New calls to track NJ drones; new films struggle at theaters

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy advanced drone-tracking technology following weeks of reported drone sightings in parts of New York and New Jersey that have stirred fear and bewilderment. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to use the technology to track drones back to their landing spots. 

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Health officials in the Gaza Strip say the death toll from the 14-month war between Israel and Hamas militants has topped 45,000 people.

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s biggest bank has apologized after an employee allegedly stole more than 1 billion yen ($6.6 million) from customers' safe deposit boxes.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans hoping for lower borrowing costs for homes, credit cards and cars may be disappointed after this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed’s policymakers are likely to signal fewer interest rate cuts next year than were previously expected. 

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — France is rushing help by ship and military aircraft to its poor overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean that has been shattered by its worst storm in nearly a century. 

The Spider-Man spinoff “Kraven the Hunter” got off to a disastrous start in North American theaters this weekend. Studio estimates Sunday show the movie starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson earned only $11 million. This weekend's other major studio release was Warner Bros.’ animated “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” which made $5 million. “Moana 2” easily beat out the new releases, becoming the fourth highest grossing film of the year with $717 million globally. “Wicked" also continued to perform and crossed the $500 million threshold worldwide. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris thanked deep-pocketed Democratic donors who raised record sums in last month’s election loss to President-elect Donald Trump. 

In other news:

• Biden to sign proclamation establishing national monument honoring first US female Cabinet secretary.
• Trump nominees should "steer clear" of undermining polio vaccine, McConnell says.
• ABC agrees to give $15 million to Donald Trump's presidential library to settle defamation lawsuit.
• Trump hosts Apple CEO at Mar-a-Lago as big tech leaders continue outreach to president-elect.
• US Marines start partial transfer from Okinawa in Japan to Guam under plan agreed 12 years ago.
• Court denies TikTok's request to halt enforcement of potential US ban until Supreme Court review.
• Former Manhattan prosecutor to represent suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.
• After UnitedHealthcare CEO's killing, San Francisco police gave FBI tip about suspect's identity.
• After a 15-year pause in executions, Indiana prepares to put to death a man who killed 4.
• Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking "cozy" and "festive" this holiday season.
• Flight takes kids to visit Santa at North Pole scene in transformed Denver airport hangar.
• Margie Szaroleta has the AP Entertainment Update, featuring a Bob Dylan biography, "The Simpsons" and a return of "Malcolm in the Middle."
• High scoring games around the NFL Sunday, quarterbacks with prolific performances and a crazy finish in New Orleans. 
• Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter wins Heisman Trophy as college football's top player.
• Blake Horvath shines as Navy dominates in a 31-13 victory over Bryson Daily and No. 19 Army.
• South Korea’s impeached leader avoids investigators as court begins meeting to determine his fate.
• American pilgrim imprisoned in Syria calls his release a "blessing;" Greek village leans into faith in the fight against demographic collapse.

—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.

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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.