New way to catch burglars: DNA in the air
Today's story: Burglars often leave no fingerprints or hair behind, but they may still leave traces of themselves floating in the air. What...
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Plain English Podcast | Learn English | Practice English with Current Events at the Right Speed for Learners
Learn English the fun way—by listening to a podcast in English! Plain English is a program that you can understand! Join Jeff twice a week for an American English podcast about current event...
Episodes
20 of 926 episodes
New women's record to solve a Rubik's cube
Today's story: Six-year-old Lian Yunzhi from China set a new Rubik’s cube world record with an average time of 4.27 seconds, breaking her ow...
Five more favorites from 900 episodes
Today's story: We continue our look back at 900 Plain English lessons with five more favorite topics. We revisit stories about airport chape...
Highlights from 900 Plain English stories
Today's story: This week, Plain English is celebrating its 900th episode. We've touched on stories big and small over the years, and this is...
France lends the Bayeux Tapestry to the British Museum
Today's story: The Bayeux Tapestry, a nearly 1,000-year-old embroidered account of the Norman Conquest, has traveled from France to the Brit...
America is united in opposition to data centers
Today's story: As artificial intelligence drives demand for more computing power, huge new data centers are being proposed across the United...
Dolly Parton was a great singer and a better person
Today's story: Dolly Parton, the country music singer, died at age 80. She rose from rural poverty to become one of the most celebrated musi...
Expression: Eat away at
Learn the English expression, "eat away at" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/eat-away-at -- P...
Postcards are fading into the past
Today's story: The first postcards were sold in the late 1800s and quickly became a popular way to communicate. In the days before social me...
Expression: Better off
Learn the English expression, "better off" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/better-off -- Pla...
Meet the lab-made SpudCell
Today's story: Scientists at the University of Minnesota built a synthetic cell entirely from non-living chemical ingredients. Called SpudCe...
Expression: Distance yourself
Learn what it means to "distance yourself" from someone or something Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/exp...
Europe’s new border system causes airport chaos
Today's story: Europe’s new Entry/Exit System replaces passport stamps with digital records and biometric checks. But its rollout during pea...
Expression: On hand
Learn what it means to have something "on hand" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/on-hand-2 --...
Frozen yogurt is making a comeback
Today's story: Greek-style frozen yogurt is becoming popular around the world, thanks to its tangy flavor, bright appearance, and colorful t...
Expression: Up to date
Learn what it means to keep something "up to date" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/up-to-dat...
E-bikes: just like bicycles, but a bit less effort
Today's story: E-bikes combine traditional cycling with battery-powered assistance, helping riders travel faster, climb hills, and cover lon...
Expression: Above and beyond
Learn what it means to go "above and beyond" Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/above-and-beyon...
Spain outlasts Argentina to win its second World Cup
Today's story: Spain won its second World Cup on the strength of its defense, allowing just one goal in the entire tournament. In the final...
Expression: Carry out
Learn what it means to "carry out" plans or wishes Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/carry-out...