Form Time News

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


Sunday
24th May 2026

Around the world

Suspect killed after opening fire on Secret Service near White House

Officials say a suspect approached a checkpoint near the building and opened fire, and that a bystander was wounded.

Large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine leaves four dead and dozens injured

The Oreshnik missile, which reportedly travels over 10 times the speed of sound, was used, Russia has confirmed.

In the UK

Starmer says case of girls raped by boys spared custody 'appalling'

The prime minister said it was "right" that the sentences were being urgently reviewed.

Heatwave conditions met in eight parts of England as record-breaking temperatures forecast

The soaring temperatures could lead to new national May temperature records being set on bank holiday Monday.

Politics

Girl raped by boys spared jail tells BBC judge's decision was like 'rock in my face'

Responding to the interview, Sir Keir Starmer said it was “an appalling case” and that it was right that the sentences are reviewed.

'Shameful' more spent on benefits than jobs for young people, says Milburn

Reforms are needed of the welfare system to tackle the high numbers of young people not in work or education, says Alan Milburn.

Education

Backlash over Department for Education videos with Gemma Collins

The education secretary defends videos starring The Only Way Is Essex star promoting post-16 education.

Students at risk if universities go bust, say MPs

An Education Select Committee report finds the government needs to make urgent plans for universities facing insolvency.

Health

Ebola risk raised to 'very high' in DR Congo

The head of the UN health agency says the risk in the wider region is "high", but it remains "low" at the global level.

UK scientists developing Ebola vaccine that could be ready for trials in months

The rare species of Ebola involved - known as Bundibugyo - kills around a third of those infected and has no proven vaccine yet.

Business

'Six eggs used to be £1' - why everyday essentials cost so much more now

Six supermarket brand eggs cost £1 in 2022. How much are they now, why have they gone up, and is anyone profiteering?

'Shameful' more spent on benefits than jobs for young people, says Milburn

Reforms are needed of the welfare system to tackle the high numbers of young people not in work or education, says Alan Milburn.

Science

The space race to create gym equipment for future astronauts

Scientists are attempting to build exercise equipment to be used on future space flights.

How to keep cool at your summer festivals

As the summer festival season kicks off, temperatures are set to soar this bank holiday weekend.

Technology

AI may speed up search for drugs to treat brain conditions

Researchers hope the work will help identify affordable, effective drugs to treat conditions like MND.

Waymo pauses robotaxis in five US cities after cars drive into flooded roads

A Waymo spokesperson said it had expanded the temporary pause "out of an abundance of caution".

Entertainment

Thousands enjoy final day of Radio 1's Big Weekend

Sunderland's Herrington Country Park buzzes with festival energy for the last Big Weekend day.

New James Bond game shows more vulnerable side to iconic British spy

The video game presents a young Bond before he has earned his "00" spy status.