Form Time News

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


Wednesday
22nd January 2025

Around the world

Toddler and man fatally stabbed in German park

Police say a 28-year-old man from Afghanistan has been arrested suspected of carrying out the attack.

About 1,000 North Koreans killed fighting Ukraine in Kursk, officials say

Western officials tell the BBC the troop losses appear unsustainable.

In the UK

Sun owner to pay Prince Harry 'substantial' damages

News Group Newspapers offers an "unequivocal apology" to the Duke of Sussex for "serious intrusion".

Crossbow killer admits murdering mum and daughters

Kyle Clifford pleads guilty to killing Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at their home in July.

Politics

UK warns Putin after Russian spy ship returns to British waters

John Healey says the vessel is used to gather intelligence and map the UK's underwater infrastrcuture.

Schools bill is an act of vandalism, says Kemi Badenoch

The Tory leader accuses PM of "vandalism" but Sir Keir says the Schools Bill will protect vulnerable children.

Education

Schools bill is an act of vandalism, says Kemi Badenoch

The Tory leader accuses PM of "vandalism" but Sir Keir says the Schools Bill will protect vulnerable children.

Conference to discuss smartphone impact on children

A conference arranged by the campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood, takes place on Thursday.

Health

Treat eating disorders as an emergency, MPs urge

The alarming rise in disorders such as anorexia and bulimia is now an emergency, a cross-party group says.

Man had unnecessary chemotherapy for 14 years

His lawyers say his case is "just the tip of the iceberg" and 12 other patients may be affected.

Business

Reeves optimistic despite surprise rise in UK borrowing

Borrowing - the difference between spending and tax revenue - hit its highest December level for four years.

TikTokers offered $5,000 to join Facebook and Instagram

Meta's attempt to lure creators to its platforms comes as questions remain over the future of its main rival in the US.

Science

Trump vows to leave Paris climate agreement and 'drill, baby, drill'

The White House announces a "national energy emergency" to reverse US climate regulations and boost oil and gas.

'Dark oxygen' mission takes aim at other worlds

Gas from the seafloor has scientists wondering if oxygen could be found in the oceans of other planets.

Technology

TikTokers offered $5,000 to join Facebook and Instagram

Meta's attempt to lure creators to its platforms comes as questions remain over the future of its main rival in the US.

Tech giants announce $500bn 'Stargate' AI plan in US

OpenAI, Oracle, Softbank and MGX join forces to build artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Entertainment

Acting or harassment? Stars at odds over out-takes

Justin Baldoni says footage shows he didn't sexually harass Blake Lively, but she says the opposite.

Has Prince Harry got what he wanted after tabloid apology?

The settlement between the prince and the Sun's publisher is a dramatic, high stakes, turnaround.