On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 30 at 8:15 a.m. CT:

ATLANTA (AP) — Little more than a week ago, Georgia appeared to be slipping out of Democrats’ reach. President Joe Biden’s campaign was pledging to concentrate more on holding the “blue wall” states in the Midwest and suggesting they might be willing to forsake “Sun Belt” battlegrounds. But now that Biden has bowed out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris is the likely nominee, the Democrats say they have new hope for Georgia. They’re betting a fresh burst of energy and a surge in fundraising has helped make Georgia a toss-up again. Harris plans a show of political force Tuesday in Atlanta, with a large rally like those held by Republican ex-President Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate lawmakers are expected to grill the Secret Service's acting director about law enforcement lapses in the hours before the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

LONDON (AP) — British police are questioning a suspect and working to understand what motivated a 17-year-old boy to attack children at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class, leaving three dead and six in critical condition. A total of eight other children and two adults were wounded in the rampage in Southport in northwest England.

NEW YORK (AP) — A New York judge declined to appoint an outside monitor to oversee the finances and internal policies of the National Rifle Association. But he is barring the group’s former leader, Wayne LaPierre, from holding a paid position with the organization for a decade.

In other news:

• Biden unveils plan for Supreme Court changes, says US stands at 'breach' as public confidence sinks.
• Harris and Democrats keep calling Trump and Vance 'weird.' Here's why.
• Trump and Harris enter 99-day sprint to decide an election that has suddenly transformed.
• Trump agrees to be interviewed as part of an investigation into his assassination attempt, FBI says.
• Interpol anti-narcotics operation leads to 206 arrests, seizure of $1.6 of illegal drugs, chemicals.
• Taylor Swift says she is 'in shock' after 2 children died in an attack on a UK dance class.
• Iowa now bans most abortions after about 6 weeks, before many women know they're pregnant.
• Trial canceled in North Dakota abortion ban lawsuit as judge ponders dismissal.
• Fresh quakes damage West Texas area with long history of tremors caused by oil and gas industry.
• 7 people shot, 2 fatally, at a park in upstate Rochester, N.Y.
• Another good day for the U.S. at the Olympics, a long losing streak continues in major league baseball, Aaron Judge goes yard twice and a big three team deal on the eve of Baseball's trading deadline.
• Venezuelan opposition says it has proof its candidate defeated President Maduro in disputed election.
• 6 UK lawmakers are running to lead the Conservative Party after its crushing election defeat.
• The Taliban disavows some Afghan diplomatic missions abroad and rejects their consular services.
• Ukrainian troops say Russia's front-line push has driven them out of two more eastern villages.
• North Korean officials seek medicines for Kim's obesity-related health problems, Seoul says.

—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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 28 at 6 a.m. CT:

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

• Too many pills: How to talk to your doctor about reviewing what’s needed.
• Taylor Swift's museum era is on full display at London's V&A.
• Spicy dispute over the origins of Flamin' Hot Cheetos winds up in court.
• Harris steps into the limelight. And the coconut trees and memes have followed.
• As hurricane season begins, here's how small businesses can prepare in advance of a storm.
• Data shows hurricanes and earthquakes grab headlines but inland counties top disaster list.
• Monday is the hottest day recorded on Earth, beating Sunday's record, European climate agency says.
• A slight temperature drop makes Tuesday the world's second-hottest day.
• The flickering glow of summer's fireflies too important to lose, too small to notice them gone.
• Physicality and endurance win the World Series of perhaps the oldest game in North America.
• Do you really have to wait to go swimming after eating.
• A neurological disorder stole her voice. Jennifer Wexton takes it back on the House floor.
• Yoga, meditation and prayer Urban transit workers cope with violence and fear on the job.
• More money could result in fewer trips to ER, study suggests.
• UN says nearly 40 million people had HIV in 2023 — and every minute someone died.
• World Health Organization official in Palestinian areas “extremely worried” about possible polio outbreak.
• A 7-month-old tree kangaroo peeked out of its mom's pouch at the Bronx Zoo and here are the photos.
• Frozen treats, cold showers and lots of ice; Florida zoo works to protect animals from summer heat.
• Gizmo the dog went missing in Las Vegas in 2015. He's been found alive after 9 years.
• Rescued walrus calf 'sassy' and alert after seemingly being left by her herd in Alaska.
• AmeriCorps CEO gets a look at a volunteer-heavy project to rebuild Louisiana's vulnerable coast.
• Bernard Arnault has been dubbed the Olympics' godfather. Here's how he built LVMH's fortune.

—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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 26 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

PARIS (AP) — The French national rail company says high-speed lines have been hit arson attacks that heavily disrupted traffic on the day of the high-risk Olympics opening ceremony. Lines in the west, north and east of France were affected, the rail operator said. Government officials denounced the incidents hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, which are happening around France, though there was no immediate sign of a link to the Games. Prosecutors opened an investigation, saying that the crimes could carry a 20-year sentence and fines of hundreds of thousands of euros.

ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have endorsed Kamala Harris in her White House bid, giving the vice president the expected but still crucial backing of the nation’s two most popular Democrats. The endorsement was announced Friday in a video showing Harris accepting a joint phone call from the former first couple. It comes as Harris builds momentum as the party’s likely nominee after President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid and endorse her against Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump. Harris thanks the Obamas for their backing and says she looks forward to campaigning with them ahead of the Nov. 5 Election Day.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines plans to drop the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and will start assigning passengers to seats, just like all the other big airlines. The airline said Thursday that preferences have changed over the years and the vast majority of travelers now want to know where they are sitting before they get to the airport. Southwest’s unusual boarding process started as a fast way to load passengers and limit the time that planes and crews spend sitting idly on the ground, not making money. It helped the airline squeeze a few more flights into the daily schedule. Southwest also plans to offer redeye flights for the first time.

In other news:

• Harris says she wants original plan for debate with Trump.
• Harris tells teachers union she's ready to fight for country's future — 'bring it on.'
• Prosecutors urge judge not to toss out Trump’s hush money conviction, pushing back on immunity claim.
• US economic growth increased last quarter to a healthy 2.8% annual rate.
• Newsom orders California state agencies to start clearing homeless encampments.
• Texas deaths from Hurricane Beryl climb to at least 36, including more who lost power in heat.
• Uvalde, Texas, school officer pleads not guilty to charges of failing to protect kids during attack.
• Video game performers will go on strike over artificial intelligence concerns.
• The latest in sports.
• Flavor Flav is soaking up his 1st Olympic experience cheering on the US water polo teams.
• Paris businesses experiencing pre-Olympic slump, as tourism dips ahead of games.

—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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 25 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden has delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy. In an address Wednesday he laid out his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden insisted “the defense of democracy is more important than any title.” He did not directly call out former President Donald Trump, whom he has called an existential threat to democracy. “Nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy,” Biden said in his 10-minute address from the Oval Office. “And that includes personal ambition.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a long-awaited White House visit to meet with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at an important moment for all three politicians. Netanyahu delivered a scathing speech to Congress Wednesday to defend Israel’s conduct in the war and vowed “total victory” against Hamas.

A joint U.S.-Canada aerospace command says two Chinese and two Russian military planes were tracked flying over international waters near Alaska. NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said American and Canadian fighter jets were sent up in response. It also said the activity was not seen as a threat.

Southwest Airlines is doing away with a 50-year tradition and plans to start assigning seats. The airline is also looking to introduce redeye flights.

DETROIT (AP) — BMW is recalling more than 291,000 SUVs in the U.S. because the interior cargo rails can detach in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. The recall covers certain X3 SUVs from the 2018 through 2023 model years.

In other news:

• Democrats poised to virtually nominate Harris — and her running mate — by Aug. 7.
• Crowdstrike blames update for letting bad data slip through causing global tech outage.
• Watchdog finds no improper influence in sentencing recommendation for Trump ally Roger Stone.
• Secret DEA files show agents joked about rape in WhatsApp chat. Then one of them was accused of it.
• Man who attacked author Salman Rushdie charged with supporting terrorist group.
• Fake protest set for TV shoot on NYC campus sparks real demonstration by pro-Palestinian activists.
• The Winter Olympics are returning to the United States, Alex Cora gets a contract extension as his Red Sox are pounded by the Rockies, the Mets earn a Subway Series sweep of the Yankees and the Giants best the rival Dodgers, the NBA and WNBA strike landmark media rights deals and more.
• IOC approves French Alps bid backed by President Macron to host the 2030 Winter Olympics.
• Olympic fans can eat, drink and cheer in a mini World's Fair in Paris park.

—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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 23 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Vice President Kamala Harris has had a busy 24 hours. Since President Joe Biden stepped down from the presidential race and endorsed his VP, she has secured the delegates she’ll need to earn the party’s nomination and raised more than $81 million, a record for any political party this cycle. She will visit Milwaukee Tuesday.

Delta Air Lines is struggling for a fourth straight day to recover from the tech outage, even as other airlines are returning to nearly normal levels of service. Delta canceled more than 700 flights on Monday, bringing its total since the outage started Friday to more than 5,500 cancellations. That's according to travel-data provider Cirium. Delta's woeful performance is drawing unwanted attention from the federal government.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new Pentagon strategy says the U.S. must invest more to upgrade sensors, communications and space-based technologies in the Arctic to keep pace with China and Russia who are increasingly operating there, including in joint military exercises.

In other news:

• Secret Service director, grilled by lawmakers on the Trump assassination attempt, says 'we failed.'
• Democrats plan to push ahead with virtual roll call ahead of their convention, with Harris favored.
• Democrats promise an 'orderly process' to replace Biden. Harris is favored, but questions remain.
• JD Vance makes solo debut as GOP vice presidential nominee with Monday rallies in Ohio and Virginia.
• Netanyahu is in Washington at a fraught time for Israel and the US. What to know about his visit.
• Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, last of the original Four Tops, is dead at 88.
• US-Russian journalist convicted in a rapid, secret trial, gets 6 1/2 years in prison, court says.
• US investigating some Jeep and Ram vehicles after getting complaints of abrupt engine stalling.
• The Yankees and Mets win behind power hitting, the Tigers, Pirates, Reds and Twins win with strong starting pitching, LeBron James carries the US basketball team past Germany in its final pre-Olympic game, and NFL quarterback news.
• Athletes, coaches, delegations arrive in Paris as opening ceremony looms closer.
• The ACC is digging its heels in despite facing lawsuits from two of its most notable schools.

—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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 22 at 7:30 a.m. CT:

President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris is being thrust into the most scrutinizing of spotlights, suddenly the leading candidate to succeed Biden as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and her party’s main hope of defeating Trump.

Airlines, including Delta Air Lines, continued to struggle to restore operations two days after a faulty software update caused technological havoc worldwide and resulted in several carriers grounding flights. Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a statement Sunday that flight cancellations continued as the airline tried to recover its systems and restore operations. He noted that the pause in Delta’s operations resulted in more than 3,500 Delta and Delta Connection scrubbed flights. Delta has been offering waivers to affected customers.

In other news:

• JD Vance makes solo debut as GOP vice presidential candidate with Monday rallies in Virginia, Ohio.
• The Secret Service acknowledges denying some past requests by Trump's campaign for tighter security.
• 8.5 million computers running Windows affected by faulty update from CrowdStrike.
• Two deaths linked to listeria food poisoning from meat sliced at deli counters.
• Ten Commandments won't go in Louisiana classrooms until at least November as lawsuit plays out.
• Longtime US Rep Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, who had pancreatic cancer, has died.
• The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified..
• Missouri woman who served 43 years in prison is free after her murder conviction was overturned.
• ‘Twisters’ whips up $80.5 million at box office, while ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ looms.
• Harvey Weinstein retrial in NYC tentatively set for November.
• An American wins another Golf major, Kyle Larson vaults atop the NASCAR leaderboard and an Astros slugger hits for the cycle in a losing effort.
• On this week's religion roundup, voices of faith at the Republican National Convention.

—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.