Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 18 May 2015

1. ISLAMIC STATE TAKES CONTROL OF RAMADI

Islamic State has seized control of Ramadi, a major Iraqi city, in a "crushing setback" to the countries trying to stem the extremist group's expansion in the region. The capture of the city, the capital of Iraq's largest province Al Anbar, is Islamic State's biggest military victory this year and comes a day after the group's finance director was killed in Syria.

Islamic State seizes Ramadi in 'crushing setback' for opposition

2. NINE KILLED IN TEXAS BIKER BRAWL

Nine bikers were killed in a gunfight between motorcycle gangs outside at busy shopping centre in Waco, Texas. Hundreds were involved in the brawl during which bikers shot at police, who returned fire in a car park outside the Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill. More than 30 weapons are believed to have been fired and 192 people will face organised crime charges

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Texas shootout: nine killed in deadly biker bar brawl

3. TALKS TO AVERT NATIONAL RAIL STRIKE

Network Rail has been meeting with union leaders today in a bid to avert the first UK-wide rail strike for 20 years, which threatens to cause travel chaos across the UK this bank holiday weekend. Members of the RMY union are threatening to walk out next Monday in a dispute over pay and jobs.

Rail passengers protest fares hike at 100 stations

4. MCCLUSKEY DENIES LABOUR 'RETHINK'

Len McCluskey, general secretary of the Unite union, has denied claims that it is considering disaffiliating from the Labour party. Over the weekend he had warned that the wrong choice of Labour leader could prompt Unite's members to "rethink" their relationship. The issue is likely to be discussed at United's conference in July.

5. HOUSE SALES TO RISE AFTER TORY WIN

Estate agents are reporting a ‘stampede’ through their doors in the wake of the general election result. Rightmove, the online property portal, has predicted that supply of homes for sale will increase by between 10% and 20% over the next three months. Leading agents say the handbrake has come off the property market in the wake of the Conservative election victory.

London house prices: study predicts a 2.5% rise for 2020, but a 1% fall in 2021

6. EXTREME SPORTSMAN DEAN POTTER KILLED

Extreme sports legend Dean Potter has been killed after a base jump in Yosemite National Park went wrong. He and fellow jumper Graham Hunt died after leaping from a 7,000ft precipice called Taft Point wearing wing-suits. Potter was also known for his free climbing and slacklining skills.

Daredevil Dean Potter falls to his death in Yosemite Park

7. NURSE FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERS

A nurse has been found guilty of murdering two patients and poisoning 19 others at a hospital in Manchester in 2011 and 2012. Victorino Chua killed Tracey Arden, 44, and Derek Weaver, 83, at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport by injecting insulin into saline bags and ampoules which were administered to patients by other staff.

8. THOMAS COOK GAVE COMPENSATION AWAY

Holiday company Thomas Cook, awarded £3m in compensation after the death of two children in Corfu nine years ago, says it donated half the money to charity. Christi and Bobby Shepherd died of carbon monoxide poisoning, and last week an inquest jury found that Thomas Cook "breached its duty of care".

9. CAMERON OUTLINES 'SEVEN-DAY NHS'

David Cameron has today used his first big post-election speech to re-state his commitment to a "seven-day" service in the NHS, which will require the training and recruitment of 5,000 new GPs. He also commited to increasing NHS budgets by at least £8bn a year within five years, as promised in the Conservative manifesto.

Hunt declares seven-day NHS ultimatum in 'war with doctors'

10. BRIEFING: COLD-BREW COFFEE

After making its debut last summer, cold-brew coffee is set to be this year's caffeine craze. Coffee grounds are steeped in water at room temperature for up to 24 hours, resulting in a highly concentrated liquid, which is diluted with water and served chilled. According to fans, the bitterness of espresso is replaced by a smoother and more velvety taste.

Cold-brew coffee: the next big trend