Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 20 Apr 2017

1. General election 2017: May warns of 'coalition of chaos'

Theresa May has warned that anything other than a Tory win in the general election would be a "coalition of chaos", while Jeremy Corbyn vowed not to "play by the rules" as the UK's political parties prepared for the first full day of campaigning today. Ukip MEP Nigel Farage this morning told the BBC he had not decided whether to stand for a seat.

2. Bill Gates urges UK to maintain foreign aid

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has called on the government not to reduce the amount the UK spends on foreign aid. Speaking in London last night, he warned that lives will be lost in Africa if Theresa May abandons her commitment to spending 0.7% of national income. The Prime Minister has refused to say whether she will cut the foreign aid budget.

3. Police to shoot drivers at wheel in terror attacks

Armed police may shoot the drivers of cars being used in a terrorist attack, the national lead for armed policing has said. Simon Chesterman said officers would no be "far more aggressive" in their actions following the Westminster attack. Until now, police have been trained not to shoot drivers at the wheel for fear it would cause additional dangers.

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4. French election: Fillon back in contention

New polls suggest scandal-hit French presidential candidate Francois Fillon is back in contention, three days before the first round of voting. The news is "against all expectations", says The Guardian, after the centre-right politician's campaign stalled over allegations he had misused public fund to employ his wife Penelope.

5. Cycling to work 'almost halves cancer risk'

Commuters who cycle to work reduce their risk of both cancer and heart disease by almost half, research by the University of Glasgow suggests. A five-year study found cyclists had a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who drive or use public transport.

6. Chris Packham charged with assault in Malta

TV presenter Chris Packham has been charged with assault in Malta while making an independent film about the illegal trapping of birds. The wildlife expert says he is innocent and was actually the victim of "pushing and jostling" for whistleblowing about hunters. He also claims police took the side of his aggressors.

7. Venezuelan President Maduro donated $500,000 to Trump

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela donated $500,000 (£391,000) to US President Donald Trump's inauguration fund, despite severe economic problems and food shortages. The donation from the US arm of Venezuela's state oil company was one of the biggest. Thousands of Venezuelans protested against the Marxist politician on Wednesday.

8. Serena Williams confirms she is pregnant

World number two tennis star Serena Williams has confirmed she is pregnant, 12 weeks after winning a record 23rd Grand Slam. The 35-year-old player, who will miss the rest of the season after injuring her knee, is due to give birth in the autumn. If she plays her first tournament within 12 months, she will retain her ranking.

9. New data finds rural gay hotspots

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has released new data mapping parts of England and Wales where people told researchers they were gay, lesbian or bisexual. Many of the results are unsurprising – London and Brighton are hotspots – but the survey found more LGB people in rural Devon than East Sussex, around Brighton.

10. Briefing: First election odds predict Tory majority

Bookies have slashed the odds on the Conservatives taking the most seats at general election in June.

Theresa May's decision to go to the ballot box appears to have been prompted by the ever-increasing lead the Tories hold over Labour in the opinion polls.

The first survey published since her announcement has the party 18 points ahead of Labour. According to Electoral Calculus, this would give the Conservatives a majority of around 112 seats.

General election 2017: Bookies prepare for Tory win