The global impact of US political chaos

Rescuing bus crash victims, and the start of Fat Bear Week

View this email online 5 October, 2023 Sofia Lotto Persio Hello. The first candidates to replace US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have come forward with a vote expected next week, but time is of the essence. While US lawmakers evaluate next steps, Anthony Zurcher reflects on the global repercussions of the issues that they need to address urgently. Mark Lowen in Italy speaks to the courageous men who rushed to rescue the victims of the bus crash near Venice, and we also take a look at the frontrunners in the popular online contest known as Fat Bear Week. Top of the agenda Chaos in the US House has broader impact The White House is trying to find other ways to help Ukraine. Credit: Getty Images Following the vote to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the US House of Representatives is in recess until at least next week. But while lawmakers are on time out, the world is still turning. As North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher writes, the impact of the impasse is likely to be felt on the battlefields of Ukraine. The White House is feeling pressure to act on that front, with President Joe Biden announcing a "major speech" about the need to keep supporting Ukraine. The prospects of a government shutdown have also grown considerably, as current funding runs out on 17 November and agreement on a new deal by that date seems unlikely. A shutdown would delay or end paycheques for government workers and contractors, and various welfare programmes. This disruption in activity could push the US towards a recession, which would have consequences for the global economy. • Alternative assistance: The US has sent roughly 1.1 million bullets seized from Iran last year to Ukraine, which urgently needs ammunition. • Who's next: Two Republican lawmakers have so far put themselves forward to replace Mr McCarthy. • First things first: Two hours after the vote to remove Mr McCarthy, his predecessor Nancy Pelosi got an email to vacate the offices that are traditionally allocated to the previous Speaker and their deputy. She was not pleased. World headlines • Border wall: The White House has approved the construction of about 20 miles (32km) of barriers in southern Texas in an effort to stop rising levels of immigration. • Record costs: The cost of a certificate to own a large family car in Singapore has jumped to a new high of S$146,002 ($106,619; £87,684). • MeToo lawsuit: Actor Julia Ormond has sued disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein over sexual assault, while also seeking damages from Disney and Miramax. • Manhunt: New York Police are searching for an unidentified suspect in the murder of social justice activist who was stabbed multiple times in Brooklyn. • Shakespearean discovery: All the world's a stage, but a particular venue in England claims to have discovered floorboards that could have been trodden by the Bard. AT THE SCENE | Mestre, Italy The flatmates who came to the rescue At least 21 people died after a bus crashed and caught fire near Venice. Some of the survivors were helped out of wreckage of the mangled vehicle by people like Boubacar Touré and his flatmates. Mark Lowen, Southern Europe correspondent "We ran down to the spot where the bus was on fire and I heard a woman screaming, 'My baby, my baby,'" 27-year-old Boubacar, who is from The Gambia says, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. "I managed to pull her through the window and then pulled out her son, who was badly burnt but still alive." His flatmate, Odion Eboigbe from Nigeria, was with him, pulling others through the wreckage of the bus. "I wasn't scared, I didn't think of my own safety because I saw people with their heads split open. Today my colleagues asked me: 'what were you thinking when you went towards the flames,' and I told them I just had to save the women and children." Read more Beyond the headlines China's grey zone tactics Taiwan has complained of a record number of Chinese fighter jets circling the island. Credit: Reuters China, which has long claimed Taiwan, has in the past year repeatedly rehearsed encircling the self-ruled island with fighter jets and navy ships. Analysts say such grey zone tactics are part of Beijing's strategy to control Taipei without firing a single shot. China's strategy Something different Echoes of the Universe Primordial soundwaves could unveil new insights about dark energy. Tune in And finally... Fat Bear Week 2023 has officially started in Alaska's Katmai National Park. The popular online event sees thousands of people voting for the heavyweight champion of the park's bear population, which gathers along the banks of the Brooks River to devour salmon swimming upstream and pack on as many pounds as possible before winter. Here are this year's favourites - we'll be updating you on the winner when it's announced next week. Future Planet Explore the wonders of our amazing planet. Watch now Do you have suggestions for what we cover in BBC News Briefing? 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