Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 30 Aug 2013

1. SYRIA: US MAY ATTACK WITHOUT UK

The US is continuing to seek a coalition for a military intervention in Syria and David Cameron says there needs to be a "robust response" to the crisis despite the defeat of a Commons motion last night clearing the way for a British attack. France has also said the failure of last night's motion did not change its conviction that military action is necessary.

Syria crisis: Loss of vote 'devastating blow' to PM

2. ECONOMIC RECOVERY 'GAINING MOMENTUM'

The British economy is starting to regain momentum, according to the British Chambers of Commerce, which has revised its growth forecast upwards. Despite warning that the recovery "is not yet secure", the business lobby group says it now believes the UK economy will grow 1.3% this year, up from its previous forecast of 0.9%.

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More good news for UK economy as BCC sees growth

3. CLINT EASTWOOD SPLITS FROM WIFE

Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood has split from his wife after 17 years of marriage, according to reports. The actor and his second wife, 48-year-old Dina Eastwood, have been living apart for some time following the "amicable" separation. Eastwood, 83, married the former TV news reporter in March 1996 and they have a 16-year-old daughter.

4. HOCKNEY AIDE DIED AFTER DRINKING ACID

David Hockney's personal assistant died after drinking toilet cleaner at the painter's home, an inquest in Hull heard yesterday. Dominic Elliott, 23, had been drinking and taking cocaine and ecstasy the night he died. The 76-year-old artist was asleep at the time and said to be "completely unaware" of what had happened.

Hockney aide killed by acid during 'drug binge'

5. SYRIA: 'NAPALM ATTACK' ON SCHOOL

More than 10 pupils were killed and scores more badly burned after a military jet dropped a device on a school playground in Norther Syria, the BBC has reported. Harrowing images of badly-burned students were broadcast last night shortly before MPs voted against a motion paving the way for British military intervention.

'Napalm' attack: might earlier disclosure have changed vote?

6. ROLF HARRIS FACES 13 SEX CHARGES

The Crown Prosecution Service has said it believes that it is in the public interest to charge the entertainer Rolf Harris and that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. The children's television presenter, who was awarded CBE in 2005, was charged with 13 sexual offences yesterday, and will appear in court in September.

7. POET SEAMUS HEANEY DIES AT 74

Irish poet and playwright Seamus Heaney, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, has died aged 74. Robert Lowell called Heaney "the most important Irish poet since Yeats" and he was revered by his contemporaries. Born near Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, but raised in Bellaghy, he had been suffering from ill-health in recent months.

Seamus Heaney, poetry's 'modest' Nobel laureate, dies

8. MIRANDA'S FILES PUT UK SPYS 'AT RISK'

Files confiscated from David Miranda, the Brazilian man detained at Heathrow airport, put the lives of British intelligence officers at risk, a senior cabinet official said. Miranda denies the claim made at a hearing today discussing an emergency injunction allowing police to continue to examine the material until a judicial review of Miranda's detention is held in October.

9. ARSENAL FACE TOUGH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Arsenal have been drawn in the 'group of death' for this year's Champions League, facing Marseille, Napoli and Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea are reckoned to have the easiest ride of the British clubs, facing Schalke, Steaua Bucharest and FC Basel. Manchester United take on Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad.

Spurs to finally topple Arsenal as Liverpool take on Man Utd

10. HOT TICKET: COMEDY THE WAY, WAY BACK

American comedy-drama 'The Way, Way Back' has opened in UK cinemas. In this coming-of-age story 14-year-old Duncan anticipates summer holiday misery with his mother and her overbearing new boyfriend, until an unexpected friendship offers him new hope. With Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell. "Hilarious," says Den of Geek.

The Way, Way Back: funny late summer surprise