Trump appears at charity dinner; Dodgers slam Mets

NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump laced into Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats in a pointed and at times bitter speech as he headlined the annual Al Smith charity dinner in New York. Trump, in remarks that often felt more like a rally speech than a comedy bit, repeatedly criticized Harris over her decision to skip the event as she campaigned in Wisconsin. 

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine police say a search is underway after four gunmen reportedly abducted an American national, who was shot in the leg as he tried to resist before being spirited away by speedboat. 

HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court has halted the scheduled execution of a man who would have become the first person in the U.S. put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome. 

BEIRUT — A statement issued by one of Hamas’ political leaders abroad Friday tacitly — but not directly — confirmed the death of the group’s leader, Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza, and said that Israel is mistaken if it “believes that killing our leaders means the end of our movement and the struggle of the Palestinian people.”

Dozens of farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin are scrambling to feed their flocks after a struggling organic broiler chicken producer abruptly closed a year after getting a $39 million federal loan. Pure Prairie Poultry shuttered its Charles City, Iowa, processing plant after filing for bankruptcy in September. 

In other news:

• Panel looking into Trump assassination attempt says Secret Service needs ‘fundamental reform.’
• Battleground North Carolina sees strong early voting, despite obstacles created by Helene.
• A father and son are both indicted on murder charges in a mass school shooting in Georgia.
• Death of ex-One Direction member Liam Payne at 31 sends shockwaves around the world.
• Diablo and Santa Ana winds are to descend on California and raise wildfire risk.
• Colsen recalls nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits after reports of serious burn injuries.
• Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US rises to the highest level in 8 weeks.
• US shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth.
• Mitzi Gaynor, 'South Pacific' star among the last actors of the Hollywood musical era's golden age, dies at 93.
• A tough night for New York in baseball’s championship series, a beatdown by the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, a surprising retirement in college basketball, a late rally sends the Lighting past the Golden Knights and more. 
• South Korean intelligence says North is sending troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine reports.

—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.