Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 14 Nov 2013

1. HELP ARRIVES FOR DEVASTATED TACLOBAN

Foreign aid is starting to trickle into typhoon-devastated Tacloban. Two American destroyers have arrived in the area, and an aircraft carrier is due to join them today. The official death toll stands at 2,300 but, with thousands of people reported missing, it is likely to rise. The UN has said people in the Philippines are still in "desperate need".

2. CHILDREN'S SERVICES FACE TAKEOVER

Birmingham’s children’s services department, the largest in the country, may be taken over by the Department for Education if standards do not immediately improve, the BBC reports. Ofsted inspectors, called in after a series of high-profile abuse cases, will assess the council's progress later this month.

Birmingham children's services: why the takeover threat?

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3. PM: HUMAN RIGHTS NOT OFF THE AGENDA

David Cameron has said that he will raise the issue of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka despite a warning from his hosts not to lecture them on the matter. India and Canada are boycotting a Commonwealth summit in the country, but Cameron said that taking part would "turn the spotlight" on alleged abuses.

Cameron: I will raise human rights at Sri Lanka summit

4. PRINCE CHARLES 'NOT ONE FOR CHILLING'

The Prince of Wales, who turns 65 today, has no plans to tone down his work schedule despite being eligible for a bus pass, the Duchess of Cornwall has said. In a doting birthday interview she said her husband is always working and "not one for chilling".

Prince Charles turns 65: is it time for Queen to abdicate?

5. DEMOCRATS ADMIT US HEALTHCARE FLOP

Only 106,000 Americans have taken out insurance policies in the month since President Obama's ambitious healthcare reforms came into force, leading some Democrats to call for changes to the policy. Officials had estimated that half a million people would have signed up by now, but computer glitches have hampered enrollment.

6. CHARLES CLARK ADVISER 'WAS HACKED'

A jury has been told that the News of the World hacked the phone of an adviser to Charles Clarke. Reporters for the paper falsely believed that she was having an affair with the former home secretary. Eight defendants deny all charges against them.

7. MAJOR IS RIGHT ABOUT SOCIAL MOBILITY: PM

David Cameron has said the government must "do far more" to improve social mobility, days after former Tory prime minister John Major said public life is dominated by the wealthy and privately educated. Cameron said there is "not as much social mobility as there needs to be. ... We are making some progress but it's not fast enough."

8. WELBY: SCHOOLS ARE DITCHING FAITH TESTS

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, says there has been a "steady move away" from faith-based entry tests at Church of England schools, in favour of selection for the "common good". He suggested many faith-based schools, which are frequently ranked good or excellent by Ofsted, no longer require families to sign up for Church on Sundays.

9. COLCHESTER HOSPITAL IN SPECIAL MEASURES

Colchester General Hospital has been placed in special measures after staff were bullied into falsifying data on waiting times for cancer treatment. As a result, the hospital will receive additional scrutiny and support from Monitor, the NHS watchdog. Police opened an investigation into the matter last week.

Colchester hospital probed over false cancer waiting times

10. HOT TICKET: JEEVES AND WOOSTER SHOW

A new stage adaptation based on PG Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster tales has opened at the Duke of York's, West End. In Perfect Nonsense, Bertie Wooster attempts to stage his own West End show with the help of his manservant Jeeves (Matthew McFayden). "A brilliant farce," says the Arts Desk. Until 8 March.

West End Jeeves and Wooster Perfect Nonsense - reviews