Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 13 May 2015

1. QUEEN’S SPEECH: EXTREMISTS TARGETED

David Cameron is to unveil measures intended to target extremists in the UK in the Queen's Speech later this month, including disruption orders designed to restrict those trying to radicalise young people. The orders were proposed by the Conservatives during the last Parliament but were blocked by the Lib Dems.

David Cameron to fast-track counter-terrorism laws

2. ACTING LEADER OF ISLAMIC STATE 'KILLED'

The acting leader of Islamic State, Abu Alaa al-Afri, is reported to have been killed in a US-led air strike in northern Iraq. The Iraqi defence ministry said he was killed in a targeted attack on a mosque in the jihadist-held town of Tel Afar. He is thought to have assumed control after leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was hurt in March.

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3. NEPAL: RESCUE WORK AFTER SECOND QUAKE

Rescuers in Nepal have got back to work after a second massive earthquake. Thousands of worried residents slept out in the open last night for fear of aftershocks. At least 65 people died in Nepal and 17 over the border in India in yesterday’s 7.3 magnitude tremor. A US aid helicopter with eight onboard is missing.

Major earthquake hits Nepal for second time in two weeks

4. THOMAS COOK INQUEST: UNLAWFUL KILLING

Thomas Cook should "hang its head in shame" say the family of Bobby and Christi Shepherd after an inquest jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing. The children, aged six and seven, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday in Corfu. They were overcome by fumes from a faulty hot water boiler.

5. PRINCE’S ‘BLACK SPIDER MEMOS’ OUT

Prince Charles’s infamous ‘black spider memos’ are to be published today. The letters, expressing frank views and sent by the Prince to senior government ministers, have been the subject of a ten-year legal battle, with The Guardian newspaper trying to have them disclosed. The letters will be published with some redactions.

Black spider memos: Prince Charles's secret letters published

6. UNEMPLOYMENT AT SEVEN-YEAR LOW

UK unemployment fell to 1.83 million in the first quarter of 2015, down 35,000 on the previous quarter and the lowest figure for seven years, according to the ONS. Average pay for employees, excluding bonuses, rose by 2.2% compared to the same time last year. However, the Bank of England cut its 2015 growth forecast from 2.9% to 2.5%.

7. DOZENS DEAD IN PAKISTAN BUS ATTACK

At least 43 people have been killed and 20 injured in an attack on a bus carrying Shia Muslims in Karachi. Six gunmen on motorbikes stopped the bus, carrying members of the Ismaili Shia sect, and opened fire on passengers according to reports. Pakistani Taliban splinter group Jundullah said it carried out the massacre.

8. N KOREA DEFENCE BOSS SHOT FOR NAPPING

South Korean intelligence services say North Korea’s defence chief has been executed with an anti-aircraft gun for falling asleep at a rally attended by dictator Kim Jong-un. The agency says Hyon Yong-chol’s death was watched by hundreds of people. Kim is believed to have executed 15 top officials this year.

North Korea detains another US citizen

9. MH70: SEARCHERS STUMBLE ACROSS SHIPWRECK

The hunt for missing flight MH70 in the Indian Ocean has stumbled across the shipwreck of a 19th century cargo ship 4km under the sea. The search team said the find was "fascinating" but "not what we're looking for". They added that the discovery showed that the plane would be found if it was in the search zone.

MH370: mysterious 89kg load ‘added to cargo flight list after take-off’

10. BRIEFING: LABOUR LEADERSHIP ODDS

Shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna is currently the bookmakers' top choice to replace Ed Miliband as Labour leader. Andy Burnham and Yvette Cooper complete the top three, but there are more surprising options too: until he took back his old job, Nigel Farage was deemed to be a 275/1 shot for the Labour top job.

Jeremy Corbyn is a 'disaster', says Stephen Hawking