In the latest episode of our quick briefing news podcast, Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker tells Faye Barker why, following an ITV News report last month, more and more women are coming forward to tell their shocking stories of forced adoptions.

Warning: This episode contains details some listeners may find upsetting. 

In the latest episode of our quick briefing news podcast, Arts Editor Nina Nannar tells Lucrezia Millarini why Oasis have chosen 2025 for their long-awaited comeback and how much the UK and Ireland tour is likely to earn Noel and Liam.

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. 

After a year of soaring food prices and inflation, it’s no surprise the cost of Christmas has rocketed.

And there’s a new warning in place for families to tread carefully, as it could take a year for millions to finish paying for their festive season.

Now, some are turning to toy banks and others are cutting back on their festivities.

So, are you feeling the pinch? And how best can we cut the cost at Christmas?

ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Producer Siham Ali tell Faye Barker what you need to know...

Assault, abuse and harassment are just some of the forms of misconduct which make up the toxic culture in our police forces.

And yet, in most of these cases, no further action has been taken.

Too afraid of the repercussions and with a lack of trust in the system, victims are forced to remain silent.

So, what’s being done to put a stop to this? And how can we be better protected?

From ITV Meridian, journalist Joe Coshan tells Faye Barker What You Need to Know…

After marathon negotiations, a deal has been reached at COP28 in Dubai.

The new agreement will enforce a ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels.

But, some nations still think this doesn’t go far enough – urging to remove, not reduce, the use of fossil fuels.

So, was this a fair COP? Or a cop out?

From Dubai, Science Correspondent Martin Stew and Producer Philip Sime tell Anushka Asthana what you need to know...

It's a procedure designed to give you the hourglass figure made famous by celebs like Kim Kardashian, but the Brazilian Bum Lift has also been described as the world's most dangerous cosmetic surgery.

Yet the non-surgical alternative, involving filler, is becoming increasingly popular.

It’s advertised as a safer alternative, but is in fact just as dangerous, as there’s little regulation to stop anyone from performing the procedure.

So, should these procedures be banned entirely?

ITV News Reporter Ellie Pitt and Digital Video Producer Cree Haughton tell Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know…

As he began his appearance with an apology, Boris Johnson tried to defend what was left of his reputation at the Covid Inquiry.

But, for bereaved families, it was simply, too little too late; as they told the former Prime Minister “the dead won’t hear your apologies.”

So, did Mr. Johnson take enough responsibility? And what lessons were learned?

UK Editor Paul Brand tells Julie Etchingham What You Need to Know…

“Abandon Biden” is the new slogan taking off in the US and it’s pushing the President into political jeopardy.

The phrase has been spreading amongst the Arab American community due to his support for Israel.

And now those who once helped propel him to presidency, are stripping away his support.

So, how damaging is this for Biden? And who will the Muslim community turn to?

US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Tom Bradby what you need to know...

A stretch of Norfolk coastline has become the sudden focus of national attention after collapsing into the sea.

Clifftop residents were left stunned as 200 metres of road fell right in front of them, stranding them from safety and leaving their houses in peril.

So what caused the collapse? And what do you do when your home is about to fall off a cliff…

ITV Anglia's Rob Setchell tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

Now that temperatures are plummeting, heating systems are firing up in millions of homes across the UK.

But did you know that turning your thermostat down even by a single degree could cut 10% from your energy bill?

And that’s not the only simple and environmentally friendly change you could make to save money this winter.

Dr Nathan Johnson from Imperial College London shares his expert advice and knowledge as Lucy Verasamy finds out what you need to know…

On the final day of the present truce between Israel and Hamas, the world is watching on.

After seven agonising weeks, the temporary ceasefire has enabled the exchange of Hamas held hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

So, what's the wider impact of the pause? And might there be a further extension?

Global Security Editor Rohit Kachroo tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know...

The UK shoplifting epidemic is costing our country £1billion a year.

But, the impact on shop stock is just one part of this sweeping crime wave, as attacks, abuse and assaults are becoming a commonplace in shops.

Now, a new policing plan has been unveiled to crackdown on the crime.

So, is the new plan enough to curb the rise in shoplifting? Or is it too little too late?

Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Producer Siham Ali tell Faye Barker what you need to know...

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 face prison and punishment.

So, can the violence be stopped? And who is it taking to the streets?

With Cop28 fast approaching, many will look to big tech and innovation. But, what about living sustainably on a smaller scale?

Tens of thousands are starting a greener way of living, in eco-villages.

And they’re long established in Denmark, with communities acting as ‘living laboratories’ for us all to learn a thing or two.

So, what exactly is an eco-village? And would they work here in the UK?

Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Rageh Omaar What You Need to Know...

To hear more on Chris’ investigation, tune in to On Assignment on Tuesday 28th November at 23:05 or head over to ITVX to watch it on catch up.

Just a few weeks ago, Jeremy Hunt said tax cuts would be ‘virtually impossible.’

But, in his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor revealed that they are in fact top of his agenda and that England can now afford them.

So, where’s the cash coming from? What were his other key promises? And can Hunt’s plans ease the Cost of Living crisis?

Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Political Correspondent Shehab Khan tell Mary Nightingale what you need to know…

From sea level rising at the Cornish cove to storms battering stately homes, climate change is threatening our most beloved heritage sites more than ever.

Now, the National Trust is calling on politicians to do more to help climate change adaption.

And their warning comes as the UN predicts global temperatures could rise further by nearly 2.9 degrees C.

So, can UK heritage be saved? And with Cop28 just around the corner, what will the government do?

ITV News Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Chris Page what you need to know...

From high street nail bars to back street cannabis farms, the UK people smuggling industry is thriving.

And despite the government promising to stop the small boats, migrants arrive in plenty and business is booming.

Many come from Vietnam, hoping for a better quality of life, but instead, are met with one much worse.

So, with the Rwandan policy scrapped, how can Rishi Sunak stop the small boats?

ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

The bombing of Pan Am 103 above the small Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988 remains Europe’s deadliest terror attack.

And witnessing the disaster first-hand, even before police had cordoned off the crash site, was ITV’s Lorraine Kelly.

Now, three and a half decades on, Lorraine’s returned to Lockerbie.

So, what did she discover? And why does she now see the disaster in a new light?

Lorraine Kelly tells Tom Bradby This Is What You Need to Know…

You can watch ‘Return to Lockerbie With Lorraine Kelly’ on Wednesday 15th November at 9pm or head over to ITVX to watch it on catch up.

Suella Braverman has been sacked, again.

In a hardly surprising start to the reshuffle, Rishi Sunak dismissed the now former Home Secretary, following her rather outspoken opinions.

But what did come as a surprise, was Sunak’s shock move to restore former Prime Minister David Cameron to the political frontline.

So, what does the reshuffle mean? And how will it impact the election polls?

Political Editor Robert Peston and Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana tell Shehab Khan what you need to know...

Michaela and her three children were given less than 24 hours’ notice to pack their lives together, before facing eviction.

But with little time and nowhere to go, the streets were their only choice.

This is the reality of the UK housing crisis. So, why are so many Brits in temporary accommodation? And what’s being done about it?

Investigations correspondent Daniel Hewitt tells Tom Bradby what you need to know...

In just a year’s time, Americans will find out the results of the country’s 60th presidential election.

And the race to get there is set to look no different from the last, as Biden goes head-to-head with Trump once again.

But with several indictments and court room appearances, will Trump’s busy legal calendar threaten his campaign?

And could this be the most significant US election yet?

US Correspondent Dan Rivers tells Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know...

Wendy Cousins died last year, a convicted criminal.

She’s just one of hundreds who got caught up in the British Post Office Scandal.

The saga blew up in 2019 when it emerged that postmasters across the country were wrongly accused.

But, why is it still unresolved? And what’s got people talking about it now?

Nick Wallis, who has been covering the scandal for more than a decade, tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know...

Storm Ciaran has brought major disruption and risk to lives across large parts of the UK.

Wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour have battered houses, sent cars into rivers, forced power cuts and school closures.

And all this just two weeks after Storm Babet battered Britain with heavy rain.

So why are we getting such destructive weather? And is it more than usual?

ITV News Science correspondent Martin Stew tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

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 Okpattah tells Yasmin Bodalbhai What You Need to Know…

After months of hearings, the Covid inquiry has heard its most explosive testimony yet:

Boris Johnson’s closest former aides describing utter chaos and confusion as the pandemic hit.

So, what were the most damning claims? And what damage does it do to the former PM"s already shredded reputation?

UK Editor Paul Brand tells Tom Bradby What You Need to Know…

Have you heard of LARPing?

It’s one of the world’s most misunderstood subcultures, yet something people are going crazy for.

It’s a mythical world, transporting you away from reality and into character.

So, what’s got the world so hooked? And would you try Larping?

ITV News Reporter Rhys Williams and Producer Tristan Martin tell ITV News Presenter Yasmin Bodalbhai what you need to know...

For more on this, tune in to On Assignment on ITV on Tuesday 31st October at 22:45.

The death of Mahsa Amini sparked the largest and longest-running anti-regime protests in the history of the Islamic Republic.

While the world looked on at the uprising and crackdown that followed, journalists travelled in secret to Iran, to reveal the human rights abuse taking place across the country.

So, how did they film under such a hard-line regime? And what did they discover?

Producer and Director Gesbeen Mohammed and British-Iranian journalist Ramita Navai, tell Tom Bradby what you need to know…

To hear more on this, tune in this Sunday 29th October, on ITV1 at 22:20 to watch Exposure Inside Iran: The Fight for Freedom.

They are now in safe hands.

After 17 dark days, two elderly Israeli women who were taken hostage by Hamas, have been returned to their families, in an emotional reunion.

Now, the fate of the remaining captives is key to Israel’s next move, as it may just have to stay its hand, if more hostage releases are on the horizon.

So, will this delay Israel’s ground invasion further? And what do the hostage releases mean for Hamas’ strategy?

From Tel Aviv, Senior International Correspondent John Irvine tells Lucrezia Millarini What You Need to Know…

As kids across the country inhale their brightly coloured vapes, many don’t realise that they’re actually breathing in an unexpected ingredient – nicotine.

Despite being labelled and sold to them as containing ‘zero nicotine,’ ITV News has found that the e-cigarettes are in fact full of the substance.

Now, calls for change in the regulations are mounting.

So, what’s being done to crackdown on illegal vapes?

Consumer Editor Chris Choi tells Charlene White What You Need to Know…

Bare faced and brazen, shoplifters come in bulk in Britain.

In just three years, the crime has doubled in the UK, with shopkeepers and staff facing abuse and violence on a day-to-day basis.

Now, all hopes lie on Artificial Intelligence to reduce the relentless rise in shoplifting across the country.

So, why has there been such a surge? And how can our retail sector be fixed?

ITV News Consumer Editor Chris Choi and Producer Siham Ali tell Lucrezia Millarini what you need to know…

More than a million Gazans have fled their homes, as Israel’s ground invasion looms.

All eyes have turned to the Rafah crossing – Gaza’s only link to Egypt and potential lifeline.

And yet civilians are not allowed in and aid continues to be blocked.

So, where can they go? How will Israel’s ground invasion play out? And why is President Biden's visit so vital?

This is What You Need to Know…

Whilst Israel prepares for its retaliatory ground invasion against Hamas, a new conflict could open elsewhere.

To Israel’s north, lies a more formidable foe, the Lebanese militants, Hezbollah.

With close ties to Iran, concerns are now mounting that an all-out assault against Israel will be ordered.

So, could Hezbollah change the tide of this conflict?

From Jerusalem, ITV News World Affairs Editor Rageh Omaar tells Tom Bradby what you need to know...

Seven-year-old Imogen can’t understand why she gets so angry, and she’s been asking for help since she was three.

That’s because she’s still waiting to find out if she has ADHD. Now, she could be waiting until 2026 to even get an assessment, let alone a diagnosis.

And she’s not alone, as ITV News finds that the average wait time for a diagnosis is three years in the UK.

So, what’s being done to speed up the process?

ITV News Social Affairs Correspondent Stacey Foster tells Martin Stew what you need to know…

Around the village of Kfar Aza, the Israeli army are recovering the men, women and children slaughtered in their beds by Hamas militants on Saturday morning.

As identification of the bodies begins, the next decisive chapter of the war lies just one mile away, in Gaza.

So, how will these unimaginable scenes playing out on screens across Israel shape what happens next?

From southern Israel, John Ray tells Rageh Omaar in Jerusalem What You Need To Know…

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 International Editor Emma Murphy tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know... 

After the deadliest attack on its people in more than 50 years, Israel has now hit back.

A siege has been ordered on Gaza as an aerial bombardment continues, following Hamas’ shocking weekend assault by land, air and sea.

So, what made this attack so different from what we’ve seen before? Why did Hamas strike now? And how did Israel get caught out so badly?

From Tel Aviv, ITV News Senior International Correspondent John Irvine tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know…

Deep in the confines of Wandsworth prison lies corruption, collusion and contamination.

Critics say it’s these concerning conditions which made possible the recent alleged escape of prisoner, Daniel Khalife.

And with no sign of improvement since, another security breach could happen at any moment.

So, how did it get so bad? And what needs to change for Wandsworth prison to keep their inmates inside?

ITV News Reporter Kaf Okpattah tells Faye Barker what you need to know…

It’s less than four months since Uganda’s president signed a new anti-gay law, condemned by the UN as “among the worst of its kind in the world”.

ITV News has since learned the people who it oppresses are being tortured, starved and forced to live on the run in their own land.

So why are other nations so keen to follow Uganda’s lead?

ITV News Digital Video Producer Sam Leader tells John Ray what you need to know...

For more on this, head over to ITV News on TikTok to see Sam's full investigation.

Jack couldn’t go to the toilet, let alone shower, thanks to what started out as some eczema on his hand.

He was prescribed a cream over and over again to stop the itching, but instead, was left helpless, suffering from topical steroid withdrawal – a debilitating skin condition.

And the only help he could find was on TikTok, as he found many like him were also dealing with extreme reactions.

So, why has the condition not been officially recognised? And what can be done about it?

ITV News Digital Video Producer George Hancorn tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

For more on this head over to ITV News on TikTok to see George's full investigation.

It’s been four years since 39 Vietnamese migrants were found dead in a lorry in Essex.

Yet today, thousands are still being smuggled from Vietnam to England in the hope of a better life.

In making the journey, people risk everything, and exploitation is rife.

So, can anything stop them? And for those who make it, do they find a better way of life?

ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith tells Tom Bradby What You Need to Know…

To watch Peter's exclusive report, click here: https://www.itv.com/news/2023-09-26/we-have-no-choice-the-vietnamese-dying-for-a-chance-to-work-in-the-uk

When you picture Spain, you probably think of sun, sea and sangria.

Yet up in the Pyrenees mountains, glaciers 100,000 years old tower over the small Spanish towns.

But now, as the ice gives way to climate change, will they be around for much longer?

And are the glaciers of the Alps also at risk of disappearing?

Science Correspondent Martin Stew tells Julie Etchingham What You Ned to Know...

Right across England, every eight minutes, a child’s life as they know it, comes crashing down.

Why? Because their family is served with a no-fault eviction notice.

Now, with nowhere to call home, school teachers are having to step in and effectively become their housing officers.

So, why aren’t the government doing anything about it?

Investigations Correspondent Daniel Hewitt tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

Lili should have started reception this September, but instead, another year of home-schooling continues, thanks to her burning urine infection.

And she’s not the only one, as hundreds of children are forced to delay their education, as the NHS only treats chronic UTIs in adults.

Parents left helpless, have nowhere to turn. So, why is there no specialist help out there for children?

ITV News Social Affairs Correspondent Stacey Foster tells Julie Etchingham what you need to know...

As a wall of water washed through the Libyan city of Derna, it took everything in its path.

What’s left, is a ghost town, where the number of missing exceeds the dead and overwhelms the living.

Now, feelings of shock and grief give way to anger, as those who are left, demand answers.

So, why did Derna’s dam fail to protect its residents? And who’s going to take responsibility?

From Libya, ITV News Correspondent Emma Murphy tells Lucrezia Millarini What You Ned to Know...

To some, it’s a cultural staple in British life, that’s provided entertainment and jobs for decades.

To others, it's a cruel practice which kills thousands of animals every year.

Greyhound racing – a sport that’s long been around in the UK, is now up for debate as campaigners hope to see it banned.

So, could this be the beginning of the end for the sport?

ITV News Border Journalist Barnaby Papadopulos tells Faye Barker what you need to know...

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 to know...

Will was just eighteen when he ordered what he believed was prescribed Valium from an online pharmacy.

Instead, what had arrived in the post was an opioid twenty times stronger than fentanyl, killing him almost instantly.

And yet ITV News exposed this deadly and illegal practice more than a year ago.

So, why are these fake pharmacies still online today?

ITV News Reporter Sam Holder and Producer Louisa Felton tell Tom Bradby What You Need to Know…

From pick ‘n’ mix, to stationery and homeware, Wilko did it all.

But now, after almost a century, the popular high street chain is set to disappear.

After a rescue deal to save the store collapsed, thousands face redundancy.

So, what went wrong? And could Wilko’s demise trigger a domino effect on our already hollowed-out high streets?

ITV News Economics and Business Editor Joel Hills tells Tom Bradby what you need to know...

As Morocco mourns, flags are flown at half mast, following the nation’s strongest earthquake in more than a century.

With tremors so strong, remote villages and homes couldn’t withstand the immense pressure.

Now, as Britain joins the international aid effort, the painstaking search for survivors continues.

So, can Morocco ever recover to the country it once was?

From Morocco, ITV News reporter Sangita Lal tells Shehab Khan what you need to know…