Plain English

Today's story: The American vice president's primary function is to be available in case a president can't continue in office. Besides that, the VP is the ceremonial leader of the Senate, the upper house of the legislature. In the case of a tie vote in the Senate, the VP breaks the tie. With few formal duties, ""veeps"" try to have influence as advisors and to help where they can.

Learn this English expression: 'On the same page' means sharing the same understanding or working together in synch.

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/717

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: With just a month left until Election Day, the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is extremely close. Both candidates are focusing on their closing arguments, aiming to rally supporters and secure every possible vote. You'll get an in-depth look at the current state of the race and learn what to expect as the campaigns enter their final stretch.

Learn this English expression: The expression ""hand in hand"" refers to two things being closely connected or working together.

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/716

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: School shootings are sadly, tragically common in the United States. Now, prosecutors are bringing murder or manslaughter charges against parents of school shooters, even if the parents weren't directly involved in the crime. Some say that's justified; others say it's going too far. What do you think?

Learn this English expression: To 'take advantage' is to enjoy a benefit or treat someone unfairly for personal gain

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/715

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: The Birkin might be one of the coveted handbags in the world. Part of its appeal is its exclusivity: you can't just buy one in online or in a store. You have to build a relationship with a sales associate and spend thousands of dollars on other goods just to get one. So is it worth it?

Learn this English expression: To 'deal with' is to handle a challenge or talk about a subject

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/714

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: For a generation of Americans, the brand Abercrombie & Fitch was synonymous with overpriced, exclusive clothing for teenagers (and a highly sexualized staff and brand). It fell out of favor when the public mood turned against that kind of marketing. But against all odds, the company has turned its image around and is now a darling of the mall (and Wall Street).

Learn this English expression: Use 'take it easy' to talk about lowering the level of effort or intensity

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/713

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: Matthew Perry, the actor who played Chandler on the popular TV series 'Friends,' died of an overdose of ketamine in 2023. Last month, five people were arrested in connection with his death, including a drug dealer to the stars called the 'Ketamine Queen,' government documents show.

Learn this English expression: Use 'as far as I know' to say what you think, even if you're not completely sure

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/712

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: Neckties were adopted in France in the 1600s as a symbol of power and respect. For many, they were a required part of business dress during the boom in white-collar work in the 20th century, but men are increasingly leaving the tie at home, even if they wear suits. So, is the necktie dead?

Learn this English expression: A 'close call' is when something bad almost happens--but doesn't

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/711

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: Astronauts Suni Williams and Barry Wilmore left Earth on June 5, planning to be in space for eight days. But thrusters on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, so they have to return on another vehicle in February 2025, bringing their time on the International Space Station to eight months.

Learn this English expression: Use 'short run' and 'long run' to talk about times in the future

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/710

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: Generations ago, women went to seamstresses for custom-made clothes. But today, many women's fashion brands use standard sizing that distills the fit to just a single number. But even that can be misleading, as the size standards vary by brand (and even by year).

Learn this English expression: To be 'in touch' is to stay in contact with someone

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/709

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app

Today's story: Turkey's parliament recently passed a law aimed at removing millions of dogs living on the street. The law doesn't specifically require euthanasia. But many in Turkey are afraid this new law will nonetheless lead to mass killing of the dogs they've grown attached to.

Learn this English expression: Something that 'gets out of hand' becomes difficult to manage

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/708

--

Plain English helps you improve your English:

• Learn about the world and improve your English
• Clear, natural English at a speed you can understand
• New stories every week
• Learn even more at PlainEnglish.com

--

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app