Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 13 Mar 2015

1. LABOUR: WE’LL CUT BIG SIX ENERGY BILLS

Ed Miliband is expected to announce later today that Labour will give energy regulator Ofgem the power to force firms to cut their prices, as well as freeze them. The opposition leader will say the move is necessary as the Big Six firms have failed to pass on savings to customers as wholesale prices have fallen.

Election 2015: Nick Robinson, one man who’d welcome a second election

2. OBAMA CONDEMNS FERGUSON SHOOTINGS

Barack Obama has said the shooters who injured two policemen in Ferguson, Missouri, are “criminals” who should be arrested. The officers were shot in the face and shoulder during protests after the resignation of police chief Thomas Jackson. Obama added that the protesters had “legitimate grievances”.

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Ferguson: state of emergency declared as protests continue

3. TERRY PRATCHETT ‘TWEETS HIS DEATH’

Comic author Sir Terry Pratchett’s death yesterday was announced on his own Twitter feed with a short vignette in which the fantasy author met one of his most famous characters - Death. The 66-year-old had suffered for eight years from an unusual form of Alzheimer’s. He died peacefully at home with his family present.

Terry Pratchett quotes: Discworld author dies aged 66

4. ROCHDALE: NO POLICE TO BE CHARGED

No police officers will face charges over a failure by the Greater Manchester force to tackle the sexual abuse of teenage girls in Rochdale, after the force investigated the conduct of 13 officers between 2008 and 2010. One officer was found to have warranted disciplinary action but was allowed to retire first.

Rochdale abuse: no officers to face misconduct proceedings

5. YEWTREE POLICE ARREST MAX CLIFFORD

Celebrity publicist Max Clifford has been arrested by police investigating historic child abuse under Operation Yewtree. The 71-year-old is currently in jail, serving an eight-year sentence for abusing a string of young women throughout his career. Many of his victims were teenagers hoping for a show business career.

6. GRAYLING: DRUGS SCANNERS FOR PRISONS

Justice secretary Chris Grayling is to purchase a new generation of X-ray machine drugs scanners for UK prisons, where there is a continuing problem of narcotics being smuggled in for prisoners. One think tank estimates the cost of installing scanners in every prison in England and Wales would be around £15m.

7. AFGHAN PRESIDENT SALUTES UK DEAD

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has paid tribute to UK service personnel who lost their lives “to enable us to live in freedom, in hope for peace, prosperity and dignity”. The BBC’s David Loyn says this is in marked contrast to his predecessor’s attitude. A service for the 453 troops will be held in St Paul’s today.

8. FIRST FEMALE VIKING CHIEF FOR SHETLAND

For the first time, a woman has been chosen as the chief ‘Viking’ in one of Shetland’s famous Up Helly Aa fire festivals. Lesley Simpson will lead the torchlit parade of costumed warriors in the South Mainland festival. However, the main Up Helly Aa festival in island capital Lerwick remains a male-only affair.

9. SKIIER HIT BY PLANE IN FRENCH ALPS

A Polish woman skiing at the French resort of Avoriaz is seriously injured after she was hit yesterday by a light aircraft on skis which was trying to take off. The 55-year-old was hit by the plane’s propeller after the pilot lost control. She suffered a “near amputation” according to the emergency services who treated her.

10. BRIEFING: TIPS FOR THE 2015 GOLD CUP

The Cheltenham National Hunt Festival - the Olympics of jump racing - reaches its conclusion today – and there's still plenty of opportunities to win and lose money. Our racing pundit outlines the key factors to bear in mind before placing our bets.

Gold Cup 2015 betting tips: an intelligent punter's guide