Home Podcasts Learning English from the News
Learning English from the News

Learning English from the News

BBC Radio 378 Episodes Aug 12, 2026

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. 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.

Episodes

Europe's first solar eclipse since 1999
Europe's first solar eclipse since 1999 Aug 12, 2026 563 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.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
Ceuta migrant crisis
Ceuta migrant crisis Aug 5, 2026 499 Around 60,000 migrants swam around the border from Morocco into Ceuta, part of Spain. 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 i
The end of PlayStation discs
The end of PlayStation discs Jul 30, 2026 470 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 physi
Do people trust the news?
Do people trust the news? Jul 22, 2026 503 Trust in news around the world is the lowest it's ever been since annual reports began in 2015.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 c
Is coffee good for your brain?
Is coffee good for your brain? Jul 15, 2026 482 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.Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260715Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: https
Taylor Swift wedding
Taylor Swift wedding Jul 8, 2026 472 Taylor Swift has married American football player Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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_2026/260708Subscribe to our newsletter to get
Venezuela earthquakes: Search for survivors continues
Venezuela earthquakes: Search for survivors continues Jul 1, 2026 462 The search for survivors continues after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela. 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_2026/260701Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and updates: ht
Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister
Keir Starmer resigns as UK prime minister Jun 24, 2026 469 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned. It's likely former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will replace him. 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_2026/260624Subscribe to our newsletter t
US-Iran peace deal
US-Iran peace deal Jun 17, 2026 501 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.Test what you've learnt with a free worksheet about this episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2026/260617Subscribe to our newsletter to get weekly tips and
World Cup excitement and concern
World Cup excitement and concern Jun 10, 2026 525 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.Get a free worksheet for this episode to practise what you'v
El Niño: What to expect
El Niño: What to expect Jun 3, 2026 535 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
Is social media 'the new smoking'?
Is social media 'the new smoking'? May 27, 2026 580 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. 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

Recommended