On today's episode:

• Iran's leader say his country is in crisis amid protests and external pressures.
• Trump and top Iranian officials exchange threats over protests roiling Iran.
• A fire in a Swiss ski resort bar has left about 40 people dead.
• French government defends granting citizenship to George and Amal Clooney.
• Kim’s daughter visits family mausoleum, promoting her potential status as heir in North Korea.
• US military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8 and possibly leaving survivors.
• Trump, in interview, defends his energy and health, offers new details on screening he underwent.
• Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes.
• Trump delays increased tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for a year.
• Chief Justice says Constitution remains 'firm and unshaken' with major Supreme Court rulings ahead.
• Trump says he's dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now.
• Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress.
• What to know about Trump administration freezing federal child care funds.
• Department of Justice is reviewing more than 5.2 million documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Zohran Mamdani promises to govern 'expansively and audaciously' in inaugural speech as NYC mayor.
• Woman killed in suspected mountain lion attack while hiking in northern Colorado.
• Rain soaks Rose Parade in California and snow squalls hit Midwest and Northeast on first day of 2026.
• Rescue crew finds 3 hikers dead in Southern California mountains during strong winds.
• Wall Street falls in light trading on the final day of 2025, another banner year for markets.
• US stocks rose again in 2025 after overcoming turbulence from tariffs and Trump's fight with the Fed.
• Tatiana Schlossberg, a grandchild of the late President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35.
• Gospel singer Richard Smallwood dies at 77, leaving a legacy that inspired many in music.
• The top seed moves on in convincing fashion in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, a CFP thriller in the Sugar Bowl and a rout in the Orange Bowl, a two-time NFL MVP updates his status for a key weekend matchup, a young NBA star avoids serious injury and a Japanese star pitcher signs in the majors.
• Venus Williams is back at the Australian Open 5 years after her last appearance, 28 after her 1st.
• Alabama QB Ty Simpson says a cracked rib sidelined him in 2nd half of blowout Rose Bowl loss.
• More campus games Big 12 commish says 'everything is on the table' when it comes to playoff reboot.
• Napheesa Collier will have surgery on both ankles and be sidelined for four to six months.
• Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore accused of throwing girlfriend to the ground.
• Cities around the world welcome 2026 with thunderous fireworks and heightened security.
• Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills 24 in occupied Ukraine as tensions grow amid peace talks.
• Pope opens 2026 with plea for peace in countries bloodied by war, families wounded by 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