Senator Dianne Feinstein dies aged 90

Dianne Feinstein, the California senator who served for more than three decades and was a trailblazer for women in US politics, has died aged 90.

Feinstein was the oldest member of the US Senate and voted as recently as Thursday.

For months, the California Democrat had faced questions about alleged memory and cognitive issues.

In April, she was admitted to hospital after a "minor fall" at her home, the latest in a series of health concerns.

The former San Francisco mayor had previously announced plans to retire at the end of next year, but resisted growing calls for her to step down.

In a statement made after she announced her retirement plans, US President Joe Biden called her a "passionate defender of civil liberties" with a "strong voice for national security policies that keep us safe while honouring our values".

"I've served with more US Senators than just about anyone," Mr Biden said. "I can honestly say that Dianne Feinstein is one of the very best."

Earlier this year, she was absent from Capitol Hill for nearly three months following a case of shingles. She took on lighter duties upon her return and moved around the US Capitol using a wheelchair. She sometimes displayed confusion during interviews, and in committee hearings or floor votes.

The BBC has reached out to Ms Feinstein's office for comment on her death.

Ms Feinstein was well known as a vocal advocate for gun control measures, and an ardent supporter of the assault weapons ban signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1994.