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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 France and across Europe. Farmers have been protesting, using tractors to create blockades. These protests are in response to a variety of issues. These include green rules, taxes, rising costs and competition from abroad. The situation took a turn when farmers began throwing eggs and stones at the European Parliament in Brussels. The French government has promised to offer more protection to farmers. This includes controlling imports and providing extra aid. French unions have now called for an end to the blockades. However, they warn that other forms of protest will continue. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission Chief, stated that efforts will be made to reduce farmers' administrative burdens. Protests also took place in countries like Portugal and Greece.Moving onto European Union news. Leaders have agreed to give fifty billion euros in new aid to Ukraine. This decision comes despite weeks of resistance from Hungary. It also comes amid uncertainty over the future of aid from the United States. Ukraine heavily relies on Western support as it continues to fight against Russia's invasion. The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, expressed hope that this EU decision will encourage the US to follow suit. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the President of Ukraine, has praised the EU agreement. He stated that the aid will strengthen his country's economic and financial stability. The EU expects to give the first part of the aid, four point five billion euros, to Ukraine in March. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, stated that this decision sends a clear message to Russia. It shows that the Europeans will not tire in their support of Ukraine.In the US, specifically Michigan, a story about the mother of a boy who shot and killed four schoolmates in twenty twenty-one has emerged. Jennifer Crumbley has stated that she is not responsible for buying or storing the gun used. Jennifer and her husband, James Crumbley, are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. It's thought to be the first trial of a school shooter's parent. Their son, Ethan, was fifteen when he carried out the shooting. He's been sentenced to life in prison. Prosecutors claim that Jennifer and James Crumbley knew their son was in mental distress. Despite this, they allowed him access to firearms. Jennifer Crumbley stated that her husband was responsible for storing the guns. The trial continues, with the hope it will encourage parents to better secure weapons at home.In political news from Indonesia. President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, insists that his cabinet is functioning normally. This is despite reports of internal disagreements. He clarified that having differences of opinion is a standard and democratic process. Indonesia is preparing for presidential and legislative elections on the fourteenth of February. Local media has suggested some dissatisfaction within Jokowi's cabinet. This follows public critique of the President for perceived political interference and lack of neutrality. Jokowi's apparent support of the leading candidate, Prabowo Subianto, has caused this. Interestingly, Prabowo's running mate is Jokowi's son. Although Jokowi hasn't openly endorsed any candidate, he has been seen frequently with Prabowo.In economic news, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have decided to leave West Africa's economic and political group. This is the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS. This decision could disrupt regional trade and services, worth nearly one hundred and fifty billion dollars a year. It affects millions of nationals from these three countries. These people have settled in neighbouring states due to the bloc's visa-free travel and work rights. For example, Ivory Coast is home to more than five million people from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The three countries, led by military juntas, have accused ECOWAS of abandoning its founding ideals. They claim it has fallen under the influence of foreign powers. Their main issue is the lack of support against Islamic insurgencies, which have caused massive loss and displacement. In response to the decision, Nigeria, the ECOWAS chair, expressed disappointment. However, it is still willing to engage with the departing countries. Experts warn of increased tariffs and restrictions on movement of people and goods. Leaving the bloc will take at least a year. But experts fear a massive movement of people returning home in a worst-case scenario. However, the three countries have not announced their withdrawal from the regional monetary and economic union. This would have an even bigger impact.Our final story today is from China. New home prices are increasing at the fastest rate in over two years. Government land sales have also seen growth after a twenty-three month slump. This comes after a Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of China's most debt-ridden developer, China Evergrande. This had brought a years-long property boom to a halt. Average house prices across one hundred cities have risen for the fifth month in a row in January. Government revenue from land sales also rose for the first time in two years in December. However, the property market faced the worst declines in new home prices in nearly nine years last year. Despite new policies to revive the sector, home prices and demand remain low in many places. Major cities like Shanghai and Suzhou are also easing home-buying restrictions to boost the market.Thanks for listening to LanguaTalk news!