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Today's story: The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. FIFA says it has received over 500 million ticket requests. So what do fans need to know if they want to attend a game? It probably depends on the type of game they want to see—there might even be some last-minute bargains. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/837Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/837--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at Plain

Learn the English expression, "turn in."Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/turn-in--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: The Hudson’s Bay Company started as a fur trading monopoly in British North America, thanks to a royal charter signed by King Charles II. It later became a retail empire with department stores across Canada. But after years of falling sales and intense competition from big-box and online retailers, the company shut down for good in 2025. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/835Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/835--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish.

Learn the English expression "fall for" (hint: it's not something you want to do!)Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/fall-for--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Southeast Asia has become the global hub of online scams, where scammers in massive compounds target workers around the world. China and the United States have begun pressuring governments in the region to shut down the scam compounds. But it's still not clear if these efforts will make a difference. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/833Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/833--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at Pl

Learn how to use the English expression, "get rid of". What things do you need to get rid of?Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/get-rid-of--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: LEDs have replaced older light sources in homes, offices, cars, and city streets. They are more efficient, longer-lasting, and more flexible. But unlike older lights, LEDs often give off cooler, bluer light. This shift in color temperature affects how our surroundings feel—and may even affect our sleep. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/831 Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/831--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial a

Learn what it means to have your work cut out for you (hint: it's not about cutting).Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/have-your-work-cut-out-for-you--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Wine has been part of daily human life for centuries, and today it's produced in 70 countries. But winemakers and vineyards are facing their biggest challenges in a generation. Droughts, fires, and rising temperatures threaten crops. And younger consumers drink less alcohol (and less wine specifically). Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/829Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/829--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at

Learn how to use the expression “keep your options open,” a phrase people use when they haven’t yet made a decision.Explore the full lesson & practice using today's expression: https://plainenglish.com/expressions/keep-your-options-open--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Labubu is a mischievous, rabbit-eared character created by illustrator Kasing Lung. Chinese toymaker Pop Mart has turned Labubu into a global toy craze, using gamified sales tactics and regularly releasing new collectible sets. Fans can’t get enough. They film themselves opening the famous “blind boxes,” take photos with their Labubus, and bid up the value of their favorites online. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/827Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/827--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, Fre

We're starting the new year right at Plain English, with a new learning path to help you learn the best English expressions.At PlainEnglish.com, we have a library of hundreds of lessons about common English expressions, from "figure out" to "make a difference" to "cater to."And now, it's easier than ever for you to learn the expressions that are best for you.If you're not yet a member, you can create an account now (it's free) at PlainEnglish.com/joinIf you are a member, the new learning paths have been activated on your dashboard. Check it out!

Revisit this classic lesson on cognitive switching from the Plain English archives: What is cognitive switching? It’s when you switch your attention from one task, or one type of task, to another. Cognitive switching could be robbing you of up to 40 percent of your daily productivity, and it may be increasing your potential to make mistakes.Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/lessons/cognitive-switching--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEng

Enjoy this episode from the Plain English archives (with a recent update for 2025): The San José, a Spanish treasure ship carrying gold, silver, and valuable jewelry, sank off the coast of Colombia in 1708. The shipwreck, and its treasure, have been untouched for over 300 years. Now, the government of Colombia is working to bring the treasure to the surface. But who is its rightful owner?Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/lessons/san-jose-treasure/ --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkis

Today's story: Classic stories are an important part of Christmas traditions for both kids and adults. They teach values of generosity, family, love, wonder, and belief. Here are five that stand the test of time: <em>The Snowman</em>, <em>The Polar Express</em>, <em>The Legend of the Poinsettia</em>, <em>A Christmas Carol</em>, and <em>How the Grinch Stole Christmas!</em>Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/826Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/826 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish

Today's story: Ted Danson stars in *Man on the Inside*, a warm, thoughtful comedy about a retired professor who becomes a private investigator. The show gently explores themes of aging, intergenerational relationships, and finding purpose later in life, all wrapped in a light mystery and comedic tone.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/825Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/825 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Though most Christmas trees are plastic, millions of families like to get live Christmas trees every year. Real trees are grown at special Christmas tree farms and they take many years (and twice-a-year trimming) to mature into the picture-perfect trees you see in family photos.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/824Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/824 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Scientists used to rely on stickers to track monarch butterfly migration—but that only showed where a butterfly started and ended. Now, a solar-powered device called the BluMorpho is helping researchers track each step of the journey, offering new insight into one of nature’s most complex migrations.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/823Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/823 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Today's story: Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of kilometers from across the U.S. and Canada to just a few mountain forests in central Mexico. They rely on the sun, the Earth’s magnetic field, and a unique multi-generational life cycle to complete the journey. But their numbers are falling due to habitat loss and climate change.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/822Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/822 --Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.com-- Mentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEngl

Today's story: The United States Mint struck its final penny in November 2025, ending a 232-year run of producing the one-cent coin. The decision followed years of debate over the coin’s value, as production costs exceeded its worth and demand declined. Pennies will remain legal tender, but new ones won’t be made.Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/821Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/821 --Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermed