Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 30 Sep 2018

1. Boris describes May's Chequers plan as 'deranged'

Boris Johnson has questioned whether Theresa May believes in Brexit and branded her Chequers plan "deranged". Johnson told The Sunday Times that the government should stop trying to copy Jeremy Corbyn if it wants to defeat Labour. Ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve told the PM she faced a "polite rebellion" by pro-EU MPs. May says that who refuse to back Chequers are "playing politics" with the UK's future.

2. FBI contacts a second Brett Kavanaugh accuser

The FBI has approached a second woman who has accused US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct as it begins a fresh inquiry into the judge. Deborah Ramirez accuses Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her during a drinking game when they were students at Yale University in the 1980s. A third woman has accused Kavanaugh of inappropriate treatment of women in the early 1980s. He has denied the allegations.

3. Brexit costing the UK £500m each week

Brexit is already costing the public purse £500m a week, according to new research. The economy is 2.5% smaller than it would have been if UK had voted remain, says the Centre for European Reform. The think tank’s analysis also concludes that the government’s austerity drive would be on the way to completion had Britain voted to stay in the EU.

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4. Aid agencies struggle as Indonesia death toll passes 400

Aid agencies are struggling after more than 400 people were killed by an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. In the city of Palu hundreds of people were injured and thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. An aid worker said at least 540 people were badly injured and around 10,000 people in shelters across the city.

5. Gaza: children among Palestinians killed by Israel

Seven Palestinians – including two children – were shot and killed by Israeli forces amid ongoing protests along the Gaza border. Mohammed al-Houm, 14, and Nasser Mosabeh, 12, are reported to have been hit by sniper fire. More than 90 others were injured, according to the health ministry. The Israeli army claims it was responding to more than 100 explosives being thrown towards its positions on the border.

6. EU is hurrying arrangements for no-deal Brexit

European Union diplomats are accelerating plans for a no-deal Brexit as fears grow that the summits planned for October and November could be fruitless. The Sunday Times says that EU’s top civil servant has briefed ambassadors on back-up plans to keep planes flying and essential supplies moving if Brexit talks fail. The European Commission could be granted special powers within five days.

7. Biblical Kanye West changes his name to 'YE'

Kanye West says he wants to be known as YE. Writing on Twitter, the 41-year-made announced his name change, stating: "The being formally (sic) known as Kanye West. I am YE." The rapper has used the nickname for several years and it was the title of his last album. Earlier this year he said: "I believe YE is the most commonly used word in the Bible."

8. Deal sees Elon Musk step down as chairman of Tesla

Elon Musk will step down as chairman of electric car-maker Tesla after settling a lawsuit with US regulators. The controversial billionaire was sued by the SEC after being accused of making "false and misleading" tweets about potentially taking Tesla private. He has been fined $20m (£15m) as part of the deal with the US securities and exchange commission but will remain as Tesla's chief executive.

9. Tory party could be fined after embarrassing app leaks

The Conservative Party faces a fine of up to £2m after its app for conference delegates revealed the personal details of thousands of MPs and attendees, including Cabinet ministers. In an uncomfortable start to the party conference, the Tories were forced to apologise for "any concern caused". The Information Commissioner's Office said it would be making inquiries.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo denies Las Vegas rape claim

Cristiano Ronaldo paid £275,000 in a confidential settlement to a woman who accused him of rape, according to Der Spiegel. Kathryn Mayorga, 34, says she has broken a non-disclosure agreement with the football star to repeat her allegation that he forcibly had sex with her. She says Ronaldo assaulted her at the Palms Place hotel in Las Vegas. Ronaldo’s lawyer has categorically denied the allegations.

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