The most famous date in British history is 1066, the Battle of Hastings. Now, the Bayeux Tapestry, which shows this battle, is returning to England for the first time. Learn some super-useful vocabulary with this story!

VOCABULARY

1. on loan to (prep phr)

2. on display at (prep phr)

3. override (v)

4. turning point (n phr)

5. lead up to (n phr)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://better-english-now.com/episodes

NEWS ARTICLE on this story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cev23vrzx0ro

Thousands of British and English flags have suddenly appeared all around the UK. Why? And why are some people offended? Find out in this episode, and also learn some useful advanced vocabulary.

VOCABULARY

1. gather pace (v phr)

2. Union Flag/Jack, St George’s Flag (n phr)

3. fly the flag (v phr)

4. tensions are running high (v phr)

5. cash-strapped (adj)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website: https://better-english-now.com/episodes

NEWS ARTICLE on this story:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c626vxyxgj6o

Learn all about King Charles. Discover what he’s really like in private and pick up useful vocabulary as you listen.

VOCABULARY

1. put up with (phr v)

2. not suffer fools gladly (idiom)

3. raise your voice (phr)

4. have a short temper (phr)

5. out of touch (phr)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2025/08/18/royal-butler-grant-harrold-charles-william-harry/

Trump says Coca-Cola will replace corn syrup with sugar. We look at what that means for health and farming... plus some useful everyday language.

VOCABULARY

1. fizzy (adj)

2. tweak (n)

3. beverage (n)

4. kick the habit (v phr)

5. leave a bitter aftertaste (v phr)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxe59zl8qzo

Two holidays are in danger in France! Why are they planning to cut them, and why is there strong opposition?

Pick up useful holiday vocabulary in clear, natural English.

VOCABULARY

1. bank holiday (n phr)

2. axe (v)

3. put the cat among the pigeons (idiom)

4. day off (n phr)

5. work–life balance (n phr)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crrq8epk7vjo

Today we’re talking politics! Across Europe, voters are turning away from the political centre... and the populist right is rising fast. Let’s look at what’s behind this shift and explore some vital political vocabulary on the way.

VOCABULARY

1. populist surge (n phr)

2. grassroots support (n phr)

3. protest vote (n phr)

4. mainstream parties (n phr)

5. centre-right/left, far-right/left (adj)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.dw.com/en/far-right-populists-eu-germany-afd/a-72888389

Learn hot-weather vocabulary through real news. This episode covers heatwaves, soaring temperatures and climate change for B1 to C1 English learners.

VOCABULARY

1. hit highs of (v phr)

2. close (adj)

3. suffer from/get heatstroke (v phr)

4. sweltering (adj)

5. balmy (adj)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmv8x74ky9o

One of Australia’s most famous murder cases began with a quiet family lunch... and ended with three tragic deaths.

In today’s episode, we explore the case of Erin Patterson, the woman who served her guests a fatal mushroom meal.

Why did this lunch turn deadly? What evidence helped the jury decide? Let’s find out together.

VOCABULARY

1. in-laws (n)

2. pull out (phr v)

3. tamper with evidence (v phr)

4. forage (v)

5. tight-knit (adj)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdezzxnn7kjo

Oasis, the 90s band, are back! And their world tour is making headlines across five continents.

Using the news as inspiration, I introduce key expressions you'll be able to use again and again when talking about concerts and live events. Plus, I share a personal Oasis memory!

VOCABULARY

1. kick off (phr v)

2. sold out (phr adj)

3. take to the stage (idiom)

4. stage presence (n phr)

5. backing singer (n phr)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ypq1pv650o

Improve your English with real news stories with me, Karen.

This week, take a trip to Venice for the wedding of Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. In this episode, you’ll hear what happened, why some people didn’t like it, and learn useful English words/phrases to describe events and behaviour.

I’ll explain their meanings, and give you pronunciation tips.

VOCABULARY

1. staged (adj)

2. go off without a hitch (phr)

3. backlash (n)

4. beam (v)

5. tacky (adj)

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FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx5g4vjz07o