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

Sep 11, 2025 · 13 min
What the Southport Inquiry is for and the horror a teen victim described
WARNING: This podcast contains details of the Southport stabbing attacks The attacks in Southport last year on young, defenseless, innocent children horrified and upset the whole country. Children and adults stabbed, many more traumatised - and three girls: little Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar, murdered in a holiday dance class. Now their grieving parents, alongside victims and families are having to describe the impact of that horrific summer's day. It is all for an inquiry to determine if Axel Rudakubana - the killer - could have been stopped long before he even got to the door of that dance workshop. And now for the first time, we've heard one of the children - who was stabbed in the attack - describe the horror in her own words. ITV Granada Reporter Anna Youssef has been at the inquiry and tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Sep 8, 2025 · 17 min
How to tackle violence against women and girls in the street
A survey for ITV News has revealed just how much abuse women and girls are facing in the street. So with the risks going up as the nights draw in, what is being done to stop it? Reporter Helen Keenan has been out speaking to women on nights out in London's Soho, where she herself was harassed while filming. Lily White is the founder of the all-women night running club The Night Club. They join Lucrezia Millarini to discuss what you need to know.
Sep 4, 2025 · 14 min
Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un: The world’s scariest grouping of nations?
It's been described as the scariest grouping of nations. Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Kim Jong Un shoulder to shoulder as China shows off its supreme military power. So how dangerous is this alliance? How will Donald Trump and the West react? And how could it reshape the world order as we know it? Debi Edward and Rageh Omaar tell Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.
Sep 1, 2025 · 13 min
The multimillion pound human remains industry
You can buy anything online can't you? Well you might be surprised to learn that you can buy a child's skull for thousands of pounds, or a wallet made of human skin. And you may be amazed to learn it's not illegal. Why not? And is anything being done to stop this multi-million pound industry? Sam Holder and Lois Smith tell Faye Barker what you need to know.
Aug 28, 2025 · 13 min
Can Trump help ex-Brazil President Bolsonaro avoid prison for alleged coup plot?
He didn't accept the election result and was accused of being part of an attempt to overthrow his successor. Now with Ex-Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's trial nearing its end, could he be saved from decades in jail by his most significant ally Donald Trump? Reporter Will Tullis tells Mary Nightingale what you need to know.
Aug 25, 2025 · 12 min
How a Victorian's rapist and murderer was finally jailed in 2025
It's believed to be the longest cold case to have ever been cracked in the UK, and today we'll hear how the 92 year old Ryland Headley was finally convicted for Louisa Dunne's rape and murder, almost 60 years on. ITV West Country Correspondent Robert Murphy tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know. Robert's documentary Cold Case Justice: Solving the Murder of Louisa Dunne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yy3A8j_uN0&t=5s
Aug 21, 2025 · 15 min
Claws out: the cat shows spat that's costing customers
A bitter row between two rival cat shows has flared up, with events cancelled and customers left out of pocket. So what happened and will any ever be able to reach the success of dog events like Crufts? Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Aug 18, 2025 · 14 min
Inspirational women embracing alopecia and changing lives
Lucy Watson and ITV Tyne Tees' Amy Lea share the stories of two incredible women living with alopecia and empowering others. Online influencer Dani Gilbert's hair loss began in childhood. Her videos help people embrace alopecia, as well as use wigs and makeup to face the day. Gaileen Smailes' hair loss began in 2024, following a bereavement. She has found confidence by setting up a support group. You can watch Amy's film with Dani and Gaileen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPHJm8Dt3eM
Aug 14, 2025 · 15 min
A-Levels: top tips for clearing and university options if you didn't get your grades
Hundreds of thousands of students have been receiving their A-Level, T-Levels and BTEC grades. For some, it's a day of joy, relief and celebration - others though, will be feeling anxiety, trepidation and disappointment. But even if things haven't gone to plan, there are still options and the results won't come to define you. Kim Eccleston from UCAS and Tracey Lancaster, Deputy Vice Chancellor from Leeds Beckett University, join Nina Hossain to share top tips on finding a course through clearing.
Aug 11, 2025 · 10 min
The Jersey prisoner who claims he's British and swam from France
In September 2024, a man emerged from the sea in Jersey, quoting Shakespeare and claiming to be British. He said he'd swum from France. He was put in jail but with his sentence almost up, and authorities still unable to identify him - where will he go? ITV Channel's Emma Volney tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Aug 7, 2025 · 16 min
Kidfluencers: the teens with big money TikTok deals and the plan to protect their futures
More and more children are not just growing up online but generating money in the process. By pulling in millions of viewers on TikTok, Twitch and YouTube, some can generate serious income. But what are the risks? And should it just be down to parents to protect them? Entertainment Reporter Rishi Davda and Producer Sarah Toner tell Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Aug 4, 2025 · 8 min
Update: Car loans compensation scheme laid out
In the latest episode, Consumer Editor Chris Choi brings a short update on customers' long-running battle for compensation over car loan commissions. A Supreme Court ruling means millions will miss out but the Financial Conduct Authority has now proposed a national redress scheme for those who are in line for compensation. For more background, listen to the previous episode of What You Need To Know, in which Chris explains to Paul Brand how we got here.
Aug 1, 2025 · 14 min
Who gets compensation after Supreme Court car loans ruling?
Lenders have avoided potentially needing to pay compensation to millions of drivers following a Supreme Court ruling. It ruled that lenders are not liable for hidden commission payments in car finance schemes. But it might not be as bad as it seems.... Our Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Paul Brand what you need to know. For more information on this, advice can be found on the ITV News website
Jul 28, 2025 · 15 min
Why are thousands with learning disabilities trapped in hospitals?
Josh is 21, and he's spent his entire adult life trapped in a hospital. He's one of thousands of people with severe learning disabilities and autism, detained on a secure unit, who do not need to be there. So why can't Josh, and so many others, leave? Peter Smith tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know. You can read more and watch Peter's full report here.
Jul 23, 2025 · 19 min
How the army's weapons are damaging soldiers' brains
Thousands of soldiers may be suffering from life-changing brain damage caused by blasts from the British Army's own weaponry, ITV News has revealed. It is the first time the Ministry of Defence has admitted its own weapons are leading to such damage. How now can soldiers and veterans be helped? Geraint Vincent has been meeting veterans affected and is joined by Science Correspondent Martin Stew and Senior News Editor Paul Tyson, who has led the investigation into blast-induced traumatic brain injury. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised, help is available The charity Samaritans operates a 24/7 helpline (116 123) for anyone who needs somebody to talk to. Further resources can also be found on its website. Concussion Legacy Foundation supports British current and former serving members and their families The Concussion Legacy Foundation also provides a personalised helpline for those struggling with the outcomes of brain injury. More of ITV News' reporting on blast induced traumatic brain injury: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-07-22/mod-admits-british-army-weapons-systems-are-causing-brain-damage-in-soldiers https://www.itv.com/news/2025-07-21/ive-suffered-for-years-why-brain-injuries-are-going-undiagnosed-in-veterans
Jul 21, 2025 · 12 min
Why haven't this summer's heatwaves all felt the same? And will we get another?
ITV Weather Presenter Lucy Verasamy joins Lucy Watson to breakdown the different types of heat - where it comes from and how that changes what it feels like. Most importantly, will we get another heatwave before the end of summer?
Jul 18, 2025 · 14 min
16-17 year olds to get the vote but why don't half want it?
The government has committed to giving 16 and 17 year olds the vote by the next general election. But exclusive ITV News polling shows that half say they do not agree with the policy. They were also polled on their top issues, favoured parties and democracy itself. Meanwhile, we have spoken to some older voters with a surprising suggestion for another change to electoral law. Westminster Digital Reporter Lewis Denison and Senior Politics Producer Maya Bowles tell Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.
Jul 16, 2025 · 12 min
How ‘sheer bravado’ got the Sycamore Gap duo jailed
Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have been jailed for 4 years and 3 months for cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in 2023, in an act of "sheer bravado" according to the judge. Tom Barton is ITV Tyne Tees' Northumberland correspondent and has followed this unforgettable story and trial every step of the way. He joins Daniel Hewitt to breakdown how the damage they did and the impact their actions had led the judge to her decision. Watch Tom's documentary Sycamore Gap: Britain's Lost Landmark: https://www.itv.com/watch/sycamore-gap-britains-lost-landmark/10a7138a0001B
Jul 14, 2025 · 14 min
Illegal e-bikes: how they are hunted and how they get away
Electric motorbikes, souped up to reach speeds of 50 and even 70mph are causing havoc in communities across the country. You might have seen them - tearing through towns, their riders often in balaclavas, riding illegally, two abreast. The police say they want to do more to stop them - so why can't they? Rhys Williams tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Jul 11, 2025 · 16 min
Livestream child abuse is booming: Could AI finally shut it down?
Millions of young children are being sexually abused, with perpetrators often on the other side of the world. Online livestream abuse has become a booming global industry - with the UK the third largest consumer. How does this sick practice too often go undetected? And could AI be the solution to shutting it down? Julie Etchingham and John Tanagho, Executive Director at the International Justice Mission, tell Lucy Watson What You Need To Know. You can watch Julie's investigation here.