Form Time News

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


Monday
9th February 2026

Around the world

Japanese stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory

Japanese stocked jumped as markets opened on Monday morning, after prime minister Sanae Takaichi won a landslide victory.

Seahawks dominate Patriots to win Super Bowl

The Seattle Seahawks produce a devastating defensive display to beat the New England Patriots and claim their second Super Bowl victory.

In the UK

PM's chief aide McSweeney quits over Mandelson row

The adviser says he takes "full responsibility" for advising Sir Keir Starmer to make the peer US ambassador.

Why McSweeney's departure could prove perilous for the PM

Starmer's chief of staff departs at a time the PM is isolated and in potential peril.

Politics

PM's chief aide McSweeney quits over Mandelson row

The adviser says he takes "full responsibility" for advising Sir Keir Starmer to make the peer US ambassador.

Why McSweeney's departure could prove perilous for the PM

Starmer's chief of staff departs at a time the PM is isolated and in potential peril.

Education

Increase school funding to meet need for special education, MPs urge

A cross-party group calls on the government to "align funding to need", as ministers consider SEND reforms.

Inspections impact on head teachers to be monitored

Teachers, Ofsted and unions will study how new report cards affect school leaders' wellbeing.

Health

More baby formula products recalled over toxin fears

Danone has recalled 15 more batches of Aptamil and Cow&Gate first infant milk because a toxin called cereulide may be present.

Statin pills much safer than advertised, major review finds

The results, in The Lancet journal, come from trials involving more than 120,000 people comparing statins with a dummy drug or placebo.

Business

Japanese stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory

Japanese stocked jumped as markets opened on Monday morning, after prime minister Sanae Takaichi won a landslide victory.

In the AI gold rush, tech firms are embracing 72-hour weeks

In the race for AI, tech firms are asking for their staff to work long hours. But there are risks, experts say.

Science

UK's £8bn research fund faces 'hard decisions' as it pauses new grants

UKRI boss Ian Chapman said it had been told by the government to "focus and do fewer things better".

What are critical minerals and why do countries need them?

Countries are racing to secure the critical minerals and rare earths needed to make vital products.

Technology

Baldur's Gate to be turned into TV series - without the game's developers

The show will be made by Craig Mazin, who co-created the acclaimed game adaptation The Last Of Us.

Uber ordered to pay $8.5m over claim driver raped passenger

The verdict is expected to influence the outcome of thousands of other cases against the ride hailing firm.

Entertainment

Bad Bunny piles on Puerto Rican patriotism at Super Bowl half-time show

Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny made history with his entirely Spanish set on the sporting world's biggest stage.

KPop Demon Hunters sequel 'in process', reveals Golden songwriter

Mark Sonnenblick says "the music will follow from the story" for the sequel to Netflix's most-watched film.