Sweltering conditions are expected to last several days with meteorologists warning of potentially record-breaking temperatures, prompting health agencies to issue alerts and urge sensible precautions to beat the heat.

A new report highlights how officials overlooked serious wrongdoing due to worries about seeming prejudiced, prompting high-level apologies and proposals for stronger legislation, improved record-keeping and greater accountability.

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified as one leader warned a regional rival of severe repercussions for harming civilians, prompting swift retaliatory measures and cautionary advice for travellers.