Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 22 Aug 2013

1. FRANCE FLAGS USE OF 'FORCE' IN SYRIA

France has said that if Syria is proved to have used chemical weapons against its own people it could merit an international "reaction with force". The comments by Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius come as Syrian activists say more than 1,000 people were killed in the attacks yesterday. France, the UK and Turkey want a tough response from the UN.

Syria gas attack: death toll at 1,400 worst since Halabja

2. GCSE GRADES IN 'RECORD DROP'

GCSE grades have "plummeted" by a record margin as a result of tougher exams and a surge in early entries. Data released by the Joint Council for Qualifications showed that the number of pupils getting an A* or A fell by more than 1% and the number awarded at least a C, the grade considered a good pass, was down by 1.3%.

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'Plummeting' GCSE grades are 'tragedy' for some pupils

3. BO XILAI TRIAL BEGINS IN CHINA

The trial of Bo Xilai, the former leader of the Communist party of Chongqing, one of China's biggest cities, begins today. It is one of the most politically sensitive trials in decades, with the former Politburo-member facing charges of corruption and abuse of power, including receiving bribes of £2.28 million.

4. ACTOR PROTESTS RUSSIA'S ANTI-GAY LAW

Wentworth Miller, the actor best-known for his lead role in the TV's Prison Break, has announced his homosexuality in a letter declining an invitation to a Russian film festival. The 41-year-old said he would not attend the St Petersburg Film Festival because of Russia's anti-gay laws forbidding the distribution of gay 'propaganda' to minors.

Wentworth Miller won't visit Russia because he's gay

5. MIRANDA GETS PARTIAL INJUNCTION

David Miranda, the Brazilian partner of Guardian journalist Glenn Greenwald, has been granted a partial injunction by the High Court restricting authorities' access to data held on devices confiscated from him at Heathrow airport. Police and government are barred from "inspecting, copying or sharing" the data except in the defence of national security.

David Miranda: High Court restricts access to data

6. HOSNI MUBARAK LEAVES PRISON

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been released from prison and taken to a military hospital in Cairo, according to Egypt’s interior ministry. The former dictator left Cairo’s Tora prison after the public prosecutor’s office ordered his release. He will be placed under house arrest at an unknown location after leaving the hospital.

7. ARSENAL WIN 3-0 AT FENERBAHCE

Arsenal beat Turkish side Fenerbahce 3-0 last night, virtually guaranteeing that they will now progress to the group stage of the Champions League. Manager Arsene Wenger was delighted at the "great response" following their shock defeat by Aston Villa on the first day of the new Premier League season. Gibbs, Ramsey and Giroud scored the goals.

Arsenal bounce back: Wenger enjoys his Turkish delight

8. BRADLEY MANNING: 'I'M A WOMAN'

Bradley Manning, the soldier jailed for 35-years for passing classified documents to Wikileaks, has announced he's a woman and will change his name to Chelsea Manning. The 25-year-old said he would seek hormone therapy in prison. During his trial, defence lawyers said Manning's gender identity issues may have contributed to his decision to leak secrets.

Chelsea Manning to be released early by Barack Obama

9. ASHES RESUME AFTER SHANE WATSON'S 176

Australia resume on 307-4 in search of their first victory in the Ashes tour. Yesterday was marked by a tremendous 176 from Australia's Shane Watson – and a horrible debut for Lancashire spin bowler Simon Kerrigan who bowled eight overs for no wickets and cost 53 runs. Sir Ian Botham said the young player had suffered the "yips".

10. HOT TICKET: 'HOME' AT NATIONAL'S THE SHED

Writer-director Nadia Fall's verbatim theatre work 'Home' is playing at the National Theatre's The Shed. Fall's portrait of a fictional London refuge for young homeless people is based on real interviews with residents of a hostel. Features live music. "An inspiration," says Metro. Until 7 September.

Nadia Fall's new show Home finds music in homelessness