Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 24 Sep 2015

1. Euro leader: ‘greatest refugee tide yet to come’

EU leaders have pledged another €1bn (£700m, $1.1bn) for UN agencies supporting Syrian refugees in the Middle East, reports the BBC. The news comes after European Council president Donald Tusk warned the "greatest tide of refugees and migrants is yet to come”. He added: “We need to correct our policy of open doors and windows.”

Islamic State targets vulnerable refugee children for recruitment

2. Car giants bracing for VW scandal fallout

Car companies are bracing for fresh claims of rigged fuel efficiency tests in a sign that the Volkswagen fraud scandal will spread across the entire automobile industry. Germany's transport minister says VW has admitted using the same fake emissions test in Europe as it used in the US. The manufacturer’s chief executive has resigned amid the escalating crisis.

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VW Scandal: Emission fix leaves thousands with problems

3. NHS denies cancer patients drugs over cost

Experts are warning that cancer patients are being denied drugs on the NHS that could lengthen their lives because of unnecessarily extortionate prices. The medicine is cheap to make, and is available to patients in some other countries at lower prices, according to a new study. But the drugs have been dropped from the list reimbursed by the government’s special cancer drugs fund.

4. Iranian immigrant tires of ‘rude’ Mancunians

An immigrant in Manchester has demanded police deport him after tiring of “rude” and “violent” people in the city. Arash Aria, who is from Iran, walked into Manchester police station demanding to be deported, speaking of his loneliness and disillusionment in the city. The 25-year-old was described as “agitated and angry” as he told officers he wanted to leave the city.

5. 100,000 children in temporary accommodation

New government data on homelessness shows that almost 100,000 children are living in temporary accommodation and more than 2,500 people are sleeping on the streets. At the end of June, 67,000 individuals or families were registered as homeless, an increase of 12% from the same date last year. Almost a third had lost a rented home in the private sector.

6. Green politicians challenge UK drone use

Green Party politicians have launched a legal appeal against the use of drones to kill UK citizens abroad. Earlier this month, an RAF-operated drone killed two Britons linked to so-called Islamic State in Syria, David Cameron said the attacks were an "act of self defence". MP Caroline Lucas and peer Jenny Jones are seeking a judicial review, claiming that "targeted killing" is unlawful.

7. Colombia signs peace deal with Farc rebels

Colombia has signed a historic deal with rebel group Farc that is expected to end the 50-year conflict which has claimed 200,00 lives within six months. President Juan Manuel Santos and Farc leader Rodrigo Londono, better known as Timoshenko, sprung a surprise with the first major breakthrough since peace talks began in Havana in 2012.

Colombians reject deal to end Farc rebel war

8. Hundreds dead in Hajj stampede

More than 700 Muslim pilgrims have been killed in a stampede near the holy city of Mecca on the first day of Greater Eid. Hundreds of others were injured in the crush at Mina, where pilgrims were taking part in the "stoning of the devil". Around two million people are said to be taking part in this year's five-day Hajj pilgrimage to Islam's holiest site.

Mecca stampede: safety review ordered after 717 die

9. Woman admits Primark breastfeeding lie

A woman who claimed her baby was taken from her by a security guard in Primark because she was breastfeeding has admitted that she made the story up. Caroline Starmer, 28, made the claim on Facebook and it was widely reported in the media over the summer. She pleaded guilty to a charge of intent to pervert the course of justice at Leicester Crown Court.

10. Briefing: Lyme disease: how serious is the tick-borne illness?

British businessman John Caudwell has revealed that his entire family has been infected with Lyme disease, but what is it and how is it contracted? Lyme disease is a bacterial infection which can be contracted anywhere where infected ticks are present, typically in woodland, grassland and parks in the UK, Europe and North America. If the disease is allowed to progress, serious symptoms like meningitis, facial paralysis and heart failure can develop. There is no vaccination for the disease and the NHS advises that the best way to prevent the illness is to be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions when visiting areas where ticks are likely to be found.

Lyme disease: how serious is the tick-borne illness?