July 13, 2016

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

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President Obama Calls for Unity at Dallas Memorial

President Obama's speaks in Dallas,Texas at a memorial service for five fallen police officers. He addresses the topic of racial relations in the United States.

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Obama Praises Police, Calls for Unity, at Dallas Memorial

President Barack Obama has urged Americans to channel their anger about police shootings and race into a search for peaceful solutions. Obama spoke in Dallas, Texas at a memorial for five police officers. A gunman shot and killed the men as they were guarding a peaceful demonstration to protest police shootings of black Americans. Obama attended the memorial with Vice President Joe Biden and former President George W. Bush. It was the 11th time Obama has addressed a community after a mass shooting. Obama spoke about each of the five officers. He gave examples of their dedication and spoke of their final moments of duty. He praised them for risking their own lives to protect and serve the public. Nine other officers and two civilians were also wounded in the attack at the demonstration July 7.  Hundreds of people had gathered to protest police killings earlier that week of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota. The gunman in Dallas told police he was targeting white officers. He was killed in an explosion by a law enforcement robot. Obama called the shootings in Dallas an act of “demented violence” and “racial hatred.” He noted that the officers killed were protecting and upholding the constitutional right of protest at the time of their death. “And despite the fact that police conduct was the subject of the protest, despite the fact that there must have been signs or slogans or chants with which they profoundly disagreed, these men and this department did their jobs like the professionals that they were.” On July 5, police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shot and killed 37 year-old Alton Sterling. Two days later in St. Paul, Minnesota a police officer shot and killed 32 year-old Philando Castile. Both incidents were captured on video and widely viewed on social media. Large protests in several U.S. cities followed. Before his visit to Dallas, Obama placed calls to the families of Sterling and Castile, said an administration spokesman. Obama also spoke of the men during the memorial. “But even those who dislike the phrase 'Black Lives Matter,' surely we should be able to hear the pain of Alton Sterling's family.” Unless Americans are willing to “talk honestly and openly” about race, community policing and gun violence, “then we will never break this dangerous cycle,” Obama said. “In the end, it’s not about finding policies that work. It’s about forging consensus and fighting cynicism, and finding the will to make change.” He said he knows the pain will not soon pass for families and communities in Dallas. “But my faith tells me that they did not die in vain. I believe our sorrow can make us a better country. I believe our righteous anger can be transformed into more justice and more peace.” Former President George W. Bush, who lives in Dallas, also spoke at the service. He said “the shock of this evil has still not faded.” He urged Americans to remember “shared commitments for common ideals” as a way to overcome differences. “At times it seems like the forces pulling us apart are stronger than the forces binding us together. Argument turns too easily into animosity. Disagreement escalates too quickly into dehumanization. Too often we judge other groups by their worst examples, while judging ourselves by our best intentions.” Obama and Biden, along with their wives, also met privately in Dallas with families of the dead officers as well as the injured. Obama is to meet Wednesday with law enforcement officials, activists and civil rights leaders. The discussion is expected to center on ways to repair "the bonds of trust" between communities and police. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting from VOAnews.com, with additional reports from the Associated Press and Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story channel – v. direct toward a particular objective dedication – n. demonstrating strong support or loyalty to a person or cause demented – adj. mad, insane despite – adj. ​without being affected by conduct – adj. ​the way a person behaves  in vain – adj. not having success  binding – v. to cause to have an emotional attachment to something or someone bond – n. a force or feeling that unites people, common goal intentions – n. things a person plans to do or achieve  

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Sanders Declares Support for Clinton Candidacy

  Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he is supporting Hillary Clinton in her effort to be the next president for the United States. Sanders spoke with a smiling Clinton at his side at a school in New Hampshire. The two competed earlier this year for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. “It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues,” said Sanders. “That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about.” But he said that on many important issues – such as income inequality, climate change and immigration -- Clinton is the best candidate for the nation. The Democratic “unity” announcement came just two weeks before the party’s national convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Convention delegates are expected to make Clinton, the former U.S. secretary of state, the party’s candidate in the presidential elections. Donald Trump Is Clinton's Opponent The Republican Party is expected to nominate businessman Donald Trump as its candidate. "This campaign is not really about Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders, or any other candidate who sought the presidency,” Sanders said. “This campaign is about the needs of the American people and addressing the very serious crises that we face.” Trump is expected to accept the Republican presidential nomination next week at the party’s convention in Cleveland, Ohio. On Tuesday, he tweeted that Sanders “sold out to crooked Hillary Clinton. Sanders was not true to himself and his supporters,” Trump said. Sanders said he is pleased his campaign won almost 1,900 Democratic delegates, “far more than almost anyone thought we could win.” “But it is not enough to win the nomination,” he added. Sanders Takes Credit for Raising Issues The Senator took some credit for moving the Democrats to a more progressive party platform. Sanders said Clinton’s opinions on some issues have moved closer to his. They include issues such as health care and reducing debt for college students. Clinton said she is proud to get Sander’s support. She said he “energized and inspired a generation of young people who care deeply about our country.” A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 85 percent of Sanders supporters say they will vote for Clinton in November. Only 9 percent of his supporters plan to vote for Trump. Supporters React to Sanders' Endorsement But some Sanders supporters said it will not be easy for them to back the woman who campaigned against their candidate. Kira Willig is a lawyer and Sanders supporter from Florida. She cried as she watched Sanders standing next to Clinton. “This has been a long sustained campaign of truly believing our country could go in the right direction,” Willig said. But Willig said she knows “Bernie is correct” about backing Clinton. “What we love about him is that he represents the best in all of us, and right now he is a better person than I am for his ability to rise above to make this appearance,” Willig added. Kachina Mooney, a Sanders supporter from West Virginia, said she understands he “feels deeply that Donald Trump is a huge threat.” “But I still believe Bernie to be the hope of our nation. I am Bernie strong, Bernie or bust, and I will write him in.” Mooney meant she would write Sanders’ name onto her ballot, even if he fails to become the Democratic candidate. Sanders endorsement of Clinton came as the Commission on Presidential Debates announced plans for three presidential debates before the November 8th election. The debates will include the Democratic and Republican candidates. Independent candidates will need support of 15 percent of voters in major polls before the commission will let them join the debates.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   smile - v. an expression on your face that makes the corners of your mouth turn up and that shows happiness, amusement, pleasure, affection doubt - n. a feeling of being uncertain or unsure about something inspire - v. to make someone want to do something sustained - adj. an effort over a long period of time bust - n. nothing else will do platform – n. an official policy statement poll – n. a public opinion survey or study endorsement – n. an act of giving one’s approval or support to someone or something

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Pokemon Go Craze Sweeps US

  This is What’s Trending Today. Pikachu, where are you? That is on the minds of millions of people in the U.S. who downloaded the Pokemon Go smartphone app after it launched July 6. If you remember the Pokemon card trading game from the 1990s, you are probably familiar with Pikachu and some of the other animated characters. But now the cute monsters can be collected outdoors using your phone’s camera, map and location tracker. As gamers walk around their city or neighborhood, they can encounter and capture colorful characters. The characters are captured by throwing virtual balls into hoops near the character. Players can also look for landmarks around their city where they can collect more balls and other in-game rewards. Some of the landmarks are statues, museums, police stations and public transportation stations. The game was created through a partnership between Nintendo, the Japanese company that created the original game, and a company created by Google called Niantic. Many people are excited about the game. People who mostly stay inside have spent more time outdoors looking for the characters. The characters have strange names. For example, one is called a Sandshrew and another is a Doduo. News reports say that people are meeting their neighbors for the first time. People are posting their discoveries of characters in funny locations via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Characters have been found on the New York City subway, in trash cans and in police cars. The app even encourages people to exercise, since one element of the game is related to the hatching of eggs. New characters are born from the eggs that only hatch after the player has walked 2, 5 or 10 kilometers. There have been some problems related to Pokemon Go, however. One player in the U.S. state of Wyoming found a dead body while she was looking for a character along a riverbank. In the state of Missouri, thieves set a trap for other players and robbed them. The game is extremely popular. But some technology experts say the app unnecessarily requests access to private information, like emails and gamers’ locations. The maker of the game, Niantic, says it will release an update that corrects this problem. The game is currently available for smart phones in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Other countries will have access soon. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Are you going to try out the Pokemon Go app when it comes to your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   update – n. a change or addition to computer software that includes the most recent information element – n. a particular part of something (such as a situation or activity) landmark – n. an object or structure on land that is easy to see and recognize virtual – adj. existing or occurring on computers or on the Internet monster – n. a strange or horrible imaginary creature cute – adj. having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance animated – adj. produced by the creation of a series of drawings, pictures, etc., that are shown quickly one after another : produced through the process of animation    

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Islamic State Gains 'Symbolic Victories'

People claiming to represent the Islamic State have claimed responsibility for several deadly attacks in the past two weeks. The attacks came shortly after Islamic State forces lost territory in both Iraq and Syria. They are evidence of the group’s plans to remain the world’s leading terror organization. The Islamic State, or IS, has been linked to terror attacks in Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. But it is not clear if they were ordered, supported or only inspired by the group’s leadership. Intelligence officials believe IS will use the attacks to show that its members are leading a powerful movement that cannot be stopped. A United States anti-terrorism official spoke with VOA on the condition that the official not be identified. The official said the attacks show that groups like Islamic State are still dangerous. He said they have “the intent and capability to direct, support and inspire acts of violence.” The official said it is not yet clear whether IS militants carried out the latest terror attacks. But the official said the attacks show that governments around the world face “significant difficulty in stopping groups of determined, suicidal individuals.” Other U.S. officials note that the Islamic State has lost a lot of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and in Syria. Yet these officials say IS still has the ability to carry out and support terrorist attacks throughout the world. The group can do this through the internet and social media. U.S. officials told a Senate committee this week that IS supporters are using the latest technology to spread their message and increase the group’s membership. Last month, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA, met with the Senate Intelligence Committee. CIA Director John Brennan warned that American efforts had “not reduced the group’s terrorism capability and global reach.” He said the Islamic State was likely going to increase its attacks throughout the world. Malcolm Nance is a former anti-terrorism and intelligence officer. He now leads a not-for-profit research center called the Terror Asymmetrics Project. He thinks the latest attacks were directed and organized by the main IS leadership. Nance says those leaders will continue to seek out partners worldwide to help them carry out attacks. He says that will give the group the appearance of power at the same time it is losing control of territory in the Middle East. “They have deep knowledge of the people and the places which would have the most impact if a terrorist attack was carried out,” Nance says. “It’s very important for them to keep the pressure on -- for people to believe that (IS) is a solid organization.” This way of thinking could make the militant group even more dangerous. Daniel Pipes heads the Middle East Forum. He recently told VOA on Skype that “the brilliance of the Islamic State has been -- unlike al-Qaida and other groups -- not to get it wrong with logistics, funding (and) planning.” Pipes said this level of organization “makes it far easier for them to incite such violence and makes it far more difficult for security agencies to stop it. You can’t stop the flow of money. You don’t have chatter. You don’t have all these mechanisms, these vulnerabilities.” The SITE Intelligence Group studies terrorist activity. It says the Islamic State is already planning more attacks.  In a video released on Tuesday, two Bangladeshi fighters in Syria praised the July 1st attack on a restaurant in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka. The attack killed more than 20. The two fighters said there would be more such attacks. Some intelligence experts are asking how long the Islamic State can survive if the group has separated from its main territorial holdings in Iraq and Syria. Jessica McFate is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer. She now works at the Institute for the Study of War. She says IS “at its core, is still, in my view, an Iraqi military organization that has an outsized global network. It’s never going to cease to orient its entire worldview around Iraq.” McFate and others say that at least for a time, IS may be willing to inspire attacks whenever and wherever it can, rather than carry them out directly. It says the group’s top leaders may hide and only keep a presence online until they feel they can safely re-group their membership. Malcolm Nance says as the group “starts to lose its manpower and its central caliphate starts being destroyed -- which may happen in the next year -- it is going to devolve into what I call the ‘Ghost Caliphate’ where they go completely covert and everything is done via the internet.” He says inspiring others to carry out attacks “is going to become the future. That is so dangerous, because no one can predict that.” I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA Correspondent Jeff Seldin reported this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow 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   inspire – adj. to make (someone) want to do something chatter – n. casual talk that is usually not important or interesting; talk among groups or people planning an event core – n. the central part of something outsized – adj. very large in size or influence orient – v. to change or create (something, such as a book or a film) so that it appeals to a particular group of people or is suitable for a particular group of people; to direct (someone) toward a goal devolve – v. to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state (chiefly US) covert – adj. made, shown, or done in a way that is not easily seen or noticed; secret or hidden

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US Defense Secretary Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter made a surprise stop in Afghanistan Tuesday. Carter was in the country to meet with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, as well as U.S. commanders. The visit comes days after an agreement with international leaders to support Afghanistan with 12,000 NATO troops. NATO allies also agreed to provide more funding for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces through 2020. In a press conference Tuesday with President Ghani, Carter discussed Afghanistan’s economic and anti-corruption reforms. He said the government’s progress on those reforms “is central” to the continued international support for the country. Also on Tuesday, Carter said under new power, General Mick Nicholson, commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, has greater freedom to strike at the Taliban. Before the new changes, Nicholson and his forces could only intervene against the Taliban when Afghan government troops requested assistance. More U.S. troops to remain in Afghanistan  Meanwhile, President Barack Obama announced last week that close to 8,400 U.S. troops will remain in Afghanistan through the end of his presidency in January 2017. That is more than the Obama administration had originally planned. More than 2,000 of the remaining U.S. troops will support the U.S. counterterrorism mission. The mission will target al-Qaida as well as Islamic State fighters trying to take control in eastern Afghanistan.   Carla Babb and Ayaz Gul reported this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach and Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English, with additional materials from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor.  ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   counterterrorism - n. actions by a group, army, etc., that are done to prevent terrorist attacks and destroy terrorist networks​ mission - n. a specific military or naval task​

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July 12, 2016

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

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July 12, 2016

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

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UN Court Rules Against China in South China Sea Dispute

The United Nations has dismissed China’s claims in the South China Sea. It is a major decision that comes after years of conflict among China, the Philippines and other countries. China says ancient maps show that it legally controls nearly all the South China Sea. But Philippine officials argue that China’s territorial claims and recent aggressive activities in the South China Sea violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The convention is an international treaty both China and the Philippines have signed. On Tuesday, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China has “no historic title” to the area. And, the court ruled that China had violated the Philippines’ rights by interfering with that country’s fishing and oil exploration in the area. In Manila, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay called the ruling "a milestone decision." U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby called the ruling "an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea." But Chinese President Xi Jinping rejected the ruling. He said it would not affect China’s control over the area or its interests there. Years of conflict  An estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year through the South China Sea. The large area is home to rich fishing grounds and may include a wealth of oil, gas and other natural resources. Many nearby countries claim part of the South China Sea. They include Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as the Philippines. Taiwan also has a claim. But in recent years, China has seized and rebuilt territory in the area, despite other countries’ objections. One conflict is over China’s activities on natural reefs. It has built many into artificial islands that can support military bases. The UN court ruled against these activities on Tuesday. It said China did not have exclusive economic rights to a disputed set of land and reefs called the Spratly Islands. And, the court said China’s construction on Mischief Reef caused permanent harm to the reef's ecosystem. What does the ruling do? Despite Tuesday's ruling, the UN has no way to enforce the decision. It cannot use military action or economic restrictions. But, the decision could make other Asia-Pacific countries bring cases against China. Those cases could increase diplomatic pressure on Beijing to reduce its presence in the South China Sea.  The United States has challenged Beijing's increasing aggressiveness in the region. The U.S. military has held naval exercises in the area and deployed warships near the rebuilt reefs. The moves aim to assert the international freedom of navigation rules. I’m Mario Ritter.   William Gallo, Richard Green, Saibal Dasqupta and Joyce Huang contributed to this report. Kelly Jean Kelly adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   ancient – adj. very old convention – n. a formal agreement between two groups milestone – n. an important point in the progress or development of something exclusive – adj. not shared; available to only one person or group  

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Filipinos React to South China Sea Ruling

About 100 demonstrators marched outside the Chinese consulate in Manila, Tuesday calling on Beijing to relinquish the Scarborough Shoal, shouting "Chexit Now" - a play on the term coined for Britain's controversial push to leave the European Union.

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