Biden, Trump set for first presidential debate; Texas man executed; Volkswagen recalls SUVs

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted June 27 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

Both President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump hope to jolt a campaign that many voters are just beginning to watch. Thursday's debate in Atlanta offers unparalleled opportunities for both candidates to try to shape the political narrative. 

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza (AP) — Children trudge through water contaminated with sewage and scale growing mounds of garbage in Gaza’s tent camps for displaced families. People relieve themselves in burlap-covered pits, with nowhere nearby to wash their hands. Gaza’s ability to dispose of garbage, treat sewage and deliver clean water is virtually decimated by eight months of war between Israel and Hamas.

WASHINGTON (AP) — NASA has awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to build the vehicle that will bring the International Space Station out of its longtime orbit of Earth when its operating lifespan ends in a few more years. 

In other news:

• The Supreme Court seems poised to allow emergency abortions in Idaho, a Bloomberg News report says.
• The Supreme Court rules for Biden administration in a social media dispute with conservative states.
• Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger endorses Biden, whose campaign wants to flip anti-Trump Republicans.
• Illinois man rejects deal to plead guilty to 7 murder charges in shooting at 2022 July Fourth parade.
• Feds charge 5, including man acquitted at trial, with attempting to bribe Minnesota juror with $120K.
• Texas man executed for 2001 abduction and killing of 18-year-old woman.
• Volkswagen is recalling over 271,000 SUVs because front passenger air bag may not inflate in a crash.
• Long-vacant storefront that once housed part of the Stonewall Inn reclaims place in LGBTQ+ history.
• The NBA Draft continues to be top heavy with international players, a couple of veteran NBA players will soon celebrate new big contracts and Shohei Ohtani continues to amaze.
• Alex Morgan left off the 18-player U.S. soccer roster headed to the Olympics.
• Hall of Famer Glen Sather retires after six decades, highlighted by building the Oilers' dynasty.
• Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody.
• WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange returns to Australia a free man after US legal battle ends.
• France bans extreme-right and radical Islamic groups ahead of polarizing elections.

—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.

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.