What You Need To Know

Are some animals gay? It’s a question that’s been highlighted by new research from the Natural History Museum, which has found same sex couples in more than 1,500 different specifies. But is it appropriate to describe animal behaviour through human terms? And what can we learn from this? Charlie Frost is joined by Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Zoologist from the Natural History Museum, Josh Davis...

In the latest episode, Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen tells Cari Davies what you need to know... ‘This is not protest, this is pure violence’ are the words from the Prime Minister today following days of widespread unrest across the country. It started after the fake news that spread over the Southport stabbings one week ago today. And now Sir Keir Starmer has vowed that those involved will f...

Have you ever been contacted out of the blue by your bank and asked to share your personal details? Well, you could have been just one of thousands whose been targeted by a fraudster.   And as technology gets more sophisticated, the scammers are getting smarter and savvier. So, how can you spot a scam? What’s being done to stop this? And how can we better protect ourselves? ITV News Reporter Kaf O...

The death of Hamas’ top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, is one of the most significant moments in the Middle East since the October 7 attack on Israel. In the early hours of this morning, he was killed inside Iran. And now, Iran’s supreme leader has vowed ‘severe punishment.’ So, is the Middle East on the verge of an all-out war? And what does his death mean for the conflict in Gaza? ITV News Internationa...

In an Instagram age where tourists are searching for the perfect selfie – the idyllic island of Santorini has become the perfect backdrop. And as more and more flock to the holiday hotspot, they’re causing chaos and driving out locals. But, with the island lacking power to impose restrictions, what can be done? And can anything stop them? Europe Editor James Mates tells Cari Davies what you need t...

We've seen countless stories of failures in the system designed to help our most vulnerable children - those with special educational needs and disabilities. This week ITV News journalists - both nationally and in all our regions - will be putting an even bigger spotlight on the real life impact of the SEND crisis. Neil Barbour from ITV Anglia, Jonny Brown from ITV Calendar and Katie Cole from ITV...

Strictly Come Dancing has been dominating the headlines as claims mount over abusive treatment of the show’s celebrity contestants. The nation’s beloved BBC programme, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, risks losing its reputation, or even more. So, as the allegations rise, could this year’s show be Strictly's last dance? And what's being done to resolve the crisis?  ITV News Enterta...

New research reveals that markers of Motor Neurone Disease are more likely to be found in the blood of retired sportsmen who have suffered several concussions, offering hope of early diagnosis and possibly earlier treatment. It also adds more weight to growing evidence of the link between contact sports and brain conditions. So, where does this leave sports like rugby? Martin Stew tells Lucrezia M...

As he raised his fist in defiance, the image of Donald Trump smeared in blood, is one that will shape the US election campaign and history. The iconic image has sent shockwaves on social media, sparking several conspiracy theories – with some wondering if it was an order from the US President himself. So, how do you spot the fact from fiction? And how will the assassination attempt change the camp...

England have made history and reached back-to-back European Championship finals after a 2-1 win against the Netherlands. From a rather rocky start to the tournament, it’s certainly been touch and go. But now, the three lions have managed to turn it around as they head to Berlin this Sunday. So how did the squad bounce back? And is it finally coming home?   ITV News Sports Editor Steve Scott tells...

There’s a summer boost for households as energy prices are falling - thanks to the new price cap. Yet forecasters warn your gas and electricity bills will soar once again in the autumn. So is now the right time to fix your energy price? And what other action can you take to make savings? In this episode Charlie Frost tells you, what you need to know...

Across a deeply divided and polarised nation, there is one thing that the US can now all agree on - that Joe Biden’s performance in the presidential debate, was a disaster. From the inception, he looked lost, confused and charmless.   While he lacked coherency, his opponent, Donald Trump spewed lies and fake news - often unchallenged and unchecked. The debate has led to calls for Biden to step asi...

Brianna Ghey, Ava White and Rhamero West might be three separate cases and individuals, but they all have something in common – they were all kids killed tragically by knife crime.   Now, in the wake of their deaths, their mothers are relentlessly campaigning for change. But is the government listening? Is knife crime prioritised enough? And how can we better protect the next generation? Kelly For...

After a cold, damp and slow start to summer, we’re finally feeling the heat. As the strong sunshine gets to work, temperatures are looking likely to soar over the next week and Brits can finally get basking.   But, how long will this hot spell last? Could this be our only scorcher for the summer? And why are we about to be hit with a pollen bomb? ITV Weather Presenter Becky Mantin tells Sangeeta K...

A dismal one all draw to Denmark was just what England  didn’t  need to settle the shaky Euros nerves. Outclassed by the Danes, Southgate’s side seemed muddled and lacklustre. They left the pitch at full time with boos and jeers from normally loyal travelling fans ringing in their ears. So, what’s going on? Has the tide turned against Southgate? And can he turn it around? ITV News Sports Editor St...

Jamie works two jobs. His day starts before the sun rises and won’t end until it sets. He’s just one of many battling Britian’s Cost-Of-Living crisis. But now the phrase has become so ubiquitous, it risks losing its true meaning. And for those like Jamie, it’s become a question of surviving, not living. But could the general election be a turning point?  ITV News Investigations Editor Daniel Hewit...

2024 has been dubbed the year of the TikTok election. And now, we’re only half-way through Britain’s general election campaign and already the social media platform has been flooded with misinformation. But where is it coming from? Is it really making an impact? And how do you sift the fact from the fiction?  ITV News Digital Video Producer George Hancorn tells Faye Barker what you need to know......

There's around 1.2 million hoarders across the UK. Many don’t even recognise they have a problem. On the surface, it might seem like someone is being messy, but hoarding is a disorder and can be a coping mechanism for other things. But at what point does it become dangerous? And is there enough help out there? ITV News Reporter Sam Holder tells Yasmin Bodalbhai what you need to know... 

As the country gears up for the general election, ITV’s Tonight programme is taking you one step closer to the leaders of Great Britain’s largest political parties.   In one of a series of interviews, Paul Brand speaks to the Prime Minister to find out whether he has the plan or the personality to win.   It was an interview which made headlines for a number of reasons here, Paul Brand brings you W...

For many of us across the country, it’s been a rather wet, dull and gloomy Spring.   And yet, according to the Met Office, the UK has just had its warmest Spring on record.   But why can’t we feel it? What’s behind this confusing weather forecast? And when can we finally feel the heat?     ITV News Weather Presenter Becky Mantin is joined by ITV Anglia Weather Presenter Chris Page and ITV News Wea...

In an unprecedented moment for English football, Man City have launched a legal assault against the Premier League.   The four-time champions are suing the league over its sponsorship regulations.   It’s the latest dramatic twist in a dispute over City's spending power that threatens to unbalance the world’s most successful football competition.   So, what happens if City are successful? And could...

To some he’s a deity - to others a dictator. But few ever doubted Narendra Modi’s firm grip on power in India - until now. He has secured a third term as Prime Minister, but his party has lost its majority for the first time in ten years. So what impact could India's shock election result have on this economic powerhouse and the rest of the world? Geraint Vincent tells you, what you need to know.

We’re about to mark 80 years since one of the largest military operations of all time: D-Day. ITV News Meridian have recorded more than 80 new interviews with men and women who lived through the Normandy landings. So how do they feel about their part in this extraordinary moment of history? What can we learn from them and what they went through? Why is it more crucial than ever to hear their stori...

It's been 30 years since a new era of hope began in South Africa, with the election of Nelson Mandela. On Wednesday, the country goes to the polls again in an atmosphere where much, if not all, of that hope seems to have disappeared.  Mandela's party - the African National Congress - may well lose its majority for the first time in the history of South Africa's democracy.  But why are voters deser...

One dead and at least 20 in intensive care. Last week, turbulence saw what should have been a simple flight descend into tragedy. We’re often told it’s the safest form of transport, but with holiday season on the horizon - how safe do you really feel? Cari Davies is joined by Science correspondent Martin Stew to tell you, what you need to know.