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.

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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

On today's episode:

• Hegseth tells congressional leaders he is weighing release of boat strike video.
• Shooting at Kentucky State University leaves 1 dead, 1 hurt and a suspect in custody, officials say.
• Democrat wins Miami mayor’s race for the first time in nearly 30 years.
• Son arrested after Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes is stabbed to death at California home.
• Trump speaks on Americans’ economic worries and blames Democrats at Pennsylvania rally.
• Pope criticizes US bid to 'break part' US-Europe alliance, insists on Europe role in Ukraine peace.
• ICE arrests of Afghans are on the rise in the wake of National Guard attack, immigration lawyers say.
• Justice Department can unseal Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking case records, judge says.
• Opponents of Trump-backed redistricting in Missouri submit a petition to force a public vote.
• Illinois law protects immigrants from arrest near courthouses, hospitals or colleges.
• Turkish student who criticized Israel can resume research at Tufts after visa revoked, judge rules.
• Florida to execute man convicted in 1989 home invasion killing.
• US stocks hold in place in the countdown to the Federal Reserve’s meeting on Wednesday.
• New York stays hot and Orlando prevails to reach NBA Cup semis, a clash between the last two national champs in men’s college hoops, Tampa Bay puts on a show on the ice in Montreal, a pair of top free agents sign in baseball and an ex-star QB comes out of retirement.
• Shohei Ohtani is the AP's Male Athlete of the Year for record-tying 4th time.
• It's Messi. Repeat, Messi. The Inter Miami star is MLS' first back-to-back MVP winner.
• Social media ban for children under 16 starts in Australia.
• Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will miss Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
• Zelenskyy refuses to cede land to Russia as he rallies European support.

—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

German leader says US strategy shows the need for more European security independence.

On today's episode:

• Judge orders the release of an immigrant with ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
• Indiana Senate committee advance redistricting legislation backed by Trump toward final floor vote.
• ICE arrests of Afghans are on the rise in the wake of National Guard attack, immigration lawyers say.
• Zelenskyy refuses to cede land to Russia as he rallies European support.
• Court settlement approved for New Orleans Archdiocese to pay hundreds of clergy abuse victims.
• Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired.
• The Supreme Court seems likely to back Trump's power to fire independent agency board members.
• Trump is proposing a $12B farm aid package to soften blow of his tariffs, White House official says.
• Zelenskyy holds talks in London with European allies on US peace plan and security.
• ICEBlock app maker sues Trump administration over its pressure on Apple to remove app.
• 'One Battle After Another' leads Golden Globe nominations, while 'Wicked For Good' falters.
• Paramount goes hostile in bid for Warner Bros., challenging a $72 billion bid by Netflix.
• Court clerk who helped with Alex Murdaugh's trial pleads guilty to showing sealed exhibits.
• Wall Street pulls back from its record heights.
• A long Chargers field goal and a star’s five-turnover night doom the Eagles on Monday Night Football, a season-ending injury is confirmed for an NFL quarterback, a surprise tryout for a retired QB, the Heisman finalists are announced, an NBA star pleads not guilty to gambling charges and AP Top 25 college hoops poll updates.
• A person of interest is in custody in connection with the shooting of New York Jets' Kris Boyd.
• Chinese premier cites damage from US tariffs, as China's surplus surpasses $1 trillion.
• Cambodia vows fierce fight against Thailand in escalating border conflict.
• Powerful wave kills 4 and leaves 1 missing at a popular seawater pool in Spain's Tenerife.
• Magnitude 7.5 quake in northern Japan injures 23 people and triggers a tsunami.
• Louvre workers announce strike over work conditions and security after $102M heist.
• Magnitude 7.6 quake triggers a tsunami on Japan's northern coast.
• Zelenskyy holds talks in London with European allies on US peace plan and security.
• As tensions flare on Israel-Lebanon border, war-torn communities struggle to rebuild.
• As tensions flare on Israel-Lebanon border, war-torn communities struggle to rebuild.
• 100 schoolchildren abducted in Nigeria are released; more still being held.

—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:

• Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas will enter ceasefire's second phase soon.
• Qatari leader says the Gaza ceasefire is at a critical moment.
• Judges deal setback to Justice Department effort to seek new indictment against Comey.
• UN aid coordination agency cuts appeal for 2026 to $33B after lowest annual support in a decade.
• The Supreme Court weighs Trump's bid to fire independent agency board members.
• China's trade surplus tops $1 trillion as its exports surge while imports lag behind.
• The Social Security Administration plans to cut field office visits by 50%. What it means for you.
• Trump's security strategy slams European allies and asserts US power in the Western Hemisphere.
• Shops empty in a Hispanic neighborhood as immigration crackdown comes to Louisiana.
• Suspect in DC pipe bomb case said to have confessed in interviews with investigators, AP sources say.
• Florida congressional Republicans tell Trump to keep oil drilling off state's coasts.
• Bullet-pocked marker memorializing 1918 lynching goes on display in Atlanta.
• Young adults are waiting in line to worship at this fast-growing Atlanta church.
• California officials warn against foraging wild mushrooms after deadly poisoning outbreak.
• Released 911 calls reveal desperate pleas and tragic outcomes during Texas Hill Country flood.
• Wall Street rises to the edge of its all-time high.
• Summer Olympians begin torch relay for Milan Cortina Winter Games on 2-month countdown.
• A late pick seals a win for Green Bay, a battle of top quarterbacks in Baltimore, a star QB suffers a likely season-ending injury, Indiana tops the College Football Playoff’s 12-team bracket, a clutch shot from the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a playoff victory in golf and a former infielder is headed to Cooperstown.
• Indiana grabs top seed in College Football Playoff. Alabama and Miami make it, Notre Dame left out.
• Jeff Kent elected to baseball Hall of Fame, which again keeps doors shut for Bonds and Clemens.
• Ex-SEC commissioner Roy Kramer, whose vision paved the way for college football playoffs, dies at 96.
• The United States has its opponent for the opening match of next year’s World Cup hosted in North America.
• A UN team in Lebanon examines options for border area with Israel after peacekeepers leave.
• Thailand launches airstrikes along border with Cambodia as tensions reignite.
• A fire at a popular nightclub in India's Goa state kills 25.
• Benin's interior minister says a coup announced earlier has been foiled.
• Nobel laureates arrive for a week of events and awards in Stockholm and Oslo.
• Man arrested after pepper spray attack in London's Heathrow Airport parking garage.
• Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 11 dead, including 3 children.
• Philippines says China fired flares toward its patrol plane in the disputed South China Sea.
• Russia unleashes massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine as diplomatic talks continue.
• Sudanese paramilitary drone attack kills 50, including 33 children in Kordofan, doctor group says.
• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Leo wraps up his first trip abroad, speaking to the people of Lebanon, and turning his focus to global peace efforts.

—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

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

• In Colorado town built on coal, some families are moving on, even as Trump tries to boost industry.
• Mass killings in 2025 hit lowest level since 2006.
• Another line of attack White House sets up a hall of shame for news outlets.
• Scientists capture the crackling sounds of what they believe is lightning on Mars.
• Telescope in Chile captures stunning new picture of a cosmic butterfly.
• A brown pelican 'feeding frenzy' is an encouraging sign for the often-struggling large seabirds.
• Zohran Mamdani and the Louvre make the list of most mispronounced words of 2025.
• The Supreme Court will decide whether Trump's birthright citizenship order violates the Constitution.
• US vaccine advisers vote to end advice that all US babies get hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
• FIFA gives President Donald Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport.
• Grand jury transcripts from abandoned Epstein investigation in Florida ordered released.
• Fed's preferred inflation gauge stayed elevated in September as spending weakened.
• Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion.
• Cloudflare says service restored after outage that brought down sites including Zoom and LinkedIn.
• Harnessing the power of AI to help revolutionize Olympic-level figure skating.
• Derrick Henry expects a physical battle against rival Steelers in matchup for first place.
• A crystal Fabergé egg crafted for Russian royalty is expected to sell for more than $26 million.
• Asia’s deadly floods are no fluke. They’re a climate warning.
• Long-lost Rubens painting depicting crucifixion sells for $2.7M.
• French first lady Brigitte Macron visits an old friend in China A giant panda called Yuan Meng.
• Trinidad and Tobago's steelpan is back in business as a new generation embraces its sound.

—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:

• Federal panel is expected to vote today on a new recommendation on hepatitis B vaccines for newborns.
• Man accused of planting pipe bombs before Jan. 6 Capitol attack is charged with explosives offenses.
• Air passengers in India are dealing with delays after IndiGo, the nation's largest carrier, failed to comply with new pilot restrictions.
• US prioritizes visas for fans traveling for the World Cup, Olympics and other events.
• US military conducts strike on another suspected drug boat as probe into the first strike begins.
• Affordable Care Act premiums are set to spike. A new poll shows enrollees are already struggling.
• Admiral tells lawmakers there was no 'kill them all' order in attack that killed drug boat survivors.
• Hearing in Luigi Mangione's state murder case sheds new light on his arrest.
• Wall Street inches closer to its all-time high.
• US filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September of 2022.
• A three-TD performance helps Detroit snap Dallas’ three-game win streak, an 18-year streak ends for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a last-second shot leads Philly past Golden State, an NBA team faces a hefty fine for resting a star player and a strong return for the world’s top golfer.
• NFL mandates playing surfaces for all stadiums meet new standards by 2028 to enhance player safety.
• An NCAA-backed effort to reshape college sport regulations has hit a wall in Congress.
• Ralph Lauren unveils Team USA's Olympic uniforms.
• Ship in Bab el-Mandeb Strait attacked by suspected pirates, officials say.
• Putin and Modi to discuss Russia-India trade and defense ties amid US pressure.
• Asia flood death toll surpasses 1,500 as calls grow to fight deforestation.
• Putin says there are points he can't agree to in the US proposal to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

—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