Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 14 Sep 2016
- 1. Damning verdict on Cameron's Libya action
- 2. One in seven UK species 'facing extinction'
- 3. Russian hackers leak Rio drug files
- 4. Guilty plea from Briton accused of Trump plot
- 5. Household dust linked to infertility and cancer
- 6. Prison staff 'watched as inmate blinded himself'
- 7. MH370: Scorched debris suggests fire
- 8. Chelsea Manning ends hunger strike
- 9. Russian scientists 'encircled by polar bears'
- 10. Briefing: Pros and cons of grammar schools
1. Damning verdict on Cameron's Libya action
A report by the cross-party Foreign Affairs committee of MPs out today delivers a damning verdict on David Cameron's 2011 intervention in Libya. Cameron is blamed for the lack of a coherent strategy in a campaign based on "erroneous assumptions" which led to the rise of Islamic State in north Africa and near-civil war in Libya.
2. One in seven UK species 'facing extinction'
One in seven British species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction, including animals like the hedgehog, a new report warns. The research, which pools data from 53 wildlife organisations, found that intensive agriculture was a major factor, having an "overwhelmingly negative" impact on nature. Urban sprawl was also blamed.
3. Russian hackers leak Rio drug files
The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has condemned Russian hackers who released the confidential medical files of US star Olympians in an apparent attempt to discredit them. After the leak, gymnast Simone Biles said she had long been taking medicine for attention deficity hyperactivity disorder but had "always followed the rules".
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4. Guilty plea from Briton accused of Trump plot
A 20-year-old Briton accused of trying to kill Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has pled guilty to lesser charges, apparently after a plea bargain which will see him sentenced to around two years in jail and deportation. Michael Sandford, from Dorking, admitted trying to grab a policeman's gun at a Trump rally in June.
5. Household dust linked to infertility and cancer
US scientists have found that household dust harbours toxic chemicals linked to an increased risk of cancer, infertility and other problems. The chemicals found came from a range of common items including flooring, electrical goods, beauty products and cleaning materials. The researchers say children are particularly vulnerable.
6. Prison staff 'watched as inmate blinded himself'
The prisoner ombudsman has strongly criticised staff at a prison in Maghaberry, Northern Ireland, who watched but did not intervene when a mentally-ill prisoner committed "extreme and shocking" self harm over three days, blinding himself and injuring his groin. Sean Lynch's father, Damien, accused staff of gross negligence.
7. MH370: Scorched debris suggests fire
Two more pieces of aircraft wreckage found by an amateur investigator in Madagascar, which could be part of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, appear to carry burn marks. Blaine Gibson has previously found other wreckage confirmed to be from the plane, but none has so far shown evidence of burning.
8. Chelsea Manning ends hunger strike
Chelsea Manning, the US soldier jailed for passing 700,000 secret files to WikiLeaks, has ended a hunger strike after the military agreed to provide her with gender transition surgery. The 28-year-old was convicted as Bradley Manning in 2013 and sentenced to 35 years in an all-male military prison. Manning attempted suicide in July.
9. Russian scientists 'encircled by polar bears'
Scientists at a Russian weather station in the Arctic may have to wait more than a month for help, encircled by polar bears. Ten adult bears and cubs have been besieging the weather station on Troynoy island, in the Kara sea north of Siberia, for the past two weeks. The five researchers have run out of flares to deter the animals.
10. Briefing: Pros and cons of grammar schools
Prime Minister Theresa May has defended plans to boost the number of grammar schools in England – a decision that is proving to be divisive among politicians. She has told fellow Tory MPs that she wants an "element of selection" in the education system. The news reopens the long-standing debate over the merits and fairness of selective education.
Pros and cons of creating new grammar schools
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