The Latest: Hofstra honoured to host 1st presidential debate

DAYTON, Ohio – The Latest on an Ohio university’s decision to no longer host the first 2016 presidential general election debate (all times local):

5:30 p.m.

New York’s Hofstra University says it’s honoured to be called on to host the first 2016 presidential general election debate.

The Sept. 26 debate is moving to Hofstra after Ohio’s Wright State University withdrew as host Tuesday, citing rising security concerns and costs.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced quickly that Hofstra would take over. The Hempstead, New York, university had agreed last year to serve as an alternate site. It hosted debates in 2012 and 2008.

Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz says hosting the debate is “an extraordinary privilege.” He says the university appreciates the faith shown in it by the commission and has begun preparations “for a very successful debate.”

The shift means the debate will be in the home state of the two major parties’ presumptive nominees, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.

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2:40 p.m.

The first presidential general election debate is moving to New York after an Ohio college withdrew as host, citing rising security concerns and costs.

Wright State University President David Hopkins said Tuesday that the school in Dayton has a large, open campus and there has been growing concern about what it would take to “guarantee the safety and security” of the school and surrounding community for the Sept. 26 debate.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced quickly that Hofstra University would take over. The Hempstead, New York, school had agreed last year to serve as an alternate site. Hofstra hosted a debate in 2012.

The shift means the first debate will be in the home state of the two major parties’ presumptive nominees.