One of Australia’s most famous murder cases began with a quiet family lunch... and ended with three tragic deaths.

In today’s episode, we explore the case of Erin Patterson, the woman who served her guests a fatal mushroom meal.

Why did this lunch turn deadly? What evidence helped the jury decide? Let’s find out together.

VOCABULARY

1. in-laws (n)

2. pull out (phr v)

3. tamper with evidence (v phr)

4. forage (v)

5. tight-knit (adj)

SUBSCRIBE to learn new vocabulary every week!

FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdezzxnn7kjo

Oasis, the 90s band, are back! And their world tour is making headlines across five continents.

Using the news as inspiration, I introduce key expressions you'll be able to use again and again when talking about concerts and live events. Plus, I share a personal Oasis memory!

VOCABULARY

1. kick off (phr v)

2. sold out (phr adj)

3. take to the stage (idiom)

4. stage presence (n phr)

5. backing singer (n phr)

SUBSCRIBE to learn new vocabulary every week!

FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ypq1pv650o

Improve your English with real news stories with me, Karen.

This week, take a trip to Venice for the wedding of Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. In this episode, you’ll hear what happened, why some people didn’t like it, and learn useful English words/phrases to describe events and behaviour.

I’ll explain their meanings, and give you pronunciation tips.

VOCABULARY

1. staged (adj)

2. go off without a hitch (phr)

3. backlash (n)

4. beam (v)

5. tacky (adj)

SUBSCRIBE to learn new vocabulary every week!

FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx5g4vjz07o

Improve your English with real news stories with me, Karen.

This week, we’re talking about a new injection to help people lose weight. It’s going to be so popular that the UK has to limit who can get it!

I’ll introduce five useful words from the story, explain their meanings, and help you with pronunciation.

VOCABULARY

1. jab (n)

2. demand will outstrip supply (phr)

3. overburdened (adj)

4. over the counter (adj phr)

5. overweight (adj)

SUBSCRIBE to learn new vocabulary every week!

FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cglz4xyk7w9o

Improve your English with real news stories with me, Karen.

This week, we cover the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which happened just after take-off and caused many deaths.

I’ll introduce five useful words from the story, explain their meanings, and help you with pronunciation.

VOCABULARY

1. flicker (v)

2. glide (v)

3. slam into (phr v)

4. air traffic controller (n)

5. plunge to the ground (phr)

SUBSCRIBE to learn new vocabulary every week!

FREE TRANSCRIPT on my website

https://better-english-now.com/episodes/

NEWS ARTICLE on this story

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyzepxnd41o

Hi, I’m Karen, a teacher from England, and this is Learn English with the News.

In this short introduction, I explain how the podcast works and how it can help you build vocabulary, improve pronunciation and understand real English using current news stories.

You’ll discover practical language in context, with clear, simple explanations. Plus, you’ll hear authentic British pronunciation.

FREE TRANSCRIPT

https://better-english-now.com/transcripts/