Form Time News

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


Tuesday
28th April 2026

Around the world

Suspect charged with attempted assassination of Trump at Washington dinner

Investigators say the 31-year-old California man wanted to kill as many high-level officials as possible.

US political violence generates a familiar cycle - this time it's in overdrive

In modern America, it seems violence of this kind has become an ever-present storm that can strike anywhere and at any moment.

In the UK

UK and US always find ways to come together, King to tell Congress

King Charles will address the US Congress on Tuesday at a time of diplomatic tensions between London and Washington.

My tenant owes £15,000 in rent, but I can't get them out of the property

Landlords tell BBC News why they fear new laws could make it harder to remove problematic tenants.

Politics

Key points as MPs question ex-senior aide about Mandelson appointment

Former top Foreign Office civil servant Sir Philip Barton and ex-No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney are answering MPs' questions.

No way to raise Mandelson concerns, former senior official says

Sir Philip Barton says he was worried Lord Mandelson's links to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein "could be a problem".

Education

Calls for clarity over schools smartphone ban

Minister plan to ban smartphones in English schools, but headteachers and campaigners have called for more direction on how to enforce it.

Phones to be banned in schools by law in England under government plans

Education minister Jacqui Smith said the move would create "a clear legal requirement for schools".

Health

UK healthy life expectancy falls by two years in past decade

Poor housing, obesity and the effects of deprivation have been suggested as underlying cause.

Your pint could come with a surprising health benefit

Beer provides "substantial levels" of vitamin B6 into your diet, according to new research.

Business

BP profits more than double as Iran war sends oil prices higher

The energy giant said it had seen an "exceptional" performance at its oil trading business.

Musk v Altman: Why the tech billionaires and former friends are now facing off in court

The battle between the AI big hitters has largely played out on social media. Now it is coming to the courtroom.

Science

UK's biggest ever environmental pollution claim reaches High Court

One of the UK's largest chicken producers and a water company accused of polluting three rivers including the River Wye

'We're living in a shed because of river pollution'

Jane and Tony Coyle spent seven years waiting for planning permission due to River Lugg pollution.

Technology

Social media restrictions for under-16s even if no ban, minister says

The government is consulting on changes as a new social media law goes through its final Parliamentary stages.

Musk v Altman: Why the tech billionaires and former friends are now facing off in court

The battle between the AI big hitters has largely played out on social media. Now it is coming to the courtroom.

Entertainment

Antiquities dealer who exposed British Museum thefts dies aged 61

Dr Ittai Gradel made global headlines after exposing the thefts of many artefacts from the British Museum.

Rebel Wilson says claims she bullied women on her film are 'absolute nonsense'

Rebel Wilson is being sued for defamation over Instagram posts she made about the star of her film The Deb.