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

• Why adults pursuing career growth or personal interests are the 'new majority' student.
• A Boston Celtics game-inspired friction test finally pinned down the sneaker squeak.
• Are expensive shampoos worth it? Here's what the experts have to say.
• As literacy rates lag, a pediatric hospital is screening for reading ability.
• The crisis The point For 'Bridgerton,' the word 'orgasm' wouldn't quite do.
• What Americans think about Trump's judgment on military force as Iran talks resume new AP-NORC poll.
• A new Gallup poll shows how Americans' sympathies have shifted in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Trump says he is 'not happy' with the Iran nuclear talks but indicates he'll give them more time.
• NTSB chair slams House aviation bill as 'watered-down' after 67 deaths near Washington.
• UN nuclear watchdog says it's unable to verify whether Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment.
• Scouting America will alter its policies to maintain support from the US military, Pentagon says.
• Target to stop selling cereals with certified synthetic colors by end of May.
• Fintech company Block lays off 4,000 of its 10,000 staff, citing gains from AI.
• Milan tram derails and slams into a building, killing one person.
• AI song generator startups Suno and Udio angered the music industry. Now they're hoping to join it.
• A bumper berry harvest has New Zealand's weird flightless parrot in a rare mood for romance.
• With only 3 women left, an Amazon tribe faced extinction. An unexpected birth now brings hope.
• Israel's top court allows aid groups to keep working in Gaza as Israeli strikes kill 5 there.
• Sweden intercepts suspected Russian drone during visit by French aircraft carrier.

—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:

• Bill Clinton faces grilling from lawmakers over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Hillary Clinton testifies she has no information on Epstein's crimes and doesn't recall meeting him.
• Brussels orders probe of Mandelson's Epstein ties while EU trade rep.
• Columbia student detained by ICE is abruptly released after Mamdani meets with Trump.
• Pakistan is in 'open war' with Afghanistan after latest strikes, defense minister says.
• Netflix walks away from Warner Bros deal, clearing the path for Paramount.
• Anthropic CEO says AI company 'cannot in good conscience accede' to Pentagon's demands.
• US military used laser to take down Border Protection drone, lawmakers say.
• US advises embassy staff in Israel to leave now if they want, as risk of war hangs over Middle East.
• Iranian agents obstructed care at hospitals packed with wounded protesters.
• Walz unveils anti-fraud package after Trump administration threatens to halt Medicaid funds.
• FedEx says it will return to customers any refunds it gets back from Trump's illegal tariffs.
• US-Iran nuclear talks wrap up with no announcement of a deal as risk of war looms.
• Judge rejects request to block Trump White House from building its $400 million ballroom project.
• Kilmar Abrego Garcia asks US judge in Tennessee to dismiss his criminal case, saying it's vindictive.
• US moves to cut off a Swiss bank over alleged Iran and Russia money flows.
• Memorial services for Jesse Jackson begin at Chicago headquarters of his civil rights organization.
• Third victim dies from wounds suffered in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say.
• Fire at an Ohio farm complex kills about 6,000 hogs and smoke is visible for miles.
• The worst day for Nvidia's stock since last spring drags Wall Street lower.
• For the first time since 2022, average US long-term mortgage rate dips below 6%.
• Kevin Durant eclipses an NBA milestone, the reigning No. 4 pick breaks the NBA rookie 3-point record, a rare NCAA feat is achieved in a top men’s college hoops matchup, women’s No. 1 UConn wins again for another 30-win season, a hot start at the Cognizant Classic, an NFL trade and a QB seeks a new team.
• Cuba says 8 World Baseball Classic delegation members denied US visas.
• NCAA football oversight committee proposes stiff penalties for violations of transfer portal window.
• US hockey player Brady Tkachuk slams White House TikTok as 'clearly fake' after anti-Canada slur.
• UK Green Party wins special election, pushing Starmer's Labour to third place.
• Human rights situation in Colombia is backsliding, UN warns as nation heads into elections.

—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:

• US and Iran hold hours of nuclear talks as more American forces deploy to the Mideast.
• FBI serves search warrants at Los Angeles school district headquarters and superintendent’s home.
• Surgeon general nominee faces sharp questions about vaccines, birth control and qualifications.
• New York City police search for 4 people after officers were hit with snowballs in snowball fight.
• Cuba says 4 killed in speedboat shooting were attempting to infiltrate the country.
• Justice Department says it's reviewing whether any Epstein-related records were mistakenly withheld.
• Hillary Clinton is testifying as part of the House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
• Ukrainian officials to meet Trump envoys in Geneva over more Russia talks.
• President Donald Trump's post-State of the Union sales job begins now.
• Supreme Court rules against private prison firm facing forced-work suit from immigration detainees.
• Residents want local governments to end contracts that let ICE train on their gun ranges.
• Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross and Shakira get Rock Hall nominations.
• 'Too (expletive) fast.' Police video shows Vince McMahon's 100 mph car crash in Connecticut.
• Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard during review of Epstein ties, university says.
• Third victim dies from wounds suffered in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say.
• More snow falls on the Northeast US as the region scrambles to clear piles from last storm.
• Nvidia and other tech stocks lead Wall Street higher.
• Discord postpones age verification rollout amid criticism, promises transparency.
• A close contest between the NBA’s top two teams, a men’s college hoops team snaps a double-digit win streak and a close ranked women’s game, the U.S. men’s hockey golden goal scorer is honored as the NHL returns, a Hall of Fame pitcher will have the Yankees’ 24th retired number and NFL overseas schedule news.
• Hilary Knight wants focus on the US women's Olympic success, not Trump's 'distasteful' joke.
• University of Cincinnati sues ex-QB Brendan Sorsby after his transfer to Texas Tech.
• FIFA's Infantino has 'complete confidence' in Mexico to host World Cup games despite cartel violence.
• Ukraine says Russia launched a major aerial attack ahead of Geneva talks with US.
• Bangladesh court orders authorities to request Interpol red notice for arrest of British MP.
• With rocks, clubs and flammable liquid, Jewish settlers descend on a Palestinian village.
• Canada pledges food aid for Cuba as US fuel blockade continues.
• UK parliamentary speaker says he tipped off police over possible Mandelson flight risk.
• The home of the 'Mona Lisa' has a new boss to steer the Louvre out of crisis after jewel heist.

—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:

• Iran pushes back against Trump ahead of Geneva talks in face of major US military deployment.
• Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is 'winning so much'.
• Trump makes the case for his foreign policy approach at State of the Union.
• US men's hockey team feted at State of the Union; Trump says women's team will be honored 'soon.'
• Indonesia frees and deports American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali 'suitcase murder.'
• House rejects bill requiring aircraft locator systems to prevent midair collisions like last year's.
• Supreme Court rules the Postal Service can't be sued, even when mail is intentionally not delivered.
• Savannah Guthrie says her family is offering a $1 million reward for her mother's return.
• Utah judge rejects defense's motion to disqualify prosecutors in the Charlie Kirk killing case.
• Waymo's robotaxis now being dispatched in 10 major U.S. markets with expansion in Texas and Florida.
• 2 Missouri sheriff's deputies fatally shot, 2 others wounded, authorities say.
• Man put to death for killing a grocery store owner in Florida's second execution this year.
• New York City police investigating after officers were hit with snowballs during a snowball fight.
• US stocks rise after getting a reminder of AI's potential upsides.
• US consumer confidence improves modestly in February after cratering the first month of 2026.
• Louvre Museum director resigns in the wake of October's brazen French crown jewels heist.
• Cleveland handles New York in a meeting of NBA contenders, a career performance powers OKC to another win, Michigan nets a share of the Big Ten title and other top teams win in college hoops, a four-time Pro Bowl QB is set to be released and two big NFL names are likely to stay put.
• NFL receives no tush push ban proposal this year after effort last year to ban it failed.
• Hughes' OT goal for Team USA vs Canada in Olympic final averages 26M live viewers on NBC, Peacock.
• Hungary's Orbán stakes his reelection on anti-Ukraine message.
• UK lawmakers approve release of confidential documents related to former Prince Andrew.
• Aid groups petition Israeli court to let them keep working in Gaza after ban over new rules.

—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:

• Former UK ambassador Mandelson released on bail after arrest in Epstein probe.
• France ups the ante in the spat with US ambassador, says ministers will no longer meet him.
• Trump's State of the Union will seek to calm voters' economic concerns ahead of the midterms.
• A Utah mom who wrote kids' book on grief after husband died killed him for money, prosecutors say.
• A bumper berry harvest has New Zealand's weird flightless parrot in a rare mood for roman.
• Supreme Court agrees to hear from oil and gas companies trying to block climate change lawsuits.
• Judge blocks release of special counsel Smith's report on Trump classified documents case.
• Rob Reiner’s son pleads not guilty to murder in the killing of his parents.
• Police are finding suspects based on their online searches as courts weigh privacy concerns.
• Man convicted of killing a grocery store owner set to be executed in Florida.
• Northeast US digs out from brutal storm that disrupted flights and canceled school.
• Huge snowstorm in the northeast forces millions to stay home, disrupts flights and closes schools.
• Snowfall intensifies in Northeast, with many stuck at home under blizzard warnings and travel bans.
• US stocks drop after Trump ramps up his tariffs and investors dump potential AI losers.
• 6 planets will parade across the night sky at the end of February.
• Lindsey Vonn says surgery saved her from having her left leg amputated following Olympic crash.
• A former No. 1 pick shines in a showdown of NBA contenders, the WNBA sets a deadline for CBA negotiations, a former pro athlete takes his college return hopes to a Supreme Court, Duke and UConn top the AP Top 25 in historic fashion and a NASCAR legend’s son signs a driver deal.
• Milan Cortina Olympics were most-watched Winter Games since 2014 with 96% more viewers than Beijing.
• US women's gold medal-winning team declines invitation from Trump to attend State of Union address.
• Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao announce rematch more than decade after 'Fight of the Century.'
• China restricts exports to 40 Japanese entities with ties to military.
• EU diplomats scramble to overcome Hungary's threat to derail new sanctions on Russia.
• Mexico fears more violence after army kills leader of powerful Jalisco cartel.
• Netherlands' coalition government takes office led by youngest-ever premier Rob Jetten.
• 4 years into Russia's 'military operation' in Ukraine, Russian small businesses are paying the price.
• South Sudan villagers killed after being lured from homes with promise of aid, witnesses say.

—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:

• Snowfall intensifies in Northeast, with many stuck at home under blizzard warnings and travel bans
• President Trump wants to impose 15% tariff, up from 10% he announced after Supreme Court decision
• All truckers and bus drivers will be required to take commercial driver's license tests in English
• U.S. Secret Service shot and killed armed man who entered the secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago.
• TSA says PreCheck still operational after previous announcement of suspension during funding fight.
• Texas man was fatally shot by a federal immigration agent last year during a stop, new records show.
• She was an orphan adopted from Iran by a US veteran. The Trump administration wants to deport her.
• US military airlifts small reactor as Trump pushes to quickly deploy nuclear power.
• NASA moon rocket hit by new problem, putting March launch with astronauts in jeopardy.
• New law puts Kansas at vanguard of denying trans identities on drivers licenses, birth certificates.
• Former 'American Idol' contestant charged with murder, staging crime scene in wife's slaying in Ohio.
• Court clears way for Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms to take effect.
• Investigation of deadly California avalanche to review whether criminal negligence played a role.
• Wall Street keeps calm after the Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs.
• A record-setting Winter Olympics 6 golds and 15 medals for the US in women's events set marks.
• Twin Milan and Cortina Olympic cauldrons are extinguished, signaling the end of Winter Games. Hughes scores in overtime as US beats Canada for first men's hockey gold at the Olympics since 1980. Also, a Chinese-American skier claims another gold, a five-time All-Star shines in basketball’s biggest rivalry, another NASCAR victory for an NBA legend’s team and a first-time winner in golf.
• NFL receiver Rondale Moore found dead in his Indiana hometown.
• Mexico fears more violence after army kills leader of powerful Jalisco cartel.
• International Criminal Court opens hearings into former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
• A look at the how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has unfolded, by the numbers.
• 5 European nations pledge millions to use Ukrainian know-how to make cheap drone defenses.
• Religion roundup High security for Friday prayers at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome prepares for a major upgrade.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

Theme music

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

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

• Soaring coffee prices rewrite some Americans' daily routines.
• Study finds that dangerous days when weather is prone to fire soaring around the world.
• How extreme cold is affecting Americans' lives, according to a new AP-NORC poll.
• Tariffs paid by midsize US companies tripled last year, a JPMorganChase Institute study shows.
• Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs, upending central plank of economic agenda.
• Trump says he doesn't know if aliens are real but directs government to release files on UFOs, more.
• Inflation rose more quickly than expected in December.
• Saudi Arabia may have uranium enrichment under proposed deal with US, arms control experts warn.
• The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after King, has died at 84.
• Nearly 3.4 million pounds of recalled Trader Joe's chicken fried rice products may contain glass.
• Union and New York hospital system reach a tentative deal to end the city’s largest nursing strike.
• As some people push to make profound autism its own diagnosis, this family is raising twins with it.
• A rare Paul McCartney and Wings trove heads to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this summer.
• Hawaii residents sick of early crowing and aggressive pecking could be allowed to kill wild chickens.
• Norway wins its 17th gold medal, breaking record for most golds won in a single Winter Olympics.
• Searchers find wreck of luxury steamer lost in Lake Michigan more than 150 years ago.
• Fur remains a fixture in Cortina, the co-host city of the Winter Olympics, in photos.
• Vonn, Shiffrin and Brignone among the Olympic skiers voicing concern over receding glaciers.
• Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia reaches its peak with the completion of its soaring central tower.
• Thailand uses a birth control vaccine to curb its elephant population near expanding farms.

—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:

• Pentagon sending largest force of warships and aircraft to the Middle East in two decades. Trump warns of 'bad things' if Iran doesn't make a deal.
• Trump gets pledges for Gaza reconstruction and troop commitments at inaugural Board of Peace talks.
• Police continue to search Mountbatten-Windsor's former stately home, a day after his arrest.
• Former Prince Andrew arrested and held for hours on suspicion of misconduct over ties to Epstein.
• Crews hope to resume recovery of 8 bodies from California avalanche after days of dangerous weather.
• Osaka city stunned by anonymous gold bar gift worth $3.6M to fix aging water pipes.
• Slavery exhibit removed by Trump administration is returning to Independence Mall in Philadelphia.
• Large banner featuring Trump's face is displayed on Justice Department headquarters.
• US pays about $160 million of the nearly $4 billion it owes the United Nations.
• US trade deficit declined in 2025, but gap for goods hits a record despite Trump tariffs.
• As political pressure prompts exodus of Minnesota prosecutors, some defendants catch a break.
• Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance.
• US fine arts commission is expected to vote to advance Trump’s White House ballroom proposal.
• New Mexico reopens investigation into alleged illegal activity at Epstein's former Zorro Ranch.
• Police in Idaho search for suspect who stole ambulance, drove into building that houses DHS offices.
• Shooter killed ex-wife and a son in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say.
• U.S. stocks slip as AI fears keep rumbling and oil prices climb.
• United States wins 3rd Olympic gold in women's hockey, beating Canada 2-1 on Megan Keller's OT goal. Alysa Liu dazzles to win figure skating gold, ending a 24-year Olympic drought for US women. An MVP candidate dazzles as the NBA returns and a suspended start at Riviera in golf.
• Without nationwide rules, South Carolina lawmakers move to keep college athlete payments secret.
• Austrian court convicts man whose girlfriend died as they climbed the country's highest mountain.
• Toxic gas leak at mine in Nigeria kills 37 people.

—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