US, South Korea and Japan Plan to Discuss North Korea

Representatives of the three countries are to meet in Washington to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program.

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US Military Opens All Combat Positions to Women

Women will soon be able to serve in all positions in the United States military -- including combat -- if they meet the demands of the job. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced the policy change Thursday at the Pentagon -- the headquarters of the military near Washington, D.C. Carter said the branches of the military -- Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard -- must tell him by January how they plan to fulfill his order. Carter’s plan is not without critics. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. was the top general in the Marine Corps. While he was Commandant, he pointed to studies showing that military units that include women are not as effective as all-male units. Dunford is now Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff -- the nation’s top military officer -- and will be required to put Carter’s order into effect. Reporters asked Carter repeatedly if Dunford supported his decision. Carter said “my decision is my decision.” He said he expects the general will put the new policy in place. The United States has a long history of strong civilian control of the military. After almost three years of study, almost all of the services told Carter that women who meet the standards of a job should be able to be placed in any position. But the Marine Corps asked that women continue to be banned from some positions -- including infantry. Carter refused. He said “there will be no exceptions.” Now, he noted, qualified women will be able to “drive tanks … and lead infantry units into combat.” He said he does not believe letting women hold combat jobs will hurt the effectiveness of military units. “To succeed in our mission of national defense, we cannot afford to cut ourselves off from half” of the country’s population, he said. He said it is time to “harness the skills and perspectives that women have to offer.” Women had been able to work in about 90 percent of the military’s jobs. Because of Carter’s decision, they will be able to fill all remaining 220,000 positions. The military has gradually accepted women in positions that were once held only by men. In 1975, it opened its military academies to women. In 1993, it let women fly fighter jets and serve on combat ships. And, as Carter noted, women have been forced to engage in combat to defend themselves in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise. Christopher Jones-Cruise reported this story from Washington. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   unit – n. a single thing, person or group that is a part of something larger infantry – n. the part of an army that has soldiers who fight on foot exception – n. a case where a rule does not apply tank – n. a military vehicle that moves on two large metal belts with wheels inside them and that is covered in heavy armor harness – v. to use (something) for a particular purpose perspective – n. a way of thinking about and understanding something (such as a particular issue or life in general) gradually – adv. moving or changing in small amounts; happening in a slow way over a long period of time engage in – phrasal verb to do (something)  

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TALK2US: How Well Does Your Country Speak English?

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TALK2US: How Well Does Your Country Speak English?

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Two Suspects in California Shooting Dead

Officials in the city of San Bernardino, in Southern California, have confirmed the names of the two people believed to have shot and killed 14 people and injured 17 at a state government agency Wednesday. Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said they were 28-year-old Syed Farook and 27-year-old Tashfeen Malik. Burguan said the two were either married or engaged. The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times newspaper report the two were married and were parents of a baby. After the shooting, Farook and Malik were found by police at a home in a town near the shooting. The two fled in a car and were chased by police, who shot and killed them during a gun battle. One police officer was wounded. Burguan said Farook was an employee of the San Bernardino County health department. The city is about an hour east of Los Angeles. The agency was holding a Christmas party at the offices of an organization that trains mentally disabled people. Reports say Farook angrily left the party and returned with Malik. The two carried assault rifles and semi-automatic handguns. A third person was arrested while trying to flee the shooting. Chief Burguan said it was not clear what the man was doing there. He said he is not sure if the man helped the attackers or was trying to find a safe place away from the shooting. Burguan said it was clear that the two shooters had planned the attack. He said they entered the agency to kill. He said he did not know why the attack took place. But he said a workplace dispute may have been the cause. He called the shooting “domestic terrorism.” He said three explosive devices were found in the building and disarmed. He said a robot was searching the couples’ home for possible explosives. Burguan did not say if the dead and wounded worked at the center, were people who were being trained there or worked at the same agency as Farook. An FBI official at the shooting scene said he was not immediately willing to describe the shooting as linked to international terrorism. But he said the investigation has found possible links to other countries. He said officials will follow the information wherever it leads. Hours after the shooting, one of Farook’s family members spoke to reporters at a press conference organized by the Los Angeles office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Farhan Kahn said he did not know why Farook had carried out the attack.  The council’s executive director -- Hussam Ayloush -- told reporters “we unequivocally condemn the horrific act that happened today. We stand in solidarity in repudiating any possible ideology or mindset that could have led to such (a) horrific [attack]." Patrick Baccari worked with Farook. He said Farook traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier this year and returned to the United States with a wife. But he did not say if Farook’s wife was Malik.  The attack on Wednesday was the worst mass shooting in the United States since 2012 -- when 20 children and six teachers were shot and killed at an elementary school in the northeastern state of Connecticut.  President Barack Obama was being interviewed by CBS television when the shooting in San Bernardino was first reported. He said the United States has a pattern of mass shootings that no other country has. He noted steps that can be taken to make Americans safer. He said officials from all political parties in every level of government should work to find ways to make mass shootings rare. Less than a week ago, three people were killed and nine were wounded in a shooting at a women’s health clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In October, a gunman killed nine people at a college in Oregon. And in June a white gunman killed nine black people at a church in South Carolina. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA Central News Writer Richard Green reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   engaged – adj. promised to be married assault rifle – n. a gun that can shoot many bullets quickly and that is designed for use by the military semi-automatic handgun – n. a small gun (such as a revolver or a pistol) designed to be held and shot with one hand, and able to fire bullets one after the other quickly but not automatically workplace – n. the office, factory, etc., where people work domestic – adj. of, relating to, or made in your own country device – n. a weapon that explodes scene – n. the place of an event or action unequivocally – adv. very strong and clear; not showing or allowing any doubt; not equivocal horrific – adj. causing horror or shock repudiate – v. to refuse to accept or support (something); to reject (something or someone) ideology – n. the set of ideas and beliefs of a person, group or political party mind-set – n. a particular way of thinking; a person’s attitude or set of opinions about something pattern – n. the regular and repeated way in which something happens or is done

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San Bernardino, Calif. Mass Shooting

Authorities in San Bernardino, California have confirmed the identities of the two suspects in Wednesday's shooting spree at social services agency that left 14 people dead and 17 others injured.

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VOA English Newscast 2200 UTC: December 2, 2015

  From Washington, this is VOA News.       I’m Dave DeForest reporting. Another U.S. shooting: At least 20 victims are reported from a shooting at a handicapped training center in San Bernardino, California. “Our daughter is in there. She texted us about 30 minutes ago, and said that there was a shooter. She thought he’d shot 10 to 20 people. Police say there are as many as 14 people dead. The local sheriff's department says as many as three shooters may be involved and they may have fled in a black SUV. Russian Defense Ministry officials on Wednesday presented what they said was proof of Turkish involvement in illegal oil trading with the Islamic State group. They accused top Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and members of his family, of complicity in the sales. However, at a news conference, Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov presented no actual evidence that Mr. Erdogan or any member of his family has been involved in trading IS oil. In Brussels Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the Iraqi government was briefed in advance of Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s announcement that terms of, teams rather, of U.S. Special Operators could be in Iraq within a matter of weeks. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says Iraq does not need foreign combat troops on the ground. He said special operations must be done with the government's approval. Kerry expressed strong support for Mr. Abadi and said Wednesday the U.S. plans are being carried out with the Iraqi government's full consent. Cameroon says its troops have killed 100 Boko Haram militants and freed 900 captives that were held by the Nigerian-based militant group. There has been no independent confirmation on that claim.   This is VOA News. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Newscast   handicapped – adj. having a physical or mental condition that limits what a person can do texted – v. to send a text message sheriff – n. an elected official who is responsible for enforcing the law department – n. a major part of a company, organization or government SUV – n. short for sports utility vehicle complicity – n. the act of helping to carry out a crime or do something wrong advance – n. forward movement; progress in the development of something matter – n. something that is being done or thought about; the situation or subject being discussed combat – adj. of or relating to active fighting, especially in a war   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section.  ​

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Islamic State Video Claims Beheading of Russian

The Islamic State released a video Wednesday showing the beheading of a man it identified as a Russian spy. The video says that the man had joined the Islamic State terrorist group, but they determined he was a Russian spy, according to NBC news. The video is titled, “You Shall be Disappointed and Humiliated O Russians,” according to CNN.  The authenticity of the video could not be immediately confirmed. The man doing the killing on the video says the bombing of Islamic State positions by Russia “has only made us more certain and firm.” Russia has been bombing Islamic State targets in Syria since the militant group claimed responsibility for the downing of a Russian airliner over Egypt on October 31. Coalition forces target oil operations The beheading comes as United States led coalition forces continue to face major challenges trying to defeat the militant group. France has stepped up air strikes of Islamic State militants after terrorist attacks in Paris that killed 130 people on November 13. One target of United States, France and coalition partners is Islamic State oil operations. Islamic State sells oil it has stolen to pay for its terrorist operations, said the Obama administration. Islamic State makes an estimated $100 million dollars to $500 million dollars a year from oil sales, said a congressional report. It is not the largest source of revenue, but still critical, according to the Obama administration. It is difficult to stop these oil sales, it said. Bombing by the United States and coalition forces stopped some oil sales, but not enough, the Obama administration said. In addition, it is hard for some to resist cheap oil, even if sold by a  terrorist organization, said Ben Bahney, an analyst for the Rand Corporation.   Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Turkey recently of shooting down one of its fighter jets “to protect oil supply routes to Turkey” from the Islamic State. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan denies this. U.S. to send special forces Defense Secretary Ash Carter told Congress Tuesday that the U.S. plans to send 200 special forces personnel in Iraq within weeks. The job for the special forces troops will be ambitious, Carter said. “These special operations will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence and capture ISIL leaders,” Carter said.  Islamic State militants and the Taliban in Afghanistan continue to terrorize in other parts of the world, as well. More than two dozen priests and religious leaders in Bangladesh said they received death threats recently. The threats were made via text messages, phone calls and postal letters. And, in Afghanistan, the Taliban Wednesday criticized NATO’s decision to extend its mission in the country. NATO is an alliance of nations from Europe and North America. NATO announced Tuesday it will keep 12,000 troops in Afghanistan through 2016. It will continue military and financial aid to the Kabul government through 2020. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Shaikh Azizur Rahman Ayaz Gul, Cindy Saine and Jeff Seldin for VOA News. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Stuck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   beheading – v. cut off the head humiliate – v. to make (someone) feel very ashamed or foolish difficult – adj.  not easy -- requiring much work or skill to do or make terrorism – n. the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal personnel – n. the people who work for a particular company or organization deployment – n. to organize and send out (people or things) to be used for a particular purpose testimony – n. something that someone says especially in a court of law while formally promising to tell the truth ambitious – adj. having a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous decimate – v. to destroy a large number of people or equipment. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.

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Police: At Least 14 Dead in California Shooting

Police say at least 14 people have been killed in a mass shooting in Southern California. And another 14 are wounded.  The attack happened in San Bernardino at a training center for disabled people. San Bernardino police chief Jarrod Burguan​ spoke to reporters after the incident. He said it is believed that three gunmen were involved. He said the shooters apparently fled the area. The numbers of casualities may change and it is not known if the shooting was a terrorist attack. Burguan said there was a massive response to the shooting. He said several local and state security forces took part.  Earlier reports said the shooters may have been dressed in military clothing. A police spokeswoman told the Los Angeles Times that the attackers were heavily armed and possibly wore body armor.   A bomb squad reportedly was deployed to try to disarm a possible explosive device. This latest shooting comes less than a week after a gunman killed three people and wounded nine in an attack at a family planning and health clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In October, a gunman killed nine people at a college in Oregon. In June, a gunman killed nine people at a church in South Carolina.   Caty Weaver wrote this story from VOANews reports. Hai Do was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   casualty – n. a person who is hurt or killed during an accident, war, etc. facility - n. something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose armor – n. special clothing that people wear to protect their bodies from weapons squad – n. a part of a police force that deals with a specific type of crime clinic – n. a place where people get medical help

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Japanese Begins Controversial Whale Hunt

An international court ruled last year that Japan should stop hunting whales in the waters around Antarctica. But Japan is allowed to hunt whales for scientific research. Critics complain that while the Japanese say they are conducting research, they are really hunting whales to sell as meat. Both Australia and New Zealand are against the whaling project. Those countries are closest to the waters where the Japanese boats will be working. The Japanese whaling fleet set off on its latest hunt on Tuesday. In March 2014, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the Japanese whaling program in the waters between Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica was illegal. The hunt and kill was not scientific research, it says. Japan says catching and killing some whales furthers scientific research. Officials from Australia and New Zealand say calling the work research is a cover-up. Japan argues that the ICJ made its decision based on an older research program that is no longer used. Japan says its new program is much smaller and takes into account the ICJ decision. Japan says it will limit its hunt to 333 minke whales this year, two-thirds fewer than in the past. But this year is only the first year of a 12-year-program. That means almost 4,000 whales will be killed over the next 12 years. Australia’s Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, says Japan should have let the ICJ review its plan before launching its ships on Tuesday. Hunt says "Japan cannot unilaterally decide whether it has adequately addressed the scientific committee’s questions.” Alex Gillespie is an international law and conservation professor at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. He says Japan adjusted its whale hunting program since the ICJ did not specifically outlaw hunting whales. It only says the older program had to stop. Gillespie says “the problem is all the scientists who are looking at it are still saying there is no scientific need to do lethal scientific research in Antarctica.” Scientists say the Japanese research can be done without killing whales. The meat from these dead whales often ends up in restaurants and on supermarket shelves. But an Australian news outlet reported that whale meat is less popular in Japan than it used to be. A report from the Australian Associated Press news agency in 2014 says whale meat does not sell as well in Japan. And, the news agency reported, organizations that protest the whale hunts have helped cut-back the catch. Representatives from both Australia and New Zealand say they plan to continue diplomatic efforts to make Japan change its mind about hunting whales. I’m ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Anne Ball.   Isabela Cocoli and Phil Mercer wrote this story for VOA News. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you think the Japanese whaling fleet should be allowed to keep working? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conservation – n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources cover-up – n. an effort to hide an illegal act fleet – n. a group of ships or vehicles that move or work together or that are controlled or owned by one company lethal  – adj. causing or able to cause death outlaw – v. to make (something) illegal skeptical – adj. having or expressing doubt about something (such as a claim or statement) unilateral – adj. involving only one group or country

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Mark Zuckerberg, Crying Babies and Korean Pops

This is What’s Trending Today Zuckerberg announces $45 billion pledge Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wrote a letter to his baby girl, Max, on Tuesday. He wants her “to grow up in a world better than ours today.” Zuckerberg wrote that he and his wife, Priscilla Chan, would donate 99% of his Facebook stock shares, worth about $45 billion, to do just that. Even with the large donation, Zuckerberg will remain extremely rich. After the news came out, Zuckerberg was one of the most searched names on Google. His Facebook post received more than one million likes. Well-known people like Shakira and Arnold Schwarzenegger also gave the thumbs-up. Financial analysts say it is a good move to prevent the shares from being taxed when they are sold. The shares will be donated to the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative over Zuckerberg’s lifetime. Zuckerberg and his wife, Chan, head the organization, of course. Pediatrician shows how to calm babies Everyone wants to know how to keep babies from crying. That is why a video posted by Dr. Robert Hamilton of California received 1.7 million views in its first day on YouTube. Hamilton has been practicing this technique on babies he sees in his practice for 30 years. He calls it “The Hold.” The technique includes three steps: First, fold the baby’s arms gently over each other, and hold them with your left hand. Next, hold the baby’s bottom with your right hand. Then bounce the baby gently while holding it at a 45-degree angle. In Hamilton’s video, the babies become calm after just a few seconds. K-Pop stars win big at MNet Asian Music Awards Koreans were the big winners at Wednesday night’s Mnet Asian Music Awards. EXO, a boy band made up of South Korean and Chinese singers, won for Male Group of the Year. Big Bang, another South Korean band, won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year awards. Big Bang also won Worldwide Favorite Artist behind their album “Made” and Best Music Video for their song “Bae Bae.” The hashtag #MAMA2015 was used more than 2.1 million times in just a few hours as the awards show was broadcast around the world from Hong Kong. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. What do you think about Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to donate almost all of his Facebook fortune? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   donate – v. to give (money, food, clothes, etc.) in order to help a person or organization soothe – v. to cause (someone) to be calmer, less angry, etc. pediatrician – n. a doctor who treats babies and children technique – n. a way of doing something by using special knowledge or skill thumbs-up – n. a gesture in which you hold your hand out with your thumb pointed up in order to say yes, to show approval, etc. Often used figuratively.

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