Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 18 Feb 2012

1. IRAN RISKS 'NEW COLD WAR'

Iran's nuclear ambitions could spark "a new Cold War" in the Middle East, the Foreign Secretary has told The Daily Telegraph. William Hague said Iran is "clearly" seeking to develop nuclear weapons. He fears neighbouring states will seek to develop their own, prompting "the most serious round of nuclear proliferation since nuclear weapons were invented".

2. SURPRISE RETAIL GROWTH IN JANUARY

There was an unexpected rise in retail sales last month according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. Retail sales rose by 0.9% in January, despite predictions they would fall. The report showed particularly strong sales of furniture and sports goods, as consumers took advantage of significant discounts.

3. STARS GATHER FOR HOUSTON FUNERAL

Whitney Houston's funeral will take place today in her home town of Newark, New Jersey. It will be held at the New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston sang as a child in the gospel choir alongside her mother Cissy. Among the galaxy of stars expected to attend are Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Jay-Z and Oprah Winfrey.

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4. CAMERON & SARKOZY: NEW BEST FRIENDS?

David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy have spoken of the "incredibly strong relationship" between the UK and France after a conciliatory summit. Sarkozy said there has "never been personal opposition" between the pair. A Times reporter at the press conference commented that "if the men had got any closer, their wives could have taken offence".

5. 'CAPITOL TERROR' MAN ARRESTED

A Moroccan man arrested near the US Capitol building was planning a suicide attack on the Congress building, say US officials. Amine El Khalifi was reportedly wearing what he believed to be a suicide vest ready for detonation when he was arrested. He has been charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against US property.

6. MI5 PROBED CHAPLIN 'COMMIE' CLAIMS

The MI5 investigated Charlie Chaplin in the 1950s after the FBI described him as one of "Hollywood's parlour Bolsheviks" and a man who had "given funds to communist front organisations". Among the claims probed were that he was a Frenchman or a Russian Jew called Israel Thornstein. The MI5 was unable to establish where Chaplin was born.

7. PICKLES TARGETS PRAYER BAN

The government will overturn the ban on prayers at council meetings by fast-tracking an act that hands greater powers and freedom to councils. Communities Secretary Eric Pickles says that by bringing forward parts of the Localism Act he is "effectively reversing" the High Court's "illiberal ruling" that prayers at council meetings are illegal.

8. ADELE SUES FRENCH MAGAZINE

Adele is suing French magazine Public after it printed photographs from what it falsely claimed was a sex tape featuring the singer. Her lawyers, Schillings, said: "Our client has not appeared in a sex tape as claimed in the article. Our client does not appear in the photographs. Such claims are untrue and grossly defamatory."

9. WAS LUCAN SMUGGLED TO AFRICA?

New evidence has emerged that Lord Lucan was smuggled out of the UK to start a secret life in Africa. A woman who worked for Lucan's friend John Aspinall has told the BBC that she arranged for his children to fly to Africa so the peer could view them "from a distance". A former detective says there has been a credible sighting of Lucan in Africa.

10. HUGE CROWD PREDICTED AT IBROX

Rangers are expected to draw the biggest crowd in Britain this weekend when they play their first match since appointing administrators on Tuesday. Supporters have called for a "full house" at Ibrox as the crisis club hosts Kilmarnock. Meanwhile, Portsmouth have been docked 10 points after entering administration for the second time.