Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 30 Apr 2014

1. NIGEL FARAGE WON'T STAND IN NEWARK

Ukip leader Nigel Farage has said he won't contest the Newark by-election. After disgraced Tory incumbent Patrick Mercer resigned yesterday Farage had said he would give “serious consideration” to standing in the constituency, but this morning he said, "I'm a fighter, I'm a warrior, but you have to pick your battles."

Farage accused of 'bottling it' after saying No to Newark

2. CARE HOME SACKING AFTER BBC PROBE

One member of staff has been fired, and seven suspended, from one of England’s largest care homes after an investigation by the BBC’s Panorama found shocking abuse and neglect by some workers. While the BBC was undercover, The Old Deanery in Essex passed an inspection by regulator CQC.

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Secret filming in care home exposes taunts and abuse

3. SECOND DAY OF TUBE STRIKE FOR LONDON

Commuters in London have been contending with a second day strike action on the Underground. The RMT strike is in protest over plans to close all ticket offices, with the loss of hundreds of jobs. Most lines have been running a reduced service, with more than 40 stations closed.

Tube commuters face more delays as engineers begin industrial action

4. ACTOR BOB HOSKINS DIES AGED 71

British cinema legend Bob Hoskins has died of pneumonia at the age 71. The gruff actor, a working class Londoner who once worked as a road digger, starred in films including The Long Good Friday and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He was also Oscar nominated for Mona Lisa, and won a Bafta for his role. He retired after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2012.

Bob Hoskins: the British actor in his own (four-letter) words

5. TIGHT SECUIRTY AS IRAQ GOES TO POLLS

Iraqis are voting in their first parliamentary election since US troops withdrew from the country three years ago, amid tight security. The polls have been open since 7am local time and were due to close at 6pm, with PM Nouri al-Maliki hoping for a third term of office. Cars were banned in Baghdad for the day to avoid bombs.

6. HODGSON TO NAME SQUAD ON 12 MAY

England coach Roy Hodgson will announce his squad for the Brazil World Cup on 12 May, one day after the end of the Premier League season. Hodgson will name a 23-man squad, plus seven standby players, before confirming his final squad on 2 June. England will play three warm-up games before their World Cup campaign kicks off on 14 June against Italy.

7. WIKIPEDIA SLURS MADE FROM WHITEHALL

Wikimedia UK, which represents online encyclopaedia Wikipedia, has condemned the discovery that edits to pages including slurs against the victims of Hillsborough were made from UK government computers, over several years. The phrase “all Muslims are terrorists” was added to a page about veils.

Wikipedia: the offensive edits made from Whitehall PCs

8. CAST ANNOUNCED FOR NEW STAR WARS

Director JJ Abrams has revealed the cast for his new Star Wars VII movie - and it includes Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill from the 1977 original. Also featured will be Andy Serkis, Max von Sydow and Adam Driver. Among less well-known actors are Britons John Boyega and Daisy Ridley.

Star Wars: Carrie Fisher claims she had affair with Harrison Ford

9. HARRY SPLITS FROM CRESSIDA BONAS

Prince Harry and his girlfriend of two years Cressida Bonas have split up. The news comes a month after Bonas attended an official function with the Prince prompting talk of a royal engagement. The separation is said to be "amicable", with unwanted media attention touted as one possible cause. Other reports said Bonas wanted to focus on her career.

Prince Harry and Cressida Bonas split after two years

10. HOT TICKET: THRILLER THE BELIEVERS

Bryony Lavery's new stage thriller The Believers has opened at the Tricycle Theatre, London. A family seeking refuge with their spooky evangelical neighbours during a storm are forced to confront their true beliefs after a shocking event. "Electrifying," says The Times. Until 24 May.

The Believers – reviews of 'electrifying' stage thriller