Oak Fire: Emergency declared as wildfire rages near Yosemite National Park
A state of emergency has been declared in part of California as the largest active wildfire in the US rapidly spreads near Yosemite National Park.
The Oak Fire has quickly grown since starting on Friday, and firefighters have struggled to get the blaze under control.
"Explosive fire behaviour is challenging firefighters", California's fire department said.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated and 10 homes destroyed.
The state of emergency, which has been declared in Mariposa County, will allow the state to access some federal assistance to tackle the fires. read more
A state of emergency has been declared in part of California as the largest active wildfire in the US rapidly spreads near Yosemite National Park.
The Oak Fire has quickly grown since starting on Friday, and firefighters have struggled to get the blaze under control.
"Explosive fire behaviour is challenging firefighters", California's fire department said.
More than 6,000 people have been evacuated and 10 homes destroyed.
The state of emergency, which has been declared in Mariposa County, will allow the state to access some federal assistance to tackle the fires. read more
Myanmar military executes four democracy activists
Four democracy activists have been executed by Myanmar's military in what is believed to be the first use of capital punishment in decades.
Former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, writer and activist Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were accused of committing "terror acts".
The executions, which were first announced by the military in June, drew international condemnation.
They come in the wake of a 2021 military coup.
The junta overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in February last year, sparking huge protests which were swiftly crushed. read more
Four democracy activists have been executed by Myanmar's military in what is believed to be the first use of capital punishment in decades.
Former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, writer and activist Ko Jimmy, Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw were accused of committing "terror acts".
The executions, which were first announced by the military in June, drew international condemnation.
They come in the wake of a 2021 military coup.
The junta overthrew the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in February last year, sparking huge protests which were swiftly crushed. read more
Elon Musk denies affair with Google co-founder Sergey Brin's wife
Tesla boss Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Nicole Shanahan, the wife of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin.
Mr Musk's comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that his friendship with Mr Brin had ended over the alleged affair.
Replying to a link to the story posted on Twitter, Mr Musk referred to the report as "total bs".
Mr Musk went on to say that he is still friends with Mr Brin and that they were "at a party together last night!" read more
Tesla boss Elon Musk has denied having an affair with Nicole Shanahan, the wife of Google co-founder, Sergey Brin.
Mr Musk's comments came after the Wall Street Journal reported that his friendship with Mr Brin had ended over the alleged affair.
Replying to a link to the story posted on Twitter, Mr Musk referred to the report as "total bs".
Mr Musk went on to say that he is still friends with Mr Brin and that they were "at a party together last night!" read more
Ukraine war: Russia waging gas war with Nord Stream 1 cuts - Zelensky
Ukraine has accused Moscow of waging a "gas war" against Europe and cutting supplies to inflict "terror" on people.
Russian energy firm Gazprom announced it is reducing gas flows into Germany to allow work on a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was simply "gas blackmail" against Europe.
It comes as hopes remain that grain exports from Ukrainian ports could resume this week following a deal.
Gazprom said on Monday it needed to cut gas supply to around half of current levels in order to carry out maintenance work - but the German government said there was no technical reason for it to limit the supply. read more
Ukraine has accused Moscow of waging a "gas war" against Europe and cutting supplies to inflict "terror" on people.
Russian energy firm Gazprom announced it is reducing gas flows into Germany to allow work on a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
But Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said this was simply "gas blackmail" against Europe.
It comes as hopes remain that grain exports from Ukrainian ports could resume this week following a deal.
Gazprom said on Monday it needed to cut gas supply to around half of current levels in order to carry out maintenance work - but the German government said there was no technical reason for it to limit the supply. read more
EU agrees to cut gas use over Russia supply fears
EU energy ministers have agreed for their countries to cut gas use in case Russia halts supplies.
Following talks on Tuesday, EU members agreed countries should voluntarily reduce gas use by 15% from August to March.
"This was not a Mission Impossible!", tweeted the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
However, draft plans seen by the BBC suggest the deal had been watered down, with countries able to seek exemptions.
"In an effort to increase EU security of energy supply, member states today reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15% this winter," the EU said. read more
EU energy ministers have agreed for their countries to cut gas use in case Russia halts supplies.
Following talks on Tuesday, EU members agreed countries should voluntarily reduce gas use by 15% from August to March.
"This was not a Mission Impossible!", tweeted the Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
However, draft plans seen by the BBC suggest the deal had been watered down, with countries able to seek exemptions.
"In an effort to increase EU security of energy supply, member states today reached a political agreement on a voluntary reduction of natural gas demand by 15% this winter," the EU said. read more
Hungary PM Viktor Orban adviser Hegedus resigns over 'pure Nazi' speech
A member of Viktor Orban's inner circle has resigned after the Hungarian prime minister spoke out against becoming "peoples of mixed race".
Zsuzsa Hegedus, who has known the nationalist Mr Orban for 20 years, described the speech as a "pure Nazi text", according to Hungarian media.
The International Auschwitz Committee of Holocaust survivors called the speech "stupid and dangerous".
Mr Orban's spokesman said the media had misrepresented the comments. read more
A member of Viktor Orban's inner circle has resigned after the Hungarian prime minister spoke out against becoming "peoples of mixed race".
Zsuzsa Hegedus, who has known the nationalist Mr Orban for 20 years, described the speech as a "pure Nazi text", according to Hungarian media.
The International Auschwitz Committee of Holocaust survivors called the speech "stupid and dangerous".
Mr Orban's spokesman said the media had misrepresented the comments. read more
Gas prices soar as Russia cuts German supply
Gas prices have soared after Russia further cut gas supplies to Germany and other central European countries after threatening to earlier this week.
European gas prices are up almost 2% trading above an earlier all-time high after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Critics accuse the Russian government of using gas as a political weapon.
Russia has been cutting flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany, with it now operating at less than a fifth of its normal capacity.
Germany imports 55% of its gas from Russia and most of it comes through Nord Stream 1 - with the rest coming from land-based pipelines. read more
Gas prices have soared after Russia further cut gas supplies to Germany and other central European countries after threatening to earlier this week.
European gas prices are up almost 2% trading above an earlier all-time high after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Critics accuse the Russian government of using gas as a political weapon.
Russia has been cutting flows through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany, with it now operating at less than a fifth of its normal capacity.
Germany imports 55% of its gas from Russia and most of it comes through Nord Stream 1 - with the rest coming from land-based pipelines. read more
Kherson: Ukraine stepping up counter offensive to retake city - sources
Ukraine's campaign to retake the occupied Kherson region is "gathering pace," Western military sources say.
A key bridge into the city of Kherson is now out of action after Ukrainian forces struck it with long-range rockets originally supplied by the US.
It means thousands of Russian troops are now in danger of being cut off from the rest of the occupied territory.
Strategically located west of the Dnipro River, the city was the first in the war to fall to Moscow's forces.
Ukrainian forces fired at Kherson's Antonivskiy Bridge using a Himars artillery rocket system on Tuesday, which according to Western military sources has left the crossing "completely unusable." read more
Ukraine's campaign to retake the occupied Kherson region is "gathering pace," Western military sources say.
A key bridge into the city of Kherson is now out of action after Ukrainian forces struck it with long-range rockets originally supplied by the US.
It means thousands of Russian troops are now in danger of being cut off from the rest of the occupied territory.
Strategically located west of the Dnipro River, the city was the first in the war to fall to Moscow's forces.
Ukrainian forces fired at Kherson's Antonivskiy Bridge using a Himars artillery rocket system on Tuesday, which according to Western military sources has left the crossing "completely unusable." read more
US economy shrinks again ringing recession alarms
The US economy has shrunk for the second quarter in a row, a milestone that in many countries would be considered an economic recession.
That is not the case in the US, which uses additional data to make that call.
But the contraction, at an annual rate of 0.9% in the three months to July, has drawn widespread attention as worries about the economy grow.
Prices for groceries, petrol and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981. read more
The US economy has shrunk for the second quarter in a row, a milestone that in many countries would be considered an economic recession.
That is not the case in the US, which uses additional data to make that call.
But the contraction, at an annual rate of 0.9% in the three months to July, has drawn widespread attention as worries about the economy grow.
Prices for groceries, petrol and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981. read more
Ukraine war: Russia says 40 Ukrainian prisoners killed in blast
Russia's defence ministry says 40 Ukrainian prisoners-of-war have been killed by Ukrainian shelling of a prison in separatist-held Donetsk.
Officials alleged that 75 others had been injured in a rocket strike on the prison camp in Olenivka. The BBC cannot independently verify this claim.
Ukraine's military denied carrying out the strike and instead accused Russia of shelling the prison.
It said Moscow was seeking to cover up evidence of torture at the site.
"The Russian occupants pursued their criminal goals, thus, to accuse Ukraine of committing 'war crimes', and to hide the torture of prisoners and shootings committed there by the orders of the occupation administration and the command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said. read more
Russia's defence ministry says 40 Ukrainian prisoners-of-war have been killed by Ukrainian shelling of a prison in separatist-held Donetsk.
Officials alleged that 75 others had been injured in a rocket strike on the prison camp in Olenivka. The BBC cannot independently verify this claim.
Ukraine's military denied carrying out the strike and instead accused Russia of shelling the prison.
It said Moscow was seeking to cover up evidence of torture at the site.
"The Russian occupants pursued their criminal goals, thus, to accuse Ukraine of committing 'war crimes', and to hide the torture of prisoners and shootings committed there by the orders of the occupation administration and the command of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said. read more
Samuel Alito: Top US judge mocks world leaders over abortion ruling
A conservative member of the US Supreme Court has mocked world leaders who criticised last month's ruling that overturned American abortion rights.
Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the ruling, dismissed criticism from a host of prominent figures, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He joked that Mr Johnson, who leaves office in September, had "paid the price" for arguing against the verdict.
Mr Alito, a devout Catholic, was speaking at a conference in Rome. read more
A conservative member of the US Supreme Court has mocked world leaders who criticised last month's ruling that overturned American abortion rights.
Justice Samuel Alito, who wrote the ruling, dismissed criticism from a host of prominent figures, including UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
He joked that Mr Johnson, who leaves office in September, had "paid the price" for arguing against the verdict.
Mr Alito, a devout Catholic, was speaking at a conference in Rome. read more
The Pope's health: I could step down - but not yet, says pontiff
Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping down - and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should.
He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada - where he apologised to indigenous people - which involved extensive travel and long days.
The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps down at all.
"It is not a catastrophe to change Pope, it is not a taboo," he told journalists from a wheelchair on the plane from Canada's Arctic territory to Rome. read more
Pope Francis has said the time may soon come when he needs to consider stepping down - and would do so if he felt his health meant that could not serve in the way he should.
He made the comments at the end of a trip to Canada - where he apologised to indigenous people - which involved extensive travel and long days.
The 85-year-old pontiff stressed that for the moment he intends to continue in his duties - and will be guided by God as to when he will step down, if he steps down at all.
"It is not a catastrophe to change Pope, it is not a taboo," he told journalists from a wheelchair on the plane from Canada's Arctic territory to Rome. read more
Ukraine grain tycoon killed in Russian shelling of Mykolaiv
One of Ukraine's richest businessmen has been killed with his wife in "massive" Russian shelling of the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa died when a missile hit their home overnight, Ukrainian media said.
Mr Vadatursky owned Nibulon, a group involved in grain exports. He had also received the "Hero of Ukraine" award.
Mykolaiv mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said it was probably the heaviest Russian bombardment of the city so far.
There was damage to a hotel, a sports complex, two schools and a service station, as well as homes. read more
One of Ukraine's richest businessmen has been killed with his wife in "massive" Russian shelling of the southern city of Mykolaiv.
Oleksiy Vadatursky, 74, and his wife Raisa died when a missile hit their home overnight, Ukrainian media said.
Mr Vadatursky owned Nibulon, a group involved in grain exports. He had also received the "Hero of Ukraine" award.
Mykolaiv mayor Oleksandr Senkevych said it was probably the heaviest Russian bombardment of the city so far.
There was damage to a hotel, a sports complex, two schools and a service station, as well as homes. read more
WhatsApp: We won't lower security for any government
"If we had to lower security for the world, to accommodate the requirement in one country, that...would be very foolish for us to accept, making our product less desirable to 98% of our users because of the requirements from 2%," Mr Cathcart told BBC News.
The EU Commission has said technology companies should "detect, report, block and remove" child sex abuse images from their platforms.
"What's being proposed is that we - either directly or indirectly through software - read everyone's messages," Mr Cathcart said. "I don't think people want that." read more
"If we had to lower security for the world, to accommodate the requirement in one country, that...would be very foolish for us to accept, making our product less desirable to 98% of our users because of the requirements from 2%," Mr Cathcart told BBC News.
The EU Commission has said technology companies should "detect, report, block and remove" child sex abuse images from their platforms.
"What's being proposed is that we - either directly or indirectly through software - read everyone's messages," Mr Cathcart said. "I don't think people want that." read more
Ukraine war: First grain ship leaves under Russia deal
The first ship carrying grain has left a Ukrainian port under a landmark deal with Russia.
Turkish and Ukrainian officials say the ship left the southern port of Odesa early on Monday morning local time.
Russia has been blockading Ukrainian ports since February, but the two sides made a deal to resume shipments.
It is hoped the agreement will ease the global food crisis and lower the price of grain.
Turkey said the Sierra Leone-flagged vessel, the Razoni, would dock at the port of Tripoli in Lebanon, adding that further shipments were planned over the coming weeks. read more
The first ship carrying grain has left a Ukrainian port under a landmark deal with Russia.
Turkish and Ukrainian officials say the ship left the southern port of Odesa early on Monday morning local time.
Russia has been blockading Ukrainian ports since February, but the two sides made a deal to resume shipments.
It is hoped the agreement will ease the global food crisis and lower the price of grain.
Turkey said the Sierra Leone-flagged vessel, the Razoni, would dock at the port of Tripoli in Lebanon, adding that further shipments were planned over the coming weeks. read more
Ayman al-Zawahiri: Al-Qaeda leader killed in US drone strike
The US has killed the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in a drone strike in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has confirmed.
He was killed in a counter-terrorism operation carried out by the CIA in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday.
Mr Biden said Zawahiri had "carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens".
"Now justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more," he added.
Zawahiri took over al-Qaeda after the death of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. He and Bin Laden plotted the 9/11 attacks together and he was one of the US's "most wanted terrorists". read more
The US has killed the leader of al-Qaeda, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in a drone strike in Afghanistan, President Joe Biden has confirmed.
He was killed in a counter-terrorism operation carried out by the CIA in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Sunday.
Mr Biden said Zawahiri had "carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens".
"Now justice has been delivered and this terrorist leader is no more," he added.
Zawahiri took over al-Qaeda after the death of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. He and Bin Laden plotted the 9/11 attacks together and he was one of the US's "most wanted terrorists". read more
China-Taiwan: Tensions spike ahead of Pelosi's expected visit
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan is bracing for a potential show of force from China as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was expected to arrive on the island late Tuesday.
Her visit - which is not backed by the White House - would be the first by such a senior US official in decades.
Pelosi is the third-highest ranking official in the US government and a long-time critic of Beijing.
China has repeatedly warned against the visit and on Tuesday said the US would "pay the price".
Taiwan is a self-ruled island, but claimed by China, which sees it as a breakaway province. read more
Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi meets President Tsai to Beijing's fury
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has met Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen in a visit that has been strongly condemned by China.
Ms Pelosi, the most senior US politician in 25 years to visit Taiwan, said her delegation had come to make it "unequivocally clear" that the US would not "abandon" the island.
China had earlier said the US would "pay the price" for Ms Pelosi's visit.
Taiwan is self-ruled, but China sees it as a breakaway province that will eventually unite with it. read more
Taiwan: Pelosi leaves Taipei to sound of Chinese fury
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
In a statement issued on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said "those who play with fire will not come to a good end, and those who offend China will be punished".
"The United States is violating China's sovereignty under the guise of so-called democracy," he added.
The US walks a diplomatic tightrope with its Taiwan policy.
On the one hand, it abides by the "One China" policy, which recognises only one Chinese government, giving it formal ties with Beijing and not Taiwan. read more
Taiwan braces as China drills begin after Pelosi visit
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi's visit.
The live fire drills began at 12:00 local time (04:00 GMT) and in several areas were due to take place within 12 miles of the island.
Taiwan said China was trying to change the status quo in the region.
Ms Pelosi made a brief but controversial visit to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.
The drills are Beijing's main response, although it has also blocked some trade with the island. read more
China's missiles 'imitating North Korea' - Taiwan
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more
Taiwan has accused China of imitating North Korea by firing missiles into the sea around the island.
China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan's north-east and south-west coasts, Taiwan said.
The launches, just miles from the coast, followed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan on Wednesday.
North Korea - a strong ally of China's - has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months. read more