Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 10 Feb 2012

1. OBAMA: 'OUTRAGEOUS BLOODSHED' IN HOMS

US president Barack Obama has condemned the Syrian government's assault on its own people in the city of Homs as "outrageous bloodshed". Anti-regime activists say 110 people died yesterday alone. The violence continued on Friday in Homs and at least 25 people were killed in blasts in the city of Aleppo.

Assad 'hell-bent on murdering' Syrians, says David Cameron

2. SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS AFTER SNOW

The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for England today after snow fell across the country last night. Other parts of the UK escaped with just rainfall. Now forecasters say there is no further snowfall expected on Friday – but there is a severe accident risk posed by ice, and further snow at the weekend.

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3. CABINET TURNS ON HEALTH BILL

Three cabinet members are rumoured to have asked influential website Conservative Home to call for the NHS reform bill to be scrapped, the Guardian says. The site is expected to publish an editorial urging David Cameron to "listen" today, while Lib Dems may make the same call at their conference.

Cameron is rattled – but why so far ahead of next election?

4. CANCER DRUG REVERSES ALZHEIMER'S IN MICE

A skin cancer drug has been found to rapidly reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in mice. Scientists who made the "stunning" discovery say they are about to begin trials to see if the drug works the same way in humans.

'Stunning' find: cancer drug reverses Alzheimer's in mice

5. DID BBC ‘BURY’ JIMMY SAVILE INQUIRY?

A recent Newsnight inquiry into allegations that presenter Jimmy Savile sexually molested teenage girls in the 1970s was “buried” by the BBC to avoid tarnishing its reputation, it has been claimed. The BBC claims the inquiry was halted because “the angle we were pursuing could not be substantiated”.

BBC denies 'burying Jimmy Savile sex abuse investigation'

6. COUNCIL MEETING PRAYERS 'UNLAWFUL'

Prayers before council meetings could become a thing of the past after the National Secular Society won a landmark court case and the practise was declared unlawful. The high court ruling against Bideford town council in Devon was made by judge Mr Justice Ouseley after a complaint by a councillor.

7. FBI'S VERDICT ON 'IMMORAL' STEVE JOBS

The FBI has released its files on the late Apple boss Steve Jobs, revealing a contradictory portrait of a man of "suspect" morals and "high moral character" who it claims took LSD and smoked marijuana. The report was compiled in the 1990s when Jobs was considered for a role in George Bush Sr's government.

FBI file questions Steve Jobs' honesty and integrity

8. OSCARS: ACADEMY FACES MUPPET ANGER

The Oscars committee have promised to have a "hard look" at the nomination process for 'Best Original Song' after anger that only two songs were chosen – and neither will be performed at the ceremony. Among them is Man or Muppet by New Zealander Brett Mackenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame.

9. CAPELLO COULD TAKE ON CHELSEA

Fabio Capello, who resigned as England's football manager this week, is a "shock contender" to replace Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea manager, according to the Sun. Sources at the club say there is a "strong rumour" that the Italian is coming after personal intervention from owner Roman Abramovich.

Will Stuart Pearce 'race row' prove a turn-off for Redknapp?

10. HOT TICKET: FREUD MEETS JUNG

David Cronenberg’s new film, A Dangerous Method, opens at UK cinemas today. Michael Fassbender stars as Carl Jung, who risks his career, family and friendship with mentor Sigmund Freud over a complex relationship with a patient played by Keira Knightly. The Telegraph calls it “sumptuous”.

David Cronenberg swaps gore for talk in A Dangerous Method