World's biggest tree gets blanket as US fire rages

Firefighters are wrapping fire-resistant blankets around ancient trees as blazes tear through California's world-famous Sequoia National Park. Officials fear the fire could reach the Giant Forest, a grove of some of the world's biggest trees, within hours.

Head of Islamic State in Sahara killed by French troops - Macron

The head of the Islamic State group in the Sahara has been killed by French troops, President Emmanuel Macron has said.

Britney Spears takes social media break following engagement

US pop star Britney Spears says she is taking a break from social media to "celebrate her engagement". Spears, 39, announced last week that she was going to marry her long-term boyfriend, Sam Asghari.

Booster Covid jabs for 30m people recommended

Booster jabs for over 50s and younger adults with health conditions are being recommended by government vaccine advisers. Around 30 million people in the UK, including frontline health and care workers, will be offered a booster.

World now sees twice as many days over 50C

The number of extremely hot days every year when the temperature reaches 50C has doubled since the 1980s, a global BBC analysis has found. They also now happen in more areas of the world than before, presenting unprecedented challenges to human health and to how we live.

UK scraps Covid vaccine deal with Valneva

French vaccine maker Valneva says the UK government has scrapped a deal for its Covid-19 vaccine. The UK had about 100 million doses on order after it increased its request by 40 million in February. The company said in a statement that the UK government served notice over allegations of a breach of the agreement, which it "strenuously denies".

300,000 suspected of breaking travel quarantine

Nearly a third of people arriving in England and Northern Ireland as the coronavirus Delta variant took off may have broken quarantine rules. More than 300,000 cases were passed to investigators between March and May, according to figures seen by the BBC.

'I don't want to let go of the trophy'

Emma Raducanu says she does not want to let go of the US Open trophy after her fairytale in New York culminated in the ultimate happy ending. The 18-year-old is the first British woman in 44 years to win a Grand Slam singles title and did not drop a set. She is also the first qualifier to win a major title.

TUC warns of job losses if UK misses green targets

Up to 660,000 jobs could be at risk if the UK fails to reach its net-zero target as quickly as other nations, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned. The government has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035. But the TUC fears many jobs could be moved offshore to countries offering superior green infrastructure and support for decarbonisation.

Abortion drama wins top prize at Venice festival

A film about illegal abortions in 1960s France has won the top prize at the Venice Film Festival. Audrey Diwan's Happening (L'Événement) is about a woman seeking a termination to continue studying.