
Learning English from the News
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Latest episodes

Apr 3, 2024 • 6min
Israel protests
The podcast discusses anti-government protests in Israel calling for Netanyahu's resignation. They explore the concept of 'on show' and 'up against a wall' in the context of political divides. The analysis includes protests for Netanyahu's resignation and the idea of 'playing into someone's hands' like in a card game.

Mar 27, 2024 • 7min
Baltimore bridge collapse
A ship caused a bridge to collapse in Baltimore, USA, leaving six people missing. President Biden's commitment to rebuilding the Key Bridge is discussed. The podcast also explores the meaning of 'put something to the test' in various contexts.

Mar 20, 2024 • 6min
Putin claims election victory
Discussing Putin's fifth term victory with 87% of the vote, international reactions, protests, and criticism from Western leaders. Analyzing terms like 'outfox' and 'sham' in news headlines

Mar 13, 2024 • 6min
Haiti: Gang violence crisis
Exploring the resignation of Haiti's Prime Minister amidst violent gang unrest, with essential institutions under attack. Analyzing the metaphorical 'tighten grip' expression used to describe the escalating control of gangs in Haiti and its impact on the nation.

Mar 6, 2024 • 6min
France protects abortion
France's move to make abortion a constitutional right is discussed, highlighting autonomy over one's body and opposition from anti-abortion groups and the Catholic Church. The legal and metaphorical significance of enshrining abortion rights in France is explored, along with the nuanced use of 'lament' and 'follow its lead' in expressing sorrow and direction in various contexts.

Feb 28, 2024 • 6min
Sweden joins Nato
Exploring Sweden's historic decision to join NATO after centuries of neutrality, amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This chapter also delves into the emotional depth of the term 'farewell' and its significance in various contexts.

Feb 21, 2024 • 7min
Cyber hackers hacked
Authorities seized the website of ransomware cybercriminals Lockbit. Discussion on the impact of a successful operation targeting Lockbit. Exploring the concept of 'takedown' in cyber crime. FBI's control of dark web site operated by Lockbit. Exploring the meaning of 'infamous' in the context of dismantling cybercrime gang.

Feb 14, 2024 • 6min
Women working more since pandemic
Pandemic has led to men working fewer hours while women work more in the UK. Rise in full-time female employment. Concerns about negative impact on economy. Use of expressions like 'pick up the slack' and 'cut someone some slack'. Trend of falling working hours in the UK.

Feb 7, 2024 • 7min
Senegal's democratic crisis
Senegal's upcoming elections are postponed, causing a potential constitutional crisis. The hosts explain the meaning of 'looms' and discuss its usage. They also explore the expressions 'hangs by a thread' and 'baffled'.

Jan 31, 2024 • 7min
Elon Musk's brain chip
Entrepreneur Elon Musk, founder of Neuralink, discusses the recent breakthrough of successfully implanting a wireless chip in a human brain. The podcast explores the concept of brain chips, their potential advantages and concerns. It also covers the vocabulary associated with the story and delves into the functionality and implications of brain computer interfaces.