What You Need To Know

ITV News

The quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories. Our team of specialist correspondents plus guests bring you information and analysis you can trust so you get What You Need To Know in minutes.

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705 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes705

Newest first

Apr 12, 2024 · 8 min
What are 'forever chemicals' and are you unknowingly eating them?
When you go down the fruit and veg isle at the supermarket, do you ever think how safe the produce is? Well, you might need to – as a recent study found that common fruit and veg is linked to diseases like cancer. That’s because they may have been sprayed with pesticides which take thousands of years to break down. And it’s no wonder campaigners are now calling for the government to condemn what they’re coining ‘forever chemicals’ So, might you think again before getting your 5 a day? ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Faye Barker what you need to know...
Apr 10, 2024 · 16 min
Why are French police not stopping small boats crossing the channel?
As another day dawns on the English Channel, another dingy makes its way across the waters. Full to the brim with migrants, determined to make a new life for themselves. And yet, despite the British government’s recent social media campaign to deter illegal immigration, boats still come, packed and in plenty. So, why is the campaign not working? And can anything stop the dangerous journeys? ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...
Apr 8, 2024 · 11 min
What does Ramadan actually mean to British Muslims?
Ramadan - it's the holiest month of the year for Muslims. It's a time of sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. And a time where more than two billion people - four million of which live in Britain - fast from dawn to sunset. But what does this month actually mean to British Muslims? Ahead of the ITV1 documentary 'Ramadan: A Journey Across Britain' on Wednesday at 10.45pm, ITV News Political Correspondent Shehab Khan tells International Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar what you need to know...
Apr 5, 2024 · 12 min
What's got people so obsessed with 'prepping'?
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Apr 3, 2024 · 14 min
Should ex post office boss Paula Vennells face charges?
The Post Office scandal is a story which has gripped the nation. At the heart of it was Paula Vennells, the Post Office’s CEO. For years, many wondered what she knew and when. Now, ITV News can reveal that the former post office boss knew full well about the issues with the Horizon IT system. And yet despite warnings, she continued to cover it up. So, why did she ignore the warnings? And will she face criminal action? ITV News Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...
Mar 29, 2024 · 14 min
Is Britain’s pest problem spiralling out of control?
From poison-resistant rodents to bedbugs and cockroaches, there’s a spike in infestations across the UK. More than 800 pest control callouts are made on average every day as lives are upturned by these most unwelcome of guests. So is Britain’s pest problem spiralling out of control? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent tells Cari Davies what you need to know...
Mar 27, 2024 · 10 min
How far one man went to get a little bit taller
Rich Rotella was 5'5" when he decided to change his life. The budding actor had a procedure in Florida to add three inches to his height - before a year long recovery. The limb lengthening surgery Rich underwent is happening all over the world. But is it worth it - all for a couple of inches? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar tells Cari Davies what you need to know…
Mar 25, 2024 · 9 min
Why are baby deaths in hospitals on the rise?
Having a baby should be a moment of pure elation but for too many families it’s becoming a time of grief and despair. That’s because the number of neonatal and infant deaths in hospitals are rising, with London having the highest rate in the country. So, why is this worrying trend increasing? And how much does poor maternity care play a role in this? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Reporter Kaf Okpattah tells Faye Barker what you need to know...
Mar 22, 2024 · 13 min
Why is the NHS spending millions on locking up autistic adults?
For the past 10 years, a young British woman has been locked up in hospital. Whilst she was born with a learning disability, there was no medical reason for her to be detained in hospital and her parents continue to fight every day for her release. And she's not alone, as more than 2000 people with learning disabilities or autism remain stuck in hospitals across England, with little chance of escape. So, why can’t they bet set free? ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith and Specialist Producer Reshma Rumsey tell Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...
Mar 20, 2024 · 13 min
Should second homes be banned?
It’s a touchstone issue that affects beauty spots right across the country. Second homes – with a 50% rise in ownership over the last decade, they’re driving out locals and hiking up house prices. And despite the Chancellor’s crackdown, campaigners are calling his solution a simple sticking plaster. So, do the Tories have the silver bullet? Or is the problem too big to fix? And how will housing impact your vote in the next general election? In a special live edition of the podcast, ITV Anglia’s political correspondent, Emma Hutchinson and ITV Tyne Tees’ and ITV Border’s political correspondent, Tom Sheldrick tell David Wood what you need to know....
Mar 18, 2024 · 16 min
Putin wins: What next?
It’s no surprise that Vladimir Putin secured a landslide victory for a fifth term as Russian president. He’s ruled for nearly a quarter of a century and he’s not going anywhere soon – with any potential opposition either dead, jailed or exiled. But will this election bring any change? What’s next for Putin? And will he ever give up power? Europe Editor James Mates tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know...
Mar 15, 2024 · 11 min
Sanitiser out, air fryers in: How Britain's shopping habits are changing
The record return of the vinyl has been made official today for the first time since 1992. In Britain’s inflation basket this year, vinyl records are back in demand thanks to the soaring success of stars like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. The basket released by the ONS, is used to track inflation and find out what’s trending. So, what’s in? And what’s out? Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Consumer Producer Hannah Kings tell Cari Davies what you need to know...
Mar 13, 2024 · 11 min
Why are so many Brits pro assisted dying?
Nick Brown was told he has three months left to live. With a rare form of cancer, he’ll soon be paralysed. And yet his dying wish is to go peacefully, before he deteriorates. But with no option for assisted dying in our country, Nick and his family are stuck and desperate. Now, thousands like Nick are calling for change - to legalise assisted suicide in the UK. So, should Nick have the option? And where do you draw the line? UK Editor Paul Brand tells Charlene White what you need to know...
Mar 11, 2024 · 12 min
How Kate's photoshop skills ramped up royal rumours
In a bid to end weeks of wild conspiracy theories, the Princess of Wales released a family photo to celebrate Mother’s Day. But the image, which was meant to quash speculation, turned out to do the exact opposite. As news agencies pulled a photo from the Palace for the first time over claims it had been photoshopped. And now, Kate’s even admitted to editing the picture herself. So, what’s behind all of this? And can Kate’s response finally stop speculation? ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship tells Mary Nightingale what you need to know...
Mar 8, 2024 · 13 min
Who are the lost children of Britain’s housing crisis?
Since 2019, 55 children have died unexpectedly living in temporary housing. 42 of them, not even a year old. These are the lost children of Britain’s housing crisis. And yet many families continue to live in cramp conditions like shipping containers, once built to carry cargo, but are the only option for a roof over their heads. So, why is this still happening today? And where can these helpless families turn to? ITV News Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt and Investigations Producer Mariah Cooper tell Yasmin Bodalbhai what you need to know...
Mar 6, 2024 · 15 min
Who's more likely to win the Biden vs Trump rematch?
It’s back to the future for Americans as they brace themselves for another Joe Biden-Donald Trump slugfest. But who’s most likely to prevail? In our latest quick briefing podcast, US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Tom Bradby what you need to know…
Mar 4, 2024 · 12 min
Is now the time to switch energy supplier?
Energy bills are finally falling. From April 1st, annual bills will drop to the lowest they’ve been since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But, despite the reduced-price cap, energy debt remains at an all-time high as households across the country remain badly behind with their bills. So, how much of a difference will the drop actually make? Should you be switching energy supplier? And if so, when? ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Consumer Producer Hannah Kings tell Faye Barker what you need to know...
Mar 1, 2024 · 10 min
Could your council be going bust and how will it impact you?
From potholes to uncollected bins, it’s no surprise that councils across the country are running out of cash. But new analysis has laid bare that councils in the North are suffering more than in the South of England. And despite a huge injection of cash from the government, many councils are at a tipping point. So, why is there such a regional divide? And where will the cuts hit most? Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...
Feb 28, 2024 · 10 min
What's got Welsh farmers so frustrated?
Across Europe, frustrated farmers have been fighting back. But now, protests are travelling across the channel, as Welsh farmers are up in arms over post-Brexit plans and proposals. Farmers on the brink are flocking to protests to stop the Welsh government reforms. So, what are the new plans? And why have they caused such a backlash? ITV News Wales Reporter Rhys Williams tells Charlene White what you need to know...
Feb 26, 2024 · 13 min
Why girls in gangs are on the rise
When you think of gangs, you might imagine young men proving their loyalty through violence, coercion and bravado. But now the number of girls in gangs is rising, leaving thousands in the hands of male leaders and drug dealers. So, why are gangs recruiting more girls? What are they being forced to do? And what’s being done to stop it? ITV Anglia's Tanya Mercer tells Faye Barker what you need to know...