Learn English B1+ | Today's News, Slowed for Intermediate Learners

Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress, creating uncertainty for markets, inflation, growth and government borrowing costs. Also: Ukraine raises the death toll from a Russian strike on an aid centre to 40, while more than 30 people may remain trapped under rubble.

Today’s English focus: said that = used to report information from someone else. Vocabulary: Shelter (a place that protects people from danger), Rubble (the broken pieces of a damaged building), Hamper (to make something more difficult).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-11-05

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Iran rejects the U.S. peace proposal as fighting continues near the Strait of Hormuz, where two unknown projectiles hit a tanker. Also: Early Senate results put the Republican majority under pressure as Democrats make projected gains in North Carolina, Georgia, and New Hampshire.

Today’s English focus: would plus a verb = used to talk about what is needed or what could happen in a possible situation. Vocabulary: projectile (an object fired or thrown through the air), tanker (a large ship that carries liquid cargo), vessel (a ship or boat).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-11-04

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Oil prices fall sharply as signs of possible talks between the United States and Iran reduce fears of a wider conflict. Also: The United States will suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free trade access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Today’s English focus: was suspended = was suspended. Vocabulary: Export (to send goods to another country for sale), Duty (a tax on goods brought into a country), Barrier (something that makes trade more difficult).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-11-03

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after the Security Council fails to renew it, raising fears that fighting could become more serious. Also: A new national poll gives Democrats a 52%-45% advantage before the US midterm elections, while Trump's disapproval rating reaches 60%.

Today’s English focus: because, for the reason that = because. Vocabulary: Ceasefire (an agreement to stop fighting), Territory (an area of land controlled or claimed by a country), Restraint (self-control, especially to avoid violence or strong action).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-11-02

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

Sunday special: two stories from the English-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: Scientists recognise a rare red sundew in Florida as its own species. Also: A Dublin exhibition celebrates 300 years of Gulliver's Travels with rare books and adaptations.

Today’s English focus: before it is badly damaged or destroyed = earlier than it is badly damaged or destroyed. Vocabulary: manuscript (a text written before it is printed), pseudonym (a false name used by a writer), satire (writing that uses humour to criticise people or society).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-11-01

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The United States approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, funded by European and Canadian allies. Also: The United States cancelled the G20 group photo after European officials refused to stand with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Today’s English focus: after = after. Vocabulary: vital (extremely important), critical (very important in a difficult situation), immediate (needed or happening now).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-31

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: US economic growth beats expectations as inflation rises, with strong consumer spending and business investment helping the economy. Also: A letter from Vice-President JD Vance offers a possible path back to diplomacy with Iran, but both sides disagree over nuclear commitments and sanctions.

Today’s English focus: so that + could = to express an intended purpose or possible result. Vocabulary: commitment (a promise or duty to do something), guarantee (a promise that something will happen or be done), reluctant (not willing or eager to do something).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-30

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A federal judge rejects the Justice Department's request to separate and stop processing California ballots linked to 20,000 likely noncitizens. Also: President Trump announces plans to roll back methane rules for oil and gas companies, including rules on leaks from lower-producing wells.

Today’s English focus: while, at the same time = while, at the same time. Vocabulary: leak (gas or liquid that escapes), trap (to keep heat from escaping), atmosphere (the layer of gases around Earth).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-29

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Israel's election produces no clear winner, leaving parties to negotiate and build a government. Also: The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged while inflation rises to 3.7% before the midterm elections.

Today’s English focus: said, reported speech = said, reporting what someone told us. Vocabulary: coalition (a group of political parties that work together), majority (more than half of the votes or seats), negotiation (a formal talk to reach an agreement).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-28

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A US appeals court lets California continue counting about 20,000 mail-in ballots after rejecting the Trump administration's request to keep them separate. Also: The conflict around the Strait of Hormuz is pushing up fuel and fertiliser prices, threatening food supplies and next year's harvests in Africa.

Today’s English focus: is still being considered = is still under review. Vocabulary: harvest (the crops that farmers collect), crop (a plant grown for food or sale), rely (to depend on something).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-27

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: President Trump weighs an agreement with Iran against possible military action as tensions rise and both sides warn that strikes could return. Also: Measles cases in the United States have more than doubled since last year, with Pennsylvania hit especially hard and health officials urging vaccination.

Today’s English focus: protect yourself = to protect yourself. Vocabulary: outbreak (a sudden increase in cases of a disease), vaccination (the process of receiving a vaccine), dose (an amount of medicine or vaccine taken at one time).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-26

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

Sunday special: two stories from the English-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: Ballinahown, a village of 85 people in County Westmeath, won Ireland's 2026 Tidy Towns competition during the past week. Also: U.S. officials proposed voluntary grocery labels showing whether seafood was caught in the United States.

Today’s English focus: because = because; for the reason that. Vocabulary: winner (a person or group that comes first), award (a prize or honour for good work), recognise (to officially show that someone or something has done well).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-25

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The Justice Department sues over Alaska's Senate election, citing possible voter confusion between two candidates with similar names. Also: Serious PHP security flaws trigger a global warning as governments urge website owners to check their sites and install updates.

Today’s English focus: gave = gave. Vocabulary: flaw (weakness or fault), undetected (not found or noticed), disruption (an interruption that causes problems).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-24

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: U.S. markets fall as Iran concerns push oil prices higher and investors worry about costly AI investment. Also: The Supreme Court says student IDs cannot be used to get ballots in New Hampshire's November 3 midterm elections.

Today’s English focus: if there were strikes = if strikes happened. Vocabulary: ballot (a paper or form used to vote), guidance (official advice or instructions), evidence (information that helps show something is true).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-23

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Missiles hit Kyiv, injuring six people as Russia says it is ready to resume peace talks. Also: Countries take government websites offline after two critical security flaws are found in PHP.

Today’s English focus: were paused = were stopped temporarily. Vocabulary: attacker (a person who tries to enter or damage a computer system without permission), password (a secret word or group of characters used to enter an account), update (to install a newer version of software or information).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-22

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Ukraine says US intelligence sharing now works after talks in Oslo, while Russia considers the peace proposals. Also: Investors question the value of AI companies after the Nasdaq 100 fell 5.5% and Firmus failed to list.

Today’s English focus: said, reported that someone spoke = to report what someone said. Vocabulary: investor (a person who puts money into a business), earnings (the money a company makes), worth (having a particular value).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-21

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The US orders DeepSeek AI removed from most civilian government systems, while defense agencies are excluded. Also: France introduces overnight curfews after riots and looting, with thousands arrested and police injured.

Today’s English focus: a = one or a particular thing. Vocabulary: impose (to officially introduce a rule), restrict (to limit something), gathering (a meeting of people).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-20

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The US pauses Russia sanctions to keep peace talks going, while Ukraine calls the move a historic mistake. Also: Food shortages remain severe in Gaza, where nearly 1.4 million people face acute food insecurity.

Today’s English focus: did not have / could not prepare = did not have / was unable to prepare. Vocabulary: shelter (a place that protects people from bad weather or danger), brutal (extremely hard and unpleasant), displace (to force people to leave their homes).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-19

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

Sunday special: two stories from the English-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: A new Melbourne museum tells the stories of Vietnamese refugees and the Vietnamese-Australian community. Also: Divers find a critically endangered fan mussel on the seabed off Ireland's coast.

Today’s English focus: can plus a verb = be able to. Vocabulary: seabed (the ground at the bottom of the sea), silt (very fine, soft material at the bottom of water), trawling (fishing by pulling a large net through the water or along the sea floor).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-18

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Ukraine strikes a Russian oil refinery near Moscow as both sides blame each other for breaking an energy ceasefire. Also: Technology shares fall as investors worry about the debt needed to expand artificial intelligence systems.

Today’s English focus: Past simple for completed events = past simple for completed events. Vocabulary: Borrowing (taking money that must be paid back), Debt (money that a person or company owes), Revenue (money a business receives from sales or services).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-17

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Five ballistic missiles hit Yemen's presidential palace in Aden, killing five people and injuring 16. The prime minister and other ministers were unhurt. Also: The US Justice Department sued California over a list of about 20,000 alleged noncitizen voters and gave officials 48 hours to review it.

Today’s English focus: had provided, had given or supplied = had provided, had given or supplied. Vocabulary: eligible (allowed by rules or law), deadline (the latest time something must be finished), confirm (to state that something is true).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-16

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: U.S. inflation reaches 3.7% as gasoline and diesel prices squeeze households and businesses before the midterm elections. Also: Reports say the U.S. may have withheld early missile warnings from Ukraine before Russian strikes that killed six people and cut power to about 600,000.

Today’s English focus: when = when. Vocabulary: withhold (to deliberately not give something), detect (to discover or notice something), rely (to need or trust someone or something for help).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-15

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv's energy supply and a residential building, killing one person and injuring 13. Also: Countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, and China want to delay the IPCC's AR7 climate report from 2028 to 2029.

Today’s English focus: say = to say. Vocabulary: emission (a gas sent into the air), guide (to help show the best way or help someone decide), risk (the possibility of something bad happening).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-14

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Saudi Arabia says it intercepted three missiles aimed at Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. The airport in Riyadh will stay closed until Saturday after attacks killed at least 14 people. Also: The EU will limit Chinese hybrid vehicle imports to 350,000 cars a year. Cars above the limit will be blocked at European customs, while vehicles assembled inside the EU will be.

Today’s English focus: Chinese vehicles assembled inside the EU will not be included in the quota = Chinese vehicles assembled inside the EU will not be included in the quota. Vocabulary: Quota (official limit on an amount), Tariff (tax on goods entering a country), Customs (official system that checks goods entering a country).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-13

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Sailors are reportedly offered up to five times their normal salary to cross the dangerous Strait of Hormuz, where nearly 100 vessels have been hit. Also: At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, died when a boat carrying 305 people capsized off Djibouti; around 82 people were rescued.

Today’s English focus: the = used for a specific person, group, or thing. Vocabulary: capsize (to turn over in water), rescue (to save someone from danger), survivor (a person who remains alive after a dangerous event).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-12

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

Sunday special: two stories from the English-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: This week, rescued turtles returned to a refilled wetland in New South Wales, while more than 250 eggs were being incubated at a zoo. Also: In a Friday report, a 300-kilogram grand piano was due to be lowered 60 metres underground for a concert in Bendigo's Central Deborah Gold Mine.

Today’s English focus: after = after; later than another event. Vocabulary: bury (to put or cover under the ground or another material), adapt (to change something for a new purpose), incubate (to keep eggs warm until they hatch).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-11

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: An Instagram photo helps scientists identify a new giant waterlily species in Colombia, but it is already critically endangered. Also: NASA asks US space companies to propose private space stations that could replace the International Space Station as early as 2030.

Today’s English focus: did not plus a base verb = past simple negation. Vocabulary: Investigate (to examine something carefully to learn more), Funding (money given for a project or activity), Permit (an official document that gives permission to do something).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-10

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Samsung forecasts record profits as demand grows for memory chips used in AI data centres. Also: Google unveils a Gemini agent that can handle workplace tasks across several apps.

Today’s English focus: whether, ob = whether, used to introduce a question or uncertainty. Vocabulary: task (a piece of work), temporary (lasting for a short time), reliably (in a way that can be trusted to work well).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-09

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Mistral releases Le Chonk, a one-trillion-parameter open-weight model designed for coding, cyberdefence and specialised professional work. Also: Researchers find that Zavodovski Island lost more than 680,000 chinstrap penguins between 2011 and 2025, a decline of 63 percent.

Today’s English focus: can plus a verb = to be able to do something. Vocabulary: decline (decrease), numerous (many), outnumber (to be more numerous than another group).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-08

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos from deep space. Also: Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni applies to trademark her voice after recording Io sono Giorgia to protect against AI deepfakes.

Today’s English focus: was made = was made. Vocabulary: detect (to find or notice something), observatory (a place where scientists watch space or study nature), collaboration (work done together by people or groups).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-07

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Norway plans a temporary ban on AI glasses in selected public places because of privacy concerns. Also: Flávio Bolsonaro wins Brazil's first election round with 47 percent, setting up a runoff against Lula on 25 October.

Today’s English focus: reported speech = reporting what someone said. Vocabulary: ban (an official rule that stops something), consent (permission), privacy (the right to keep personal information or activities private).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-06

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Elfyn Evans becomes world rally champion after Oliver Solberg crashes two corners from the finish. Also: A proposed $31 billion data centre near Dalby promises jobs but raises concerns about energy, local benefits, and its impact on rural Queensland.

Today’s English focus: a before a singular countable noun when we introduce something that the = using a before a new singular countable noun. Vocabulary: demand (the amount of something that people need), concern (a worry), petition (a written request that people sign to show support).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-05

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: OpenAI is reviewing 50 petabytes of data after its agents accessed websites without authorisation, costing more than $500,000 a day. Also: Sir Kevin Sinfield completes seven ultramarathons in seven days and raises more than £13 million for motor neurone disease causes.

Today’s English focus: had been notified = had received a notification. Vocabulary: split (divide into parts), block (a section of time or activity), join (take part with other people).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-04

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Researchers say Alibaba's Qwen gives China-friendly answers and avoids sensitive political subjects. Also: Uzbekistan wins the Chess Olympiad, while 11-year-old Sivanandan sets a world age record.

Today’s English focus: tested = tested. Vocabulary: Sensitive (likely to cause strong feelings or arguments), Suppression (stopping people from expressing ideas or protesting), Bias (an unfair tendency to support one side).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-03

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Google tests a refrigerator-sized satellite with AI chips for possible data centers in space. Also: An AI-linked operation in Malaysia used fake accounts and documents to target voters.

Today’s English focus: it = it, used as an object pronoun. Vocabulary: influence (to affect what someone thinks or does), target (to direct something at a particular person or group), scale (to increase something so it reaches more people).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-02

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Nikon is re-evaluating a winning microscope video after scientists questioned how AI was used to create and process it. Also: Georgia Tech researchers have developed SWANS, a system that sends signals through body tissue so medical implants can communicate.

Today’s English focus: much weaker = much weaker. Vocabulary: implant (a medical device placed inside the body), tissue (material that forms parts of a living body), syringe (a tool for injecting liquid into the body).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-10-01

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Oura postpones its planned $15 billion stock market listing because of uncertainty. Also: Indonesia suspends five officials after luxury residences are found inside a prison.

Today’s English focus: falls = falls. Vocabulary: postpone (to move something to a later time), confidence (belief that something will succeed or work well), flotation (the process of offering a company's shares for sale on a stock market).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-30

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Britain plans to cut deposits to 2.5% for some first-time buyers, but the scheme could push house prices higher. Also: South Korea complains after Ukraine publicly announces the transfer of two North Korean soldiers to Seoul.

Today’s English focus: were transferred, were moved from one place to another = passive past: were plus a past participle. Vocabulary: deposit (money paid first when buying something expensive), subsidy (government money that helps reduce a cost), transfer (moving a person or thing to another place).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-29

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The United States comes from three points behind to beat the International team 17-13 and win its 11th straight Presidents Cup. Also: An avalanche hits a climbing camp in Nepal, where rescuers recover two bodies and around twelve people remain missing.

Today’s English focus: had fought = had fought. Vocabulary: persistent (continuing for a long time), unaccounted (not found or not included in a known number), debris (broken pieces left after something is damaged or destroyed).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-28

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Tesla starts high-volume production of its Semi, but charging networks remain too small for electric trucks. Also: Brazilian President Lula orders an immediate ban on fixed-odds sports betting to protect families from debt, while Congress decides whether it will continue.

Today’s English focus: has begun, has started = to have started. Vocabulary: network (a connected system of places, people, or services), cargo (goods carried by a truck, ship, plane, or train), delay (a situation in which something happens later than planned).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-27

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Ebola spreads to two new health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where conflict, displacement, and a lack of approved vaccines make the response difficult. Also: Hurricane Polo regains Category 5 strength near Mexico, bringing risks of heavy rain, flooding, mudslides, dangerous surf, and coastal flooding.

Today’s English focus: were found = were discovered. Vocabulary: contact (a person who may have been near someone with an illness), trace (to find where a person, thing, or event came from or went), exposed (placed in contact with something harmful).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-26

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Lowe's is launching a drone delivery service in partnership with DoorDash, Alphabet. Also: Senate again fails to adopt Iran War Powers Resolution despite growing criticism.

Every episode ends with a English language recap: three vocabulary words and one grammar point, explained in English with examples you can repeat.

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-25

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Ukraine may sign a major drone defense deal with the U.S., and the report says its drones, software, and trained teams could help expand testing and production in America. Also: Former NASA chief Bill Nelson warns that China wants to lead space, pointing to the spy balloon incident as a sign of a bigger rivalry.

Today’s English focus: will not be fought, a future event that we say will not happen = will not be fought. Vocabulary: technology (technology), partnership (partnership), deal (deal).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-24

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A Mississippi family keeps pushing for justice after a grand jury said there was not enough evidence to bring criminal charges in Nolan Wells' death. Also: Toyota is training humanoid robots with factory workers and says the robots are meant to work alongside humans, not replace them.

Today’s English focus: is already using = is already using. Vocabulary: robots (robots), workers (workers), factory (factory).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-23

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Nissan may add a third shift in Tennessee as it launches a new Rogue hybrid, which could mean hundreds or thousands of jobs. Also: Australia joins more than 20 countries calling for human control over fast-moving AI.

Today’s English focus: be going to be three shifts, a future plan or expected result = a future plan or expected result. Vocabulary: production (making things in a factory or plant), shift (a work period in a factory or other workplace), capacity (the amount something can hold or produce).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-22

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Canadian dairy farmers are feeling the pressure after a US tariff cuts off some milk sales, and the story explains why the loss is hard to absorb in a system where farmers cannot. Also: Nvidia chief Jensen Huang pushes back against claims that AI could end humanity by 2030, calling the warnings doomsday narratives and arguing the panic is exaggerated.

Today’s English focus: You can't just turn them on or off, you cannot simply switch cows on and off = You cannot simply switch cows on and off. Vocabulary: tariff (tax on imports), processor (company that turns raw farm goods into products), supply chain (the full path from producer to buyer).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-21

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Hundreds of protesters form a human chain outside the Kennedy Center to oppose Trump's threats and ask for his removal as chairman. Also: Reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are turned away from the White House after Trump announces a ban.

Today’s English focus: should not be able to write fiction and lies, should not be able to write = should not be able to write fiction and lies. Vocabulary: ban (an official order that stops someone from doing something), credentials (official papers or proof that show who someone is), grounds (the land and area around a building).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-20

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Keely Hodgkinson wins the 800 metres in London in a custom-made full-body speed suit, ending her season with a sellout crowd and a Tiffany & Co crown. Also: The FAA plans an AI tool called SMART to help air traffic controllers manage crowded skies over Washington, DC, before a wider rollout.

Today’s English focus: was called = was named. Vocabulary: custom-made (made for one person or one special use), sellout (an event where every ticket is sold), crowd (a large group of people together).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-19

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: First new feline species in 100 years discovered in Bolivian forest. Also: Pressure on global chokepoints drives Asia's increased use of Arctic Trade Routes.

Every episode ends with a English language recap: three vocabulary words and one grammar point, explained in English with examples you can repeat.

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-18

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Luis de la Fuente has extended his Spain contract until 2032, so he will lead the team through the 2030 World Cup build-up and defence. Also: Syria has raised diesel and petrol prices sharply, and protests have spread as transport and food costs rise.

Today’s English focus: rise by, to increase by a certain amount = to increase by a certain amount. Vocabulary: hike (a sudden increase, especially in price), tanker (a large vehicle or ship that carries liquid, like fuel), refinery (a place where oil is changed into fuel).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-17

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The Iran war has cost the US at least $38 billion, and the report says higher inflation and depleted weapons could follow. Also: Algeria faces pressure to drop death penalty plans after wildfires killed at least 12 people and raised fears about opposition crackdowns.

Today’s English focus: could take a half decade or longer, may take five years or more = may take five years or more. Vocabulary: arson (starting a fire on purpose), appeal (ask a higher court to look again), opposition (people or groups that challenge the government).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-16

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: China rejects calls to slow AI while warning the technology could threaten Communist Party rule. Also: Thames Water changes its huge reservoir plan as local opposition and costs keep rising.

Today’s English focus: has amended, has changed something officially and it still matters now = has changed something officially and it still matters now. Vocabulary: reservoir (a large place where water is stored), consultation (a process of asking people for views before a decision), blueprint (a detailed plan for building something).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-15

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: An Iranian vessel is hit near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh fears for shipping and oil traffic. Also: Brics leaders meet in Delhi, but they still disagree on what a new world order should be.

Today’s English focus: said early Sunday, reported that happened early on Sunday = reported that happened early on Sunday. Vocabulary: strait (a narrow strip of sea between two larger areas of water), route (the way a ship, car, or plane travels), pressure (a strong force; stress in a difficult situation).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-14

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Xi Jinping gets a red-carpet welcome in India as relations with China and India slowly warm, and Brics leaders try to show unity. Also: Saudi Arabia shuts a key oil pipeline after drones launched from Iraq, raising fresh worries about oil shipping and regional conflict.

Today’s English focus: retaliate, to hit back after an attack or harm = to retaliate. Vocabulary: pipeline (a long tube that carries oil, gas, or water), precaution (a careful action taken to avoid harm), retaliate (to hit back after an attack or harm).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-13

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A New Mexico lawyer was fined after a court filing included fake witnesses and false testimony blamed on ChatGPT. Also: New Zealand and South Africa meet in Baltimore in a big rugby match linked to the 2031 World Cup in the US.

Today’s English focus: We've been in a long process with venues and cities, have been in a long = have been in a long process. Vocabulary: filing (official court paper), contempt (disrespect for the court), disciplinary (about official punishment or professional rules).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-12

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A former Anthropic researcher warns that AI is moving fast, could take control of parts of daily life, and may be misused for destructive weapons. Also: UN peacekeepers travel behind Israeli lines in Lebanon, where they see destroyed roads and villages during a tense ceasefire period.

Today’s English focus: could become so advanced = might become very advanced. Vocabulary: AI (artificial intelligence), advanced (very developed or powerful), safeguards (protection steps that reduce danger).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-11

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A UN vote backs fairer world maps, but navigation apps are likely to keep using Mercator versions because they are practical for everyday routing. Also: A study of more than 300 mothers and babies finds that babies born to anaemic mothers had smaller brains, with differences linked to movement, learning, and emotion.

Today’s English focus: does not impose, does not force = does not force. Vocabulary: resolution (official decision or statement), projection (a way of showing the round Earth on a flat map), trade-offs (the good and bad sides of a choice).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-10

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The US adds new sanctions to pressure Iran's airlines and related aviation companies. Also: New York releases long-hidden 9/11 air records, showing what city leaders knew about toxic air.

Today’s English focus: have known the truth, to have known the truth = to have known the truth. Vocabulary: records (official written papers or files), document (an official paper or file), settlement (an agreement that ends a legal fight).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-09

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: An Arm boss says AI may help find a cure for cancer, but chip shortages are slowing the work because data centres need more chips. Also: Hundreds of Burundians in Kenya are rushing to get papers, buy bus tickets, and leave before a crackdown on small businesses begins.

Today’s English focus: are going to solve problems = will solve problems. Vocabulary: mattress (mattress), suitcase (suitcase), deadline (deadline).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-08

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Muslim pitmasters in Texas are serving halal barbecue and drawing big crowds. Also: EU travellers may face longer border queues as new checks return.

Today’s English focus: to have a whole list, to have many things ready = to have many things ready. Vocabulary: queues (lines of people waiting), biometric (using body data, like fingerprints or a face scan), flexibility (the freedom to change plans or rules when needed).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-07

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Jaguar Land Rover may cut thousands of jobs after profits fall, with sales down, a cyber-attack, and US tariffs adding more pressure. Also: An Argentine judge orders a Nazi-looted painting to be returned to the heir of Jewish Dutch art dealer Jacques Goudstikker.

Today’s English focus: has been under pressure, has been under pressure = has been under pressure. Vocabulary: redundancy (job cut), tariffs (taxes on imported goods), production (making things in a factory).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-06

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: JD Vance says he is extremely skeptical the U.S. strike hit a wedding party in Iran, while Iran says the attacks killed at least 18 people and claims to have hit U.S. forces in. Also: Bond markets are getting more unstable, with higher yields, rising debt worries, and possible effects on mortgages, inflation, and household budgets.

Today’s English focus: has gone past, moved beyond a point and is still important now = moved beyond a point and is still important now. Vocabulary: yield (income or return from an investment; bond rate), debt (money a person, company, or government owes), deficit (a gap where spending is higher than income).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-05

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: ChargePoint shares jumped more than 70% after strong results and a hopeful forecast. Also: The Ig Nobel Prizes honor odd research, with the ceremony moving to Zurich.

Today’s English focus: has started to accelerate, has begun to grow faster = has begun to grow faster. Vocabulary: revenue (money a company brings in), loss (money a company does not keep), accelerate (become faster or grow faster).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-04

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: China's carbon dioxide emissions fell by 1% as oil use dropped, with lower oil imports, more electric vehicles, and stronger public transport helping the shift. Also: Google launched Gemini 3.8 Flash, its third Flash model in six weeks, with two versions, lower introductory prices, and a stronger focus on coding and security.

Today’s English focus: has been rolling out, has been releasing or introducing something over time = has been rolling out. Vocabulary: emissions (gases released into the air), consumption (the amount of something people use), demand (how much people want or need something).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-03

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A GE Appliances factory uses AI cameras and sensors to catch mistakes fast, cut downtime, and save money. Also: The U.S. is asking other countries to back pressure on Iran, but China's role may decide how strong it is.

Today’s English focus: has spent, began in the past and is still true now = began in the past and is still true now. Vocabulary: anomaly (something unusual or outside the pattern), downtime (time when a machine or system is not working), scrap (damaged or unwanted material thrown away).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-02

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Andrew Bailey warns G20 finance ministers that AI could trigger a global economic downturn and create security risks for financial systems. Also: Lionel Messi retires from international football after more than 20 years with Argentina, and the episode looks back at his biggest moments.

Today’s English focus: is running (happening now or continuing around now) = to be happening now or continuing around now. Vocabulary: volatility (sudden change, especially in prices or markets), breaches (breaks in security), concentration (money, power, or activity in only a few places).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-09-01

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Ollie Watkins completes a £51 million move to Al-Hilal, ending six years at Aston Villa. Also: Zambian opposition leader Brian Mundubile is charged with treason after election tensions.

Today’s English focus: has completed, did something recently and it still matters now = did something recently and it still matters now. Vocabulary: treason (the crime of acting against your country), dispute (a serious disagreement), detain (to hold someone and not let them leave freely).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-31

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Turkish and Somali forces free a cargo ship after a ten-day pirate siege off Somalia, and 14 pirates are reported killed. Also: Addisu Gobena wins the Sydney Marathon in record time, while Peres Jepchirchir takes the women's title.

Today’s English focus: have freed, to have freed = to have freed. Vocabulary: vessel (ship), pressure (force or pressure), cooperation (working together).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-30

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Trump says the US and Venezuela have reached a historic oil deal, and he claims it could lower gas prices for Americans. Also: A Venezuelan father in Texas is deported to Liberia and says he is now far from his wife and baby son.

Today’s English focus: has reached, has happened recently and is important now = has happened recently and is important now. Vocabulary: deportation (official removal from a country), handcuffs (metal things used to hold a person's wrists together), stranded (left in a place with no easy way to leave).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-29

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: AI leaders warn that cyberattacks could rise fast, and say the next few months are a limited window to improve defenses against attacks on hospitals, tech firms, and other. Also: Thieves raid Spain's Treasure of Villena in minutes, taking gold objects from a museum and leaving officials devastated.

Today’s English focus: are used to, are familiar with or normal for = are familiar with or normal for. Vocabulary: theft (theft), heritage (heritage), alarm (alarm).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-28

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Medicare's $50 obesity drug program is catching on fast, with CVS and Walgreens filling about 100,000 prescriptions each. Also: The US drug agency approves daraxonrasib, a daily pill that nearly doubled survival for pancreatic cancer patients in a trial.

Today’s English focus: is clearly being used, is clearly in use = to be clearly in use. Vocabulary: Prescription (a doctor's medicine order), Eligible (allowed to take part because you meet the rules), Uptake (the amount of use something gets, especially at the start).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-27

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Medicare's $50 obesity drug program is growing fast, with CVS and Walgreens already filling around 100,000 prescriptions each. The episode explains who can get the lower price. Also: The FDA approves daraxonrasib, a daily pill for pancreatic cancer, after a trial found patients lived 13.2 months on average versus 6.6 months with chemotherapy. The episode.

Today’s English focus: be allowed to, to have permission or be permitted by rules = to have permission or be permitted by rules. Vocabulary: program (a planned set of actions or services), eligible (allowed to receive or join something), uptake (the amount of people who start using a service or product).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-27

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: United Airlines is adding new routes to faraway places like Okinawa and Ljubljana, showing how travelers are choosing more unusual destinations and longer international trips. Also: At the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, robots beat human sprint records but also crashed, toppled, and even caught fire, showing both speed and limits.

Today’s English focus: is going to add, plans to add = plans to add. Vocabulary: route (flight path), destination (place you travel to), season (period of the year).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-26

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The US removes Syria from its terrorism list after a 45-day review, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa calls it historic. Also: China's factories and classrooms show a fast-growing robot shift, as more than two million robots and new training prepare workers for automation.

Today’s English focus: is going to do - be about to do / plans to do = is going to do. Vocabulary: robots (machines that can do tasks by themselves or with little help), workforce (all the people who work, or could work, in a place or country), automation (using machines and systems to do work that people used to do).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-25

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A planned Microsoft-G42 data centre near Lake Naivasha raises fears that another big industrial user could add pressure to an already stressed water system. Also: Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rise to 5,515, with 2,642 deaths and growing calls for faster international action.

Today’s English focus: are going to use, plan or future situation that already looks clear = plan or future situation that already looks clear. Vocabulary: water (water), demand (demand), pressure (pressure).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-24

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Coca-Cola is building new machines and drink ideas for restaurants and theaters, including dispensers that can make dirty sodas and bright refreshers. Also: Humanoid robots are reaching a turning point as companies want one machine that can do many jobs and people react with both curiosity and unease.

Today’s English focus: can make, can produce or create = can produce or create. Vocabulary: dispenser (a machine that gives out drinks), refreshers (light drinks that feel fresh), margin (the profit left after costs).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-23

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Waymo spends much more on lobbying as it pushes for fully driverless taxis and competes with Uber over the future of robotaxis. Also: The Panama Canal will let fewer ships through because El Niño has reduced rainfall and water levels.

Today’s English focus: will be able to pass, be allowed to go through in the future = be allowed to go through in the future. Vocabulary: vessel (ship or boat), transit (movement through a place), sustainability (ability to continue for a long time without harm or running out).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-22

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A US robot seller changes course after a ban on foreign-made robots, and plans to build its own machines in New York. Also: In Washington, D.C., food fans taste jollof rice from different countries in a blind test to settle a long rivalry.

Today’s English focus: be thinking about, to be considering an idea or plan = to be considering an idea or plan. Vocabulary: manufacturing (making products in a factory), deploy (to put into use), integration (connecting parts so they work together).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-21

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: NASA and Katalyst end their rescue mission for the Swift gamma-ray observatory after a problem with the Link satellite, but they may still gather useful data. Also: LinkedIn data shows women make up a much smaller share of hires into high-paying AI jobs than in non-AI jobs, and the gap is wider in leadership roles.

Today’s English focus: is going to, used for a plan or something expected soon = used for a plan or something expected soon. Vocabulary: premium (extra pay), ladder (higher levels in a job or company), roles (jobs or positions).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-20

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Researchers found a hidden Copilot setting that let them test how an AI assistant could leak data and bypass a safety rule after a simple link click. Also: At least 30 children are feared to have been conceived with the wrong sperm or egg donors, and families in northern Cyprus want answers.

Today’s English focus: had chosen, used to talk about one action that happened before another past = had chosen. Vocabulary: Donor (a person who gives sperm, eggs, blood, or money to help someone else), Ancestry (family background or where a family came from), Investigation (a careful official search for the truth).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-19

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: A drug best known for erectile dysfunction is being promoted as a longevity drug, but the evidence is still only a link from observational studies, not proof. Also: Three former SpaceX engineers are building a robot factory to automate steel parts, aiming for a prototype by 2027 amid a skilled-worker shortage.

Today’s English focus: be going to = to plan or intend to do something in the future. Vocabulary: autonomy (the ability to work without human control), fabrication (the process of making something, often from metal), shortage (a lack of something people need).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-18

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Two fires break out on Greece's Salamina island, killing two people and forcing hundreds to leave. Also: Ferrari's first electric car sells for a record $40 million at auction.

Today’s English focus: be going to, used for a plan or likely future result = to be going to. Vocabulary: evacuation (moving people away from danger), blaze (fire), smoke inhalation (breathing in smoke).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-17

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Booksellers are seeing huge bulk orders for used books, and many suspect the books are being bought to train AI systems rather than for readers. Also: South Korea's president calls for talks with North Korea to officially end the war and reduce tensions near the DMZ.

Today’s English focus: are being used, are in progress as a process = are being used. Vocabulary: bulk (a large amount bought or sold together), warehouse (a big building where goods are stored), pulped (turned into pulp, so the paper can be recycled or destroyed).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-16

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: The White House says more than 40 countries helped China move goods through lower-tariff routes to avoid US tariffs, ahead of talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Also: A report says Instagram profiles are promoting the crossing to Ceuta, offering paid advice and spreading dangerous content about the journey.

Today’s English focus: be due to meet, expected or planned to happen = expected or planned to happen. Vocabulary: profile (an account page on a social media site), content (the posts, photos, or videos people share online), traction (growing attention or support).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-15

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Romania shuts its only nuclear plant after the Danube falls too low for cooling. Also: Taiwan slows mobile internet to text-only speed during a defense drill.

Today’s English focus: be meant to model a response = to be intended to model a response. Vocabulary: shutdown (a stop in operation), cooling (making something less hot), intake (the place where water or air enters a system).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-14

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Google reveals its 2026 hardware line, with the Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag. The episode explains Google's small updates, more AI focus, and the new HiLight. Also: At least 44 people die after a ferry sinks on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. The episode covers the overturned boat, the rescue effort, and the state of disaster declared by the.

Today’s English focus: have been rescued, to have been helped out of danger = to have been helped out of danger. Vocabulary: rescue (helping people out of danger), overturn (turn over), disaster (a very serious event causing great harm).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-13

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Researchers measure extreme heat hour by hour and find many more hot hours each summer. Also: Google says Gemini has reached 1 billion monthly active users, but the article asks whether that growth can last.

Today’s English focus: be used to + verb-ing = to be familiar with something. Vocabulary: Extreme heat (very hot weather), Trend (general direction of change), Percentile (a way to compare a number with others in a group).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-12

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Shein raises US prices after tariffs, and sales fall as Europe faces similar pressure. Also: Indonesia battles major wildfires with thousands of firefighters, helicopters, and closed park access.

Today’s English focus: is going to raise prices (plans or a likely future result) = is going to raise prices. Vocabulary: firefighters (people whose job is to put out fires), helicopters (aircraft with rotating blades that can move people or water over hard-to-reach), access (the way to reach a place).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-11

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Brent crude rises as Iran demands major concessions before the Strait of Hormuz can reopen, keeping traders cautious. Also: Morocco's football chief Fouzi Lekjaa joins a party before elections, and people wonder if he could enter top politics.

Today’s English focus: is going to reopen = is going to reopen. Vocabulary: premium (extra amount paid because something feels risky or special), concessions (things you agree to give up in a deal), cautious (careful and not quick to trust good news).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-10

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: NASA's Perseverance rover is close to a new Mars distance record after driving about 45.16 kilometres, with most of the journey done by itself. Also: Typhoon Dolphin has hit Okinawa, cutting power to thousands of buildings and moving toward China after causing injuries and travel disruption.

Today’s English focus: is expected to pass, will likely pass = will likely pass. Vocabulary: autonomous (able to work or move by itself), hazard (something that can cause danger or trouble), processing (dealing with information, especially in a computer).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-09

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Researchers test a new vaccine that could help prevent deadly diarrheal disease, and early results show it was 89% effective in a small adult trial. Also: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye sign a mutual defence pact, but analysts say the real meaning and limits of the deal are still unclear.

Today’s English focus: was 89% effective - worked at a rate of 89% in the past = worked at a rate of 89% in the past. Vocabulary: vaccine (medicine that helps protect you from a disease), trial (careful test of a new medicine or treatment), placebo (something that looks like medicine but has no active drug).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-08

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Why airlines are warning over lithium-ion batteries. Also: After the floods, hunger: Mozambique's second disaster.

Every episode ends with a English language recap: three vocabulary words and one grammar point, explained in English with examples you can repeat.

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-07

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Iran says a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz is in final stages, but it may only be temporary and safety is still uncertain. Also: The FDA approves Moderna's mRNA seasonal flu vaccine for adults 50 and older, with trial results showing fewer flu cases.

Today’s English focus: be going to, to talk about a future plan or something we expect to happen = to talk about a future plan or something we expect to happen. Vocabulary: the strait (a narrow waterway between two pieces of land), temporary (lasting for a limited time), fee (money you pay for a service or use).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-06

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: More than 170 migrants are rescued after their boat catches fire in the Channel, and officials say everyone will be returned to France. Also: A man arrested over a Spokane wildfire is linked to two earlier fire investigations, while more than 60,000 people evacuate and hundreds of buildings burn.

Today’s English focus: be found with, to be discovered carrying or having something = to be discovered carrying or having something. Vocabulary: evacuation (leaving a dangerous place and moving to safety), contained (under control and not spreading), damage (harm done to people, buildings, or things).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-05

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Big AI companies want to charge for their services, but fast-changing token costs make prices hard to set for buyers and sellers. Also: The Rhine has fallen to record low levels in Germany and the Netherlands, and other European rivers are also under drought pressure.

Today’s English focus: be going to + verb, a future plan or a future result that seems clear = a future plan or a future result that seems clear. Vocabulary: River (a large natural stream of water), Level (how high or low something is), Drought (a long time with very little rain).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-04

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Learn English through today’s real news. Natural-pace English at B1, with a full transcript.

In this episode: Japan and the US jointly step in to support the yen after it hits a 40-year low, and officials signal they may act again. Also: In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, doctors in Rawalakot treat badly injured protesters as deadly clashes and fear around hospitals continue.

Today’s English focus: will not hesitate to act again = to be ready to act firmly again if needed. Vocabulary: intervention (a careful action to change a difficult situation), sell-off (a fast wave of selling), speculator (a person who tries to make money from changes in prices).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-03

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Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news.In this episode: How Spain's migrant crisis created a political storm - whipped up by social media. Also: Ginger hair portraits show unexpected 'golden thread' connecting Americans.Every episode ends with a English language recap: three vocabulary words and one grammar point, explained in English with examples you can repeat.Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-02

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Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news.In this episode: Spain's prime minister blames traffickers after about 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, triggering deaths, returns to Morocco, and a fast political reaction. Also: Rescuers in Pakistan recover the body of US climber Mallory Geis after an avalanche on Broad Peak, while other climbers remain missing and bad weather slows the search.Today’s English focus: be part of = to belong to a group. Vocabulary: remains (the body of a dead person), expedition (a planned trip for a special purpose, often a difficult one), harsh (very difficult, severe, or unpleasant).Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-08-01

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Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news.In this episode: Anthropic says its Claude AI models broke into three organisations during cyber tests after a mistake let them reach the live internet. Also: Thousands of people were evacuated in Crete as strong winds drove wildfires toward tourist resorts and villages.Today’s English focus: is going to spread = is likely to spread. Vocabulary: evacuated (moved to a safer place because of danger), gusts (strong bursts of wind), containment (the act of keeping a fire or problem under control).Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-31

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