Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 24 Apr 2018

1. Toronto van attack: police quiz suspect

Police in Toronto are questioning a 25-year-old man suspected of a deliberate van attack on pedestrians. Alek Minassian is believed to have tried to incite police to shoot him after he killed at least ten people, and injured a further 15, by driving a white van along the city’s pavements. Minassian was arrested without further violence. His motive is unknown.

2. Statue of suffragist unveiled in London

A statue of suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett will be unveiled in London’s Parliament Square today. The bronze casting, created by Turner Prize-winning artist Gillian Wearing, is the first statue of a woman to be erected in the square. Prime Minister Theresa May will attend the unveiling ceremony.

3. Poor sales force shop closures nationally

Almost 650 shops and restaurants have closed since the start of the year, or are at risk of closure, according to a new analysis by the BBC. More than half the total is made up by the chains Maplin and Toys R Us, but Marks & Spencer, New Look and Jamie’s Italian are also closing branches. Most of the closures are in cities.

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4. ‘Naked shooter’ arrested in Tennessee

Police have arrested a man suspected of shooting dead four people in a Waffle House restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, in the early hours of Sunday morning. Travis Reinking, 29, is alleged to have carried out the killings wearing only a jacket, which he then took off. He was found yesterday in a wooded area near his home after a massive manhunt.

5. Runaway boy flies solo to Bali after family row

An Australian boy of 12 used his parents’ credit cart to book a holiday in Bali for himself following a family fight – and flew there alone without being challenged by airline staff. The boy, whose identity has been protected, checked into his hotel room after telling staff that his older sister would be joining him later. He took the drastic action after his parents cancelled a planned trip.

6. World first penis and scrotum transplant

An unnamed US army veteran who lost his genitals in a bomb blast in Afghanistan has become the first person in the world to receive a penis and scrotum transplant. The man is said to be recovering well after a 14-hour operation last month, and is expected to recover urinary and sexual functions. It was decided not to transplant testicles because of the ethical implications if he fathered children.

7. Hillary Clinton’s ‘foul-mouthed tirades’

A new book about the 2016 US presidential election claims that Hillary Clinton vented her frustration on aides in a “f**k-laced” tirade during a preparation session ahead of a debate with Donald Trump. Clinton ranted about what a “disgusting” human being her rival was, according to Chasing Hillary, by The New York Times writer Amy Chozick.

8. William and Kate show off new Prince

The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday gave birth to her third child, a boy whose name has not been announced yet. The royal couple showed the baby off to the media on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington yesterday afternoon. The new prince was born at 11.01am and weighed 8lb 7oz. The names Arthur, Albert and Philip among the current bookies’ favourites.

9. Woman fined $500 over free apple

A US woman flying to Paris says she was fined $500 (£359) by US customs when she changed planes in Denver because she had an apple, given to her for free on the first leg of the flight, in her bag. Crystal Tadlock was given the sliced fruit by Delta Airlines, which said afterwards that the apple was meant to be eaten in the air.

10. Briefing: how to enter the London Marathon

If you were hit with marathon fever watching this year’s Virgin London Marathon and dream of taking part next year, now is the time to act.

Most runners win their place by entering an annual public ballot, but many secure their place through particular charities. Some experienced runners qualify because of their speed.

2019 London Marathon ballot: how to enter

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