Hosts Brazil open the 2014 Fifa World Cup against Croatia on Thursday, kicking off a 32-team tournament that ends on 13 July.

The economic crisis in Europe and North America led to more than 10,000 suicides, according to figures from UK researchers.

England will inspect the pitch for the Italy game, with the groundsman responsible admitting: "It is in bad shape."

Action must be taken to stop the "housing boom" in parts of the UK getting "out of control", according to Business Secretary Vince Cable.

Governments will be held to account over ending sexual violence in war zones, Angelina Jolie tells the BBC during a global conference in London.

A post-mortem examination into the death of Rik Mayall proves inconclusive, requiring further tests, the West London Coroner's Office says.

Parliament in Baghdad delays voting on a request to grant the prime minister emergency powers as the north slips out of government control.

Foreign Secretary William Hague says the UK will not be getting involved militarily in Iraq, despite Islamist insurgents making big advances.