Form Time News

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


Saturday
18th July 2026

Around the world

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.

US denies Iranian claims it hit civilian infrastructure in latest strikes

The US military says its attacks were intended to "further degrade Iranian military capabilities".

In the UK

Burnham says he is 'finalising' cabinet ahead of becoming PM on Monday

The new Labour leader says his government will deliver the biggest change in British politics for 40 years.

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.

Politics

Burnham says he is 'finalising' cabinet ahead of becoming PM on Monday

The new Labour leader says his government will deliver the biggest change in British politics for 40 years.

Labour pins hopes on Burnham reboot as he plans policy blitz

There is belief in the party that the new leader could put Labour back in the political match, political editor Chris Mason writes.

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

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.

Five headaches Andy Burnham will have to deal with as PM

From defence spending to housing - the next UK leader has a series of challenges to deal with.

Science

What this desert city can teach the world about tackling heat deaths

Maricopa County in Arizona has some of the hottest temperatures, but it has reduced the number of heat-related deaths.

What to know about the Canadian and US wildfires and their impact

Wildfires in Ontario have blanketed US and Canadian cities with dangerous smoke.

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

16 World Cup viral moments - from Haaland's bromance to Posh Spice's no-nonsense

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

Oscar-winning actress Brenda Fricker dies at 81

She won for her role in 1989 film My Left Foot and had well-loved parts in Home Alone 2 and TV's Casualty.