Deadly storms move through Midwest; defense rests in Trump's hush money trial; Graceland is not for sale

Hot Off The Wire

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 22 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

GREENFIELD, Iowa (AP) — Multiple people were killed when a tornado tore through a small Iowa town and left a wide swath of obliterated homes, crumpled cars and splintered trees. The tornado destroyed much of the town of Greenfield. Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Alex Dinkla says at least a dozen people were injured amid widespread devastation in Greenfield. And outside the town, massive wind turbines were buckled and twisted to the ground by the howling winds. Tuesday saw multiple tornadoes, giant hail and heavy rain in several states. The storms moved eastward to pummel parts of Illinois and Wisconsin, knocking out power to tens of thousands of customers in the two states.

BANGKOK (AP) — Aviation investigators have arrived in Bangkok to learn how and why severe turbulence sent a Singapore Airlines plane into a sudden dive that tossed passengers and crew around the cabin, leaving a British man dead and dozens others injured.

Norway, Ireland and Spain have recognized a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by Palestinians as an affirmation of their decadeslong quest while Israel recalled its ambassadors to the three countries. Several European Union countries indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.

DETROIT (AP) — Cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. keep getting older. A study published Wednesday says U.S. vehicles hit a record average age of 12.6 years in 2024 as people hang on to their rides largely because new ones cost so much.

Russia’s Defense Ministry says it has begun a round of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons. It was the first time Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, although its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises. Russian officials said the drills were a response to remarks by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

In other news:

• The defense rests without ex-President Donald Trump taking the witness stand in his New York hush money trial.
• President Joe Biden releasing one million barrels of gasoline from Northeast reserve in bid to lower prices at pump.
• Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani pleads not guilty to felony charges in Arizona election interference case.
• Fani Willis and the judge presiding over Georgia's Trump election case defeat challengers.
• Judge dismisses felony convictions of five retired military officers in US Navy bribery case.
• DOJ sues Oklahoma over new law setting state penalties for those living in the US illegally.
• Scarlett Johansson says a ChatGPT voice is 'eerily similar' to hers and OpenAI is halting its use.
• Graceland is not for sale, Elvis Presley's granddaughter Riley Keough says in lawsuit.
• Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say.
• Trump campaign calls 'The Apprentice' 'blatantly false,' director offers to screen it for him.
• Proposed $2.77 billion settlement clears first step of NCAA approval with no change to finance plan.
• The Celtics go overtime to beat the Pacers in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Phillies improve on their MLB-best record, a veteran NHL defenseman is dealt back to his former team, and in February, and two drivers will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

—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.