Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 3 Aug 2017

1. Trump proposes cutting immigration by half

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to cut immigration by 50% within ten years, prioritising those who speak English or have a higher level of education. The legislation will limit arrivals to the US to 50,000 each year. Democrats said the plan "doesn't make much sense" and promised to oppose its passage through Congress.

2. Russia PM: US sanctions are 'trade war'

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said US sanctions were a "full-scale trade war" on Moscow and demonstrate the impotence of US President Donald Trump against Congress. He added the sanctions, imposed in response to Russia's alleged interference in overseas elections, would end hopes of improved relations between the two countries.

US sanctions are full-scale 'economic war', says Russia

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3. Scientists remove faulty DNA from embryo

Scientists have successfully deleted the part of DNA that causes hereditary heart failure from a human embryo, the first time such a technique has been successful outside China. The landmark study, carried out in the US, could pave the way for using gene editing to eradicate inherited diseases. As the embryos used were not implanted, it is not known whether the technique could lead to a healthy baby.

Heart disease flaw removed from human embryos

4. Actor Robert Hardy dies aged 91

Actor Robert Hardy, star of TV series All Creatures Great and Small, has died aged 91. He was best known for playing Siegfried Farnon in the BBC adaptation of James Herriot's novels, but found a younger audience by appearing as Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter films. Hardy also carved a niche playing Winston Churchill. His death was announced by his family, who said he had a "tremendous life".

5. US police hunt Oxford worker after stabbing

An employee of Oxford University is wanted by Chicago police over the stabbing of a 26-year-old man. Andrew Warren, a senior treasury assistant at Somerville College, is being sought along with US professor Wyndham Lathem after the body of Trenton Cornell-Duranleau was found in a Chicago apartment on 27 July.

Plague expert flees Chicago murder scene

6. Binge watchers 'prefer TV shows to sleep'

A third of people who binge-watch TV programmes say they would rather see their favourite shows than sleep, according to a new study from the broadcasting regulator. Ofcom's annual report also says more young people now use a subscription streaming service, with 76% of youngsters paying to watch as opposed to 19% of over-65s.

7. Labour MPs urge Corbyn to condemn Venezuela

Labour MPs have called on leader Jeremy Corbyn to publicly condemn Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his socialist government following days of civil unrest and violence in the country. "I think Corbyn needs to condemn the actions of the Venezuelan regime," said Angela Smith. The Labour leader has long been an admirer of Venezuela and its leadership.

Venezuela election 'tampered with', says voting firm

8. 'Three Musketeers' terror gang jailed for life

Three Islamic State-inspired terrorists who called themselves the "Three Musketeers" were sentenced to life in prison today for conspiring to murder members of the police or military. Naweed Ali, Mohibur Rahman and Khobaib Hussain were told they must serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars. A fourth defendant, Tahir Aziz, was given a term of at least 15 years for his role in the terror plot.

'Three Musketeers' get life for Lee Rigby-style terror plot

9. BoE chief Carney issues Brexit warning

The Bank of England has voted to hold interest rates and cut growth forecasts, with governor Mark Carney warning that "uncertainties" about Brexit are "weighing on the decisions of some businesses". The BoE reduced this year's growth forecast to 1.7% from the 1.9% it predicted in May, and also cut its forecast for 2018 from 1.7% to 1.6%. The pound fell sharply after Carney delivered his warning.

Pound plunges after Bank of England's dovish rates signal

10. Briefing: Is the government to blame for British Gas price rise?

This week's big personal finance news came courtesy of British Gas, which announced it was increasing the cost of its electricity by 12.5 per cent.

All of the so-called "big six" energy firms have now raised prices this year, most at double-digit rates, putting the issue back on the political agenda - and the company has laid the blame on the UK's environmental policies.

Fact Check: Are government levies to blame for British Gas price rise?