On the version of Hot off the Wire posted July 24 at 7:45 a.m. CT:

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican leaders are warning party members against using overtly racist and sexist attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, as they and former President Donald Trump’s campaign scramble to adjust to the reality of a new Democratic rival less than four months before Election Day. At a closed-door meeting of House Republicans early Tuesday, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson urged lawmakers to instead stick to criticizing Harris for her role in Biden-Harris administration policies. “This election will be about policies and not personalities,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters after the meeting.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Even though President Joe Biden won’t be on the ballot this November, voters still will be weighing his legacy. As Vice President Kamala Harris moves to take his place as the Democratic standard-bearer, Biden’s accomplishments remain very much at risk should Republican Donald Trump prevail. Biden will have an opportunity to make a case for his legacy on Wednesday night when he delivers an Oval Office address about his decision to bow out of the race and “what lies ahead.”

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Ninety-seven runners have pushed off in desolate Death Valley for an annual ultramarathon billed as the world’s toughest foot race. The men and women ranging in age from 19 to 69 and hailing from 21 countries and 26 U.S. states started the Badwater 135 on Monday amid an excessive heat warning. Over 48 hours, the participants will run amid daytime temperatures reaching over 120 degrees Fahrenheit and night heat above 100 F. They will travel over roadways open to traffic and pass through places with names like Furnace Creek and Devil’s Golf Course. The race started in 1987 and is always run when temperatures peak in mid-July.

In other news:

—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.