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.

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

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.

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

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.

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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:

• 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

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

On today's episode:

• Trump gives a partisan prime-time address insisting the economy is stronger than many voters feel.
• Trump demands Venezuela pay for seized US oil assets after calling for 'blockade.'
• US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 in Washington.
• The Powerball jackpot is growing to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing .
• World Cup winner to get $50M from richer prize pool, half of Chelsea's payday at Club World Cup.
• US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion.
• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says he plans to resign next month as bureau's No 2 official.
• Minneapolis police chief criticizes ICE tactics after clash with protesters.
• Jack Smith tells lawmakers his team developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' against Trump.
• FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy.
• Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video.
• Trump's White House adds partisan plaques to newly installed 'Presidential Hall of Fame'.
• 4 Republicans defy Speaker Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies.
• Jeffery Carroll named interim DC police chief as federal law enforcement surge continues.
• Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents.
• Judge says he's hopeful hearing on Luigi Mangione trial evidence will end this week.
• California threatens Tesla with 30-day suspension of sales license for deceptive self-driving claims.
• New York governor says she has reached a deal to legalize medically assisted suicide.
• Search goes on for suspect in fatal shooting of MIT professor who was fatally shot at his home.
• More drops for AI stocks drag Wall Street to its worst day in nearly a month.
• The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC.
• Warner Bros asks investors to reject takeover bid by Paramount Skydance.
• A triple-double lifts Chicago over Cleveland and Memphis tops Minnesota on the hardwood, an NBA coach is fined, the defending Stanley Cup champs win for the sixth time in seven games, a marquee franchise considers a move, and Washington hires a young GM in baseball.
• Ohio University fires coach Brian Smith over 'serious professional misconduct'.
• Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers, AP source says.
• Belgium demands ironclad guarantees of protection as EU leaders weigh a massive loan for Ukraine.
• Modest but steady economic growth lets Europe get by without an interest rate cut.
• Putin warns that Russia will seek to extend its gains in Ukraine if peace talks fail.
• Louvre workers vote to extend a strike as the museum partially reopens.

—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:

• Accused gunman in Bondi Beach shooting charged with 15 counts of murder.
• Warner Bros asks investors to reject takeover bid from Paramount Skydance.
• Oil prices jump as Trump orders a blockade of oil tankers to Venezuela.
• An MIT professor was fatally shot at his home and police launched a homicide investigation.
• Members of a secretive California religious group have been charged with murder in 2 deaths.
• US Capitol unveils statue of teen civil rights icon Barbara Rose Johns, taking Robert E. Lee's spot.
• Trump orders blockade of 'sanctioned oil tankers' into Venezuela, ramping up pressure on Maduro.
• Susie Wiles, White House chief of staff, criticizes Bondi and opines on Trump in Vanity Fair.
• Trump expands travel ban, adding 5 more countries and imposing new limits on others.
• Hegseth says he won't publicly release video of boat that killed survivors in the Caribbean.
• Wisconsin judge rules Trump aides must face trial in 2020 fake elector scheme.
• Zelenskyy says peace proposals to end the war in Ukraine could be presented to Russia within days.
• Prosecutors will charge Rob Reiner’s son Nick with 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents.
• A doctor who helped sell ketamine to actor Matthew Perry gets less than a year of home confinement.
• Investigators release video timeline of the Brown campus shooting suspect's movements.
• Police fan out to Providence schools to calm worries with the Brown University shooter still loose.
• A driver is found dead in a submerged car near Seattle after a week of heavy rain and flooding.
• Customs officer at JFK airport fires his gun during a freeway fight.
• American man dies after fall in the Slovenian Alps.
• Wall Street slips as oil prices keep dropping.
• The US gained 64,000 jobs in November but lost 105,000 in October; unemployment rate at 4.6%.
• New York wins its first NBA Cup, the league offers an expansion update, a historic win for Duke’s coach in college basketball, a familiar winner of the AP’s top college football coaching honor, a Heisman finalist is turning pro, a veteran NFL QB faces a potential benching and a boxing star retires unbeaten.
• Indiana's Curt Cignetti becomes the first back-to-back winner of AP coach of the year.
• FIFA slashes price of some World Cup tickets to $60 after global fan backlash.
• USC and Brown cancel men's basketball game after mass shooting on RI campus.
• South African immigration authorities raid a US refugee processing center.
• Driver who rammed through crowd at Liverpool soccer parade sentenced to over 21 years.

—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:

• Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group.
• Hunter Biden disbarred in Connecticut following complaints about his gun and tax convictions.
• Son Nick arrested after Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in Los Angeles home, AP source says.
• US military says strikes on 3 boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean kill 8 people.
• Trump sues BBC for $10 billion, accusing it of defamation over editing of president's Jan. 6 speech.
• Trump administration says White House ballroom construction is a matter of national security.
• Britain’s MI6 spy chief says Putin is dragging out peace talks and wants to subjugate Ukraine.
• US officials say Washington has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks.
• Church Nativity scenes add zip ties, gas masks and ICE to protest immigration raids.
• Russia indicates it's open to Ukraine joining EU as part of peace deal to end war, US officials say.
• Trump levels political attack on Rob Reiner in inflammatory post after his killing.
• FDA OKs libido-boosting pill for women who have gone through menopause.
• US Army names 2 Iowa Guard members killed in attack in Syria.
• Purse pirates UPS ripped off seasonal workers with unfair pay practices, lawsuit alleges.
• Crews use sandbags to shore up breach in levee near Seattle after failure prompts flood warning.
• Federal authorities arrest 4 suspected extremists in New Year's Eve bombing plot in California.
• Search for the Brown University shooter resumes as questions swirl about campus security.
• Brian Walshe found guilty of murdering his wife, who disappeared nearly 3 years ago.
• US stocks drift ahead of Tuesday's jobs report.
• Pittsburgh handles Miami on Monday Night Football, a young star quarterback is done for the year, a newly re-signed veteran QB gets another start, the AP All-America team is announced, a longtime football coach dies, an early NBA MVP candidate shines again, a budding NHL star is injured, a skiing icon delays retirement and PGA Tour and WTA player honors.
• Scottie Scheffler joins Tiger Woods by winning PGA Tour player of the year for 4th straight year.
• Big Ten puts 10 on AP All-America first team, led by 4 from Ohio State and Hoosier star Mendoza.
• Spain fines Airbnb $75 million for unlicensed tourist rentals.
• EU targets Russia's shadow fleet with new sanctions.
• Australia PM reinforces stance against antisemitism, proposes tougher gun laws after mass shooting.
• Louvre Museum workers strike over conditions, closing world's top museum.

—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