Attacks paralyze French trains before Olympics; Obamas endorse Harris

Hot Off The Wire

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.