Learning English from the News
Education & Explainer
About
Learn the language you need to understand news stories in English. Every week we talk about one big news story and the vocabulary in the headlines that will help you understand it. And in our special Our World in English episodes, we share documentaries from around the world and across the BBC in simple English. Find more at bbclearningenglish.com Follow us at bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus
Episodes
- Iran war puts global food production at risk, says fertiliser boss
The episode discusses how the Iran war could impact global food production, according to a fertilizer boss. The conflict threatens fertilizer supply, potentially leading to less food and higher prices, and could cause millions to experienc…
- Trump shooting attempt
This episode covers an attempt to shoot US President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' dinner. It also mentions previous unsuccessful attempts on his life. The podcast aims to help listeners…
- Mass shooting at Mexican pyramids
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses a mass shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacan pyramids, where one person was killed and 13 were injured. The attacker, Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez, then killed himself. The episode also me…
- Hungary election landslide
Péter Magyar has won the Hungarian elections, concluding Viktor Orbán's 16 years as leader. This episode discusses the shift in leadership and its potential impact on Hungary's domestic and international policies.
- Artemis II takes humans further from Earth than ever before
Astronauts on the NASA spacecraft Artemis II have traveled around the Moon, reaching 406,771km away from Earth. This episode discusses Artemis II breaking the record for the furthest distance humans have traveled into space since 1972. The…
- US Court: YouTube and Meta built addictive platforms
A US court has found Meta and YouTube legally responsible for building addictive platforms. Kaley initiated a lawsuit against Meta and YouTube, claiming negative impacts on her mental health, and was awarded $6m in damages.
- Our World in English: Fighting child marriage through football
This episode from "Learning English from the News" explores the issue of child marriage in India. It highlights how some girls are resisting the practice, featuring Munna, who found an alternative path through playing football.
- Earth ‘pushed beyond its limit’ UN warns
This episode discusses the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization, which highlights concerning climate change statistics. Phil and Becca explain the news in an accessible way.
- Cuba protests: millions without power
This episode discusses protests in Cuba triggered by widespread power outages and shortages of essential goods. These issues stem from a lack of oil supply due to a US operation and blockade, severely impacting various sectors of Cuban soc…
- Global impact of US-Israel war with Iran
This episode of Learning English from the News covers the US-Israel war with Iran, detailing military engagements, Iranian strikes in the region including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, and damage to commercial ships. It also mentions…
- US-Israel war with Iran
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Air strikes continue, and Iran has responded by firing missiles at Israel and other countries in the region with links to the US.
- Violence after Mexican drug leader killed
Nemesio Osegura Cervantes, a Mexican crime leader known as 'El Mencho', was killed by Mexican security forces. This led to violence in several Mexican states, and troops were deployed in response. Some foreign governments have issued trave…
- Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny with frog toxin, UK says
This episode discusses the UK's claim that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was killed by frog toxin, and Russia's denial. It focuses on learning English from news headlines related to this event.
- Our World in English: The battle for the cowboy way of life
This episode discusses how people in Montana are concerned about losing their traditional cowboy way of life due to potential development on federally owned land. It features Brud Smith, a Montana farmer, sharing his perspective on these c…
- Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses Bad Bunny's Super Bowl half-time show. He performed almost entirely in Spanish, leading to both praise for his pride in Puerto Rico and criticism, with some calling it 'un-American.'
- Women secretly filmed with new tech
This episode from "Learning English from the News" covers the topic of women being secretly filmed with new technology, such as Meta glasses, and the subsequent online posting of these videos. The discussion includes details about financia…
- Doomsday Clock: Highest ever disaster risk
This episode discusses the Doomsday Clock and the warning from experts about the world being at its closest point to disaster. It is part of the "Learning English from the News" podcast.
- Greenland: Trump clashes with allies
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses US President Trump's comments about Greenland, which have led to criticism from allies. The podcast also provides information on where to find more language tips and programs.
- Iran protesters killed
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses the crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. Phil and Pippa examine the news story and related vocabulary.
- US seizes Venezuelan president Maduro
This episode of Learning English from the News reports on the US military's actions in Caracas, where they arrested Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
- 2025: The year's big news stories
Neil and Pippa review the year's big news stories. The episode provides useful vocabulary and resources for English language learners.
- Japan bans baby names like Pikachu and Kitty
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses Japan's new law that bans unusual baby names like Pikachu and Kitty. It also introduces useful vocabulary stemming from this news story.
- Australia teen social media ban
Australia has introduced a ban on social media for teenagers under the age of 16. This episode of Learning English from the News provides details on the new social media policy.
- Our world in English: Love in a warzone
This episode of "Learning English from the News" tells the story of Adela, a Czech writer, and Konstantin, an artist, who are together in Kharkiv, Ukraine, during the war. It is based on the BBC Eye documentary "Kharkiv: Love in a War Zone…
- Syria: One year since Assad's fall
This episode marks one year since Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad left Damascus. It is part of the 'Learning English from the News' podcast.
- Deadly fires in Hong Kong investigated
This episode from "Learning English from the News" discusses the investigation into deadly fires in Hong Kong that resulted in at least 151 fatalities. The Hong Kong leader has ordered the investigation.
- First treasure recovered from $20bn sunken ship
This episode discusses the recovery of treasure from a 1708 sunken ship. It also helps listeners learn new vocabulary from the headlines.
- Death penalty for former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina
This episode from "Learning English from the News" discusses the death penalty sentence for former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She was sentenced for crimes against humanity.
- COP30: Are climate talks effective at fighting climate change?
This episode discusses the COP30 climate talks, noting that some key figures will not be in attendance. It also helps listeners learn English vocabulary related to news headlines with hosts Beth and Pippa.
- Fastest glacier melt in modern history
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses the fastest glacier retreat recorded in modern history. An Antarctic glacier shrunk by 50% in just two months, and listeners can learn vocabulary related to the headlines.
- 'Storm of the century' hits Caribbean
This episode discusses Hurricane Melissa, which caused significant damage in the Caribbean. It offers English vocabulary lessons based on news headlines about the storm.
- Historic jewels stolen from Louvre
Millions of euros worth of historic jewels have been stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris. This episode from "Learning English from the News" covers the story and introduces related vocabulary with Pippa and Phil.
- Hostages released in Gaza ceasefire agreement
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees. Pippa and Beth teach vocabulary from the headlines related to this event.
- Solar and wind beat coal for first time
This episode of Learning English from the News reports that wind and solar power have generated more electricity than coal for the first time. It highlights a significant development in renewable energy.
- Taliban cut off internet
This episode of "Learning English from the News" reports on the Taliban government's order to cut off internet and telephone services in Afghanistan. It covers the current impact of these actions.
- Trump's unproven autism claim
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses Donald Trump's unproven claim about a link between autism and Tylenol (paracetamol).
- Israel committing genocide in Gaza: UN commission
A UN commission of inquiry has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry has rejected the report, calling it "distorted and false".
- 'God's influencer': First millennial saint named
This episode of Learning English from the News features Beth and Phil discussing the Catholic Church's announcement of the first millennial saint, a 15-year-old boy. The hosts help listeners learn to talk about this news story in English.
- Earthquakes hit Afghanistan
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses the earthquakes in Afghanistan that resulted in over 1,400 deaths. Neil and Beth present the news story, and supplementary materials like subtitles and a worksheet are provided.
- Heatwaves speed up ageing process, study says
A study conducted in Taiwan has indicated that individuals' biological age may increase after experiencing heatwaves. This episode features Phil and Georgie discussing the news story.
- Ukraine: Presidents discuss end to war
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses the meeting between President Zelensky and President Trump regarding the end of the war in Ukraine. Pippa and Georgie present the news story.
- Is prostate cancer over-treated?
Charity Prostate Cancer UK raises concerns that some prostate cancer cases may be over-treated. Phil and Pippa discuss this news story.
- Hiroshima: 80 years since atomic bomb
This episode of "Learning English from the News" commemorates 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, by the United States, an event that led to widespread destruction and loss of life. Beth and Neil discuss this…
- Thailand-Cambodia conflict
This episode of Learning English from the News discusses the military clashes at the Thailand-Cambodia border, which have resulted in civilian casualties. Beth and Phil present the news story.
- War in Gaza 'must end now', 28 countries say
A joint statement from 28 nations has called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. This episode discusses the statement.
- India Air crash report doubts
This episode from "Learning English from the News" investigates the Air India crash and the criticisms surrounding its preliminary report, exploring the causes and the issues raised.
- Texas hit by deadly floods
This episode of "Learning English from the News" discusses flash floods in central Texas, USA. Georgie and Phil discuss the story.
- Deadly heatwave hits Europe
This episode of "Learning English from the News" features Beth and Phil discussing an extreme heatwave in Europe. They also teach relevant vocabulary.
- Israel-Iran ceasefire
This episode from "Learning English from the News" discusses the Israel-Iran ceasefire. Neil and Pippa explain the news story following a week of missile strikes.
- Israel-Iran strikes
This episode of Learning English from the News covers the recent missile strikes between Israel and Iran. The podcast discusses how Israel launched strikes on Iran, and Iran responded with strikes on Israel.