Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 19 Aug 2013

1. EGYPT: HOSNI MUBARAK TO BE FREED

Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian leader overthrown in 2011, will be freed from prison within "48 hours" after corruption charges against him were dropped, his lawyer said. The only legal grounds for Mubarak's continued detention rest on another corruption case which will be cleared up later this week, the lawyer told Reuters.

Egypt: Mubarak to be freed as violence continues

2. DIANA CLAIM 'A STUNT' SAYS EX-BODYGUARD

Ken Wharfe, a former police bodyguard to Princess Diana, has dismissed allegations that the SAS were involved in her death, saying: "I just think it's a bit of a publicity stunt." Tory MP Julian Brazier, a former member of the Territorial SAS, said: "I am very surprised by the police decision to start yet another inquiry based only on this extremely indirect testimony."

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Diana 'SAS murder conspiracy': why is Met taking it seriously?

3. AIRPORT DETENTION: CRITICISM GROWS

Britain's anti-terrorist legislation watchdog has added its voice to MPs and pressure groups questioning the use of anti-terror laws to detain the Brazilian partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald at Heathrow airport yesterday. David Anderson QC said the decision to hold 28-year-old David Miranda for nine hours appeared to be "unusual".

Guardian man's partner held at Heathrow for nine hours

4. MERKEL VISIT CALLED OFF AFTER SIEGE

German chancellor Angela Merkel was forced to cancel a visit to the Bavarian town of Ingolstadt today after a gunman took the town's deputy mayor and members of his staff hostage. The siege is not thought to be connected to Merkel's visit, ahead of elections next month. The gunman is described as a "stalker" who had previously been banned from the town hall.

5. NAVY FRIGATE ARRIVES IN GIBRALTAR

The Royal Navy frigate HMS Westminster has arrived in Gibraltar a day after Spanish fishermen illegally entered British waters around the Rock in a dispute over fishing rights. Although the vessel is taking part in an international military exercise its arrival is seen as "provocative" by some Spaniards.

Gibraltar: PM won't rule out 'tit-for-tat' as warship arrives

6. PISTORIUS TRIAL SET FOR 3 MARCH

Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius will go on trial in March over the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, a judge has decided. Pistorius returned to court in Pretoria today for the short hearing, in which a judge set his trial date for 3 March next year. Asked by the judge if he was well, the sprinter replied: "Under the circumstances, your honour."

Oscar Pistorius out of legal options as request to appeal rejected

7. MP ARRESTED IN FRACKING PROTEST

Green MP Caroline Lucas and her son have been arrested at a site in West Sussex where energy firm Cuadrilla is drilling for oil. Protesters opposed to 'fracking' blocked the B2036 between Balcombe - the location of the exploration site - and Cuckfield. They also occupied the Cuadrilla's HQ in Staffordshire and protested outside its London PR firm.

Green MP Lucas arrested as anti-fracking protests intensify

8. CHIEF MED OFFICER: I'VE TAKEN CANNABIS

Professor Sally Davies, England's most senior doctor, has admitted to trying cannabis baked in cookies "three or four times" at university in the 1970s, but said she had stopped after suffering hallucinations. Dame Sally previously said she would be "ready with quite a lot of advice" if ministers decided to decriminalise drugs.

UK's top doctor Sally Davies admits: 'I ate hash cookies'

9. MAN UTD BACK AT TOP OF PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United are back at the top of the Premier League after the first two days of the season because of goal difference, having beaten Swansea 4-1. Chelsea and Liverpool both won their first games, but Arsenal fell 3-1 to Aston Villa and were booed off by angry fans. Manchester City’s first game is tonight against Newcastle.

Van Persie, Welbeck and Vidic all make the team of the week

10. HOT TICKET: THE PRIDE BACK IN WEST END

A revival of Alexi Kaye Campbell's drama 'The Pride' has opened at the Trafalgar Studios, London. The story follows twin love triangles between two men and a woman half a century apart, reflecting shifting attitudes towards homosexuality. "Engrossing," says The Times. With Hayley Atwell. Until 9 November.

West End revival of The Pride 'sensitive' and 'engrossing'