Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 23 Dec 2017

1. Trump praises 'peace not death' North Korea sanctions

Donald Trump has praised the UN Security Council for imposing tough new sanctions on North Korea in response to ballistic missile tests. Taking to Twitter, the US President said the vote proved the world "wants peace, not death". The resolution, drafted in Washington, includes measures to slash North Korea's petrol imports by up to 90%.

2. Theresa May says she is not just 'Madame Brexit'

Theresa May says she is more than "Madame Brexit," after she was given the nickname by Poland's prime minister. She said there were "other things" she wanted to achieve apart from delivering a successful exit from the EU and insisted she was "in it for the long-term". The PM added that she was "optimistic" about making progress on defence and security, as well as trade.

3. 'Bubble may be bursting' for mini-crash Bitcoin

Bitcoin is experiencing a mini-crash, sinking from an all-time high of $20,000 to $13,000 on Friday morning. Trading investors often cash in as the year draws to an end. The soaring popularity of Bitcoin Cash, a clone that shares many pivotal features, is also believed to be a factor. Bitcoin's bubble might be bursting, said Neil Wilson, senior market analyst at ETX Capital.

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4. Princess Michael apologises for 'racist' brooch

Princess Michael of Kent has apologised after wearing a blackamoor brooch to Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, attended by Prince Harry’s mixed race fiancée Meghan Markle. The brooch, which depicted the bust of a black person, has been condemned as racist. A spokesperson for the royal said that she's "very sorry and distressed" for wearing the brooch, which "has been worn many times before".

5. Deaths as village 'buried' by Philippines mudslide

Dozens of people have died after a tropical storm triggered mudslides and flooding in the Philippines. The deaths were reported in towns in the Lanao del Norte province on the southern island of Mindanao. A local official said authorities are trying to confirm reports of a farming village "buried by a mudslide due to heavy rains brought by the typhoon".

6. Europe warns blue passports could cause long delays

EU officials have warned that Britain’s new blue passports could cause travel delays and extra paperwork. Theresa May claimed the move was an expression of "independence and sovereignty" that reflected "citizenship of a proud, great nation". But a European official said that there is a significant risk that British passport holders would lose the right to use a fast-track citizens lane when travelling on the continent.

7. Man due in court after Aldi worker stabbed to death

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman who was stabbed to death while working at a branch of Aldi. Neville Hord, 44, is accused of killing Jodie Willsher, who was fatally attacked at the store in Skipton on Thursday. He is due to appear at York Magistrates' Court on Saturday, charged with Mrs Willsher's murder. Willsher’s husband Malcolm said: "She was lovely and warm and always had a smile on her face."

8. Kate McCann still buys Christmas presents for Madeleine

Kate McCann says that she still buys Christmas presents for Madeleine – 10 years after her daughter vanished. Recalling the last Christmas she spent with Madeleine, when she bought her daughter a toy kitchen, she said: "That was a lovely moment - I have bought a Christmas present for Madeleine every year since then but that toy cooker was the last one I ever saw her open."

9. Charges for man accused of Melbourne traffic attack

The man who allegedly ploughed his car into pedestrians in Melbourne has been charged with 18 counts of attempted murder and one count of conduct endangering life. Saeed Noori, a former Afghan refugee and now Australia citizen, will appear at Melbourne magistrates court. He has allegedly made "utterances" to police about voices, dreams and the "poor treatment of Muslims" to officers.

10. Ed Sheeran's Xmas number one dream comes true

Ed Sheeran is celebrating after securing a Christmas number one. The singer-songwriter grabbed the slot with his song Perfect, featuring Beyonce, beating Rita Ora and the X Factor's first boy band winners Rak-Su to the title. "This is an actual dream come true and I’m very proud and happy," he said. "Thank you so much and have a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a Happy New Year."

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