On the version of Hot off the Wire posted May 16 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has finished installing a floating pier for the Gaza Strip. Officials said Thursday that they are poised to begin ferrying badly needed humanitarian aid into the enclave besieged over seven months of intense fighting in the Israel-Hamas war. 

BANSKA BYSTRICA, Slovakia (AP) — The Slovak interior minister said Thursday that a “lone wolf” has been charged in the shooting that seriously wounded Prime Minister Robert Fico and prompted soul-searching among leaders in the deeply divided society. 

BEIJING (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for China’s proposals on ending the war in Ukraine, which have been rejected by Ukraine and its Western supporters as largely following the Kremlin’s line. At their summit, Putin and Xi reaffirmed a “no-limits” partnership that has grown deeper as both countries face deepening tensions with the West. 

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automaker Honda is reaffirming its commitment to electric vehicles, investing 10 trillion yen, or $65 billion, through fiscal 2031. 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top U.S. security officials say America’s foreign adversaries will again seek to influence the upcoming U.S. elections. Countries like Russia, China and Iran are likely to use the latest artificial intelligence programs to create and spread disinformation aimed at polarizing voters and undermining faith in democracy. During a Senate hearing Wednesday, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers that the U.S. has greatly improved its ability to detect fake content. 

In other news:

• Michael Cohen gives insider details at trial as Donald Trump's defense attorney accuses him of seeking vengeance.
• Census estimates Detroit population rises after decades of decline, South still dominates US growth.
• US inflation eased last month in the first slowdown of 2024.
• Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending.
• Canadians are hopeful shifting winds may push wildfire away from the oil sands hub of Fort McMurray.
• Delaware police exchange gunfire with woman in police chase through 2 states that ends in her death.
• Yet another appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals for the Celtics, while the Mavericks move to within one game of the Western Conference Finals, the Avalanche extend their season and the best record in MLB is even better after the Phillies get another victory.
• Chiefs kicker Butker congratulates women graduates and says most are more excited about motherhood.
• Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco suspended 10 games by MLB for foreign substance found in glove.

—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.