Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 8 Dec 2012

1. PRANK DJS 'SHATTERED' BY NURSE 'SUICIDE'

The death of the nurse who took the hoax call about Kate Middleton is "a tragic event that could not have been reasonably foreseen", says the boss of the Australian radio station which broadcast the prank. Rhys Holleran says the station's two DJs who made the call are "completely shattered" by the apparent suicide of Jacintha Saldanha.

2. WEAK DATA PROMPTS TRIPLE-DIP ALERT

The UK is on alert for a triple-dip recession after poor manufacturing figures were released. The Office for National Statistics reported an 0.8% drop in industrial output, taking it to the lowest level since the recession of the early 1990s. David Cameron says manufacturers need to follow the example of Germany to develop a modern workforce.

3. CANCER MUM: 'I'M NOT BONKERS'

A judge will rule today on whether a mother has the right to stop her seven-year-old son from having radiotherapy on his brain tumour. Sally Roberts argues that the treatment would leave her “vibrant and healthy” son, Neon, disabled. Roberts, who denies being "bonkers" spent several days in hiding with her son earlier this week.

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4. COWELL 'BLAMES BARLOW' FOR RATINGS

Simon Cowell blames Gary Barlow for the slump in X Factor ratings, reports The Times. As preparations continue for this weekend's final, a source told the newspaper that Cowell has "another man" to replace Barlow, who he feels is “humourless”, next year. The Sun reports that Cheryl Cole is to sue over her sacking from the US X Factor last year.

5. MAYAN PANIC BUYING UNDERWAY

Panic buying of shelters and flasks has been reported in several countries as December 21, the date on which the Mayan apocalypse is predicted, nears. Sales of shelters are rising in America, while in Russia and China, sales of candles and other essentials are on the up. In France, UFO watchers plan to gather on a mountain, where they believe aliens will save them.

6. US COURT TO CONSIDER GAY MARRIAGE

The US Supreme Court is to consider challenges to the laws banning gay marriage. For the first time in history, the court will hear challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and Proposition 8, the 2008 California amendment which banned same-sex marriage.

7. IS UK MEDIA 'BASICALLY ANTISEMITIC'?

The controversial former editor of The Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, has asked: “Is British journalism basically antisemitic?" The former editor of The Sun told the Jewish Chronicle he is "puzzled" by what he sees as anti-Israel bias within the UK media, which he describes as a form of proxy for antisemitism by journalists in the West.”

8. POLICE HURT IN BELFAST CLASHES

Fourteen policemen were hurt during clashes with loyalists in Belfast. Twelve people were arrested following the trouble which began when crowds attacked a van attempting to driver through a roadblock. Loyalists have protested against restrictions on the flying of the union flag at Belfast city hall.

9. SIMON HUGHES DONATION PROBED

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Simon Hughes is being investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards over claims he breached Commons rules. It is alleged Hughes failed to fully declare a £10,000 donation received by his constituency party in south London. He insists he registered the donation with the Electoral Commission.

10. HAMAS TO CELEBRATE 25 YEAR MILESTONE

Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal will address tens of thousands of Gazans expected to attend a rally to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hamas today. During his first ever visit to Gaza, Meshaal is expected to speak of the future of the faction - deemed a terrorist group by the US and EU - including a potential reconciliation with its Palestinian rival, Fatah.