Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 13 Sep 2014

1. REEVA PARENTS BREAK THEIR SILENCE

The parents of Reeva Steenkamp have described their "disappointment" over the acquittal of Oscar Pistorius. Voicing their feelings for the first time since the trial began six months ago, Barry and June Steenkamp told ITV News they believe there is “something missing…more to the whole story”. Pistorious, who was found guilty of culpable homicide, will be sentenced next month.

Oscar Pistorius out of legal options as request to appeal rejected

2. 70% OF ENGLISH WANT SCOTS TO STAY

Seven in 10 English voters want Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom, according to a new poll, and if Scotland votes for independence 53% believe they should not be allowed to keep the pound. The news comes as it is revealed that nearly £17bn of UK shares, bonds and other financial assets were dumped by investors over the past month amid fears over the Union.

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Scottish independence: UK party leaders pledge new powers

3. TORIES CONFIRM BORIS FOR UXBRIDGE

Boris Johnson has been officially selected to stand for the Conservatives in Uxbridge and South Ruislip. The London mayor saw off the challenge of three rivals to secure the support of party members to fight the safe seat next May. Boris said he was “obviously thrilled” to secure the selection. He won outright on the first count, without the need for a second round.

4. UK HOSTAGE’S FAMILY APPEAL TO IS

The family of the British aid worker believed to be held by Islamic State militants have appealed to his captors to contact them. In a new appeal, the family of David Haines said: "We have sent messages to you to which we have not received a reply.” IS extremists have threatened to kill Haines, who was taken while working for ACTED in Syria last year.

5. PALINS ‘DRUNKEN MELEE AT HOUSE PARTY’

Around 20 people took part in a drunken row outside a house party where Sarah Palin reportedly shouted: “Do you know who I am?” Alaska political blogger Amanda Coyne claimed at one stage the owner of the house ended up facing: “Nearly the whole Palin tribe: Palin women screaming. Palin men thumping their chests. Word is that Bristol has a particularly strong right hook, which she employed repeatedly.”

6. DOGS DONATIONS PASS £1M MARK

The Manchester dogs’ home which was ravaged by fire has received over £1m in donations from the public over the past 48 hours. Some 53 dogs died in the blaze at Manchester Dogs' Home on Thursday night. About 150 dogs were rescued. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson and questioned in police custody yesterday.

7. TEARFUL MCGUINNESS PRAISES PAISLEY

Tributes have been paid to Ian Paisley, former leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, who has died at the age of 88. His one-time IRA enemy, Martin McGuinness, fought back tears as he praised: “the work [Paisley] did in the latter days of his political life in building agreement and leading unionism into a new accommodation with republicans and nationalists."

8. HUGE WAVES ERODING MALIBU HOMES

The Malibu homes of billionaires and celebrities are being battered by huge waves which threaten to erode the foundations of their luxury pads. The wealthy homeowners along Broad Beach, including Steven Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hawn and Pierce Brosnan, fear they will lose their homes unless a $20m scheme to address the erosion of the shoreline is approved.

9. NEWSNIGHT EDITOR REVEALS PAXMAN ROWS

The editor of BBC2’s Newsnight says he and former host Jeremy Paxman frequently disagreed, adding that the former presenter was “dyspeptic about everything” and condemned every idea he put forward as “preposterous, infantile, or completely lamentable”. Speaking to the Evening Standard, Ian Katz said BBC producers were “pretty terrified” of Paxman.

10. ‘DAT GUY’ SET FOR ARSENAL DEBUT

Danny Welbeck is set for his Arsenal debut today as champions Manchester City travel to the Emirates for the lunchtime kick-off. Later, leaders Chelsea host second-placed Swansea. Meanwhile, newly-formed American investment company Cain Hoy has confirmed it is considering a takeover bid for Tottenham Hotspur.

Welbeck, Falcao, Balotelli: who will shine brightest?