Coronavirus: What You Need To Know

From FPV drones, to leaderboards for kills and captures, to large-scale cyber warfare, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has rewritten how modern combat is fought. As we reach four years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the stalemate between Putin and Zelenskyy continues to push military tech to its limits.So how is this new technology impacting soldiers on the battlefield and people living in the rest of Europe? And how will these four years of innovation define the future of warfare across the globe?Sam Leader tells you what you need to know.Contributions from:James Rogers - drone expertLauren Sukin - Associate Professor, U.S. Foreign Policy

Could China be key in tackling the small boats crisis? Keir Starmer has been meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing and is hoping a new security pact will be a game-changer, with more than half of small boat engines made in China.The Prime Minister is also pledging to put more money in British pockets through a better relationship with China. So will it work and what are the risks?Political Correspondent Carl Dinnen tells Paul Brand what you need to know.

People carrying knives are more likely to end up as victims. Weapons escalate arguments and confrontations - sending them out of control. Videos of violence, rapidly shared on social media, can strike fear into teens watching. But for some, far from putting them off carrying a weapon, it has the opposite effect, even when knife crime is falling. Police and schools across the country are grappling with this viscious cycle. So how can you stop teens carrying knives? North of England Reporter Jonathan Brown and Senior Producer Eleanor Gregory tell Lucy Watson what you need to know. -- Jonathan and Eleanor's teen violence investigations: On the front line with police tackling teen violence - https://youtu.be/b6tXl5_uUEU?si=cD-coyIdRpc6SRmT Inside a school lockdown as teachers drill for knife attack https://youtu.be/mWdsNPsbnZk?si=aZDVHCMQ-O-O_HkC

Opposition parties are demanding it, the government is consulting on it, the House of Lords have voted in favour of it and it's splitting opinion amongst bereaved families. But what do young people themselves think of a ban on social media for under-16s? Westminster Political Reporter Lewis Denison tells Faye Barker what you need to know.

Prince Harry is back in the UK, and back at the High Court.The Duke of Sussex is leading a high-profile group of claimants against the publisher of The Daily Mail and Mail On Sunday over claims of phone hacking, and other illegal information gathering.Elton John, Liz Hurley and Baroness Doreen Lawrence are amongst the others suing Associated Newspapers Limited.Associated Newspapers Limited denies the allegations. So what can we expect from the trial?Royal Editor Chris Ship tells Faye Barker what you need to know.--Here more from Chris on the Talking Royals podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@ITVNewsTalkingRoyals?sub_confirmation=1

With Donald Trump blowing hot and cold on whether the US will strike Iran or not - how will this uncertainty and unpredictability play out with Iran's biggest trading partner - China? At least two thousand people have been killed in the Islamic Republic's brutal crackdown on protests, which were sparked by the country's soaring inflation and crippling price rises. In response the US President initially announced a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran. So could it spell the end of the US-China Trade war truce? And what would that mean for the world? From Beijing, ITV News Asia Correspondent tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

Would upgrading ketamine to class A stop the drug's surge? The cheap, widely available drug can shred and shrink users bladders' - leaving them constantly rushing to the toilet.It can even kill, with Friends actor Matthew Perry and drag star The Vivienne both dying after taking the drug in recent years.The government is deliberating on whether to reclassify the drug from class B to class A, bringing harsher punishments for supply AND possession.Steve Rolles from Transform Drug Policy Foundation and Digital Reporter George Hancorn join Lucy Watson to discuss whether reclassification would put people off.

It's been a whole year since Birmingham's refuse workers first went on strike. Since then bin-bag-lined streets, rats and horrible smells have all become an unwanted feature of the UK's second city. But the union and council have not been in negotiations since the summer. So why are they still in deadlock and will they ever resolve Birmingham's bin crisis? ITV Central's Lewis Warner tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

Captured amid gunfire in Caracas, Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has now appeared in a New York court to face multiple drugs and wepaons charges.The US accuses him of leading a cartel responsible for flooding their country with cocaine and fentanyl - which he has always denied.Meanwhile, President Trump has made it clear there's another substance at the top of his mind: oil.“We need access to the oil and to other things in their country that allow us to rebuild their country,” Trump said.He even told reporters that he had tipped off US oil giants before the attack.So what exactly is his plan Venezuela's vast oil reserves...and will it work?International Editor Emma Murphy tells Paul Brand what you need to know.

"We have a simple choice, either money today or blood tomorrow".Those were the blunt words of Polish PM Donald Tusk, as leaders gathered to discuss the billions in Russian assets, frozen in the EU.Once released, that money would help Ukraine's war effort...but the plan has faced significant opposition from some member states.Meanwhile, Roman Abramovic is yet to fulfill his pledge to send the £2.5bn from Chelsea football club's sale to Ukraine.Keir Starmer says the government is prepared to take him to court over it.So can the Russian money be accessed...and how desperately does Ukraine need it?Europe Editor James Mates tells Faye Barker what you need to know.

Heatwaves in Europe, wildfires in Hollywood and catrastrophic cyclones in South East Asia.Extreme weather has been a constant and growing threat in 2025.Good Morning Britain meteorologist and weather presenter Laura Tobin has been speaking to colleagues across the world about what they are seeing.So what can the world expect for 2026?She tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

The former president of Honduras - Juan Orlando Hernandez - was in a US prison, charged with smuggling 400 tonnes of cocaine into the United States.But, just ahead of a very tense presidential election in Honduras, President Trump announced he was going to pardon Mr Hernandez.Meanwhile, the US has sezied an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, as it continues to pile pressure on its president Nicolas Maduro.The US government accuses Mr Maduro of trafficking drugs into the US - something which Mr Maduro denies.So what is his seemingly conflicting strategy for Latin America?Will Tullis tells Geraint Vincent what you need to know.

It is the biggest miscarriage of justice in British History. But almost two years after the ITV drama made it a burning issue, are we any closer to justice over the Post Office Horizon IT scandal?Hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongly accused of stealing and jailed. Thousands more lives were ruined. So what punishment could those responsible face? Senior Investigations Producer Isabel Alderson-Blench and Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt tell Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.

Homes swept away, communities left isolated and more than a thousand deaths confirmed.A battering of cyclones on parts of Asia in the past week has brought mass flooding and displaced millions.In Sri Lanka the extreme weather has caused devastating mudslides, creating a humanitarian emergency.But in a country that is no stranger to flooding, why has THIS storm been SO catastrophic?ITV News Asia Correspondent Debi Edward has been visiting villages around Kandy in central Sri Lanka, where many lives have been lost. She tells Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.

For over two years, video journalist Mohammed Abu Safia has risked his life filming the war in Gaza for ITV News.Separated from his family, his footage stunned the world as he captured what was happening to his homeland.So how has he lived through the destruction and the loss? And what is life like now under the most fragile of ceasefires?John Irvine is ITV News' Senior International Correspondent in Tel Aviv and has worked with Mohammed since the start of the war with their reports winning international awards.Together they tell Lucy Watson what you need to know.--You can view a selection of John Irvine's reports and Mohammed Abu Safia's footage here:https://www.itv.com/news/2025-08-20/israeli-military-approves-new-gaza-operation-and-moves-to-double-its-reservistshttps://www.itv.com/news/2024-01-23/moment-civilian-brandishing-white-flag-in-gaza-safe-zone-is-shot-deadhttps://www.itv.com/news/2024-02-09/gaza-white-flag-shooting-itv-news-analyses-how-the-incident-unfolded

"The only time that I need help, I have been completely failed" says Geraldine, who is set to be evicted from her home with her 12 year old daughter. She cannot afford anywhere else.The government was elected promising to make housing more affordable and is now vowing to 'build baby build'.Investigations Editor tells Daniel Hewitt tells Lucy Watson what progress the government is making on its pledge to build 1.5m new homes by the end of this parliament, as well as what hope new renters' rights will bring.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.orgPapyrus 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.orgMind 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.

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.

"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. 

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.

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.

WARNING: This podcast contains details of the Southport stabbing attacksThe 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.