Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 20 May 2012

1. PM TO CUT WORKPLACE RED TAPE

David Cameron is to back calls for extensive cutting of red tape that employers say is stifling job creation and economic growth. A new report from a venture capitalist calls for it to be made easier for firms to make redundancies, and reforms to equality laws and employment tribunals. The PM's support for the plans could lead to tensions with the Liberal Democrats.

2. NEW COMMUNITY POWERS TO TACKLE YOBS

Fresh legislation will compel police to act if they receive three complaints about an individual's anti-social behaviour or complaints from five different households. The 'community trigger' policy is being introduced after the case of Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter after police inaction over prolonged harassment.

3. CHINA ACTIVIST IN NEW YORK

Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng has landed in New York and hopes to begin a new life in the US. Mr Chen said China had acted with "restraint and calm" after he escaped house arrest last month but he is concerned his family could face reprisals. He has been offered a fellowship at New York University.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

4. SCHOOL BOMB BLAMED ON MAFIA

A bomb that exploded outside a school in the Italian city of Brindisi, killing a teenage girl and injuring seven other people, is suspected of being an act of mafia revenge in response to police raids on a local outfit. Prime Minister Mario Monti described the bomb attack as a "tragic" and "criminal" act that is "without precedent".

5. ZUCKERBERG CHANGES STATUS TO 'MARRIED'

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has married his longstanding girlfriend Priscilla Chan, announcing the wedding online by changing his status on the social networking website. Fewer than 100 guests attended the ceremony in Palo Alto, California, but tens of thousands have 'liked' his status update announcing his marriage.

6. WOMEN RALLY AGAINST FEMALE BISHOPS

Around 2,200 female members of the Church of England have signed a petition opposing the ordination of women bishops. Organisers say this proves opposition to female bishops is not confined to men. The General Synod is to hold a final vote on the creation of female bishops in July. Anglican bishops meet in York later to discuss the issue.

7. 'BAN GAGA' DEMAND ACTIVISTS

Christians in the Philippines have called for Lady Gaga's upcoming concerts in Manila to be cancelled. They describe her music as "grossly blasphemous, immoral, lewd and carrying demonic and occultic undertones". Manila's mayor has ordered Gaga not to "exhibit any nudity or lewd conduct which may be offensive to morals and good custom".

8. LEADING COURIER TO EMPLOY JOGGERS

Courier firm DHL will employ a team of joggers to beat the congestion that is expected to hit London during this summer's Olympic Games. Five million visitors will arrive for the Games, increasing London traffic by up to 30%. The joggers, from a foot team company called JogPost, are described as "congestion-busters".

9. FACEBOOK TO LIFT AGE RESTRICTION?

Children under the age of 13 may be allowed to join Facebook after its British office concluded that many youngsters are lying about their age in order to join. Simon Milner, Facebook’s head of policy in Britain, said some children who lie to join “seem to be doing it with their parents’ permission and help”, indicating the ban on under-13s may be redundant.

10. CHELSEA CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE

Chelsea won the Champions League for the first time after beating Bayern Munich in a penalty shoot-out at the Allianz Arena. Thomas Mueller gave Bayern a deserved lead late in normal time, but Didier Drogba levelled with a header. Drogba also took the decisive spot-kick. Suspended captain John Terry was criticised for joining the trophy presentation.

Chelsea's grand larceny leaves Bayern Munich gobsmacked