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Rating
3.9from
This podcast has
710 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
ITV NewsExplicit
No
Date created
2020/03/16
Latest episode
2026/10/09
Average duration
8 min.
Release period
9 days
Description
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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Check latest episodes from What You Need To Know podcast
Is the Premier League damaged forever by the Man City scandal?
2026/10/09
Manchester City are in big trouble, that much is clear. But how bad is the collateral damage for the Premier League?
It has been just over a week since the Premier League confirmed that the club had been found guilty of massive breaches of the league's financial rules. It coincides with a period when City rose to be the dominant force in English football.
The club maintain their innocence, and are appealing. But if the findings of the Premier League's independent commission are upheld, they could be in big trouble.
ITV News Sports Editor has been taking a look at what the next stages are, the potential punishment for Manchester City, and how badly the league's reputation could be damaged.
Wales has the UK's worst school results by far. We investigated why
2026/09/09
For the past 25 years, Wales has radically reshaped its education system, taking a radically different path from England.
But it remains far ehind every other home nation in performance in reading, maths and science, according to a new report. So what's behind these poor scores?
It launched a play-based curriculum for young children, abolished school league tables, and scrapped tests like SATs traditionally held in primary school. Its new curriculum gives schools greater freedom over what they teach, aiming to develop critical thinking.
But it has its critics, and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) assessments don't make for pretty reading for the Welsh government.
In the 2025 results, Wales was the lowest-performing UK nation, something that has happened in each of the tests since 2006, and the gap with England in particular is widening.
We'll investigate why Wales is performing so poorly. Is it all down to the nation's alternative approach, or are there other factors at play?
Is Germany about to elect its first far right government since World War II?
2026/09/04
Germany’s far-right, anti-immigration AfD party is on course for a major victory in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, potentially marking the first time a far-right party has led a government in Germany since World War II. With a campaign fronted by TikTok star Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD has surged in popularity, but it’s not without controversy. A win would likely send shockwaves through German politics and across Europe, heaping the pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz who is unpopular with voters. In this video, we break down the AfD's rise, look at their policies, and what a breakthrough victory could mean for Germany's future. Featuring an in-depth interview with British-German historian and journalist Katja Hoyer, we look at how Germany here and why the outcome is so important.
The biggest El Niño in history could be on its way. Here’s what it will cost you
2026/08/20
This year's 'Godzilla El Niño' is on track to be the biggest we've ever seen. It's predicted to trigger flooding and drought that could affect the price of shopping in the UK.
El Niño happens every few years when the Pacific Ocean warms up in a specific pattern near the equator. Trade winds weaken or even reverse and, as a result, warm water flows back east across the Pacific, taking the rain with it.
This can shut down monsoon rains in some regions while triggering unusually heavy rainfall and flooding in others. The knock on of this year's El Niño is likely to be one of the most dramatic ever, effecting nearly everything on it is something you eat, drink, or wear.
ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew explains what we can expect and how much it might cost you.
Nigel Farage vs Count Binface: The Clacton by-election explained
2026/08/12
Nigel Farage will compete with a record 33 other candidates in the Clacton by-election, despite several political parties refusing to stand.
The Reform UK leader triggered the by-election in what he called a "people versus the establishment” contest, protesting against media and parliamentary scrutiny of his finances.
Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have all boycotted the by-election and said they will not be putting forward a candidate.
However, the public will still have 34 people to choose from when they head to polling stations on August 13, Tendring District Council confirmed.
In this episode of What You Need To Know, ITV News reporter Lorna Shaddick looks at why the Clacton by-election is unlike any other in British history.
Here is a full list of candidates in the Clacton by-election:
- Joseph 77 (Independent)
- Adham Alkhatip (The Forward Party)
- Count Binface (Count Binface Party)
- Nick The Incredible Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Tony Cane (Independent)
- Woke Trump Carrzee (Independent)
- William Stuart James Clouston (Social Democratic Party)
- Rees Cowne (Independent)
- Glenn Charles Cummings (Independent)
- Martin Davies (Freedom Alliance – Real People, Real Alternative!)
- Andy Erlam (Independent)
- Nigel Farage (Reform UK)
- Attieh Fard (Independent)
- Laurence Fox (The Reclaim Party)
- Tony Francis (Independent)
- Robin Green (Independent)
- Abi Hookway (Independent)
- Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Stephen Richard Ingram (Independent)
- Amy Morris (Independent)
- Derrick Norbert Morris (Independent)
- Michael Noel O’Keeffe (Independent)
- Martyn OBrien (Independent)
- Nick Pelas (Independent)
- Ketankumar Pipaliya (UK VOICE safer and stronger UK)
- Daniel Pocock (Independent)
- James Ransley (Consensus Party Candidate)
- Gerry Smith (Independent)
- Kai Stephens (British Democrats)
- John Stevens (Rejoin EU)
- Baron Von Thunderclap (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
- Pamela Walford (Independent)
- Marcus White (Everyone is God Party)
- Marc Wilkinson (Independent)
Heatwaves, wildfires, and ‘coolcations’: Are our holiday habits about to change?
2026/07/30
Wildfires burning in France and Spain, heatwaves hitting the whole of Europe, and "coolcations" on the rise.
For decades, Brits have travelled to Southern Europe to get away for the summer, but could climate change be about to change that forever?
Is the traditional European summer holiday as we know it a thing of the past?
In this explainer, we look at what is causing the wildfires this summer, the weather patterns causing record temperatures, and why some tourists are looking to the north in search of cooler climates.
Why thousands of Gen Z ‘cockroaches’ are clashing with police in India
2026/07/21
Thousands of young people from India’s Gen Z have taken to the streets of New Delhi as part of the viral Cockroach Janta Party movement, clashing with police and demanding political change.
The party, which started as an online joke has rapidly grown into a nationwide campaign, and become a rare public challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, with many calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
In this video we’ll look at how India’s so-called “Cockroach” movement grew out of frustrations over alleged exam scandals, unemployment, and government accountability, and what the future might hold for its supporters.
England v Argentina: Inside one of football’s most complicated rivalries
2026/07/15
Argentina v England is one of the bitterest rivalries in football - and the two sides are preparing to meet in a World Cup semi final. But where did it all begin.
Its actually not with the controversial 'Hand of God' goal, scored by Diego Maradona in 1986, nor with the Falklands conflict of 1982.
These two sides first engaged in a bitter clash during the 1966 World Cup. We'll explain what happened then, and how the rivalry has played out for over 60 years.
How Gianni Infantino became the most controversial man in football
2026/07/10
Gianni Infantino is the most powerful man in world football, but he never seems to be far from controversy.
From rescinding red cards to sky-high ticket prices, we look at how the former Swiss lawyer climbed his way to the top of FIFA, how he's managed to hold onto power so successfully, and what the might future hold for him.
How many more heatwaves could the UK get this summer?
2026/07/08
The UK is in the middle of its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s in parts of the country.
So how hot could it get? How long will it last? And how many heatwaves could we see this summer?
In this video, we'll explain what causes heatwaves, why heat in the UK can feel more intense than in many other countries, and the events already being disrupted by soaring temperatures.
How England are planning to beat the altitude in their World Cup game against Mexico
2026/07/03
England fans have turned their attention to Mexico after the Three Lions reached the last 16 of the World Cup, thanks to two late goals from Harry Kane.
The side will face Mexico at Estadio Azteca, which sits more than 7,300ft above sea level, at 1am BST on Monday.
At Estadio Azteca's height, oxygen intake can fall by more than 7% until the body has time to acclimatise.
That can reduce stamina and make it harder for players to sprint or press for long periods.
So, how are the squad hoping to overcome the altitude?
The dangerous weather phenomenon that’s making this heatwave so much worse
2026/06/25
Continental Europe is in the grip of a deadly heatwave that has claimed hundreds of lives, including three children in France, as temperatures soared above 40C.
France and Spain were among the worst affected as the continent sweltered under a heat dome, a vast area of stagnant high pressure. In Spain, 212 people have died due to the extreme heat over the past week, according to data from the country’s mortality monitoring system, MoMo. At least 48 people have drowned in France, seeking relief from the record-breaking temperatures, including a 21-year-old French footballer with a second-division club.
In the UK meanwhile, the UK’s hottest June day on record has been broken again during this week's heatwave, with a provisional temperature of 36.4C recorded in Yeovilton, Somerset. This surpasses the high of 36.1C set on Wednesday in Gosport, Hampshire, the Met Office said.
It comes after the Met Office extended its red warning for extreme heat for Friday as the peak of a heatwave affecting most of England and Wales are set to shift eastwards.
But what is causing these records to be smashed, and this brutal weather to continue? And how long will the heat last? We explain the 'heat dome' that has descended upon Europe.
How Restore Britain might be about to make Andy Burnham the next PM
2026/06/17
Tomorrow, voters in the Makerfield constituency head to the polls for one of the most unusual and consequential by-elections in modern history.
That is because Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is standing for Labour, and is expected to launch a direct challenge to the Prime Minister should he win.
But will he win? Makerfield by-election polls suggest a tight two-horse race between Reform UK's candidate Robert Kenyon and Labour candidate Andy Burnham.
But there is another party changing the race: Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain, and its candidate Rebecca Shepherd. If they perform well in the by-election on Thursday, it could benefit Andy Burnham more than anyone.
Here we take a look at who Restore Britain are, what they believe in, and why they are clashing with Nigel Farage and Reform UK despite coming from a similar wing of politics.
What could go wrong at the 2026 World Cup?
2026/06/11
Trump, ticket prices, and thunderstorms…
The 2026 World Cup is about to kick off, but it could be a bumpy ride.
We’ve already seen one of the referees banned from entering the United States, Iran’s team being forced to move their training base to Mexico, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino telling everyone to ‘chill’.
So here are the biggest problems the tournament could face.
First Venezuela, then Iran. Why Cuba is Donald Trump’s next target
2026/06/08
In this ITV News explainer, we examine why tensions between the United States and Cuba are escalating, how Donald Trump’s approach to foreign policy has fuelled speculation about Cuba’s future, and what options could be on the table for Washington.
Presented by ITV News reporter Will Tullis, this video explores the historical roots of US-Cuba hostility, the impact of decades of sanctions and embargoes, and the growing economic crisis facing ordinary Cubans.
We look at whether increased pressure on Havana could lead to regime change, a “friendly takeover”, further economic isolation, or a worsening humanitarian situation.
Featuring expert analysis from ITV News US Correspondent Dan Rivers and Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida, the video breaks down the political, military and economic factors shaping the relationship between Washington and Havana.
Podcast reviews
Read What You Need To Know podcast reviews
Original_Owl 2025/10/13
Utterly Clueless
Typical itv- Socially and politically oblivious with zero pulse on the British people.
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