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

Nov 20, 2025 · 11 min
Roblox is taking action on white supremacy on the gaming app
School shootings, mosque attacks, extreme misogyny and far-right costumes - that's just some of the content ITV News found British teens being exposed to on the world's most popular game app - Roblox. Now, the company is taking action, introducing new age verification checks. But will these measures stop teens being shown extremist content? Digital Reporter George Hancorn uncovered white supremacy on the app and tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Nov 17, 2025 · 15 min
Why Trump could be planning to topple Venezuela's Maduro
For months now, the US has been destroying boats in the Caribbean it accuses of smuggling drugs into its country. Now it has brought the world's largest warship to within striking distance of Venezeula. It accuses its leader Nicolas Maduro of running a narco-terrorist organisation aimed at destabilising the US through drugs. But with cocaine from the country reportedly accounting for just 10% of the US market - what part are the country's rich oil reserves and the US's own politics playing in his motives? Will Tullis tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.
Nov 13, 2025 · 19 min
How UK and US white supremacist groups have joined forces
Our governments have long enjoyed a so-called 'special relationship' but now white supremacists in the UK and US are forging deeper and deeper ties. ITV News has uncovered a network of far-right groups, spanning both sides of the atlantic. So just how are they working together and what do they want? Global Security Editor Rohit Rohit Kachroo tells Geraint Vincent what you need to know. Watch Rohit's film 'How did a neo-Nazi end up working inside Buckingham Palace?' here: https://youtu.be/82AvzbfCy4w
Nov 10, 2025 · 9 min
Inside the dangerous black market of fake skinny jabs
Skinny jabs have been hailed as a 'game changer' for tackling obesity - but with demand soaring, an underworld of unlicensed and dangerous products is rapidly spreading. ITV News has uncovered fake jabs, smuggled into the UK from a lab in China, and sold through social media to desperate customers. Fake skinny jabs are also making their way onto high streets, with customers getting backroom injections in beauty salons - potentially leading to deadly consequences. So how can you spot the fakes? And with government and regulators promising a crackdown, can black market suppliers be stopped? Health Correspondent Rebecca Barry tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.
Nov 6, 2025 · 16 min
Is the world turning a 'blind eye' to the Sudan war?
Could Britain be doing more to stop the brutal civil war in Sudan? The country's ambassador to the UK has warned a genocide is unfolding, with with tens of thousands of civilians slaughtered in the most recent escalation in the Western Darfur region. But he says the international community has been turning a 'blind eye' to the conflict. So how could the fighting be stopped? ITV News International Editor Emma Murphy tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Nov 3, 2025 · 15 min
Is chatbot love helping or harming lonely people?
The market for AI companionship has never been bigger. With technology rapidly advancing, one of the pioneers of this field now serves 34 million users worldwide. The UK is Replika's biggest growing market outside of America, what does this mean for modern relationships? Sangita Lal tells Faye Barker what you need to know. -- Sangita's report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQkoRsx36HM
Oct 30, 2025 · 20 min
20 years of the UK citizenship test: but would you pass it?
For 20 years people wishing to settle in the UK and gain British citizenship, have had to pass the Life in the UK test, alongside steps including living here for 5 years and proving knowledge of English, Welsh or Scots Gaelic. Its questions span history, politics and culture but are they the right ones? Lucy Watson speaks tries them out on Political Editor Robert Peston, who explains why the test was introduced in 2005 and the current context. Sunder Katwala is the Director of think-tank British Future and shares some suggestions of how the test and awarding citizenship could be reimagined.
Oct 27, 2025 · 9 min
Olives and designer coats: why do middle class shoplifters steal?
Shoplifting in England and Wales is at a 20 year high. But while you might have heard of the wave of criminal gangs looting shops, one police force has told ITV News it is now dealing with a rise in quite different culprits: middle class shoplifters. The thieves are stealing high end goods and keeping them for themselves. Officers have a bold way to deal with them, which doesn't involve prison, but is it fair? ITV News Anglia's Katie Ridley tells Faye Barker what you need to know. Watch Katie's full report: https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2025-09-29/the-rise-of-middle-class-criminals-stealing-for-the-thrill-of-it
Oct 23, 2025 · 14 min
How porn star turned suitcase killer Yostin Mosquera was caught
Warning: contains details and themes some listeners may find distressing. On Thursday 24 October, Colombian porn star Yostin Mosquera will be sentenced for the double murder of Paul Longworth and Albert Alfonso, whose body parts he dumped in a suitcase on Bristol Suspension Bridge in July 2024 before disappearing into the night. ITV West Country's Robert Murphy tells Lucrezia Millarini how police tracked Mosquera down and the disturbing details of his victim's deaths. You can watch Robert's documentary 'Suitcase Murders: Manhunt to Catch a Killer' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3iqa2npvOo
Oct 20, 2025 · 17 min
How will freed Israeli hostages rebuild their lives after release from Gaza?
The scenes in Israel were of pure joy and relief as Hamas released the last 20 living hostages, and they were returned their families. But after the celebrations, they now face the task of rebuilding their lives? And with the ceasefire already faltering under more strikes in Gaza, what hope is there that the bodies of the dead hostages might be returned. And what about the return of the Palestinians who were detained in Gaza during two years of fighting ? Geraint Vincent is joined by Londoner Emily Cohen, who has been supporting hostages' families for the last two years and correspondent Rachel Younger who has been reporting from Tel Aviv and the West Bank.
Oct 16, 2025 · 15 min
What's behind the rise of extreme wildfires and the UK's first 'mega fire'
The wildfires that engulfed Los Angeles earlier this year looked like something you'd expect to see in a Hollywood disaster movie. But new data shows they're becoming an increasing reality across the world and the UK has now had its first 'megafire'. Martin Stew tells Lucy Watson exactly what damage all that burning is doing to the planet
Oct 13, 2025 · 12 min
New EU border gates: what to expect and the questions you'll face
An extra border security step has begun for travellers to Europe - and it affects all British passport holders. But the EU’s new Entry/Exit System comes with the warning to expect more delays while going through passport control. ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Sally Biddulph how it works and how your data is stored.
Oct 9, 2025 · 15 min
What's in Gaza peace plan first phase, and what's not?
Finally, after two years of bombardment, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal - bringing joy and relief to survivors in Gaza and hostages' families in Israel. President Trump has predicted lasting peace in the middle east. So what else needs to happen, to make that a reality? International Editor Emma Murphy tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Oct 6, 2025 · 9 min
Manchester synagogue attack: antisemitism in the UK
The Manchester synagogue attack left a city in shock and for Jews across the country, their sense of safety has been shattered. Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed in the terror attack and the Prime Minister has called antisemitism a hatred that Britain must defeat "once again". So what is life like for British Jews in 2025 and with the government already under pressure for its handling of pro-Palestine protests, how will it respond? UK Editor Paul Brand tells Nina Hossain what you need to know.
Oct 2, 2025 · 15 min
Putin's hybrid war with NATO explained
Unidentified drone sightings and violations by Russian jets in the skies over European nations in recent weeks have rattled NATO allies. Europe’s answer is to build a “drone wall” It's essentially a defense system along the bloc’s eastern flank to repel unmanned aircraft from Russia, using British-made drones. So would it work? And how close are we to a full on NATO military confrontation with Russia? Europe Editor James Mates tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know.
Sep 29, 2025 · 16 min
Why are children being left to live in poverty?
The UK is in a child poverty crisis... Medical professionals say they are seeing the return of the physical signs of poverty, and are warning of the lifelong impact these may have. Rising inflation, cuts to essential services, and the 2-child benefit cap all mean that families across the nation are struggling. ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith and Producer Steph Docherty tell Daniel Hewitt what you need to know... Remember you can subscribe to the What You Need To Know wherever you get your podcasts. Inside Britain's child poverty crisis | ITV News - YouTube ----------------------------------------------- If you've been affected by the topics discussed in the episode, support services are available below: Samaritans operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, by calling 116 123. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org Papyrus offers support for children and young people under the age of 35 over the phone on 0800 068 41 41 between 9am and midnight every day of the year. If you would rather text you can do so on 07786 209697 or send an email to pat@papyrus-uk.org Mind also offers mental health support between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can call them on 0300 123 3393 or text them on 86463. There is also lots of information available on their website.
Sep 25, 2025 · 11 min
Why the government pays foreign national offenders up to £2,000 to leave the UK
Foreign national offenders are having their sentences cut short and being paid up to £2,000 to leave the country voluntarily. ITV News has filmed the money being handed over on cards - on the first deportation flight to be filmed. The Home Secretary said "Out of context, it's not great, it doesn't look good' but she says it saves the British taxpayer money. But how? And does it matter what crimes they committed? UK Editor Paul Brand tells Faye Barker what you need to know. Full report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vLs808pl0s
Sep 22, 2025 · 20 min
Why parents are taking councils to court over special educational needs
"Terrifying" and "massively overwhelming". That's how one mum described the prospect of taking her council to court to get the special educational needs support she thinks he needs. She also had to sell her car to fund the fight. In 99% of cases, councils lose. ITV Anglia's Neil Barbour tells Lucy Watson why so many councils still face off with parents, at significant costs to them too. Lucy and Neil are also joined by Claire Rooney, the founder and CEO of EHCP.org.uk - a new platform, launching soon, to help parents through the process of applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Sep 18, 2025 · 17 min
How drone deliveries work and why they can't land in the UK just yet
Takeaway food, coffee, ice lollies - you name it - can be delivered to your back garden in minutes at the press of a button. It won't come by road, where it might get stuck in traffic, but by air - arriving at your door still piping hot. This isn’t science fiction, it's everyday life in parts of Dublin. Drones take off on their own, fly on their own, and deliver on their own. So, how do they work, and who controls them? And what's stopping them from landing in the UK right now? Our Science correspondent Martin Stew saw the drones in action and tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Sep 15, 2025 · 18 min
'Unite the Kingdom’ march: Why this far right 'moment' matters for Britain
Up to 150,000 people are thought to have descended on London to hear Tommy Robinson and a number of his like-minded guests - including Elon Musk - speak. An outbreak of violence was perhaps to be expected as their followers fought with police separating them from anti-racism protesters in Whitehall. But it was the overall scale of Saturday’s Unite The Kingdom rally that clearly took the authorities by surprise. So how significant a moment was this for the far right? And what are the repercussions for Britain and our politics? Our correspondent John Ray was on the ground at the march and tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.