Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 6 Jul 2012

1. FRAUD INQUIRY INTO LIBOR SCANDAL

The Serious Fraud Office has formally launched an investigation into the manipulation of the Libor interbank lending rate, it was confirmed today. In the Commons yesterday, Labour's bid for a judge-held inquiry into banking culture was voted down. The debate was coloured by a bitter spat between Chancellor Osborne and Labour's Ed Balls.

Balls and Osborne go toe to toe in Commons banking debate

2. SYRIAN GENERAL DEFECTS TO FRANCE

General Manaf Tlass, a member of the most powerful Sunni family in Syria and one of President Assad's inner circle, has defected to France. Tlass is said to have refused to take part in attacks on civilian areas. According to the Damascus website Syriasteps, a regime official said: "His escape does not mean anything."

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General's defection hints at Syrian regime turmoil

3. FEDERER STUNS DJOKOVIC IN FOUR

Roger Federer became the first man ever to reach eight Wimbledon finals when he beat world number one Novak Djokovic in four sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3) this afternoon. A resurgent Federer will meet the winner of today's other semi-final between Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Sunday's final.

4. TORY BACKLASH OVER SAVAGE ARMY CUTS

David Cameron faces a backlash from Army officers and his own backbenchers over yesterday's "savage" cutbacks which will see Army numbers reduced to 82,000. Former Welsh Guards officer Crispin Black, writing for The Week, says the head of the Army should have shown more moral courage.

Where was Gen Sir Peter Wall when his men needed him?

5. GREEN LIGHT FOR GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY

Goal-line technology could be introduced in the Premier League midway through the 2012-13 season after it was approved by the International FA Board in Zurich yesterday. Two systems - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef - have passed Fifa's criteria for use. The technology will be used at December's Fifa Club World Cup.

Has goal-line technology opened 'Pandora's Box'?

6. FLOOD WARNINGS ACROSS UK

A month's rain was forecast to fall within 24 hours across parts of the UK today. At least 100 flood alerts and eight flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency, with Wales and the north of England expected to be worst hit by the predicted three days of heavy storms.

100 flood alerts as UK braces for a month's rain in 24 hours

7. BLOODY SUNDAY MURDER PROBE

British soldiers who opened fire on Bloody Sunday, when 13 civilians died in Northern Ireland 40 years ago, could face murder charges. Police yesterday announced the launch of a criminal investigation after prosecutors determined that one was warranted. But Chief Constable Matt Baggott warned it could take 30 men at least four years to complete.

8. EXPERTS FIND 100 LOST CARAVAGGIOS

Art historians claim to have discovered 100 lost paintings and drawings by Italian master Caravaggio in Milan. Experts say they match his "unique" style and could be worth E700m if proved genuine. The Daily Telegraph says it is either "the artistic find of the century" or "an embarrassing mistake".

Lost Caravaggios discovered - but are they the real thing?

9. SHARD OPENS TO ROW OVER TICKET PRICES

The Shard, London's new skyscraper and Europe's tallest building, was officially opened last night with a laser light show seen around the capital, amid concern over the price of a ride to the viewing platform at the top - £24.95 for an adult and £18.95 for a child. The Renzo Piano building was financed by Qatar.

10. HOT TICKET: REBOOT FOR SPIDER-MAN

The latest summer superhero blockbuster, Marvel's The Amazing Spider-Man opens in UK cinemas today. Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) stars as Peter Parker, a teenage outcast on a quest to solve the mystery of his missing parents with the help of classmate Gwen (Emma Stone). "Sheer exhilarating spectacle", says The Guardian.

Amazing Spider-Man reboot adds rom-com to comic caper