Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 29 Jul 2017

1. Trump appoints new chief of staff after sacking Priebus

Donald Trump has named John F Kelly as his new White House chief of staff after sacking Reince Priebus. The US President thanked Priebus, calling him "a good man". However, the beleaguered former chief of staff had faced pressure since being accused of being a leaker by Trump's newly appointed director of communication, Anthony Scaramucci.

2. 'Beautiful boy' Charlie Gard dies

Charlie Gard, the baby at the centre of a legal row over his treatment, has died, his family has confirmed. The 11-month-old, whose story was the subject of a protracted court battle, making headlines around the world, was moved to a hospice following a high court ruling. Charlie’s mother, Connie Yates, said: "Our beautiful little boy has gone. We are so proud of you, Charlie."

3. North Korea: we can strike all of the United States

North Korea says all of the US is within striking range as it has hailed its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch, which leader King Jong-un described as a "stern warning" for the US, came three weeks after North Korea's first ICBM test. US President Donald Trump called it "only the latest reckless and dangerous action by the North Korean regime".

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4. Children targeted at school gates for money laundering

Thousands of young children and teenagers are being paid to launder crime cash, reports The Times. Police are asking parents to monitor their children’s transactions after the number of youths used as 'money mules' by fraudsters and gangsters nearly doubled. The Metropolitan Police says pupils are being targeted outside school gates and online. In some cases the kids are threatened with violence if they refuse.

5. Expert tells government that farmers 'waste' subsidies

Tax breaks for farmers should be reviewed, argues a professor advising ministers. Dieter Helm told the BBC: "Farmers receive not just the £3bn of subsidy, they receive a whole range of other benefits that nobody else in the economy gets." The economist added that the current system of taxpayer-funded support was massively wasteful and the industry suffered from "subsidy addiction".

6. Next general election 'will be second referendum on Brexit'

MPs have warned that the next general election will be a "second referendum" on Brexit if Philip Hammond gets his way over a transition period lasting up to three years. Meanwhile, London mayor Sadiq Khan says Brexit could be avoided if the Labour party included the pledge in an election manifesto or committed to a second referendum.

7. Violence at east London demo after Hackney death

Protestors hurled fireworks and bottles at riot police at a protest in Hackney over the death of Rashan Charles. The 20-year-old died after he was chased by officers in the borough last Saturday. When he was apprehended in a shop he tried to swallow an object but died later in hospital. Videos on social media show demonstrators confronting a line of armed police officers.

8. Tory MPs fear Theresa May will abandon broadband pledge

Tory MPs believe that consumers will not get a legal right to faster broadband despite Theresa May pledging it in their manifesto. The PM committed to a "universal service obligation" that would give every household the right to request minimum broadband speeds, including homes in rural areas. But BT is pushing for a "voluntary" deal with the government that would avoid legislation.

9. Danger of mortgage bubble rises as home buyers 'stretch'

The Times reports that fears of a "risky mortgage bubble" are growing as buyers "stretch" to afford buying a home. Bank of England lending figures show that up to 140,000 people took out a home loan of more than 4.5 times their income over the past 12 months, an increase of 15% on the previous 12 months. This puts tens of thousands of borrowers at risk if interest rates rise.

10. Children as young as three referred on gender identity

Nearly 2,000 children in the UK and Ireland were referred for help with gender identity last year. The number has risen by more than 2,000% in eight years, with children as young as three among the number. Experts say increased visibility of gender diversity is behind the rise. Walter Bouman, a consultant psychiatrist, said: "There’s been an enormous shift in the last ten years in terms of tolerance."