Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 30 Aug 2017

1. North Korea threatens further missiles

North Korean state media says the firing of a missile over Japan two days ago was the "first step" of military operations in the Pacific. It also repeated threats against the US base of Guam, dubbing it an "advanced base of invasion", says the BBC. The Japanese government told citizens to seek shelter as the missile passed over on Tuesday.

2. Curfew imposed as Houston floods continue

Citizens of Houston, Texas, have been banned from the streets at night as floods continue to affect the city. The curfew is to prevent looting and emergency workers are exempt. An area half the size of Greater London is now under water and more than 13,000 people have been rescued. US President Donald Trump is visiting Texas.

3. Kezia Dugdale quits as Scots Labour leader

Kezia Dugdale, the leader of Labour in Scotland for two years, has unexpectedly resigned, just two days after Jeremy Corbyn finished a tour of 18 Scottish constituencies. There is speculation she left to avoid a clash with Corbyn supporters – she has previously been critical of the party leader and has faced criticism from the party's left wing.

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4. May urges China to curb North Korea

Theresa May arrived in Japan last night for a three-day visit, urging China to control the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, saying pressure from his larger neighbour is "the best way" to stop Kim Jong-un from continuing his programme. The Prime Minister arrived days after North Korea fired a missile across Japan's Hokkaido island.

5. New Forth bridge opens to motorists

The third Forth bridge, known as the Queensferry Crossing, opens to motorists today, linking Edinburgh to Fife. Britain's newest road bridge is 1.6 miles, the longest of its type in the world. It closes again on Friday to prepare for its official opening by the Queen, who opened the first road bridge to span the broad estuary, in 1963.

6. William and Harry visit Diana memorial

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of their mother's death, princes William and Harry will visit a new memorial garden to Diana, Princess of Wales today. The White Garden at Kensington Palace, where Diana lived, has been planted to commemorate the anniversary. The princes will meet representatives of the charities Diana supported.

7. Euston evacuated after e-cigarette 'explosion'

Euston Station in London was evacuated yesterday evening after an e-cigarette exploded, prompting a security scare. British Transport Police said smoke was seen coming from a bag and no-one was injured. Police vehicles rushed to the scene at 7.40pm last night and commuters fled, some abandoning bags on the station concourse.

8. Irritant fog on Sussex beach 'came from ship'

Satellite pictures suggest the mysterious fog which injured beach-goers in east Sussex on Sunday, causing Birling Beach to be evacuated, came from a ship in the English Channel. Initial reports suggested it could have drifted across from France but the weather conditions make that unlikely. It is still not known what the gas was.

9. Terry Pratchett's unfinished novels steamrollered

A hard drive containing the unfinished novels of much-loved comic author Sir Terry Pratchett, who died in 2015 suffering from Alzheimer's disease, were crushed by a steamroller yesterday, fulfilling his last wishes. A vintage traction engine did the job at a steam fair in Dorset, to mark the opening of a new exhibition about Pratchett.

10. Briefing: How to avoid nuclear catastrophe in North Korea

The UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting tonight to discuss North Korea options after Pyongyang fired a ballistic missile over the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

Theresa May, who flies to Japan today, said she was "outraged" by the "reckless provocation", while Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Prime Minister, said he favours "increased pressure on North Korea in cooperation with the international community". Donald Trump said that "all options are on the table".

But what options are left to deal with Kim Jong-un and the rogue state of North Korea?

How to avoid nuclear catastrophe in North Korea

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