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

• Trump mired in Epstein controversy as Wall Street Journal reports on 2003 letter.
• House Republicans grasp for response to demands for transparency in Epstein case.
• Trump urged supporters to see conspiracies everywhere. With Epstein, that's coming back to haunt him.
• Most US adults think the GOP tax bill will help the wealthy and harm the poor, AP-NORC poll finds.
• A Texas family clung to life on their roof, capturing the terrifying flooding in photos and video.
• 'Gas station heroin' is technically illegal and widely available. Here are the facts.
• The grueling 135-mile journey of a 66-year-old runner through one of the hottest places on Earth.
• The biggest piece of Mars on Earth went up for auction in New York.
• Astronomers capture the birth of planets around a baby sun outside our solar system.
• Native American teens kayak major US river to celebrate removal of dams and return of salmon.
• Romance bookstores and online groups give fans a sense of community.
• Osprey came back from the brink once. Now chicks are dying in nests, and some blame overfishing.
• Most teens — and girls especially — see college as key to jobs and life skills, AP-NORC poll says.
• A designer dressed Chappell Roan with seaweed. But don't expect to find the approach in stores — yet.
• After 3 years in Russian captivity, Ukrainian soldier proposes to woman who waited for him.
• German customs officials show images of tarantulas hidden in spongecake boxes after smuggling bust.
• UN rapporteur calls for global action to stop 'genocide' in Gaza.
• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a Tennessee town corrects the record with its own play on the Scopes trial.

—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: The House approved President Donald Trump's request to slash $9 billion in spending; a poll reveals most people believe the new tax law benefits the wealthy; the IRS will get a new leader; global shares opened trading Friday higher; the European Union will impose new sancitons on Russia.
• Nationwide protests begin against Trump's immigration crackdown and health care cuts.
• Trump won't recommend special counsel in Epstein investigation, spokeswoman says.
• Trump will visit Scotland, where his family has golf courses, and will talk trade with Starmer.
• House sends bill regulating stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency, to Trump.
• Trump is checked for lower leg swelling and diagnosed with a common condition in older adults.
• Urban League declares a 'state of emergency' for civil rights in the US in response to Trump.
• Just 1 in 4 US adults say Trump's policies have helped them, a new AP-NORC poll finds.
• Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' canceled by CBS, ends May 2026.
• Steve Miller Band says extreme weather is so dangerous it’s canceling its tour.
• Star-crossed singer Connie Francis, whose hits included 'Pretty Little Baby,' dead at 87.
• Puppies rescued from flood-stricken Texas arrive at Chicago shelter.
• An Idaho judge has lifted a sweeping gag order in Bryan Kohberger's quadruple murder case.
• Wall Street cruises to more records as PepsiCo and tech stocks rally.
• Juul can continue selling its tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes, FDA says.
• Funders commit $1B toward developing AI tools for frontline workers.
• Average long-term US mortgage rate rises to 6.75%, second straight uptick.
• Republican senators caution Trump against firing Fed chair Jerome Powell.
• Retail sales up a surprising 0.6% in June after a May pullback by consumers.
• US applications for jobless benefits fall for fifth straight week, hitting lowest level since April.
• American and English golfers are tied atop the British Open with a homeland hero lurking, an NFL record contract for an All-Pro linebacker, a rising receiver is sentenced to prison and the NFLPA head steps down, a nine-time NBA All-Star returns to Portland and the WNBA’s top star bows out of its All-Star weekend.
• Felix Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound, dies in crash in Italy.
• Syrian government forces set to re-enter Sweida province after renewed Druze-Bedouin clashes.
• Britain will lower its voting age to 16 in a bid to strengthen democracy.
• Zelenskyy shakes up Ukrainian Cabinet, appointing a new prime minister to reinvigorate war effort.
• 2 killed and several injured in Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic 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

• On today's episode: The Senate passed about $9 billion in cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting; the Justice Department fired prosecutor Maurene Comey; there were new Israeli strikes in Gaza; a tropical weather system is forming over the Gulf; dangerous lightning struck in New Jersey; and Prince Harry has followed in the footsteps of his mother.
• Federal lawsuit seeks to stop ICE agents from arresting people at immigration courts.
• First the shoes went back on. Now, at US airport security, more liquid in carry-ons may be at hand.
• Jill Biden aide invokes Fifth to decline testimony in Republican investigation.
• Trump says he's “highly unlikely” to fire Fed's Powell after floating that idea in private.
• Trump slams his own supporters who are angered over how his team has handled the Epstein case.
• US sends third-country deportees under secrecy to the small African kingdom of Eswatini.
• Officials downgrade Alaska tsunami warning after 7.3 magnitude earthquake.
• Ex-NYPD commissioner sues NYC mayor, alleging he ran police department as a 'criminal enterprise.'
• Feds charge 5 in Louisiana, including 3 current or ex-police chiefs, over alleged visa fraud scheme.
• New York carriage horse's collapse spurs a criminal trial.
• Stocks bounce back after Trump says it's 'unlikely' he'll try to fire Fed chair Powell.
• Largest piece of Mars on Earth fetches meteoric $5.3 million at New York auction.
• A former All-NBA star is bound for Los Angeles, Caitlin Clark misses another game, an All-Star break trade in baseball, the NHL releases its upcoming season schedule and a former major winner is banned by a historic golf club.
• Pro-Palestinian protester takes issue with Israeli team at Tour de France.
• A fire at a mall in eastern Iraq kills more than 60 people.
• Netanyahu's governing coalition is fracturing. Here's what it means for Israel and Gaza.
• Death of Australia's 'Outback Killer' leaves whereabouts of British backpacker's body unknown.

—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: The Pentagon is ending deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles; Arizona holds primaries; Palestinians are crushed at a food distribution site; UK, France and Germany will resume sanctions on Iran in August if a deal on its nuclear program cannot be reached; and Caitlin Clark has become the face of women's basketball.
• Trump defends Bondi on handling of Epstein files.
• America's only rare earth producer gets a boost from Apple and Pentagon agreements.
• Capital One, Walmart A look at some of the consumer cases dropped by the CFPB under Trump.
• US inflation accelerated last month to highest level since February.
• Fire crews along Grand Canyon are trying to save cabins after loss of historic lodge.
• Federal grand jury indicts man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
• The search for those missing in catastrophic Texas floods resumes in some areas after pause for rain.
• What to know about the Massachusetts assisted-living facility fire that killed 9.
• Most US stocks slump, but Nvidia nudges Nasdaq to another record.
• Nvidia's CEO says it has US approval to sell its H20 AI computer chips in China.
• 'Severance' leads Emmy nominees with 27 and 'The Studio' tops comedies with 23 as AppleTV+ dominates.
• Vandals who cut down Sycamore Gap tree sentenced in England to more than 4 years in prison.
• The National League prevails in MLB's All-Star Game in Atlanta, the upcoming L.A. Summer Games could include major leaguers, the WNBA’s top star suffers an injury and a two-time NFL All-Pro cornerback gets a new contract.
• Russia launches new attacks on Ukraine with the countdown to a US peace deadline underway.
• Israel threatens to escalate involvement in Syria as a ceasefire collapses.
• Cuban minister unleashes criticism after saying Cuba has no beggars.
• The UK says thousands of Afghans have been brought to Britain under a secret resettlement program.
• Syria announces ceasefire after sectarian 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

• On today's episode: Mike Waltz will face grilling over Signal chat at Senate hearing for his UN role; the Supreme Court will allow the Trump administration to dismiss education department employees; a Colorado dentists murder trial begins; the Northeast is recovering from flooding after heavy rains; poet Andrea Gibson has died; and Cal Raleigh won the Home Run Derby.
• Trump administration says it won't publish major climate change reports on NASA website as promised.
• US imposes a 17% duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes in hopes of boosting domestic production.
• More than 20 states sue Trump administration over frozen after-school and summer funding.
• Boys & Girls Club programs threatened by Trump grant freeze serve thousands of families.
• Under fire by Trump over costs, Chair Powell seeks watchdog review of Fed building overhaul.
• Trump threatens Russia with tariffs if war on Ukraine isn't resolved within 50 days.
• 14 million children did not receive a single vaccine in 2024, UN estimates.
• Cuomo stays in NYC mayor’s race as an independent after losing Democratic primary to Mamdani.
• Suspect kills 2 women in Kentucky church after shooting state trooper, police say.
• Retired Army officer pleads guilty to sharing classified info on Russia-Ukraine war on dating site.
• Flames tear through assisted-living facility in Massachusetts, killing 9 and trapping residents.
• Elmo's hacked X account posted racist messages. Sesame Workshop is trying to regain control.
• Wall Street holds near its record amid doubts about Trump's tariffs.
• Starbucks takes aim at remote work, says some employees may need to relocate to headquarters.
• Cal Raleigh tops Junior Caminero to win the Home Run Derby, Shohei Ohtani and Gleyber Torres earn leadoff honors with Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal set to start MLB All-Star Game, an ex-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year signs a big extension and a former NBA Rookie of the Year gets a clean bill of health.
• European diplomats discuss deal with Israel to increase Gaza aid.
• BBC says it is ‘untenable’ for Gregg Wallace to host 'MasterChef' after sexual misconduct report.

—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: There was a deadly fire at a Massachusetts assisted living facility; search and rescue will continue after flooding in Texas; President Donald Trump is offering more support to Ukraine; the BBC will no longer work with a prominent chef; season 7 of 'Love Island' concludes; and Sotheby's is having a natural-history themed auction.
• One year after Trump assassination attempt, changes at Secret Service but questions remain.
• Lawmakers visit 'Alligator Alcatraz,' but some wonder how much they'll get to see.
• Furor over Epstein files sparks clash between Bondi and Bongino at the Justice Department.
• US sanctions Cuban President Díaz-Canel and other officials for human rights violations.
• FEMA removed dozens of Camp Mystic buildings from 100-year flood map before expansion, records show.
• Trump announces 30% tariffs against EU, Mexico to begin August 1.
• Judge orders Trump administration to halt indiscriminate immigration stops, arrests in California.
• Trump tours Texas flood damage as the disaster tests his pledge to do away with FEMA.
• Trump administration sues California over egg prices and blames animal welfare laws.
• Son of ‘El Chapo’ pleads guilty in US drug trafficking case.
• Appeals court throws out plea deal for alleged mastermind of Sept. 11 attacks.
• Multiple people hurt in Kentucky church shooting; suspect killed, police say.
• Volunteers aid in the cleanup from deadly flash floods in Texas.
• A small Texas community where everyone survived flooding has sirens that warned them.
• Atlanta man gets more than 150 years in prison for starving daughter and abusing other children.
• Boeing settles with a man whose family died in a 737 Max crash in Ethiopia.
• S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite pull back from their all-time highs.
• Walmart recalls 850,000 water bottles after two consumers suffer vision loss from ejecting caps.
• World No. 1 bests No. 2 in colossal men’s final at Wimbledon, a former major leaguer’s son is drafted No. 1 overall, a longtime skipper surpasses 2,000 wins, a 25-year-old outlasts a Masters champion and a first-time major winner in golf and a decisive win to conclude the Club World Cup.
• At Pamplona's San Fermín festival, a tiny minority of those who run with bulls are women.
• Israeli strikes kill at least 32 in Gaza as Palestinian war deaths top 58,000.
• European trade ministers meet to forge strategy after Trump's surprise 30% tariffs.
• At least 19 are killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza as war deaths top 58,000, officials say.
• Fuel to Air India plane was cut off moments before crash, investigation report 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.

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:

• What flood insurance does and does not cover.
• Intense downpours like those in Texas are more frequent, but there's no telling where they'll happen.
• Two of Texas’ biggest sports teams are coming together to make a major donation after a weekend of deadly floods.
• Investors snap up growing share of US homes as traditional buyers struggle to afford one.
• Justin Bieber releases 'Swag,' his long-awaited seventh album Hear the best songs.
• Veterans and civilians bond over beers and bluegrass at Nashville's American Legion Post 82.
• FACT FOCUS: Trump misrepresents facts about wind power during Cabinet meeting.
• How US views of immigration have changed since Trump took office, according to Gallup polling.
• Most US adults say child care costs are a 'major problem,' a new AP-NORC poll finds.
• US adults want the government to focus on child care costs, not birth rates, AP-NORC poll finds.
• American kids have become increasingly unhealthy over nearly two decades, new study finds.
• A Vermont dairy farm was raided. The mixed messages from Washington since then have increased fears.
• Musk says he's forming a new political party after split with Trump over tax cuts law.
• Protesters and federal agents clash during raid at Southern California farm.
• Impostor uses AI to impersonate Rubio and contact foreign and US officials.
• 'Gas station heroin' is technically illegal and widely available. Here are the facts.
• Mattel introduces its first Barbie with Type 1 diabetes.
• Singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to 2 further charges over London nightclub assault case.
• Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber will skip Home Run Derby the night before All-Star Game.
• Wimbledon blames human error for a mistake by the tech that replaced officials. Here's what happened.
• China's first Legoland opens to visitors in Shanghai.
• Scientists transplant crossbred corals to help save Miami's reefs from climate change.
• A beer pioneer, South Africa's first Black female brewery owner trains a new generation.
• Swiss medicines authority issues first approval for antimalarial drug for treatment of infants.
• Thousands gather in Srebrenica on 30th anniversary of Europe's only acknowledged genocide since WWII.
• Want to take a dip in Paris River Seine reopens to public swimming for first time in a century.
• German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback.
• Pamplona holds opening bull run during San Fermín festival.
• Church deacon who helps stop a mass shooting receives a new pickup truck.
• On this week's Religion Roundup, the Christian summer camp community grieves after deadly Texas floods, and Pope Leo prays for urgency in the climate crisis.

—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: President Donald Trump sends tariff letters to 23 nations; Head Start will be cut off for immigrants without legal status; Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants to investigate flooding in the state; Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles; Jane Birkin's original handbag sells at auction; and Kurdish separatists lay down their arms in Turkey.
• George Mason University faces investigation in Trump administration's anti-DEI crackdown.
• Another Trump administration slam against Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell.
• New Hampshire judge to pause Trump’s birthright citizenship order.
• As Netanyahu wraps Washington visit, progress on a Gaza ceasefire remains murky.
• US issues sanctions against UN investigator probing abuses in Gaza.
• Senate Republicans block attempt to roll back massive tax hike on professional gamblers.
• Uncertainty remains over whether U.S. bombs got deep enough underground to wipe out Iran's nuclear weapons labs.
• Rubio says U.S. and Russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio's reaction to an AI-generated attempt to impersonate him.
• CDC finds nearly 1 in 3 US youth have prediabetes, but experts question scant data.
• US has reclosed its southern border after a flesh-eating parasite is seen further north in Mexico.
• Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration.
• Gun makers lose appeal of New York law that could make them liable for shootings.
• Flash flooding that killed 3 leaves New Mexico village heartbroken, anxious as cleanup begins.
• Hundreds gather at high school stadium to honor the many lost to Texas deadly floods.
• Stocks close higher, nudging the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to more highs.
• Snap, crackle, sale Nutella maker Ferrero plans to buy WK Kellogg for $3 billion.
• Average long-term US mortgage rate rises to 6.72%, ending a five-week slide.
• An American upsets the world No. 1 to reach the Wimbledon women’s final, the Yankees overcome a late no-hit bid, two more stars enter baseball's Home Run Derby, the NBA’s top pick makes his summer debut and a four-way tie atop the Scottish Open.
• Thousands celebrate baby hippo Moo Deng's first birthday at Thailand zoo.
• Brazil vows retaliatory tariffs against US if Trump follows through on 50% import taxes.
• UN investigator and critic of Israel's actions in Gaza tells AP she was shocked by US sanctions.
• European leaders announce new equity fund for Ukraine and urge investment even as war accelerates.
• UN says if US funding for HIV programs is not replaced, millions more will die by 2029.

—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