Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 2 Nov 2016

1. Iraqi forces 'push through Mosul front line'

A spokesman for Iraqi special forces has told the BBC troops have pushed through the front line of Islamic State fighters and into the city of Mosul, the terror group's last stronghold in Iraq. Sabah al-Numan said many IS fighters had been killed, but his troops had not suffered any losses.

UK 'risks repeating Libya mistakes in Mosul'

2. Northern Ireland and Republic hold Brexit talks

Politicians from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are meeting in Dublin today alongside representatives from NGOs, business and civic society to discuss the implications of Brexit for the island. Neither the DUP or Ulster Unionist Party will attend the "all-island civic dialogue", which is being chaired by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

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3. Soldier shot dead at RAF bombing range

One soldier has been shot dead and several other personnel injured during a training exercise at RAF Tain in Scotland. The base has an air weapons range where small-arms, rifle and aerial bombing training are conducted and is used by the UK, Nato and US forces. The victim was a member of the British Army, police say.

4. Theresa May blast 'outrageous' Fifa poppy ban

Prime Minister Theresa May says it is "outrageous" that the England and Scotland football teams could be banned from wearing poppies on their kits when they meet on Armisitice Day. Fifa reportedly sees the poppy as a political symbol and has banned its use. Speaking at PMQs, May told football's governing body it should concentrate on getting its own house in order.

Poppy row: Fifa may punish FA for The Last Post and silence

5. Clinton accuses Trump of bullying women

US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has accused her Republican rival, Donald Trump, of a 30-year history of "demeaning, degrading, insulting and assaulting women". Trump, in turn, accused the Democrat of being "corrupt". The bitter contest is entering its final week, with one national poll showing Trump in the lead by 1%.

Trump travel ban: Judge expands definition of relatives

6. Think-tank predicts 4% inflation in 2017

A leading think-tank says inflation will quadruple to 4% in the second half of 2017, cutting disposable income. The National Institute for Economic and Social Research predicts the fall in the value of sterling since the Brexit vote will cause inflation. It also says the economy faces "significant risks" that could restrict growth.

The Business: UK betting income rockets as terminals grow

7. Britain 'is becoming more racially segregated'

Britain is becoming more racially segregated as white families leave ethnically diverse areas, warns Professor Ted Cantle, who wrote a report on community cohesion after race riots in 2001. The academic called on the government to encourage white households to remain, saying separation "breeds intolerance and prejudice".

8. Sadiq Khan orders West Ham stadium inquiry

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched an inquiry into the finances of the London Stadium after the cost of converting it to be used by West Ham football club increased £51m to £323m. The spiralling total is partly due to the projected annual cost of moving retractable seating to improve audience sightlines.

9. Facebook blocks insurer from monitoring profiles

Facebook has blocked plans by Admiral insurance to offer young drivers the chance to submit their Facebook profiles for analysis in order to receive a discount. Facebook cited provacy concerns and saod that while people can use their accounts to log in to the Admiral app, it will not allow the insurer to view users' posts to work out discounts.

10. Briefing: Will Clinton's emails hand Trump the election?

A national poll of polls puts Hillary Clinton just 2.2 points ahead of Donald Trump, days after the FBI announced it was revisiting its investigation into her use of a private email server as secretary of state. The Democratic presidential hopeful was as many as 7.1 points ahead two weeks ago, according to the RealClearPolitics poll, but the gap has since closed considerably.

Donald Trump sued by two states over business links

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