Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 27 Sep 2014

1. RAF POISED TO STRIKE IS MILITANTS

RAF warplanes are awaiting orders to start missile attacks against Islamic State terrorists after MPs voted overwhelmingly for military action in Iraq. Tornado G4 fighters, based in Cyprus, are expected to lead British operations. Follwing a seven-hour debate yesterday, MPs from all three main Westminster parties voted for military action by 524 votes to 43.

2. CHELSEA CLINTON GIVES BIRTH TO GIRL

Hillary and Bill Clinton have become grandparents for the first time after their daughter Chelsea gave birth to a baby girl. The 34-year-old announced the news on Twitter, writing: "Marc and I are full of love, awe and gratitude as we celebrate the birth of our daughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky”. Some pundits have compared the birth to that of the Prince George of Cambridge.

3. POLICE PROBING CHILD EXORCISMS

Police are probing claims a series of child exorcisms have taken place near a Croydon leisure centre. Witnesses have reported seeing groups of adults surrounding toddlers and chanting “Get the demon out” during the ceremonies, which take place between 4am and 6am. Police say they are examining whether children are at risk.

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4. ABBAS ACCUSES ISRAEL OF ‘GENOCIDE’

The president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, has accused Israel of carrying out a "war of genocide" in Gaza. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Abbas said Israel’s "war crimes" should be punished. Israel and the US both condemned Abbas’ speech, with Washington describing his allegations as “offensive”.

5. PM REVEALS HOMES SCHEME PLEDGE

First-time buyers under the age of 40 will be offered a 20% discount on their new homes, the Tories have pledged. David Cameron has announced plans to build tens of thousands of new homes which will be reserved for first-time buyers, under 40. Under the scheme, the homes would be exempt from a range of taxes, lowering their price by around 20%, he claims.

6. CLOONEY’S VENICE WEDDING UNDERWAY

George Clooney’s extravagant four-day wedding has begun with a speedboat entrance on the Grand Canal in Venice. The 53-year-old Hollywood star will marry his fiancé, British-Lebanese lawyer Amal Alamuddin, 36, this weekend. It will be a star-studded affair with the guest list including Matt Damon, Cindy Crawford, Brad Pitt and Bono.

7. NORTH KOREA CONFIRMS JONG-UN IS ILL

State media in North Korea has admitted that leader Kim Jong-un is ill. The 31-year-old, who has put on weight since becoming leader in 2011, is rumoured to be suffering from debilitating levels of gout. In a rare display of openness, state media admitted yesterday that the leader is suffering from “an uncomfortable physical condition”.

8. COWBELLS ‘TORTURE’ FOR COWS

Campaigners are demanding that cowbells are replaced by GPS microchips after a study revealed that the instruments upset the animals. The study of 100 cows fitted with the bells — an iconic feature of the Swiss countryside — found the the volume the cows experience from the bells can reach 113 decibels, well over the legal occupational limit of 85.

9. US WOMAN BEHEADED AT FACTORY

A woman was beheaded in Oklahoma by a former colleague who had tried to convert his co-workers to Islam, according to reports. The FBI is investigating the incident at a factory amid claims that the attacker was a recent Muslim convert who may have been motivated by Islamism. The alleged attacker, Alton Nolen, 30, had recently been sacked by the factory.

10. DERBY DAY IN LONDON AND LIVERPOOL

It’s a day of derbies in the Premier League as Arsenal host Tottenham and Liverpool face Everton. Both north London sides will welcome back players who missed the midweek Capital Cup ties. Meanwhile, Liverpool hope Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho will be available for the 221st Merseyside derby.