Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 5 Jun 2013

1. SYRIAN REBELS DEFEATED IN QUSAIR

The defeat of Syrian rebel forces who have now withdrawn from their positions in the town of Qusair represents a significant victory for the government and its Hezbollah allies, observers report. Meanwhile, French authorities have said the results of tests shows that the nerve agent, Sarin, has been used "multiple times" during the bloody conflict.

Deadly sarin gas used in Syria - six key questions

2. TERROR POLICE PROBE MOSQUE BLAZE

Counter-terrorism police are investigating a fire at a mosque in north London amid fears it was started in response to the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich. Graffiti reading EDL, the initials of the English Defence League, was found on the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association building in Muswell Hill after the fire, which began in the early hours of the morning.

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3. CLEGG COOL ON CAAN NEPOTISM REMARKS

Nick Clegg has distanced himself from comments made by James Caan, the government's new social mobility tsar, who told the Daily Telegraph earlier this week that children should be encouraged to stand on their own two feet. Caan was accused of "hypocrisy" after it emerged he employs both of his daughters. Clegg said: "I want to do the best for my child, every parent does."

Nick Clegg contradicts James Caan over 'nepotism' remarks

4. RACIST RANT VIDEO MADE GALLIANO SICK

Disgraced fashion designer John Galliano says he "threw up" when he saw a video showing him engaged in an anti-Semitic rant in a Parisian café. In his first interview since the 2011 scandal which destroyed his career, Galliano says he was a chronic alcoholic who was isolated from reality by the "bubble" of the high fashion world.

John Galliano says he threw up when he saw anti-Semitic video

5. REBEKAH BROOKS PLEADS NOT GUILTY

Rebekah Brooks has pleaded not guilty to phone hacking, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to pay officials. The former News Of The World editor denied five charges during a pre-trial hearing in a packed courtroom at Southwark Crown Court in London.

6. MARTINEZ APPOINTED MANAGER OF EVERTON

Everton have appointed former Wigan boss Roberto Martinez as their new manager. The 39-year-old Spaniard has signed a four-year contract at Goodison Park and will take over from David Moyes, who has left to join Manchester United. Martinez won the FA Cup with Wigan last season, but left the DW Stadium after his side was relegated.

7. MIDDLE LANE DRIVERS TO FACE £100 FINES

Drivers who stick in the middle lane on motorways will now face £100 on-the-spot fines as part of a crackdown on “antisocial motoring”. There will also be fixed penalty fines for following too closely, using the wrong lane of a roundabout or not giving way at a junction. The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt will increase.

Road hogs face £100 fines: will it work and who'll enforce it?

8. KATE HOSPITAL PRANK CALL DJ GIVEN AWARD

Michael Christian, one of the two Australian radio presenters whose prank call to a London hospital where Kate Middleton was being treated seemed to trigger a nurse’s suicide, has been given a broadcasting award by his employer. Australia’s communications minister Stephen Conroy said the award was in “bad taste”.

Radio award for Aussie DJ who made tragic royal prank call

9. LIONS BEAT WESTERN FORCE 69-17 IN PERTH

The British and Irish Lions got their tour of Australia underway with a 69-17 mauling of Super Rugby side Western Force in Perth today. There were nine tries, including two for captain Brian O'Driscoll, while Leigh Halfpenny kicked 24 points. The victory was overshadowed by what appeared to be a serious ankle injury for likely Test prop Cian Healy.

Rampant Lions crush Western Force, but fears for Cian Healy

10. HOT TICKET: GLOBE’S MIDSUMMER NIGHTS

A new production of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ has opened at the Globe, London. Two young couples flee to the woods to avoid an arranged marriage but become entangled in a dispute between a fairy king and queen. “Joyously inventive,” says the Daily Telegraph. Until 12 October.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a Globe crowd-pleaser