Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 19 Aug 2014

1. IRAQ MILITANTS: WE WILL ATTACK US TARGETS

Islamic State militants in Iraq have threatened to attack US targets after Barack Obama announced Kurdish forces had retaken the largest dam in Iraq, supported by US fighter jets. A video message from the militants promised Americans: “We will drown all of you in blood.” Meanwhile a UN relief operation to help refugees is underway.

Islamic State: RAF jets carry out first air strikes in Iraq

2. OBAMA CALLS FOR CALM IN FERGUSON

More than 30 people were arrested in another night of rioting in Ferguson, Missouri, where an unarmed black teenager was shot dead by police ten days ago. Police used tear gas after live shots were fired in the crowd.The National Guard has now been deployed and Barack Obama has called for calm. The US attorney general is to travel to Missouri tomorrow.

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Ferguson: state of emergency declared as protests continue

3. POPE'S RELATIVES DIE IN CAR CRASH

Three of Pope Francis's relatives have died in a car crash in Argentina. His nephew, Emanuel Bergoglio, was badly hurt in the incident and his wife Valeria Carmona, 39, and their two children Jose, aged two, and eight-month-old Antonio were killed. The Pope, the former cardinal of Buenos Aires, said he was "profoundly saddened" by the news.

4. GAZA: ISRAEL STRIKES AFTER ROCKET ATTACK

Israel has carried out air strikes in Gaza after rockets were fired from the Palestinian territory towards the towns of Beersheba and Netivot, in violation of a ceasefire that had held since last week. Officials say 2,016 Palestinians and 66 Israelis have been killed since Israel began an offensive in Gaza six weeks ago.

5. ICELAND RAISES ALERT LEVEL FOR VOLCANO

Iceland's meteorological office has raised the official alert level for the eruption of the Bardabunga volcano to 'orange' because of signs of “ongoing magma movement”. A strong earthquake on Monday was the first warning. In 2010, ash from Eyjafjallajokull severely disrupted European airspace.

Iceland volcano red alert: Will flights be grounded again?

6. POLICE BREAK SOCIAL MEDIA RULES

Hundreds of police officers are being investigated for breaking social media rules, making racist or threatening comments online, or sending Facebook friend requests to crime victims, according to research by the Press Association. Of 828 cases in five years in, 9% ended with the officer leaving his force.

Hundreds of police investigated over social media misuse

7. TIM VINE WINS BEST EDINBURGH JOKE PRIZE

Quick-fire comic Tim Vine yesterday won the Dave prize for best one-liner at the Edinburgh Fringe with: “I’ve decided to sell my Hoover. Well, it was just collecting dust.” Second was Masai Graham, for the self-aware gag: “I've written a joke about a fat badger, but I couldn’t fit it into my set.”

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015: best jokes from the past five years

8. TRAIN TICKET PRICES TO RISE BY 3.5%

Rail fares are set to rise by 3.5% in 2015 following the release of inflation figures, but some could increase by 4.5%. Rail companies are allowed to increase average fares by July's RPI inflation figure (2.5%) plus 1%, but some tickets can go up by RPI plus 2%. Labout has accused the government of "ripping off" passengers.

9. ELEPHANT DEATHS REACH TIPPING POINT

A new study suggest poaching of elephants has become so bad that more are being killed each year than are being born. US researchers believe that an average 35,000 elephants have been killed in Africa each year since 2010. The animals will be extinct in the wild within 100 years if this trend continues.

10. HOT TICKET: COVERT COMIC JAMES ACASTER

James Acaster's stand-up show has been tipped for the top prize at the Edinburgh Fringe. In it he declares that he is not actually a comedian, but an undercover cop sent to bust drug dealers supplying class-A substances to performers. "Immaculately crafted," says the London Evening Standard. Until 24 August at the Pleasance.

Hot ticket: James Acaster's tricksy comedy Recognise