Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 28 May 2014

1. ONE-THIRD OF BRITS 'ADMIT TO RACISM'

Nearly one-third of people in Britain admit they are racially prejudiced, according to new research. The study from NatCen found that 30% of those polled described themselves as either “very” or “a little” racially prejudiced. NatCen says the proportion has increased since the start of the century and reached the level seen 30 years ago.

A third of British people admit to racial prejudice

2. ROLF HARRIS ADMITS TO 'DARK SIDE'

Entertainer Rolf Harris, on trial for a string of indecent assaults against young women and girls, has admitted he has a "dark side", after keeping an affair with one of his accusers secret for 11 years. Harris insists the relationship a friend of his daughters only became sexual when she was 18, but he admitted making a comment about her bikini when she was just 13.

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3. WOMAN STONED TO DEATH FOR LOVE

A pregnant Pakistani woman was stoned to death by her own family for marrying the man she loved, reports The Guardian. Nearly 20 relatives, including her father and brothers, attacked her before a crowd of onlookers outside the Pakistani high court. The woman’s father has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Pakistani woman stoned to death by her own family

4. ROW OVER COST OF SCOTS INDEPENDENCE

A row over the cost of Scottish independence has blown up with both sides of the debate claiming Scotland is better off with them. The UK Government says staying in the Union will save Scots £1,400 a year, while the 'Yes' campaign says voting in favour of independence would make everyone in Scotland £1,000 better off a year.

Scottish independence: Is IndyRef2 'dead' after election losses?

5. NHS SLIMMING CLUBS FOR OBESE

The NHS should send obese and overweight people to slimming clubs, says new guidance. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says sending people on "lifestyle weight management programmes" will save the health service money. It claims that 64% of those classified as obese or overweight would enjoy significant benefits.

NHS to fund Weight Watchers classes to tackle obesity crisis

6. AUTHOR MAYA ANGELOU DIES AGED 86

American author, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou has died at the age of 86, her literary agent, Helen Brann, confirmed on Wednesday. Also a professor, singer and dancer, Angelou was best-known for her 1969 memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In 2011, Barack Obama awarded her with the Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honour.

Maya Angelou dies: ten of the author's best-loved quotes

7. WILLIAMS SISTERS OUT OF FRENCH OPEN

Serena Williams, the women's world number one and defending champion, is the latest big name casualty at the French Open tennis. Her exit came at the hands of 35th seed Garbine Muguruza came after her sister Venus was also knocked out of the tournament. Yesterday women's number two seed Li Na was knocked out in the first round.

8. LORD OAKESHOTT QUITS LIB DEMS

Senior Lib Dem peer Lord Oakeshott has quit the party and warned that it is "heading for disaster" under the leadership of Nick Clegg. He said the Lib Dems had lost their "roots, principles and values". His announcement came after it emerged he had commissioned polls that suggested the party would be better off without Clegg.

Lord Oakeshott quits Lib Dems and warns of election disaster

9. GOOGLE TO BUILD DRIVERLESS CARS

Google is to start building self-driving cars with no steering wheels or pedals. The technology company, which has previously modified existing vehicles, will test the cars in California. The electric vehicles will seat two people and will be limited to 25mph to ensure the safety of pedestrians, and will have foam bumpers. They will have no controls except for a start-stop button.

Driverless Google car will have no steering wheel

10. HOT TICKET: AI WEIWEI UK SHOWS

Two new UK exhibitions by dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei have opened at the Lisson Gallery, London and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield. Sculptures and installations at the venues evoke Ai's persecution by Chinese authorities and tackle broader social issues. "A coup," says The Observer. Lisson Gallery until 19 July, YSP until 2 November.

Ai Weiwei – reviews of Chinese artist's 'poignant' UK shows