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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 today comes from Ukraine, where recent attacks have resulted in the death of eighteen people and over one hundred thirty injuries. Russian missiles targeted the country's two largest cities, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. The Eastern city of Kharkiv was struck three times. There were also strikes on Kyiv and the southern region of Kherson. Over two hundred sites were hit, including one hundred thirty-nine homes. The majority of deaths occurred in a high-rise apartment building. Footage shared by emergency services show rescue teams working through the wreckage. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that their armed forces managed to destroy twenty-two of the forty-four missiles launched. Despite these attacks, the Kremlin maintains that the Russian military does not target civilians.
Moving onto Poland, President Andrzej Duda has pardoned two members of the former government, Mariusz Kaminski and his deputy Maciej Wasik. They were released from prison after being sentenced for abuse of power. The men claimed to be political prisoners, leading to large protests. In two thousand fifteen, Duda pardoned both men; however, this was deemed invalid by the Supreme Court. They were imprisoned again last December, but Duda began the pardoning process shortly after. Despite disagreement from the Justice Minister, the President's decision was final. The new Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has promised to undo some policies of the previous government and hold officials accountable for any wrongdoing.
In news from the United States, President Joe Biden's administration has urged the Supreme Court to reconsider a decision that could limit access to an abortion pill. The Justice Department is arguing for broad access to the pill, called mifepristone, which is used for medication abortions. Currently, the case is on hold while the Supreme Court reviews it. This case has significant implications for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which oversees the safety of food and drugs, including mifepristone. The FDA approved mifepristone in two thousand and has since labeled it safe and effective. A decision by the Supreme Court is expected by the end of June. This comes after the Supreme Court, with a conservative majority, ended its recognition of a constitutional right to abortion in two thousand twenty-two.
Down under in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in talks with lawmakers about changing planned tax cuts for high earners. This proposal might go against a previous election promise, sparking concerns of potential inflation. The current tax plan aimed to eliminate a thirty-seven percent tax rate for those earning between Australian Dollars 120,000 to Australian Dollars 180,000 and lower the tax rate for earnings between Australian Dollars 45,000 and Australian Dollars 200,000. The new proposal suggests keeping the thirty-seven percent tax rate and redirecting the saved money to people with middle and low incomes. Critics argue that Albanese is not keeping his promise to maintain the tax cuts, especially as the cost of living in Australia is increasing. However, breaking this promise might negatively impact his popularity. To alter the tax cuts, the Labour Party will need the support of the Greens in parliament.
In economic news from Egypt, economic growth is expected to slow down due to a weakening pound, reduced purchasing power due to inflation, and the impact of the Gaza crisis. The country's main sources of income, revenue from the Suez Canal and tourism, have been hit with a forty percent drop and a decline respectively due to issues in Gaza. Global credit agency Moody's has downgraded its outlook on Egypt's debt from stable to negative. The International Monetary Fund's three billion dollar financial support package is being renegotiated after Egypt failed to deliver on promises of economic reform. Predictions suggest the Egyptian pound will weaken further against the dollar, and although the inflation rate is expected to decrease gradually, it remains at a record high.
Our final story today is from Denmark, where two pandas, Xing Er and Mao Sun, have set a new record. Loaned by the Chinese government to the Copenhagen Zoo, these pandas have climbed a thirty-two point eight-foot tree, the tallest a panda has ever climbed outside of China. The pandas are in good health, and their adventurous spirit has delighted the zoo staff. This unusual feat has surprised many, as pandas are generally known to be less active creatures. Visitors to the zoo can now look up to see these pandas exploring their tall playground.
Thanks for listening to LanguaTalk news!