Sky News Today

Wildfires in the UK were reported as causing more damage due to bone-dry conditions, with fewer fires overall but large fires burning more land than in the past. The National Resilience Wildfire Capability Advisor, Craig Hope, warned that unless addressed, the UK could lose more property and eventually lives.

Meanwhile, extreme weather in the northeastern US brought showers and thunderstorms, triggering flash flooding and tornado warnings in New York City, Long Island, and the tri-state area. Roads turned into rivers and floodwater poured into subway stations, disrupting commuters.

A longer segment examined China's boom in AI-based companionship. It featured the game Love and Deep Space, where players develop virtual romances, along with fan events and paid cosplay dates. Companies are also creating AI chatbots and physical robots with varying intimacy options, while a new law has banned many AI companion functions for under-18s and prohibited content that encourages self-harm or emotional dependence. The report discussed whether the trend addresses loneliness or worsens it, and raised concerns about the pace of industry innovation relative to ethical safeguards.