News in Easy English - Learn English with World News
News in Easy English 5 episodes Nov 11, 2026
News in Easy English is a podcast for English learners that uses real news stories from around the world to build listening skills and vocabulary. Each episode presents short, simple news updates read slowly and clearly in British English, aimed at learners at A2 to B2 level. Topics include world events, technology, science, and culture. It is designed for ESL students, self-study learners, and anyone who wants to practise English regularly, with new episodes released every week.
Episodes
Who Hacked France’s Supermarket Fridges? - France Blames Iran | News in Easy English
In October, hackers took control of the fridges and freezers in around 700 French supermarkets, raising temperatures to 50°C and spoiling tonnes of food. Now France says Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were responsible, and it’s demanding sanctions. Find out how the attack happened, how France is responding, and why everyday technology is so vulnerable.This world news story is told in slow, clear Engl
A Rare Hummingbird Far from Home - A Surprise Visitor in Colorado | News in Easy English
A smart camera on a garden feeder in Colorado has recorded a Mexican violetear, a shimmering green-and-violet hummingbird that normally lives more than 1,000 miles to the south. If confirmed, it will be only the third ever seen in the state. Find out why these tiny birds sometimes travel so far, and how technology is helping birdwatchers.This gentle nature story is told in slow, clear English, so
Trump Offers a UFC Boss the White House Press Job | News in Easy English
President Trump has offered the job of White House press secretary to Dana White, the boss of the UFC fighting league, and even suggested bringing fighters along as assistants! But did Dana White say yes? Find out about this unusual job offer, why the White House needs a new spokesperson, and what happens next.This news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. You’ll lear
More Dads Taking Time Off for a New Baby - A Shift in America | News in Easy English
The United States has no national law guaranteeing paid leave for new parents, but in states that offer it, more and more fathers are taking time off to care for their babies. In California, men now make more claims for paid bonding leave than women. Find out what’s behind this change, and why many parents still don’t have paid leave at all.This story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy t
Protecting the Ocean Is Working - Good News from Madeira | News in Easy English
Nearly 200 scientists spent October studying the sea around Madeira’s Desertas Islands, and their first results show that marine protection really works. Fish are growing bigger, endangered monk seals are coming back, and the scientists discovered hidden coral gardens and underwater forests. Find out how they studied the ocean, and what Madeira plans next.This hopeful environment story is told in
The Real Sky Behind Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” - Scientists Find New Clues | News in Easy English
For more than a century, people believed the stars in Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” came mostly from his imagination. Now, scientists in South Korea say the painting may show a real group of stars he saw on the 22nd of July, 1889, which could mean it was painted a month later than art historians thought. Find out how these scientists became art detectives.This art and science story is told in slow
Democrats Win Both Houses of Congress - US Midterm Results | News in Easy English
In the 2026 US midterm elections, the Democrats won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, according to projections by major news organisations, in a result widely seen as a rejection of President Trump. Find out why voters turned against the Republicans, and what this means for America’s next two years.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow i
New Zealand’s Close Election - National vs Labour | News in Easy English
On Saturday 7 November, New Zealand holds a general election, and the polls show it’s neck and neck between Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s National Party and Chris Hipkins’ Labour Party. Find out how New Zealand’s voting system works, why coalitions are so common there, and why smaller parties could decide who wins.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easi
India’s Huge Fall in Extreme Poverty - What the World Bank Says | News in Easy English
A new World Bank report says extreme poverty in India fell from 27.1% in 2011 to just 2.6% in 2023, one of the fastest declines in the world. Find out why it happened, how many people have been lifted out of poverty, and what challenges still remain.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. You’ll learn useful English vocabulary such as extreme poverty, pov
How James Bond Inspired Mexico’s Day of the Dead Parade | News in Easy English
The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most beautiful traditions, a colourful celebration where families honour their loved ones who have died. But did you know that Mexico City’s famous Day of the Dead parade was inspired by a James Bond film? Find out how a scene from “Spectre” became a real parade, now in its tenth year.This culture story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow.
America’s Midterm Elections Explained - Why Tuesday the 3rd Matters | News in Easy English
On Tuesday 3 November, Americans vote in the midterm elections, choosing members of Congress halfway through President Trump’s term. Find out what the midterms are, how Congress works, what the opinion polls say, and why these elections could change American politics for the next two years.This world news explainer is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. You’ll learn useful En
The World’s Heaviest Pumpkin - The First Ever Over 3,000 Pounds | News in Easy English
Just in time for Halloween, Ron Wallace from Rhode Island has grown the heaviest pumpkin in history: 1,431.5 kilograms, or 3,156 pounds! It’s the first pumpkin ever to pass 3,000 pounds, and it broke a world record set just one week earlier by a British grower, who had given Ron some very useful advice. Find out how he did it.This fun, seasonal story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to
Get Paid to Walk a Robot Dog - San Francisco’s Strangest Job | News in Easy English
A tech start-up in San Francisco has offered people $20 an hour to walk its robot dogs through the city streets. But why do robots need humans to walk them? Find out how this unusual job is helping to train artificial intelligence, and why AI still finds the real world so difficult.This technology story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow. You’ll learn useful English vocabulary
Bear Trapped in a Car - A Wild Night in Alaska | News in Easy English
In Juneau, Alaska, a black bear climbed into a family’s unlocked car in the middle of the night, then got trapped when the door shut behind it. A neighbour heard the horn, and police used a rope to set the bear free, but the car’s interior was completely destroyed! Find out what happened, and why bears are so busy in autumn.This funny true story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to foll
Serbia’s Students Win the Election - From Protests to Parliament | News in Easy English
Two years ago, a tragedy at a train station in Serbia sparked huge student-led protests against corruption. Now, a movement of students, teachers and ordinary citizens has won the country’s election, ending more than 14 years of rule by Aleksandar Vučić’s party. Find out how this grassroots movement went from the streets to parliament.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you ca
The Tiny Snakes That Do Cartwheels - A Surprising Escape Trick | News in Easy English
Tiny dwarf reed snakes in Southeast Asia have an amazing way to escape danger: they curl into a loop and cartwheel across the ground, about four times faster than they can slither. Scientists in Japan have now filmed exactly how they do it. Find out how these snakes keep their heads steady while rolling, and what an old legend has to do with it.This nature and science story is told in slow, clear
The Clocks Go Back - Why Do We Change the Time Twice a Year? | News in Easy English
Last night, clocks across the UK and Europe went back one hour, bringing an extra hour in bed, lighter mornings and darker evenings. Find out what “spring forward, fall back” means, why this year’s change happened on the earliest possible date, and why some people want to stop changing the clocks altogether.This story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow. You’ll learn useful Engl
The 90-Seat Electric Plane - Can Batteries Power Passenger Flights? | News in Easy English
A Dutch start-up called Elysian is designing the E9X, a battery-powered plane for around 90 passengers that could fly more than 750 kilometres with no emissions in flight. A scale model has already flown, but can battery technology improve fast enough? Find out how the plane would work, and why some experts are still unsure.This science and technology story is told in slow, clear English, so you c
Storm Austen - 80 mph Winds Hit the UK and France | News in Easy English
Storm Austen, the first named storm of the autumn, has battered south-west England and northern France with powerful winds and heavy rain. Thousands of homes lost power, airports closed and trains were delayed. Find out what happened, why the storm became so strong, and the surprising good news it brought.This news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. You’ll learn use
UK Approves Jackdaw Gas Field - Energy Security vs Climate Change | News in Easy English
The UK government has given the go-ahead to the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, after years of legal battles. Supporters say it will help keep homes warm and reduce the UK’s need for imported gas. Environmental groups say it’s a step backwards for the climate. Find out what’s behind this difficult decision.This UK news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. You’ll l
Curfews and Troops - France and Italy Respond to Cost-of-Living Riots | News in Easy English
After protests about the rising cost of living turned violent in France and Italy, both governments are taking tough action. France has brought in night-time curfews and will send soldiers to help police this weekend, while Italy is sending 500 troops to Milan and introducing new laws. Find out what’s happening and why people are so angry.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so yo
Student Robot Solves 4×4 Rubik’s Cube in 9.8 Seconds - A New World Record? | News in Easy English
Four engineering students in New Zealand have built a robot that solved a 4×4 Rubik’s Cube in just 9.806 seconds. That’s more than four times faster than the previous robot record, and faster than the best human in the world. Find out how they did it on a small budget, and what happens next.This science and technology story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow. You’ll learn usefu
Alberta’s Referendum - Should It Stay in Canada? | News in Easy English
Voters in the Canadian province of Alberta are answering a big question: should Alberta stay in Canada, or start the legal process towards a binding vote on independence? Find out why some Albertans feel frustrated with the national government, why this is called “a referendum on a referendum”, and what happens next.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily.
Giant Ramesses II Statues Found in Egypt - A Villager’s Amazing Discovery | News in Easy English
A man working on his land in an Egyptian village found a stone covered in ancient writing, and it led archaeologists to the remains of two enormous statues of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. One head alone is 1.6 metres tall! Find out what the statues show and what experts hope to learn next.This history and culture story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow. Yo
France Protests - Anger Over the Cost of Living and Budget Cuts | News in Easy English
More than half a million people protested across France this weekend over rising prices and government plans to freeze pay, pensions and benefits to cut the country’s deficit. Most marches were peaceful, but riots broke out in some cities, and a historic town hall in Limoges was destroyed by fire. Find out why people are so angry, and what the government says.This world news story is told in slow,
UN Biodiversity Summit COP17 - “Stop Paying for Pollution,” Says UN Chief | News in Easy English
As the UN Biodiversity Conference, COP17, begins in Yerevan, Armenia, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has told governments to stop giving money to fossil fuels. Every year, around 500 billion dollars in government subsidies end up harming nature. Find out why this matters, and why changing it is so difficult.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily. Y
Brazil Cuts the Working Week to 40 Hours - No Pay Cut, Two Days Off | News in Easy English
Brazil’s Senate has approved a change to the constitution that cuts the maximum working week from 44 to 40 hours, with no cut in pay and at least two days off a week. The vote comes just days before Brazil’s presidential runoff, and it’s a big win for President Lula. Find out what the change means for millions of workers.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so it’s easy to follow.
Jonathan the 194-Year-Old Tortoise - Scientists Study His Secret to Long Life | News in Easy English
Jonathan, a giant tortoise living on the British island of St Helena, is 194 years old, making him the oldest known land animal in the world. Now scientists have studied his DNA and found that he seems to be ageing much more slowly than expected. Could his body hold clues about living a long life?This story is told in slow, clear English, so you can relax and follow along. You’ll learn useful Engl
Russia and Ukraine “Energy Ceasefire” – Trump’s Surprise Announcement | News in Easy English
US President Donald Trump has announced an “energy ceasefire” between Russia and Ukraine, meaning both sides should stop attacking power stations and oil refineries. But Ukraine’s president said he hadn’t heard about it, and Russia didn’t confirm it. Find out what the ceasefire means and why many people are unsure whether it will work.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you ca
The World's Loudest Birds? - Louder Than a Jackhammer | News in Easy English
Scientists have found two birds in Brazil that may be among the loudest in the world. The bare-throated bellbird and the red-legged seriema both call at over 120 decibels, louder than a jackhammer. Find out how scientists measured them, and why some birds are so much louder than others.This science story is told in slow, clear English, so it's easy to follow. You'll learn useful English vo
Real-Life Batman Chases a Handbag Thief | News in Easy English
On a night out in Norwich, England, a man dressed as Batman saw a woman's handbag being stolen and chased the thief with friends dressed as Poison Ivy and Mister Fantastic. It's a funny, feel-good story about everyday bravery, with a very British twist involving a roll of toilet paper.This news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can relax and enjoy it. You'll learn useful Eng
AI Renews Medicine Prescriptions - Utah Tests a US First | News in Easy English
The US state of Utah is testing a system that lets artificial intelligence renew prescriptions for long-term medicines, such as blood pressure tablets. Supporters say it could save time and money, especially in the countryside. Doctors in the state, however, are worried about safety and want it stopped.This news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow the debate easily. You'll
Did Dinosaurs Eat Seaweed? - Fossil Teeth Reveal a Surprise Diet | News in Easy English
A new study suggests that some dinosaurs living near the sea may have eaten seaweed. Scientists studied fossil teeth more than 100 million years old and found chemical clues that point to food from the ocean. It could help solve a long-standing puzzle about what dinosaurs really ate.This science news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can relax and follow along. You'll learn useful E
Judge Blocks Texas Border Wall - Construction Paused in Big Bend | News in Easy English
A federal judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from building a border wall in Texas's Big Bend region, home to one of America's most famous national parks. Find out why landowners, businesses and environmental groups opposed the wall, what the government says, and what happens next.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow every detail. You&#
Spain Calls a Snap Election - Housing Crisis Brings Early Vote | News in Easy English
Spain will hold an early general election on 29 November after parliament rejected the government's emergency housing plans. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hopes voters will give him more support, but with his party behind in the polls, it's a big risk. This story shows how rising rents and evictions are shaping politics in Europe.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you
Scientists Switch Brain Cells On with Light | News in Easy English
Three scientists have won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for optogenetics, a groundbreaking method that uses light to switch brain cells on and off. Find out how a tiny protein from algae changed the way scientists study the human brain, and why this discovery matters for understanding brain disorders.This world news story is told in slow, clear English, so you can follow it easily and learn Eng
John Lennon's Old NYC Home Sells for $70 Million | News in Easy English
A West Village townhouse once rented by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the early 1970s has been transformed into a massive six-storey New York mansion — and it just sold for over seventy million dollars, with one surprising original feature preserved from Lennon and Ono's time there.In this episode, we tell the story in slow, clear English, teaching useful vocabulary along the way, including &quo
French Students Protest School Budget Cuts | News in Easy English
Thousands of French high school students have been blockading schools and clashing with police, in protests over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and the government's new budget cuts. Hundreds of schools have closed, and around two thousand people have been detained.In this episode, we tell the story in slow, clear English, teaching useful vocabulary along the way, including "bl
Canada's $1.2 Billion Ocean Protection Plan | News in Easy English
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a $1.2 billion investment to protect the country's oceans, coastlines, and marine life — but the timing, just before a major pipeline decision, has sparked debate about whether it's enough.In this episode, we tell the story in slow, clear English, teaching useful vocabulary along the way, including "investment," "coastlin
US, Denmark & Greenland Sign Arctic Security Deal | News in Easy English
After months of tension over President Trump's threats to take control of Greenland, the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have signed a landmark security agreement — giving the US much greater military access to the Arctic island while Denmark and Greenland keep their sovereignty.In this episode, we tell the story in slow, clear English, teaching useful vocabulary along the way, including
SpaceX Starship Reaches Orbit for the First Time | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover a major space milestone: SpaceX's giant Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time, overcoming an engine failure at launch to successfully deploy new satellites before splashing down in the Pacific.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "orbit," "re
Rare Red Panda Cub Born at US Zoo - Public Gets to Choose Its Name | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover a heartwarming story: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo has welcomed its first-ever red panda cub, an important birth for this endangered species — and the public gets to vote on its name.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up - including "cub," "endangered species,"
SunZia - America's Biggest Ever Wind Energy Project Now Powers 1 Million Homes | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover SunZia, the largest renewable energy project in US history - a huge wind farm and transmission line now powering roughly a million American homes across New Mexico and Arizona.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "renewable energy," "transmission line," "infrastructure," "cap
Meet the Tilcayo - A Brand New Cat Species Discovered in Bolivia | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover a delightful science story: scientists have confirmed the tilcayo, a tiny spotted wild cat from Bolivia's cloud forests, as the first entirely new cat species discovered anywhere in the world in over a hundred years.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up - including "species,&
Google, OpenAI & Anthropic Launch AI Safety Body SAFA | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover a major announcement in the AI world: Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are teaming up to create SAFA, a new self-regulatory body to set safety standards for frontier AI — arriving after US government efforts to regulate AI stalled.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "f
Trump and Xi in Washington – US-China Trade Truce Extended to January | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover Chinese President Xi Jinping's high-profile visit to Washington, where Presidents Trump and Xi agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, even as tariffs and deeper tensions remain.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "summit," "truce," &quo
UN Chief's Final Speech - "Polluters Must Pay" for Climate Damage | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres's final speech to the General Assembly, where he delivered a blunt message to the world's biggest polluters: pay for the damage you've caused.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "Secretary-General," &qu
Trump's UN Speech - "Deal or Consequences" on Iran | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover President Trump's address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he laid out a stark choice on the Iran war: a deal, or much stronger military action.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including "General Assembly," "ultimatum," "blockade,"
Canada and the EU – Could Canada Become the EU's First "Associate Member"? | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we look at a surprising proposal from Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has invited Canada to become the EU's first-ever "associate member," as trade tensions grow between Canada and the United States.You'll hear the story told in slow, clear English, with useful vocabulary explained as it comes up — including &q
Air India Crash – Black Box Data Recovered | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we cover the tragic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad earlier this month. Investigators have now recovered data from the plane’s black boxes, which may help explain what went wrong.You’ll learn real English vocabulary during the episode, such as “black box,” “data extraction,” “cockpit voice recorder,” and “DNA sample” — all explained clearly as p
Trump Shares AI Image as Pope After Vatican Joke | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we talk about an AI-generated image showing US President Donald Trump dressed as the Pope.The image was shared online shortly after Trump joked, “I’d like to be pope,” following his visit to the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral.We explain what happened, why people are upset, and teach new vocabulary like “AI,” “papal attire,” and “disrespectful”. All in sl
Funeral of Pope Francis – 200,000 People Gather at Vatican | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we talk about the funeral of Pope Francis.Around 200,000 people came to St. Peter’s Square to honour the first Latin American pope.We explain the important events, who attended the ceremony, and where Francis will be buried — all in slow, clear English for English learners.🧠 Learn useful words like “funeral,” “delegation,” “sermon,” and “tomb.”🎧 Perfect for
Earthquake in Istanbul – Over 150 Injured After 6.2 Tremor | News in Easy English
In this episode of News in Easy English, we talk about a strong earthquake that hit Istanbul, Turkey.A 6.2-magnitude tremor shook the city, injured over 150 people, and caused buildings to shake. We explain what happened, how people reacted, and what the government is doing now: all in slow, clear English that’s perfect for English learners.🧠 Learn useful words like “earthquake,” “injured,” “epice
