Harris, Trump meet in debate; Blinken returns to Ukraine

Kamala Harris pressed a forceful case against Donald Trump on Tuesday in their first and perhaps only debate before the presidential election, repeatedly goading him in an event that showcased their starkly different visions for the country on abortion, immigration and American democracy. Less than two months from Election Day and hours before the first early ballots will begin to be mailed Wednesday in Alabama, the debate offered the clearest look yet at a presidential race that has been repeatedly upended.

MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana and Mississippi amid forecasts of a potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds and widespread flooding.

Wildfires continue to rage in several western states.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are in Kyiv on a joint visit as Ukraine presses the West to allow it to use long-range missiles against Russia.

In other news:

• The 911 Memorial & Museum prepares to host the annual remembrance ceremony.
• Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president after debate ends.
• Speaker Johnson pushes ahead on funding bill with proof of citizenship mandate despite dim prospects.
• Americans' inflation-adjusted incomes rebounded to pre-pandemic levels last year.
• Jon Stewart takes on a 'Lazy Susan' of bureaucracy keeping the very first 911 troops from full care.
• Two Delta planes collide on an Atlanta taxiway, knocking the tail off one.
• Abortion-rights measure will be on Missouri's November ballot, court rules.
• Suspect in custody after teen is critically hurt in shooting at Nebraska high school.
• Cuomo defends COVID-19 nursing home decisions in combative House committee hearing.
• NYC Mayor tries to reassure New Yorkers amid a swirling federal investigation.
• NYPD officer lands $175K settlement over 'courtesy cards' that help drivers get out of traffic stops.
• The NFL is looking into civil lawsuit against Browns' Watson, the NBA expands coaches challenges, Kyle Schwarber sets an MLB record and gamblers come at an Auburn quarterback.  
• Biden honors NCAA basketball champs South Carolina and celebrates surging interest in women's sports.
• Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards are among former Michigan players suing NCAA and Big Ten Network.
• Dolphins star Tyreek Hill had an altercation with police. Here's what we know.
• Israel releases video of a Gaza tunnel where it says Hamas militants killed 6 hostages.

—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.