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:

• Apple AirPods Pro's new hearing aid feature could help people face a problem they'd rather ignore.
• Google ad change could affect millions of small businesses.
• Business owners in disaster areas should be wary of possible scams.
• AI is being used to send some households impacted by Helene and Milton $1,000 cash relief payments.
• Hospitals' IV fluid shortage may impact surgeries for weeks.
• In battleground Georgia, poor people see no reason to vote. That decision could sway election.
• Most voters think the economy is poor, but split on whether Trump or Harris can fix it AP-NORC poll.
• Should the minimum wage be lower for workers who get tipped Two states are set to decide.
• Women in states with bans are getting abortions at similar rates as under Roe, report says.
• McDonald's and Boar's Head outbreaks may have you worried. Experts say the food supply is safe.
• The White House public tour has been upgraded so visitors can see, hear and touch more.
• South Carolina to build first monument to an African American. Meet Robert Smalls.
• They made 36 million Corn Poppers. Here's how they pick the right ones for the Toy Hall of Fame.
• A New Zealand airport wants you to hug goodbye faster.
• Flying air taxis move closer to US takeoff with issuing of FAA rule.
• On this week's AP Religion Roundup, a movie about intrigue behind the election of the Pope promises to thrill audiences.

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Democrat Kamala Harris says recent comments by her opponent, Republican Donald Trump, are “offensive” and that it’s clear he doesn’t understand women. Trump is traveling to New Mexico and Virginia in the campaign’s final days. 

White House press officials altered the official transcript of a call in which President Joe Biden appeared to take a swipe at supporters of Donald Trump, drawing objections from the federal workers who document such remarks for posterity, according to two U.S. government officials and an internal email obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

MOSCOW (AP) — A court in Russia’s far-eastern city of Vladivostok has convicted a former U.S. Consulate worker charged with cooperating with a foreign state and sentenced him to four years and 10 months in prison. Robert Shonov, a Russian citizen and former employee of the U.S. Consulate in Vladivostok, was arrested in May 2023. 

In other news:

• Trump won't vote early, though he said he would.
• 'Obamacare' enrollment opens, as Republicans threaten the health insurance program used by millions.
• Republicans ask Pennsylvania court to put on hold decision on mail ballot envelope rules.
• Arizona enlists county employees to help tackle a surge of 2-page early ballots.
• Texas hospitals must now ask patients whether they're in the US legally. Here's how it works.
• Inflation gauge closely watched by the Fed falls to lowest level in 3 1/2 years.
• Boeing workers will vote on a new contract offer to end 7-week-old strike.
• ‘Dances with Wolves’ actor is again indicted on sexual abuse charges in Nevada.
• Rapper Young Thug will be released from jail after he pleaded guilty to gang, drug and gun charges.
• 'Saturday Night Live' taps comedian-actor Bill Burr and Charli XCX as hosts for after the election.
• Aaron Rodgers leads the Jets to their first win since Week 3, the NFL’s reigning MVP misses another day of practice, baseball’s first trade of the offseason comes one day after a highly-viewed World Series, the Bucks struggles continue while Alex Ovechkin inches closer to Wayne Gretzky and more.
• Americans helping Ukraine's war efforts say the US hasn't done enough.
• Britain has banned protests outside abortion clinics, but silent prayer is a gray area.
• About 8,000 North Korean troops now at Ukraine's border are expected in combat soon, US says.

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People prone to seasonal depression are bracing themselves as winter approaches. Many have found strategies to get through the dark days. Depression that begins in the fall and eases in the spring or summer is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. 

In other news:

• Democrats are leaning on celebrity star power. Will it matter?
• Abortion-rights groups outspend opponents by more than 6 to 1 in ballot measure campaigns.
• Presidential candidates fight for battleground Nevada.
• Supreme Court's conservative justices allow Virginia to resume its purge of voter registrations.
• Donald Trump boards a garbage truck to draw attention to Biden remark.
• Nicky Jam withdraws endorsement of Donald Trump over comedian's 'garbage' comment about Puerto Rico.
• Report says crowd-sourced fact checks on X fail to address flood of US election misinformation.
• Teen Trump supporter charged with threatening Harris backers at polling place with machete.
• Police say the man behind ballot box fires has metalworking experience and might plan more attacks.
• More former cadets accuse US Coast Guard Academy of failing to prevent campus sexual assaults.
• US economy grew at a solid 2.8% pace last quarter on strength of consumer spending.
• California voters consider controversial vacation homes tax in iconic Lake Tahoe area.
• The Dodgers win the World Series, White Sox tab Venable as manager, Commanders quarterback Daniels is recovering from injury, and the Celtics fall from the ranks of the NBA's unbeaten. 
• Saudi startup Riyadh Air orders 60 Airbus A321neo planes.
• A new push to wind down the Middle East wars faces familiar challenges.
• Banning UNRWA will lead to a vacuum and more suffering for Palestinians, the agency's chief says.
• North Korea test-launches a suspected long-range missile designed to strike US, South Korea says.
• North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are heading toward Ukraine, US says.
• Russia and Ukraine exchange drone strikes as North Korea's top diplomat visits Moscow.

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Vice President Kamala Harris has delivered her campaign’s “closing argument” from the same spot in Washington where former President Donald Trump helped incite a mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Harris used her address from the grassy Ellipse near the White House on Tuesday to encourage Americans to visualize their alternate futures if she or Trump takes over the Oval Office in less than three months. Trump met reporters at his private club and residence in Palm Beach, Florida, in the morning. He then headed to Pennsylvania for his evening rally in Allentown.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is reacting to a comic calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage” at a Donald Trump rally by saying, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”

LONDON (AP) — The World Health Organization says more than 8 million people were diagnosed with tuberculosis last year. That's the highest number recorded since the U.N. health agency began keeping track.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on imports of new iPhone 14, 15 and 16 models by the U.S. tech giant Apple. That's according to an announcement on Wednesday. The ban had been in place since 2023.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Four days before Election Day, the government will issue its final snapshot of hiring and unemployment in the United States after a presidential race in which voter perceptions of the economy have played a central role. Yet Friday’s report will include some of the most distorted monthly employment figures in years, with job growth having been held down temporarily in October by hurricanes and worker strikes.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The federal government is handing out $2.4 billion in railroad grants to help pay for 122 projects nationwide with more than half of the money going to smaller railroads. 

In other news:

• AP-NORC poll finds Democrats and Republicans split on Israel's responsibility for war's escalation.
• American consumers feeling much more confident as Election Day nears.
• About 475 damaged ballots retrieved from burned drop box in Washington state, auditor says.
• Hundreds of Pennsylvania voters are challenged based on postal service's change-of-address database.
• Trump says his New York rally marked by crude and racist insults 'was like a lovefest'.
• New York City's Mayor, under federal indictment, avoids criticizing Donald Trump following his Madison Square Garden rally.
• Supreme Court rejects push to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from ballot in two swing states.
• Nebraska uses a unique method to find election workers It drafts them.
• Trump's social media company is now worth more than Musk's X after recent surge in stock price.
• Man who threatened Fani Willis and sheriff over Trump investigation gets nearly 2 years in prison.
• Elon Musk wins court victory in a dispute over a 2018 post during a labor dispute.
• NTSB preliminary report details fiery but safe emergency landing of a Frontier Airlines plane.
• Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused in new lawsuits of sexually assaulting 10- and 17-year-old boys.
• Court approves Tupperware's sale to lenders, paving way for brand's exit from bankruptcy.
• Colorado teen fights kidney failure after eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders.
• ‘I’m walking here!’ Jaywalking legalized in New York City.
• World Series Game 3 averages 13.64 million, beats 'Monday Night Football.'
• The Bonbers don't get the Bums' rush, the Mavs win a grudge match, the Capitals knock off the team that eliminated them last spring and NFL receiver news.
• As Halloween approaches, tourists visit a home with a gruesome past and tunnels said to be haunted.
• 'Halloween comet' breaks apart after flying close to the sun.
• Costume-wearing Halloween fans flock to spooky Bucharest festival.
• Police say British teen accused of fatally stabbing 3 girls also made poison and had a terror manual.
• South Korean military says the North appears poised to conduct nuclear and ICBM tests.
• Spanish authorities report multiple victims from flash flooding.

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Sen. JD Vance defended the Trump campaign’s Madison Square Garden rally on Monday after critics condemned the racist remarks of some speakers and equated the event to the 1939 neo-Nazi rally that took place in the same venue. “It was a celebration of America,” Vance said during a political rally in Wausau, WI. He dismissed claims that the event was racist or featured discriminatory language.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Incendiary devices have been set off at two ballot drop boxes — one in Portland, Oregon, and another in nearby Vancouver, Washington — in what one official called a “direct attack on democracy." The Monday morning fire at the drop box in Portland was extinguished quickly thanks to a suppression system inside the box as well as a nearby security guard, and just three ballots were damaged there. But another fire at a transit center drop box in Vancouver destroyed hundreds of ballots.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says an Israeli strike on a five-story building where displaced Palestinians were sheltering in the northern Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people, more than half of them women and children. Also on Tuesday, Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah said it has chosen Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new top leader following the killing of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month.

Newspaper owners across the country have been ditching presidential endorsements, figuring they shouldn't alienate readers with something most of them don't care about. Yet in following that trend this past week, the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times found their readers cared very much. Thousands have canceled subscriptions, and journalists worry the fallout will lead to jobs lost. 

In other news:

• Uncertainty reins entering the final full week of the 2024 campaign.
• Republicans ask US Supreme Court to block counting of some provisional ballots in Pennsylvania.
• Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk's America PAC over its $1 million giveaway.
• Virginia asks US Supreme Court to reinstate removals of 1,600 voter registrations.
• Fitness app Strava gives away location of Biden, Trump and other leaders, French newspaper says.
• Trump ally Steve Bannon to be released after serving 4 months in prison for contempt of Congress.
• 'Bob's Burgers' actor sentenced to 1 year in prison for role in Capitol riot.
• Authorities launch 'interagency operation' at federal jail in New York housing Sean 'Diddy' Combs.
• Israel passes laws to restrict the work of a UN agency that is a lifeline for Gaza.
• North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia to fight in Ukraine, Pentagon says.
• Volkswagen's employee council says the automaker plans to close at least 3 German plants.
• This year's Rockefeller Center tree will travel to New York from Massachusetts.
• Matthew Perry's family look ahead on one-year anniversary of his death.
• The Dodgers are close to a World Series sweep, the Steelers win again, the Celtics and Cavaliers are undefeated, the Jets are no longer undefeated, and the Sharks win one.

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NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump has hosted a rally featuring crude and racist insults at New York’s Madison Square Garden, turning what his campaign had dubbed as the event where he would deliver his closing message into an illustration of what turns off his critics.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Kamala Harris is seeking to energize voters in Philadelphia, a crucial Democratic stronghold. She needs strong turnout in the city to overcome Republican Donald Trump's strength in Pennsylvania's rural areas. 

In other news:

• Latin superstar Bad Bunny backs Harris for president after comedian's racist jokes at Trump event.
• Biden calls out Musk over a published report that the Tesla CEO once worked in the US illegally.
• Trump's deportation plans worry families with relatives in US illegally.
• Harris and Trump offer worlds-apart contrasts on top issues in presidential race.
• A century after Native Americans got the right to vote, they could put Trump or Harris over the top.
• An elections worker wanted to serve her country. A stew of conspiracy theories and vitriol awaited.
• Russian actors made fake video depicting mail-in ballots for Trump being destroyed, FBI says.
• The 'Black Insurrectionist' was actually white. The deception did not stop there.
• Here's a look at Musk's contact with Putin and why it matters.
• Biden marks anniversary of Pittsburgh synagogue attack that killed 11.
• Researchers say an AI-powered transcription tool used in hospitals invents things no one ever said.
• This Halloween, be safe when trick-or-treating by watching for cars.
• It's almost Halloween. That means it's time for a bat beauty contest.
• 'Venom The Last Dance' misses projections as superhero films' grip on theaters loosens.
• AP correspondent Margie Szaroleta has the AP Entertainment Update, with news about Hallmark movie actors..
• Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest after police shut down crowded event.
• Phil Lesh, founding member of Grateful Dead and influential bassist, dies at 84.
• Hail Mary to the rescue in the NFL Sunday, quarterbacks enjoy some prolific performances around the league and will Shohei play in Game 3 of the World Series?
• US approves $2 billion in arms sales to Taiwan including advanced missile defense system.
• The trajectory of Ukraine's fight against Russia hangs on the outcome of the US election.
• Artisan cheese seller in a pickle after thieves made off with massive cheddar haul.
• Russian forces thwart attempted cross-border assault from Ukraine, official says.
• Souls to the Polls battles Believers for Trump in wooing religious voters in the presidential election.

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Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Texas after stopping in Atlanta, while former President Donald Trump appeared at the Arizona border as well as in Las Vegas with less than two weeks until Election Day.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Four astronauts are back on Earth after a space station mission that lasted almost eight months. A SpaceX capsule carrying the crew parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast before dawn Friday.

BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli strikes have killed 38 people in Gaza and three journalists in Lebanon on Friday. Worries are growing about supply shortages in Gaza and international pressure for a cease-fire is mounting. 

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Tropical storm Trami has blown away from the northwestern Philippines, leaving at least 82 people dead mostly in extensive flooding and landslides.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — President Joe Biden says he will formally apologize on for the nation's role in forcing Indigenous children into boarding schools, where for more than 150 years many were physically, emotionally and sexually abused, and more than 950 died. 

In other news:

• Beyoncé, whose ‘Freedom’ is Harris’ campaign anthem, is expected at Democrat's Texas rally on Friday.
• Trump's lawyers seek dismissal of federal election case, call special counsel illegally appointed.
• Republican election official in crucial Georgia appeals order saying she must certify results.
• Georgia officials say they thwarted an attempt to crash a state election website.
• Florida sues Garland for blocking state probe into Trump assassination attempt.
• In rare move, Pentagon denies falsehood about troops allowed to use force during election.
• The Biden administration is launching an investigation of competition in air travel.
• The EPA imposes stricter standards to protect children from exposure to lead paint.
• Owner, operator of ship that caused Baltimore bridge collapse to pay $100M in settlement with US.
• Prosecutors to recommend resentencing Erik and Lyle Menendez in 1989 killings of their parents.
• McDonald's says onions from California-based produce company linked to deadly E. coli outbreak.
• US applications for jobless benefits fall, but continuing claims rise to highest level since 2021.
• Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises again to highest level in nearly 3 months.
• Argentine police raid the Buenos Aires hotel where One Direction’s Liam Payne died.
• Grammy-winning crooner Jack Jones, known for singing 'The Love Boat' theme song, dies at 86.
• County judge strikes down Ohio abortion ban, citing voter-approved reproductive rights amendment.
• Georgia men who killed Ahmaud Arbery want a new trial.
• The Vikings lose their second straight game, Klay Thompson has a successful Mavericks debut, the NBA is investigating why a 76ers star sat out the season opener, and Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky records a milestone victory. 
• Valenzuela to be honored by Dodgers with No. 34 uniform patch during World Series and 2025 season.
• Maria Sharapova and the Bryan brothers are elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• World on pace for significantly more warming without immediate climate action, report warns.

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In other news:

• Trump wanted generals like Hitler's and said Nazi leader 'did some good things,' John Kelly claims.
• Efforts by Russia, Iran and China to sway US voters may escalate, new Microsoft report says.
• More than 1,600 voters have registration revoked under Virginia program targeting noncitizens.
• Suspect in shootings of Democratic office in Arizona had over 120 guns in his home, officials find.
• Quarter Pounders are off the menu at 20% of McDonald's in US amid an E. coli investigation.
• New rules for US national security agencies balance AI's promise with need to protect against risks.
• Apple and Goldman Sachs must pay $89 million for mishandling Apple Card transactions, CFPB orders.
• US home sales slowed again in September, falling to weakest annual pace in nearly 14 years.
• Before Taylor Swift show in New Orleans, a homeless encampment is forced to move.
• MusiCares names The Grateful Dead 2025 Persons of the Year.
• Ron Ely, TV's 'Tarzan' in the 1960s, dies at 86.
• 'Malcolm in the Middle' star Frankie Muniz lands full-time NASCAR ride in 2025.
• The Clippers get clipped in their first game in their new arena, Steph Curry gets the Warriors off to a strong start, Joel Embiid sits out as the Sixers lose their opener, the Caps hand the Flyers their 6th straight loss, and Patrick Mahomes gets a titan of a receiver in a trade. 
• St. Louis Blues' Robert Thomas out 6 weeks with a broken ankle.
• US confirms North Korea has sent 3,000 troops to Russia for training and possible Ukraine combat.
• G7 allies are moving ahead with a $50 billion loan for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian funds.
• King Charles III's Commonwealth visit to Samoa will highlight climate change ... and dance.
• Macron says France will provide 100 million-euro aid package to support Lebanon.
• Trash carried by a North Korean balloon again falls on the presidential compound in Seoul.

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DALLAS (AP) — The U.S. government is fining American Airlines $50 million for failing to provide wheelchair assistance to passengers with disabilities and damaging thousands of wheelchairs over a five-year period. The Transportation Department announced the civil penalty on Wednesday. American will only have to pay half of the fine because it is receiving credit for money it spent to improve wheelchair handling and to compensate affected passengers. 

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Voters lined up across battleground Wisconsin to cast their ballots as Democrats and Republicans spread across the state to get their voters out.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said there is evidence that North Korea has sent troops to Russia on Monday, and South Korea’s spy chief told lawmakers that 3,000 North Korean troops are in the country receiving training on drones and other equipment before being deployed to battlefields in Ukraine.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace who inspired “Fernandomania” in the early 1980s, has died. He was 63. The Mexican-born phenom won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. His death comes as the Dodgers are preparing to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. 

Denny’s says it’s closing 150 of its lowest-performing restaurants in an effort to turn around the brand’s flagging sales. About half of the closures will happen this year and the rest in 2025. 

In other news:

• Deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald's Quarter Pounders sickens 49 people in 10 states.
• A 2nd major recall for Honda in October, this time for pumps that can crack, leak fuel.
• Rudy Giuliani ordered to turn over NYC apartment, 26 watches to Georgia election workers.
• Former Abercrombie & Fitch chief executive Mike Jeffries has been arrested on federal sex trafficking charges.
• Starbucks reports weak quarterly results despite the arrival of Pumpkin Spice Latte season.
• North Carolina county surrounding Asheville overcounted Helene deaths by as many as 30, sheriff says.
• Teen in custody after 5 found dead in shooting at home in Washington state, police say.
• Eyewitness video captures frantic efforts to save lives after deadly collapse of dock walkway.
• Court upholds freedom for woman whose conviction was overturned after 43 years behind bars.
• ABBA, Radiohead and The Cure musicians sign AI protest letter against 'unlicensed use' of works.
• AARP to honor Glenn Close with Movies for Grownups career achievement award.
• Opening Night in the NBA had some milestones, Dodgers great Valenzuela passes away, starting pitchers announced for World Series Game One, the Rays look for a temporary home, and plenty of NHL action. 
• Ohtani's historic 50-50 ball sells at auction for nearly $4.4M amid ongoing dispute over ownership.
• Watkins, Bueckers headline preseason AP All-America team in women's hoops; 3 sophomores for 1st time.
• Israel says it killed a Hezbollah official expected to be the group's next leader.
• South Korea warns it can send arms to Ukraine after reports of North's troops in Russia.
• Poland alleges Russian sabotage and is closing one of Moscow's consulates.
• Navalny's memoir details isolation and suffering in a Russian prison — and how he never lost hope.
• Hong Kong bars services like WhatsApp and Google Drive from government computers.

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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel on his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. He is expected to meet with top officials as the United States looks to revive cease-fire efforts after the killing of top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, but so far none of the warring parties appear to be backing down on longstanding demands. Israel is still at war with Hamas more than a year after the militant group’s Oct. 7 attack, and with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where it launched a ground invasion earlier this month. Israel is also expected to strike Iran after its ballistic missile attack on Oct. 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pennsylvania voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the Nov. 5 general election, with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress and the state Legislature hanging in the balance. With its 19 electoral votes, the commonwealth is the largest prize among the battleground states and an important piece of both campaigns’ paths to victory.

FALL CITY, WASH. (AP) — Law officers have arrested a teenager in connection with the deaths of five people found fatally shot inside a home southeast of Seattle. 

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — An initial toxicology report for ex-One Direction singer Liam Payne, who died last week after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, shows that he had cocaine in his system after his death, an Argentine official said. 

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces seven more lawsuits, including one alleging the rape of a 13-year-old girl. His lawyers meanwhile are complaining about a “fresh wave of publicity.” They asked a judge to order potential witnesses and their lawyers to stop making statements that could prevent a fair trial. 

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican officials say schools have six months to implement a government-sponsored ban on junk food or face heavy fines. Authorities are confronting what they call the worst childhood obesity problem in the world. 

In other news:

• Biden is 'deeply concerned' about the release of secret documents on Israel's possible attack plans.
• Trump makes more debunked claims about FEMA as he surveys storm damage in North Carolina.
• Arizona official who delayed 2022 election certification pleads guilty.
• Central Park Five sues Donald Trump for 'defamatory' remarks made at presidential debate.
• Writer Olivia Nuzzi, New York magazine part ways after relationship with political source revealed.
• Supreme Court won’t revive Michael Cohen’s lawsuit against Trump claiming retaliatory imprisonment.
• General Motors overcomes US sales drop and China losses to post 3rd quarter profit of $3 billion.
• Anderson, Burton, Keith inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Disney names Gorman to serve as next chairman; anticipates naming new CEO in early 2026.
• The Ravens extend their winning streak as the Buccaneers lose two wide receivers, the Cardinals rally to beat the Chargers, the Maple Leafs improve to 4-2, the NBA season approaches and WNBA players want a new contract sooner than later. 
• King Charles III ends first Australian visit by a reigning British monarch in 13 years.
• Storm causes at least 6 deaths in Cuba, where a long power outage is raising tempers.
• Peru’s ex-president Toledo gets more than 20 years in prison in case linked to corruption scandal.
• Brazil environmental disaster victims take case against mining giant BHP to UK court.
• Moldovans narrowly vote to secure the country's path toward EU membership.

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