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

May 21, 2025 · 13 min
Where is Melania Trump and who is taking her place?
She was by Donald Trump's side throughout his first term, but recently we've seen precious little of the First Lady. Ex-White House correspondent Kate Andersen Brower knows how first families handle power and is the author of The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, which inspired the Netflix hit The Residence. Lucy Watson asks her about Melania's absence, whether it matters and which other Trump is filling her place.
May 19, 2025 · 13 min
How abusers are using phones to control their partners
How are some people using technology as a means to control their partners? Charities have warned that coercive control through technology is on the rise. A woman from north Cumbria has anonymously spoken to ITV News about her experience, explaining how she first thought it was "sweet" and "loving" that her former partner wanted to know where she was all the time. However, she soon realised something much more sinister was happening... ITV Border reporter, Katie Templeton-Knight tells Lucy Watson what you need to know. -- Domestic Abuse Advice and Support: Refuge: Refuge supports more than 6,000 clients on any one day, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse.They have a step-by-step guide online as well as an interactive tool about how to secure your phone if you suspect technology-facilitated abuse is happening to you. If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. The Revenge Porn Helpline: The Revenge Porn Helpline supports all adult victims of intimate image abuse living in the UK. This includes those who have had private sexual images shared without consent, threatened to be shared without consent, or taken without consent. We also provide advice and information to those targeted by sextortion and webcam blackmail. If you have been a victim of intimate image abuse, a helpline practitioner can give you advice and support. The number is 0345 6000 459. Or you can send an email or online live chat. Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for more than 45 years. You can send an email to a Women’s Aid domestic abuse support worker. Or you can use their online live chat. The Freedom Project: The Freedom Project is a free domestic abuse charity based in West Cumbria, working with victims, perpetrators and children suffering from trauma and effects of domestic and sexual abuse. You can contact the helpline by phone: 07712 117986. Or you can send a form on their website. ManKind: The Mankind Initiative is the principal, expert and specialist charity in the UK focussing on male victims of domestic abuse.The charity collaborates and works in close partnership with other organisations and practitioners to support these victims too. It was the first in Great Britain to support male victims. You can call ManKind on 01823 334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
May 16, 2025 · 21 min
From AI to 'freak offs' - inside the P Diddy trial
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a man who is without doubt one of the biggest names and cultural figures in the hip hop world. But his spotlight has shifted, from music, film and fashion to a New York court. Combs is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. If he is convicted, he could end up spending the rest of his life behind bars. As the first week of his trial draws to a close, US Court reporter Phil Hirschkorn and Washington Producer Aisha Kherallah tell Lucy Watson, what you need to know.... ------ Support for sexual abuse victims and mental health helplines Rape Crisis England & Wales runs a rape and sexual abuse support line - you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year) The Survivors Trust resources site is an online platform designed to offer survivor-led resources and practical tools to help people affected by sexual violence and abuse, and their supporters navigate their journey of healing. You can contact their helpline on 08088 010818 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.
May 14, 2025 · 18 min
‘Shatter’ cannabis: the gummy sweet drug that’s blowing up houses
A drug dealer has been jailed for fourteen years after his cannabis lab blew up, killing his seven-year-old neighbour Archie York. Reece Galbraith was using butane gas to produce 'shatter'. So what is this super-strong cannabis, why is it so popular and what makes it so explosive? ITV Tyne Tees Correspondent Gregg Easteal has investigated its production, trade and users and tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
May 12, 2025 · 17 min
How did the Bradford City stadium fire change football?
It was supposed to be a day of celebration but turned into one of absolute horror. 40 years ago this week, a fire tore through Bradford City's stadium on the final day of the season, killing 56 fans. What caused it and how did it change football forever? ITV Calendar Sports Correspondent Chris Dawkes tells Lucy Watson what you need to know. -- Watch Never Forget: The Bradford City Stadium Fire here: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/never-forget-episode-one-city/5wnq1w5
May 9, 2025 · 19 min
'12 kids, 14 kids..as many kids as I can': What is pronatalism?
Lucy Watson meets Simone and Malcolm Collins, leaders of America's pronatalist movement, which is gaining traction in the White House, thanks to father of 14 Elon Musk. Why do they want so many children and what is the Trump administration doing to aide their cause?
May 7, 2025 · 12 min
How can chin fillers go badly wrong?
Imagine having a cosmetic filler on your face go badly wrong...and being recommended turmeric lattes and massaging it with an electric toothbrush. That's what happened to one woman, now waiting to see if she'll be permanently scarred. So do we need tighter regulation on who can carry out aesthetic procedures? Ellie Pitt tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
May 5, 2025 · 13 min
The used car dealership accused of stealing £740k from customers
Happier Cars promises to sell your car for a commission... But an ITV News investigation has found at least 50 people have been left out of pocket and a car. The used car dealership is accused of stealing £740k from their customers. Police in London and Essex have now launched investigations relating to Happier Cars in Harlow, but will these customers ever get their money back? Kaf Okpattah tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
May 2, 2025 · 7 min
Why has the FA decided to ban transgender footballers now?
Up until now, the Football Association has resisted pressure from campaigners and ministers and continued to allow trans biological women to play in women’s teams on a case-by-case basis. But now football chiefs have changed course, banning all trans women from June 1. So what explains the FA's decision? And what does it mean for transgender footballers and the wider sport? ITV News' Sports Editor Steve Scott tells Geraint Vincent what you need to know.
Apr 30, 2025 · 19 min
Kim Kardashian and the 'grandpa robbers' trial
In October 2016 Kim Kardashian was robbed in an exclusive Paris hotel - with the gunmen making off with millions of pounds worth of jewellery. Now - almost a decade on - a group known as the ‘grandpa robbers’ are finally going on trial for the crime. So will Kim testify? And why has it even gone to court given one of the men accused released a book entitled ‘I kidnapped Kim Kardashian!’... Rishi Davda tells Lucy Watson what you need to know about the Kim K trial.
Apr 28, 2025 · 16 min
The mum fighting for a law change after her autistic son's murder
For the mother of a murdered son, a small change in the law could make a life or death difference for other parents who fear for their adult children. Fiona’s autistic son Christopher was violently murdered in his own home by a criminal who had exploited him. She’s now fighting for other families' concerns to be acted on - a campaign supported by MPs from all three major parties. But will the government listen? Romilly Weeks and Elisa Menendez tell Geraint Vincent what you need to know.
Apr 25, 2025 · 11 min
Hospitalised by nasal spray: would you admit to 'addiction'?
Ever used a nasal spray to deal with a cold? Imagine using one so much, you need surgery. That's what happened to one woman who told us she'd become addicted. Thousands more have been opening up with similar stories. So how are they getting hooked? Sam Holder and Olivia Mustafa tell Mary Nightingale what you need to know.
Apr 23, 2025 · 8 min
Conclave: What kind of Pope will be chosen next?
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of grief from Catholics across the world. Public mourning has begun, with the public having three days to file past his open coffin at St Peter's Basillica in the Vatican before his funeral on Saturday. Cardinals will then begin conclave: the private process to choose Pope Francis's successor. So what is it and how soon will the next Pope be in place? From the Vatican, ITV News Europe Editor James Mates tells Nina Hossain what you need to know.
Apr 21, 2025 · 11 min
Why are carpets ripped out before new social housing tenants move in?
When you rent a new home, it will come furnished or unfurnished. But if you're in social housing, it's standard practice for something pretty vital to be missing: carpets. When one tenant leaves, they're usually ripped out and the new tenant then has to replace them. So why is this still happening - and who is the hero helping people who can't afford new carpets? Will Tullis tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know. For more of ITV News' investigations into failings in social housing, listen to podcast The Trapped: https://thetrapped.co.uk/
Apr 18, 2025 · 13 min
Why are teenagers getting addicted to super strong nicotine pouches?
It’s known as white snus: the nicotine pouches users place between their cheek and gum. They don’t contain tobacco but their nicotine content can be 20 times as much as a cigarette. And the teabag-like pouches are also filled with sweeteners and flavourings, to market them to children, who can buy them legally. So what are the health dangers? And why are so many products getting seized? Digital Political Reporter Lewis Denison tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Apr 16, 2025 · 17 min
Forgotten or ignored? Rageh Omaar on two years of war in Sudan
The civil war in Sudan passed the two year mark this week but hardly ever gets global attention. That is despite its people facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with children facing the most extreme violence. So why has the war been allowed to rage on...and what could stop it? International Affairs Analyst Rageh Omaar tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Apr 14, 2025 · 16 min
How a banned 1950s pregnancy 'wonder' drug is still doing huge damage in 2025
It was a wonder drug given to pregnant women on the NHS for nearly four decades, until it was banned in the 1970s for causing irreversible harm to their unborn children. Yet that devastating damage has continued to pass through the generations. And now the women whose lives have been ruined are seeking justice. But how many are there and will their health problems be passed on forever? Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know. -- ITV News' invesigation: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-04-09/women-to-launch-legal-action-over-pregnancy-drug-linked-to-cancer
Apr 11, 2025 · 16 min
How Hungary's ban on LGBT+ marches is part of the Trump effect
What does a blocked bridge in Budapest tell us about the changing world order? It's how thousands of protesters in Hungary have chosen to defy a new law that bans LGBT+ marches, much like Vladimir Putin's Russia has done. Hungary has also recently pulled out of the International Criminal Court. Are these signs Prime Minister Viktor Orban is being emboldened, not just by the Kremlin - but by the White House too? Europe Editor James Mates and Content Editor Jamie Summers tell Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Apr 9, 2025 · 15 min
Pile on the pylons? Why Britain needs powering up
Have you ever passed a wind turbine on a blustery day and wondered why it's not turning? It's not broken. It's stopped because the national grid, the network which transports electric power around the country, can't take any more. And we're not just missing out on all that green energy, the grid has to pay wind turbine owners to turn them off, costing the taxpayer £1bn pounds a year. So with ever increasing demand, how will it keep up? Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.
Apr 7, 2025 · 15 min
How are children getting vapes laced with zombie drug spice?
It is a dangerous and deadly drug and now children as young as thirteen are being hospitalized by spice. They are getting it in vapes, laced with the powerful synthetic drug. So how is it reaching them and how can it be stopped? Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker and producer Olivia Mustafa tell Geraint Vincent what you need to know.