Returnless refunds from retailers, reviewing the election and religion news

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

• Many retailers offer 'returnless refunds.' Just don't expect them to talk much about it.
• Don't wait for a holiday surge. Now is a good time to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
• The story of how Trump went from diminished ex-president to a victor once again.
• Who will certify Donald Trump's presidential win Kamala Harris, that's who.
• Rita Foley reports on how many people watched the election night excitement on TV.
• A Texas border county backed Democrats for generations. Trump won it decisively.
• Beyonce' leads Grammy nominations.
• Elwood Edwards, the man behind the voice of AOL's 'You've got mail' greeting, dies at 74.
• Small Business Administration-backed financing rose 7% to $56B in fiscal 2024.
• CDC calls for expanded testing for bird flu after blood tests reveal more farmworker infections.
• Florida’s iconic Key deer face an uncertain future as seas rise.
• Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon drops by nearly 31% compared to previous year.
• Pompeii archaeological park sets daily visitors' limit to combat over-tourism.
• Evangelicals and Catholics provide crucial votes in the presidential election.

—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

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.