Businesses plan for a future without TikTok; Kia investing in a new compact car; meningitis, tuberculosis cases on the rise

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted March 30 at 6 a.m. CT:

Each Saturday Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include:

• Big brands could pivot easily if TikTok goes away. For many small businesses, it's another story.
• Small business hiring woes show signs of easing as economy stays strong.
• Kia invests in new compact car even though the segment is shrinking as Americans buy SUVs and trucks.
• Driving along ... and the roadway vanishes beneath you. What's it like to survive a bridge collapse.
• Schools in the path of April's total solar eclipse prepare for a natural teaching moment.
• Officials warn of increase in bacterial illnesses that can lead to meningitis and possibly death.
• Tuberculosis cases were at their the highest level in a decade in 2023.
• The British Museum is suing a former curator it says stole 1,800 items and tried to sell them.
• The British Museum is suing a former curator it says stole 1,800 items and tried to sell them.
• 783 million people face chronic hunger. Yet the world wastes 19% of its food, UN says.
• Why is Japan changing its ban on exporting lethal weapons, and why is it so controversial.
• As Biden tours the country and visits swing states, Trump is fundraising and playing golf.
• More than 1,000 people have died after police encounters AP investigation.

—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.

Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.

Hot Off The Wire is a collection of news, sports and entertainment reports. The program is produced by Lee Enterprises with audio provided by The Associated Press.