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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 the northern Gaza Strip, where the situation is escalating as Israeli forces, including tanks, push further into the region. One Israeli soldier, previously held hostage by Hamas, was recently rescued during an overnight operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised this as an exciting achievement, underlining Israel's commitment to freeing over 230 other hostages. However, he also criticized a video released by Hamas showing three Israeli women held captive, calling it cruel psychological propaganda. Gaza's health ministry reports that over 8,300 people have been killed in the region since this conflict began, with essential supplies becoming dangerously low. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Netanyahu refuses to halt military actions, arguing that it would be a surrender to terrorism. Aid agencies continue to urge for a pause in fighting to deliver much-needed aid to the besieged territory.Moving onto Japan, the US military has started to purchase large quantities of the nation's seafood. This move is in response to China's ban on imports following the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has suggested that the US may also explore other ways to help Japan counter China's ban. Last year, Japan exported over 100,000 tons of scallops to China, their largest buyer of seafood. The US's initial purchase is smaller, under one metric ton, but Emanuel says this is the beginning of a long-term relationship. This seafood will be used to feed US military personnel and will be sold in military base shops and restaurants. Emanuel has recently criticized China on several issues, including its economic policies and treatment of foreign businesses.In the UK, a global summit on artificial intelligence is happening this week, and Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, is expected to attend. After the event, UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, will interview Musk live. The summit, which will be held at Bletchley Park, aims to gather AI experts and global leaders to talk about the possible risks of artificial intelligence. Other attendees include US Vice-President Kamala Harris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and AI experts like Sam Altman and Nick Clegg. There are concerns that the advances in AI could lead to job losses and spread false information. Elon Musk has previously expressed his worries about AI safety and has called for more regulation. He believes that an official body should be created to oversee AI and ensure it doesn't pose a danger to the public.In sad news from the United States, actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role in the popular TV show 'Friends', has sadly passed away at age 54. His fellow 'Friends' cast members have expressed their devastation at his loss, describing it as "unfathomable". Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home. The cause of his death is currently unknown, with officials awaiting the results of toxicology tests. During his career, Perry had openly struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, leading to several health issues. Tributes from fans and celebrities are pouring in, remembering Perry for his humor and kindness. Supporters are even leaving floral tributes outside the 'Friends' apartment building in New York.Our final story today is a recent Chinese study suggesting that practicing tai chi, a traditional Chinese exercise, might help slow down the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The research from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine found that patients who practiced tai chi twice a week had fewer complications and better quality of life than those who didn't. The study monitored the health of Parkinson's patients for up to five years. The patients who practiced tai chi experienced slower progression of the disease, fewer falls, less back pain, and improved memory and concentration. Furthermore, they reported continuous improvement in sleep and quality of life. Despite the positive findings, researchers caution that more trials are needed to confirm tai chi's benefits for Parkinson's patients.Thanks for listening to LanguaTalk news!