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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.

  • 705 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes705

  • Feb 23, 2024 · 12 min

    Could AI be a game changer for America's gun violence epidemic?

    Joaquin Oliver was just one of the 17 victims who were murdered at Parkland, Florida back in 2018 – one of America’s deadliest school shootings. But now, through the magic of AI, the victims’ voices are being brought back to life. Lobbying from beyond the grave, Joaquin’s voice is being used to pressure politicians to tighten gun laws. So, could this be a game changer for America’s gun violence epidemic? US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Tom Bradby what you need to know

  • Feb 21, 2024 · 19 min

    Why do domestic violence murderers get shorter sentences than other killers?

    If a woman is stabbed to death in the street by a stranger the starting sentencing point for murder is 25 years. Yet if a woman is stabbed and killed in her own home by her partner - it's fifteen. So, why is there such a disparity? And is it any wonder some are campaigning for change? Julie Etchingham is joined by ITV's Tonight programme producer, Anna Manton and the Chair of charity Refuge, Hetti Barkworth-Nanton. For more on this, tune into ITV's Tonight programme at 20:30 on Thursday 22nd February or catch up on ITVX.

  • Feb 19, 2024 · 15 min

    Could you claim compensation from car finance?

    Did you buy a vehicle on car finance before 28th January 2021? Well, like millions of other car loan customers across the country, you might be able to join what could be the largest compensation pay out since the infamous PPI scandal. So, could you have you overpaid without knowing? And what might you be entitled to? Consumer Editor Chris Choi and producer Hannah Kings tell Sangeeta Kandola What You Need to Know…

  • Feb 16, 2024 · 9 min

    Who is Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner?

    It’s been 16 years since 3-year-old Madeleine McCann went missing. Today, the man who remains the prime suspect of her disappearance goes on trial. But, for unrelated charges. Christian Brueckner will take to the stand in Germany for multiple cases of sexual assault and rape. But can this trial bring us closer to what really happened to Madeline McCann back in 2007 in Portugal? And what can we expect? From outside the court house in Germany, ITV News correspondent Emma Murphy tells Charlie Frost what you need to know...

  • Feb 14, 2024 · 11 min

    Inside the scamming networks trafficking grads to South East Asia

    Sarah thought she’d landed her dream job in a tech firm in Thailand, having applied online. But instead, upon arrival, she was kidnapped and trafficked to a mysterious compound, where she was trapped for months. She’s just one of many graduates from across the globe who are falling victim to forced scamming - one of the fastest-growing forms of modern slavery today. And in South East Asia, it’s rife. So, how is it thriving in plain sight? Having just returned back from Thailand, Lucy Watson tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...

  • Feb 12, 2024 · 13 min

    Why is our special educational needs system spiralling out of control?

    12-year-old Sonny has been waiting 3 years for an Education, Health and Care plan. He’s autistic and without this plan, he can’t access the education he needs. And he’s not alone, as millions of children like Sonny, are losing out on formal education, through no fault of their own. So, why is the system so broke? And what needs to be done? Social Affairs Correspondent Stacey Foster tells Cari Davies what you need to know...

  • Feb 9, 2024 · 12 min

    Will the XL Bully ban work?

    The highly anticipated XL bully ban has come into full force. Following a series of fatal attacks involving the dog, a new law will now make it a criminal offence to own the pet without a certificate. But as the ban gets underway, there are concerns that thousands of XL bullies are still unregistered across the country. So, will the ban actually work? And would you report on those in breach of the ban? ITV News consumer editor Chris Choi and consumer producer Hannah Kings tell Faye Barker what you need to know...

  • Feb 7, 2024 · 13 min

    Who is the real Rishi Sunak?

    With a general election pending, Rishi Sunak is determined to stay on in Number 10. But with rumours of plots against him coming from the inside and attacks certainly coming from the outside, can he survive? Our Deputy Political Editor, Anushka Asthana spent months following the Prime Minister just to find out. So, can he defy the polls predicting a Labour Landslide? Anushka Asthana tells Tom Bradby what you need to know... For more on this, tune in to ITV1 on Thursday 8th February at 20:30 to watch Rishi Sunak: Up Close or head to ITVX to watch it on catch up.

  • Feb 2, 2024 · 14 min

    The murder of Brianna Ghey: How did two teens become such callous killers?

    It’s almost a year since 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was stabbed to death in a park in Warrington. She’d been lured there by two 15-year-olds - Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe - who carried out the most brutal and bloody attack. They’ve now been jailed for life. But how did two seemingly innocent teenagers become utterly callous killers? From ITV Granada, Rob Smith tells Gamal Fahnbulleh What You Need to know…

  • Jan 31, 2024 · 15 min

    Is the West helping or hindering conflict in the Middle East?

    The US says the threat from Iran is at its highest in a decade. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have paralysed global shipping. And all while war rages on between Hamas and Israel. So, with the Middle East in such a perilous state - can the West do anything to stop rather than stoke the conflicts? ITV News Washington Correspondent Robert Moore and ITV News Correspondent John Ray tell Rageh Omaar what you need to know...

  • Jan 29, 2024 · 12 min

    Could robots save our pothole pandemic?

    From burst tyres to breakdowns and twisted ankles, potholes plague our roads. And now the damage done is at a 5-year high, costing us up to half a billion pounds. But with new technology, robots could pave the way to fill in the cracks. So, can AI save our streets and end years of neglect? ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Consumer Producer Hannah Kings tell Yasmin Bodalbhai what you need to know...

  • Jan 26, 2024 · 8 min

    Could the Nottingham attacks triple killer have been stopped?

    “Justice has not been served” – that was the judgement of the families torn apart by the fatal killings in Nottingham, last June. The triple killer, Valdo Calocane, has now been sentenced to a high-security hospital. But for the victims’ families, their fury remains, blaming the police, CPS and NHS. So, should Calocane have been free to roam the streets? And will the families ever get justice? From Nottingham Crown Court, ITV News Midlands Correspondent Ben Chapman tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...

  • Jan 24, 2024 · 11 min

    How the Post Office tore families apart

    Broken trust, marriages and families – the ripple effect of the Post Office scandal is still being felt, years on from the convictions. These are the years that families can’t take back, once torn apart by lies and deceit. And now although closer to justice, the pain and suffering of the victims can’t be undone. So, can anything heal the victims of the Post Office scandal? Having spoken with families impacted by the scandal, ITV News correspondent Sangita Lal tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know...

  • Jan 22, 2024 · 12 min

    Why are there so many storms and is the worst yet to come?

    Chaos strikes again as the UK has been hit with its ninth named storm this season. Storm Isha has left thousands of homes powerless, brought commuters to a standstill and caused widespread disruption. And it’s not the only storm we’ll be weathering this week, as Storm Jocelyn arrives in full force tomorrow. So why are we getting so many storms? And how prepared are we? ITV Weather Presenter and meteorologist Becky Mantin tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

  • Jan 19, 2024 · 10 min

    Why a victim’s family wants to free his convicted murderer

    Jason Moore was convicted of killing Robert Darby in East London back in 2005. He’s spent nearly a decade in prison for murder. Yet, the family of the victim, believe Moore is actually innocent. And former detectives in the Met agree. So, should he be locked up? What really happened? And what does this say about our justice system? ITV News Reporter Sam Holder tells Julie Etchingham What You Need to Know… A statement from the Metropolitan Police in response to the investigation: “In 2021 we reviewed information provided to the enquiry team in relation to the murder of Robert Darby in 2005 and will assess any new information that becomes apparent. We met with representatives of Robert’s family to inform them of our position. Two men were tried for his murder in 2013, with one being found guilty by a jury and the other acquitted. This investigation remains closed, but should the circumstances change, we will assess them and consider the most appropriate way to manage any developments in this investigation. The family of Jason Moore was also referred to the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice and sends some cases back to the Court of Appeal.” A CCRC spokesperson also said in response to the investigation: “An application has been received related to this case. It would be inappropriate for us to discuss the application or make any comment at this stage.”

  • Jan 17, 2024 · 18 min

    What I learnt from spending three months with Keir Starmer

    With a general election looming, ITV News’ Anushka Asthana has spent the past three months with the man tipped to become our next prime minister. Keir Starmer's Labour party are leading the polls and yet he’s been described as “too boring” – so does he really have what it takes to lead the nation? What drives him? And what’s his ultimate vision for Britain? Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana tells Tom Bradby what you need to know... For more on this, tune into ITV1 on Thursday 18th January at 20.30 to watch Tonight - Keir Starmer: Up Close or catch up on ITVX.

  • Jan 15, 2024 · 11 min

    Should we really be drinking energy drinks?

    Brightly coloured, sweet and sugary - energy drinks are all the buzz. But now, concerns are growing over children’s thirst for the drink – as it’s been revealed that the drinks are associated with increased risk of mental health issues in young people. So, what’s got kids so hooked? And can anything stop them? ITV News Social Affairs Correspondent Stacey Foster tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

  • Jan 12, 2024 · 14 min

    How Britain's youth became a lost generation

    A machete attack in broad daylight in Huddersfield. Gangs in balaclavas swinging knives around Leeds. Young men stabbed to death in Doncaster. These are just some of the acts of violence plaguing our communities. For too long it's been largely unreported and now bereaving families are demanding change. So, how did our youth become a lost generation? From ITV Calendar, Jonathan Brown tells Tom Bradby what you need to know... To watch the full investigation head to: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/investigation-how-youth-service-cuts-coincided-with-a-rising-tide-of-violence/0y6vtx6

  • Jan 10, 2024 · 8 min

    How did 2023 become the hottest year on record?

    From heatwaves to raging wildfires, 2023 was a scorcher of a year. And with temperatures soaring off the chart, it’s now broken the world record, becoming the hottest year ever. So, was this expected? What does this mean for our climate crisis? And could 2024 be even hotter? ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Faye Barker what you need to know...