Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 11 Dec 2017

1. After the snow, beware ‘black ice Monday’

Motorists are being warned that today is ‘black ice Monday’, with freezing conditions turning snow into deadly icy patches following heavy snowfall across much of the country this weekend. Hundreds of schools will be closed in England and Wales, and snow showers are expected this morning in the west of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

2. US ambassador says Trump accusers ‘should be heard’

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said on Sunday that women who accuse US President Donald Trump of sexual assault and harassment “should be heard”. She added, however: “I think we heard from [them] prior to the election.” Last week, two Democrats and one Republican resigned from Congress following accusations of sexual misconduct.

3. Forty per cent of women ‘face harassment at work’

One of the largest surveys ever conducted into workplace sexual harassment has found that 40% of women in the UK, and 18% of men, have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour at work. Of those women, just one in four reported the harassment. The BBC poll of 6,000 men and women also suggests that flexible workers are more like to face abuse.

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4. Largest California wildfire bigger than New York

The biggest of five recent wildfires in southern California, dubbed Fire Thomas, is now larger than the area of New York City, firefighters say. The blaze has burnt across 230,000 acres in the past week and is the fifth-largest wildfire ever recorded in the state. Some 200,000 Californians have evacuated their homes since 4 December.

5. Britain’s new highest mountain is Mt Hope

The highest mountain in British territory is not Mt Jackson in Antarctica, as previously thought, but its neighbour Mt Hope, researchers have announced. Hope is 10,627ft, more than twice the height of the highest peak of the British Isles, Ben Nevis. The British Antarctic Survey remeasured the peak amid concerns about the risks posed to aircraft in the area as a result of poor mapping.

6. Reality TV star wins (different) reality TV show

The winner of reality TV show I’m A Celebrity was named last night as Georgia “Toff” Toffolo, the star of reality TV show Made In Chelsea. Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas came second, and radio presenter Ian Lee third. Toffolo, 23, said she was surprised because “I didn’t think anyone would like me”. The Daily Mail predicts she will earn £5m from her jungle stint.

7. Manchester derby tunnel row leaves coach bleeding

Police officers and stewards had to break up a group fight between Manchester City and United players and coaching staff at Old Trafford on Sunday following the Manchester derby. United coach Jose Mourinho is said to have objected to City’s noisy celebrations and a fight then erupted in a corridor that left Pep Guardiola’s assistant bleeding.

8. Coogan: ‘Brexit is sympathetic to Alan Partridge’

Actor and Remainer Steve Coogan has told the Radio Times that he considered not featuring Brexit in the new Alan Partridge TV shows – a Christmas special and a series in 2018 – because his creation’s views are opposed to his own. Coogan said: “The world has coalesced into a situation that is sympathetic to Alan, which … is quite depressing.”

9. Singer Homme apologises for kicking photographer in the face

Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme has apologised for kicking a photographer’s camera into the face, leading to her spending a night in hospital. Homme said he was “lost in performance” and believed he was kicking the band’s lighting rig. He offered a “sincere apology” to Chelsea Lauren, saying he was “very sorry”.

10. Briefing: Australia’s wary war against Chinese interference

Australia has ambitious plans to curb China’s influence in its internal politics, modelled in part on US laws that ban foreign campaign donations and require the registration of lobbyists working for nation states.

But with China now Australia’s largest trading partner, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull may be biting the hand that feeds him and his 24.5 million fellow Australians.

Australia’s wary war against Chinese interference