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

• Winter virus season so far is not too bad, but doctors worry about suffering to come.
• How a rare drug made from scientists' blood saves babies from botulism.
• Oreo is bringing zero-sugar cookies to the US.
• The painting that introduced 'Star Wars' to the world fetches $3.9M at auction.
• Vermont rescue team sees surge in calls as social media lures skiers into danger.
• Trump sued by preservationists seeking architecture review over White House ballroom project.
• Admiral hands over leadership of command overseeing the Trump administration's boat strikes.
• Federal judge issues order to prohibit immigration officials from detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
• Jury begins deliberating in murder trial of Brian Walshe, whose wife disappeared 2 years ago.
• A 6.7 magnitude earthquake causes small tsunami waves off northeastern Japan.
• 16,000 fossil footprints in central Bolivia reveal dinosaur behavior.
• Sherrone Moore charged with stalking, home invasion after being fired as Michigan football coach.
• Steelers LB TJ Watt has surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung, older brother J.J. Watt says.
• Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy says Baltimore has moved past controversial loss to Steelers.
• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a settlement for hundreds of clergy abuse victims and a youth are lining up for an Atlanta church.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

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

On today's episode:

• Zelenskyy says US-led peace talks wrestling with Russian demands for Ukrainian territory.
• US national park gift shops ordered to purge merchandise promoting DEI.
• Hundreds are quarantined in South Carolina as measles spreads in 2 US outbreaks.
• Gas explosion in San Francisco Bay Area damages homes, 6 taken to hospitals.
• Average US long-term mortgage rate ticks up to 6.22% after four straight weekly declines.
• Noem links the seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela to US antidrug efforts.
• Trump signs executive order to block state AI regulations.
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia freed from federal immigration detention, his attorney's office says.
• Indiana Republicans block Trump’s redistricting push in a rare break with the president.
• Senators seek to change bill that allows military to operate just like before the DC plane crash.
• Senate rejects extension of health care subsidies as costs are set to rise for millions of Americans.
• Trump's handling of the economy is at its lowest point in AP-NORC polling.
• The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk appears in court for 1st time as a judge weighs media access.
• Venezuelan Nobel laureate credits Trump for pressuring Maduro with ‘decisive’ actions.
• Washington state faces historic floods that have washed away homes and stranded families.
• The US stock market hits record highs, even as worries about an AI bubble continue.
• Atlanta rallies to beat reeling Tampa Bay on Thursday Night Football, an Indiana star is named the AP’s top college football player, Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss is set, a big night for a three-time NBA MVP, a top five men’s hoops team avoids an upset and a two-time Stanley Cup winner notches his second career four-goal game.
• FIFA accused of 'monumental betrayal' over latest World Cup ticket prices.
• NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all its teams the permanent charters they wanted.
• Steelers LB TJ Watt hospitalized after experiencing discomfort in his lungs.
• EU set to lock up Russia's frozen assets so Hungary and Slovakia can't veto their use for Ukraine.
• Winter storm rips through Gaza, exposing failure to deliver enough aid to territory.
• Iceland becomes 5th country to boycott Eurovision Song Contest over Israel's participation.
• Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia intensify with airstrikes and artillery attacks.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

Theme music

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

On today's episode:

• Zelenskyy will hold urgent talks with 30 countries as Trump pushes for swift peace deal with Russia.
• Trump says the US has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.
• Parent of student charged in shooting that killed teen at Kentucky State University.
• Federal Reserve cuts key rate but signals higher bar for future reductions.
• Judge orders Trump to end California National Guard troop deployment in Los Angeles.
• Justice Department can unseal records from Epstein's 2019 sex trafficking case, judge says.
• Blend of unusual weather conditions brings trillions of gallons in persistent rain to the Northwest.
• Bronx man charged in shooting of Jets player Kris Boyd appears in court.
• US stocks rise after the Fed cuts rates and hopes build for more.
• Former 'Real Housewives' star moved from prison to community program for remainder of her sentence.
• Diana Ross will headline 'Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' lineup.
• Sophie Kinsella, author of the millions-selling ‘Shopaholic’ novels, dies at 55.
• The defending NBA champs match the league’s best start, another Western Conference contender advances in the NBA Cup, a Big Ten football coach is jailed hours after his firing, a five-time All-Star slugger departs New York in baseball’s free agency and an acquitted hockey player signs a tryout deal.
• QB Philip Rivers eager to get back in the game with the Colts after coming out of retirement.
• A'ja Wilson wins AP Female Athlete of the Year following historic 4th WNBA MVP.
• Egypt and Iran complain about planned World Cup 'Pride' match in Seattle.
• After months in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Machado reappears as a Nobel laureate.
• Machado's daughter accepts Nobel Peace Prize in Venezuelan opposition leader's absence.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

Theme music

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