Learning English from the News
BBC Radio
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
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 8min
US Court: YouTube and Meta built addictive platforms
A court ruling that Meta and YouTube created addictive platforms and were held legally responsible. A lawsuit about mental health and large damages awarded to a young plaintiff. Company defenses and contrasting legal findings in other trials. Discussion of what 'found liable' means and how the decision could reshape social media and regulation.
Mar 27, 2026 • 14min
Our World in English: Fighting child marriage through football
A short documentary follows Munna and other young women who resist child marriage by playing football. It explores how sport creates new choices, public visibility, and community pushback over girls' roles. The story looks at grassroots projects, legal limits, ongoing pressures, and how coaching and education can open paths to independence.
Mar 25, 2026 • 9min
Earth ‘pushed beyond its limit’ UN warns
A clear rundown of a UN/WMO report warning that Earth’s climate is beyond historic limits. Short explanations of ocean heat storage versus atmospheric warming. Simple language lessons on the term energy imbalance and useful prefixes. A look at record-high climate indicators like CO2 and methane, and what flashing red warning signs mean.
Mar 18, 2026 • 9min
Cuba protests: millions without power
Mass protests and arrests follow prolonged blackouts and shortages that have crippled hospitals, transport and rubbish collection. The crisis is linked to lost oil shipments and an international blockade. Discussion includes damage to Communist offices, calls for investment from exiles, and vocabulary explanations tied to the unfolding events.
18 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 9min
Global impact of US-Israel war with Iran
Tense coverage of the US-Israel conflict with Iran and its ripple effects across the region. Reports on naval actions and damaged commercial ships in key shipping lanes. Discussion of how political statements moved oil prices and global costs. Notes on leadership changes in Iran and local reactions. Vocabulary focus explaining the phrase 'centre stage' in everyday use.
Mar 4, 2026 • 7min
US-Israel war with Iran
Coverage of strikes across the region and the reported death of Iran's supreme leader. Discussion of civilian casualties and attacks on airports, hotels and malls. Exploration of what 'sweeping assault' and 'bear the brunt' mean in news language. Consideration of leadership uncertainty in Iran and how the conflict could unfold.
6 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 8min
Violence after Mexican drug leader killed
Breaking news about the killing of a major Mexican drug leader and the large-scale military response. Discussion of how past policies may have enabled the operation. Examination of the cartel's role and its leader's influence. Accounts of violence, arson, jailbreaks and travel warnings that followed. Concerns about potential impacts on Mexico's 2026 World Cup matches.
Feb 18, 2026 • 9min
Russia killed opposition leader Alexei Navalny with frog toxin, UK says
A news story about tests linking Alexei Navalny's death to a toxin found in frogs. Discussion of scientific forensics and how labs like Porton Down are involved. Exploration of political fallout, possible sanctions and reputational damage. Short vocabulary lessons highlighting words used in the coverage.
Feb 13, 2026 • 13min
Our World in English: The battle for the cowboy way of life
A short documentary tour of a Montana ranch and the patchwork of private and federal land that shapes life there. The story covers grazing permits, a political plan to sell public land, and local fears that development will erase cowboy traditions. It also explores booming towns, wealthy newcomers, and families trying to keep ranching alive.
Feb 11, 2026 • 8min
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show
A mostly Spanish Super Bowl halftime set that made history and sparked a political backlash. Celebration of Puerto Rican culture with flags, stage design, and even an on-stage wedding. Discussion of media reviews, big career wins, and how showmanship outweighed direct politics.
