Learning English from the News

Alle afleveringen

399 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud

  1. Why are young people protesting around the world?

    21 oktober 2026 · 8 min

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    Gen Zs, those are people born between the late 90s and early 2010s, are protesting different issues, such as the quality of their education, job opportunities and voter rights. There have been protests in many countries including Albania, France, Italy, India and Spain. Learn more about this story with Becca and Georgie. Lees meer

    And don't forget to sign up to our email newsletter to get our latest tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    Write to us at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

  2. Deadly Saudi airport attacks

    14 oktober 2026 · 7 min

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    14 people have been killed and over 300 injured in two attacks on Riyadh international airport in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. There were also a series of other attacks earlier in the week. The Houthis, a militant group in Yemen, said they were behind the attacks, and that they are targeting Saudi Arabia over its support for government forces in Yemen's civil war. A Saudi government minister has said the country will have a ‘serious response’ to the attacks. Lees meer

    Get the headlines, vocabulary and defenitions here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/261014

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    Write to us at learningenglish@bbc.co.uk

  3. French school protests

    7 oktober 2026 · 7 min

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    Pupils say that they are protesting because their schools are not being well funded. Since protests began, over 6,000 people have been arrested and a number of students and police officers have been hurt. Lees meer

    For all the headlines, definitions and a free worksheet to practise, head to our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/261007

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  4. Young people's mental distress is real, according to the head of a new review in the UK

    30 september 2026 · 8 min

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    An independent review into mental health has found a rise in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders among the most common issues. Lees meer

    Head of the review, Professor Peter Fonagy, says that accusations that young people are overly sensitive are wrong. He says it is now “harder to be young” due to challenges such as economic and employment uncertainty and problems caused by social media.

    Some are unsure about the new data as some of the sources rely on self-reporting. There is also an argument which says that the higher mental distress numbers could be because of changing attitudes and greater awareness, so more people feel able to report their problems.

    Get a worksheet for this episode to practise the vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260930

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  5. AI and trade: Will US and China agree?

    23 september 2026 · 9 min

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    US President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping will meet in a summit at the White House this week for the first time since 2023, following on from a President Trump’s visit to China earlier this year in which a truce was agreed. Lees meer

    Before the truce was agreed, both the US and China had imposed high tarrifs on products coming in from the other country. The truce will end in November and many experts say that the two countries will try to extend their truce and make more agreements on trade.

    Alongside trade tariffs, there are other potential disagreements between the two leaders. For example over AI and the war in Iran. There are talks about a warning system for AI that Trump plans to share with Xi.

    Get a worksheet for this episode to practise the vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260923

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  6. Humans could lose control of AI systems, AI boss says

    16 september 2026 · 8 min

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    Head of Anthropic, Dario Amodei, published an essay explaining how he feared that humans could lose control of AI systems. Following recent hacking incidents Amodei said that it is possible that AI systems could attempt to take over the entire internet. Lees meer

    Meanwhile, AI experts have raised fears that AI systems could decide in future to kill all humans. These experts have said that the risks include: cyberattacks, biological warfare and disruption to economies.

    These statements have been criticised. Some have said that the fears are exaggerated while others have suggested that AI companies are overstating the potential impact of AI, so that their companies maintain a high value. Others have suggested that they want regulators to block their competitors.

    Get a worksheet for this episode to practise the vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260916

    Learn more English about the topic of technology here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/technology

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  7. Man survives longest ever pig kidney transplant

    9 september 2026 · 8 min

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    A transplanted pig kidney has worked inside a patient for a record nine months. Learn about this news story in simpler English with Becca and Phil. Lees meer

    Get a worksheet for this episode to practise the vocabulary: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260909

    Learn more English about the topic of health here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/health

    Sign up to our weekly newsletter here for more ways to improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/health

  8. Nepal recovering from impact of flash floods

    2 september 2026 · 9 min

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    More than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead after last week’s flash floods on the border of Nepal and Tibet, according to Nepal’s disaster agency. Lees meer

    Almost 4,000 people are still missing. Rescuers are trying to reach hundreds of workers who have been trapped in a large network of tunnels at hydropower sites.

    Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said on Monday that 279 people had been rescued from the sites.

    A key cause of the deadly floods is thought to be a glacier collapse in the Himalayas. A glacier is a large area of dense ice.

    Learn more about this story with Georgie and Phil. For more language-learning tips, head to bbclearningenglish.com.

    For subtitles and a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260902

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  9. AI hacking other companies by itself, causing security fears

    26 augustus 2026 · 9 min

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    AI has been hacking other companies during tests, causing fears over safety. There’s been a series of hacks by AI software in recent months. A hack is when secure technology is broken into in order to steal data or cause disruption. Lees meer

    The AI hacks have occurred during testing of security systems which have gone wrong. For example, in July, the company OpenAI said its AI models hacked a company called Hugging Face. OpenAI said it lost control of the models during a security test.

    Many people are concerned about the recent hacks because AI has been able to get out of control and do things its creators didn’t want it to do.

    But technology companies that develop AI say that they care about security. For example, after its AI models hacked a company during security tests, OpenAI has said it’s slowing down training some of its AI software to improve security.

    Learn more about this story with Becca and Phil. For more language learning tips head to bbclearningenglish.com. For subtitles and a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260826

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  10. Meta on trial

    19 augustus 2026 · 8 min

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    Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has gone on trial, accused of breaking state and federal laws around child privacy. The trial is expected to last around six weeks. Lees meer

    The lawsuit has been filed by 29 US states, representing more than two thirds of the country's population. This is the largest of a number of lawsuits against Meta relating to child safety.

    This trial may require a payout of $200 billion in damages from Meta if they lose the case and the court could also force the company to make changes to its products.

    Meta denies the allegations saying that it removes child accounts and that it is taking steps to improve teenagers' wellbeing on their platforms.

    Learn more about this story with Becca and Phil. For more language learning tips head to bbclearningenglish.com. For subtitles and a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260819

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  11. Europe's first solar eclipse since 1999

    12 augustus 2026 · 9 min

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    Many parts of Europe will experience a solar eclipse, when the Moon blocks the light from the Sun, on Wednesday evening. It will be the first in Europe since 1999. Lees meer

    Total eclipses are rare events but in the next few years, there will be a few. Following this summer's eclipse there will be a total eclipse in Egypt next August, and a third in Australia and New Zealand in July 2028.

    Looking directly at the Sun can damage your eyes, even during an eclipse. You can wear special eclipse glasses which block out most of the light so you can look at the Sun safely.

    Learn more about this story with Georgie and Becca.

    For more language learning tips head to bbclearningenglish.com. For subtitles and a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260812

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  12. Ceuta migrant crisis

    5 augustus 2026 · 8 min

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    Around 60,000 migrants swam around the border from Morocco into Ceuta, part of Spain. Lees meer

    Spanish officials said almost all those who reached the enclave have now returned, but at least 72 migrants died attempting the journey. Many EU leaders called for an urgent meeting, asking for the end of policies that could encourage illegal migration.

    But Spain says the problems in Ceuta are not caused by its immigration policies, and that Ceuta is not part of mainland Spain, so there was never a security threat to other EU countries.

    Learn English about this story with Pippa and Georgie.

    For more language learning tips head to bbclearningenglish.com. For a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260805

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  13. The end of PlayStation discs

    30 juli 2026 · 8 min

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    New PlayStation games will no longer be released on discs from January 2028, the gaming giant has announced. It’s owner Sony said that games will still be able to be bought in shops, but they would come with a digital code. There has been criticism of the announcement from some gamers online. But Sony says it has to adapt to consumer trends and a growing preference for digital downloads over physical discs. Learn English from the headlines about this story with Pippa and Georgie. Lees meer

    For a worksheet for this episode head to https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260729

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  14. Do people trust the news?

    22 juli 2026 · 8 min

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    Trust in news around the world is the lowest it's ever been since annual reports began in 2015. Lees meer

    The 2026 Digital News Report, published by the Reuters Institute suggests that public trust in the news it at 27%, three points down from last year.

    For the first time, social media and video networks are, on average, more popular than both TV and news websites and apps as sources of news. The use of AI chatbots for news is also growing quickly.

    Learn English from the headlines about this new study.

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260722

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

  15. Is coffee good for your brain?

    15 juli 2026 · 8 min

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    New studies suggest that coffee can help our brain in many ways - one of which is preventing memory diseases such as dementia. Learn English from headlines about this new research. Lees meer

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260715

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    If learning English from the news is useful for your studies, you should check out 'The Listening Room' - BBC news reports with exam-style questions to help you with your listening skills: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

  16. Taylor Swift wedding

    8 juli 2026 · 8 min

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    Taylor Swift has married American football player Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lees meer

    Hear about this news story in simpler English and learn interesting vocabulary from the news headlines.

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260708

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    If learning English from the news is useful for your studies, you should check out 'The Listening Room' - BBC news reports with exam-style questions to help you with your listening skills: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

  17. Venezuela earthquakes: Search for survivors continues

    1 juli 2026 · 8 min

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    The search for survivors continues after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela. Lees meer

    Hear about this news story in simpler English and learn interesting vocabulary from the news headlines.

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260701

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    If learning English from the news is useful for your studies, you should check out 'The Listening Room' - BBC news reports with exam-style questions to help you with your listening skills: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

  18. Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister

    24 juni 2026 · 8 min

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    UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned. It's likely former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will replace him. Lees meer

    Hear about this news story in simpler English and learn interesting vocabulary from the news headlines.

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260624

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    If you enjoy learning English from the news, you should check out 'The Listening Room' - BBC news reports with exam-style questions to help you with your listening skills: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

  19. US-Iran peace deal

    17 juni 2026 · 8 min

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    The US and Iran have agreed on an initial deal to end the war between their two countries. Hear about this news story in simpler English and learn interesting vocabulary from the news headlines. Lees meer

    Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260617

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https://www.bbc.co.uk/send/u178220599

    If you enjoy learning English from the news, you should check out 'The Listening Room' - BBC news reports with exam-style questions to help you with your listening skills: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the_listening_room

  20. World Cup excitement and concern

    10 juni 2026 · 9 min

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    The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is the biggest ever. But concerns surrounding the cost of tickets, the impact of international politics and immigration policies, security, extreme heat and sustainability could also make it the most controversial ever. Learn English from the news headlines with Pippa and Georgie. Lees meer

    Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260610.

    We have lots of programmes on the topic of sport to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/sport_and_exercise. Maybe you want to practise some other skills? Have a look at our skills page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

  21. El Niño: What to expect

    3 juni 2026 · 9 min

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    The World Meteorological Organization said this El Niño is likely to strengthen over the rest of 2026, driving more extreme weather around much of the globe. El Niño is the name for a natural climate event where sea water temperatures rise in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. It creates unusually hot and stormy weather. Several forecasts from national weather agencies suggest it could end up as one of the strongest ever recorded – a possible so-called ‘super’ El Niño. Lees meer

    Learn about this story and learn some vocabulary from the headlines with Phil and Georgie.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260603.

    We have lots of programmes on the topic of the environment to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/topics/environment

    Maybe you want to practise some other skills? Have a look at our skills page: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

  22. Is social media 'the new smoking'?

    27 mei 2026 · 10 min

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    A group of senior doctors in the UK compare the harms of social media to smoking, not because it has the same physical health impacts, but because they believe it’s an important health issue that people need to take seriously. Lees meer

    Learn about this story and learn some vocabulary from the headlines with Pippa and Georgie.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260527.

    We have lots of programmes ton the topic of technology to help you improve your English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/topics/technology

  23. Deadly Ebola virus spreads

    20 mei 2026 · 9 min

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    An Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo was announced by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. Ebola is a serious disease caused by a virus caught from wild animals and is usually found in certain parts of Africa. It spreads from person to person when you come in to contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, urine and vomit. Lees meer

    Officials in Uganda reported that the deadly disease had spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The total ⁠number of suspected cases means that this outbreak is already one of the largest on record

    Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260520

    Develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills on our website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/skills

  24. Hantavirus ship evacuated

    13 mei 2026 · 8 min

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    All passengers have now left the Dutch cruise ship, MV Hondius after a voyage that lead to the death of three passengers from hantavirus. The virus is usually found in rats. One passenger is thought to have caught the virus while birdwatching in Ushuaia, Argentina, where the ship's journey began. Lees meer

    Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you've learnt: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260513

    Navigate BBC Learning English content by level on our website. Find the 'easy', 'medium' and 'hard' buttons here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/

    Try our series 'Our World in English' - BBC documentaries, made easier for you: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/our-world-in-english

  25. Iran war puts global food production at risk, says fertiliser boss

    6 mei 2026 · 9 min

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    Global food production is being threatened by an interruption to the supply of fertiliser, according to the boss of one of the world's biggest fertiliser producers. Fertiliser is something that farmers put on fields to help plants grow. Lees meer

    When the United States and Israel struck Iran on 28 February, the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow waterway between Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, effectively shut down. About one-third of the world's fertiliser trade normally passes through the strait.

    Less fertiliser means less food is grown, and if there is less food available, then prices rise.

    The UN World Food Programme estimates that the Middle East conflict could cause 45 million additional people to experience severe hunger in 2026.

    Learn about the news in a level of English you can understand with Neil and Georgie.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260506 Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  26. Trump shooting attempt

    29 april 2026 · 9 min

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    An attempt to shoot US President Donald Trump took place at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' dinner. This dinner happens every year and political journalists are invited. Lees meer

    Alongside Trump, Frist Lady Melania Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other White House officials were rushed from the hotel ballroom after gunfire was heard.

    There have been two previous unsuccessful attempts to kill President Trump. Both of these happened while he was campaigning for election in 2024.

    Learn about the news in a level of English you can understand with Becca and Pippa. Get a free worksheet for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260429

    Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  27. Mass shooting at Mexican pyramids

    22 april 2026 · 8 min

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    A lone gunman attacked tourists at Mexico's historic Teotihuacan pyramids. One person was killed and at least 13 people were injured. Lees meer

    The shooter then killed himself. Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

    The attacker has been named as 27-year-old Julio Cesar Jasso Ramirez.

    On 20th April 1999, 13 people were killed in an attack at Columbine High School in Colorado. It has been suggested that Ramirez was inspired by this attack.

    Learn about the news in a level of English you can understand with Becca and Phil.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260422 Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  28. Hungary election landslide

    15 april 2026 · 9 min

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    Péter Magyar has won a historic victory in Hungary's elections, bringing to an end Viktor Orbán's 16 years in power. Orban had been a close partner of US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Whereas Magyar wants a better relationship with the rest of the EU and Ukraine. Lees meer

    Almost 80% of people who could, turned out to vote, which broke records. Magyar’s Tisza party has won a huge majority, which will allow him to change both Orbán's increasingly unpopular domestic policies and Hungary’s global relationships.

    Learn about the news in a level of English you can understand with Georgie and Phil.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode here:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260415

    Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  29. Artemis II takes humans further from Earth than ever before

    8 april 2026 · 8 min

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    Astronauts on the Nasa spacecraft Artemis II are on their way back to Earth after travelling around the Moon. Lees meer

    The spacecraft broke the record for the furthest distance humans have travelled into space, reaching 406,771km away from the Earth.

    While the crew did not land on the Moon, this is the first time humans have travelled to the Moon since 1972.

    Learn about the news in a level of English you can understand with Georgie and Pippa.

    Get a free worksheet for this episode here:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260408

    Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  30. US Court: YouTube and Meta built addictive platforms

    1 april 2026 · 8 min

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    Meta and YouTube have been found legally responsible for creating addictive platforms. Meta is the company that owns Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp. Lees meer

    Kaley, known only by her first name, started the lawsuit against Meta and YouTube in Los Angeles in the US, claiming that they had negatively impacted her mental health. She received $6m in damages.

    Meta argued that it’s worked over the years to fight these problems and promoted safe experiences for young people. However, a separate trial in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $375m for misleading people about the child safety of their platforms.

    Learn about the news in language you can understand with Georgie and Becca. Get a free worksheet for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260401

    Learn about all our podcasts here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/podcasts

  31. Our World in English: Fighting child marriage through football

    27 maart 2026 · 14 min

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    Though illegal, child marriage is widely practiced in India. UNICEF’s latest estimate is that 216 million girls and women in India today have been married before they turned 18. But some girls and young women are trying to resist the practice. In this short documentary, we meet Munna, who found an unusual way out of becoming a child bride - through playing football. Lees meer

    This episode of is based on the documentary India's sportswomen playing to be seen from Assignment on the BBC World Service. The original programme was reported by Divya Arya and produced by John Murphy.

    Find the original programme here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct6rcv

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  32. Earth ‘pushed beyond its limit’ UN warns

    25 maart 2026 · 9 min

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    The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization, part of the UN, shows concerning statistics around climate change. Learn about the news in language you can understand with Phil and Becca. Lees meer

    Get a free worksheet for this episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260325

    Try 6 Minute English here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english

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  33. Cuba protests: millions without power

    18 maart 2026 · 9 min

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    Cuba was receiving a third of its oil from Venezuela until a US operation removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in January. No fuel had entered the country in three months and the capital, Havana, has seen blackouts of up to 15 hours a day. Lees meer

    Protests in Cuba come as a reaction to electricity blackouts and shortages of food, fuel and medicine, which have been worsened by a US blockade on oil. This has affected hospitals, public transport, education, rubbish collection and heavily impacted Cuba’s economy.

    It’s been reported that the protest began peacefully but grew more destructive as people started throwing rocks and starting fires. Five people have been arrested in the central city of Moron over the weekend after destroying Communist office buildings.

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260318

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  34. Global impact of US-Israel war with Iran

    11 maart 2026 · 9 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    The US-Israel war with Iran continues. The US military says it has "eliminated" 16 Iranian mine-laying ships in the area. Lees meer

    Iran continues its strikes across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. People in Tehran have told BBC News Persian about heavy strikes and powercuts. Meanwhile, three commercial ships have been damaged by "unknown projectiles" in the area.

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260311

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  35. US-Israel war with Iran

    4 maart 2026 · 7 min

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    The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, at least 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran, says a human rights organisation based in the US. Lees meer

    The US and Israel are continuing to carry out air strikes in Iran, and Iran has responded by firing missiles at Israel and other countries in the region with links to the US. Iran has hit military targets, but it has also hit airports and other civilian sites like luxury hotels and shopping malls.

    The lack of detail in US President Donald Trump’s plan has been criticised by politicians in the US congress.

    Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260304

    Try Our World in English - BBC documentaries adapted in simple English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/our-world-in-english

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  36. Violence after Mexican drug leader killed

    25 februari 2026 · 8 min

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    Nemesio Osegura Cervantes – known as 'El Mencho', head one the most important criminal organisations in Mexico, was killed by Mexican security forces on Sunday. Following his death, violence erupted across a number of Mexican states leading to the death of at least 74 people and over 9,500 troops have been deployed across the country in response to the violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that normality has returned, but several foreign governments are still warning against travel to some states. Lees meer

    Find a transcript and worksheet at:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260225

    Try Our World in English - BBC documentaries adapted in simple English:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/our-world-in-english

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  37. Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny with frog toxin, UK says

    18 februari 2026 · 9 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Learn language from the news headlines about this story. Two years after opposition politician Alexei Navalny died, European scientists have tested samples from his body. They say they believe he was killed by a poison found in frogs. Russia denies it killed Navalny and says he died of natural causes, but UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said there was no innocent explanation for the poison being found on Navalny’s body. Lees meer

    Find a transcript and worksheet at:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260218

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  38. Our World in English: The battle for the cowboy way of life

    13 februari 2026 · 13 min

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    People in Montana, US worry that they will lose the land the makes the place special. Lees meer

    Nearly half of all the land in the American west is owned by the federal government. Some people want to change that and sell the land to build houses and businesses.

    But in Montana, a western state known for wide open spaces and cowboys, lots of people rely on the government land. They worry that their cowboy way of life is under threat.

    In this short documentary, we meet Brud Smith, who owns a farm in Montana, and hear about how the place is changing.

    Transcript and vocabulary:
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/our-world-in-english/260213

    This programme is based on the documentary The real Yellowstone: A battle for the cowboy way of life from Assignment on the BBC World Service. The original programme was reported by Ellie House and produced by Josephine Casserly. Find more about Assignment here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsn0

  39. Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show

    11 februari 2026 · 8 min

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    The singer Bad Bunny has made history by performing the Super Bowl half-time show almost entirely in Spanish. The 14-minute set, which invited celebrities to dance alongside him, had only one line in English: “God Bless America.” Some people have praised the performance for its message of pride and love for his home country, Puerto Rico. But others have been critical of the show, calling it "un-American", and President Trump described the performance as "terrible." Lees meer

    Find a transcript and worksheet for this programme at https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260211

    If you want to learn English from music, watch and listen to our series: 'My Song, My Home' available on our website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/my-song-my-home

    Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters

  40. Women secretly filmed with new tech

    4 februari 2026 · 9 min

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    Men are secretly filming women on nights outs and then posting these videos online to make money in so-called 'walking tours' videos. Meanwhile, some women have been filmed without their consent by men using Meta glasses. These videos have then been posted online and attracted comments which the women have found offensive and upsetting. Lees meer

    For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com

    Find full subtitles for this episode at:

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260204

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    https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast

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  41. Doomsday Clock: Highest ever disaster risk

    28 januari 2026 · 9 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Experts have warned that the world is the closest it has ever been to disaster. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Lees meer

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260128

    Are you scared of speaking English?

    Listen to this episode of Beating Speaking Anxiety:
    ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast

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  42. Greenland: Trump clashes with allies

    21 januari 2026 · 9 min

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    US President Trump's latest comments about Greenland have led to criticism. For more great language tips and programmes visit bbclearningenglish.com Lees meer

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260121

    Are you scared of speaking English? Listen to this episode of Beating Speaking Anxiety:
    ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/beating_speaking_anxiety/making_mistakes-podcast

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  43. Iran protesters killed

    14 januari 2026 · 8 min

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    More than 2,400 people have been killed after a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, according to a US-backed rights group. Phil and Pippa discuss this story and the vocabulary in the headlines that will help you understand it. Lees meer

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260114

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room:
    ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room

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  44. US seizes Venezuelan president Maduro

    7 januari 2026 · 9 min

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    The US military attacked the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday and arrested its president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Lees meer

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260107

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    ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room

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  45. 2025: The year's big news stories

    31 december 2025 · 9 min

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    Neil and Pippa look at some of the biggest headlines from the year. Learn about this story and some useful vocabulary from the headlines. Lees meer

    Find full subtitles for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/251231

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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  46. Japan bans baby names like Pikachu and Kitty

    24 december 2025 · 8 min

    Beluister deze aflevering
    Japan changes the law to stop parents giving their children names considered strange. Learn about this story and some useful vocabulary from the headlines. Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/251224 Lees meer

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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  47. Australia teen social media ban

    17 december 2025 · 8 min

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    Australia's social media ban for under-16s has started. Lees meer

    Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/251217

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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  48. Our world in English: Love in a warzone

    15 december 2025 · 11 min

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    How far would you go for love? When Czech writer Adela falls in love with artist Konstantin Zhorkin, she moves to Kharkiv, in Ukraine, to be with him. Lees meer

    Kharkiv is just 30 kilometres from the Russian border and has been hit by some of the worst attacks of the war in Ukraine.

    In this short documentary, Adela tells her personal story of what life is like in Kharkiv as the war continues.

    Based on the BBC Eye documentary, Kharkiv: Love in a War Zone, first broadcast on 25th September 2025. The orginal programme was reported by Albina Kovalyova and produced by Louise Hidalgo.

    Find the full programme here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct82ky

    More from BBC Eye: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLz_B0PFGIn4fa8LK1lptsvoA_spfJhzda

    (Photo: Adela and Konstantin. Credit: Konstantin Zorkin)

    TRANSCRIPT
    Find a full transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/our-world-in-english/251215

  49. Syria: One year since Assad's fall

    10 december 2025 · 10 min

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    The 8th of December marked a year since Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was forced to leave the capital, Damascus. Lees meer

    Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/251210

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room
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    FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:
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  50. Deadly fires in Hong Kong investigated

    3 december 2025 · 9 min

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    Hong Kong leader orders investigation into deadly fires which killed at least 151 people Lees meer

    Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/251203

    Practise your reading skills with The Reading Room: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/the_reading_room

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