Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 13 Dec 2017

1. Surprise victory for Democrat Doug Jones in Alabama

For the first time in 25 years, Alabama has a Democrat in the US Senate. Doug Jones pulled off a surprise victory, despite Donald Trump lending his full support to Republican Roy Moore, who has been accused of sexual misconduct with teenagers. Moore, who denies the claims, arrived to vote on horseback.

2. Rebels ready to insist on vote for Brexit bill

A group of rebel Tory backbenchers are preparing to force the government to change its EU withdrawal bill to guarantee parliament a vote on the final Brexit deal before it is finalised. Led by former attorney general Dominic Grieve, the rebels may receive the support of Labour after their amendment is debated in the Commons today.

3. Ice warnings still in place across the country

Yellow weather warnings for ice across most of England, Wales and Scotland remains in place this morning and commuters are warned of treacherous conditions on roads, pavements and paths. The freeze is expected to loosen its grip from lunchtime today. Snow is thick enough for sledging in many places.

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4. Two charged with murder after house fire

Two people have been charged with murder after the deaths of three children in a house fire in Walkden, Salford, on Monday. Zac Bolland, 23, and Courtney Brierley, 20, from Worsley, Salford, have also been charged with arson and attempted murder. Mother Michelle Pearson, 35, is still in hospital with her surviving daughter.

5. Russia ‘tried to discredit Scottish independence vote’

An online security expert claims Russian activists spread lies online, falsely alleging the Scottish independence referendum of 2014 was rigged. Ben Nimmo of the Atlantic Council, a US think-tank allied to Nato, says ongoing inquiries into Russia’s “troll army” should look at the aftermath of Scotland’s decision to stay in the UK.

6. Tillerson: US open to North Korea talks

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Washington is “ready to talk at any time” with North Korea, in a statement that appeared to move the US away from its position that the rogue state must disarm before negotiations can be held. However, hours later, the White House issued a statement saying Donald Trump’s position had not changed.

7. Baby survives being born with heart outside chest

A baby girl is thought to be the first British child born with her heart outside her chest to survive. Vanellope Hope Wilkins has undergone three operations, the first within one hour of her birth, to have her heart inserted into her body. She will remain in hospital for now.

8. Chris Froome questioned over failed drug test

Cyclist Chris Froome failed a drug test in September during the Vuelta a Espana, it has emerged. The Team Sky rider had twice the permitted limit of asthma drug Salbutomol in his system. Froome, who won the race, says he increased his inhaler use within legal limits on medical advice, but that cycling body UCI is “absolutely right” to ask questions.

9. One in four Christmas jumpers ‘only worn once’

Charity Hubbub says its research suggests one in four Christmas jumpers bought for 2016 have either already been binned or are unlikely to be worn again. Urging people to re-use clothing, the charity says around £220m will be spent on kitsch sweaters this year, with one in three under-35s admitting they buy a new one every year.

10. Briefing: funding for women’s refuges

A third of all referrals to refuges are turned away, according to Women’s Aid. Theresa May has long presented herself as a champion for victims of domestic violence, claiming it is an issue to which she attaches a “personal importance”.

But critics accuse the Prime Minister of presiding over extensive cuts to women’s refuges that have forced centres to close and denied safe accommodation to vulnerable women and children.

Fact Check: The truth about British funding for women’s refuges