TOP OF THE AGENDA

Starring role in Democrats' drama

Biden campaign officials have noted the actor has recently had disagreements with the president over his Gaza policy. Credit: EPA

The Biden campaign is pushing back against Hollywood star and prominent Democratic fundraiser George Clooney, who wrote a blistering opinion piece in the New York Times calling for the incumbent president to drop out of the 2024 race. Joe Biden has been trying to quell concerns about his mental and physical fitness and ability to defeat rival Donald Trump in the November presidential election, in the aftermath of their 27 June debate. Mr Clooney's message adds momentum to a small, but growing choir of Democrats publicly urging Mr Biden to withdraw. But Mr Clooney's suggestion of what to do next - for Democrats to regroup and pick a new nominee - is easier said than done. As North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher notes, Mr Biden has mathematics on his side, as he controls the lion’s share of national convention delegates who ultimately decide the party’s presidential ticket. 

‌

• Nato summit: The chaotic situation within the Democratic Party is playing out against the backdrop of a high-level meeting focused on Ukraine's future. President Biden's press conference on Thursday afternoon will be keenly watched for both its international and domestic repercussions.

‌

• Mental fitness: During the CNN debate, Trump proudly recalled "acing" two cognitive tests. There are different tests and screenings to measure how well the brain is functioning. This is what they involve.

‌

• Running mate: Trump is expected to announce his vice-presidential pick at the Republican Party convention next week. Here are the names that could be under consideration.

WORLD HEADLINES

• War in Gaza: The Israeli military has told all residents of Gaza City to evacuate south to the central Gaza Strip, amid intensified operations in the north.

• United Arab Emirates: A court has handed life sentences to 43 activists after finding them guilty of terror offences in a mass trial strongly criticised by United Nations experts and human rights groups.

• Rust trial: Prosecution and defence in the trial of actor and producer Alec Baldwin painted starkly different pictures of the events leading up to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

• Food contamination fears: The Chinese government has said it will investigate allegations that fuel tankers have been used to transport cooking oil without being cleaned properly after carrying toxic chemicals.

• Copa America: Uruguay footballer Darwin Núñez was involved in an altercation with spectators after his team were beaten in a semi-final against Colombia.

MORE BBC NEWSLETTERS

• The Essential List: The week's best stories, handpicked by BBC editors, in your inbox twice a week. Subscribe.

• In History: The past comes to life through the BBC's unique audio, video and written archive, each Thursday. Subscribe.

• US Election Unspun: Cut through the noise in the race for the White House, every Wednesday. Subscribe.