B1 English News | France Bans Social Media for Under-15s

B1 English News | France Bans Social Media for Under-15s

Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news. In this episode: France has passed a law that will block social media for under-15s, with age checks for all users coming in stages. Also: A Michelin-starred restaurant owner in South Korea faces possible jail and a fine over ants used in desserts. Today’s English focus: be used for = to be for a purpose. Vocabulary: law (official rules people must follow), fine (money paid as a penalty), menu (the list of food and drinks in a restaurant). Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-22

B1 English News | US Strikes Iran Again as Tensions Rise

Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news. In this episode: Hamas names Khalil al-Hayya as its new overall leader after Yahya Sinwar was killed, and the episode explains why this change matters for the group's direction and peace talks. Also: The US carries out another round of strikes against Iran after American soldiers died, while Iran responds around the Strait of Hormuz and says diplomatic messages are still being. Today’s English focus: are being removed = are being taken away. Vocabulary: strike (attack), tanker (large ship carrying oil or other liquid cargo), crew (the people who work on a ship). Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-21

B1 English News | Ferry Sinks Off Guyana Coast

Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news. In this episode: A US health investigation hit a setback after a test on iceberg lettuce was found to be a false positive, while officials still do not know the exact source of the parasite. Also: A ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew sank off the coast of Guyana, with 67 people rescued so far and dozens still missing. Today’s English focus: have been rescued — to have been taken to safety = to have been taken to safety. Vocabulary: the search (the effort to look for missing people), rescued (taken to safety), missing (not found, or not known to be safe yet). Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-20

B1 English News | Six Tourist Deaths Leave Laos Without Answers

Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news. In this episode: Laos says it still cannot determine what caused six tourist deaths linked to methanol, and the case now centres on missing autopsies, limited forensic evidence, and charges. Also: German politician Jens Spahn resigns after criticism over having a child through surrogacy abroad, a move that clashed with Germany's ban and triggered debate inside his own party. Today’s English focus: is facing charges = is officially being dealt with in a legal case right now. Vocabulary: autopsies (medical examinations of bodies after death), forensic (connected with scientific work used in a legal investigation), distillery (a place where alcohol is made). Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-19

B1 English News | Trump Threatens Canada Tariffs Over Wildfire Smoke

Build stronger English listening with real-world B1 news. In this episode: Trump threatens new tariffs on Canada as wildfire smoke from hundreds of fires spreads into US cities. Also: China criticises the UK's move to bring British Steel into public hands and says it hurt Chinese investors' confidence. Today’s English focus: is being brought into public hands = is being brought into public hands. Vocabulary: Smoke (dirty air made by a fire), Tariff (a tax on goods from another country), Wildfire (a large fire that burns in open land or forest). Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabulary explanations, and extra learning materials: https://linguawire.com/episodes/english-b1-2026-07-18