Hot Off The Wire Lee Enterprises Podcasts

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 26 at 6:30 a.m. CT:


U.S. poultry producers will have to reduce salmonella bacteria in certain chicken products to very low levels to prevent food poisoning. That's according to a new rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The rule says salmonella is a contaminant in frozen breaded and stuffed raw chicken products — like frozen chicken cordon bleu or chicken Kiev that appears to be fully cooked but isn't. Those products have been linked to more than 200 illnesses since 1998. The rule is a first step to curb salmonella poisoning, which causes more than 1.3 million infections each year.

The University of Southern California has canceled its main graduation ceremony and dozens more students were arrested on other campuses as protests against the Israel-Hamas war continued to spread. USC announced the cancellation of its May 10 ceremony Thursday. College officials across the U.S. are worried the protests could disrupt commencement ceremonies next month. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Defense lawyers in Donald Trump’s hush money trial are poised to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election. David Pecker returns to the witness stand Friday for the fourth day as defense attorneys try to poke holes in his testimony, which has described helping bury embarrassing stories Trump feared could hurt his campaign. 

BEIJING (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese officials in Beijing. He warned of the dangers of misunderstandings and miscalculations as the United States and China butted heads over a number of contentious bilateral, regional and global issues.

NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. births fell last year. It was the lowest count in more than 40 years. A little under 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2023, about 76,000 fewer than the year before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the provisional statistics on Thursday.

In other headlines:


New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial.
Net neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate internet providers.
FTC sends $5.6 million in refunds to Ring customers as part of video privacy settlement.
US growth slowed sharply last quarter to 1.6% pace, reflecting an economy pressured by high rates.
US to pull troops from Chad and Niger as the African nations question its counterterrorism role.
Arkansas woman pleads guilty to selling 24 boxes of body parts stolen from cadavers.
Quarterback Caleb Williams is the first player taken in Thursday's NFL Draft, selected by the Chicago Bears, the Sixers, Magic and Nuggets are NBA playoff winners, the Panthers and Hurricanes win in the NHL and in Major League baseball, the American League's best keeps getting better.
Rush hour chaos in London as 5 military horses run amok after getting spooked during exercise.
French president outlined his vision for Europe as an assertive global power amid war in Ukraine.
With war in Ukraine on its border, Poland wants to be among the countries setting Europe's agenda.



—The Associated Press

About this program

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

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 25 at 7:15 a.m. CT:


AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — With graduations looming, student protesters continue to double down on their discontent of the Israel-Hamas war on campuses across the country as universities, including ones in California and Texas, have become quick to call in the police to end the demonstrations and make arrests. Police peacefully arrested pro-Palestinian student protesters at the University of Southern California Wednesday evening without incident. The arrests came hours after police at a Texas university aggressively detained 34 demonstrators. It was the latest clash between law enforcement and those protesting the Israel-Hamas war on campuses nationwide.


ISTANBUL (AP) — A top Hamas political official has told The Associated Press the Islamic militant group is willing to agree to a five-year truce with Israel and that it will lay down its weapons and convert into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders. Khalil al-Hayya made the comments Wednesday amid a stalemate in months of cease-fire talks. But it's unlikely Israel would consider such a scenario.





WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is taking up former President Donald Trump's bid to avoid prosecution over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Trump and his legal team are putting to the test the foundational belief that no one is above the law, not even the president. The Supreme Court hears the case Thursday.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A technical problem caused aviation authorities in Norway to temporarily close the airspace over the south of the country, leading to significant delays at Oslo airport. The state-owned airport operator said the airspace was gradually reopened after more than three hours, but delays would continue throughout the day. 

NEW YORK (AP) — The number of U.S. births fell last year. It was the lowest count in more than 40 years. A little under 3.6 million babies were born in the U.S. in 2023, about 76,000 fewer than the year before. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the provisional statistics on Thursday.

In other headlines: 


Arizona grand jury indicts 11 Republicans who falsely declared Trump won the state in 2020.
Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights.
Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure with assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by US to hit Russian-held areas, officials say.
Arizona House advances a repeal of the state's near-total abortion ban to the Senate.
No final decision on withdrawing US troops from Niger and Chad, top official tells AP.
Microsoft and Amazon face scrutiny from UK competition watchdog over recent AI deals.
Russia vetoes a UN resolution calling for the prevention of a dangerous nuclear arms race in space.
Reggie Bush is reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, with organizers citing NIL rule changes.
A barrage of three pointers aided one team to win in NBA playoff action, three playoff games in the NHL (one going overtime) plus a coach getting the pink slip and some big individual and team performances in Major League Baseball. Correspondent David Schuster reports.
Lions agree to contract extensions with St. Brown and Sewell worth combined $200M, AP source says.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

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


WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars. The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday after the House had approved the package Saturday. Biden is expected to quickly sign the legislation and start the process of sending the money to Ukraine. The legislation would also send $26 billion in wartime assistance to Israel and humanitarian relief to citizens of Gaza, and $8 billion to counter Chinese threats in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific. Also passed Tuesday was legislation that would force TikTok’s China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that’s expected to face legal challenges and disrupt the lives of content creators who rely on the short-form video app for income.




NEW YORK (AP) — What began last week when students at a New York Ivy League school refused to end their protest against Israel’s war with Hamas has turned into a much larger movement. Students across the nation set up encampments, occupied buildings and ignored demands to leave Tuesday. Protests against Israel’s war with Hamas had been bubbling for months. They kicked into a higher gear after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia University’s upper Manhattan campus were arrested last week. Dozens more protesters have been arrested at other campuses since. Many now face charges of trespassing or disorderly conduct.


TOKYO (AP) — Japan's public broadcaster says smoke was seen coming from an All Nippon Airways plane as it landed safely at Shin Chitose airport in northern Japan. NHK television says the ANA flight was carrying about 200 people, and no injuries were reported when it landed Wednesday. It says the smoke, coming from the wing area, subsided when the engines stopped.

Tesla’s first-quarter net income plummeted 55%, but its stock price surged in after-hours trading Tuesday as the company said it would accelerate production of new, more affordable vehicles. The company said it made $1.13 billion from January through March compared with $2.51 billion in the same period a year ago. 

In other headlines:


Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Donald Trump campaign's "eyes and ears" during 2016 race.
Casey, McCormick to face each other as nominees in Pennsylvania's high-stakes U.S. Senate contest.
Moscow court rejects Evan Gershkovich's appeal, keeping him in jail till at least June 30.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired.
Ashley Judd, Aloe Blacc help announce White House campaign on suicide prevention.
NFL draft has been on tour for a decade and the next stop is Detroit, giving it a shot in spotlight.
The Pacers snap a long postseason losing streak, the Mavericks come back to even their playoff series, the Timberwolves earn a second straight win over the Suns, the Rangers use special teams to defeat the Capitals, the Panthers earn an overtime win over the Lightning, the Avalanche and Predators get road wins to even up their respective first round series, Shohei Ohtani's blast helps lead the Dodgers over the Nationals, the Mariners use their hot run to springboard into first place in the American League West and Caitlin Clark adds one more award to her historic collegiate career.





—The Associated Press

About this program

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

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 23 at 7:30 a.m. CT:


NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University’s main campus will switch to hybrid learning for the rest of the semester amid protests over Israel’s war with Hamas that have roiled colleges across the U.S. University officials announced the move late Monday after more than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had camped out on Columbia’s New York City campus were arrested last week. Students have protested against Israel’s war in Gaza at many campuses. That includes New York University a few miles south of Columbia. An encampment there swelled to hundreds of protesters, and police began to make arrests Monday night. A police spokesperson said he did not know how many NYU protesters had been arrested.


NEW YORK (AP) — The National Enquirer's former publisher is expected to return to the stand in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial as testimony continues in the first-ever criminal trial against a former U.S. president. David Pecker was the first and only witness Monday following opening statements. Prosecutors say Pecker worked with Trump and Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, on a “catch-and-kill” strategy to buy up and then spike negative stories during the 2016 campaign. Testimony resumes Tuesday. It's the first of Trump's four indictments to go to trial and the first criminal trial against a former U.S. president. He has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is returning to Washington to vote on $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Lawmakers on Tuesday are taking the final steps in Congress to send the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk after months of delays and contentious internal debate over how involved the United States should be abroad. The $61 billion for Ukraine comes as the war-torn country desperately needs new firepower and as Russian President Vladimir Putin has stepped up his attacks. Soldiers have struggled to hold the front lines as Russia has seized the momentum on the battlefield and forced Ukraine to cede significant territory.


PARIS (AP) — French police have evicted migrants from a makeshift camp in Paris a few steps away from the Seine River. It's the latest operation in what aid groups call a campaign of “social cleansing” ahead of the Summer Olympics. Around 30 teenage boys and young men from West Africa were awakened by police officers and urged to pack their tents and belongings. The operation came days after police carried out a large-scale eviction at France’s biggest squatter camp. Such evictions happen every spring. But aid groups say these efforts are intensifying ahead of the Olympics. Paris police say the operation was carried out for security reasons.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health and weather officials are unveiling a new color-coded system to warn Americans about heat danger, and it will set magenta as the most dangerous level. The National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used Earth Day on Monday to explain the new online heat risk system. It combines meteorological and medical risk factors with a seven-day forecast that’s simplified and color-coded for a warming world of worsening heat waves. 

In other headlines:


With homelessness on the rise, the Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors.
The Supreme Court will decide whether Trump is immune from federal prosecution. Here's what's next.
The Biden administration tightens rules for obtaining medical records related to abortion.
Vice President Harris announces final rules mandating minimum standards for nursing home staffing.
Four Germans caught marking Hitler's birthday outside Nazi dictator's birthplace in Austria.
The Denver Nuggets win their NBA playoff game on a buzzer beater, Carolina rallies to stun the New York Islanders in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oakland As score in the 9th inning to beat the New York Yankees and one-time NF

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 22 at 8 a.m. CT:


NEW YORK (AP) — Opening statements in Donald Trump’s historic hush money trial are set to begin. The statements expected Monday will set the stage for weeks of testimony about the former president’s personal life and placing his legal troubles at the center of his closely contested campaign against President Joe Biden. Trump is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016.



GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. labor organization is warning that over 70% of the world’s workforce is likely to be exposed to excessive heat during their careers, citing increased concern about exposure to sunlight. It also warned of air pollution, pesticides and other hazards that could lead to health problems including cancer.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The head of Israel’s military intelligence directorate has resigned over Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, becomes the first senior Israeli figure to step down over the failures surrounding Hamas’ attack.

The federal government is for the first time requiring nursing homes to have minimum staffing levels after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed grim realities in poorly staffed facilities for older Americans. Vice President Kamala Harris announced the final rules Monday before a trip to Wisconsin, where she'll speak with nursing home care workers and hold a campaign event related to abortion rights. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider whether banning homeless people from sleeping outside when shelter space is lacking amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Monday's case is considered the most significant on homelessness to come before the high court in decades.

Pope Francis has renewed calls for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.

NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Two top climate monitoring organizations are reporting that Europe is the fastest-warming continent and its temperatures are rising at roughly twice the global average.

In other headlines:


The House passes billions in aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle. That could cost Speaker Mike Johnson his job.
Crush of lawsuits over voting in multiple states creates a shadow war for the 2024 election.
Earth Day: How one grocery shopper takes steps to avoid "pointless plastic."
Ozzy Osbourne, Cher among Rock Hall inductees08 "Civil War" continues box-office campaign at No. 1.
The Celtics blow out the Heat to begin their postseason, the Clippers earn a Game 1 win without Kawhi Leonard, the Bucks take a 1-0 series lead over the Pacers, the Thunder hold on to beat the Pelicans to start their first-round playoff series, the NBA announces its awards finalists, all four home teams earn Game 1 wins in the NHL playoffs, Shohei Ohtani reaches another baseball milestone, Cole Irvin breaks a long losing streak for the Orioles, a wild finish in Talladega spells victory for Tyler Reddick, and the world's top-ranked golfer is on the verge of another tournament win.
Israelis prepare for a somber Passover, and Hindu nationalists expect a strong showing in India.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted April 20 at 6 a.m. CT:

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


Starbucks is introducing a cold drink cup made with less plastic.
Business boom: Record numbers of people are starting up new small businesses.
The Fed's Jerome Powell: Elevated inflation will likely delay rate cuts this year.
420 grew from humble roots to marijuana's high holiday.
First major attempts to regulate AI face headwinds from all sides.
Maine is the latest to join an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote.
Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from 'Star Trek' boldly goes home after twisting voyage.
New study calculates climate change's economic bite will hit about $38 trillion a year by 2049.
Are Americans feeling like they get enough sleep Dream on, a new Gallup poll says.
As syphilis cases among US newborns soar, doctors group advises more screening during pregnancy.
Biden administration announces new partnership with 50 countries to stifle future pandemics.
UN report points to yawning gap of inequality in sexual and reproductive health worldwide.
Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation.
This ancient snake in India might have been longer than a school bus and weighed a ton.
Once praised, settlement to help sickened BP oil spill workers leaves most with nearly nothing.
Macron says Olympic opening ceremony on Seine River could be scrapped if security risk is too high.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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