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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 Australia, where the popular online game, Fortnite, is facing criticism for its impact on young people. It appears that some kids are spending an excessive amount of time playing the game, leading to issues at home and at school. Parents and teachers have voiced their concerns as the kids are neglecting their homework and social interactions. Furthermore, the game's violent content has also raised eyebrows. The game's creator, Epic Games, designed Fortnite for individuals aged 12 and above. However, a significant number of younger kids are also indulging in it, highlighting the need for parental supervision over their children's online activities.Moving over to Europe, there seem to be hurdles in convincing Hungary to support increased financial aid for Ukraine at the upcoming European Union (EU) summit. Luxembourg's foreign minister, Xavier Bettel, has expressed that Ukraine needs both military and financial assistance in its fight against Russia's ongoing invasion. However, Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has previously opposed EU aid for Ukraine, raising concerns over getting his support this time around. The EU leaders are set to convene in Brussels next week to discuss further aid for Ukraine, and Bettel remains hopeful for a consensus, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine to prevent similar threats to other nations.In the United States, a leading Republican in the House of Representatives is seeking records from President Biden's health secretary regarding the handling of unaccompanied migrant children with potential criminal ties. The Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jim Jordan, has issued a subpoena to Xavier Becerra, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, demanding information on the care and custody of migrant children who arrived unaccompanied at the U.S.-Mexico border. This contentious issue continues to polarize Congress, despite ongoing efforts to reform U.S. border security policy.In health news, a new study from the United States suggests that coffee could assist in weight loss. According to researchers from the University of Nottingham, consuming coffee stimulates "brown fat," which burns calories to produce body heat. Previously, it was believed that only babies and hibernating mammals had brown fat. However, recent findings show its presence in adults, leading scientists to believe that it may play a crucial role in managing weight and diabetes.In international news, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has promised an additional $45 million to combat conflict in coastal West Africa, a region that has been grappling with increased insecurity due to jihadist insurgencies. This pledge comes in addition to the $300 million the US has already committed to the region over the past two years. Blinken made this announcement during his four-nation tour of Africa, where he is meeting with African leaders to discuss various aspects of partnership, including trade, climate, infrastructure, health, and security.Our final story today is from China, where global investors are pulling out of the country's stock market, causing a significant crash. Despite efforts from Chinese Premier Li Qiang to stabilize the market, investors remain skeptical. The Chinese economy has been struggling, suffering substantial losses in several key indices. Experts believe a turnaround would need major policy measures and improved relations with the United States. However, investors are displaying a lack of confidence in China's economic activity and regulation.Thanks for listening to LanguaTalk news!