Form Time News

Current BBC News stories to read and discuss with your tutor group.


Sunday
19th July 2026

Around the world

Two US troops killed and one missing after Iranian attack in Jordan

Iran and the US have traded strikes as hostilities re-escalated this week, with Tehran targeting US military facilities across the Gulf region.

Russian online retail warehouses hit by deadly Ukrainian strikes

Drones targeted Wildberries facilities near Moscow and in Tambov. Ukraine's leader called them "major logistics facilities" supplying "sanctioned components".

In the UK

Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge

A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister says his Government would “put its focus where people need it right now”.

Ruthless plotter? Flip-flopper? Dad dancer? Insiders reveal the real Andy Burnham

Who is the real Andy Burnham? Laura Kuenssberg talks to more than 20 people who know him to work it out

Politics

Andy Burnham to scrap digital ID to focus on cost of living in first major policy pledge

A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister says his Government would “put its focus where people need it right now”.

Burnham is 'people pleaser' with 'airy fairy' plans, says Kemi Badenoch

Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, the Conservative leader accused the incoming PM of not knowing "what the country's priorities are".

Education

Free school meal pupils falling further behind their peers, report warns

The Education Policy Institute says the new prime minister should target the issue with "laser-like focus".

School suspensions fall in England for the first time since Covid

The government says the pandemic left a "pernicious legacy", but that teachers are helping pupils turn a corner.

Health

What type of procrastinator are you - and how to fix it now (not later)

The nine types of stalling that researchers say can reveal something deeper about us and why it's not always bad.

Targeted prostate cancer treatment cuts risk of side effects, study suggests

An NHS trial over 10 years followed nearly 3,500 men who received focal therapy, a less invasive treatment.

Business

'My buyers dropped their offer by £15,000 the day before exchange': Gazundering and how to avoid it

It's a small but growing problem in the property market - here's how to protect yourself.

Burnham's 'Manchesterism' got him to No 10 - but will it work for the UK?

Economics editor Faisal Islam examines whether the north-west city can be a template for the entire country.

Science

Trump threatens new Canada tariffs over fires sending 'filthy' air into US cities

Canadian leader Mark Carney says both the US and Canada have an equal responsibility to fight climate change, which experts say are worsening wildfire conditions.

Toronto, New York and Washington top list of most polluted cities as wildfires burn

Canadian officials say that fire activity in Ontario is beginning to ease, with air quality expected to improve in US cities too.

Technology

China's Moonshot AI claims Kimi K3 can rival OpenAI and Anthropic

The company has unveiled a massive new artificial intelligence model it says can take on top American firms.

Trump Media to sell instant access to 'market-moving' social posts

Trump Media is launching a fast, paid feed to its most influential posts for Wall Street traders.

Entertainment

Gracie Abrams captures pain of early adulthood in new album - but you're left wanting more

The singer's third album is full of incisive, witty lyrics that are let down by muted production.

16 World Cup viral moments - from Posh Spice's nonchalance to Haaland's bromance

We look at some of the most memorable scenes during the 2026 World Cup that set the internet alight.