Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 29 Mar 2012

1. GOVT: FILL UP WHEN TANK IS HALF FULL

Drivers should fill up their petrol tanks when they are half-full, the government says. The new advice follows accusations that senior Conservatives have sparked 'panic-buying' by telling drivers to keep their tanks topped up and to store fuel in jerry cans ahead of a possible strike by the tanker drivers who supply petrol to forecourts.

2. TORY DONORS TO STOP FUNDS?

Major donors to the Conservative Party are threatening to cease their funding because of the party's handling of the recent 'cash-for-Cameron' scandal. One told The Daily Telegraph: “My cheque book has been put away – there is no possibility of privacy”. Another complained that donors are "vilified and attacked".

Fireman Mike gets 'man of the people' role as No 10 panics

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3. BRITAIN 'IN RECESSION' SAYS OECD

Britain is back in recession, according to the OECD, which predicts that the UK economy will contract by 0.1 per cent between January and the end of March. This follows on from the 0.3 per cent contraction experienced in the final quarter of 2011 and, if confirmed when official figures come out in April, would mean the UK is technically in recession.

Britain is back in recession, says OECD

4. CAMERON'S PASTY LOVE DOUBTED

David Cameron's claim that he is a pasty-lover is crumbling as journalists put it under scrutiny. Amid the row about the 'pasty tax', the PM said he “loves a hot pasty” and that the most recent one he had was from West Cornwall Pasty Company in Leeds station. Journalists found that branch closed five years ago.

Wanted: a new Andy Coulson to save Cameron from himself

5. CONGRESS EJECTS 'HOODIE' REP

US Representative Bobby Rush was removed from the Congress floor yesterday for violating the dress code by wearing a 'hoodie' jumper. Rush was wearing the jumper in solidarity with the family of murdered teenager Trayvon Martin. “Just because someone wears a hoodie, [it] does not make them a hoodlum," he said.

6. ENGLAND LOSE FIRST TEST IN SRI LANKA

England have lost the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka in Galle after being bowled out 75 runs short of their victory target. England appeared to be on course for victory at 233-4 as they chased 340. But they lost their last six wickets for 31 runs as spinners Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv took control.

7. TEEN GUILTY OF FLORIDA MURDERS

An American teenager has been convicted of the murder of two British tourists in Florida. Shawn Tyson, who has been sentenced to life, murdered James Cooper and James Kouzaris in April 2011. The families of the victims have criticised authorities who released Tyson from prison the day before the murders.

8. WORST INCOME FALL FOR 35 YEARS

The average family disposable income fell by 1.2% last year - the biggest fall since 1977, data from the Office for National Statistics shows. It was only the eighth year that the figure dropped since records began in 1948. A separate report will show today that the average pay rise is still below the rate of inflation.

9. LANCASTER GETS ENGLAND RUGBY JOB

Stuart Lancaster has been appointed as the new permanent coach of the England rugby team. The former PE teacher was appointed on a temporary basis at the end of last year and was officially given the job after England exceeded all expectations in this year's Six Nations tournament.

Stuart Lancaster appointed new England rugby coach

10. HOT TICKET – BRITISH DESIGN AT V&A

More than 300 design objects, including a Mary Quant mini-dress, a map by Tolkein, and an E-type Jaguar, are on show at the V&A from Saturday. ‘British Design 1948–2012’ surveys 64 years of British post-war art and design. “Exhilarating”, says the Telegraph. Until 12 August.

The mini-dress and the E-type: design classics at the V&A