Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 18 Sep 2016

1. 'Intentional' explosion injures 29 in New York City

At least 29 people have been wounded in an explosion in the Chelsea district of New York City, officials say. The explosion in the busy Manhattan neighbourhood was an "intentional act", according to the authorities, but New York mayor Bill De Blasio said there was no evidence the blast was terror-related. A device has been found at a second location in the same district.

2. Tory MPs form group to press for 'hard Brexit'

Theresa May is facing an uprising as Conservative MPs launch a new campaign to push for a "hard Brexit". The new group, Leave Means Leave, launches today with the target of getting the UK out of the EU’s single market, ending the influence of Brussels on British laws, and abolishing European "free movement" migration. It is led by the businessman Richard Tice.

3. Corbyn to launch 'democratic revolution' if he wins

Jeremy Corbyn give the Labour Party’s mass membership a role in both electing his top team and shaping party policy if he wins the leadership contest. Reports claim Corbyn will suggest that members should be allowed to elect some shadow cabinet ministers, and have a direct say in policymaking through "digital consultations". Supporters predict he will win with at least 65% of the vote.

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4. US-led air strike kills at least 62 Syrian troops

A US air strike in eastern Syria killed at least 62 Syrian troops fighting Islamic State, according to the Russian army. Moscow says the ceasefire is now in "serious trouble". Syria said the strike is a "serious and blatant attack on Syria and its military" and "firm proof of the US support of [Islamic State] and other terrorist groups".

5. Doctors to train in compassion and communication

Doctors and nurses will be sent on courses in compassion and communication skills. The country’s most senior doctor said the future of the NHS depended on training staff in how to have a more "equal conversation" with patients. "People need to feel listened to – we know that just handing out advice doesn’t work," said a former GP who ran a pilot scheme.

6. Iranian para-cyclist dies after Rio games crash

An Iranian Para-cyclist has died after a crash during a road race at the Rio Paralympics. The International Paralympic Committee said 48-year-old Bahman Golbarnezhad suffered cardiac arrest after the incident on a "mountainous stretch" of circuit. Golbarnezhad also competed at the London Paralympics in 2012. An investigation into the circumstances of the incident has been launched.

7. Donald Trump 'beyond repair' says former Pentagon man

A former Pentagon chief has described Donald Trump as "beyond repair". Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Robert Gates described the Republican candidate as "stubbornly uninformed about the world and how to lead our country and government, and temperamentally unsuited to lead our men and women in uniform". In response, Trump said Gates "knows nothing about me" and described his Pentagon tenure as "a total disaster".

8. David Bowie 'may have stage-managed a suicide'

Did David Bowie stage-manage his own death through an assisted suicide? Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles believes this is likely. "When you think about it, David stage-managed absolutely everything else, throughout his entire career," says Peebles. "Why would his death be any different? If he was able to do it on his own terms, good for him."

9. Air rage soars as passengers behave 'like animals'

The number of "air rage" incidents on UK airlines has quadrupled over a three-year period, according to figures from the Civil Aviation Authority. The data shows there were 386 dangerous incidents in 2015 - compared with just 85 in 2013. "They behave like animals,” said a cabin crew worker. “You can't believe your eyes some of the things that you're seeing.”

10. Low bids expected for David Cameron's memoir

David Cameron’s memoir will earn him only about a third of what Tony Blair got for his in 2010, according to reports. Publishers expect Cameron to net around £1.5m, against Blair’s £4.6m and £3.5m for Margaret Thatcher’s memoirs. Both benefited from interest in America, where Cameron has a much lower profile. Various publishers expect to receive a synopsis of Cameron’s book this week.

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