WHO Declares Zika a Global Health Emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the spread of mosquito-borne Zika virus a global public health emergency.   On Monday, the global health agency held an emergency meeting in Geneva after warning the public that Zika is spreading "explosively" across the Americas. Dr. Margaret Chan is the director-general of the WHO. She said after the meeting that the cases of microcephaly in regions with Zika cases “constitute an extraordinary event and a public health threat to other parts of the world.” Last week, health officials confirmed one case of the virus in Denmark, five in Great Britain, three cases in the United States and 18 in its territory of Puerto Rico. The global health organization also predicts that Zika could infect as many as four million people in the Americas this year.   Symptoms of the zika virus The symptoms from the virus are minor. The symptoms are flu-like and include a rash. But the results for some infected with Zika -- namely pregnant women -- are devastating. The WHO suspects the virus may be linked to brain disorders in babies. Health experts highly suspect there may be a link between the illness and microcephaly. Microcephaly is a birth defect in which babies are born with very small heads and underdeveloped brains. However, a definite link between Zika and microcephaly has not been proven. World Health Organization spokesman Gregory Hartl has this to say: "So, one of the curiosities is why we have so many neurological cases in say the northeast of Brazil, but we have not had it in other places. So, we really need to understand what is existing that causes these microcephaly cases, for example, in children."   Zika is not Ebola The last time the WHO declared a public health emergency was for the Ebola outbreak in 2014. The global health agency was criticized at the time for its slow response and the outbreak killed more than 11,000 people. Hartl does not agree with claims that the Zika virus could pose a threat similar to that of Ebola. He says that Ebola is transmitted by contact with bodily fluids from person to person and kills about 50 percent of its victims.  "Zika has never killed a person and it is transmitted by the mosquito. So, we know that there are those two fundamental differences at least. Let us say that Zika on its own would not be the consideration of an emergency committee. What is the concern to the international community is the possible link with neurological disorders."   How to not get Zika There is currently no treatment or vaccine for Zika. Anthony Fauci is director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). He says it would take "a few years" before a vaccine is readily available to the public. Fauci says what other public health experts are saying – for now, the way to fight the disease is "mosquito control." Mosquito control means killing the eggs and larvae and cleaning up standing water where mosquitoes may breed. In addition, Fauci adds that people in areas affected by Zika should practice “mosquito avoidance.” This means wearing long sleeved plants and shirts, sleeping with mosquito nets and using mosquito repellant. Where does it come from? The Zika virus gets its name from a forest in Uganda where the virus was first identified in 1947. The virus is known to exist in tropical areas like Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and Western Pacific. People can catch the Zika virus after being bitten by an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This is the same mosquito that can spread dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says that Brazil reported its first case of Zika virus in May 2015. Since then, the virus has spread by mosquitoes and has caused infections in Brazil and many other countries in Latin America. Zika in Asia The WHO also says Zika has been more common in Southeast Asia than the few cases reported in the region in the past several years. However, the WHO regional office in Southeast Asia says there has also been no link so far between Zika and microcephaly in Southeast Asia. Malaysian and Singaporean public health officials have warned of a high risk of contagion if the virus is introduced there. The Philippines health department is calling Zika a "real and present" risk. They add that warmer, wet weather will likely lead to ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed. I’m Jonathan Evans. And I’m Anna Matteo.   Anna Matteo wrote this story for Learning English based on VOA News reports. Hai Do was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   symptom – n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present repellant – n. serving or tending to drive away or ward off —often used in combination contagion – n. the transmission of a disease by direct or indirect contact :  a disease-producing agent (as a virus)

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Trending Today: Vote For #Higa2016

This is What’s Trending Today. Hawaiian-born Ryan Higa is a comedian. He loves making people laugh. Last weekend, he posted a video on YouTube. The video is called “How to Run For President!” Since Saturday, his film has been played over 2 million times. Higa says: “Today, I’m going to show you how easy it is to run for president.” And then he goes on to explain the steps, making jokes along the way. The first step, he says, is to be able to answer “tough questions.” Higa says he can do that. And, he can answer “life’s toughest questions,” including “Which came first: The chicken or the egg?” His answer is simple – both. “The chicken was inside of the egg.” In a meeting with make-believe reporters, he is asked, “How will you react if North Korea attacks South Korea?” His answer: “Not only will we protect South Korea, but East and West Korea, and every direction in-between.” Higa also plans to re-name sports based on what the sporting event really looks like. For example, basketball would be called “bouncy oranges,” while ice hockey becomes “Oreo slide.” Finally, Higa creates a political campaign slogan he says is better than all the rest. He does this by combining words from Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Bernie Sanders and other candidates. He promises to be “A New American Leader From the Future to Defeat the Washing Machines in a Fight for America, Again.” And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Is there humor in the U.S. election process? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. __________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   comedian – n. a person makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories or by acting in a way that is funny fake – adj. not true or real Oreo – n. a round, chocolate cookie filled with cream slogan – n. a word or saying that is easy to remember and is used by a group or business to get attention tough – adj. very difficult to do or deal with

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February 1, 2016

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Myanmar's New Legislature Takes Oath

New members of Myanmar's legislature, many dressed in traditional clothing, took a joint oath of office Monday in the capital, Naypyidaw. The new legislature, or parliament, is being called the country's first democratically elected government in more than 50 years. European Union ambassador Roland Cobia observed the ceremony. He said, “This is the first really concrete institutional transition of what the elections have produced and the expression of the will of the people.” The National League for Democracy won 80 percent of the available seats in both houses of the parliament. The NLD is the party of democracy activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. However, it remains unclear who will replace retired general Thein Sein as president. Aung San Suu Kyi is very popular. But she is barred by the constitution from becoming president. Myanmar’s military remains politically powerful. It automatically holds one-fourth of the seats in both houses of parliament. Observers say Aung San Suu Kyi is talking with the military to suspend the clause in the constitution that prevents her from being president. NLD officials contacted by VOA have not confirmed that talks are under way with military leaders. The clause states that a presidential candidate must be a citizen, be born of parents who are both Myanmar citizens, and cannot have a foreign spouse or children. It effectively bars Aung San Suu Kyi whose two sons are British citizens. The NLD leader has said she will be “above the presidency.” But she has not said whom she prefers to take the office. This month, the parliament will likely choose the president from three vice-presidential nominees. They will be selected by the elected lower house of representatives, the elected upper house and the appointed army representatives. No dates have been announced for the parliamentary procedures. President Thein Sein and the military have promised a smooth transition of power. The country's military has governed directly or indirectly since 1962 when it seized power after years of instability under civilian rule. NLD won a major victory last November 8th. It was 25 years after the party won a national election only to see the results cancelled by the military. The military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party won an election in 2010. However, the NLD boycotted that election. I’m Mario Ritter.   This story is based on reports from VOA's Steve Herman and Richard Green. Mario Ritter adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of the transition taking place in Myanmar, also known as Burma? Let us know in the comment section below and on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transition – n. a change from one state to another automatically – adv. happening because of a rule, law or past agreement speculation – n. ideas about something that is not known clause – n. a separate part of a legal document

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Iowa Voters Say ‘Enough, Already!’

Voters in Iowa say they are ready for their life to return to normal. Iowa is the first state to hold caucuses. These meetings let supporters of the two main parties – Democrat and Republican – state who they would like for president. The Iowa caucus results may suggest who will be each party’s candidate for president. But there will be other caucuses and primary elections in the weeks to come. Iowans, as they are called, say they are proud to hold the first caucus. But they say they also will be happy for things to return to normal. James Uren owns a restaurant in Elk Horn, Iowa. “During the political season,” he notes, “you just know you’re going to have to answer the (tele)phone five times every night. And the problem with that is that you just don’t get a chance to relax.” The 3 million residents of Iowa receive telephone calls from candidates and from groups that measure public opinion. Before the voting on Monday, media and political campaign vehicles filled parking spots in towns and cities across the state. Iowa voters learned a lot about the candidates from newspaper ads and television commercials. Darren Zitterich told VOA: “I feel like pulling my hair out, with all the [political] commercials. I swear, there’s more commercials than TV shows.” Many text messages were sent out in an effort to influence Democratic and Republican voters. Many Iowans say they are ready for the political candidates, media workers and pollsters to leave town. For Patty, a Des Moines resident who would not provide her last name, the text messages bothered her the most. “They even text my husband, who doesn’t know how to text,” she said. Patty added that she is looking forward to Monday night when the caucuses will be finished. “Tuesday is going to feel so good,” she said. “Except then we’ll have five days now of who won.” I’m Pete Musto.   William Gallo reported on this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted his story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of the Iowa caucuses? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   caucus – n. a meeting of members of a political party for the purpose of choosing candidates for an election proud – adj. very happy and pleased because of something you have done relax – v. to become or to cause something to become less tense, tight or stiff parking – n. the act of leaving a car, truck, motorcycle in a particular place pollster – n. someone who develops questions for a public opinion survey, asks questions and presents the findings commercial – n. advertising on radio or television bother – v. to cause someone to feel troubled, worried or concerned

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VOA English Newscast 1300 UTC February 1, 2016

From Washington, this is VOA News.       I’m Joe Palka reporting. At Least Nine Dead in Taliban Suicide Bombing in Afghanistan… The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomber attack on a police base in Afghanistan's capital that killed at least nine people and wounded 12 others.  General Faridoon Obaidi, the head of criminal investigation for Kabul police, said the dead included two security personnel and seven civilians. The attack Monday comes ahead of another round of peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban. U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is meeting again Monday with opposition delegates in Geneva, after making progress in resolving some of the issues the main opposition group wants addressed prior to peace talks. De Mistura rescheduled a session with government figures Monday in order to speak first with the opposition. He said Sunday he is "optimistic and determined" the opposition will join the peace process that got under way on Friday, with opposition representatives boycotting the first day. Middle East Scholar Peter Bechtold spoke with VOA about the talks: "I think it was a success that they (Syrian opposition) showed up in the first place because for years the opposition has demanded that any solution to the Syrian conflict requires that first President Assad and his government step down. This has obviously not happened and the fact that they are coming, which they didn't want to do, is a success to be attributed to Staffan de Mistura." A spokesman for the Syrian opposition said discussions Sunday were "encouraging and positive" concerning humanitarian issues. The World Health Organization meets today (Monday) to decide whether the Zika virus is a threat to global health. In Brazil, there have been about 4,000 cases of birth defects, which health officials say could be linked to pregnant women becoming infected from Zika-carrying mosquitos. This is VOA News. ______________________________________________________________ Words in The News   personnel – n. the individuals who work for a company or organization ahead – adj. or adv. in or toward the front; toward the place where someone is going round – n. one in a series of similar events or activities addressed – v. to deal with prior – adj. existing earlier in time researched – v. to set something for a different date or time session – n. a period of time in which something is to be done in order – conj. In the correct condition for use optimistic – adj. hopeful or sure about the future determined – adj. having made a firm decision and showing an unwillingness to change step down – v. to resign; to leave power obviously – adv. clearly attributed – v. being caused by something; tied to a quality possessed by someone or something encouraging – adj. giving support to; supportive positive – adj. showing the presence or possession of qualities global – adj. of or relating to the whole world birth defects – n. problems that happen while a baby is developing inside the mother’s body   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Alexander Hamilton: Father of American Banking

Alexander Hamilton was not a U.S. president, but he was one of the most important early leaders of the U.S.   He fought in the Revolutionary War, wrote powerful arguments to persuade the states to accept the Constitution, and helped create the country’s national banking and economic system. In 1929, the Treasury Department even put Alexander Hamilton’s face on the $10 bill. And in 2015, the musical “Hamilton” became one of the biggest shows on Broadway. But the story of Hamilton’s early life did not make this legacy likely.  A difficult beginning Hamilton was born in 1755 to poor, unmarried parents in the West Indies. He was a bright child and read every book given to him -- in English, Latin and Greek. Hamilton also learned a great deal about business and economics. He talked about becoming a political leader in the North American colonies. When Hamilton was 11 years old, his mother died. Hamilton got a job as an assistant bookkeeper. He learned how to keep financial records. Even though his situation was difficult, others recognized that Hamilton was smart and talented. Hamilton’s boss sent him to New York. He became a student at King’s College, later called Columbia University. Right hand man The American Revolution gave Hamilton the chance to show his abilities. Hamilton supported the colonies’ war of independence against Britain. He became an aide to the colonies’ lead general, George Washington. Even though Hamilton was young – in his early 20s – Washington trusted him as an excellent writer and thinker. Hamilton wrote the general’s letters. He had to use all his political and communication skills to get money and supplies for the Revolutionary Army. Love and marriage … and money During the war, Hamilton married Elizabeth Schuyler. She was a member of one of the nation’s wealthiest families. Over time, Eliza and Alexander Hamilton made homes in New York and Philadelphia and raised eight children. Bank of the United States After the Revolutionary War, Hamilton became a lawyer in New York. He used the power of his pen again – this time, to defend the U.S. Constitution. Hamilton was one of the authors of “The Federalist Papers.” The series of newspaper articles urged the newly independent states to adopt the Constitution and create a strong central government. After the states agreed to ratify the Constitution, George Washington became the country’s first president. He asked Hamilton to be the first Secretary of the Treasury. The role of Secretary of the Treasury was critical in the early days of the new nation. America’s most urgent problem was figuring out ways to pay its debts. The country had borrowed or promised a lot of money during the Revolutionary War. Hamilton proposed a national bank. Congress approved the idea in 1791. The bank had $10 million in capital. It could lend the government money and pay off state debts. Hamilton’s system also created a federal system to collect taxes. But not everyone accepted Hamilton’s views. Many of President Washington’s advisors – called his cabinet – opposed Hamilton. Opponents expressed many objections to Hamilton’s Bank of the United States. Generally, members of Congress from the northern states supported the idea, while those from southern states opposed it. Another political leader, Thomas Jefferson, said the Bank exceeded the powers of the Constitution. Hamilton defended the Bank. He argued for a broad interpretation of the Constitution. He thought it permitted the federal government to do what it needed to do to strengthen the country’s economic system. Hamilton largely won his political arguments. He became the leader of nation’s first political party, called the Federalist Party. The Federalists, located mainly in the commercial Northeast, supported a strong national government. They laid the foundation of a national economy, created a national judicial system and set up principles of foreign policy.   Trouble again But while Hamilton’s public life was succeeding, his private life was running into trouble. Hamilton confessed to having an affair – to not being faithful to his wife. His oldest son fought a duel to defend Alexander Hamilton’s honor and was killed.  Hamilton eventually resigned from George Washington’s administration. And he publicly disagreed with other politicians, including the new president, John Adams, and a man named Aaron Burr. Many who disagreed with Hamilton united in an opposition party called the Republicans, or sometimes the Democrat-Republicans. Thomas Jefferson was their leader. Even though Hamilton and Jefferson disagreed about most things, in the presidential election of 1800 Hamilton supported Thomas Jefferson over the other leading candidate, Aaron Burr. Hamilton trusted Jefferson not to abuse the power of the presidency. But Aaron Burr was angry that Hamilton had cost him the election. Later, when Burr ran for governor of New York, Hamilton opposed him again. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel. Duel to the death At dawn on July 11, 1804, Hamilton and Burr fought a duel on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, near Manhattan. They fired pistols from ten paces. Hamilton fell to the ground. He was carried to his Manhattan home and died the next day. Just three years earlier, Hamilton’s son had been shot on the same spot. Today, Americans remember Alexander Hamilton as the architect of America’s banking and economic system. He was the first secretary of the treasury and created America’s central bank. Hamilton’s system gave the new nation the ability to issue paper money, lend the government money and promote business and industry by extending credit. Even though many disagreed with the power Hamilton gave the central government, he helped place the United States on an equal financial footing with the nations of Europe.   I’m Jonathan Evans.   Kelly Kelly and Mary Gotschall wrote this story for “The Making of a Nation” at Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about this topic? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below, or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   argument – n. a statement or series of statements for or against something legacy – n. something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past bookkeeper – n. a person whose job is to keep the financial records for a business financial – adj. relating to money wealthiest – adj. having a lot of money and possessions ratify – v.  to make (a treaty, agreement, etc.) official by signing it or voting for it treasury – n. the place where the money of a government, club, etc., is kept urgent – adj. very important and needing immediate attention federal – adj.  of or relating to a form of government in which power is shared between a central government and individual states, provinces, etc. foundation – n. something (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) that provides support for something judicial – adj.  of or relating to courts of law or judges confess – v. to admit that you did something wrong or illegal duel – n.  a fight between two people that includes the use of weapons (such as guns or swords) and that usually happens while other people watch resign – v.  an act of giving up a job or position in a formal or official way pace – n.  a single step or the length of a single step — usually plural architect – n. a person who designs and guides a plan, project, etc. footing – n. used to describe the kind of relationship that exists between people, countries, etc.

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Iowa Starts 'Caucus' Voting for US President

People in Iowa will vote for presidential candidates in the Republican and Democratic parties Monday night. Public opinion studies show strong support for two candidates in each party. Businessman Donald Trump leads Senator Ted Cruz in the Republican race. Hillary Clinton leads Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic race. But both races are close. Although Sanders is running as a Democrat, he is an independent. He calls himself a democratic socialist. This voting in states like Iowa is called a caucus. A caucus lets voters of each political party – Democrat and Republican – say who they favor or prefer at this time.  Candidates who win the support of voters in Iowa do not always win the presidency. In 1980, Ronald Reagan lost the Iowa vote but became the Republican party nominee. He won the presidency. There are 12 Republican candidates and three Democratic candidates. On Sunday, many of the candidates held events throughout Iowa. They spoke to their supporters and strongly criticized their opponents. Trump and Cruz are both trying to gain the support of the many Iowans who have strong Christian religious beliefs. Also on Sunday, Sanders and Clinton reached an agreement with Democratic party officials to have more debates. Many people in the party had asked for them. The next primary election will take place February 9 in the northeastern state of New Hampshire. Public opinion studies show Sanders has much more support in the state than Clinton. Sanders is from the state of Vermont, which borders New Hampshire. I’m Mario Ritter.   VOA's William Gallo reported on this story from Des Moines, Iowa. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for 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   caucus - n. an event in which members of apolitical party gather for the purpose of choosing candidates for an election primary – adj. voting that reduces the number of candidates before a larger election  

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Copper Metal Kills Viruses on Contact

Even in the world of medicine, what is old is new again. Thousands of years ago, Egyptians used it to sterilize drinking water. Ancient Romans, Aztecs and Greeks also used it for medical treatments. I am talking about copper. The symbol for copper on the periodic chart for elements is Cu. If we are talking about germs that might mean Cu later! (C + u = “See you”) Copper kills many germs on contact. Now it is back in hospitals to do just that. One of the major ways we get sick is we touch surfaces out in the world, many made of metal or plastic. These surfaces are covered with germs. Germs live on poles on a train or bus. They are found on doorknobs and handles. This is especially true in hospitals. Bill Keevil is a microbiologist at Southampton University in Britain. He is investigating the properties of copper that kill germs -- or as researchers call them, pathogens. Keevil points to studies that compare infection rates at U.S. hospitals that use copper surfaces and those that do not. "They found that copper alloys gave a 58 percent reduction in infection rate. So that showed, you know, that in the real world of a hospital environment, copper alloys do a great job (in preventing infection)." In a study published in the journal mBio, Keevil and his team found that copper surfaces can quickly kill the coronavirus 229E. ​You may not know coronavirus 229E by name. But if you ever have had the common cold or the more serious pneumonia, you have been in contact with it. The coronavirus 229E is also closely related to the pathogen that causes SARS and MERS. Keevil explains that copper ions -- electrically charged molecules -- kill dangerous viruses by destroying their genetic material. Copper ions do this by interacting with oxygen and changing the oxygen molecules. As a result, the virus cells cannot mutate. "Now these ions are able to punch holes in the cell's membrane, enter the cell and destroy their nucleic acid. So they are completely killed. There's no chance of mutation leading to resistance, and there's no coming back. So the chemistry is fantastic." Keevil notes that ancient civilizations knew about the germ-killing properties of copper. However, they may not have understood the science behind it. Researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health wrote on their website about the oldest recorded medical use of copper. They say its use is noted in an Egyptian medical book written about 4,000 years ago. The book describes how they used copper to sterilize wounds and drinking water. Keevil says earlier generations of builders in the United States also knew this about copper. That is why copper alloys such as brass were often used in building materials. But more modern builders stopped using copper and copper alloys. They cost more than other building materials. However, Bill Keevil says copper could save hospitals money. He says their other costs of fighting infection will drop, including drugs for treatment. More importantly, less people will get sick. I’m Anna Matteo.   Jessica Berman wrote this report for VOA News in Washington. Anna Matteo adapted it and added some additional reporting for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sterilize – v. to clean (something) by destroying germs or bacteria pathogen – n. medical : something (such as a type of bacteria or a virus) that causes disease mutation – n. biology : a change in the genes of a plant or animal that causes physical characteristics that are different from what is normal fantastic – adj. extremely good    

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Officials Say They Failed Women in Cologne Attacks

Police, government officials and journalists say they failed the women attacked in Cologne, Germany on New Year’s Eve. Groups of young men sexually attacked and robbed women that evening. The attacks occurred outside Cologne’s main train station.   Prosecutors said police received 945 complaints from the victims of the attacks. More than 430 were for sex crimes. Prosecutors named 35 suspects, 32 of them from North Africa. The attacks reduced support for immigration in Germany. A study by YouGov, a European polling agency, found 62 percent of Germans believe there are too many asylum seekers in Germany. That is up nine percentage points from before the Cologne attacks. The Cologne attacks led to painful debates about government, news media and police. Some questioned whether Germany should accept more immigrants. There have been large anti-immigration demonstrations in Cologne and elsewhere in Germany. Police were criticized for what many victims viewed as a slow and inadequate response to the attacks. News organizations were asked why they took so long to provide full coverage of the attacks. Lutz Frühbrodt is a professor of journalism at Wurzburg-Schweinfurt University. He said some German news organizations failed to report that most attackers were from the Middle East and North Africa. He said they did not want to raise opposition to immigration. But others said the German press encouraged anti-immigrant feelings. They reported over and over that the attackers were from outside Germany, wrote Free University of Berlin Professor Joachim Trebbe. Normally the German media does not report the ethnic or national background of accused criminals, he said. The Cologne attacks also produced charges of sexism and “blaming the victim.” Cologne Mayor Henriette Reker was widely criticized after she said young women should make themselves less of a target. She also said young women should “keep a certain distance” from groups of young men. German Justice Minister Heiko Mass said her comments were not acceptable.  “It is not women who bear responsibility, but the perpetrators,” Mass wrote on Twitter. There have been admissions from various officials in recent days that the attacks were not handled well. An internal police report found that police on duty New Year’s Eve in Cologne “could not cope” with the attacks. Most took place in the square in front of the city’s main train station. It said women were “forced to run the gauntlet” of gangs of drunken men who groped them, pulled their hair and ran off with phones and wallets. Some news organizations apologized for not giving the story much attention during the first hours and days after the attacks. Elmar Thevessen, deputy news editor of German public broadcaster ZDF, said his news organization waited too long to air a story. The mayor of Cologne took a much tougher stand against the attackers. “Women were sexually harassed in a massive way,” she told Spiegel Online. “I always thought these were the kinds of dangers people faced in very distant countries. It's not something I could have imagined in Germany. We cannot accept it.” Syrian refugee Basheer Alzaalan says the attacks by fellow immigrants in his home town of Cologne makes him angry. He says Germany offered him a safe home after he left the civil war in Syria. “Germany for the Syrians was some kind of mother, and at the head of that, (Chancellor) Angela Merkel,” he told VOA in an interview at a Cologne cafe. Alzaalan says he hopes people understand most refugees are good people. He taught English in Syria before he fled to Germany with his wife and two children. He wrote in the Guardian that he and his family fled their home in 2014 after terrorist groups took over. "I feared for the lives of my wife, our three and four-year-old daughter and our unborn son," he wrote. "Bombs had been dropping where we lived on a daily basis." Alzaalan says he wants to help Germany help refugees adjust to German life. I'm Caty Weaver. Henry Ridgwell reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   complaint – n. a formal charge saying that someone has done something wrong prosecutor – n. a lawyer who represents the side in a court case that accuses a person of a crime and who tries to prove that the person is guilty inadequate -- adj. not enough or not good enough encourage – v. to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident bear – v. to accept or endure something handle – v. to touch, feel, hold, or move (something) with your hand gauntlet – n. situation in which someone is attacked by many people drunken – adj. a person who has had too much to drink grope – v. to touch a person in an unwanted sexual way wallet – n. a small folding case that holds money and credit cards harass – v. to annoy or bother someone. massive – n. very big

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Wages for Women Lag Years Behind Men

Women in northern European nations are closest to equality with men on wages, education, health and education. That is the finding of a report by the World Economic Forum. The United States ranked 28th. On Friday, President Barack Obama announced the government will require large businesses to report how much they pay men and women. The data will be used to target companies that pay women less to do the same jobs. According to the World Economic Forum report, women worldwide continue to lag behind men on wages. Based on current trends, they will need 126 years to catch up, according to the report. Women are making progress. But they still only earn what men did 10 years ago, say the report’s authors. The report measures the gender gap for women in 145 nations for health, education, economic opportunity, and political power. Women have not achieved equality in any of the 145 nations included in the survey, says the report. Women came closest to equality in four Northern European nations – Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden. Ireland ranks No. 5. At the bottom of the women’s gender ratings are Yemen, Pakistan, Syria, Chad, Iran and Jordan. More women than men are attending colleges in 97 nations. But women make up a majority of skilled workers in only 68 nations. Women control the majority of government and political positions in only four. At last week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer at Facebook, spoke about gender equality.  “The reason to work towards equality – whether woman or man – is that it is better for you,” Sandberg said. “We should be doing this not because it’s the right thing, but because it’s the smart thing. … So do it because it will help you.” The World Economic Forum completed its worldwide 2015 gender gap survey in November. I'm Anne Ball.  Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. ­Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   equity – n. fairness in how people are treated opportunity – n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done gender – n. male or female

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