What You Need To Know

Could it become too expensive to spend a penny in the UK? Well, as part of new budget cuts, councils across England are closing public toilets. And with hundreds of less loos across the country, locals and those with medical conditions are becoming increasingly concerned. So, can anything be done to save our toilets? ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Consumer Producer Hannah Kings tell Yasmi...

Donald Trump’s hush money trial is a historical first.  It’s the first time a former US president has faced serious criminal charges. As his wide web of lies becomes untangled, it’s been revealed that he tried to cover up a conspiracy to influence the 2016 election. So, what really happened? And how will this impact his current bid for presidency? ITV News US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Rageh O...

For many of us Ethiopia is seared into the memory from the 1980s famine which shocked the world, prompting the era defining Live Aid concerts.     But now, alarm bells are ringing again as it battles mass starvation, prompted by the twin evils of war and climate change.    Now, charities are warning of famine whilst the UK and US are pledging up to $630 million in aid.    But in a world full of cr...

In 2018, medical cannabis was legalised in the UK.    And yet, six years on, families are going bankrupt as they struggle to get hold of the drug and pay for their prescriptions. That’s because current NHS regulation means barely anyone can access free treatment, forcing many to turn to private prescriptions. So, why is it so restrictive? And how can things be changed? ITV News Reporter Sam Holder...

Murray Dowey was just 16 years old when he took his own life.  After enjoying Christmas with his family, Murray found out he had been blackmailed by a scammer and was a victim of 'sextortion.' Just a few hours later, Murray was gone. Now, his family are calling on social media platforms to up safeguarding policies for teens, like Murray. So, what exactly is 'sextortion?' Why is it on the rise? And...

In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Charlie Frost what you need to know... As the country continues to battle with the cost-of-living crisis, new figures reveal that there could be some relief for us, as billions of pounds are going unclaimed. People across Britain, including you, could be owed money from a lost pension, forgotten bank account or even in...

In its first direct attack on Israeli soil, Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones to the country overnight on Saturday.    And whilst the unprecedented attack has been called an ‘almost total failure’ by Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, world leaders are urging Israel to restrain.    Now, the fate of the Middle East hangs in the balance as Israel vows to exact a price from Tehran. So, what...

When you go down the fruit and veg isle at the supermarket, do you ever think how safe the produce is? Well, you might need to – as a recent study found that common fruit and veg is linked to diseases like cancer. That’s because they may have been sprayed with pesticides which take thousands of years to break down. And it’s no wonder campaigners are now calling for the government to condemn what t...

As another day dawns on the English Channel, another dingy makes its way across the waters. Full to the brim with migrants, determined to make a new life for themselves. And yet, despite the British government’s recent social media campaign to deter illegal immigration, boats still come, packed and in plenty. So, why is the campaign not working? And can anything stop the dangerous journeys? ITV Ne...

Ramadan - it's the holiest month of the year for Muslims. It's a time of sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. And a time where more than two billion people - four million of which live in Britain - fast from dawn to sunset. But what does this month actually mean to British Muslims? Ahead of the ITV1 documentary 'Ramadan: A Journey Across Britain' on Wednesday at 10.45pm, ITV News Political...

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The Post Office scandal is a story which has gripped the nation. At the heart of it was Paula Vennells, the Post Office’s CEO. For years, many wondered what she knew and when. Now, ITV News can reveal that the former post office boss knew full well about the issues with the Horizon IT system.   And yet despite warnings, she continued to cover it up. So, why did she ignore the warnings? And will sh...

From poison-resistant rodents to bedbugs and cockroaches, there’s a spike in infestations across the UK. More than 800 pest control callouts are made on average every day as lives are upturned by these most unwelcome of guests. So is Britain’s pest problem spiralling out of control? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent tells Cari Davies what you need to know...

Rich Rotella was 5'5" when he decided to change his life. The budding actor had a procedure in Florida to add three inches to his height - before a year long recovery. The limb lengthening surgery Rich underwent is happening all over the world. But is it worth it - all for a couple of inches? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV News Arts Editor Nina Nannar tells Cari Davies what you need to...

Having a baby should be a moment of pure elation but for too many families it’s becoming a time of grief and despair.    That’s because the number of neonatal and infant deaths in hospitals are rising, with London having the highest rate in the country. So, why is this worrying trend increasing? And how much does poor maternity care play a role in this? In the latest quick-briefing episode, ITV Ne...

For the past 10 years, a young British woman has been locked up in hospital. Whilst she was born with a learning disability, there was no medical reason for her to be detained in hospital and her parents continue to fight every day for her release.     And she's not alone, as more than 2000 people with learning disabilities or autism remain stuck in hospitals across England, with little chance of...

It’s a touchstone issue that affects beauty spots right across the country.  Second homes – with a 50% rise in ownership over the last decade, they’re driving out locals and hiking up house prices. And despite the Chancellor’s crackdown, campaigners are calling his solution a simple sticking plaster. So, do the Tories have the silver bullet? Or is the problem too big to fix? And how will housing i...

It’s no surprise that Vladimir Putin secured a landslide victory for a fifth term as Russian president. He’s ruled for nearly a quarter of a century and he’s not going anywhere soon – with any potential opposition either dead, jailed or exiled. But will this election bring any change? What’s next for Putin? And will he ever give up power? Europe Editor James Mates tells Julie Etchingham what you n...

The record return of the vinyl has been made official today for the first time since 1992.  In Britain’s inflation basket this year, vinyl records are back in demand thanks to the soaring success of stars like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. The basket released by the ONS, is used to track inflation and find out what’s trending. So, what’s in? And what’s out?  Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Consume...

Nick Brown was told he has three months left to live. With a rare form of cancer, he’ll soon be paralysed. And yet his dying wish is to go peacefully, before he deteriorates.     But with no option for assisted dying in our country, Nick and his family are stuck and desperate. Now, thousands like Nick are calling for change - to legalise assisted suicide in the UK. So, should Nick have the option?...

In a bid to end weeks of wild conspiracy theories, the Princess of Wales released a family photo to celebrate Mother’s Day. But the image, which was meant to quash speculation, turned out to do the exact opposite. As news agencies pulled a photo from the Palace for the first time over claims it had been photoshopped. And now, Kate’s even admitted to editing the picture herself. So, what’s behind a...

Since 2019, 55 children have died unexpectedly living in temporary housing. 42 of them, not even a year old. These are the lost children of Britain’s housing crisis. And yet many families continue to live in cramp conditions like shipping containers, once built to carry cargo, but are the only option for a roof over their heads. So, why is this still happening today? And where can these helpless f...

It’s back to the future for Americans as they brace themselves for another Joe Biden-Donald Trump slugfest. But who’s most likely to prevail? In our latest quick briefing podcast, US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Tom Bradby what you need to know…

Energy bills are finally falling. From April 1st, annual bills will drop to the lowest they’ve been since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But, despite the reduced-price cap, energy debt remains at an all-time high as households across the country remain badly behind with their bills. So, how much of a difference will the drop actually make? Should you be switching energy supplier? And if so, when? I...

From potholes to uncollected bins, it’s no surprise that councils across the country are running out of cash. But new analysis has laid bare that councils in the North are suffering more than in the South of England. And despite a huge injection of cash from the government, many councils are at a tipping point. So, why is there such a regional divide? And where will the cuts hit most? Deputy Polit...