Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 30 Dec 2013

1. SECOND BOMB BLAST IN VOLGOGRAD

The second bomb to be detonated in Volgograd in two days has killed at least 12 - and injured 20. A suspected suicide bomber exploded on a trolleybus as it passed a market in the southern Russian city. Yesterday a female suicide bomber killed 17 at a railway station. Investigators described today's blast as “an act of terror”.

2. SCHUMACHER BRAIN OP AFTER SKIING FALL

Seven-time F1 Champion Michael Schumacher is in critical condition in a French hospital after a skiing accident. The 44-year-old was able to walk away after banging his head while skiing with his son, saying he felt shaken. By the time he arrived in hospital, however, he was in a coma and underwent a brain operation.

3. MIGRANTS TO PAY FOR NHS EMERGENCY CARE

The government has dropped plans to make migrants pay for GP consultations but is pressing on with moves to make them pay for emergency treatment and for prescriptions. They will also face higher dental and optical fees. The BMA claimed the cost of administering the charges may be higher than the money recouped.

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4. SEVERE WEATHER WARNING FOR UK AGAIN

Forecasters are warning of another powerful storm to hit the UK today, just as energy firms announced that power has now been restored to all homes which lost it over Christmas. The latest storm could cause flooding and disruption as it sweeps in from the Atlantic. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning.

5. CRIME STATISTICS TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT

The government is to change the way police officers record unsolved crimes - they will now be required to record one of several various reasons why a crime is not solved. Policing minister Damien Green hailed greater transparency but Labour said the coalition was simply trying to massage the figures in its favour.

6. DEADLINE TODAY FOR NI HAASS TALKS

The parties involved in talks chaired by former US diplomat Dr Richard Haass have one last day - today - to reach an agreement on the display of flags, parades and how the past is described. They met on Saturday to discuss these contentious issues but could not agree. Haass has warned he now has other commitments.

7. FERRY FIRE SUSPECTS QUESTIONED BY POLICE

Two men arrested on suspicion of arson and of affray, aged 26 and 28, are facing questions from police after a fire on a North Sea ferry off the Yorkshire coast on Saturday night. RAF helicopters were called to winch a passenger and five crew members, suffering from smoke inhalation, off the MS King Seaways.

8. WOMAN FOUND ON FIRE IN STREET DIES

An 18-year-old mother was pronounced dead at the scene yesterday in New Malden, south London, after she was found on fire in the street. The woman’s child was being cared for elsewhere at the time. Police believe the fire started at a residential property in a nearby street. They said the death was “non-suspicious”.

9. THOUSANDS FLEE EL SALVADOR VOLCANO

Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in eastern El Salvador after the Chaparrastique volcano erupted yesterday morning, for the first time since 1976. A large explosion was followed by an eruption of hot ash and smoke. Authorities say no-one was hurt and temporary shelters have been set up.

10. HOT TICKET: ROBERT REDFORD AT SEA

Robert Redford, 77, turns in a fine performance as a yachtsman at the helm of a stricken boat in All is Lost, a tense disaster movie directed by JC Chandor. Chandor's "icy, intense and brilliantly unadorned drama recasts the Hollywood legend as a desperate ancient mariner, travelling solo on what may prove to be his last significant voyage," writes The Guardian.