What You Need To Know

Could Donald Trump’s Republicans be heading for a major defeat in the 2026 US midterm elections?The latest polling numbers suggest they could be in trouble — and the consequences for Trump’s final two years as president could be significant.In this ITV News explainer, Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor at The Cook Political Report, breaks down the polls, political trends and key numbers that could determine the outcome of the US midterms on November 3.Donald Trump’s approval ratings have fallen sharply since he returned to the White House. Voters are increasingly unhappy with his handling of the economy, rising living costs and his immigration policies.Even traditionally Republican states could be competitive, raising the possibility that Democrats could win control of the House of Representatives, the Senate — or both.But how much can we really learn from the polls? And could history repeat itself?

There is a lot at stake in next week's election in Israel, not least the political future of Benjamin Netanyahu.For 30 years, he has been at the top of Israeli politics, but after three years of war, that could all be about to change.We've taken a look at how likely he is to lose, who his main opponents are, and how the result could affect the entire Middle East.

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.

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?

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.

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 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)

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.

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.

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.