Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 11 Jul 2013

1. CAFE SIGN STIRS 'SUBTLE RACISM' DEBATE

A cafe owner who put up a sign warning customers she is black has prompted a debate about "subtle racism". Martha-Renee Kolleh said she was fed up with people walking out of the Yeanon Cafe in Ossett, West Yorkshire when they saw the colour of her skin. Her sign says: "Attention! Everyone be aware, I am a black woman, and always will be."

Cafe owner sparks 'subtle racism' debate with 'I am black' sign

2. £74,000 PAY PLAN FOR MPS - BUT FEWER PERKS

MPs should get a new pay deal of £74,000, a £7,604 increase on current levels, according to the independent body set up in the wake of the expenses scandal. In return, their pension scheme will be less generous and various other perks will be withdrawn, including the £15 dinner allowance for sitting beyond 7.30 pm.

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MPs brace for anger over pay rise of more than £6,000

3. MAN SHOT WITH TASER DIES IN MANCHESTER

A 23-year-old man died last night after being shot by police using a Taser in Greater Manchester. Paramedics tried to resuscitate the man after he "suffered a medical episode" on Beard Road in Gorton. He was taken to hospital, where he died. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed.

Police want more officers in UK to carry Taser

4. ASHES: INCREDIBLE AGAR SAVES AUSTRALIA

Australian teenage debutant Ashton Agar wrote his name into Ashes folklore on day two of the first Test as he hit 98, a world record score for a number 11, and gave his side a crucial lead against England. The 19-year-old fell agonisingly short of a hundred as he was caught on the boundary to bring down the curtain of a record tenth wicket partnership of 163 with Phillip Hughes.

Batsmen, bowlers, spectators: everyone gets Ashes jitters

5. BIG RISE IN CHILDREN BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK

The decline in couples getting married means that the number of children born out of wedlock hit a record 47.5% last year. If the trend continues, the figure will pass 50% by 2016. Data from the Office for National Statistics also shows a record number of women having children over the age of 40 – up to 29,994 last year from 6,519 in 2002.

6. G4S IN ELECTRONIC TAG 'SCANDAL'

The Serious Fraud Squad will investigate allegations that security firms G4S and Serco overcharged the government tens of millions of pounds for electronic tagging services. Justice Secretary Chris Grayling called in police after a review found the companies had charged for tagging prisoners who had died or been returned to prison.

7. BOSTON: TSARNAEV PLEADS NOT GUILTY

In his first court appearance, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving Boston Marathon bomb suspect, pleaded not guilty to all charges yesterday. The 19-year-old arrived in shackles, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. His face was swollen and his left arm was in cast – injuries apparently sustained in the shootout with police in April.

Boston bomber appeal likely to be 'slow, torturous process'

8. HAGUE SORRY FOR 'STUPID WOMAN' SLUR

Foreign Secretary William Hague has been forced to apologise after being seen to mouth the words "stupid, stupid woman" at Labour MP Cathy Jamieson during Prime Minister's Questions. As The Week reported yesterday, the incident has been compared to David Cameron's putdown to Angela Eagle in 2011 – "Calm down, dear".

Tory sexism row as Hague calls Labour MP 'stupid woman'

9. STUART HALL PRISON TERM TO BE REVIEWED

BBC presenter Stuart Hall's 15-month prison sentence for sexually abusing girls between 1967 and 1985 is to be reviewed following public complaints that he "got off lightly". Attorney General Dominic Grieve has referred the matter to the Court of Appeal who will decide whether his sentence should be heavier.

Stuart Hall's 'lenient' jail term for sex abuse to be reviewed

10. HOT TICKET: ELBULLI CHEF'S FOOD ART

An exhibition of the culinary art of legendary Spanish chef Ferran Adria has opened at Somerset House, London. 'Ferran Adria and The Art of Food' takes a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen and food laboratory of Adria's elBulli restaurant, using photographs, video and models. "Enthralling," says Metro.

ElBulli chef Ferran Adria's Art of Food show 'enthralling'