Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 3 Mar 2017

1. Sessions under pressure despite recusal

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions was last night still facing calls to quit from top Democrats, after he denied lying about his contact with Russia during his confirmation hearing. Sessions recused himself from the FBI probe into Russian interference in the US elections – but that was not enough for many of Donald Trump's political opponents.

2. May to accuse SNP of 'tunnel vision'

Theresa May will today tell the Scottish Tory conference in Glasgow that the SNP has "tunnel vision" on independence and is neglecting Scottish schools and other public services. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, expected to announce a second referendum soon, has already responded, accusing May of having no mandate in Scotland.

3. Police admit failures after toddler's death

Cumbria police have apologised "unreservedly" after the Independent Police Complaints Commission listed a catalogue of failures after the death of a toddler, Poppi Worthington, in 2012. A family court judge has found she was sexually assaulted by her father Paul, who denies the claim. The force admitted its investigation "let Poppi down".

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4. Record numbers on zero hours contracts

More people than ever work so-called "zero hours" contracts, new figures show. In 2016, there were 910,000 people working under the controversial arrangements which do not guarantee work or pay, 110,000 more than 2015. In 2005, there were just 100,000 people on zero hours contracts. However, the rate of increase slowed in the last six months.

5. Rush-hour train was 'seconds' from crash

A train arriving at Liverpool Lime Street station on Tuesday afternoon during the rush hour was just "seconds away" from hitting a pile of rubble caused when a wall collapsed onto the track, the RMT says. Northern Rail confirmed its driver had been forced to hit the emergency brake to stop, with 150 people on board. Normal services will resume by 9 March.

6. Bodyguards for Oscars gaffe accountants

Accounting firm PwC has hired bodyguards to protect the two employees responsible for counting the votes at this year's Oscars ceremony after they received threats. Brian Cullinan and Martha Ruiz were handing out the winners' envelopes backstage when Cullinan, distracted by tweeting on his phone, gave Warren Beatty the wrong envelope.

7. Community-owned pub named Britain's best

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has named a Yorkshire pub saved from bankruptcy by its local community the best in Britain. The George & Dragon in Hudswell closed in 2008 but its regulars formed a co-operative to buy, refurbish and run it. It reopened in 2010 as a hub for the village, with a convenience shop and free internet access.

8. Stab victims 'pay vets for treatment'

Frontline workers dealing with gang violence in Nottingham have told the BBC that local stab victims will pay vets to treat and stitch their wounds rather than go to hospital, so that the police are not involved. The going rate is said to be £200. It is illegal for a vet to prescribe medicine for humans but it is not clear whether they may treat wounds.

9. Amazon forest 'shaped by ancient humans'

Researchers from the Netherlands have published a new study arguing that the Amazon rain forest is not as natural as we think. They say a few species of trees, useful to mankind, predominate because they were planted by ancient humans. An estimated eight to ten million people lived in the Amazon basin before the arrival of Europeans.

10. Briefing: Deadline set for PPI compensation

People seeking compensation for the mis-selling of Payment Protection Insurance have until 29 August 2019 to make a claim, says the Financial Conduct Authority. A two-year public awareness campaign will be launched in the run-up to its deadline as the regulator attempts to "draw a line" under the scandal, says the BBC.

Final deadline for claiming PPI compensation set