Yang Tian

Andy Green set a new hydrogen-powered land speed record of 406 mph (654 km/h) at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats in JCB's Hydromax. The vehicle used two hydrogen internal-combustion engines producing a combined 1,600 bhp, more than doubling the previous official hydrogen combustion record of 185.5 mph. Green, who became the first person to break the sound barrier on land in 1997, said the achievement followed JCB's earlier diesel-powered record with Dieselmax and demonstrated the capabilities of British engineering and hydrogen technology.

A growing group of women on TikTok and Instagram are documenting lives spent alone, presenting solitude as peaceful, independent and more authentic than the highly curated lifestyles common on social media. Creators Lana Isa, Devon Noehring and SJ Hoadley reject the idea that living without close friends necessarily means being unhappy, while acknowledging different experiences of isolation. Researchers distinguish between chosen solitude and involuntary or chronic loneliness, warning that people still need meaningful social connections and that prolonged isolation can damage mental and physical health. The online communities formed around this content may reduce stigma and help creators and viewers build new relationships.

British filmmaker Justin Hardy has died aged 61 after suffering a heart attack, according to his family. The BAFTA- and Emmy-nominated director had recently completed Wrath of the Gods, the concluding film in a trilogy connected to his father Robin Hardy's cult classic The Wicker Man, but will not see its planned London premiere. Hardy was also known for documentaries and historical films made for the BBC, Channel 4 and CNN, and taught screenwriting at University College London. He is survived by his wife Larissa and four children.

A growing group of mostly female social media creators is presenting solo living, quiet routines and chosen solitude as a valid alternative to highly social, aspirational influencer culture. Lana Isa, Devon Noehring and SJ Hoadley say their content challenges the assumption that being alone means being lonely, while attracting audiences who feel represented and less stigmatized. Researchers caution that chosen solitude can be healthy, but prolonged isolation can harm mental and physical wellbeing because people still need nourishing social relationships. The online communities formed around this content may ultimately help creators and viewers reconnect with others rather than remain permanently isolated.

Wildfires in France and Spain have forced more than 330,000 people to evacuate, with the main French blaze about 15km from Bordeaux. French President Emmanuel Macron is convening a crisis cabinet meeting as heatwave conditions and temperatures of up to 40C threaten to worsen the situation. Around 42,000 hectares have burned in France's Gironde region, while Spain has reported about 77,000 hectares affected, including a major fire near Ávila and a new blaze near Valencia. Authorities warn of difficult conditions ahead, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for a major public pact on the climate emergency.

Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 17-year-old boy who died after being stabbed at Kingsway Recreation Ground in Luton. One suspect remains in police custody, while the other is hospitalized with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Bedfordshire Police have increased patrols, appealed for information, and urged the public not to share videos or images of the incident. Local councillor Zanib Raja described the incident as a tragedy for the community and called for people to come together.