Powerful storms hit central US; gene may cause some Alzheimer's cases; Randy Travis gets help from AI

Hot Off The Wire

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 7 at 7:15 a.m. CT:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Powerful storms have erupted in the central United States, bringing tornadoes to rural Oklahoma and large hail in parts of Kansas. At least one death has been reported in Oklahoma. Tornadoes were spotted skirting northern Oklahoma, including one that caused extensive damage north of Tulsa in the small town of Barnsdall.

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — An American English-language tutor has been arrested in Moscow on hooliganism charges for reportedly breaking into a children’s library while intoxicated and has been sentenced to 10 days in jail. State news agency RIA-Novosti says William Nycum was found in the library on Friday after breaking a window to gain entry.

Israeli forces have taken control of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in the Gaza Strip, pressing on with an offensive in the southern city as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain precarious.

NEW YORK (AP) — Witness testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to move forward again and all eyes are on who will be called next.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer's disease. Most cases of the mind-robbing disease occur after age 65. A gene called APOE4 has long been considered a key risk factor.

BEIJING (AP) — A knife attack at a hospital in southwestern China has killed two people and injured 21 others. No motive was given for Tuesday's attack at Zhenxiong County People’s Hospital in Yunnan province.

In other news:

• Trump fined $1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as ex-employee recounts reimbursements.
• Sen. Bernie Sanders says Gaza may be President Joe Biden's Vietnam. But he's ready to battle for Biden over Trump.
• House Republicans are ready to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt over Biden audio.
• The FAA investigates after Boeing says workers in South Carolina falsified 787 inspection records.
• Boeing calls off its first astronaut launch because of valve issue on rocket.
• An American soldier was arrested in Russia and accused of stealing, US officials say.
• Brittney Griner still adjusting after Russian prison ordeal. WNBA star details experience in book.
• With help from AI, Randy Travis got his voice back. Here's how his first song post-stroke came to be.
• The Minnesota Timberwolves move up 2-0 in their series against the Denver Nuggets, the New York Knicks get another huge performance from Jalen Brunson in their playoff win, the Boston Bruins take their Stanley Cup playoff series second round opener, and the Minnesota Twins win again.
• 155 police officers injured at German soccer match, most from tear-gas use.

—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.