10 things you need to know today: May 4, 2012

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last updated 8 January 2015

1. CHINA MAY ALLOW ACTIVIST TO STUDY ABROAD

In a possible, face-saving solution to the diplomatic firestorm over dissident Chen Guangcheng, Chinese officials say Chen, who was offered a fellowship by a university in the U.S., may be allowed to study abroad. After escaping house arrest and seeking refuge in the U.S. Embassy, Chen agreed to leave the embassy Wednesday under an agreement that he would be relocated to a safe area with his family. The next day, Chen had a change of heart, saying he had been pressured to leave the embassy and feared for his and his family's safety if they remained in China. At present, he is in a guarded Beijing hospital, where U.S. officials have not been allowed to see him. [Associated Press]

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