Tragedy at Trump rally upends election campaign - for now
The 2024 election campaign has a new iconic image: Donald Trump, moments after narrowly avoiding serious injury or death from an assassin’s bullets, standing with his fist raised, lines of blood streaked across his face, an American flag billowing in the breeze behind him.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” the former president said, as some of the supporters, who moments before had feared for their lives, began cheering.
The bloodshed in Pennsylvania will leave a lasting mark on the American psyche, puncturing the veneer of security around the highest levels of presidential politics – of magnetic screening, bulletproof limousines and heavily armed Secret Service agents. Even former presidents are not insulated from the violence that can erupt in everyday American life. read more
The 2024 election campaign has a new iconic image: Donald Trump, moments after narrowly avoiding serious injury or death from an assassin’s bullets, standing with his fist raised, lines of blood streaked across his face, an American flag billowing in the breeze behind him.
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” the former president said, as some of the supporters, who moments before had feared for their lives, began cheering.
The bloodshed in Pennsylvania will leave a lasting mark on the American psyche, puncturing the veneer of security around the highest levels of presidential politics – of magnetic screening, bulletproof limousines and heavily armed Secret Service agents. Even former presidents are not insulated from the violence that can erupt in everyday American life. read more
Why Trump picked JD Vance as his running mate
In 2016, when Donald Trump picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it was widely viewed as an effort to court evangelical Christian voters who may have been wary of supporting Trump, a thrice-married former Democrat.
This time around, he opted for JD Vance. And like his previous choice, the Ohio senator’s selection offers some insight into the former president’s campaign strategy – and, possibly, how he would govern if he returns to the White House.
The pick suggests Trump knows this election will be won and lost in a handful of industrial Midwest battleground states. read more
In 2016, when Donald Trump picked Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate, it was widely viewed as an effort to court evangelical Christian voters who may have been wary of supporting Trump, a thrice-married former Democrat.
This time around, he opted for JD Vance. And like his previous choice, the Ohio senator’s selection offers some insight into the former president’s campaign strategy – and, possibly, how he would govern if he returns to the White House.
The pick suggests Trump knows this election will be won and lost in a handful of industrial Midwest battleground states. read more
Ursula von der Leyen secures five more years in top EU job
Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission following a secret ballot among MEPs.
She secured the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday - 41 more than she needed.
Ms von der Leyen, of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected in 2019.
She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU. read more
Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission following a secret ballot among MEPs.
She secured the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday - 41 more than she needed.
Ms von der Leyen, of the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected in 2019.
She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU. read more
UN top court says Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal
The UN's top court has said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law, in a landmark opinion.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Israel should stop settlement activity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its "illegal" occupation of those areas and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the court had made a "decision of lies". read more
The UN's top court has said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is against international law, in a landmark opinion.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said Israel should stop settlement activity in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its "illegal" occupation of those areas and the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the court had made a "decision of lies". read more
Biden has endorsed Harris. What happens next?
President Joe Biden surprised American voters on Sunday when he announced he would drop out of the race for president after weeks of resisting calls to step down.
Though he will carry out the rest of his presidency, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic Party's nominee.
The decision throws the party into uncharted waters with just a month to go before the Democratic National Convention. read more
President Joe Biden surprised American voters on Sunday when he announced he would drop out of the race for president after weeks of resisting calls to step down.
Though he will carry out the rest of his presidency, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place as the Democratic Party's nominee.
The decision throws the party into uncharted waters with just a month to go before the Democratic National Convention. read more
Kamala Harris slams Trump at first rally as he hits back
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has gone on the offensive against Donald Trump in the first rally of her White House campaign, portraying November’s election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon.
Speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 in the battleground state of Wisconsin, Ms Harris likened her Republican opponent to fraudsters she said she had prosecuted.
Trump, meanwhile, assailed her record on the border, and posted on social media: “Lyin’ Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!” read more
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has gone on the offensive against Donald Trump in the first rally of her White House campaign, portraying November’s election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon.
Speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 in the battleground state of Wisconsin, Ms Harris likened her Republican opponent to fraudsters she said she had prosecuted.
Trump, meanwhile, assailed her record on the border, and posted on social media: “Lyin’ Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!” read more
Biden says he quit US presidential race to 'save democracy'
US President Joe Biden has told Americans in a televised address that he decided to end his faltering re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.
Mr Biden, 81, said he felt his record as president "merited a second term" but that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy".
He said he endorsed US Vice-President Kamala Harris to unite their fellow Democrats and the country. read more
US President Joe Biden has told Americans in a televised address that he decided to end his faltering re-election campaign in a bid to save US democracy.
Mr Biden, 81, said he felt his record as president "merited a second term" but that "nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy".
He said he endorsed US Vice-President Kamala Harris to unite their fellow Democrats and the country. read more
Venezuela's Maduro declared winner in disputed vote
President Nicolás Maduro has won Venezuela's presidential election, according to partial results published by the electoral council.
The head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Elvis Amoroso, who is a close ally of Mr Maduro, said that with 80% of votes counted, President Maduro had 51.2% of the vote, compared to 44.2% for his main rival.
The Venezuelan opposition has alleged widespread fraud in the counting of votes, and has vowed to challenge the result. read more
President Nicolás Maduro has won Venezuela's presidential election, according to partial results published by the electoral council.
The head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Elvis Amoroso, who is a close ally of Mr Maduro, said that with 80% of votes counted, President Maduro had 51.2% of the vote, compared to 44.2% for his main rival.
The Venezuelan opposition has alleged widespread fraud in the counting of votes, and has vowed to challenge the result. read more
Venezuelans clash with police after disputed election result
Security forces in Venezuela have fired tear gas and rubber bullets against people protesting over Sunday’s disputed election result.
Thousands of people descended on central Caracas on Monday evening, some walking for miles from slums on the mountains surrounding the city, towards the presidential palace.
Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President Nicolás Maduro claimed he had won. read more
Security forces in Venezuela have fired tear gas and rubber bullets against people protesting over Sunday’s disputed election result.
Thousands of people descended on central Caracas on Monday evening, some walking for miles from slums on the mountains surrounding the city, towards the presidential palace.
Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President Nicolás Maduro claimed he had won. read more
Venezuelans clash with police after disputed election result
Security forces in Venezuela have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at people protesting Sunday’s disputed election result.
Thousands of people descended on central Caracas on Monday evening, some walking for miles from slums on the mountains surrounding the city, towards the presidential palace.
Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory. read more
Security forces in Venezuela have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at people protesting Sunday’s disputed election result.
Thousands of people descended on central Caracas on Monday evening, some walking for miles from slums on the mountains surrounding the city, towards the presidential palace.
Protests erupted in the Venezuelan capital the day after President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory. read more
Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Iran - group says
Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran, the group has said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas said Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli raid on his residence in Tehran.
A number of other senior Hamas figures, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have described Haniyeh's death as an "assassination" and vowed to retaliate. read more
Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in Iran, the group has said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas said Haniyeh was killed in an Israeli raid on his residence in Tehran.
A number of other senior Hamas figures, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, have described Haniyeh's death as an "assassination" and vowed to retaliate. read more
Why Putin thinks he's the winner in prisoner swap
It’s something Vladimir Putin does rarely: go to the airport to meet people off a plane. Personally.
But he was there last night: on the tarmac at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to meet and greet those Russians whose release he’d secured from foreign jails; part of the largest prisoner swap between Russia and the West since the Cold War.
Out of the plane and down the steps came 10 people, including spies, sleeper agents and a convicted assassin. read more
It’s something Vladimir Putin does rarely: go to the airport to meet people off a plane. Personally.
But he was there last night: on the tarmac at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to meet and greet those Russians whose release he’d secured from foreign jails; part of the largest prisoner swap between Russia and the West since the Cold War.
Out of the plane and down the steps came 10 people, including spies, sleeper agents and a convicted assassin. read more
Countries urge nationals to leave Lebanon as Mid-East war fears grow
Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, with the US warning its citizens to do so on “any ticket available”, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented.
His assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. read more
Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, with the US warning its citizens to do so on “any ticket available”, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented.
His assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. read more
Japan stocks jump 10% after global markets slump
Japanese shares rebounded in Tuesday morning trade after plunging on Monday in a rout that sent shockwaves through global financial markets.
The Nikkei 225 stock index rose by as much as 10% after slumping by over 12% the previous day.
Monday's market rout in Tokyo came after the Bank of Japan's second rate hike in 17 years sent the yen soaring against the dollar making Japanese stocks - and the country's exports - more expensive for foreign investors and buyers. read more
Japanese shares rebounded in Tuesday morning trade after plunging on Monday in a rout that sent shockwaves through global financial markets.
The Nikkei 225 stock index rose by as much as 10% after slumping by over 12% the previous day.
Monday's market rout in Tokyo came after the Bank of Japan's second rate hike in 17 years sent the yen soaring against the dollar making Japanese stocks - and the country's exports - more expensive for foreign investors and buyers. read more
Iran keeps region guessing as it mulls revenge attack
In the Saudi city of Jeddah on Wednesday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a group of 57 countries, held an emergency meeting at Iran’s request to discuss, among other things, the assassination of the Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.
The gathering was an opportunity for Iran, whose Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed “harsh punishment” for the killing, to lay out the reasons for an expected retaliation.
Both Iran and Hamas say the 31 July assassination was carried out by Israel, which has not commented but is widely believed to have been behind it. read more
In the Saudi city of Jeddah on Wednesday, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a group of 57 countries, held an emergency meeting at Iran’s request to discuss, among other things, the assassination of the Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.
The gathering was an opportunity for Iran, whose Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed “harsh punishment” for the killing, to lay out the reasons for an expected retaliation.
Both Iran and Hamas say the 31 July assassination was carried out by Israel, which has not commented but is widely believed to have been behind it. read more
Plane crash in Brazil's São Paulo state kills all 61 on board
A plane has crashed in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, killing all 61 people on board.
The twin-engine turboprop was flying from Cascavel in the southern state of Paraná to Guarulhos airport in São Paulo city when it came down in the town of Vinhedo, Voepass airline says. read more
A plane has crashed in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, killing all 61 people on board.
The twin-engine turboprop was flying from Cascavel in the southern state of Paraná to Guarulhos airport in São Paulo city when it came down in the town of Vinhedo, Voepass airline says. read more
Kamala Harris says 'too many' civilian deaths in Gaza
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has condemned the loss of civilian life in an Israeli air strike against a school building in Gaza on Saturday.
More than 70 people were killed at the building which sheltered displaced Palestinians, the director of a hospital has told the BBC.
Ms Harris said "far too many" civilians had been killed "yet again"and reiterated calls for a hostage deal and a ceasefire, echoing comments made by the White House. read more
US Vice-President Kamala Harris has condemned the loss of civilian life in an Israeli air strike against a school building in Gaza on Saturday.
More than 70 people were killed at the building which sheltered displaced Palestinians, the director of a hospital has told the BBC.
Ms Harris said "far too many" civilians had been killed "yet again"and reiterated calls for a hostage deal and a ceasefire, echoing comments made by the White House. read more
US sends submarine to Middle East as tensions grow
The US has sent a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, as tensions grow in the region.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also said an aircraft carrier which was already heading to the area would sail there more quickly.
The move comes in response to fears of a wider regional conflict, after the recent assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. read more
The US has sent a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, as tensions grow in the region.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also said an aircraft carrier which was already heading to the area would sail there more quickly.
The move comes in response to fears of a wider regional conflict, after the recent assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. read more
Iran rejects Western calls to refrain from attack on Israel
Iran has dismissed calls from the UK and other Western countries to refrain from retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.
Amid a flurry of international diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to "stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack” in a rare telephone conversation on Monday.
But Mr Pezeshkian said retaliation was a “way to stop crime” and Iran’s “legal right”, according to Iranian state media. read more
Iran has dismissed calls from the UK and other Western countries to refrain from retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.
Amid a flurry of international diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to "stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack” in a rare telephone conversation on Monday.
But Mr Pezeshkian said retaliation was a “way to stop crime” and Iran’s “legal right”, according to Iranian state media. read more
Japan set for new PM as Kishida bows out as party leader
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he says needs a "new start".
The 67-year-old LDP veteran is expected to step down as PM after the party elects a new leader in September.
Support for Mr Kishida, who has been PM since 2021, has fallen in the wake of a corruption scandal involving his party, rising living costs and a slumping yen. read more
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which he says needs a "new start".
The 67-year-old LDP veteran is expected to step down as PM after the party elects a new leader in September.
Support for Mr Kishida, who has been PM since 2021, has fallen in the wake of a corruption scandal involving his party, rising living costs and a slumping yen. read more
US says it aims to 'lower temperature' in Middle East
The US is aiming "to turn the temperature down" in the Middle East, the country's ambassador to the UN has said, as fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel loom.
On Tuesday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the UN Security Council in New York the US wanted to "deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict". read more
The US is aiming "to turn the temperature down" in the Middle East, the country's ambassador to the UN has said, as fears of an Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel loom.
On Tuesday, Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the UN Security Council in New York the US wanted to "deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict". read more