PENNSYLVANIA Governor Ed Rendell yesterday offered Amish elders state police protection from an extremist church group that plans to demonstrate at the funerals of five girls fatally shot in an attack on their one-room schoolhouse.

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell today said he will ask Amish elders if they want state police protection from a Kansas church group that plans to demonstrate at funerals of five girls fatally shot in an attack on their one-room schoolhouse.

Teresa Heinz Kerry urged her home-state delegates to the Democratic National Convention to restore a more civil tone to American politics – then minutes later told a newspaperman to “shove it”.

JOHN KERRY, assured of the Democratic nomination, is exploring options for a running mate, from southerners who can provide regional balance to those who can highlight economic problems under President George Bush.

US Senator John Edwards formally ended his pursuit of the Democratic nomination, pledging to “do everything in my power” to help John Kerry win the White House.

US President George W Bush today declared North Carolina a disaster area as Hurricane Isabel ploughed into coastal islands on the US eastern seaboard with 100 mph winds.