Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 24 Aug 2016

1. Italy: Earthquake death toll above 70

The death toll from an earthquake in the Italian town of Amatrice has risen to 73. The 6.2-magnitude quake struck at 3.36am local time, destroying large parts of the town. The tremor struck south-east of the city of Perugia, at the very shallow depth of just six miles, and was felt in Rome, where some buildings shook for 20 seconds.

Italy: 'Many dead' as avalanche strikes Abruzzo hotel

2. Smith: I'll insist on new Brexit vote

Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith says that if elected, he will not invoke Article 50, the formal process for leaving the EU, until the electorate has had the chance to agree the Brexit deal, either through a referendum or a general election. Her said he would also try to stop Theresa May formally triggering Brexit before the next election.

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Brexit: Theresa May says ‘trust me’ to deliver

3. UK backpacker stabbed to death in Australia

A British woman has been stabbed to death and a British man severely injured in an attack in front of 30 people at a backpacker's hostel in Queensland, Australia. A dog was also killed. Police are investigating a possible link to Islamic extremism after the attacker, who has been arrested, reportedly shouted: "Allahu akbar."

Second British backpacker dies after Queensland stabbing

4. Bombs explode in Thai coastal town

One person has been killed and 30 injured by two bomb attacks in the Thai coastal town of Pattani, two weeks after four people were killed in a series of blasts at the country's most popular tourist spots. Pattani has long been the site of conflict between the Thai authorities and Muslim rebels.

One dead and 30 injured after bombs explode at Thai hotel

5. Heatwave alerts issued for the UK

People have been warned to take extra care after the Met Office issued heatwave alerts for parts of the UK this week. There is a 90% chance of two successive days of temperatures in excess of 30C in eastern parts of England, with warm air being pushed up from the continent. London and the south-east are expected to be affected.

6. Armed police force woman to remove burkini

Pictures have emerged showing armed police in France forcing a woman to remove a burkini on a beach in Nice yesterday. At least four officers are shown standing over the woman, who then removes part of her garment. Fifteen French towns have imposed a ban on the beachwear after a series of terrorist attacks in the country.

7. Runner Zola Budd sparked cabinet row

The decision to fast-track British citizenship for South African runner Zola Budd in 1984 caused a row in Margaret Thatcher's Cabinet, newly released files show, with the Foreign Office arguing the plan would weaken the UK's stance against apartheid. Budd competed in the Los Angeles Olympics as British, after a ban on South Africans taking part.

8. Corbyn angry over Virgin Trains questions

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded angrily to questions over his row with Virgin Trains at a press conference today. A video released last week showed him sitting on the floor of a "ram-packed" train to Newcastle, but CCTV footage has shown that there were seats available. Corbyn initially refused to answer questions on the issue at a press conference on the NHS.

Jeremy Corbyn is a 'disaster', says Stephen Hawking

9. Giant pearl 'worth $100m' kept under bed

A fisherman in the Philippines kept what might be the world's biggest known pearl under his bed for ten years, unaware it could be worth more than $100m (£76m). The pearl, which he found in a giant clam and kept as a good luck charm, weighs 75lbs and is more than two feet long. The previous record holder, found in 1939, weighs 14lbs.

10. Human Rights Act will be scrapped, government confirms

The government has confirmed the Human Rights Act will be scrapped in

order to separate the UK from the European courts, causing alarm among

human rights organisations. Liz Truss, the newly appointed Justice

Secretary and Lord Chancellor, revealed the news while dismissing

concerns from some Conservatives that the plan, a manifesto pledge in

both 2010 and 2015, had been axed. "We are committed to that. That is

a manifesto commitment," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Will the Human Rights Act be scrapped?