Hot Off The Wire

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

• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, who the new pope is to his family, and how an American reached the papacy.
• So you saw 'Conclave' the movie. Here's what it got right – and wrong – about real-life conclaves.
• Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a liberal darling, has died.
• US will stop tracking the costs of extreme weather fueled by climate change.
• US Health department will analyze data from autistic Medicare, Medicaid enrollees, RFK Jr. says.
• US infant mortality dropped in 2024. Experts partly credit RSV shots.
• Most Americans disapprove of Trump's treatment of colleges, a new AP-NORC poll finds.
• FedEx board member Steiner is picked to be next USPS postmaster general amid talk of privatization.
• Eggs are less likely to crack when dropped on their side, according to science.
• He was killed in a road rage shooting. AI allowed him to deliver his own victim impact statement.
• Disney to build its 7th theme park, this one in the United Arab Emirates.
• Air traffic controllers briefly lose radar access again at Newark airport.
• What is the special tribunal for Ukraine that world leaders have backed.
• Leading aid group shuts down its soup kitchens across Gaza over Israel's blockade.
• Jury selection for sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs is pushed to next week.
• Kentucky boy uses mother's phone to order 70K Dum-Dum suckers to share with his friends.
• Banksy's ‘Broken Heart' painting defaced on a Brooklyn wall is up for sale.
• Chimpanzees drum with regular rhythm when they beat on tree trunks, a form of ancient communication.
• Snakes have bitten this man hundreds of times. His blood could help make a better treatment.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: Pope Leo XIV held his first mass with the cardinals that elected him and has a busy schedule ahead; Russia celebrated Victory Day; and Denmark is looking into reports the US is gathering intelligence on Greenland.
• In sports: Anthony Edwards overcomes injury scare to help Timberwolves even series with Warriors in NBA playoffs, the Oilers win in overtime and the Capitals bounce back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL’s second-winningest coach lands a new gig, a manager firing in the NL Central and a course record to open the Truist Championship. 
• President Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
• Trump says he is naming Fox News host and former judge Jeanine Pirro as top federal prosecutor in DC.
• Up to 1,000 transgender troops are being moved out of the military in new Pentagon order.
• FEMA's acting administrator is replaced a day after congressional testimony.
• House follows Trump's lead with a vote to change the Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America.'
• White House overhaul of troubled US air traffic control system will cost 'lots of billions.'
• Trump asks Supreme Court to allow him to end humanitarian parole for 500,000 people from 4 countries.
• Trump agrees to cut tariffs on UK autos, steel and aluminum in a planned trade deal with Britain.
• Joe Biden blames Kamala Harris' loss on sexism and racism and rejects concerns about his age.
• Robert Prevost of the United States is named Pope Leo XIV. He overcame a taboo against a US pontiff.
• Father of 15-year-old who killed 2 at Wisconsin religious school faces felony charges.
• Mistrial for Michigan police officer charged in fatal shooting of Congolese immigrant.
• Texas man convicted of threatening to lynch Nashville DA.
• Wall Street rises on hopes for trade deals that could forestall a recession.
• Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage holds steady at 6.76%, not far from highest levels this year.
• 'All good things must come to an end': The Who announce North America farewell tour dates.
• Last-place Pirates fire manager Derek Shelton, promote bench coach Don Kelly.
• Tyrese Haliburton gets warning from NBA for dance, but no fine, AP source says.
• Joel Quenneville hired by Anaheim Ducks for his 1st head coaching job since Blackhawks abuse scandal.
• Ukraine says it uncovered a Hungarian espionage network.
• World marks victory over Nazis 80 years on.
• Indian and Pakistan troops swap intense artillery fire overnight.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: Catholic cardinals returned for a second day of voting for a new pontiff; tensions remain high between India and Pakistan; the US and United Kingdom are expected to announce a new trade deal; three former Memphis police officers have been acquitted of charges in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols; and a jury is expected to be seated by Fiday in the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
• Chief Justice Roberts says judicial independence is key to checking Congress and the president.
• Some migrants were told they'd be sent to Libya, attorneys say as they try to block the deportations.
• President Donald Trump taps wellness influencer close to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for surgeon general.
• Vance says Russia was 'asking for too much' in its initial Ukraine peace offer.
• Federal Reserve leaves key rate unchanged as it sees risk of higher prices and higher unemployment.
• Trump designates Thursday as a day for the US to celebrate victory in World War II.
• Biden calls Trump's pressure on Ukraine 'modern-day appeasement' in 1st post-presidential interview.
• Turkish Tufts University student detained by ICE can be sent to Vermont, appeals court rules.
• Most airports are operating smoothly on the first day of the REAL ID requirement.
• Ex-model takes the stand in Harvey Weinstein's retrial. It's the first time she has testified.
• Actor Michael Pitt charged with sex abuse, assault of ex-girlfriend in New York.
• An alligator kills a Florida woman after tipping over her canoe, investigators say.
• Wall Street climbs in choppy trading after Fed warns of rising risks for economy, holds rates steady.
• Another miraculous comeback for the Knicks and a historic blowout for the Thunder in the NBA Playoffs, the Maple Leafs take a commanding lead against the defending champions and the Stars stay hot to open their series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and a talented young wideout is dealt to America’s Team. 
• Utah Mammoth is the permanent name of the NHL team in Salt Lake City.
• The Steelers move on from George Pickens by trading mercurial receiver to Cowboys.
• Warriors sideline Curry for at least a week with hamstring strain, putting rest of series in flux.
• Syria's leader says his country is holding indirect talks with Israel to avert an escalation.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan; an F-18 went overboard when attempting to land on an aircraft carrier; cardinals are set to sequester for the start of the conclave; most travelers must have REAL ID to fly; President Donald Trump wants the Persian Gulf to be referred to as the Gulf of Arabia; and a declassified memo contradicts Trump's claims linking a gang to the Venezuelan government.
• Top US officials will meet with Chinese delegation in Switzerland in first major talks of trade war.
• Trump says only 21 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now believed to be alive.
• Controllers briefly lost contact with Newark planes before wider flight disruptions.
• Critic of drug industry and COVID-19 measures to lead FDA vaccine program.
• Trump, Carney faceoff in Oval Office leaves gaping differences on tariffs, 51st state.
• Supreme Court allows Trump ban on transgender members of the military to take effect, for now.
• Second judge finds Trump's use of 18th century wartime act against gang is improper.
• Trump critics launch new group to highlight rising costs.
• Appeals court makes no immediate decision in detention cases of two university students.
• US stocks sink again as more companies detail damage they're taking because of Trump's trade war.
• What customers can expect as Rite Aid closes or sells all its drugstores.
• Florida wildlife officers kill three black bears after a bear killed a man and dog.
• Teen basketball players were among those who died in a Kansas highway crash that killed 8.
• Civil rights lawsuit filed in Florida deputy’s killing of US Airman Roger Fortson.
• How Utah dentists are preparing patients for the first statewide fluoride ban.
• American climber dies while attempting to scale Nepal's Mount Makalu.
• Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' says he's 'a little nervous' as sex trafficking trial gets underway.
• Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers stun the Cavaliers again and the Warriors beat the Timberwolves despite losing Stephen Curry to injury in the NBA Playoffs, an overtime winner lifts the Hurricanes over the Capitals and the Oilers rally past the Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Triple Crown chase for is off for Sovereignty.
• Florida raises basketball coach Todd Golden's salary to $6M annually after national title.
• Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty won't run in the Preakness, dashing Triple Crown possibility.
• PGA Championship sets the field for the second major of the year, Johnson gets a special invitation.
• Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 59 as Israel prepares to ramp up its offensive.
• Israel's military says it has fully disabled Yemen's main airport with airstrikes.
• Friedrich Merz wins on second ballot to become German chancellor, hours after defeat in first vote.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: Trump administration says Harvard will receive no new grants until it meets White House demands; Moscow halts flights following drone attacks by Ukraine over Russia, which has arrested a journalist over criticism of the war; and concern remains over an Israeli plan to take over Gaza. 
• And in sports: The Knicks shock the defending champs and the Nuggets rally to open their second-round NBA Playoffs series, the East’s top team produces the NBA’s Coach of the Year, the Maple Leafs fend off the defending champs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a Super Bowl winning kicker is released and more.
• Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions.
• Trump administration says it will pay immigrants in the US illegally $1,000 to leave the country.
• Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio says he met with Trump in Florida.
• States sue Trump administration for blocking the development of wind energy.
• Federal Reserve likely to defy Trump, keep rates unchanged this week.
• A GOP congressman is peppered with questions about Trump during raucous town hall.
• Buffett will remain chairman at Berkshire Hathaway when Abel takes over as CEO in 2026.
• Family says Ohio jail guards stood by as restrained man who later died lost consciousness.
• Beached whale is euthanized on South Carolina resort island.
• AmeriCorps cuts leave people who serve and community organizations scrambling for alternatives.
• Upstate New York prison guard pleads guilty to manslaughter in an inmate's 2024 beating death.
• Ford says its Q1 profit fell by two-thirds and it expects a $1.5 billion hit from tariffs this year.
• Mattel plans to raise prices on some toys to offset tariff costs.
• Wall Street loses ground, breaking a 9-day winning streak, and crude oil prices tumble.
• Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs' sex trafficking trial begins with jury selection.
• A look at this year's Pulitzer Prize winners.
• Met Gala pays tribute to Black fashion and designers and includes Rihanna pregnancy surprise.
• Inside the 2025 Met Gala exhibit.
• Olympic swim great Gary Hall Jr awarded 10 medals to replace those destroyed in LA fires.
• Gregg Popovich speaks at news conference introducing Mitch Johnson as new Spurs coach.
• In a historic first, Friedrich Merz's bid to become Germany's 10th chancellor fails first ballot.
• What name the new pope chooses can signal what's ahead.
• They don't vote in the conclave, but nuns leading the world's Catholic orders gather in Rome.
• Ahead of the conclave, the Vatican staff is to be sworn to secrecy under threat of excommunication.
• Europe launches a drive to attract scientists and researchers after Trump freezes US funding.
• Cinco de Mayo celebrates resilience and culture of Mexican people.
• Tourist boats capsize in sudden storm in southwest China, leaving 10 dead.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: President Donald Trump discusses discussions with Mexico over sending troops to Mexico to fight drug cartels as well as the possibility of reopening Alcatraz as a prison. Trump also wants to place tariffs on foreign-made films; Israel has a plan to take over Gaza; the upcoming conclave will be the most geographically diverse; and the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs is set to begin.
• Trump, in a new interview, says he doesn't know if he backs due process rights.
• Cuts have eliminated more than a dozen US government health-tracking programs.
• Head Start survives Trump administration budget proposal.
• Judge blocks Trump executive order targeting elite law firm, a blow to his retribution campaign.
• Military parade to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary will be held on Trump's birthday.
• Trump administration asks Supreme Court to let DOGE access Social Security systems.
• Wisconsin governor says he's not afraid after Trump official suggests possible arrest.
• CIA releases Mandarin-language videos to encourage Chinese officials to spill secrets.
• Rubio takes on dual national security roles after embracing Trump's 'America First' vision.
• Americans see more overreach from the president than from judges, an AP-NORC poll finds.
• CDC reports 216 child deaths this flu season, the most in 15 years.
• Warren Buffett shocks shareholders by announcing his intention to retire at the end of the year.
• United Airlines cuts 35 daily flights at Newark airport, citing shortage of air traffic controllers.
• Musk's next task Reviving Tesla in Europe where sales have plunged by more than half in a year.
• Wall Street extends its gains to a 9th straight day, reclaiming losses since tariff escalation.
• Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty.
• Employers added a surprising 177,000 jobs as job market shows resilience. Unemployment stays at 4.2%.
• Small plane crashes into Los Angeles-area neighborhood.
• Authorities announce arrest in 2013 cold case murder of Cleveland nurse.
• Man charged in deputy's death was the father of teen shot by Cincinnati police, authorities say.
• Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO is ruled unfit for trial and ordered hospitalized.
• Weinstein accuser insists in tearful outburst 'He did that to me.'
• Prominent pastor notified books loaned to African American museum may be returned amid review.
• 7 people are dead after pickup and tour van collide near Yellowstone, police say.
• Kentucky man who won Powerball jackpot lands in Florida jail days later.
• Golden State avoids blowing a 3-1 lead with a series-clinching Game 7 victory in Houston, Indiana pulls off a shocking road win in Cleveland to open its second-round NBA Playoffs series, Winnipeg prevails in a multiple-overtime Game 7 thriller in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and a record-tying weekend for Scottie Scheffler in golf. 
• Weeks after fall, jockey Junior Alvarado rebounds to win a muddy Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty.
• Gregg Popovich, the NBA's all-time wins leader, retires after 29 seasons as coach in San Antonio.
• New York Rangers hire Mike Sullivan as coach days after he and the Pittsburgh Penguins parted ways.
• Here's why May the 4th is celebrated as Star Wars Day across the galaxy.
• Brazilian police arrest 2 people over alleged plot targeting Lady Gaga concert in Rio.
• Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with a free concert for more than 2 million fans.
• Ruth Buzzi, comedy sketch player on groundbreaking series 'Laugh-In,' dies at 88.
• Hunger and malnutrition are rising across Gaza as Israel's blockade leaves mothers with few options.
• UK police arrest several Iranian men over alleged attack plot.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wins a second 3-year term.
• Prince Harry loses appeal to restore his UK government-funded security detail.
• Russell Brand granted conditional bail after appearing in London court on rape and assault charges.
• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the Supreme Court weighs the fate of the nation's first publicly funded religious charter school.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

• What makes a Kentucky Derby champion Big hearts, immense lungs and powerful legs.
• What is a conclave What to know about the secretive process to elect the next pope.
• What to know as US prepares to require REAL ID for many air travelers next month.
• Worries about flying seem to be taking off. Here's how to cope with in-flight anxiety.
• 84% of the world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record.
• Climate change is making coffee more expensive. Tariffs likely will too.
• The world's biggest companies have caused $28 trillion in climate damage, a new study estimates.
• Visa wants to give artificial intelligence 'agents' your credit card.
• Former Jan. 6 prosecutor warns Trump's pardons could encourage future political violence.
• Childcare in the Capitol As more women run for office, some are bringing their kids.
• Secondhand stores are poised to benefit if US tariffs drive up new clothing costs.
• Anti-Defamation League says anger at Israel is now the driving force behind antisemitism in the US.
• Starbucks' new drive-thru in Texas is the coffee giant's first 3D printed store in the US.
• Advanced cancers returned to prepandemic levels, according to a reassuring report.
• US maternal death rate rose slightly last year, health officials say.
• Whooping cough cases are rising again in the US.
• A 180-year-old private South Carolina university is closing after a $6M fundraising drive fails.
• A secret note hidden in Dachau-built ‘Violin of Hope’ tells a tale of survival and craftsmanship.
• A set of first editions of Shakespeare's plays could fetch $6 million at auction.
• Four baby tortoises debut at Philadelphia Zoo, home to their nearly 100-year-old parents.
• New York zoo feeds baby vulture with assist from a puppet vulture.
• Runaway kangaroo on the loose named Sheila shuts down Alabama interstate.
• Where do whale sharks mate The search to learn where the magic happens for the world's biggest fish.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: Mike Waltz is out as national security advisor and was tapped by President Donald Trump to become UN ambassador, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes on the NSA role on an interim basis; the Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to strip protections from Venezuelan migrants; the price of cheaper Chinese goods will likey increase; Trump signed an executive order to cut funding to PBS and NPR; and a chimney has been installed at the Vatican in advance the conclave.
• Army plans for a potential parade on Trump's birthday call for 6,600 soldiers, AP learns.
• Florida leads as state and local governments sign on for Trump's mass deportations.
• Trump national security adviser Waltz is out in a major staff shake-up after his Signal chat blunder.
• Trump's health agency urges therapy for transgender youth, not broader gender-affirming health care.
• Cheap parcels from China will no longer be duty-free. Here's what it means for buyers and sellers.
• NASA astronauts step outside space station to perform the 5th all-female spacewalk.
• Soviet-era spacecraft is set to plunge to Earth a half-century after its failed launch to Venus.
• Trump administration offers incentives in hiring more air traffic controllers.
• Here's how much California's population grew in 2024 after a COVID-era dip.
• US House votes to block California's nation-leading vehicle emissions rules.
• Justice Department sues Hawaii, Michigan over plans to sue fossil fuel companies for climate harm.
• Cha-ching! Millions of dimes spill onto Texas highway after truck rolls.
• Driver who killed 4 by smashing through an Illinois after-school camp may have had health emergency.
• Microsoft and Meta Platforms lead Wall Street higher.
• Over 2 million Ninja-branded pressure cookers are recalled after reports of serious burn injuries.
• Average rate on a US 30-year mortgage eases to 6.76%, its second straight weekly decline.
• 'Buena Vista Social Club,' 'Death Becomes Her' and 'Maybe Happy Ending' lead Tony Award nominations.
• Russell Brand granted conditional bail after appearing in London court on rape and assault charges.
• A series-clinching 3-pointer for the Knicks in Detroit, the Clippers battle back to force a Game 7 in Denver, the Maple Leafs, Golden Knights and Oilers punch their tickets to the second round while the Avalanche force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and some home cooking for Scottie Scheffler in Texas. 
• MLB offense rises with temperature, batting average of .242 up from .240 through April last year.
• World ranking chair Trevor Immelman says LIV has not reapplied and 'the ball is in their court.'
• Several countries sending firefighting planes to Israel to help tackle major wildfire.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: President Donald Trump blames the Biden administration for a shrinking US economy; former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks out against the Trump administration; May Day protests are scheduled around the world; South Korea's acting president is resigning and is expected to run for the office; LeBron James' season ends, leading to questions about his future.
• Ukraine and the US have finally signed a minerals deal. What does it include.
• Sex assault reports in the US military fell last year, fueled by a big drop in the Army, AP learns.
• Rubio calls India and Pakistan in effort to defuse crisis over Kashmir attack.
• Trump company strikes Qatari golf resort deal in a sign it's not holding back from foreign business.
• Trump holds Cabinet meeting after weak GDP report.
• Roberts might hold key Supreme Court vote over first publicly funded religious charter school.
• US government expands grounds for canceling international students' legal status.
• Judge releases a Palestinian student activist who was arrested at his citizenship interview.
• 'The unthinkable was happening,' Weinstein accuser says of alleged 2006 sex assault.
• Prosecutor says officer killed in gunman's Pennsylvania hospital attack was hit by fire from police.
• Storm leaves 3 dead in Pennsylvania and about 500K customers without power.
• Conservative activist Robby Starbuck sues Meta over AI responses about him.
• Wall Street storms back from early losses, echoing its manic moves through a historic April.
• US inflation cools and Americans step up spending as they brace for tariff impact.
• Man falls from 21-foot Clemente Wall at PNC Park in Pittsburgh during Cubs-Pirates game.
• A superstar duo is eliminated and a young team staves off elimination against grizzled vets in the NBA Playoffs, the defending champs in hockey vanquish their rivals to advance and more results from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 
• NFL fines Falcons and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich following prank call to Shedeur Sanders.
• UNC's Belichick defends Hudson as 'doing her job' after interjecting during CBS interview.
• Rights group urges US and other governments to hold Venezuela's Maduro accountable for repression.
• 3 astronauts return to Earth after 6 months on China's space station.
• Microsoft pledges to protect European operations and unveils data center expansion.
• Kuwait frees 10 more Americans in the second release in as many months.
• The epicenter of an explosion at an Iranian port is tied to a charity overseen by its supreme leader.
• Pakistan says it has 'credible intelligence' India will attack within days.

—The Associated Press

About this program

• On today's episode: President Donald Trump held a rally to celebrate his first 100 days in office while also reducing some tariffs to help US manufacturers; Canada's Liberals fall short of a majority in Parliament; and a look at the summer movie season ahead.
• Wisconsin high court suspends Milwaukee judge accused of helping man evade immigration authorities.
• Trump signs new executive actions on immigration.
• Supreme Court seems likely to rule narrowly for family whose house was wrongly raided by FBI.
• Trump dismisses Biden nominees to US Holocaust Memorial Council, including Doug Emhoff.
• Amazon is not planning to break out tariff costs online as White House attacks potential move.
• Black female WWII unit, 'Six Triple Eight,' receives congressional honor.
• Senate confirms former Sen. David Perdue as Trump's US ambassador to China amid tariff showdown.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's boast of scrapping what he falsely says was a Biden initiative.
• Appeals court pauses Tufts student's transfer to Vermont in immigration detention case.
• Prosecutors seek 20-year prison term for founder of failed crypto platform Celsius Network.
• First accuser takes the witness stand at Harvey Weinstein’s #MeToo retrial.
• Authorities believe crash through Illinois after-school building that killed 4 wasn’t targeted.
• Impaired driver who struck and killed a Connecticut trooper is sentenced to 18 years.
• Tens of thousands of Los Angeles County workers begin 2-day strike.
• Wall Street rises as corporate profits pile higher along with uncertainty about Trump's trade war.
• Major companies face a difficult task in estimating the impact of tariffs on their business.
• GM recalls nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC cars due to engine failure risks.
• UPS to cut 20,000 jobs, close some facilities as it reduces amount of Amazon shipments it handles.
• US consumer confidence plunges to lowest in 5 years on tariff worries.
• The Pacers and Celtics advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, another Spurs standout wins the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award, a double-overtime thriller helps the Hurricanes reach the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a record NFL contract extension and more.
• Luka Doncic donates entire cost of restoring vandalized Kobe Bryant mural in downtown Los Angeles.
• Tyrese Haliburton scolds his father for sparking postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks.
• Man arrested following death of ice hockey player Adam Johnson won't face charges.
• Is the punishment for cursing in F1 too harsh Racing boss hints at changes after driver backlash.
• Iran's foreign minister says next round of talks with US over nuclear program will be held in Rome.
• At least 12 killed overnight by Israeli strikes in Gaza.
• Ukraine says Russia hits civilians again as Kyiv derides Putin's 3-day truce offer.
• Amnesty says Indonesia suppresses free speech with crackdowns on public protests.

—The Associated Press

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