Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 3 Jun 2015

1. BLATTER ‘UNDER INVESTIGATION IN US’

Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter is being investigated by US officials as part of their inquiry into corruption at the world football body, according to US media. The news came within hours of Blatter announcing that he was stepping down from his role. US officials quoted in the New York Times say they hope to build a case against Blatter.

Sepp Blatter: why he quit and what next for Fifa and Qatar

2. US VIOLENT CRIME SURGES TO 70S LEVELS

Violent crime in the US has surged to 1970s levels after recent race riots. Unrest has sparked fears that America’s 20-year decline in crime may be over. Baltimore, which was hit by riots in April, has just endured its deadliest month in more than four decades: 43 murders in May was the highest toll since 1972. In New York, shootings are rising for the first time since the 1990s.

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Violent crime surges in US cities: is 'Ferguson effect' to blame?

3. PM LEADS TRIBUTES TO CHALES KENNEDY...

Prime Minister David Cameron led tributes to Charles Kennedy in the Commons, a day after news of the former Lib Dem leader's death at the age of 55 was announced. Cameron described him as the "most human of politicians". Nick Clegg, Labour leader Harriet Harman, Angus Robertson of the SNP and Speaker John Bercow also paid tribute.

4. ... AND ACCEPTS £7,000 PAY RISE FOR MPS

David Cameron is to accept a £7,000 pay rise for MPs. Members are to receive a £7,000 pay rise after the prime minister said that he would not do anything more to block the wage increase. He is anxious to avoid a backbench revolt. Cameron will himself accept the salary increase, says Downing Street, and he will not challenge the pay watchdog over plans for MPs to be paid £74,000 a year.

MPs get 10% pay rise after public sector pay capped at 1%

5. OBAMA: ISRAEL IS ‘LOSING CREDIBLITY’

US President Barack Obama says Israel risks losing “credibility” over prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on the creation of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu ruled out the establishment of a Palestinian state while campaigning earlier this year. “Already, the international community does not believe that Israel is serious about a two-state solution,” said Obama.

NHS crisis: how Jeremy Hunt plans to cut hospital spending

6. BBC SPARKS ROYAL HEALTH SCARE

A BBC journalist has apologised after sparking a royal health scare by tweeting that the Queen had been taken to hospital. Reporter Ahmen Khawaja sent the misleading tweet as the BBC carried out an "obituary rehearsal". The reporter's message was quickly picked up by other media, forcing Buckingham Palace has issue a denial.

London Bridge is down: what happens when the Queen dies

7. STATINS ‘INCREASE CANCER SURVIVAL’

Taking statins can increase the chance of patients surviving cancer by up to 55%, according to new research. Scientists believe the findings of the study show a regular dose of the anti-cholesterol drug could be a central weapon in the war on the disease. Ange Wang, who led one of the studies, said: “We’re very excited by these results.”

8. 10,000 ISLAMIC STATE MILITANTS KILLED

More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters have been killed since international coalition forces started a campaign against the militants in Iraq and Syria nine months ago, says US deputy secretary of state, Antony Blinken. He was speaking after coalition talks in Paris, and backed Iraq's plan to retake Ramadi.

9. ANDY COULSON CLEARED OF PERJURY

Andy Coulson, the former editor of the News of the World, has been cleared of perjury after the case against him collapsed. Coulson, jailed for conspiracy to hack phones in 2014, was accused of lying about the practice during the 2010 trial of ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan. However, the judge ruled the alleged lies were not material to the case.

10. BRIEFING: HOSPITAL SPENDING CUTS

The government has promised to increase healthcare spending by £8bn a year by the end of the decade in order to plug the funding gap and maintain services. In return, health bosses have vowed to make £22bn in savings. "The NHS must deliver its side of the bargain for patients by eliminating waste, helped by the controls on spending we're putting in place," said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.