Unprecedented wildfires hit Alaska and Europe suffers record heat | First Thing

State on track to break 2004 record of 6.5m acres destroyed while Europe braces for more extreme heat. Plus, the truth behind American Pie

Good morning.

Alaska has experienced more than 500 forest fires since the beginning of April, which have forced the evacuation of mining camps, villages and remote cabins.

Is it really all down to the climate crisis? Thoman says the rising temperatures are playing a big part. It's not only Alaska," he says. Across the board in the Arctic and the sub-Arctic, you're seeing this increase in fires. Taking into consideration the lightning, the drought, the early snowmelt - there's just no doubt the warming planet is playing a huge role in this."

What's happening in France? Meteorologists have warned of a heat apocalypse" in western France as more than 8,500 further people fled their homes to escape a large wildfire sparked by a searing southern European heatwave that has already caused hundreds of deaths.

What has he been charged with? Bannon is charged with two counts of criminal contempt of Congress. He was referred to the justice department by the House of Representatives after his failure to testify and turn over documents as demanded by a subpoena from the select committee late last year.

Why did the panel want Bannon to testify? The panel noted he spoke to Trump the day before the Capitol attack and helped the Trump war room" at the Willard hotel strategize on how to stop the congressional certification of Joe Biden's election win.