Senate aims to expand Social Security; White House targets overdraft fees

Episode Description

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As several of President-elect Donald Trump’s choices for high-level positions in his administration face scrutiny on Capitol Hill, a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that Americans have their own doubts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot even though the bureau did prepare for the possibility of violence on Jan. 6, 2021, according to a watchdog report. It also says no undercover FBI employees were present that day and none of the bureau’s informants was authorized to participate.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments.

Stanley is recalling approximately 2.6 million of its switchback and trigger action stainless steel travel mugs sold in the U.S. because of a potential burn hazard.

Dick Vitale said he’s cancer-free after his fourth bout with the disease in just over three years. The 85-year-old ESPN college basketball analyst posted Thursday on X that he got the news after a morning scan, saying: “SANTA CLAUS came early as Dr Rick Brown called & said that my PET SCAN at 7 AM came back CLEAN OF CANCER !” Vitale posted on X.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Thursday it's capping overdraft fees at $5 with a rule set to take effect in October 2025, if it isn't overturned by Congress or altered under a Trump administration. President Joe Biden had called the fees, which can be as high as $35, “exploitative,” while the banking industry has lobbied extensively to keep the existing fee structures in place.

In other news:

Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast.
Trump is named Time's Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange's opening bell.
Meta donates $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund.
US senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey should be 'shot down, if necessary.'
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing.
NATO chief warns that Putin wants long-term confrontation with Europe after Ukraine.
Stock market today Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its record.
Elon Musk wants to turn SpaceX's Starbase site into a Texas city.
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated.
Average rate on 30-year mortgage hits 6.6%, its third straight weekly decline.
Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case.
3 men say in lawsuits that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs drugged and sexually assaulted them.
The Rams close in on the Seahawks by beating the Niners, North Carolina makes it official with Belichick, Celtics roll without Tatum, Oilers blast Wild behind Draisait.
US Olympic and Paralympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations.
Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months.
Crown of Thorns returns to Notre Dame cathedral for public veneration.

—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.