Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 4 Jan 2012

1. LAWRENCE PAIR TO SERVE 14 AND 15 YEARS

The two men convicted of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence at a south London bus stop in 1993 have been given life sentences at the Old Bailey. Gary Dobson must serve at least 15 years and two months and David Norris 14 years and three months before they can apply for parole. The pair were sentenced as juveniles as they were under 18 at the time.

Lawrence 'lynching' verdict brings justice, but far too late

2. THOUSANDS HIT BY OLYMPIC TICKET ERROR

An Olympic ticketing error means that thousands of spectators who hoped to watch synchronised swimming at the 2012 Games in London have been asked to return their tickets. Around 3,000 customers were contacted by LOCOG last month because too many tickets were sold.

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3. VIOLENT STORMS KILL TWO

Storms claimed two lives in Britain yesterday. A van driver was killed when a tree fell on his vehicle in Kent and a crewman injured on board a tanker in the Channel also died. Gales of up to 106mph closed airports and left over 25,000 people without power.

In pictures: Storms cause flooding and damage across UK

4. MITT ROMNEY WINS IOWA CAUCUS

Mitt Romney has been announced as the winner of the Iowa Republican caucus after beating Rick Santorum by eight points. Rick Perry, who finished fifth, said he will now decide: "whether there is a path forward for myself in this race".

Dumb Dick Santorum upsets Mitt Romney masterplan

5. LIVERPOOL RULE OUT SUAREZ APPEAL

Liverpool will not appeal against Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra even though the club maintains he is innocent. Suarez said he will "carry out the suspension with the resignation of someone who hasn't done anything wrong".

Suarez and Liverpool refuse to apologise after Evra race row

6. IRAN SANCTIONS BEGIN 'TO BITE'

The US says Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz prove sanctions are 'beginning to bite'. Iran has conducted 10 days of exercises near the Strait and has also test-fired several missiles. Its currency is at an all-time low. France has called for tightening of EU sanctions.

7. TAX CHANGES 'HIT FAMILIES HARDEST'

Families with young children will be hardest hit by changes to the tax and benefit system aimed at cutting the deficit, according to the Family and Parenting Institute charity. The average income of households with children will drop by 4.2%, compared with an average fall of 0.9% across all households.

8. 'IPAD PASSPORT' USED AT BORDER

A Canadian man who forgot his passport managed to cross the border into America by presenting a scanned copy of his passport on his iPad. Martin Reisch told the border official he was heading to America to drop-off Christmas presents. "I thought I'd at least give it a try," he said.

9. CITY OPEN THREE-POINT LEAD

Manchester City have bounced back from their shock defeat at Sunderland with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Liverpool that takes them three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Tottenham are now five-points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea after a 1-0 win over West Brom.

Pepe Reina howler starts rot as Liverpool lose to Man City

10. HOT TICKET: STRICTLY GERSHWIN

This English National Ballet crowd-pleaser recreates the swinging age of the jazz band at the London Coliseum. Choreographer Derek Deane combines ballet, tap and ballroom dance with some of Gershwin's best known music and an onstage jazz orchestra. Until 15 January.