good portion of his day Wednesday showcasing his administration’s efforts to promote electric vehicles at the Detroit auto show. Biden is a self-proclaimed “car guy” who owns a 1967 Corvette Stingray. He announced approval of the first $900 million in infrastructure money to build EV chargers across 53,000 miles of the national highway system and 35 states.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a rare foray outside Ukraine's capital and highlighted Moscow’s embarrassing retreat from a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Hand on heart, Zelenskyy watched his country’s flag rise above the recaptured city of Izium on Wednesday. Russian forces left the city last week as Kyiv’s soldiers advanced in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Attorneys for Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz have suddenly and surprisingly rested their case, leading to a shouting match after the judge accused them of a lack of professionalism. Cruz has pleaded guilty of murdering 17 at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. The trial is to decide whether he is sentenced to death or life without parole.

Voting is open on which toys should go into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year. The class of 2022 finalists were announced Wednesday. They are: bingo, Breyer Horses, Catan, Lite-Brite, Nerf Toys, Masters of the Universe, piñata, Phase 10, Pound Puppies, Rack-O, Spirograph, and the top.

MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell says federal agents have seized his cellphone. He says they also questioned him Tuesday about a Colorado clerk who has been charged in what prosecutors say was a “deceptive scheme” to breach voting system technology used across the country.

The Justice Department says three Iranian citizens have been charged in the United States with ransomware attacks that targeted power companies, local governments and small businesses and nonprofits, including a Pennsylvania domestic violence shelter.

A U.S. firm that monitors false online claims reports that searches for information about prominent news topics on TikTok are likely to turn up results riddled with misinformation. The NewsGuard firm says its researchers ran searches on news topics including COVID-19, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the 2020 U.S. election and found that nearly 1 in 5 of the videos recommended by the site contained misinformation.

Inflation at the wholesale level jumped 8.7% in August from a year earlier, a slowdown from July yet still a painfully high level that suggests prices will keep spiking for months to come.

—The Associated Press

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Thousands of people in London will watch Queen Elizabeth II's coffin that will be taken from Buckingham Palace by horse-drawn gun carriage to the Houses of Parliament to lie in state for four days before Monday’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has visited an area of northeastern Ukraine that was recently retaken from Russian forces, witnessing largescale devastation as prosecutors claimed that local residents had been tortured and killed during the half-year occupation.

A package has exploded on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston, and the college says a staff member suffered minor injuries. Authorities say another suspicious package was found near a prominent art museum Tuesday evening, and the FBI was assisting with the investigation.

School will begin Wednesday in Seattle following a weeklong teachers strike that delayed the start of classes.

Residents of a city in China’s far western Xinjiang region say they are experiencing hunger, forced quarantines and dwindling supplies of medicine and daily necessities after more than 40 days in a virus lockdown.

A woman walked into a North Dakota bar carrying a raccoon, leading health officials to warn those who had contact with the animal about possible rabies exposure. Bartender Cindy Smith said she was serving drinks at the Maddock Bar last week when a local resident brought in the animal during happy hour.

Ken Starr, a former federal appellate judge and a prominent attorney whose criminal investigation of Bill Clinton led to the president’s impeachment, died Tuesday at age 76, his family says. A former colleague, attorney Mark Lanier, says Starr died at a hospital of complications from surgery.

In sports, the Yankees needed 10 innings to beat the Red Sox, the Brewers and Cubs came out on top, the Las Vegas Aces won Game 2 of the WNBA Finals and NBA Phoenix owner Robert Sarver was fined and suspended.

The stock market fell the most since June 2020 following Wall Street’s humbling realization that inflation is not slowing as much as hoped. The Dow lost more than 1,250 points and the S&P 500 sank 4.3%. A hotter-than-expected report on inflation Tuesday has traders bracing for the Federal Reserve to ultimately raise interest rates even higher than expected, with all the risks for the economy that entails.

Freight railroads and their unions are facing increasing pressure from business groups and the White House to settle their contract dispute. They face a looming strike deadline on Friday.

Ukrainian troops are piling pressure on retreating Russian forces, pressing a counteroffensive that has produced major gains and a stunning blow to Moscow’s military prestige.

Upending the midterm elections, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham has introduced a nationwide abortion ban. The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the physical health of the mother.

Income inequality in the U.S. increased last year for the first time in more than a decade. But childhood poverty was cut almost in half due to expansion of the federal government’s child tax credit and stimulus payments made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has filed an ethics complaint against state Attorney General Letitia James, reiterating his oft-repeated concerns about a sexual harassment investigation that led to his resignation last year.

A congressional oversight committee has requested an assessment from the National Archives on whether presidential records removed by former President Donald Trump remain unaccounted for and potentially in his possession.

The State Department says Russia has covertly spent more than $300 million since 2014 to try to influence politicians and other officials in more than two dozen countries.

Highly influential French film director Jean-Luc Godard has died at age 91. His family said in a statement that Godard died peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday at his home in the Swiss town of Rolle, on Lake Geneva.

Philadelphia rapper PnB Rock was fatally shot during a robbery in South Los Angeles. PnB Rock is best known for his 2016 hit “Selfish.” He released his latest song, “Luv Me Again,” on Sept. 2.

—The Associated Press

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Seattle Public Schools said late Monday it had reached a tentative agreement with the union for teachers who went on strike last week over issues like pay and classroom support. Earlier Monday the district had cancelled classes Tuesday, the fifth school day that students have missed since the strike began began Sept. 7. That was supposed to be the first day for approximately 49,000 students in the district.

The public in Scotland was given a chance to mourn Queen Elizabeth II. The queen’s coffin, accompanied by King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort, traveled to Edinburgh’s St. Giles’ Cathedral where it will stay for 24 hours so the public can pay their respects.

Ukrainian troops piled pressure on retreating Russian forces on Tuesday, pressing a counteroffensive that has produced major gains and a stunning blow to Moscow's military prestige.

A former security chief at Twitter will testify Tuesday before Congress the social platform misled regulators about its cyber defenses and efforts to control millions of fake accounts.

The Emmy Awards have spread honors around repeat winners – Zendaya, Jason Sudeikis and Jean Smart – and some first timers, like Sheryl Lee Ralph and Quinta Brunson of “Abbott Elementary.” Zendaya and Sudeikis won their second acting Emmys Monday, while Smart won back-to-back trophies for “Hacks.” So did Sudeikis' comedy “Ted Lasso,” which claimed the top comedy prize and “Succession,” which took home the top drama honor.

In sports, Seattle spoiled Russell Wilson's return as a Bronco, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott will miss time, the Dodgers grabbed a playoff spot and the Angels' Mike Trout homered again.

Renowned jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis has died. He was 87. His son, Bobby Lewis, says Ramsey Lewis died Monday at his Chicago home. Lewis’ music entertained fans over a more than 60-year career. He’s revered in jazz circles for such 1960s hits as “The ‘In’ Crowd,” “Hang on Sloopy” and “Wade in the Water.” He earned three Grammy awards and seven gold records. The Chicago native began composing large-scale musical works later in his career. He spent his early days using his gospel and classical roots to create his own jazz style in neighborhood venues that hired young jazz musicians.

NASA celebrated anniversary of former President John F. Kennedy's moonshot speech.

Donald Trump’s lawyers dismissed as a “storage dispute” the former president's retention of top-secret documents at his Florida home, urging a judge Monday to keep in place a directive that temporarily halted key aspects of the Justice Department’s criminal probe. The Trump team also said it opposed the candidates the Justice Department proposed for an independent arbiter who is to be tasked with reviewing the documents seized during the FBI's Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.

An Indiana judge won’t hear arguments until next week on a lawsuit seeking to block the state’s abortion ban, leaving that new law set to take effect on Thursday.

Attorneys for Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz began building their case Monday that his birth mother's alcohol abuse left him with severe behavioral problems that eventually led to his 2018 murder of 17 people at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Cruz, 23, pleaded guilty in October. His trial is only to decide whether he is sentenced to death or life without parole.

President Joe Biden has stopped talking so much about inflation worries. It's a self-edit ahead of the midterm elections in November, prompted in part by the easing of inflationary pressures. But Biden is also attempting to shift the spotlight to his legislative wins, the loss of abortion protections and the threats he says are posed to democracy by the many Republican leaders still under the sway of former President Donald Trump.

Inflation isn’t only costing small businesses money. It’s costing them customers as well. For much of the pandemic, small business customers were largely tolerant of price increases and kept on spending. But now owners say they’re seeing some pushback.

R. Kelly is a sexual predator who parlayed his fame to abuse minors, a prosecutor said Monday during closing arguments at the R&B star's child pornography and trial-fixing trial in Chicago, Kelly’s hometown.

In this week's religion roundup, former national security adviser Michael Flynn sees a new career as a political holy warrior and Netflix is feeling the heat from Arab Muslim countries about its programming.

—The Associated Press

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King Charles and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, will take part in a procession bearing his late mother’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland. Charles addressed lawmakers in Britain’s Parliament, telling them: “I cannot but help feel the weight of history which surrounds us.” President Joe Biden has formally accepted an invitation to attend the state funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II.

Ukraine has kept the counteroffensive momentum in its war against Russia going. It says it liberated one village after another amid a claim that in one region it had pushed the invaders back right up to the borders they came from.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is extending a state of calamity declared by his predecessor more than two years ago to deal with continuing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

The shutdown of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant cuts the risk of a radiation disaster that has haunted the world. The last of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant’s six nuclear reactors was shut down Sunday because Russia’s war in Ukraine had repeatedly cut reliable external power supplies.

Americans remembered 9/11 with tear-choked tributes and pleas to “never forget,” 21 years after the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. Victims’ relatives and dignitaries gathered Sunday at all three places where hijacked jets crashed on Sept. 11, 2001 — the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. President Joe Biden told the Pentagon gathering that the U.S. would continue working to root out terrorists.

Nearly two decades after his capture in Pakistan, the self-described mastermind of the Sept. 11 terror attacks is still in a legal limbo. Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four other men accused of 9/11-related crimes continue to sit in a U.S. detention center in Guantanamo Bay.

A majority of adults in the U.S. say health care is not handled well in the country. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll reveals public satisfaction with the U.S. health care system is remarkably low, with fewer than half of Americans saying it's handled well in general.

In Sunday's sports highlights, a teen won at the U.S. Open, while the Steelers and Saints pulled out week one wins late, and Albert Pujols moved closer to 700 home runs.

The horror film “Barbarian” won the weekend as the late-summer doldrums at the box office continued. Sunday studio estimates say the debut film from director Zach Cregger brought in $10 million in North America to earn the No. 1 spot for Disney subsidiary 20th Century Studios. Coming in a distant second with $4.4 million was “Brahmāstra: Part One: Shiva,” an Indian, Hindi-language fantasy epic from Star Studios, another subsidiary of Disney. Older Hollywood fare, “Bullet Train” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” occupied the three and four spots.

Planned Parenthood leaders from across the country met in California to discuss how to defend abortion rights. Their goal is to create a blueprint for protecting abortion rights now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade.

Georgia’s Republican Party once relied on votes in Atlanta’s close-in suburbs, but today the GOP increasingly relies on the mountains of north Georgia for its votes. An analysis by The Associated Press shows a 41-county region of north Georgia now has as many GOP voters as the core of metro Atlanta.

Major League Baseball is ready to voluntarily accept the formation of a minor league union, a key step that will lead to collective bargaining and possibly a strike threat at the start of next season. The Major League Baseball Players Association launched the unionization drive on Aug. 28 and told MLB on Tuesday it had obtained signed authorization cards from the approximately 5,000 to 6,500 players with minor league contracts.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

A new NFL season is underway, but it didn’t start as planned for the defending Super Bowl champions.

There was a boost at the box office Labor Day weekend thanks to a promotion.

Lainey Wilson leads the nominations for the CMA Awards.

The Weeknd had to abruptly cancel a show due to vocal problems.

Dodgers closer Craig Kimbrel is leaving hitters ‘Frozen’ with his entrance music.

Legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr is back on the road.

Sherri Shepherd is ready to launch her daytime talk show.

Jane Fonda reveals she has cancer.

Former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw has died.

And singer Ricky Martin is suing a nephew over sexual abuse claims.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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The death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday was perhaps the biggest story of the week. The longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history died at age 96, just days after Liz Truss became the 15th Prime Minister during her reign. Winston Churchill was the first.

For more on her death and reactions, please listen to a special bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, which you can listen to through this link.

The focus of this week’s show will instead be political news out of the United States.

President Joe Biden spent Labor Day making an appeal to swing state voters while railing against MAGA Republicans.

Former President Donald Trump was handed a victory when a judge ruled in his favor and appointed a special master in the investigation over documents recovered from his Florida home. The Justice Department said it would appeal the ruling.

In other news, a political action committee tied to Trump is reportedly part of a federal grand jury investigation.

Longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon pleaded not guilty to charges in a case over fundraising for a border wall. Another Trump ally, Michael Flynn, has been building a following and a national movement.

Oath Keepers membership documents were leaked, revealing connections to politicians and law enforcement officials.

And the Obamas were back at the White House.

In last week’s episode, we focused on the return to school. However, school was not in session this week in Seattle due to a teacher’s strike. Students in Uvalde, Texas, and Jackson, Mississippi, did return to classes for the first time this school year. Also, survivors of the 2012 school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School have advice for Uvalde’s survivors.

California is dealing with extreme heat and wildfires.

In other national news, the body of Eliza Fletcher was found and a deadline shooting spree was livestreamed in Memphis, Tennessee. A man threatened to crash a plane into a Walmart. The Coast Guard ended a search following a plane crash. And a judge approved a reorganization plan for the Boy Scouts.

Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell doesn’t believe higher interest rates will lead to a deep recession. That reassurance came as mortgage rates hit highs not seen in more than a decade. Consumers are cutting back, but not on everything. That includes beauty items. The prices of electric vehicles are starting to come down.

A return to the moon will have to wait due to a fuel leak. President Biden will channel a predecessor with a moonshot goal to end cancer.

Updated coronavirus boosters are available, but should you get one? And in other COVID news, New York has ended a mask requirement on public transportation.

And finally, in international news, the United Kingdom has a new prime minister and a funeral was held for the last leader of the Soviet Union.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Bells have tolled around Britain and mourners are flocking to palace gates to honor Queen Elizabeth II. The country prepared Friday for a new age under a new king.

King Charles III spent much of his 73 years preparing for the role. He planned to meet with the prime minister and address a nation grieving the only British monarch most of the world had known.

He takes the throne in an era of uncertainty for both his country and the monarchy itself. As the country began a 10-day mourning period, people around the globe gathered at British embassies to pay homage to the queen. She died Thursday.

Ukraine’s state nuclear energy operator says Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, caught in the Ukraine-Russia war, is operating in emergency mode with elevated risk. The last power line connecting the plant to the Ukrainian electricity grid was cut on Monday, leaving the plant without an outside source of electricity and receiving power for its own safety systems from the only one of the six reactors that remains operational.

President Joe Biden wants to put the spotlight on a rare bipartisan down payment on U.S. manufacturing. He visits Ohio on Friday for the groundbreaking of a new Intel computer chip facility.

Firefighters are struggling to control raging California wildfires that have grown explosively during extreme heat and forced thousands of residents to flee mountain communities at both ends of the state. Meanwhile Tropical Storm Kay could reach northern Baja on Friday, when it's expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and flash floods to Southern California.

The Justice Department is preparing to appeal a judge’s decision to name an independent arbiter to review records seized by the FBI from former President Donald Trump’s Florida home. Law enforcement officials said in a filing Thursday that they would suffer “irreparable harm” if the directive remained in place.

A federal grand jury is reportedly seeking information about Donald Trump’s Save America leadership PAC as investigations into the former president continue to expand. ABC News first reported Thursday that subpoenas issued in recent weeks have asked recipients about the political action committee’s formation, its fundraising activities and its spending.

Former President Donald Trump’s longtime ally Steve Bannon has pleaded not guilty to New York state charges of duping donors who gave money to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. An earlier federal prosecution on similar charges ended before trial when Trump pardoned Bannon.

A Delaware bankruptcy judge has approved a $2.46 billion reorganization plan proposed by the Boy Scouts of America. The plan approved Thursday would allow the organization to continue operating while compensating tens of thousands of men who say they were sexually abused as children while involved in Scouting.

In sports, the start of the NFL season, baseball's longest-running battery is matched, two American League division races tighten, the U.S. Open's women's final matchup is set as is the WNBA Finals.

—The Associated Press

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Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, has died. She was 96. Elizabeth spent more than seven decades on the throne as the U.K. rebuilt from war, lost an empire, transformed its economy and both entered and left the European Union. She was a constant presence, the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and she guided the institution of the monarchy through choppy waters. She likely met more people than anyone in history, and her image, which adorned stamps, coins and bank notes, was among the most reproduced in the world. But her inner life and opinions remained largely an enigma. The impact of her loss will be huge, and unpredictable.

—The Associated Press

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She was a constant presence, the only monarch most Britons have ever known, and she guided the institution of the monarchy through choppy waters. She likely met more people than anyone in history, and her image, which adorned stamps, coins and bank notes, was among the most reproduced in the world.

Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king and will be known as King Charles III, his office announced. Charles' second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort.

In a statement, Charles called his mother's death “a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” adding: “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”

British Prime Minister Liz Truss, appointed by the queen just 48 hours earlier, pronounced the country “devastated” and called Elizabeth “the rock on which modern Britain was built.”

The last time the Federal Reserve faced inflation as high as it is now, in the early 1980s, it jacked up interest rates to double-digit levels — and in the process caused a deep recession and sharply higher unemployment. On Thursday, Chair Jerome Powell suggested that this time, the Fed won’t have to go nearly as far.

A special prosecutor in Michigan has been appointed to investigate whether the Republican candidate for attorney general and others should be criminally charged for their attempts to gain access to voting machines after the 2020 election.

A French police officer is in custody after shooting to death a driver who failed to obey an order to stop. This is the latest in a string of similar incidents that are raising questions about the use of deadly force by French police.

Bernard Shaw, CNN’s chief anchor for two decades and a pioneering Black broadcast journalist best remembered for calmly reporting the beginning of the Gulf War in 1991 as missiles flew around him in Baghdad, has died. He was 82.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped again this week to their highest level in almost 14 years, certain to keep even more potential buyers out of a housing market that’s cooled considerably since the Federal Reserve began jacking up its benchmark borrowing rate. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year rate jumped to 5.89%.

Auto companies are rolling out more affordable electric vehicles that should widen their appeal to a larger group of buyers. That's despite rising battery costs. The latest EV came Thursday from General Motors, a Chevrolet Equinox small SUV. It has a starting price around $30,000 and a range-per-charge of 250 miles.

Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin has filed a lawsuit against his nephew accusing him of extortion, malicious persecution, abuse of law and damages stemming from false allegations that attorneys say cost the singer and actor millions of dollars in lost income.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Craig Kimbrel is taking the mound to the song “Let It Go,” known to millions as the big hit from the movie “Frozen.” The 2013 Kimbrel's wife, Ashley, suggested the tune and it seems to be working. Kimbrel hasn't given up a hit in his last six games since the song began blaring from Dodger Stadium's speakers.

—The Associated Press

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Police in Memphis, Tennessee, have arrested a man they say drove around the city for hours shooting at people. Four victims are dead and three others wounded after seven shootings and at least two carjackings.

Police say 19-year-old Ezekiel Kelly was arrested without incident at around 9 p.m. Wednesday after crashing a stolen car. Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said Kelly livestreamed his actions on Facebook Wednesday.

The last suspect in a horrific stabbing rampage that killed 10 and wounded 18 in western Canada is dead following his capture. One official says 32-year-oldid Myles Sanderson died from self-inflicted injuries after police forced the stolen car he was driving off a highway in Saskatchewan. Sanderson’s 30-year-old brother, Damien, was the other suspect and he was found dead Monday.

A new report says Ukrainian forces have retaken portions of Russian-held territory in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Sherri Shepherd, who spent seven years on The View and filled in for Wendy Williams on occasion, launches her new Fox talk show on Monday. The daytime program will focus on pop culture, celebrities and the stories of real people.

A skeleton from 31,000 years ago may be the earliest evidence found of an amputation surgery in humans. According to a study published Wednesday in Nature, the remains show a child from Indonesia who had part of their left leg cut off on purpose.

A judge has struck down Michigan’s 1931 anti-abortion law, months after suspending it last spring. Judge Elizabeth Gleicher of the Court of Claims said the law violates the Michigan Constitution. It was long dormant before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.

Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have unveiled their official White House portraits. President Joe Biden on Wednesday hosted a ceremony at the White House where America’s first Black president and first lady revealed portraits with a modern vibe.

Operators of California’s electricity grid say a miscommunication led to a small number of power shutoffs as the power system was under great strain.

New York state is dropping its mask requirement on public transportation thanks in part to the availability of new booster shots targeting the most common strain of COVID-19.

Civil rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of three transgender Oklahoma schoolchildren against the state's new anti-transgender school bathroom bill.

Seattle Public Schools canceled Wednesday’s first day of school after teachers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike over issues that include pay, mental health support, and staffing ratios for special education and multilingual students.

Buckingham Palace says Queen Elizabeth II has postponed a meeting of senior governmental advisers known as the Privy Council after doctors advised her to rest.

President Joe Biden will highlight his plans for drastically reducing cancer deaths and boosting treatments for the disease in what he has calls “this generation’s moonshot." Biden’s speech at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on Monday will come on the 60th anniversary of his predecessor’s speech outlining his vision for putting the first man on the moon.

The retired Army general and former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn has been focusing on the future. In the past Flynn was part of the effort to overthrow the 2020 election. More recently, an investigation by The Associated Press and the PBS series “Frontline” finds that Flynn has been building a political movement mixing conspiracy theory with Christian nationalist ideas.

Louisiana-native Lainey Wilson is having a breakout year as she tops the Country Music Association nominations in her first year as a nominee, earning nods in six categories. The CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air Nov. 9 on ABC.

The survivors who were able to walk out of Sandy Hook Elementary school nearly a decade ago want to share a message of hope with the children of Uvalde, Texas: You will learn how to live with your trauma, pain and grief. And it will get better.

—The Associated Press

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A brutal Western heat wave brought California to the verge of ordering rolling blackouts but the state’s electrical grid has managed to handle record-breaking demand as temperatures in many areas soared past 100 degrees. Salt Lake City recorded a high of 105 degrees, the highest September temperature since 1874.

A new report says that the names of hundreds of U.S. law enforcement officers, elected officials and military members appear on the leaked membership rolls of a far-right extremist group that’s accused of playing a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. The Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism pored over more than 38,000 names on leaked Oath Keepers membership lists to find more than 370 people it believes are currently working in law enforcement agencies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed the war in Ukraine will go on.

Authorities say a shark has attacked and killed a U.S. cruise ship passenger who was snorkeling in waters around the Bahamas.

Indiana will tax student debt relief as income, reflecting similar policies in other U.S. states following the Biden administration's announcement of a forgiveness plan last month.

Rents are starting to come down after spiking to record levels this past summer, but experts are uncertain if the slowdown will continue.

In sports, a big Yankees-Twins game was postponed while the Orioles and Pirates pulled off wins. At the U.S. Open, Coco Gauff was defeated.

Students in Uvalde, Texas, went back to school for the first time since a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers in a classroom attack that shocked the country. Children began arriving at Uvalde Elementary before dawn, walking through newly installed 8-foot metal fencing that surrounds the campus and past a state trooper standing guard outside an entrance.

Students in Mississippi’s capital were able to return to class for the first time in a week with assurances that the toilets in sinks in their buildings would finally work. Jackson remained under a boil water advisory, but officials said the drop in water pressure that had brought the system to near collapse appeared to be resolved.

Electronic cigarette maker Juul Labs has agreed to pay nearly $440 million to settle a multi-state investigation into its vaping products, which have long been blamed for sparking a national surge in teen vaping. Connecticut announced the deal Tuesday on behalf of the 33 states plus Puerto Rico.

Police in Memphis, Tennessee, said Tuesday that a body found during a search the day before is a woman who was abducted and forced into an SUV during an early morning jog. Police said on Twitter that investigators identified the body of 34-year-old Eliza Fletcher, a school teacher and granddaughter of a prominent Memphis businessman.

The U.N. atomic watchdog agency is urging Russia and Ukraine to establish a “nuclear safety and security protection zone” around the Zaporizhzhia power plant amid mounting fears the fighting could trigger a catastrophe in a country still haunted by the Chernobyl disaster.

A new report says Russia sent significantly more oil and coal to India and China over the summer compared with the start of the year, while European countries that long relied on Russian energy have cut back sharply in response to the war in Ukraine.

Georgia moved up to No. 2 in the first Associated Press college football poll of the regular season. The Bulldogs passed Ohio State after the defending national champions dominated their opener. Alabama remained No. 1 in the AP Top 25 presented by Regions Bank, receiving 44 of 63 first-place votes.

Liz Truss has taken over as U.K. prime minister and is immediately facing up to the enormous tasks ahead of her. The challenges include pressure to curb soaring prices, boost the economy, ease labor unrest and fix a health care system burdened by long waiting lists and staff shortages. At the top of her inbox is the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which threatens to push energy bills to unaffordable levels.

In the latest religion roundup, Pope Francis expanded the ranks of cardinals who'll likely pick his successor, while the Vatican deflected rumors that he's retiring anytime soon. Pope Francis also stepped up his criticism of the war in Ukraine.

—The Associated Press

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The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures as high as 115 degrees inland, making work difficult for firefighters dealing with 14 wildfires throughout the state.

On the East Coast, heavy rain and flash flooding is expected from the South up into New England.

A new and worrisome school year begins Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas. There's high fencing around the city's public school campuses that still isn’t finished and a heavy police patrol that many families don’t trust after officers in May allowed a gunman to shoot inside Robb Elementary School for more than 70 minutes. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in one of the deadliest classroom shootings in U.S. history.

According to an arrest affidavit, U.S. Marshals arrested 38-year-old Cleotha Abston on Saturday after police detected his DNA on a pair of sandals found near where Eliza Fletcher was last seen. While the 34-year-old woman has not been found, Memphis police say they believe she was seriously injured in the abduction, which was caught on surveillance video.

Liz Truss has become U.K. prime minister to replace Boris Johnson in the post. Truss immediately needs to confront the enormous task ahead of her including increasing pressure to curb soaring prices.

A newly downgraded U.S. intelligence finding says the Russian Ministry of Defense is in the process of purchasing millions of rockets an artillery shells from North Korea for its ongoing fight in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron is calling for a sharp 10% reduction in the country’s energy use in coming weeks and months to avoid the risk of rationing and cuts this winter.

Police and local authorities in eastern Slovakia have urged residents to be cautious after a tiger that escaped from private hands in neighboring Ukraine was seen over the weekend in a border area.

President Joe Biden is assailing “MAGA Republicans" and the extreme right in Labor Day remarks to union members. He addressed workers' gatherings in Milwaukee and outside Pittsburgh. Labor Day traditionally kicks off political crunch time, with campaigns scrambling to excite voters for Election Day on Nov. 8.

A federal judge has granted a request by former President Donald Trump’s legal team to appoint a special master to review documents seized by the FBI during a search of his Florida home last month. The decision by U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon came despite the objections of the Justice Department, which said an outside legal expert was not necessary in part because officials had already completed their review of potentially privileged documents.

In sports, Aaron Judge hit his major league-leading 54th home run and at the U.S. Open, Frances Tiafoe ended Rafael Nadal’s 22-match winning streak.

The search for nine people who were missing after a floatplane crashed in the waters northwest of Seattle has been suspended. The body of a 10th person was recovered by a good Samaritan on Sunday. The U.S. Coast Guard says all next of kin had been notified of Monday's decision to suspend the search.

New COVID-19 boosters targeting today’s most common omicron strains should begin arriving within days. The new shots offer Americans a chance to get the most up-to-date protection at yet another critical period in the pandemic. But health officials recommend waiting at least three months after their last booster or a COVID-19 infection before getting the new booster to ensure the best results.

Authorities say a man who stole a plane and flew it over Mississippi after threatening to crash it into a Walmart store faces charges of grand larceny and terroristic threats. Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka says 29-year-old Cory Wayne Patterson didn't have a pilot's license but had some flight instruction and was an employee of Tupelo Aviation.

NASA has called off a second launch attempt for its new moon rocket because of yet another fuel leak. The test flight is now off for at least a few weeks, if not months. Mission managers decided after Saturday’s scrub to haul the 322-foot rocket back into the hangar for further repairs and system updates.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” swings back on top of the box office during a holiday weekend where American theaters aimed to lure moviegoers with discounted $3 tickets. The first “National Cinema Day” nationwide promotion is the highest-attended day of the year, with The Cinema Foundation estimating there were 8.1 million moviegoers on Saturday.

The Weeknd suddenly ended his sold-out concert in Southern California after losing his voice during a mid-song performance. The four-time Grammy winner was performing his third song “Can’t Feel My Face” before he abruptly stopped his show Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Legendary drummer of The Beatles Ringo Starr is back on stage after being sidelined by COVID-19.

Jane Fonda says she has cancer. The 84-year-old actor said in an Instagram post Friday that she has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has begun a six-month course of chemotherapy.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has been buried in Moscow after a ceremony attended by thousands of mourners but snubbed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin’s refusal to formally declare a state funeral reflects its uneasiness about the legacy of Gorbachev.

Americans are splurging on beauty as they tighten their budgets elsewhere. According to market research company IRI, sales of eye, face and lip makeup has gone up across stores. It comes as major retailers slashed their financial outlooks for the year after seeing shoppers pull back on many discretionary items in the latest quarter.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Taylor Swift won big at MTV’s Video Music Awards and surprised fans during the show by announcing a new album.

Will the members of BTS soon find themselves in the military? It’s a decision the South Korean government will soon have to decide.

The prosecution rested its case in R. Kelley’s federal trial.

A rookie running back for the Washington Commanders was shot and according to NFL.com, will miss at least the first four games of the season.

It was an exciting week for fans of the New York Mets. On Old Timer’s Day, the team retired Willie Mays’ number 50 years after an initial promise. A few days later, an Australian musician electrified the crowd in Queens in the second game of a series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

A Mickey Mantle baseball card set a new record during a memorabilia auction.

And finally, a pair of crime stories. In Atlanta, prosecutors say a gang has been targeting celebrities. And a man was sentenced in a Super Bowl ring scheme.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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The calendar flipped from August to September this past week, and as the summer winds down millions of children have already returned to school or will do so in the coming days.

But the challenges of a new school year go beyond remembering locker combinations, completing homework assignments and studying for tests. The COVID-19 pandemic has created learning challenges due to remote learning and teachers are struggling with mental health.

Learning challenges are not limited to students in the United States. With a war raging in Ukraine, children there began a new academic year for the first time since Russia’s invasion of the country in February.

On Thursday night outside of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, President Joe Biden gave a fiery speech about an ongoing battle for the “soul of the nation.” Biden declared that Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans “fan the flames of political violence” and are trying to subvert democracy.

The speech came just hours after a judge heard arguments whether to appoint a special master to review records seized from former President Trump’s Florida home. That hearing came after new details revealed the focus of the investigation may be over criminal obstruction.

In other related news, Georgia is continuing its investigations as to whether Trump tried to pressure officials into overturning the results of the 2020 election. And a man affiliated with the Proud Boys was sentenced for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot.

We often take it for granted, but obtaining clean water has become a challenge for residents in Jackson, Mississippi. The city has been dealing with trouble at a water treatment plant which was made worse by recent flooding.

The fencing around the Supreme Court came down this past week, but its ruling on abortion is being felt around the country. Plus, an update on what has happened since the court ruled on tuition reimbursement for religious schools.

In other national news, we look at sexual assaults in the military, gun violence, young people following the news, immigration, an American being held in Venezuela and pay to stay laws for American prisoners.

In business and financial news, we look at several reports covering consumer confidence, mortgages and jobs.

In international news, Biden called leaders of veteran groups one year after withdrawing from Afghanistan. The last leader of the Soviet Union died as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued. And Aug. 31 marked the 25th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana.

And finally, in health, science and technology news, a return to the moon was put on hold. Life expectancy has decreased in the U.S. There are concerns over future heat waves and rising sea levels. And details of a technology tool that is available to law enforcement.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Holding little back, President Joe Biden is sounding an alarm about what he views as extremist threats to the nation’s democracy from what he views as the evil force of Trumpism. In a newly confrontational speech Thursday night, he framed the November elections as part of an ongoing battle for the “soul of the nation.”

In the speech from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Biden declared that Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans “fan the flames of political violence” and subvert American democracy.

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said it is the Democratic president, not Republicans, trying to divide Americans. “In the past two years, Joe Biden has launched an assault on the soul of America, on its people, on its laws, on its most sacred values.”

Heavy fighting and shelling is continuing near Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, in a Russian-controlled area of eastern Ukraine. Friday's fighting comes a day after experts from the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency voiced concerns about structural damage to the sprawling Zaporizhzhia plant.

An Associated Press analysis found many U.S. states barely use “red flag” laws that allow police to take guns away from people threatening to kill, a trend blamed on lack of awareness of the laws and a reluctance to enforce them even as gun deaths soar.

Argentina's president says a man tried to kill politically powerful Vice President Cristina Fernández outside her home, but failed because the handgun misfired. The man was quickly overpowered in the incident Thursday night and the vice president appeared unhurt.

The White House says the administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency will visit Mississippi's capital city on Friday as local, state and federal officials deal with a water system crisis. Flooding early in the week exacerbated problems with Jackson's long-troubled water system.

In sports, the Dodgers lost to the Mets but welcomed back a star pitcher, a Braves rookie set a team strikeout record, a big NBA trade, another big NFL quarterback contract and Day 4 at the U.S. Open.

A federal judge has heard arguments on whether to appoint an outside legal expert to review government records seized by the FBI last month in a search of former President Donald Trump’s Florida home. There was no immediate ruling after arguments Thursday.

Lawyers for Trump say the appointment of a special master is necessary to ensure an independent inspection of the documents. The Justice Department says an appointment is unwarranted because investigators have completed their review of potentially privileged records.

Chicago officials say 75 immigrants have arrived in the city on buses from Texas, as part of a border policy by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office confirmed that the migrants arrived Wednesday night and that the city has welcomed them and will make sure they receive shelter and food.

About 2 in 10 Americans say they've had a personal experience with gun violence or a connection to someone who experienced it. That's according to a new poll that also found racial and ethnic disparities in how Americans experienced gun violence.

One of Atlanta’s largest hospitals says it plans to shut down in two months after experiencing more than $100 million in losses over the past year. Wellstar Health System announced late Wednesday that the Atlanta Medical Center will close on Nov. 1.

A judge ruled that the jury for school shooter Nikolas Cruz can see the swastikas he drew on class assignments. Cruz pleaded guilty to the 2018 killings at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The trial is to decide whether he's sentenced to death or life without parole.

Local law enforcement agencies from suburban Southern California to rural North Carolina have been using an obscure cellphone tracking tool, at times without search warrants, that empowers them to follow people’s movements months back in time.

Lawyers for John Eastman say they advised their client to assert attorney-client privilege and invoke his constitutional right to remain silent when testifying before a special grand jury investigating possible election interference in Georgia. Charles Burnham and Harvey Silverglate confirmed Wednesday that Eastman had appeared in court in Fulton County, complying with a subpoena the district attorney had issued to him.

Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates rose to their highest level in two months this week, providing no relief for a slumping housing market. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year rate rose to 5.66% from 5.55% last week.

Fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as the labor market continues to shine despite weakening elements of the U.S. economy. Applications for jobless aid for the week ending Aug. 27 fell by 5,000 to 232,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The Department of Transportation has launched a customer service dashboard to help vacationers ahead of the travel-heavy Labor Day weekend. Starting Thursday, travelers will be able to check the dashboard and see what kinds of guarantees, refunds or compensation the major domestic airlines offer in case of flight delays or cancellations.

Reports of sexual assaults across the U.S. military jumped by 13% last year, driven by significant increases in the Army and the Navy as bases began to move out of pandemic restrictions and public venues opened back up.

Bed Bath & Beyond says that it will shutter stores and lay off workers in a bid to turn around its beleaguered business. The home goods retailer based in Union, New Jersey, said Wednesday it will close about 150 of its namesakes stores and slash its workforce by 20%.

A new study says that what meteorologists consider dangerous heat will happen at least three times more often in coming decades as climate change worsens.

An unprecedented red tide in the San Francisco Bay Area is killing thousands of fish and other marine life whose carcasses are washing ashore, creating a foul odor that experts say could get worse during this weekend’s expected heat wave.

The United States says it has determined that Russia is suffering “severe manpower shortages” in its six-month-old war with Ukraine and that is has become more desperate in its efforts to find new troops to send to the front lines.

South Korea may conduct a public survey to help determine whether to grant exemptions to mandatory military service to members of the K-pop boyband BTS. By law, all able-bodied men in South Korea must serve 18-21 months in the military. But exemptions are granted to certain athletes, musicians and artists.

—The Associated Press

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People are waiting in lines for water in Jackson, Mississippi, after the partial failure of the the city water system. Some homes and businesses have running water, but many do not. Flooding of the Pearl River worsened longstanding problems in one of two water-treatment plants.

An FBI investigation into the presence of top-secret information at Mar-a-Lago is zeroing in on the question of whether former President Donald Trump’s team obstructed the probe. A court filing late Tuesday alleges that government records were concealed and removed and that law enforcement officials were misled about the continued presence of classified documents at the property.

About 2 in 10 Americans say they've had a personal experience with gun violence or a connection to someone who experienced it. The poll by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found 23% of Americans overall reported a personal tie to gun violence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has paid tribute to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev but will not attend the weekend funeral, a decision reflecting the Kremlin’s ambivalence about Gorbachev’s legacy.

About 21 million people have been ordered to stay home in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

It's the first day of school in Ukraine, but children won't be sharing memories from their holidays. Their stories are of surviving war. For many, their last day of school was the day before the Feb. 24 Russian invasion of their country.

In sports, Serena Williams advanced again at the U.S. Open, a college football playoff expansion will get another look Friday, Jacob deGrom led the New York Mets in a playoff atmosphere win, and Atlanta's Kyle Wright won his 17th game.

President Joe Biden will deliver a prime-time address “on the continued battle for the soul of the nation" Thursday outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The White House is billing it as a major address just over two months before the midterm elections.

Biden will discuss how the nation’s standing in the world and its democracy are at stake. The White House says, “He will talk about the progress we have made as a nation to protect our democracy, but how our rights and freedoms are still under attack. And he will make clear who is fighting for those rights, fighting for those freedoms, and fighting for our democracy.”

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is warning that a failure to place a price cap on Russian oil would hurt the global economy. She says without a price cap, “we face the threat of a global energy price spike if the majority of Russian energy production gets shut in.”

A Palestinian detainee held without charge or trial by Israel says he is ending his nearly six-month hunger strike after reaching an agreement to be released in October.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in a series of apparently random shootings over roughly two hours last weekend in Detroit that left three people dead and a fourth wounded.

A rapid deployment team of FBI cyber experts is heading to Montenegro to investigate a massive and coordinated attack on the tiny Balkan nation’s government and its services. Last weekend, Montenegro’s Agency for National Security said the country was “under a hybrid war” blaming the attack squarely on Russia, though without providing evidence.

Authorities say a woman killed while looking out the window of her South Carolina home was intentionally shot by a neighbor shooting at targets in his yard. Prosecutors upgraded the charge against 30-year-old Nicholas Lucas to murder on Monday.

U.S. regulators have authorized updated COVID-19 boosters, the first to directly target today's most common omicron strain. The move on Wednesday by the Food and Drug Administration tweaks the recipe of shots made by Pfizer and rival Moderna. The hope is that the modified boosters will blunt yet another winter surge.

U.S. life expectancy dropped for the second consecutive year in 2021, falling by nearly a year from 2020. That's according to a new government report. In the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated American lifespan has shortened by nearly three years.

Scientists are trying to help people reach a goal humans have been chasing throughout history: staying active and vital in old age. They are part of the skyrocketing scientific field of cellular senescence, which is built upon the idea that cells eventually stop dividing.

Ford is recalling more than 277,000 pickup trucks and cars in the U.S. because the rear view camera lens can get cloudy and reduce visibility for the driver. The recall covers certain F-250, 350 and 450 trucks as well as the Lincoln Continental, all from the 2017 through 2020 model years.

A Los Angeles attorney detained for five months in Venezuela is pleading for help from the Biden administration. Eyvin Hernandez says in a jailhouse message that he feels forgotten by the U.S. government as he faces criminal charges at the hands of one of America’s top adversaries.

It was a warm Saturday evening and journalists had gathered at a Paris restaurant to enjoy the last weekend of summer. At sometime past midnight, phones around the table began to ring all at once. News desks were contacting reporters and photographers to alert them that Princess Diana’s car had crashed in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris. That's how the news unfolded in the early hours of Aug. 31, 1997.

Mounting evidence from around the country shows that students who spent more time learning remotely during the 2020-2021 school year, many of them Black and Latino, lost about half of an academic year of learning. That’s twice as much as their peers who studied in person that year.

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is fighting a rising sea as flooding becomes a regular problem.

—The Associated Press

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The Justice Department says classified documents were “likely concealed and removed” from former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate as part of an effort to obstruct the federal investigation into the discovery of the government records. A court filing made Tuesday night shows the FBI also seized 33 boxes containing more than 100 classified records during its Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago and found classified documents stashed in Trump’s office.

Mississippi’s capital city is struggling with multiple water problems — too much on the ground after heavy rainfall in the past week, and not enough safe water coming through the pipes for people to use. Parts of Jackson were without running water Tuesday because flooding worsened problems in one of two water-treatment plants. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Tuesday that the federal government is prepared to help Mississippi respond to the water crisis.

United Nations inspectors are making their way toward Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Theirs is a long-anticipated mission that the world hopes will help secure the Russian-held facility in the middle of a war zone and avoid catastrophe.

Israeli archaeologists recently unearthed the titanic tusk of a prehistoric pachyderm near a kibbutz in southern Israel, a remnants of a behemoth once hunted by early people around half a million years ago.

A survey of people ages 16 to 40 finds that millennials and Generation Z follow the news but aren't that happy with what they're seeing. The study conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the American Press Institute says 79% of people in that age group follow news daily, contrary to perceptions that many are tuned out. But only 32% say they enjoy following the news, down sharply from 53% in a similar study seven years ago.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, has died at 91. He waged a losing battle to salvage a crumbling empire but produced extraordinary reforms that led to the end of the Cold War. The Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow said in a statement that Gorbachev died after a long illness.

In sports, Rafael Nadal won in his U.S. Open return, Venus Williams lost her opener but will root on sister Serena, Alex Leatherwood and Josh Rosen are among those released on NFL’s 53-man roster cutdown day, and the Dodgers reached 90 wins.

Prosecutors have rested at R. Kelly’s federal trial in Chicago after presenting two weeks of evidence in a case that accuses the singer of enticing underage girls for sex and producing child pornography. Kelly’s legal team now gets its chance to attack the government’s case. Closing arguments are expected to happen in the middle of next week.

A surge in fighting on Ukraine's southern front is fueling speculation that the long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive to try to turn the tide of the war is underway. Ukraine claims it destroyed bridges and ammunition depots and pounded command posts in the Russian-occupied Kherson region, while Russia says it repelled the attack and inflicted heavy casualties.

The mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, says the 2020 census undercounted his city by almost 16,000 residents, leading him to join other big cities in challenging the results of the once-a-decade head count in the U.S.

Parents of children enrolled in Maine religious schools fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court for the state to treat tuition reimbursements the same as other private schools. But only one religious school has signed up to participate so far. Religious schools have been in no rush to apply after the state attorney general said they’d have to abide by the same state antidiscrimination laws as other schools.

Following three straight monthly declines, U.S. consumer confidence rebounded in August as inflation moderated and gas prices fell. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose in August to 103.2 from 95.3 in July.

The number of open jobs in the United States rose in July after three months of declines, a sign that employers are still urgently seeking workers despite slowing economic growth and high inflation. There were 11.2 million open jobs available on the last day of July — nearly two jobs, on average, for every unemployed person.

With abortion limits enacted or looming nationwide, an Ohio provider has been referring hundreds of patients to its sister clinic in Indianapolis. Their pregnancies exceed Ohio’s six-week limit, passed when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The women are racing a political clock. Indiana recently passed a near-total abortion ban. It takes effect Sept. 15.

People who drink tea may be a little more likely to live longer than those who don't. That's according to a large study of British tea drinkers published Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine. Scientists found two or more cups daily was tied with a modest benefit: a 9% to 13% lower risk of death from any cause.

As sea levels rise and buildings by coasts are increasingly endangered, communities around the world are turning to the small but mighty oyster to help stabilize shorelines. By establishing oyster colonies along badly eroded shorelines, governments and volunteer groups are creating natural speed bumps designed to blunt the force of waves and slow down erosion.

A new study finds that Greenland has more than 120 trillion tons of ice that can be thought of as zombie ice that's going to raise sea level globally by at least 10 inches. The study looks at the edges of Greenland's ice sheet, ice that authors say is starving and dead. It will unavoidably melt and increase sea level rise no matter what else happens with future carbon pollution.

—The Associated Press

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Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves says he is declaring a state of emergency after excessive rainfall worsened problems in a water treatment plant in the capital city. Reeves says the state will distribute drinking water and water for flushing toilets. The Pearl River flooded streets and at least one home in Jackson, days after storms dumped heavy rain.

Severe storms that brought damaging winds, heavy rains and flash flooding to parts of the Midwest and the South are being blamed for the deaths of two children in Michigan and Arkansas.

The British defense ministry said Tuesday that as of early Monday “several brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces increased the weight of artillery fires in front line sectors across southern Ukraine.”

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has again filed paperwork to terminate his agreement to buy Twitter. This time it's based on information in a whistleblower complaint filed by Twitter’s former head of security.

A prosecutor in Atlanta has announced a sprawling indictment targeting members of what she called a violent street gang that targeted the homes of famous athletes, entertainers and others. The indictment announced Monday says singer Mariah Carey, Marlo Hampton of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Atlanta United player Brad Guzan and other victims all had their Atlanta-area homes broken into.

A New Jersey man who posed as a former New England Patriots player in order to buy and sell Super Bowl rings that he claimed were gifts to Tom Brady’s family has been sentenced to three years in federal prison. Scott Spina Jr. of Roseland was sentenced Monday in Southern California.

President Joe Biden has called the leaders of two U.S. veterans groups assisting Afghans who have fled from the country on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The White House said Biden on Monday spoke to the leaders of the veterans-led #AfghanEvac and Honor the Promise groups to express his appreciation for their work resettling Afghan allies in the United States since the U.S. ended the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

A Maryland man affiliated with the far-right Proud Boys extremist group has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol. Authorities say Joshua Pruitt encountered then-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as his armed security detail led the New York Democrat to safety on Jan. 6, 2021.

In sports, it was a winning night for Serena Williams, as well as the Angels, Brewers and Diamondbacks. And Jimmy Garoppolo has a new contract.

A legal filing shows the Justice Department has completed its review of potentially privileged documents seized from former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate this month. Monday's filing says the department has identified “a limited set of materials that potentially contain attorney-client privileged information."

The filing from the department follows a judge’s weekend order indicating she was inclined to grant the Trump legal team’s request for a special master to review the seized documents and to set aside any that may be covered by claims of legal privilege. A hearing is set for Thursday in federal court in Florida.

NASA has scrubbed the launch of its new moon rocket on a no-crew test flight after a cascade of last-minute problems, including unexplained trouble related to an engine. The next launch attempt won't be until Friday at the earliest.

A U.N. nuclear watchdog team has set off on an urgent mission to safeguard the endangered Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia atomic power plant which has been at the heart of fighting in Ukraine.

Cubans are fleeing their country in the largest numbers in more than four decades. The migrants choose to stake their lives and futures on a dangerous journey to the United States by air, land and sea to escape the island’s political and economic woes.

It has been nearly 25 years since Princess Diana died in a high-speed car crash in Paris. People are stopping near the tunnel, which has become a memorial for the late icon.

A judge has ruled that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp must testify before a special grand jury that’s investigating possible illegal attempts to influence the 2020 election in the state. But the judge agreed to postpone the governor's appearance until after the November election.

The large fencing that has encircled the U.S. Supreme Court for months has now been removed. The building, closed in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, remains off-limits to the public.

School districts around the country are starting to invest in programs aimed at addressing the mental health of teachers.

A few states have been amending or repealing “pay-to-stay” laws that require former prisoners to reimburse states for the cost of their jail stays, sometimes at daily rates exceeding what they would have paid to stay in a luxury hotel.

In a roundup of the week's top religion stories, Pope Francis suffered setbacks in his Ukraine diplomacy. Also, two movies offer views of saints and sinners in drama and satire.

—The Associated Press

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Fuel leaks during final liftoff preparations are threatening to delay the launch of NASA’s mighty new moon rocket Monday on its shakedown flight with three test dummies aboard. As precious minutes ticked away, NASA repeatedly stopped and started the fueling of the Space Launch System rocket with nearly 1 million gallons of super-cold hydrogen and oxygen because of a leak. The rocket is set to lift off on a mission to put a crew capsule into orbit around the moon.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says that the U.N. nuclear watchdog’s long-awaited expert mission to the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine “is now on its way.” The site is Ukraine’s and Europe’s biggest nuclear facility.

The Russian military says it will launch sweeping military drills in the country’s east that will involve forces from China. The maneuvers that start on Thursday reflect increasingly close military ties between Moscow and Beijing amid the tensions with the West over the Kremlin’s action in Ukraine.

International aid is reaching Pakistan, as the military and volunteers desperately tried to evacuate many thousands stranded by widespread flooding driven by “monster monsoons” that have claimed more than 1,000 lives this summer.

Students in Ohio’s largest school district were returning to classrooms after members of the union representing teachers and other employees approved a contract, ending a strike.

For one day, movie tickets will be just $3 in the vast majority of American theaters as part of a newly launched “National Cinema Day” to lure moviegoers during a quiet spell at the box office. The Cinema Foundation, a non-profit arm of the National Association of Theater Owners, announced that Sept. 3 will be a nationwide discount day in more than 3,000 theaters and on more than 30,000 screens.

The horror film “The Invitation” needed just $7 million to finish at the top of the weakest weekend of the summer at the North American box office. Sony also had the No. 2 movie with the Brad Pitt vehicle “Bullet Train,” which brought in an estimated $5.6 million in its fourth week, putting its domestic total past $78 million.

The Washington Commanders say rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was shot during an attempted robbery or carjacking. The 23-year-old former Alabama player was taken to the hospital with what the team called non-life-threatening injuries.

Taylor Swift took home the top prize at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards before she closed out the show with a surprisingly big announcement: Her new album. The pop star said Sunday night that her new album called "Midnights" will be released Oct. 21.

In sports highlights, Rory McIlroy won another FedEx Cup title, the Cardinals doubled up the Braves, the Astros saw their top hurler make an early exit, the Mets failed to sweep the Rockies, the Dodgers kept winning and Hawaii claimed Little League bragging rights.

In a surprise salute at Citi Field, the Mets have retired Willie Mays’ No. 24 as part of festivities for the organization’s first Old-Timers’ Day since 1994. Mets charter owner Joan Whitney Payson told Mays he would be the last player in franchise history to wear No. 24. But Payson died not long after Mays’ retirement in 1973, and the Mets finally made good on her promise nearly 50 years later.

A mint condition Mickey Mantle baseball card has sold for $12.6 million, blasting into the record books Sunday as the most expensive ever paid for a piece of sports memorabilia. The rare Mantle card eclipsed the record just posted a few months ago — $9.3 million for the jersey worn by Diego Maradona when he scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal in soccer’s 1986 World Cup.

A car driven by Princess Diana in the 1980s sold for $764,000 at auction Saturday, just days before the 25th anniversary of her death. Silverstone Auctions says there was “fierce bidding” for the black Ford Escort RS Turbo before the sale closed. The U.K. buyer, whose name was not disclosed, paid a 12.5% buyer’s premium on top of the selling price, according to the classic car auction house.

Russia has blocked agreement on the final document of a four-week review of the U.N. treaty considered the cornerstone of nuclear disarmament which criticized its takeover of Europe’s largest nuclear plant soon after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. The deputy director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department told Friday’s delayed final meeting of the conference reviewing the 50-year-old Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty that “unfortunately there is no consensus on this document.”

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

Vanessa Bryant, the widow of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, was awarded $16 million over grisly photos released from the scene of the helicopter crash.

Actor Gary Busey was charged with sex crimes in New Jersey.

Rapper Fetty Wap is facing facing prison time following a guilty plea over drug charges.

Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, Buddy Holly’s drummer Jerry Allison and golf champion Tom Weiskoph have died.

Tom Brady’s break from training camp ended and Alabama gave Nick Saban a new contract.

And finally, a new type of sports bar is gaining in popularity in the Pacific Northwest.

—Content provided by The Associated Press. Material compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises

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It was another eventful week related to the Justice Department’s investigation into former President Donald Trump.

On Friday it released a partially blacked out document explaining the justification for an FBI search of Trump’s Florida estate this month. This news came days after lawyers tried to block the FBI from reviewing those documents.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden followed through on his promise to provide student loan forgiveness, a move that was met by opposition from Republicans. The announcement by Biden preceded his visit to Maryland, where he hoped to energize Democrats ahead of the midterm elections days after key primaries in Florida and New York.

And in other political news, Liz Cheney and former Vice President Mike Pence weighed in on the possibility of Pence testifying before the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

A recent poll reveals that Americans support tougher gun laws. That report came ahead of the Uvalde, Texas, school board voting to fire its police chief in response to the deadly school shooting. And in the case involving the shooting death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, a former police detective pleaded guilty to a federal charge.

In other news, there were convictions in a plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. Anthony Fauci announced his retirement as a House panel looked into the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A recount in Kansas reaffirmed that the majority of voters want to protect abortion rights in the state. In a related story, Walmart is expanding abortion coverage for employees.

Also, a deal was reached to end a teacher’s strike in Ohio’s largest school district.

In international news, the U.S. is pledging more support for Ukraine six months into Russia’s invasion of the country.

Tensions remain high between the United States and China over Taiwan as well as COVID-19.

In the Middle East, Israel is urging the US to avoid a new deal with Iran. Meanwhile, the U.S. hit targets in Syria with airstrikes.

The United Kingdom prepares to say farewell to its Prime Minister while Finland’s PM apologized over party photos.

And a new aviation record was established this week.

In business and economic news, airlines are under pressure from the government to help passengers.

Fewer Americans are applying for unemployment, however, fears of a recession continue while shoppers grapple with high prices. And Hyundai and Kia are recalling large SUVs.

Finally, in health, science and technology news, be sure to update your Apple devices if you haven’t already for an important security update.

In other security news, a former Twitter employee has filed whistleblower complaints against the company.

Amazon will shut down its health service by the end of the year, plus we have updates on COVID shots for kids and the latest on Monkeypox.

California wants to crack down on cyber flashers. And the James Webb space telescope has captured more striking images.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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The Justice Department is set to release a heavily blacked-out document explaining the justification for an FBI search of Donald Trump’s Florida estate earlier this month, when agents removed top secret government records and other classified documents.

The document, expected by noon, is likely to offer at least some new details about an ongoing criminal investigation that has brought fresh legal peril for Trump just as he lays the groundwork for another presidential run.

Justice Department officials are expected to have removed sensitive details about witnesses, and the scope and direction of the probe, but even a redacted affidavit may contain some fresh revelations.

The U.S. government is suspending 26 flights by Chinese airlines from the United States to China in a dispute over anti-virus controls after Beijing suspended flights by American carriers. The Department of Transportation accused Beijing of violating an air travel agreement while enforcing anti-virus controls that are among the world’s most extreme.

Ukrainian officials say that a mission from the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to visit the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant next week after it was temporarily knocked offline and more shelling was reported in the area overnight.

Planned Parenthood leaders in Oregon said there has been a surge in the number of people traveling from out of state for abortions, including from neighboring Idaho, where most of a near-total abortion ban has taken effect.

President Joe Biden is calling on Democrats “to vote to literally save democracy once again” in the midterm elections — and comparing Republican ideology to “semi-fascism” — as he led a kickoff rally and a fundraiser in Maryland.

In sports, the Mariners and Orioles, each seeking to end lengthy absences from baseball's postseason, each won on Thursday. The Phillies held on to their wild-card spot with a win and the Cardinals were victorious, thanks in large part to Triple Crown candidate Paul Goldschmidt. Masters winner Scottie Scheffler is off to a good start at the Tour Championship and Serena Williams prepares for the final tournament of her career, the U.S. Open.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis slammed the Biden administration's plan to forgive some student loan debt forgiveness.

A federal appeals court has agreed with a judge's ruling preventing the state from enforcing a ban on transgender children receiving gender affirming medical care.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to increase the number of troops by 137,000 to a total of 1.15 million amid Moscow’s military action in Ukraine.

The Columbus school board and union representing teachers and other employees in Ohio’s largest school district say they have reached a “conceptual agreement,” tentatively ending a strike which began Monday.

Fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as the labor market continues to stand out as one of the strongest segments of the U.S. economy. Applications for jobless aid for the week ending Aug. 20 fell by 2,000 to 243,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The U.S. economy shrank at a 0.6% annual rate from April through June, the government said in an upgrade from its initial estimate. It marked a second straight quarter of economic contraction, which meets one informal sign of a recession.

The moving vans have already started arriving at Downing Street, as Britain’s Conservative Party prepares to evict Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Debate about what mark he will leave on his party, his country and the world will linger long after he departs in September.

The number of monkeypox cases reported globally dropped 21% in the last week, reversing a month-long trend of rising infections.

A federal jury has found that Los Angeles County must pay Kobe Bryant’s widow $16 million for emotional distress caused by deputies and firefighters sharing photos of the bodies of the NBA star and his daughter taken at the site of the 2020 helicopter crash that killed them.

—The Associated Press

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The Uvalde school district’s embattled police chief has been fired following allegations that he made several critical mistakes during a mass shooting that left 19 students and two teachers dead.

The district’s board of trustees said Wednesday day that it voted to dismiss Chief Pete Arredondo, who has faced criticism since the May 24 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Officers armed with rifles waited in a school hallway for more than an hour while the gunman carried out the shooting.

President Joe Biden has announced his long-awaited plan to deliver on his campaign promise to provide $10,000 in student debt cancellation for millions of Americans — and up to $10,000 more for those with the greatest financial need.

Biden announced in a Wednesday tweet that borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year, or families earning less than $250,000, would be eligible for the $10,000 loan forgiveness. For recipients of Pell Grants, which are reserved for undergraduates with the most significant financial need, the federal government would cancel up to an additional $10,000 in federal loan debt.

A Ukrainian official says the death toll from a Russian rocket attack on Ukraine's Independence Day has risen to 25. The deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential office reported Thursday that the victims included an 11-year-old boy found under the rubble of a house and a 6-year-old killed in a car fire near a train station that was the target.

Three journalists are on trial in Finland on charges of revealing national defense secrets for allegedly publishing classified documents in a newspaper article.

Amazon is shutting down the hybrid virtual, in-home care service it’s spent years developing. It's a surprising move that underscores the challenges Amazon faces as it moves into health care.

A new study adds evidence that a fossil species from Africa could be our earliest known ancestor. Researchers examined arm and leg bones linked to a 7-million-year-old skull that was found two decades ago.

The Braves moved closer to first, the Guardians added to their lead in the AL Central and more highlights and news in the world of sports.

First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 again in an apparent “rebound” case, after she initially tested negative for the virus over the weekend. President Joe Biden, who spent three days with his wife at their Rehoboth Beach, Del. vacation home, continues to test negative, the White House said.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has rejected clemency for a man facing execution for the 1997 hammer killing of a man. Stitt’s decision on Wednesday paves the way for 50-year-old James Coddington to be executed by lethal injection on Thursday.

A psychologist who treated Florida school shooter Nikolas Cruz when he was 8 years old testified that Cruz was a “peculiar child” who had many behavioral and developmental issues. Cruz pleaded guilty to 17 murders in 2018 at Parkland's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The trial will determine if he's sentenced to death or life without parole.

Israel's prime minister says the West is letting Iran manipulate talks over an emerging “bad deal” to curb Tehran's nuclear capabilities. The Israeli caretaker premier, Yair Lapid, told reporters in Jerusalem on Wednesday that Israel staunchly opposes any agreement with Iran. He spoke as the Biden administration was expected to consider terms of a deal as soon as this week.

A special House panel looking into the government's coronavirus response says the Trump White House tried to pressure U.S. health experts into reauthorizing the drug hydroxychloroquine that had been discredited as a COVID-19 treatment. The report by the Democratic-led subcommittee provides new evidence of the administration’s efforts to override Food and Drug Administration decisions early in the pandemic.

Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, who helped the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title, died Wednesday. The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970 had been in declining health for years.

Drummer Jerry Allison, who played and co-wrote songs with rock pioneer and childhood friend Buddy Holly and whose future wife inspired the classic “Peggy Sue,” has died. He was 82.

Finland’s prime minister has apologized after the publication of a photo that showed two women kissing and posing topless at the official summer residence of the country’s leader. The photo came out after a video leaked last week showed Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing with friends prompted a debate about whether the 36-year-old head of government is entitled to party.

A 17-year-old pilot has become the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a small aircraft after he landed in Bulgaria. That's the country where Mack Rutherford's journey kicked off five months ago.

—The Associated Press

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U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist has won the Democratic nomination for governor in Florida, putting him in position to challenge Gov. Ron DeSantis this fall in a campaign the Republican incumbent is eyeing as the first step toward a potential White House run.

In selecting Crist on Tuesday, Florida Democrats sided with a candidate backed by many in the party’s establishment who viewed him as the safest choice.

Carolyn Maloney, a 15-term incumbent Democrat from New York who chairs a powerful House committee, lost to her longtime colleague, congressman Jerry Nadler, following redistricting that put the two into the same district.

Millions of Americans are waiting to learn the fate of their federal student debt as President Joe Biden prepares to deliver on his campaign promise to provide up to $10,000 in debt cancellation.

Residents of Kyiv have awoken to air raid sirens as Ukraine observes its Independence Day exactly six months since the start of the Russian invasion.

Gas is down 48 cents in a month to $3.88 a gallon.

Victims who receive unsolicited sexually graphic material by text, email, app or other electronic means could sue the sender under a bill approved by California lawmakers. The bill they sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday targets what’s known as “cyber flashing,” where victims receive such unwelcome surprises often from strangers.

“House of the Dragon” landed as the most-watched series premiere ever for HBO. The Nielsen company said nearly 10 million people watched the “Game of Thrones” prequel on its first night on Sunday, either by streaming or linear TV.

The U.S. military says it carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria that targeted areas used by militias backed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The U.S. military’s Central Command said the strikes hitting Deir Ez-Zor “took proportionate, deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize the risk of casualties.”

A former Louisville police detective who helped falsify the warrant that led to the deadly police raid at Breonna Taylor’s apartment has pleaded guilty to a federal charge. Goodlett appeared in a federal courtroom in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon and admitted to conspiring with another Louisville police officer to falsify the warrant.

In sports, the Yankees swept the Mets, the Phillies topped the Reds, Justin Verlander went six no-hit innings, Kevin Durant is staying with the Nets and Nick Saban got a new contract.

A jury has convicted two men of conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. Prosecutors described the plot as a rallying cry for a U.S. civil war by anti-government extremists. The jury also found Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. guilty of conspiring to obtain a weapon of mass destruction.

A specially appointed prosecutor said he will not pursue charges against the two white Atlanta police officers who clashed with Rayshard Brooks during a June 2020 encounter that ended with the 27-year-old Black man’s fatal shooting.

The National Archives and Records Administration recovered more than 100 documents bearing classified markings, totaling more than 700 pages, from a initial batch of 15 boxes retrieved from Mar-a-Lago earlier this year. That's according to newly public government correspondence with the Trump legal team.

U.S. officials say that as Russia’s war on Ukraine drags on, U.S. security assistance is shifting to a longer-term campaign that will likely keep more American military troops in Europe into the future. They say a new aid package to be announced includes an additional roughly $3 billion to train and equip Ukrainian forces to fight for years to come.

Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges related to a May crash in California’s wine country and was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation.

Hyundai and Kia are telling owners of some large SUVs to park them outdoors and away from structures after a series of fires involving trailer hitch wiring. The Korean automakers are recalling more than 281,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of the problem, but they haven’t figured out how to fix it yet.

Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets plan to stay together after all. The All-Star forward asked to be traded earlier this summer. The Nets said Tuesday that the team’s leadership met a day earlier with Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles and “agreed to move forward with our partnership,” according to general manager Sean Marks.

A former head of security at Twitter alleged that the company misled regulators about its poor cybersecurity defenses and its negligence in attempting to root out fake accounts that spread disinformation, according to a whistleblower complaint filed with U.S. officials. Peiter Zatko, Twitter’s security chief until he was fired early this year, filed the complaints last month with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice.

Pfizer’s says its COVID-19 vaccine was 73% effective in protecting children younger than 5 as omicron spread in the spring. Vaccinations for babies, toddlers and preschoolers opened in the U.S. in June after months of delay.

Macy’s is trimming its expectations for the year despite topping expectations in its most recent quarter as it faces a glut of unsold inventory that has afflicted almost the entire retail sector.

The world's newest and most powerful space telescope is showing Jupiter as never before, auroras and all. Scientists released new images of the solar system’s biggest planet Monday. The Webb Space Telescope took the photos in July, capturing unprecedented views of Jupiter's northern and southern lights.

A Belgian-British teenage pilot is set to become the youngest person to fly around the world solo in a small plane. Mack Rutherford landed Tuesday in southern Belgium ahead of the penultimate leg of his global odyssey. Weather permitting, the 17-year-old aviator is due to land in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, on Wednesday, some five months after setting out.

—The Associated Press

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Heavy rain across the drought-stricken Dallas-Fort Worth area is causing streets to flood and submerging vehicles as officials warn motorists to stay off the roads. The National Weather Service says over 9 inches of rain fell at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport over 24 hours ending at noon Monday. At least one fatality has been blamed on the downpour as emergency officials say they've responded to dozens of locations with high water on the roads.

Lawyers for former President Donald Trump have asked a federal judge to prevent the FBI from continuing to review documents recovered from his Florida estate until a neutral special master can be appointed. The attorneys asserted Monday in a court filing, their first since the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago two weeks ago, that the sets of documents taken from the residence were “presumptively” covered by executive privilege.

Most U.S. adults think gun violence is increasing nationwide and want to see gun laws made stricter. That's according to a new poll that finds broad public support for a variety of gun restrictions. The poll comes from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found 71% of Americans say gun laws should be stricter, including about half of Republicans and a majority of those in gun-owning households.

On Tuesday’s Ukrainian Flag Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed defiance rather than worry when he raised the flag at a memorial. “The blue and yellow flag of Ukraine will again fly where it rightfully should be. In all temporarily occupied cities and villages of Ukraine,” he said, including the Crimea peninsula which has been annexed by Russia since 2014.

About 3,000 white-collar workers at Ford Motor Co. will lose their jobs as the company cuts costs to help make the long transition from internal combustion vehicles to those powered by batteries.

Florida governor and Republican powerhouse Ron DeSantis will learn the identity of his general election opponent after Tuesday's primary voting. Florida Democrats are deciding a fiercely fought contest between congressman and former governor Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried.

In New York, congressional primaries include a race between two powerful Democratic committee chairs, Carolyn Maloney and Jerry Nadler, and other incumbents fending off challenges from the left.

The movie theater industry is navigating a tenuous recovery after the pandemic shut theaters worldwide. Box-office revenue has rebounded this summer, but it's still running nearly 20% below pre-pandemic levels.

In sports, the Yankees got on track, Tom Brady returned to the Bucs, Baker Mayfield was named the starter for Carolina and Alabama stars led the AP Preseason All-America team.

Authorities believe a body found in a Northern California reservoir is that of 16-year-old Kiely Rodni, who went missing after attending a large party at a Sierra Nevada campground two weeks ago. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon has told a press conference Monday that the body has not been identified but it is believed to be Rodni.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, is leaving the federal government in December. Fauci became a household name — and the subject of partisan attacks — during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's served the government for more than five decades.

A federal judge has acknowledged that redactions to an FBI affidavit spelling out the basis for the search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate might be so extensive as to make the document “meaningless” if released to the public. But he said Monday that he continued to believe it should not remain sealed in its entirety because of the public interest in the ongoing criminal investigation.

The son of a former Alaska lawmaker faces charges of manslaughter and evidence tampering in the death of his father, former state Rep. Dean Westlake. That's according to charging documents filed by the state Department of Law.

Rapper Fetty Wap has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy drug charge that carries a mandatory five-year prison sentence. The plea in Central Islip federal court occurred Monday.

A South Dakota ethics board has found enough information that Gov. Kristi Noem may have “engaged in misconduct” when she intervened in her daughter’s application for a real estate appraiser license to potentially take action against the Republican governor.

Election officials say a decisive statewide vote in favor of abortion rights in Kansas has been confirmed with a partial hand recount. Nine of the state’s 105 counties recounted votes at the request of two activists who questioned the conduct of the election without providing evidence of problems.

Traditional Indigenous foods — like wild rice, bison, fresh vegetables and fruit in the Midwest — are often inaccessible for Native families with low incomes in urban areas, and the recent inflation spike has propelled these foods even further out of reach.

The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, is providing a place to gather and watch women's sporting events. The sports bar only shows women's events and it has been so popular that the concept is expanding to Seattle.

—The Associated Press

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There are new claims of Russian shelling close to the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant facilities in Russia. They came Monday only hours after international pleas to spare the area around Ukraine’s main nuclear plant from attacks. Nikopol is on the the opposite bank of the Dnieper River and about 6 miles downstream from the plant and came under fire three times during the night from rockets and mortars.

As the war in Ukraine nears its six-month mark, officials say there will soon be referendums on the captured regions joining Russia.

Russian authorities say a car bomb killed the adult daughter of an influential political theorist who is often referred to as “Putin’s brain.” The Moscow branch of the Russian Investigative Committee said preliminary information indicated a bomb exploded in the SUV driven by 29-year-old Daria Dugina. An adviser to Ukraine's president denied Ukrainian involvement in the car bomb attack.

Rep. Liz Cheney says the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol has been talking with lawyers of former Vice President Mike Pence about testifying.

Three law enforcement officers in Arkansas have been suspended after a video posted on social media showed a suspect being held down on the ground and beaten by police.

Major champion and golf course architect Tom Weiskopf has died of pancreatic cancer. His wife says Weiskopf died Saturday at their home in Big Sky, Montana. Weiskopf's contributions to golf go far beyond his 16 PGA Tour wins and his British Open title at Troon in 1973. He was blunt and accurate when he worked as a TV analyst. And he was equally successful as a golf course architect. Weiskopf was diagnosed with cancer in December 2020. Laurie Weiskopf says he was still working on design projects in the week leading to his death. Tom Weiskopf was 79.

CNN ended its ‘Reliable Sources’ program after 30 years.

Indiana’s Republican governor has begun a visit to Taiwan, following two recent high-profile visits by U.S. politicians that drew China’s ire and Chinese military drills. Gov. Eric Holcomb will focus on economic exchange, particularly semiconductors, and is expected to meet with Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he refused to leave the Capitol on Jan. 6 during an interview in Iowa with The Associated Press.

In sports, the Yankees finally won, the Astros avoided a sweep, the Dodgers kept rolling, the Mets padded their lead in the NL East, the Brewers and Cardinals won, and Patrick Cantlay moved into position to win a huge paycheck.

The Ford Motor Co. says it plans to appeal a $1.7 billion verdict against the automaker after a pickup truck crash claimed the lives of a Georgia couple. A Georgia jury returned the verdict late last week.

A horror movie convention promoter says it is assisting authorities following charges against actor Gary Busey involving alleged sexual offenses at an event in New Jersey earlier this month. The 78-year-old actor was charged Friday with fourth-degree criminal sexual contact, attempted criminal sexual contact and harassment after the Aug. 12-14 Monster Mania Convention in Cherry Hill.

Walmart, the nation’s largest employer, is expanding its abortion coverage for employees after staying largely mum on the issue following the Supreme Court ruling that scrapped a nationwide right to abortion. In a memo sent to employees on Friday, the company said its health care plans will now cover abortion for employees “when there is a health risk to the mother, rape or incest, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or lack of fetal viability.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is telling airlines to do a better job of helping stranded travelers or they will face new regulations. Buttigieg wants airlines to provide lodging for passengers stranded overnight. He also says they should give out meal vouchers when flights are delayed three hours or longer.

Apple regularly issues updates to the software powering the iPhone, and sometimes it’s OK to dawdle when it comes to installing them. But that’s not the case with its latest — an upgrade that Apple released Wednesday to close a security hole that could allow hackers to seize control of iPhones and several other popular Apple products.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

We look back at the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley, who died 45 years ago this week.

Actor Anne Heche and director Wolfgang Petersen were among the notable celebrities who passed away recently.

The Associated Press released its preseason Top 25 poll for college football with a familiar team at No. 1.

And the federal sex and pornography trial for singer R. Kelly began.

—Content provided by The Associated Press. Material compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises

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Investigations into former President Donald Trump remained in the news this week.

Trump, as well as media organizations, want the search warrant affidavit to be released following the FBI’s search of his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trump’s personal lawyer, testified before a grand jury in Atlanta as an investigation following the 2020 election results continues.

Trump’s former Vice President, Mike Pence, signaled he may be willing to testify if asked.

And a former Trump Organization CFO pleaded guilty as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Meanwhile, the former president’s presence could still be felt in primaries that were held in Wyoming and Alaska this week.

And as the 2022 midterms loom, Planned Parenthood plans to ramp up political spending.

There were several shootings this week, including one at a Midwest theme park.

In other news, traffic deaths are on the rise. Southern Baptist clergy are under investigation related to claims of sex abuse. An author is recovering after an attack. Controversy tied to the Pledge of Allegiance. And human remains were found in Nashville.

Home sales are slumping, however, the job market remains a bright spot in the economy. Home Depot and Target reported fiscal results and Best Buy announced job cuts. GM is recalling SUVs and American Airlines is looking to the future with supersonic jets.

Arizona and Nevada face water cuts and July had the hottest nights on record. The CDC is shaking up its organization and the FDA will make it easier to get a hearing aid.

And finally, international news, tensions remain high between China, the US and Taiwan. Brittney Griner is appealing her sentence in Russia. The Taliban celebrated a year since taking control of Afghanistan.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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A federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to put forward proposed redactions as he committed to making public at least part of the affidavit supporting the search warrant for former President Donald Trump’s estate in Florida.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Reinhart on Thursday gave prosecutors a week to submit a copy of the affidavit with proposed redactions for the information it wants to keep secret. It comes a little more than a week after the FBI seized classified and top secret information during a search at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate last week.

President Joe Biden will host a White House summit next month aimed at combatting a spate of hate-fueled violence in the U.S. The Democrat is working to deliver on his campaign pledge to “heal the soul of the nation.” The White House announced Friday that Biden will host the United We Stand Summit on Sept. 15, highlighting the “corrosive effects” of violence on public safety and democracy.

Two planes collided in Northern California while trying to land at a local airport and at least two of the three occupants were killed. Officials say multiple fatalities were reported but it was not immediately clear whether anyone survived.

An Arizona judge is set to hear arguments on the state’s request to allow it to enforce a near-total ban on abortions under a law that has been blocked for nearly 50 years. Abortion-rights advocates are fighting the request from Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

Apple has disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs. The software flaws could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices, Apple said Wednesday.

The school board in Fargo, North Dakota, has reversed course on its decision to stop reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at its monthly meetings. The group decided to reconsider at a special meeting Thursday following complaints from conservative lawmakers and widespread bashing from citizens.

A Pennsylvania man has been charged with abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property and other charges after police say he allegedly tried to buy stolen human remains from an Arkansas woman for possible resale on Facebook.

Three men, including a Mafia hitman, have been charged in the killing of notorious Boston crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger in a West Virginia prison. The Justice Department announced the charges against Fotios “Freddy” Geas, Paul J. DeCologero and Sean McKinnon on Thursday.

In sports, the Brewers topped the Dodgers, the Astros crushed the White Sox, the Cardinals pounded the Rockies and college football got a new TV deal.

A woman who has been central to R. Kelly’s legal troubles for more than two decades has testified that the R&B singer sexually abused her “hundreds” of times before she turned 18 years old, starting when she was just 15.

Jane — the pseudonym for the 37-year-old woman at Kelly’s trial on child pornography and obstruction of justice charges — told jurors Thursday that in the late 1990s when she was 13, she asked Kelly to be her godfather because she saw him as an inspiration and mentor. She said within weeks, Kelly would call her and say sexual things. She said he first touched her touched her breasts when she was 14 and that they first had sex when she was 15.

Deshaun Watson has reached a settlement with the NFL and will serve an 11-game unpaid suspension and pay a $5 million fine rather than risk missing his first season as quarterback of the Cleveland Browns following accusations of sexual misconduct.

A top executive at former President Donald Trump’s family business has pleaded guilty to evading taxes. The deal could potentially make him a star witness against the company at a trial this fall. Longtime Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg admitted at a court hearing Thursday that he dodged taxes on lavish fringe benefits he got from the company.

A judge has refused to grant bail to the man accused of trying to kill Salman Rushdie as the acclaimed author prepared to give a talk in western New York. Hadi Matar appeared in a western New York courtroom after a grand jury indicted him on charges that he rushed the stage at the Chautauqua Institution and stabbed Rushdie multiple times.

An anti-abortion coalition in Michigan filed a challenge on Thursday to keep an abortion rights question off of the November ballot due to what it said are 60 errors in the text of a proposed constitutional amendment.

Firefighters are putting out the remnants of two wildfires on a Sicilian island that forced fashion designer Giorgio Armani and dozens more to flee vacation villas overnight. The head of the region’s civil protection agency said Thursday that arson was suspected in the wildfires that forced some 30 people to seek refuge in boats or on safer parts of the island of Pantelleria.

Officials in the northern German city of Bremen say an iconic lighthouse at the city's port has tilted sideways and could soon topple over entirely.

Slightly fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as the labor market continues to be the strongest segment of the U.S. economy. Applications for jobless aid for the week ending August 13 fell by 2,000 to 250,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

The housing market’s comedown from its high-flying days early this year is deepening, with home sales in July falling for the sixth straight month. Sharply higher mortgage rates, surging inflation and prices that remain near all-time highs are making homes less affordable. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales fell 20.2% from July last year.

The trend of rising U.S. traffic deaths that began two years ago is continuing into 2022. Roadway deaths rose 7% during the first three months of the year to an estimated 9,560 people. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that's the highest number for a first quarter in two decades.

A Saudi court has sentenced a doctoral student and women’s rights advocate to 34 years in prison for spreading “rumors” on Twitter and retweeting dissidents. The decision has drawn growing global condemnation. Court documents obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday show the unusually harsh ruling, so far unacknowledged by Saudi Arabia.

—The Associated Press

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Attorneys for the nation’s largest media companies will try to persuade a federal magistrate judge to make public the affidavit supporting the warrant that allowed FBI agents to search former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate.

Media attorneys will argue Thursday in West Palm Beach that the affidavit should be released because it is of great public interest. The U.S. Justice Department has objected. It says its investigation of Trump’s handling of “highly classified material” would be compromised if the document is made public.

Donald Trump’s longtime finance chief is expected to plead guilty as soon as Thursday in a tax evasion case, according to three people familiar with the matter. Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg is accused of failing to pay taxes on fringe benefits he got from the company.

The coroner's office says actor Anne Heche died from burns and inhalation injury after her fiery car crash and the death has been ruled an accident. Heche was 53 when her car plowed into a Los Angeles home on Aug. 5 and caught fire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet the U.N. chief and Turkey’s leader in Lviv near Ukraine’s border with Poland. Thursday's talks will focus on the recent deal to resume Ukraine’s grain exports, the volatile situation at a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant and efforts to help end the war.

Chinese state media say 16 people have died and 18 others remain missing after a flash flood in western China. State broadcaster CCTV says a sudden rainstorm triggered a landslide that diverted a river.

Rudy Giuliani says he has “satisfied his obligation” after facing hours of questioning Wednesday before a special grand jury in Atlanta. His appearance was part an investigation into attempts by former President Donald Trump and others to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.

In sports, the Dodgers continued to win, as did the Cardinals newest pitcher, the Mets bounced back, a grand comeback victory for the Yankees, and LeBron James will keep his talents in Hollywood.

Former Vice President Mike Pence said he'd give “due consideration” if asked to testify before the House committee investigating the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

“It would be unprecedented in history for a vice president to be summoned to testify on Capitol Hill, but as I said, I don’t want to prejudge,” he said. “If ever any formal invitation was rendered to us, we’d give it due consideration.”

R. Kelly’s federal trial on allegations that he rigged his 2008 state child pornography trial and enticed girls for sex is about the R&B singer’s “dark” and “hidden” side, a prosecutor told jurors Wednesday. Kelly’s attorney said not to accept the portrayal of her client as “a monster.”

The head of the nation’s top public health agency is shaking up the organization with the goal of making it more nimble. The planned changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention come after amid criticism of the agency’s response to COVID-19, monkeypox and other public health threats.

Two former Pennsylvania judges who orchestrated a scheme to send children to for-profit jails in exchange for kickbacks have been ordered to pay more than $200 million to hundreds of people they victimized in one of the worst judicial scandals in U.S. history.

Bank of America says the revenue it gets from overdrafts has dropped 90% from a year ago, after the bank reduced overdraft fees to $10 from $35 and eliminated fees for bounced checks.

NASA's new moon rocket has arrived at the launch pad for its first test flight. The 322-foot rocket emerged Tuesday night from its mammoth hangar at Florida's Kennedy Space Center.

The nation's leading abortion rights advocacy organization, Planned Parenthood, plans to spend a record $50 million ahead of November’s midterm elections. It's pouring money into contests where access to abortion will be on the ballot.

Target has reported solid sales for the fiscal second quarter but its profits plunged nearly 90% because it slashed prices to clear unwanted inventories of clothing, home goods and other discretionary items.

American Airlines says it has agreed to buy up to 20 supersonic jets that are still on the drawing board and years away from flying. American announced the deal Tuesday with Boom Supersonic.

—The Associated Press

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Donald Trump’s fiercest Republican adversary in Congress, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, lost a GOP primary. Cheney fell Tuesday to Trump-backed Harriet Hageman in a rout, reinforcing Trump's grip on the party’s base.

Cheney told supporters their work "is far from over” and she'll “do whatever it takes to ensure Donald Trump is never again anywhere near the Oval Office.” Cheney's political future beyond Capitol Hill could include a 2024 presidential run.

Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and her Trump-endorsed Republican rival Kelly Tshibaka have advanced from Tuesday’s primary. Meanwhile, Republican Sarah Palin was among the candidates advancing to the November general election in the race for Alaska’s only House seat.

Syria has denied it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans, a week after President Joe Biden accused the Syrian government of holding him. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that Damascus “denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen" in its territories.

Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to appear in an Atlanta courthouse to testify before a special grand jury in an investigation into possible illegal attempts to influence the 2020 election in Georgia.

Wolfgang Petersen, the German filmmaker whose WWII submarine epic “Das Boot” propelled him into a blockbuster Hollywood career that included the films “In the Line of Fire,” “Air Force One” and “The Perfect Storm,” has died. He was 81. Michelle Bega, a representative of Petersen, said the director died Friday at his home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

In sports, by beating the Dodgers in 11 innings, the Brewers kept pace with the Cardinals in the NL Central, the Braves closed the gap on the Mets in the NL East, the Rays took advantage of the slumping Yankees, and the NBA will take it easy on Election Day.

President Joe Biden has signed Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill. It's the “final piece” of the president's pared-down domestic agenda as he aims to boost his party’s standing with voters ahead of midterm elections.

The legislation includes the biggest federal investment ever to fight climate change — some $375 billion over a decade. It also caps prescription drug costs at $2,000 out-of-pocket annually for Medicare recipients, and helps an estimated 13 million Americans pay for health care insurance by extending subsidies provided during the coronavirus pandemic.

U.S. officials have announced that two U.S. states reliant on water from the Colorado River will face more water cuts as they endure extreme drought. The move affecting Arizona and Nevada came Tuesday as officials predict levels at Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, will plummet even further than they have.

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Rodolfo Castro has been suspended for one game by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for having a cellphone in his back pocket during a game last week.

Authorities say people have been wounded in a shooting that led to a lockdown of a hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis police said the six were shot shortly after midnight by people in a black SUV near Methodist North Hospital.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says a man shot and killed a bear that had entered his home looking for food early Saturday morning. Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson Rachael Gonzalez said Monday the nearly 400-pound bear flipped a lever handle door and found dog-food inside the home in the ski-resort town of Steamboat Springs.

U.S. regulators have finalized a long-awaited rule that's expected to allow millions of Americans to buy hearing aids without a prescription. The rule announced Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration goes into effect this fall.

The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Mississippi is welcoming an increasing number of visitors as fans commemorate the 45th anniversary of Presley’s death. The king of rock ‘n’ roll died Aug. 16, 1977, at his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.

First lady Jill Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing “mild symptoms.” The first lady has been vacationing with President Joe Biden in South Carolina and began experiencing symptoms Monday.

Home Depot’s sales rose in its fiscal second quarter, buoyed by continued demand for items related to home improvement projects. Revenue for the three months ended July 31 rose 6.5% to $43.79 billion.

General Motors is recalling more than 484,000 large SUVs in the U.S. to fix a problem that can cause the third-row seat belts to malfunction. The recall covers Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes, Cadillac Escalades and GMC Yukons from 2021 and 2022.

—The Associated Press

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The Justice Department is rebuffing an effort to make public the affidavit supporting the search warrant for former President Donald Trump’s estate in Florida. In court papers Monday, prosecutors argue the investigation “implicates highly classified material” and the affidavit contains sensitive information about witnesses.

The government’s opposition came in response to court filings by several news organizations, including The Associated Press, seeking to unseal the underlying affidavit the Justice Department submitted when it asked for the warrant to search Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this month. In a statement on his social media platform, Trump called for the release of the unredacted affidavit in the interest of transparency.

Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, a leader in the Republican resistance to former President Donald Trump, is fighting to save her seat in the House on Tuesday.

President Joe Biden is preparing to sign Democrats’ landmark climate change and health care bill. It's the “final piece” of the president's pared-down domestic agenda as he aims to boost his party’s standing with voters ahead of midterm elections.

A hospital was reportedly on lockdown early Tuesday while treating multiple victims of a shooting involving two crime scenes in Memphis, Tennessee. A sedan was left riddled with bullet holes outside Methodist North hospital. Police also taped off the scene at a gas station several miles away where an assault rifle could be seen on the pavement near the pumps.

Federal officials on Tuesday are expected to announce water cuts that would further reduce how much Colorado River water some users in the seven U.S. states reliant on the river and Mexico receive. Cities, farms and water managers in Arizona, Nevada and Mexico are widely anticipating Tuesday’s reductions.

In sports, the Yankees continued their spiral with another loss to an AL East rival, the red-hot Braves routed the Mets for their seventh straight win, the Dodgers lost a top young arm to season-ending surgery, the Rangers parted ways with their fourth-year manager, Alabama is No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25 for the second straight season, and a legendary Princeton college basketball coach passed away.

Prosecutors in Atlanta have told Rudy Giuliani's lawyers that he is a target of their criminal investigation into possible illegal attempts by then-President Donald Trump and others to interfere in the 2020 general election in Georgia.

Also Monday, a federal judge said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham must testify before the special grand jury. Prosecutors have said they want to ask Graham about phone calls they say he made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff in the weeks following the election.

Jury selection is underway at R. Kelly’s federal trial in his hometown of Chicago. The R&B singer faces charges that he rigged his 2008 state child pornography trial by threatening and paying off a girl who he allegedly filmed himself having sex with when he was around 30 and she was no older than 14.

Authorities say at least one person was killed when a house exploded Monday morning in southeast Missouri and a neighboring home erupted in flames.

Two former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s killing told a judge that they have rejected plea deals that would have resulted in three-year sentences.

Authorities say three people were injured in a shooting outside a Chicago-area amusement park’s entrance that sent visitors scrambling for safety and prompted the park to close early. The Gurnee Police Department says officers responded about 7:50 p.m. Sunday to Six Flags Great America, about 45 miles north of Chicago. Police said the shooting “appeared to be a targeted incident.”

U.S. immigration officials say 187 Cuban migrants have been arrested after landing in the Florida Keys on 10 separate boats over the weekend.

Alaska U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney hail from their states’ most prominent Republican families. They're also among the GOP’s sharpest critics of former President Donald Trump, and both supported his impeachment. But their political fortunes could diverge after Tuesday's primaries. Cheney faces daunting prospects in her effort to fend off Trump-supported challenger Harriet Hageman, while Murkowski is expected to advance from her primary.

The Taliban are marking a year since they seized the Afghan capital of Kabul. The rapid takeover triggered a hasty escape of the nation's Western-backed leaders, sent the economy into a tailspin and has fundamentally transformed the country. On Monday, bearded Taliban fighters staged small victory parades on foot, bicycles and motorcycles in the streets of the capital.

Nicholas Evans, the British author of the bestselling novel “The Horse Whisperer,” has died at 72. His representatives at United Agents said Evans died “suddenly” on Aug. 9 following a heart attack.

—The Associated Press

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China has announced more military drills around Taiwan as the self-governing island’s president met with members of a new U.S. congressional delegation. The announcement threatened to renew tensions between Beijing and Washington just days after a similar visit by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi angered China.

Lawyers for American basketball star Brittney Griner have filed an appeal against her nine-year Russian prison sentence for drugs possession. Griner is a center for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She was convicted on Aug. 4.

Authorities say three people were injured in a shooting in a parking lot of an amusement park north of Chicago that sent visitors scrambling for safety. The Gurnee Police Department says officers responded about 7:50 p.m. Sunday to Six Flags Great America, about 45 miles north of Chicago.

Sunday studio estimates say the Brad Pitt action film “Bullet Train” led all movies in ticket sales for a second straight weekend. A quiet spell in theaters and incredible staying power allowed “Top Gun: Maverick” to rocket back into third place in its 12th week of release.

A developer has unearthed human remains that could be two centuries old while digging to lay the foundation of a new Nashville project not far from a Civil War fort and a cemetery dating back to 1822.

Actor Anne Heche has died, nine days after she was injured in a fiery car crash. She was 53. She had been on life support after suffering burns and a major brain injury when her car crashed into a home.

Salman Rushdie's agent says the author is “on the road to recovery” two days after suffering serious injuries in a stabbing at a lecture in upstate New York. The announcement followed news that the lauded writer was removed from a ventilator Saturday and able to talk and joke.

The Cardinals won the rubber game of a big series with the Brewers, the Dodgers' long win streak came to an end, the Mets continued at their torrid pace, a Rays pitcher fell short of a perfect game, Kevin Harwick and Richmond Raceway got along just fine and a player won on the PGA circuit for the first time.

Comedian and actor Teddy Ray has died at the age of 32. Ray, whose legal name was Theadore Brown, was a stand-up comedian who appeared on the HBO Max series “PAUSE with Sam Jay” and other programs.

Americans are less concerned now about how climate change might impact them personally — and about how their personal choices affect the climate than they were three years ago. That's according to a June poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that shows a wide majority still believe climate change is happening.

America sizzled through some hot nights last month, enough to make history. Federal meteorologists say the Lower 48 states in July set a record for overnight warmth. The average overnight temperature for the continental United States in July was 63.6 degrees, which is the highest in 128 years of recordkeeping.

Officials say a loud “boom” was heard across areas of northern Utah and was likely a meteor. Reports of the loud noise circulated at about 8:30 a.m. Saturday, with people from Orem to southern Idaho posting that they heard it.

Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, is trimming jobs in an effort to adjust to new changes in consumer behavior as the virus wanes. Best Buy declined to say how many jobs it was cutting but The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report the news, estimated it involved hundreds of jobs at the store level.

Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention say that several of their denomination’s major entities are under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The SBC’s statement gave few details about the investigation, but indicated it dealt with sexual abuse.

The family of country singer Naomi Judd filed an amended court petition to seal police reports and recordings made during the investigation into her death. Judd died at the age of 76 on April 30 at her home in Tennessee. The court filing included details about how Ashley Judd found her mother alive after she shot herself.

—The Associated Press

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In this bonus episode of Hot off the Wire, we look back at some of the top headlines from the week in the world of sports and entertainment.

It was another sad week as music icon Olivia Newton-John, who also starred in the musical “Grease,” died.

Sam Gooden, a founding member of The Impressions, also passed away.

In other news, Serena Williams announced her tennis career is winding down, the NBA will honor legendary player and activist Bill Russell, and the Emmy Awards have a host.

—Content provided by The Associated Press. Material compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz, senior producer for Lee Enterprises

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It was a complicated week for former President Donald Trump.

The FBI searched his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday as part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records that had been moved to Florida.

The former president was then in New York on Wednesday as part of a civil investigation, but he says he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during the deposition.

Then on Thursday, we learned that the Justice Department had asked a court to unseal the search warrant used in the FBI’s search. Attorney General Merrick Garland cited the “substantial public interest in this matter" and said he had personally approved the warrant.

That evening, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “Release the documents now!”

For an expanded look at the case, please download the bonus episode of Hot off the Wire called FBI investigation into former President Donald Trump.

In political news, Democrats moved closer to passage of their economic agenda. Indiana became the first state to approve an abortion ban following the Supreme Court’s recent decision. A Trump-backed candidate won a primary in Wisconsin. President Joe Biden signed a bill to help veterans. And a former police officer was sentenced for his role in the Jan. 6 riots.

It was an eventful week for court cases involving hate crimes, abortion and misinformation.

And in other national news, President Biden visited Kentucky and a new general will lead American forces in Africa.

Concerns over the economy continued this week, although several reports indicated there may be relief in sight.

Consumer and producer prices showed some improvement in July. Gas prices kept falling and the national average dipped below $4 for a gallon by the middle of the week. Airfares have also declined.

The jobs market was somewhat mixed as employers continued to add jobs, however, unemployment claims have been on the rise. Grocery deliveries have also declined, likely due to higher prices.

In other news, Kia issued a recall and Twitter was in the news over its deal with Elon Musk as well as a security breach.

In international news, President Biden signed the CHIPS Act, which drew the ire of China and extended tension between the two nations as well as Taiwan.

We had several updates out of Ukraine, including the destruction of Russian jets, resistance from Ukrainians, and a return from a fast food giant.

New Zealand welcomed back cruise ships as COVID restrictions eased and Germany is dealing with drought.

Finally, in health and science news, a look at the link between climate and diseases, a Lyme disease vaccine, monkeypox, sleep patterns of spiders, freshwater losing ground and a court case involving a pharmacy chain’s link to the opioid crisis.

— Compiled and narrated by Terry Lipshetz from Associated Press reports

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Former President Donald Trump is calling for the “immediate” release of the federal warrant the FBI used to search his Florida estate. In messages posted late Thursday on his Truth Social platform, Trump writes, “Release the documents now!”

The Justice Department had asked a court to unseal the warrant earlier Thursday, with Attorney General Merrick Garland citing the “substantial public interest in this matter." Garland said he had personally approved the search warrant, which was part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into the discovery of classified White House records recovered from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach, Florida, earlier this year.

Authorities are investigating the motives of an armed man who they say tried to breach the FBI’s Cincinnati office, fled, and was shot and died hours later in a rural standoff with law enforcement.

A spokesperson for Anne Heche says the actor is on life support after suffering a brain injury in a fiery crash a week ago and isn't expected to survive. The statement released on behalf of her family said she is being kept on life support to determine if she is a viable organ donor. Earlier Thursday, police said they are investigating Heche for driving under the influence of drugs. Heche crashed her car into a Los Angeles area house on Aug. 5.

A flagship Democratic economic bill is perched on the edge of House passage. Friday's expected vote would mark final congressional approval. That would hand President Joe Biden a back-from-the-dead triumph on his climate, health care and tax goals.

New Zealand has welcomed the first cruise ship to return since the coronavirus pandemic began, signaling a long-sought return to normalcy for the nation’s tourism industry. New Zealand closed its borders in early 2020 as it sought at first to eliminate COVID-19 entirely and then later to control its spread.

An off-duty Virginia police officer who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, with a fellow officer has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison. That matches the longest prison sentence so far among hundreds of Capitol riot cases. Former Rocky Mount Police Sgt. Thomas Robertson didn’t speak in court Thursday before U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper sentenced him to seven years and three months in prison.

The Cubs got a victory in Iowa, the Astros knocked off the Rangers, the Guardians padded their division lead, the Cardinals lost a series in Denver and the Buccaneers gave their quarterback some time off.

Authorities say a man has been in a standoff with law enforcement for hours and has “unknown injuries” after he tried to breach the FBI's Cincinnati office, fled and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement.

Congressional panel leaders say an additional 135 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine from a troubled Baltimore factory will have to be destroyed due to quality problems.

The nation’s top public health agency is relaxing its COVID-19 guidelines and dropping the recommendation that Americans quarantine themselves if they come into close contact with an infected person.

Bill Russell’s No. 6 jersey is being retired across the NBA, a first for the league. The league and the National Basketball Players Association announced Thursday that the number worn by the 11-time champion and civil rights activist was being permanently retired by all 30 teams.

German officials say water levels on the Rhine River could reach a critically low point in the coming days, making the transport of goods along the river increasingly difficult.

Political leaders honored Republican U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski of Indiana as a determined advocate for her beliefs during a funeral after she and three other people were killed in a highway crash last week.

Prices at the wholesale level fell from June to July, the first month-to-month drop in more than two years and a sign that some of the U.S. economy’s inflationary pressures cooled last month. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that the producer price index — which measures inflation before it reaches consumers — declined 0.5% in July.

The number of Americans who signed up for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since November, though the U.S. job market continues to show signs of strength. Applications for jobless aid climbed by 14,000 to 262,000 and now have risen five out of the last six weeks, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

Air travelers are finally getting a break on fares. The government said Wednesday that the average airfare dropped nearly 8% in July compared with June, to $311. The bad news is, that's still almost 28% higher than last July.

McDonald’s will begin reopening some of its restaurants in Ukraine in the coming months. The burger giant closed its Ukrainian restaurants after Russia’s invasion nearly six months ago but has continued to pay its more than 10,000 employees in the country.

—The Associated Press

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U.S. gas prices have dipped under $4 a gallon for the first time in more than five months. AAA says the national average is $3.99 for a gallon of regular. That's down 15 cents in just the last week, and 68 cents in the last month.

Russia is using billboards to urge men to join the military and authorities have set up mobile recruiting centers. This is happening amid reports that hundreds of soldiers are refusing to fight in Ukraine and are trying to quit the military.

The director of the FBI has strong words for supporters of former President Donald Trump who have been using violent rhetoric in the wake of his agency’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. Christopher Wray says threats circulating online against federal agents and the Justice Department are “deplorable and dangerous.”

China has renewed its threat to attack Taiwan following almost a week of war games near the island, amid international condemnation and a stinging rebuke from the self-governing democracy's government.

Africa’s public health agency says the continent of 1.3 billion people still does not have a single dose of the monkeypox vaccine, but “very advanced discussions” are underway with at least two partners.

A federal judge has ruled that Walgreens can be held responsible for contributing to San Francisco’s opioid crisis for over-dispensing opioids for years without proper oversight and failing to identify and report suspicious orders as required by law.

The New York Yankees are going through a rare rough patch, the New York Mets are rolling, a Braves newbie hits it out of the park, Detroit Tigers GM Al Avila is let go, and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is set to start at their pre-season opener.

Government data released Wednesday showed that consumer prices jumped 8.5% in July compared with a year earlier. That's down from a 9.1% year-over-year increase in June. The reprieve offered no certainty that prices would stay on the decline. Inflation has sometimes slowed only to re-accelerate later.

Donald Trump says he invoked the Fifth Amendment and wouldn’t answer questions under oath in the long-running New York civil investigation into his business dealings.

Kobe Bryant’s widow is taking her lawsuit against the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments to a federal jury, seeking compensation for photos deputies shared of the remains of the NBA star, his daughter and seven others killed in a helicopter crash in 2020.

A Nebraska woman has been charged with helping her teenage daughter have an abortion. The charges come after investigators obtained Facebook messages in which the mother and daughter discussed using medication to end the approximately 24-week pregnancy.

Ukraine’s air force says that nine Russian warplanes were destroyed in massive explosions at an air base in Crimea amid speculation they were the result of a Ukrainian attack.

A Louisiana man convicted of the 1979 killing of his roommate and another friend is being released after 42 years in prison, his life sentence without possibility of parole recently commuted by a state board.

Donald Trump reasserted his grip on Republicans in Wisconsin’s primary, but both Democrats and Republicans say that the former president’s involvement in the state’s key races for governor and U.S. Senate could come back to hurt them in the swing state.

President Joe Biden has signed veterans health care legislation that ends a long battle to expand benefits for troops who served near toxic “burn pits.” The ceremony Wednesday at the White House was a personal matter for Biden.

China is criticizing a U.S. law to encourage processor chip production in the United States and reduce reliance on Asian suppliers as a threat to trade and an attack on Chinese business. The law signed this week by President Joe Biden promises grants and other aid to investors in U.S. chip factories.

U.S. health officials have authorized a plan to stretch the nation’s limited supply of monkeypox vaccine by giving people just one-fifth the usual dose. In an announcement issued Tuesday, they cited research suggesting that the reduced amount is about as effective.

—The Associated Press

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In this episode, we are looking at the FBI investigation into former President Donald Trump. According to The Associated Press, the FBI searched former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, as part of a probe into whether he took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence.

In a statement released by the former president on Monday, Trump wrote:

These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate. It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024, especially based on recent polls, and who will likewise do anything to stop Republicans and Conservatives in the upcoming Midterm Elections. Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries.

You can read his full statement through the link provided in the episode notes.

In an article titled "Mar-a-Lago search just part of one of several Trump probes," The Associated Press details the ongoing investigations into the former President.

Regarding this case, authors Lindsay Whitehurst and Alanna Durkin Richer note:

There are multiple federal laws dictating how classified records and sensitive government documents must be handled, including statutes that make it a crime to remove such material.

A search doesn’t necessarily mean criminal charges are imminent, but to get a warrant, federal agents would have to convince a judge they have probable cause to think a crime occurred.

You can read the full breakdown, including details of the Justice Department’s probe into the 2020 election and Capitol Riot, an investigation in Georgia over the 2020 election, and New York’s civil investigation into the Trump Organization, through a link in this episode’s show notes.

In another article from The Associated Press titled "Did Trump break the law? FBI search raises fresh questions," reporter Eric Tucker writes:

WASHINGTON — The year was 2016, the presidential candidate under investigation was Hillary Clinton and the FBI director at the time, James Comey, laid out the factors the Justice Department weighs in deciding whether to charge someone with mishandling classified records.

Fast forward to 2022 and that tutorial proves instructive as another candidate from that election, Donald Trump, is entangled in an FBI probe related to sensitive government documents.

Whether an FBI search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence is a prelude to criminal charges is unknown. The action Monday nonetheless focuses attention on the thicket of statutes that govern the handling of government records, though the department's own history of prosecutorial discretion — some high-profile investigations have ended without charges or in misdemeanor plea deals — makes it hard to forecast with certainty what might happen this time.

“These are statutes that have historically not been enforced to the fullest extent,” said University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck.

You can read the full article through the link in the show notes. Walker provides reaction from Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, one of the many Republicans rallying behind the former president. Walker also explains the perspective of the FBI and Justice Department.

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