About this episode

Published February 18th, 2026, 02:30 pm

On today's episode:

  • Late-night host Stephen Colbert isn't backing down from public dispute with CBS bosses.
  • Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir launches in 22 languages, turning horror into hope for survivors.
  • Rescuers push through winter storm to 6 survivors of a California avalanche. 9 others are missing.
  • Polish army bans Chinese vehicles from military premises.
  • Strikes on 3 more alleged drug boats kill 11 people, US military says.
  • Federal judge rules Kilmar Abrego Garcia can’t be re-detained by immigration authorities.
  • Partial government shutdown over DHS oversight seems poised to drag on.
  • Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia.
  • Mark Zuckerberg set to testify in watershed social media trial.
  • Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigators work with Walmart after identifying suspect’s backpack.
  • 4 dead in crashes involving over 30 vehicles in 'brown out' conditions on Colorado interstate.
  • Shooter killed ex-wife and a son in Rhode Island ice rink attack, police say.
  • Georgia students recall horror of being shot as father of accused school shooter goes on trial.
  • A church explosion in upstate New York injures several, firefighter critically burned.
  • Delaware man married in the 1970s to former first lady Jill Biden pleads not guilty in wife's death.
  • Police credit a good Samaritan for ending a deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink.
  • US stocks edge higher after swinging through worries about AI and the economy.
  • Bayer agrees to $7.25 billion proposed settlement over thousands of Roundup cancer lawsuits.
  • Thomas Pritzker steps down from Hyatt board saying he deeply regrets association with Epstein.
  • Warner Bros reopens takeover talks with Paramount after receiving waiver from Netflix.
  • The hottest show in hockey, 'Heated Rivalry,' is embraced by fans and players at Winter Olympics.
  • Japan pulls ahead of the U.S. in women’s figure skating at the Winter Olympics, a big second-half performance helps the No. 1 team in college hoops avoid an upset, a former NBA star coach dies, the MLBPA head steps down and golf’s biggest name could return at the Masters.
  • Tony Clark resigns as head of MLB players' union ahead of labor talks, AP source says.
  • Tiger Woods isn't ruling out a return to the Masters. Ryder Cup captaincy also uncertain.
  • Northern Iowa football player Parker Sutherland dies after collapsing during workout.
  • India boots a private university from an AI summit over a robot dog controversy.
  • Samba schools honor Black Brazilian female authors during their Carnival parades.
  • Ukrainian and Russian envoys hold a second day of US-brokered talks in Geneva.
  • Lunar New Year prayers, robots and festivities usher in the Year of the Horse.

—The Associated Press

About this program

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

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

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Hot Off The Wire

Colbert continues dispute with CBS; Woods may play Masters

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