Form Time News

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


Friday
14th August 2026

Around the world

Instagram accounts fuelling Ceuta crisis with paid advice for help to cross

BBC's Top Comment podcast has found a network of Instagram profiles glamourising the swim around the Morocco-Ceuta border fence.

Activists try to deliver aid to Palestinians in homes besieged by Israeli settlers

Two families have been trapped in their homes in the occupied West Bank for several days.

In the UK

Chris Mason: Where does this unorthodox by-election victory leave Nigel Farage?

As expected, the Reform UK leader easily won the Clacton by-election but was nowhere to be seen after the result.

Prisoners charged over attack on Sara Sharif's father

Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, are also charged with other offences relating to the Belmarsh Prison incident.

Politics

Farage faces renewed watchdog probe after Clacton by-election victory

The investigation into a £5m gift received by Farage reopens, as he returns as the MP for Clacton.

Chris Mason: Where does this unorthodox by-election victory leave Nigel Farage?

As expected, the Reform UK leader easily won the Clacton by-election but was nowhere to be seen after the result.

Education

Are the UK's top universities really 'hoovering up' students?

The most selective universities have seen the biggest rise in students accepted onto their courses for 2026.

'I worked really hard and it paid off': Elation, nerves and proud parents as students get results

A Ukrainian refugee, a firefighter and triplets are among the students reacting to their results.

Health

Did the eclipse damage your eyes?

An eye surgeon says that fewer people have been seeking treatment for eye damage than after the UK's last total solar eclipse in 1999.

Eclipse warning: The key signs you may have damaged your eyes

Symptoms after looking at the sun without eclipse glasses can include blurred vision

Business

Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers

The government says it is considering cutting the new electric car sales target from 80% to 50% by 2030.

Temporary ban on sale of disposable BBQs over wildfire risk

Single-use grills pose a "significant risk to the public" in current drought and heatwave conditions, the government warns.

Science

'Days of the farmers' union dictating policy are over' - Muir

The Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir says he will continue to engage with the Ulster Farmers' Union.

Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers

The government says it is considering cutting the new electric car sales target from 80% to 50% by 2030.

Technology

Bumble divides users by ditching its signature 'women-first' chat rule

The dating app's boss says the move is in response to a successful trial and a change in what users want.

Flock boss admits surveillance firm took too long to act over police abuse

US police officers have quit after using licence plate-reading cameras to track romantic partners.

Entertainment

Glastonbury festival organiser dismisses rumours that Madonna will headline in 2027

Emily Eavis says the festival has booked its headliners, but the Queen of Pop is "definitely not" among them.

The Office's Lucy Davis 'overwhelmed' by kindness after cancer diagnosis

The Office actress thanks well-wishers for their support after she revealed she had incurable cancer.