TOP OF THE AGENDA

First Democrat calls for Biden to step aside

Mr Biden made two separate trips to Europe within two weeks last month. Credit: Getty Images 

President Joe Biden has blamed extensive international travel for his poor performance in the first election debate last week against Republican rival Donald Trump. "I didn’t listen to my staff... and then I nearly fell asleep on stage,” he said. His remarks at a private fundraiser on Tuesday evening came after a congressman from Texas became the first sitting Democratic lawmaker to call for him to step aside following the debate. So far, most Democrats asked about Mr Biden's place in the race had said it was his decision whether to run or pull out. "I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw," Rep Lloyd Doggett said in a statement. Mr Biden will give a primetime interview to ABC News' George Stephanopoulos on Friday, his first since the debate. It's a chance to show voters, as well as his own party members, they can put to rest the questions about his mental fitness that the debate failed to quell. 

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• If not Biden, who? The list of potential replacements include several governors, and vice-president Kamala Harris. 

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• Robert F Kennedy Jr: The independent US presidential candidate has responded to allegations of sexual assault in a recent Vanity Fair article saying: "I am not a church boy".

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• Election misinformation: A BBC investigation has uncovered a network of Russia-based websites masquerading as US news outlets that pump out fake stories.

WORLD HEADLINES

• US foreign policy: Former Biden administration officials who resigned over policy on Israel and the war in Gaza have issued a statement saying the government's actions have endangered US national security.

• War in Ukraine: Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has called for a ceasefire to speed up negotiations with Russia after arriving in Kyiv.

• Sierra Leone: A ban on child marriage was signed into law in the country, where an estimated third of girls are married off before they turn 18.

• Northern Australia: Authorities are searching for a 12-year-old feared to have been taken by a crocodile.

• Pandemic preparation: The US government has given Moderna $176m (£139m) to develop a mRNA vaccine that would work against bird flu.

UK ELECTION LATEST

With less than 24 hours to go before polls open in the general election, Chris Mason reflects on a landmark moment for the UK. Some in the Conservative party are already bracing for defeat, with minister Mel Stride saying Labour is likely to win "the largest majority" the country has ever seen. As for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, he maintains a large majority for his party would be "better for the country". Follow the last day of campaigning on our live page. 

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