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If you're looking for an intermediate English podcast, LanguaTalk is ideal for listening to news in slow English. It'll be perfect for you if you have a lower-intermediate level (B1), but can also help A2 and B2 learners. The podcast is free and you can find interactive transcripts on our cutting-edge software, Langua. We've created this podcast using AI.
Welcome to LanguaTalk news.Our first story comes from the United States where a group of scientists are embarking on a ground-breaking project. They are developing a new type of vaccine, specifically an mRNA vaccine, to combat all sorts of flu. The team at the National Institutes of Health is presently examining this vaccine in a phase one clinical trial. Early indications suggest this vaccine could trigger a strong immune response. This is encouraging as the vaccine could potentially shield people from many different flu strains. If the trial proves successful, it could revolutionize how we tackle the flu. The hope is that this vaccine could be ready for use within the next five to ten years.Moving onto European politics, in France, the anti-Islam party, Reconquete, has made a notable announcement. Its only European lawmaker will join a group known for its skepticism towards the European Union (EU). This group comprises Italy's Brothers of Italy party, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This move comes as far-right parties in Europe aim to unite more strongly ahead of the June elections. Current polls suggest the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, which includes parties from Poland, Spain, and Finland, might surpass French President Emmanuel Macron's Renew Europe party. Reconquete's co-chair, Marion Marechal, asserts the party aligns with the group's political beliefs. These include the protection of nations' identities and economic freedoms. Hungarian leader, Viktor Orban, has also hinted that his party might join the group, but not before the June elections. However, his possible inclusion could present challenges for Giorgia Meloni, who has attained prominence as a European leader.In more news from the United States, we learn that President Joe Biden will not face charges for allegedly removing classified documents when he left the vice presidency in twenty seventeen. This decision came after a fifteen-month investigation by Special Counsel Robert Hur. Hur characterized Biden as a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory," a claim that Biden strongly contested, insisting his "memory was fine." This development ensures that Biden, unlike his potential twenty twenty-four presidential rival Donald Trump, will not face jail time for mishandling sensitive government documents. However, this situation poses an embarrassment for Biden as he attempts to persuade voters of his suitability for another four-year term. Trump, who is dealing with criminal prosecutions including one for handling classified documents, has argued that these prosecutions are politically biased. Biden's legal team counters that his memory lapses are normal for someone trying to remember events from years ago.In the art world, a painting by renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh has been unearthed in a private collection in Germany. The painting, titled "A Street Scene in Montmartre," has been out of public view for over a century. Sotheby's Auction House in Paris plans to showcase the painting in March before it goes under the hammer. The painting hails from a pivotal period in Van Gogh's life when he resided in Paris with his brother. It depicts a couple strolling in front of a windmill in the Montmartre district. A Sotheby's expert states that it's a significant painting as it exhibits Van Gogh's utilization of a new style. This style is more vibrant and colourful compared to his previous works. Experts anticipate the painting to fetch a high price due to its historical significance.In economic news, Nigeria's primary labor unions have issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, demanding wage increases and improved public services. The Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, which represent millions of workers including those in the dominant oil sector, have accused the government of failing to honor promises to mitigate the impact of reforms. These reforms, such as the abolition of a fuel subsidy and the lifting of currency trading restrictions, have triggered an increase in inflation and a high cost of living. These economic challenges, coupled with widespread insecurity, have adversely affected agricultural production, causing food prices to rise. The labor unions have threatened action if their demands are not met, although they have not specified what this action might be. This follows a one-day strike in November that concluded after government intervention. The state oil firm, NNPC, has announced it has no plans to hike petrol prices following a recent devaluation of the local currency. Meanwhile, in Niger state, orders have been issued to security agents to seize trucks transporting farm produce in an attempt to regulate escalating food costs.Our final story today is from China, where Bao Fan, the founder of China Renaissance Holdings, a boutique investment bank, has been mysteriously absent from view for a year. The company revealed last week that Bao resigned from his roles as executive director, chairman, and chief executive due to health reasons and family matters. Despite his absence, he still retains a stake of about forty-nine percent and has been involved in key decision-making. Bao's disappearance has been linked to an investigation by Chinese authorities, and it is believed he is still under detention. This mirrors the situations of other high-profile executives in China's finance industry who have vanished in recent years as a result of an anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. Since Bao's disappearance, the bank has lost a third of its staff, and at least one company has shown interest in acquiring China Renaissance's securities unit.Thanks for listening to LanguaTalk news!