Hot Off The Wire

Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press. 

  1. 14 HR AGO

    Maduro set to make first court appearance on drug trafficking charges

    On today's episode: Maduro is set to make his first appearance in a US courtroom on drug trafficking charges. A Paris court finds 10 people guilty of cyberbullying France’s first lady Brigitte Macron. Gunmen kill at least 30 villagers and abduct others during raid in northern Nigeria. North Korea says latest missile tests involve hypersonic weapons system. Maduro’s case will revive a legal debate over immunity for foreign leaders tested in Noriega trial. China lashes out at US action on Venezuela. Venezuelans remain shell-shocked a day after US captured Maduro. A tense calm holds in Venezuela a day after Maduro was deposed by US. After capture and removal, Venezuela's Maduro is being held at notorious Brooklyn jail. Maduro arrives in US after stunning capture in operation that Trump says will let US 'run' Venezuela. How the US captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Ouster of Maduro government sparks celebrations among Venezuelans in South Florida. Maduro's capture disrupts Caribbean holiday travel, hundreds of flights canceled. FBI says it disrupted a New Year's Eve attack plan inspired by Islamic State group. Trial to begin for police officer charged in delayed response to Uvalde school shooting. A Somali Daycare center is pushing back on allegations of fraud. Wall Street edges higher in a wobbly start to 2026. A missed kick and a four-time MVP’s heroics headline Pittsburgh’s playoff-clinching win, Denver and Seattle clinch the NFL’s top seeds, Jacksonville and Carolina clinch their divisions and Las Vegas gets the No. 1 pick, a Browns star breaks a record, a coaching and front office change in Atlanta and a buzzer-beater slays the defending NBA champs. One dead and three injured following Russian attack on medical facility in Kyiv. Iran's leader says rioters 'must be put in their place' as protest death toll reaches at least 10. Swiss investigators believe sparkling candles atop wine bottles ignited fatal bar fire. A grandmother and her grandson burn to death in a Gaza tent; Angelina Jolie visits Rafah crossing. On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Pope Leo closes out 2025 and welcomes the new year with calls for peace and compassion. Plus, religious music is spreading a message of hope. —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

    26 min
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Virtual reality opens doors for older people to build closer connections in real life

    On today's episode: Virtual reality opens doors for older people to build closer connections in real life. 'The best gift ever' Baby is born after the rarest of pregnancies, defying all odds. Flu is rising rapidly, driven by a new variant. Here's what to know. Trump isn't the 1st president to want more room to entertain, longtime White House usher says. US removal of panels honoring Black soldiers at WWII cemetery in the Netherlands draws backlash. These bipartisan bills were noncontroversial -- until Trump vetoed them. Unleash the hounds! And terriers and lapdogs. The American Kennel Club adds 3 breeds. With the legendary Warren Buffett stepping back, Berkshire Hathaway enters a new era. Tesla loses title as world's biggest electric vehicle maker as sales fall for second year in a row. ICE doesn't plan to detain Abrego Garcia again as long as judge's order banning it stands. Surge in federal officers in Minnesota focuses on alleged fraud at day care centers. Trump administration says it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemes. France grants citizenship to George and Amal Clooney and their twins Ella and Alexander. Kennedy Center renaming prompts new round of cancellations from artists. UK's Queen Camilla recalls assault in 1960s as she campaigns against domestic violence. California delays revoking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses until March after immigrants sue. Brigitte Bardot, 1960s French sex symbol turned militant animal rights activist, dies at 91. Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65. Former US Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, of Colorado, dies at 92. Jeffrey R. Holland, next in line to lead Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dies at 85. Seahawks safety Julian Love expects 'new wrinkles' from 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. US and Canada have Milan Olympic injury replacements standing by. Poll era G-O-A-T Current USA Basketball players say it's Breanna Stewart, others might disagree. NCAA tries to clarify NBA stance after Baylor's addition of 2023 draft pick prompts criticism. In 'Nassar 2.0,' Olympics watchdog failed to close abuse case against gymnastics coach. Best women's programs during poll era UConn, Tennessee head all-time Top 25 with some surprises. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks. Patriots star receiver Stefon Diggs faces strangulation charges, denies allegations. Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is 'stable' after 2 die in car accident in Nigeria. Indiana fan gets his long time wish. Swiss investigators believe sparkling candles atop wine bottles ignited fatal bar fire. Earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.5 rattles southern and central Mexico. A grandmother and her grandson burn to death in a Gaza tent as humanitarian crisis deepens. Latest deep-sea search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 gets underway. Israel says it will halt operations of several humanitarian organizations in Gaza starting in 2026. —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

    45 min
  3. 3 DAYS AGO

    Trump, top Iranian officials exchange threats; CFP semifinals set

    On today's episode: Iran's leader say his country is in crisis amid protests and external pressures. Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran. A fire in a Swiss ski resort bar has left about 40 people dead. French government defends granting citizenship to George and Amal Clooney. Kim’s daughter visits family mausoleum, promoting her potential status as heir in North Korea. US military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8 and possibly leaving survivors. Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent. Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes. Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year. Chief Justice says Constitution remains 'firm and unshaken' with major Supreme Court rulings ahead. Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now. Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress. What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds. Department of Justice is reviewing more than 5.2 million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Zohran Mamdani promises to govern 'expansively and audaciously' in inaugural speech as NYC mayor. Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack while hiking in northern Colorado. Rain soaks Rose Parade in California and snow squalls hit Midwest and Northeast on first day of 2026. Rescue crew finds 3 hikers dead in Southern California mountains during strong winds. Wall Street falls in light trading on the final day of 2025, another banner year for markets. US stocks rose again in 2025 after overcoming turbulence from tariffs and Trump's fight with the Fed. Tatiana Schlossberg, a grandchild of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35. Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music. The top seed moves on in convincing fashion in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, a CFP thriller in the Sugar Bowl and a rout in the Orange Bowl, a two-time NFL MVP updates his status for a key weekend matchup, a young NBA star avoids serious injury and a Japanese star pitcher signs in the majors. Venus Williams is back at the Australian Open 5 years after her last appearance, 28 after her 1st. Alabama QB Ty Simpson says a cracked rib sidelined him in 2nd half of blowout Rose Bowl loss. More campus games Big 12 commish says 'everything is on the table' when it comes to playoff reboot. Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and be sidelined for four to six months. Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore accused of throwing girlfriend to the ground. Cities around the world welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks and heightened security. Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks. Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by violence. —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

    27 min
  4. 24/12/2025

    Drivers are seeing lower gas prices this holiday season

    On today's episode: US drivers are seeing lower gas prices this holiday season. NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa's trip around the world. A century of sound historic bells mark 100th Christmas in NYC. Bethlehem is ready for Christmas Eve. Turkey shoot a holiday tradition, with no ruffled feathers. Most US adults aren't making year-end charitable contributions, new AP-NORC poll finds. Giant lazy Susans bring people together at Mississippi restaurant. A look at aging baby boomers in the United States. US and Ukraine reach consensus on key issues, but territorial disputes remain unresolved. '60 Minutes' segment on El Salvador prison accidentally airs online. Supreme Court keeps Trump’s National Guard deployment blocked in the Chicago area, for now. Trump critic George Conway takes steps to run for New York City congressional seat. Former Nebraska US Sen. Ben Sasse reveals advanced pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Medicaid paid more than $207 million for dead people. A new law could help fix that. Pope disappointed over approval of assisted suicide legislation in his home state of Illinois. FBI says Lyft driver terrorized by escaped Georgia inmates before she was rescued in Florida. Colorado man extradited from UK to New York to face Ponzi scheme allegations. Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home traps people inside, authorities say. Boys at her school shared AI-generated, nude images of her. After a fight, she was the one expelled. S&P 500 closes at another record, beating the high it set earlier this month. US economy expands at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter. Consumer confidence slides in December to lowest level since US tariffs rolled out in April. A top star defects from golf's most controversial league; a legendary Japanese golfer dies; a rout in an NHL Original Six rivalry; former teammates battle in a key NBA clash; the league’s defending champs suffer a third loss in five games and NFL Pro Bowl rosters are announced. Ravens, Broncos, 49ers and Seahawks lead the way with 6 players selected to Pro Bowl. Here's a look at the premier sports matchups on Christmas Day. Missouri linebacker Damon Wilson II accuses Georgia of illegal punishment in transfer portal lawsuit. Pro-Russian hackers claim cyberattack on French postal service. Search teams probe wreckage after Libyan army chief and 7 others are killed in Turkey plane crash. Libya's military chief and 4 others are killed in a plane crash after takeoff from Turkey Tuesday. Greta Thunberg arrested in London while supporting hunger-striking pro-Palestinian activists. Israeli settlers spray Palestinian children with teargas in latest West Bank attack. Ex-aide says Netanyahu tasked him with making a plan to evade responsibility for Oct. 7 attack. —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

    28 min
  5. 23/12/2025

    Brown police chief placed on leave; Chiefs moving to Kansas

    On today's episode: Brown University police chief placed on leave after fatal shooting, feds launch investigation. Hundreds mourn Brown University sophomore Ella Cook, killed in campus shooting. At least 5 killed after Mexican Navy plane on medical mission crashes in Texas. Schumer urges Senate to take legal action over Justice Department’s staggered Epstein files release. Powerball jackpot soars to $1.7 billion after another night with no big winner. Kansas City Chiefs announce they will leave Arrowhead and relocate across the Kansas-Missouri border. US strikes another alleged drug-smuggling boat in eastern Pacific. Trump warns Maduro against playing 'tough' as US escalates pressure campaign on Venezuela. Trump announces plans for new Navy 'battleship'. 21 Democratic-led states sue White House over consumer protection bureau funding. Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says. Trump administration pauses 5 offshore wind projects on the East Coast. Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for 'Driving Home for Christmas,' dies at 74. Cloudy future for bourbon has Jim Beam closing Kentucky distillery for a year. Boys at her school shared AI-generated, nude images of her. After a fight, she was the one expelled. Search is on for 3 inmates, including a murder suspect, who escaped from a Georgia jail. US stocks rise at the start of a holiday-shortened week. A quarterback’s career day leads his team to a fifth straight win on Monday Night Football, a notable NFL franchise will cross state lines for a new stadium, a star wideout is suspended for a fan altercation, an NBA rookie sets a 3-point record and the latest AP Top 25 poll in men’s college hoops. It's been 50 years since a lawyer's decision unlocked free agency in MLB and changed sports forever. Major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine kills at least 3 people and cuts power. The killing of a general in Moscow follows a series of assassinations Russia blames on Ukraine. Bondi Beach shooting suspect conducted firearms training with his father, Australian police say. Turkish agents capture an IS member on the Afghan-Pakistan border. Cyberattack disrupts France's postal service and banking during Christmas rush. Pope offers gentle critique of Vatican culture in Christmas greeting reminiscent of past. Denmark insists on respect for territorial integrity after Trump appoints envoy to Greenland. —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

    23 min
  6. 22/12/2025

    Trump administration defends release of Epstein files; holiday travel begins

    On today's episode: Top Trump administration official defends partial release of Epstein files as Democrats cry foul. Nicki Minaj surprises conservatives with praise for Trump, Vance at Arizona event. Russian general killed by bomb under his car in Moscow. Coast Guard is pursuing another tanker helping Venezuela skirt sanctions, US official says. This holiday season could set a record for travel according to AAA. Trump removes nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial positions. Russia says talks on US peace plan for Ukraine 'are proceeding constructively'. Hegseth announces operation to 'eliminate' Islamic State fighters in Syria after deaths of Americans. Trump announces lower drug price deals with 9 pharmaceutical companies. 09 Justice Department begins releasing long-awaited files tied to Epstein sex trafficking investigation. Powerball jackpot climbs to $1.6 billion, among largest lottery prizes ever in U.S.. Brown attack suspect died the two days before his body was found, autopsy finds. Stocks rise on Wall Street as AI stocks turn higher again. NTSB unclear who was at controls in jet crash that killed ex-NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and 6 others. Anthony Joshua knocks out Jake Paul in 6th round to win heavyweight fight. A former No. 1 pick shines to help snap the NFL’s longest winning streak, a second-year QB guides his team into to the playoffs, a multi-time MVP exits with an injury, results from the College Football Playoff’s opening weekend, a 302-point NBA game, an NHL franchise record is set and an international baseball star signs in Chicago. Los Angeles Angels settles lawsuit with family of pitcher Tyler Skaggs over fatal overdose. Thousands cheer as the sun rises on winter solstice at Stonehenge. Multiple gunmen open fire at a South African pub, killing 9 and wounding 10. Élysée Palace silver steward arrested for stealing thousands of euros' worth of silverware. Israel's Cabinet approves 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. Russian strike on Odesa kills 8 as US hosts a Kremlin envoy for talks on peace plan. Pope Leo summons world's cardinals for a key assembly to help him govern the 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. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

    22 min
  7. 20/12/2025

    What Americans think about giving cash as holiday gifts

    Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: What Americans think about giving cash as holiday gifts, according to a new AP-NORC poll. US tariffs are having an uneven effect on holiday prices and purchases. A nightly tradition brings light and hope to children at Michigan hospital. Young conservative women find a home in Turning Point with Charlie Kirk's widow at the helm. DOJ vowed to punish those who disrupt Trump's immigration crackdown. Dozens of cases have crumbled. Along the Texas Coast, a new sanctuary aims to protect the endangered and rare whooping crane. More loons are filling Maine's lakes with their ghost-like calls. Rubio fields questions on Russia-Ukraine, Gaza and Venezuela at wide-ranging news conference. Justice Department will not release all its Jeffrey Epstein files Friday,, which is the deadline set in law. The Kennedy Center has started work on adding Donald Trump’s name to the building. Jury finds Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of obstruction for helping an immigrant evade federal agents. Dry needling is common around the NFL, and players aren't worried despite Watt's collapsed lung. How sewage can be used to heat and cool buildings. New York City is getting its first 3 Las Vegas-style casinos. Teen drug use remains low, but survey finds small rise in heroin and cocaine use. Gaza amputees struggle to rebuild lives as the enclave faces shortages of prosthetic limbs. Millions are pledged to a Syrian Australian man who stopped a gunman and became a national hero. Louvre reopens fully after staff vote to suspend strike. Syria welcomes the permanent repeal of sweeping US sanctions. On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a Hanukkah message from the late Rob Reiner and New York has a new Catholic archbishop. —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

    21 min
  8. 19/12/2025

    Suspected Brown, MIT shooter found dead; retired NASCAR driver killed in plane crash

    On today's episode: Man suspected in Brown University shooting and MIT professor’s killing is found dead, officials say. Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and family among 7 killed in North Carolina plane crash. US military says 2 strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 in eastern Pacific. Romanian court sentences US rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 months for drug possession. Trump administration moves to cut off transgender care for children. Trump signs executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Trump's handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center. Kremlin envoy set to visit Miami for talks on US peace plan for Ukraine. Trump administration moves to cut off transgender care for children. President Trump's announcement of 'warrior dividends' for U.S. troops not being quite what he described. House Democrats release more photos from Epstein's estate. In recorded message, Rob Reiner urges resiliency for Holocaust survivors at Hanukkah event. The Lumbee Tribe's federal recognition is assured with a final push by Trump. Pope names fellow Chicagoan, Bishop Ronald Hicks, as new archbishop of New York. Arizona jury sentences man to death in string of killings in metro Phoenix during 2017. Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past. Prosecutor says 14 Minnesota programs are targeted for fraud and the state is swamped with crime. Brian Walshe is sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, whose body was never found. Wall Street rises after an encouraging inflation update, as Micron helps AI stocks stop their slide. U.S. consumer prices decelerated unexpectedly in November, rising 2.7% from a year earlier. Average US long-term mortgage rate edges lower, remaining near its low for the year. A wild finish secures a playoff spot on Thursday Night Football, a wide receiver gets a new contract, a clutch basket seals a win in an NBA playoff rematch, Milwaukee’s hoops star downplays trade talks and a former NASCAR star dies in a plane crash. Betting interest wanes as 1st round of College Football Playoff lacks excitement. Rams WR Puka Nacua apologizes for antisemitic gesture, adds more controversy after career game. WNBA players union authorizes negotiators to call a strike if needed during CBA talks. Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey. Putin tells his annual news conference that the Kremlin's military goals will be achieved in Ukraine. EU leaders agree on 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine after a plan to use Russian assets unravels. Israel launches intense airstrikes in Lebanon as deadline looms to disarm Hezbollah. India signs deal with Oman as it tries to counter US tariffs by accelerating free trade agreements. Mourners grieve 10-year-old slain in Bondi mass shooting as Australia's leader pledges new hate laws. —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

    27 min

About

Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press. 

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