Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 19 Jul 2013

1. HEATWAVE: IT COULD HIT 35C NEXT WEEK

UK temperatures are expected to cool slightly over the weekend and then return to 30C or even 35C from Monday bringing fears of more deaths from the heatwave. Local authorities are having to deal with melting tarmac roads and the fire services have been tackling more than 20 wildfires a day. Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far, with highs of 32.2C.

2. IRAQ: BLAIR TO FACE CRITICISM OVER WAR

Tony Blair is expected to be warned later this month that he will be criticised by the inquiry into the 2003 Iraq war. Sir John Chilcot,chair of the inquiry, has told David Cameron that "individuals", thought to include the former prime minister, had been identified who would be criticised in his report. Blair has denied misleading Parliament over the case for war.

3. WOOLWICH MURDER SUSPECT 'ATTACKED'

Police are investigating after one of the two men accused of murdering Fusilier Lee Rigby in May alleged he was assaulted in Belmarsh prison. Michael Adebolajo, 28, is understood to have lost two front teeth in an incident on Wednesday. He and his co-accused, Michael Adebowale, 22, are due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in November.

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4. OSBORNE ORDERS FRACKING TAX CUT

George Osborne has enraged environmentalists by announcing a special 30 per cent tax rate for onshore shale gas production. The move could see a revolution in shale gas production in the UK but could also lead to higher carbon emissions. By comparison, new North Sea oil operations are taxed at up to 62 per cent.

Anger as Osborne unveils tax breaks for fracking industry

5. ASHES: AUSTRALIA ALL OUT FOR 128

Australia are in danger of losing the second Ashes Test after they were bowled out for just 128 after collapsing from 42 without loss to 104-9 during an awful afternoon at Lord's. Graeme Swann took five wickets, including Chris Rogers, who chose not to review a dubious LBW decision. England did not enforce the follow on and began their second innings with a lead of 233.

Ian Bell saves sloppy England on first day at Lord's

6. ROYAL BABY: WRONG DAY, WRONG HOSPITAL?

The world's media, still camped outside St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, have now learned that 13 July was never the due date for Kate Middleton’s baby and that today was always the earliest it might be born. They've also been told that they could at the wrong hospital: the Royal Berkshire in Reading is just as likely to see the royal delivery.

Prince George ‘played sheep in school nativity’

7. CHURCH ORGANIST KILLING: TWO JAILED

Two 22-year-old men were jailed today for the killing of church organist Alan Greaves as he walked to a Christmas Eve service in the High Green suburb of Sheffield. Jonathan Bowling was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years for attacking 68-year-old Greaves with a pickaxe handle. Ashley Foster received nine years for the reduced charge of manslaughter.

8. ALEXEI NAVALNY FREED PENDING APPEAL

Anti-Putin campaigner Alexei Navalny has been freed on bail pending an appeal, less than 24 hours after being sentenced to five years for embezzlement. Observers see his release as an attempt to soothe public anger over what Navalny claimed was a “farcical” trial designed to stop him standing for election as Mayor of Moscow.

Convicted Putin critic Alexei Navalny freed on bail

9. HORSES SPOOKED BY SPEEDING CYCLISTS

Record numbers of cyclists competing on Britain's roads has led to a sharp rise in incidents of horses being spooked by riders refusing to slow down. Equestrians in the New Forest are calling on the authorities to control the size and frequency of cycling events with as many as 5,500 cyclists taking part in just one event early this year.

Fears grow for riders as Sunday cyclists frighten the horses

10. HOT TICKET: BRANAGH MACBETH ON SCREEN

Kenneth Branagh's 'Macbeth', the sell-out success of the Manchester International Festival, will be transmitted live to cinemas this Saturday. Branagh co-directs and stars in Shakespeare's tale of a Scottish soldier who murders his way to the crown. With ER star Alex Kingston. "Thrilling," says the Daily Telegraph.

Kenneth Branagh's 'thrilling' Macbeth goes live in cinemas