Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 21 Sep 2013

1. BROWN ‘DISCUSSED TROOPS ON STREETS’

Gordon Brown discussed deploying troops on Britain's streets as news of the 2008 financial crisis became clear, according to Damian McBride’s book. The former Labour spin doctor says Brown feared “anarchy” as the news spread. McBride claims Brown said: "We'd have to think: do we have curfews, do we put the Army on the streets, how do we get order back?"

2. UKIP MEP DISCIPLINED OVER ‘SLUTS’

A UKIP MEP has had the party whip removed after he joked that a group of female activists were "sluts". Godfrey Bloom made the quip while addressing a "women in politics" event at UKIP's annual conference. Bloom was later filmed hitting reporter Michael Crick over the head with a party brochure after Crick asked him why there were no non-white faces on its front cover.

3. US NEARLY NUKED NORTH CAROLINA

The US Air Force came dramatically close to detonating an atom bomb over North Carolina in 1961, reports The Guardian. A document, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, says that two bombs were dropped when a bomber broke up in mid-air. The bombs were 260 times more powerful than the device that devastated Hiroshima.

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4. LABOUR TO SCRAP BEDROOM TAX

A Labour government will scrap the "bedroom tax", Ed Miliband is to announce. He will say that the £470m saved by the controversial tax could instead be covered by closing "shady" tax loopholes. Meanwhile, people earning £60,000 are not considered "rich" and would not be taxed more under Labour, the deputy to shadow chancellor Ed Balls has announced.

5. THREAT TO KIDNAP MCCANN TWINS

Vigilantes planned to kidnap one of the McCann twins in a bid to find out what really happened to their sister Madeleine. Gerry McCann contacted the police after “disturbing” threats were made against the twins, Sean and Amelie, a court heard. The McCanns are suing Goncalo Amaral, a former policeman and head of the investigation, over his book about the case, The Truth of the Lie.

6. BLACKBERRY TO CUT 40% OF ITS STAFF

Blackberry has announced it is to cut 4,500 jobs, some 40% of its worldwide workforce, as it anticipates a loss of as much as $995m (£621m) when it reports its second-quarter earnings next week. Shares in the firm closed down 17% after briefly being halted following the announcement. The news comes as rival Apple launches its new iPhone models.

7. BAN CAT BARBECUES, SAYS CONGRESSMAN

A Peruvian congressman and animal rights activists are trying to ban the consumption of barbecued cat at a religious festival this weekend. Campaigners say at least 100 cats will be eaten at the annual festival of Santa Efigenia in La Quebrada, a town south of Lima. The campaigners say the practice is cruel and a risk to public health.

8. WHAT YOUR COFFEE SAYS ABOUT YOU

Cappuccino drinkers are obsessive while latte lovers are easy to please, according to a new study on the personality traits of coffee drinkers. Psychologist Dr Ramani Durvasula analysed 1,000 coffee lovers and concluded that instant coffee drinkers tend to procrastinate, while black coffee fans can be abrupt, impatient and averse to change.

9. JAGGER TO BE GREAT GRANDFATHER

Rolling Stone Mick Jagger is to become a great grandfather when his daughter Jade's eldest child Assisi gives birth next year, says The Mirror. Socialite Assisi, 21, is expecting her first child with her chef boyfriend, Alex. She is three months pregnant. A source told the newspaper that Jagger, 70, is “delighted” and “has no qualms” about becoming a great grandfather.

10. JOSE MOURINHO BLAMES STYLE CHANGE

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has blamed his team’s poor run on the fact he is changing the style of play at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, who play Fulham this afternoon, have made their worst league start in 10 years. "When you want to build something different and the players are adapted and comfortable - it's more difficult,” said Mourinho.