Daily Briefing

Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 22 Feb 2012

The Week’s super-quick catch-up on the main news talking points, available from 8am daily

Marie Colvin
1. JOURNALIST MARIE COLVIN KILLED IN SYRIA
Sunday Times reporter Marie Colvin, one of the foremost war correspondents of her generation, was one of two Western journalists killed in shelling in the Syrian city of Homs today. The other is said to be Frenchman Remi Ochlik. The city, a centre of opposition to president Bashar al-Assad, has been under heavy bombardment for weeks.
Marie Colvin's death: the West must now face facts in Syria
Politics
2. FOX & CBI URGE BUSINESS BOOST
Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox has called on George Osborne to ease the tax burden on business and "restore competitiveness" by making it easier to hire and fire. The CBI is urging Osborne to give a £500 million Budget boost to business through tax changes aimed at stimulating growth.
Knocksy Foxy steps in as Tory MPs lose patience with coalition
Afghanistan
3. SIX DIE IN AFGHAN KORAN PROTESTS
Six people have been killed and dozens injured during protests in Afghanistan after burned copies of the Koran were discovered at a US airbase. American officials apologised after the books were "inadvertantly" incinerated at Bagram over fears they were being used to pass messages between prisoners.
In pictures: Afghans riot after US troops burn Korans
4. OCCUPY LONDON LOSES COURT CASE
Occupy London protestors who set up camp outside St Pauls have lost their court battle to prevent the City of London Corporation from evicting them. They have been refused permission to appeal against their eviction from the camp. The corporation is expected to begin moving the 120 or so tents soon.
Brit Awards
5. ADELE FLIPS FINGER AT BRITS 'SUITS'
The Brit Awards ceremony ended in uproar as Adele flipped the middle finger as her acceptance speech was cut short by host James Corden. Adele, who won two awards, said her gesture was aimed at record industry "suits" after she was hustled off so Blur could perform. ITV and the organisers later apologised to the singer.
Adele 'flips finger' as speech is cut short at the Brits
Health & Science
6. MP WARNS OF 'EMP' ATTACKS FROM SPACE
A Conservative MP has warned that a space-based nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on Britain is "quite likely". James Arbuthnot urged the government to take the threat seriously even though US presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has been ridiculed for his views on EMPs.
Space nuclear bomb attack on Britain 'quite likely'
7. FACEBOOK PHOTO POLICIES LEAKED
Nipples are banned but crushed heads and deep flesh wounds are allowed "as long as no insides are showing" - just two details of Facebook's secret photograph-approval system that has been leaked online. The 13-page manual bans "female nipple bulges and naked butt cracks" but says "male nipples are OK".
World News
8. UK CONSIDERS AIR STRIKES IN SOMALIA
Britain and other EU countries are considering air strikes against rebels in Somalia, reports The Guardian. Concerned by pirates and Islamic insurgents, Britain is examining the possibility of hitting their logistical hubs and training camps. Planners have warned that civilians would be at risk from such strikes.
What to do about Somalia? Cut the jargon and close the doors
Champions League
9. NAPOLI WORSEN AVB AGONY
Further pressure was piled on Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas last night as Napoli beat his side 3-1 in the Champions League. Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien were dropped to the bench - reportedly for criticising Villa-Boas during a squad meeting on Sunday.
Chelsea fail after Lampard and Cole are mysteriously dropped
Art
10. HOT TICKET: PIET MONDRIAN
‘Mondrian/Nicholson: In Parallel’ at the Courtauld Gallery explores the creative friendship between two major 20th Century abstract artists, Dutchman Piet Mondrian and Brit Ben Nicholson. Major paintings and reliefs from the 1930s, along with letters and memorabilia reveal the artists’ parallel creative journeys.
Mondrian and Nicholson: two for price of one at Courtauld