Hot Off The Wire Lee Enterprises Podcasts
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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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Former Mississippi law officers to be sentenced for torture; Prince William, Kate filmed at farm shop; Apollo 10 astronaut Thomas Stafford dies
On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 17 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 -
Supreme Court rejects appeal tied to Jan. 6; NCAA tournament fields set; ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ remains on top
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 -
'Oppenheimer' closes out awards season on top, Disney looks to expand in California and 'Hungry Eyes' singer Eric Carmen dies
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
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.
Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here. -
Home sellers are cutting list prices for spring buying season; the future of AM radio in cars; rats getting high at New Orleans police building
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
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.
Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here. -
Deadly storm strikes three states; Steve Mnuchin wants to buy TikTok; NFL investigating free agent signings
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 Ste -
'Gorilla hail' hits parts of Kansas and Missouri; not all countries bouncing back from pandemic; Dollar Tree to close nearly 1,000 stores
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 armo