Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 4 Apr 2014

1. ‘CLEANER WINDS’ TO EASE SMOG IN UK

After being “very high” yesterday - the worst possible classification - air pollution levels in the London and the southeast should ease today, with cleaner, dust-free winds blowing in from the southwest. Dust from Saharan sandstorms triggered the smog, which was exacerbated by UK and European industrial emissions.

2. SEARCH FOR MH370 GOES UNDERWATER

Australia says it has “commenced a sub-surface search” for the black box from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, using two ships. Earlier, Malaysia’s opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who knew the missing pilot, accused the government of deliberately concealing vital information about the flight.

MH370: mysterious 89kg load ‘added to cargo flight list after take-off’

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3. ‘CULTURE OF FEAR’ AT MET POLICE

A “draconian” insistence on performance targets at the Met Police has created a “culture of fear”, according to a report compiled by the Met Police Federation, which represents officers below the rank of Chief Inspector. Scotland Yard denied claims of “bullying” and said it made no apology for setting targets.

Scotland Yard policing its own officers with 'culture of fear'

4. STORM-HIT DAWLISH TRAIN LINE REOPENS

The main railway line through Dawlish in Devon, destroyed by February storms which washed away a sea wall and left the rails dangling, reopened this morning. The first train through after engineers raced to make sure the line was in place for Easter holiday visitors was the 05.34 from Exeter.

Storm-damaged railway line through Dawlish re-opens

5. JOURNALISTS SHOT IN AFGHANISTAN

Two journalists working for the Associated Press news agency have been shot by a police commander in eastern Afghanistan, ahead of presidential elections this weekend. German photojournlist Anja Niedringhaus, died in the attack, but her colleague, Canadian Kathy Gannon, survived is reported to be stable. The attack took place in the town of Khost near the border with Pakistan.

6. SHUMACHER: 'MOMENTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS'

Former F1 champion Michael Schumacher, who has been in a coma in a French hospital since a skiing accident in late December, has experienced "moments of consciousness and awakening", according to his agent. Sabine Kehm added that the 45-year-old was "making progress" as doctors try to bring him out of his coma.

Schumacher: do 'moments of consciousness' mean recovery?

7. KASABIAN, ARCADE FIRE HEADLINE GLASTONBURY

The line-up for this year's Glastonbury Festival has been announced, with Kasabian and Arcade Fire the headline acts on Friday and Sunday nights. Also on the bill are Pixies, Elbow, Lana Del Rey, Robert Plant and Lily Allen. However, the headline act for Saturday night has not been revealed for "contractual reasons".

Glastonbury line-up: Kasabian, Pixies and Elbow added to bill

8. FORSYTH STEPS DOWN FROM STRICTLY

Bruce Forsyth has announced that he is to step down as presenter of Strictly Come Dancing after ten years on the show, the BBC has confirmed. The 86-year-old said it was the "right time to step down from the rigours" of hosting the live shows. However, he will continue to present one-off seasonal and charity specials of the show.

9. DAVID LETTERMAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

David Letterman, who has hosted CBS’s Late Show for more than 20 years, has said he will step down some time in 2015 in a surprise announcement while taping the show, received by the studio audience with a standing ovation for the 66-year-old. The show has gathered a UK following since the advent of the web.

David Letterman retires: the top ten of his Top Ten lists

10. HOT TICKET: FANTASY ARK EPIC NOAH

Darren Aronofsky's biblical-inspired fantasy epic, Noah, opens in UK cinemas today. Russell Crowe stars as Noah, a devout man who experiences a vision telling him he must build a boat to rescue the world from a catastrophic flood caused by environmental destruction. "Astonishing," says the Daily Telegraph.

Noah – reviews of Aronofsky's 'astonishing' fantasy ark epic