Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 21 Apr 2013

1. BOSTON SUSPECT WAS QUIZZED BY FBI

One of the brothers suspected of the Boston marathon bombing was questioned by the FBI two years ago but deemed to be no threat. Tamerlan Tsarnaev, killed while trying to flee police on Friday, was interviewed about his ties to “radical Islam”. Police are now waiting to question Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who is under armed guard in hospital.

2. ASHCROFT TO SIGN GIVING PLEDGE

Billionaire Tory peer Lord Ashcroft will pledge at least half of his £1.2bn fortune to charity as he joins the philanthropic movement led by Bill Gates, reports the Sunday Times. Ashcroft will sign up to the Giving Pledge, a public commitment by billionaires to give away the majority of their wealth. He has given the Tory party £10m but will not help to fund its general election campaign.

3. EXTRA POLICE TO PATROL MARATHON

Hundreds of extra police officers will be on duty at the London marathon today following the attack on the Boston marathon. Police say 40% more officers will be on duty than last year, with the extra officers assigned to “reassurance patrols". Among those running in London are 16 people who ran the Boston marathon, including John Darits who was just 100 yards from the blasts.

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4. VORDERMAN 'TOLD BREASTS TOO SMALL'

Carol Vorderman was told by a BBC boss that she would never make it as a television presenter because her breasts were too small. She says that in the 1980s she met a “big boss” and asked to be considered for presenting roles, “And he said, 'Nah, love, your tits aren’t big enough'.” The BBC will investigate the incident and called the executive’s comments “completely unacceptable”.

5. ISRAEL SEEKS TURKISH AIRBASE

Israel may base fighter jets in Turkey ahead of a potential showdown with Iran over its nuclear ambitions, reports the Sunday Times. Following the reconciliation between the two countries, Israel is to offer Turkey advanced missile and surveillance technology in exchange for a base and training facilities at Akinci air base, northwest of Ankara.

6. EU SEAL FUR BAN COULD BE LIFTED

An EU ban on the trade of seal fur and products is expected to be overturned this week, reports the Independent On Sunday. Fur traders and sporrran makers are to appeal against a 2010 ruling banning the trade. The actor Jude Law has written a letter calling for the ban to be upheld, which he says would be "in line with the wishes of compassionate people all around the world".

7. QUEEN 'HAS ATTENDED 30,000 ENGAGEMENTS'

The Queen, who will celebrate her 87th birthday at Windsor Castle today, has carried out more than 30,000 public engagements since her accession in 1952, according to a researcher. Tim O'Donovan, an 81-year-old retired insurance broker from Windsor, used the court circular to come to his estimate. Traditional gun salutes will be fired in London tomorrow to mark her birthday.

8. £13.3BN USMANOV BRITAIN'S RICHEST MAN

The richest man in Britain is now Alisher Usmanov, the part-owner of Arsenal football club, reveals the Sunday Times rich list. The 59-year-old owes his £13.3bn fortune to mobile phone and mining interests. The 25th anniversary list is the most meritocratic to date — a record 773 of the 1,000 members made their own fortunes. There are 88 billionaires, up from 77 last year.

9. CROWD VIOLENCE MARS MATCH

English football was hit by crowd disorder for the third time in seven days as a Kidderminster Harriers player was attacked by a Stockport County fan yesterday. The Conference game was suspended for 28 minutes after fans invaded the pitch and one hit Kidderminster’s Lee Vaughan. Last weekend Millwall fans fought at Wembley and Newcastle fans went on a rampage.

10. UNCONVINCING ARSENAL GO THIRD

Arsenal moved back into third place after an unconvincing win over Fulham. Per Mertesacker's first-half header was enough to separate the sides. Harry Redknapp admits QPR's chances of avoiding relegation are “in tatters” after his side were beaten 2-0 by Stoke City. Today, the battle for a top-four finish hots up as Tottenham face Manchester City and Liverpool host Chelsea.