On today's episode:

• Trump gives a partisan prime-time address insisting the economy is stronger than many voters feel.
• Trump demands Venezuela pay for seized US oil assets after calling for 'blockade.'
• US government admits role in causing helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 in Washington.
• The Powerball jackpot is growing to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing .
• World Cup winner to get $50M from richer prize pool, half of Chelsea's payday at Club World Cup.
• US announces massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion.
• FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino says he plans to resign next month as bureau's No 2 official.
• Minneapolis police chief criticizes ICE tactics after clash with protesters.
• Jack Smith tells lawmakers his team developed 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt' against Trump.
• FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy.
• Senate passes $901 billion defense bill that pushes Hegseth for boat strike video.
• Trump's White House adds partisan plaques to newly installed 'Presidential Hall of Fame'.
• 4 Republicans defy Speaker Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies.
• Jeffery Carroll named interim DC police chief as federal law enforcement surge continues.
• Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents.
• Judge says he's hopeful hearing on Luigi Mangione trial evidence will end this week.
• California threatens Tesla with 30-day suspension of sales license for deceptive self-driving claims.
• New York governor says she has reached a deal to legalize medically assisted suicide.
• Search goes on for suspect in fatal shooting of MIT professor who was fatally shot at his home.
• More drops for AI stocks drag Wall Street to its worst day in nearly a month.
• The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC.
• Warner Bros asks investors to reject takeover bid by Paramount Skydance.
• A triple-double lifts Chicago over Cleveland and Memphis tops Minnesota on the hardwood, an NBA coach is fined, the defending Stanley Cup champs win for the sixth time in seven games, a marquee franchise considers a move, and Washington hires a young GM in baseball.
• Ohio University fires coach Brian Smith over 'serious professional misconduct'.
• Dolphins benching Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers, AP source says.
• Belgium demands ironclad guarantees of protection as EU leaders weigh a massive loan for Ukraine.
• Modest but steady economic growth lets Europe get by without an interest rate cut.
• Putin warns that Russia will seek to extend its gains in Ukraine if peace talks fail.
• Louvre workers vote to extend a strike as the museum partially reopens.

—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