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.