Coronavirus: What You Need To Know

Imagine arriving at university to find your accommodation falling apart.This is becoming all too familiar with students using privately rented accommodation, which in some cases was recommended by their university.  ITV News has received complaints about substandard accommodation, which are being ignored or dismissed.Digital reporter Sam Leader tells Investigations Editor Daniel Hewitt what you need to know.-----------------------------------------------If you've been affected by anything discussed in this episode, please get in touch with investigations@itv.com. More support can be found at itvnews.com/news. 

It's causing trouble across the UK's roads.Every night, as soon as it gets dark, flashy cars with loud exhausts, tinted windows and custom plates take to the streets across the nation.  Is it the adrenaline? Is it the thrill?ITV News understands that there are hundreds of street racing groups set up over encrypted social media sites like WhatsApp and Telegram.ITV Central reporter, Lewis Warner tells Lucy Watson what you need to know after he spent time exposing the UK's street racing scene and its deadly impact.Click here to watch 'Street Racing: Caught on Camera - Tonight'

A funeral is meant to be a celebration of life, a time to reflect on lost loved ones.But mourners are becoming targets for scammers.ITV News has found hundreds of livestreaming funeral pages created by scammers on Facebook.Digital reporter George Hancorn and producer Olivia Mustafa tell Geraint Vincent what you need to know.-----------------------------------------------If you've been affected by anything discussed in this episode click the link to get advice from Streaming provider Obitus:https://www.itv.com/news/2025-05-27/hallmarks-of-organised-crime-mourners-targeted-by-sickening-livestream-scam

Love them or loathe them, parakeets are becoming familiar to more and more of us, with the exotic birds nesting in thousands of locations across the UK this spring.The UK population has almost doubled in the last ten years, so what does it mean for other wildlife and should the bright, long tailed birds even be returned to captivity?Chris Choi tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

On 29 July last year, three young girls were stabbed to death while attending a Taylor Swift dance class.Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, were killed by Axel Rudakubana, who was jailed for a minimum of 52 years.A day after the attack, riots broke out on the streets of Southport and over the coming days spread right across the nation.The protests were fuelled by false claims on social media that the perpetrator of the Southport attack was a Muslim and an asylum seeker.ITV West Country presenter, Sabet Choudhury has explored the factors behind last summer's anti-immigration riots by hearing from those who took part and those who have been left in fear. He tells Daniel Hewitt, what you need to know.Watch Sabet Choudhury's film Disunited Kingdom Are we a nation divided?: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/disunited-kingdom-are-we-a-nation-divided/cf4321c

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.

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)

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 helplinesRape 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 010818Samaritans 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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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/

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

A showdown in The Supreme Court this week will determine whether millions of drivers who bought vehicles with loans are owed compensation.If successful, they could be due total payouts of up to 30 billion pounds.But if you haven't made a claim yet, is it too late?Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know.

For many women, giving birth is a life-defining moment - one which they want as much choice and control over as possible.But data shared exclusively with ITV News has revealed that for those wanting to give birth at home, that choice is often being restricted or even removed all together.So why are so many struggling to have home births?Health Correspondent Rebecca Barry tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

You may not have heard of microplastics but you are surrounded by them.Chewing gum, carpets, tea bags - they all contain these tiny fragments...and therefore, so do we.There's growing research looking at the links between microplastics and dementia, fertility and certain cancers.And now a private London clinic has developed a new treatment to remove them from your blood - but does it work?Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Lucy Watson what you need to know...

As you scroll and scroll on your phone - do you ever stop to think how what you are seeing is making you feel?TikTok has removed a filter which used AI to make people chubbier after it was called out for body shaming.But with a "skinnytok" trend on the rise, is the app doing enough to tackle the surge in videos promoting unhealthy weight loss?Digital Reporter Cree-Summer Haughton tells Lucy Watson what you need to know...

Turkey is a country we all know. We go on holiday there. We enjoy its big cities. It's a member of NATO.But, in the last week, the closest rival to President Erdogan has been arrested and jailed for alleged corruption and terrorism charges.Protestors have taken to the streets across the country - fearing their democracy is dying.And with its vital role across Europe and the Middle East - how will Turkey's fate affect all of us?From Istanbul, Senior Correspondent John Ray tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

Have you seen Netflix's Adolescence?It's a chilling, thrilling new four-part drama about a young boy accused of a horrific crime. It's had rave reviews and started tough conversations. But can it lead to actual change?Stephen Graham, one of its stars and co-writers, certainly hopes so and our Arts Editor Nina Nannar has met him.She tells Mary Nightingale what you need to know.--Nina Nannar's full interview with Stephen Graham and Adolescence director Philip Barantini on ITV News's Unscripted Podcast - https://www.itv.com/news/2025-03-16/stephen-graham-and-adolescence-a-pandemic-of-knife-crime-in-our-country

Nicholas Prosper has been jailed for a minimum of 49 years for murdering his mum Juliana Falcon, sister Giselle Prosper and brother Kyle Prosper.But the day could have been unimaginably more deadly.The Luton teenager had planned to carry out the largest school shooting in UK history.So what inspired him, what stopped him and what must be done to prevent such horror again?ITV Anglia's Rosie Dowsing tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

Almost a fortnight after ITV News first reported it, the government has now laid out the biggest shake up of the benefits system in a decade.It wants to get more people, with and without disabilities, in work. It says the changes will save £5n in the next five yearsBut who will be affected and how badly?ITV News Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana tells Lucy Watson what you need to know...

Across the country, men are being hospitalised and dying after using drugs to enhance sex.Despite this, it's being called a silent crisis - it's not being talked about and the NHS hasn't gathered much data on it.It's called chemsex - but why is so little known about it?Sam Leader and social psychologist Marc Svensson tell I'm Lucy Watson and this is what you need to know.--Sam's full report: https://www.itv.com/news/2025-03-11/a-silent-crisis-chemsex-drugs-claiming-lgbt-lives-yet-few-are-listeningMarc's organisation You Are Loved: https://www.youare-loved.com/

When did you last change your hot water bottle? Have you ever done it?They don't last forever but its unclear HOW long you can safely use it.And with soaring heating bills leading to huge sales, ITV News has learned the confusion is leading to serious injuries.Consumer editor Chris Choi and producer Sylvia Kuczynska tell Lucy Watson what you need to know.

Non-stop nausea, vomiting and weight loss - why wasn't Jess Cronshaw's extreme pregnancy sickness picked up before it was too late?It led to Jess taking her own life and now her mum's demanding action.And 13 years after Princess Kate brought the sickness to worldwide attention - why are the signs still being missed?Cari Davies tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.For more information and support:https://pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ 

It was the death Jessica Lantz wanted - falling asleep at home, next to her soulmate in front of their all-time favourite movie. It was also completely legal. Now the laws that allowed Jessica to die in America are guiding those who are looking to make assisted dying part of life in England and Wales. But are the safeguards really that safe?Paul Brand and Nathan Lee met Jessica days before her death. They tell Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know…

A whistleblower tells us he feels "guilty" about the huge bonuses he got by making car buyers pay thousands more in interest. But an industry boss questions whether there even is a scandal.So what has been happening with car financing? And who could get compensation? ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...

Eating out of a bin, being shouted at and having to wake sleeping staff.A mother knew her son's care home wasn't right and her secret filming confirmed her fears.ITV News has learned he was far from alone. Daniel Hewitt and Isabel Alderson-Blench tell Lucy Watson what you need to know...

Imagine being unable to eat anything but a few specific foods and worse still, not being believed.The NHS has recognised the eating disorder Arfid for more than a decade - yet treatment is still very hard to get, despite fatal warnings.So what is Arfid and why are sufferers struggling to get help?ITV Central's Social Affairs Correspondent Lucy Kapasi tells Lucy Watson what you need to know...---For more information about Arfid:https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/   https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/

They've endured the Covid shutdown, strike action and most recently devastating fires - all while making the hit movies of our times.Now the creative talents behind Wicked and The Brutalist are being honoured at the Oscars - the industrys biggest night - just weeks after fleeing their own homes.But with other looming threats to the film industry, is this really any time for celebration? From Los Angeles, our Arts Editor Nina Nannar tells Mary Nightingale what you need to know…

For Sue White, it was a tragic race across the world to be with with her daughter for her final days.Twenty-eight-year-old Simone was poisoned with methanol in a Laos backpacker bar last November.Now Sue wants action to prevent further people being killed.Chloe Keedy tells Yasmin Bodalbhai what you need to know...--You can watch Chloe's full report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXl-rkJsucA