Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 11 Mar 2012

1. 999 CUTS CONTRADICT CAMERON PLEDGE

The number of police officers dealing with 999 emergency calls has fallen by over 5,000 in the last two years, despite David Cameron's promise that spending cuts would not hit "frontline" services. The figure, described as "shocking" by Labour, also contradicts Cameron's claim in the Commons last month that the percentage of frontline officers is rising.

2. CRICKET MATCH-FIXING RING EXPOSED

A network of corrupt bookmakers is offering up to £750,000 to cricket players and officials who can guarantee the outcome of a match. An undercover investigation by The Sunday Times also found that a Bollywood actress is used to target players and that the network is increasingly targeting English county games as “nobody monitors them”.

3. US SOLDIER 'IN SHOOTING SPREE'

An American soldier in Afghanistan has killed at least three Afghan civilians after walking off his base in Kandahar province, according to reports. The soldier, who is believed to have suffered a mental breakdown, then surrendered to the US military authorities. Nato says it is investigating the "deeply regrettable incident".

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4. JACKIE MASON: RACISM 'ALL IN THE MIND'

Black and Jewish people are no longer the victims of racial discrimination says legendary Jewish comedian Jackie Mason. Speaking on today's Desert Island Discs, Mason will assert: "I wouldn’t say the Jews or the blacks today are suffering from racism." He adds that if Jewish or black people feel otherwise it is "all in their minds".

5. GOVERNMENT TO FIGHT CRUCIFIX RIGHTS CASE

The Government will argue that Christians have no inherent right to wear a crucifix openly at work, reports The Sunday Telegraph. Two British women are going to the European Court of Human Rights to try and establish their right to display the cross at work. The Government will oppose, arguing that wearing a crucifix is not a “requirement” of the faith.

6. SANTORUM ROMPS HOME IN KANSAS

Rick Santorum has kept alive his hope of winning the Republican ticket by scoring a convincing win in the Kansas caucuses. Santorum was expected to win as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich did not campaign in the state, but the scale of his victory - he took 51% of the vote and swept all but one of the state’s 105 counties - is a huge boost to his overall campaign.

7. CATHOLICS HAVE 'DUTY' TO FIGHT GAY MARRIAGE

Roman Catholic parishioners will be told they have a "duty" to stop same-sex marriage from being legalised. The Church's two most senior archbishops have written a letter to be read in 2,500 parish churches today. It warns that the proposed reform would "gradually and inevitably transform society's understanding of the purpose of marriage".

8. 5-A-DAY FRUIT 'HARMS TEETH'

Eating the suggested five portions of fruit and vegetables a day could damage your teeth, dentists are warning. The high level of acid in some fruits, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines, causes enamel erosion - particularly if the fruits are eaten in snacks between meals. One expert is calling on the Government to ban fruit juice at schools.

9. MORE FIGHTING BETWEEN ISRAEL AND GAZA

Fighting is continuing between Israel and terrorists in Gaza. Palestinian sources say at least 15 terrorists have been killed by Israeli airstrikes which came in response to rocket and mortar fire from Gaza. The US has called the rocket attacks "cowardly", but the Arab League called the Israeli air strikes "a massacre".

10. GOAL-LINE ROW AT RELEGATION DOGFIGHT

Controversy over the desirability of goal-line technology was reignited yesterday when QPR were denied a clear goal during the relegation six-pointer at the Reebok Stadium. Clint Hill’s header against Bolton crossed the line by at least 18 inches but it was not given. QPR lost the match 2-1. The three points lost could cost them £30m if they are relegated.