Hot Off The Wire

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.

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 30 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: AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on a possible lifesaver for heat stroke. Extreme heat and some medicines can be a risky combo. Here's what to know. FDA OKs best-selling e-cigarette Vuse Alto, but only in tobacco flavor. More than 6 in 10 U.S. adults support protecting access to IVF, AP-NORC poll finds. Summer pause: Small business sales growth tapers in June as consumers take a breather on spending. A Trump-owned company sells $299 sneakers with an image of his bloodied face after rally shooting. JD Vance is a relative political unknown. He's been asked to help Donald Trump avenge his 2020 loss. After crash that killed 6 teens, NTSB chief says people underestimate marijuana's impact on drivers. Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon that could be used to shelter future explorers. The race is on to keep a 150-year-old lighthouse from crumbling into the Hudson River. Navy exonerates 256 Black sailors unjustly punished in 1944 after a deadly California port explosion. Remains of World War II POW who died in the Philippines returned home to California. He was orphaned in the Holocaust and never met any family. Now he has cousins, thanks to DNA tests. The last cards have been dealt as the iconic Mirage closes its doors on the Las Vegas Strip. Original first Gen Apple-1 computer from Steve Jobs' desk goes up for sale at Christie's. Reviving Hollywood glamor of the silent movie era, experts piece together a century-old pipe organ. Tons of dead fish cover major river in Brazil after alleged dumping of industrial waste. NYC's beachside drone program is angering local shorebirds and worrying wildlife experts. Treason and espionage cases are rising in Russia since the war in Ukraine began. Indonesia's massive metals build-out is felling the forest for batteries. —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 19 at 8:15 a.m. CT: FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A global technology outage grounded flights, knocked banks and hospital systems offline and media outlets off air in a massive disruption that affected companies and services around the world and highlighted dependence on software from a handful of providers. Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike said Friday that the issue believed to be behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack. MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donald Trump, somber and bandaged, has accepted his party’s presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention. His speech described in detail the assassination attempt that could have ended his life just five days earlier before laying out a sweeping populist agenda, particularly on immigration.  WASHINGTON (AP) — It's a critical weekend ahead for President Joe Biden. Isolated as he battles a COVID infection at his beach house in Delaware, he is confronting the stark reality that many Democrats at the highest levels want him to consider how stepping aside from the 2024 election could be the party’s best chance of preventing widespread losses in November.  WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden faces a growing drumbeat of pressure to drop his reelection bid, most Democrats think his vice president would make a good president herself. The new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 6 in 10 Democrats believe Kamala Harris would do a good job in the top slot. In other news: Federal appeals court blocks remainder of Biden's student debt relief plan. Rally shooter had photos of Trump, Biden and other US officials on his phone, AP sources say. Hunter Biden seeks dismissal of tax, gun cases, citing decision to toss Trump's classified docs case. Amazon says this year's Prime Day was its biggest ever. Ford to start making F-Series Super Duty pickups at plant in Canada to keep up with demand. Boeing is closer to understanding thruster failures on its first astronaut flight with latest test. Average rate on a 30-year mortgage drops to 6.77%, sliding to lowest level since March. US homes find fewer foreign buyers as rising costs and a strong dollar leave market in record slump. Comedian Bob Newhart, deadpan master of sitcoms and telephone monologues, dies at 94. Lou Dobbs, conservative pundit and Fox Business host, dies at 78. Shannen Doherty finalizes divorce hours before death. Alabama has executed man convicted of killing delivery driver during a 1998 robbery attempt. A sizzling first round has a young tour member atop the British Open leaderboard, in the NBA, it looks like a former MVP will be joining the Nuggets, and in baseball, Tampa Bay has a plan to improve its ballpark situation. Correspondent Bruce Morton reports. Dodgers and Cubs open 2025 MLB season in Tokyo March 18, rest of league starts March 27. Jason Wright is out as Washington Commanders president and will leave the team after the '24 season. Clemson gives men's basketball coach Brad Brownell new contract after run to Elite Eight. Meet Crush, the rare orange lobster diverted from dinner plate to aquarium by Denver Broncos fans. —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 18 at 7:15 a.m. CT: MILWAUKEE (AP) — Donald Trump will take the stage at the Republican National Convention to accept the nomination of a party that has been remade in his image. Thursday's speech will be Trump's first since he was cut off mid-sentence by a flurry of gunfire in an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.  MILWAUKEE (AP) — JD Vance used his Wednesday night address to the Republican National Convention to share the story of his hardscrabble upbringing and make the case that his party best understands the challenges facing struggling Americans. LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 while traveling in Las Vegas and is experiencing “mild symptoms” from the infection. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says Biden will fly to his home in Delaware, where he will “self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.” Alabama is set to execute a man for the 1998 shooting death of a delivery driver during a robbery attempt near an ATM. Keith Edmund Gavin is scheduled to receive a lethal injection Thursday night at a prison in southwest Alabama.  SARVER, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of people who gathered to remember the former fire chief fatally shot at a rally for former President Donald Trump have been urged to find “unity” as the area in rural Pennsylvania seeks to recover. Wednesday's public event was the first of two organized to memorialize and celebrate Corey Comperatore's life, with the second to happen Thursday. In other news: Ex-Trump adviser Peter Navarro, just released from prison, gets roaring applause at RNC. Democrats aim to nominate president in first week of August, as some push Biden to quit the race. Nearly two-thirds of Democrats want Biden to withdraw, new AP-NORC poll finds. Homeland Security inspector general investigates Secret Service handling of security at Trump rally. Three days after attempted assassination, Trump shooter remains an elusive enigma. Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira to face a military court-martial, Air Force says. 'Shogun' leads all Emmy nominees with 25 and 'The Bear' sets comedy series record with 23. Movie armorer seeks dismissal of her conviction or new trial in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin. German police detain a suspected stalker ahead of a Taylor Swift concert. 'I can't breathe' Eric Garner remembered on the 10th anniversary of his chokehold death. A meteor streaked across the NYC skyline before disintegrating over New Jersey. This is how the US-built pier to bring aid to Gaza worked — or not. Israeli authorities release 13 detained Palestinians, says Palestinian medics group. Golf's final major of the year begins Thursday, a big win for the Lynx, a former NHL All-Star moves on, a look at the pennant races and the Bears ink their top two draft picks. —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 17 at 7:45 a.m. CT: MILWAUKEE (AP) — The third day of the Republican National Convention kicks off, with Republicans shifting the focus to issues of national security and foreign policy as the party seeks to draw a stark contrast from Democrats’ handling of the ongoing crises in Europe and the Middle East. This comes as Republicans spent Tuesday highlighting what they say is Democrats’ failure to secure the U.S. borders from illegal immigration.  TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has rejected accusations regarding plots to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump, while citing legal action for the 2020 assassination of a revered general by U.S. drone. The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying Iran “strongly rejects any involvement in the recent armed attack on Trump or claims about Iran’s intention for such an action.” LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden has returned to the campaign trail for the first time since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, continuing his call to calm the divisive rhetoric on both sides. But Biden also argued Tuesday that doing so “doesn’t mean we should stop telling the truth” as he tore into his Republican rival. NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart has spent three years overhauling its mix of adult apparel to make it stylish as well as sensible for middle America. Now, the nation’s largest retailer is seizing the back-to-school shopping season to take another shot at fashion respectability.  In other news: Drama is surrounding the Democratic convention. Signs of trouble at Trump rally were evident in minutes before gunman opened fire. Supreme Court grants Texas man a stay of execution just before his scheduled lethal injection. Jury in Sen. Bob Menendez bribery trial has reached a verdict, to be read in court soon. Out-of-state officers fatally shot a man blocks away from the RNC, angering Milwaukee residents. Amazon Prime Day is a big event for scammers, experts warn. Islamic State attacks on track to double in Iraq and Syria compared to last year, US military says. California is 1st state to ban school rules requiring parents get notified of child’s pronoun change. Southern California school district sues Gov. Newsom over new gender-identity law. Prosecutors say neo-Nazi 'murder cult' leader plotted to give poison candy to Jewish kids in NYC. Houston mayor tells residents to stop threatening crews trying to restore electricity. Oregon award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in river accident. Traces of cyanide found in cups of Vietnamese and Americans found dead in Bangkok hotel, police say. Self-exiled Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui convicted of defrauding followers after fleeing to US. The American League outshines the National League at the All-Star Game, MLB is testing high tech to help call balls and strikes, the Liberty stay atop the WNBA, a top receiver asks to be traded, and the NFL's Number One draft choice signs on the eve of training camp. Paris mayor dips into the Seine River to showcase its improved cleanliness before Olympic events. —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 16 at 8:15 a.m. CT: MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Republican presidential ticket came together when Donald Trump named JD Vance as his running mate. In turning to the 39-year-old Ohio senator, the Republican nominee injected new energy into a campaign that has centered in recent weeks on questions of age following President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance. The Republican National Convention opened Monday less than 48 hours after Trump was the subject of a shocking assassination attempt in Pennsylvania. Trump made a grand entrance, walking into the convention hall with a bandage over his injured right ear and waving to the crowd. The shooting, which left Trump injured and one man dead, loomed over the convention with speakers resolved to win back the White House. U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle addressed the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during an interview with ABC News. Biden will speak Tuesday at the NAACP convention in Las Vegas, aiming to showcase his administration’s support for Black voters who are a tentpole of the Democratic coalition.  James Sikking of “Hill Street Blues” has died at 90. His publicist Cynthia Snyder said in a statement Sunday evening that Sikking died of complications from dementia. Born in Los Angeles, Sikking played a hardened and at times quirky police lieutenant on the revolutionary police procedural and the titular character's kindhearted dad on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” In other news:  President Joe Biden says it was a 'mistake' to say he wanted to put a 'bull's-eye' on Donald Trump. Authorities hunt for clues, but motive of man who tried to assassinate Donald Trump remains elusive. Secret Service agent from 1981's attack on President Reagan reflects on what happened Saturday. In a world of moving pictures, photographs capture indelible moments in Trump assassination attempt. Federal judge dismisses Trump classified documents case over concerns with prosecutor's appointment. Jury asks if unanimity required to acquit 'on a single count' at Sen. Bob Menendez's bribery trial. Expert calls NRA's spending policies a 'dumpster fire' as gun group's civil trial begins a new phase. Wildfire leads to evacuations in Kauai. Pope urges religious orders to pray for new priests and nuns as their numbers continue to fall. The MLB Home Run Derby has a first time winner, pitching matchups for the All Star Game are set, Team USA holds on to win its exhibition game, and a former NFL first round draft pick has been arrested.  —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 14 at 11:00 p.m. CT: BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is calling for unity and resilience after an attempt on his life added fresh uncertainty to a tumultuous presidential campaign. His opponent, President Joe Biden, implored Americans to “cool it down” in the final stretch of the closely contested race and to “resolve our differences at the ballot box." A full day after the attack, the gunman’s motive was still a mystery, and investigators said they believe he acted alone. Biden ordered an independent security review of the shooting, which left one bystander dead and two others critically wounded. The FBI was investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism. Trump arrived Sunday evening in Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday. In other news: Deeply Democratic Milwaukee wrestles with hosting Trump and the Republican National Convention. Conservative group behind Project 2025 floats conspiracy idea that Biden could retain power by force. Amazon Prime Day deals are almost here. Should you take advantage of them. First victim of 1921 Tulsa massacre of Black community is identified since graves found, mayor says. Smoking laptop in passenger's bag prompts evacuation on American Airlines flight in San Francisco. Kate, Princess of Wales, is at Wimbledon in a rare public appearance since revealing she has cancer. ‘Despicable Me 4’ reigns at box office, while ‘Longlegs’ gets impressive start. Shannen Doherty, ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ star, dies at 53. Richard Simmons, a fitness guru who mixed laughs and sweat, dies at 76. Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s diminutive and pioneering sex therapist, dies at 96. Inside the courtroom as case dismissed against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer. Wimbledon has a repeat champion on the men's side, Major League Baseball features a full schedule before the all-star break, there is a first time Major winner in the LPGA, NASCAR raced at Pocono, and the WNBA featured four games. France's Bastille Day parade meets the Olympic torch relay in an exceptional year. French sports minister takes a dip in the Seine ahead of Paris Olympics. Extravagant wedding celebrations for the son of Asia's richest man conclude with a reception. On this week's AP Religion Roundup, Grammy-winning Christian artist LeCrae talks about his new music, and how race and faith intersect in his life. —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 13 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: Air travel is getting worse. That's what passengers are telling the government. Political ads on social media rife with misinformation and scams, new research finds. Target will stop accepting personal checks next week. Are the days of the payment method numbered? The U.S. will pay Moderna $176 million to develop an mRNA pandemic flu vaccine. The FDA approves a second Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow disease. A rare voice box transplant helped a cancer patient speak again, part of a pioneering study. An Arizona museum tells the stories of ancient animals through their fossilized poop. Mount Everest's highest camp is littered with frozen garbage, and cleanup is likely to take years. One way to get real-life legal experience: A free trip to the Paris Olympics. Ukrainian high jumper keeps her eye on the raised bar, but her mind is fixed on the war. To save spotted owls, officials plan to kill hundreds of thousands of another owl species. China's landfills brim with textile waste as fast fashion reigns and recycling takes a back seat. House keys carry symbolic weight for Gaza families repeatedly displaced by war. Land routes across Africa are twice as deadly for migrants as Mediterranean voyages, UN estimates. —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 12 at 7:45 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden used his closely watched anticipated news conference Thursday to deliver a forceful defense of his foreign and domestic policies, and batted away questions about his ability to serve another four years. Biden says: “I’m not in this for my legacy. I’m in this to complete the job I started.” He made one notable flub when he bobbled a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris. But for an hour he largely held his own under intense questioning, eschewing any suggestion that he was in decline, no longer capable of leading the nation and too old to serve another term. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers, donors and celebrities have called on him to step aside. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities in Western states are warning of the rising risk of wildfires as hot conditions and low humidity dry out the landscape amid a protracted heat wave. HOUSTON (AP) — Texas authorities say a suspect has been charged with the fatal shooting of a Houston-area sheriff’s deputy while police were conducting a manhunt following an assault at a pizzeria. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says Ronald Palmer Jr. was arrested around 7 p.m. Thursday and later charged with capital murder.  A security breach in 2022 compromised the data of nearly all of AT&T’s cellular customers, customers of mobile virtual network operators using AT&T’s wireless network, as well as landline customers who interacted with those cellular numbers.  In other news: 1 dead and 2 missing after helicopter crashes in the ocean off the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Donald Trump's lawyers press judge to overturn hush money conviction after Supreme Court immunity ruling. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says for Ukraine to win the war, US needs to lift limits on striking military targets inside Russia. US inflation cools again, potentially paving way for Fed to cut interest rates soon. Marathon Oil reaches $241 million settlement with EPA for environmental violations in North Dakota. Alec Baldwin's lawyer grills crime scene tech over search for live ammo at his shooting trial. Shelley Duvall, star of 'The Shining,' 'Nashville,' dies at 75. Lawsuit filed in case of teen who died after eating spicy chip as part of online challenge. Hurricane Beryl's remnants flood Vermont a year after the state was hit by catastrophic rainfall. A stegosaurus nicknamed Apex will be auctioned in New York. Its remains show signs of arthritis. Paul Skenes is unhittable, the Phillies finish a sweep of the Dodgers while the Orioles are swept for the first time since 2021, Jasmine Paolini advances to her second straight Grand Slam final, and Bill Belichick has another job this fall. Iranian court orders US to pay $6.7 billion after sanctions allegedly stopped special bandage supply. —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 11 at 7:30 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s imperiled reelection campaign is hitting new trouble. Rather than urging him to stay in, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday “it’s up to the president to decide” if he should. Celebrity donor George Clooney said he should not run, and Democratic senators expressed fresh fear about his ability to beat Republican Donald Trump. Late Wednesday, Vermont Sen. Peter Welch called on Biden to withdraw, becoming the first Senate Democrat to do so. It all shows how unsettled the questions over Biden's candidacy remain among Democrats, despite Biden's insistence he is staying in the race. Pelosi has been widely watched for signals of how top Democrats are thinking about Biden’s candidacy. DALLAS (AP) — It may take days to fully bring back power after Hurricane Beryl slammed into Texas early Monday. Frustrations grew about the recovery effort in one of the largest cities in the U.S. State officials have faced questions about whether Houston’s power utility was sufficiently prepared.  PARIS (AP) — A fire broke out in the spire of the medieval cathedral in the northern French city of Rouen but authorities said it was under control about 90 minutes later. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Two astronauts who should have been back on Earth weeks ago say they're confident that Boeing's space capsule can return them safely. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard Boeing's Starliner capsule early last month. Leaks and thruster failures almost derailed their arrival at the International Space Station, and has kept them there much longer than planned.  In other news: Judge says Rudy Giuliani bankruptcy case likely to be dismissed. But his debts aren't going away. Defense attorney says 'Alec Baldwin committed no crime; he was an actor, acting' at trial openings. Sen. Bob Menendez's lawyer tells jury that prosecutors' bribery case 'dies here today.' Founder of collapsed hedge fund Archegos Capital is convicted in securities fraud scheme. BMW recalling more than 390,000 vehicles due to airbag inflator issue. Their Vermont homes were inundated by extreme flooding. A year later, they still struggle to recover. Calls for justice grow in death of Black man outside Milwaukee hotel as GOP convention approaches. His brother was found dead, his mother was arrested before this baby was found crawling by a highway. The U.S. men’s national soccer team is looking for a new coach, Novak Djokovic awaits Lorenzo Musetti in his Grand Slam semifinal debut, a banned NBA player has pleaded guilty in a wire fraud case, the Phillies hit another benchmark while improving their MLB-best record and the NBA agrees to terms on a new 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal. The UK mulls tighter crossbow laws after 3 women were slain in an attack. The suspect is in hospital. Russia declares newspaper The Moscow Times 'undesirable' amid crackdown on criticism. —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 10 at 7:45 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — The mood on Capitol Hill has turned grim as Democrats wrestled over President Joe Biden’s reelection. A seventh House Democrat has said publicly that Biden should drop out. It was an extraordinary question before Democrats on Capitol Hill as they met privately Tuesday behind closed doors.  WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the world must not wait for November to drive back Russia’s offensive against his country. Zelenskyy made the remarks Tuesday while attending this week’s summit of NATO leaders in Washington. HOUSTON (AP) — The return of soaring heat in Houston is deepening the misery for people still without power after Hurricane Beryl crashed into Texas and left residents in search of places to cool off and fuel up as the extended outages strain one of the nation’s largest cities.  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A jury is set to hear opening statements at the involuntary manslaughter trial of Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer in a trial that will delve into the confluence of gun safety, high-wattage celebrity and a low-budget Western movie on a remote movie ranch. DoorDash says it’s stepping up efforts to identify dangerous delivery drivers and remove them from its platform after a flood of complaints from cities.  In other news: Donald Trump revels in Democratic turmoil as he returns to campaign trail and teases VP pick. Nikki Haley releases her delegates so they can back Donald Trump at the RNC next week. Iran encourages Gaza war protests in US to stoke outrage and distrust, intelligence chief says. Las Vegas eyes record of 5th consecutive day over 115 degrees as heat wave continues to scorch US. Fed's Powell highlights slowing job market in signal that rate cuts may be nearing. Navy sailor disciplined for trying to access Biden's health records early this year. Joe Bonsall, celebrated tenor in the country and gospel group the Oak Ridge Boys, dies at 76. Manhattan prosecutors anticipate November retrial for Harvey Weinstein in #MeToo era rape case. The body of an American climber buried by an avalanche 22 years ago in Peru is found in the ice. Booted out of NBA, former player Jontay Porter due in court in betting case. In a matchup of the National League's best, the Phillies squish the Dodgers, the men's top seed at Wimbledon is out, and in the semifinals of the European Championship, Spain relies on youth to get past France. —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.