NASA Juno Spacecraft Sends First Photos of Jupiter

This is What’s Trending Today. Juno is the name of the spacecraft made by NASA that is now orbiting Jupiter after a five-year journey. NASA recently activated Juno’s solar-powered camera to send images of Jupiter back to Earth. NASA posted the first of what is expected to be many images of the solar system’s largest planet earlier this week on Facebook. And people have been sharing and liking these photos. Others leave comments on NASA’s page about Juno. Chrissa Hanna explained how Juno got its name. It honors the story of Jupiter and Juno in Roman mythology. Jupiter was the most powerful god. He was married to Juno. But he had other lovers: Io, Callisto, Europa, and Ganymede. Those are the names of Jupiter’s moons. In Roman mythology, Juno went to investigate Jupiter. Just like what NASA is doing now. NASA thinks Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system. One of its goals is to see what lies beneath the swirling clouds that surround Jupiter. And Juno should be able to answer some questions about how Jupiter formed. The first photo shows Jupiter on the left, partly in shadow. Three moons can also be seen. One is Io, another is Europa and the third is Ganymede. The photo was taken 2.7 million miles away from Jupiter. NASA promises better, higher-resolution images on August 27 when the spacecraft moves closer to Jupiter. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Will you be following Juno’s investigation of Jupiter? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   resolution – n. the ability of a device to show an image clearly and with a lot of detail solar – adj. of or relating to the sun; powered by the sun’s light swirling – adj. something that moves in circles mythology – n. the legends or beliefs of a particular group or culture

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News Words: Alien

What does the word "alien" mean? Watch "News Words" to find out.

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Britain’s May Faces Same Challenges as Thatcher

British Prime Minister Theresa May took office Wednesday, becoming the country’s second woman leader after Margaret Thatcher.   May was formally appointed by Queen Elizabeth after a meeting at Buckingham Palace. The new prime minister succeeded David Cameron, who stepped down after Britain voted to leave the European Union. May is already being compared to Thatcher, the iconic former leader known as the “Iron Lady.” Leading at an important time Thatcher, a Conservative, was Britain’s longest-serving prime minister of the 20th century, holding office from 1979 to 1990. Besides being Britain’s first female prime minister, she was also the first woman to lead a major Western democracy. One of the main comparisons between the two women is that May, 59, will be leading Britain through a historically important time. She will be in charge of overseeing the country’s complex transition out of the EU. Before last month’s referendum, also referred to as “Brexit,” May campaigned with Cameron for Britain to stay in the EU. Since the vote, she has pledged to help the country “forge a new role for ourselves in the world.” Britain’s stock market and currency plunged after the Brexit vote and economists have predicted more challenges ahead. This week, the EU’s economic affairs commissioner warned Britain’s economic growth could drop 2.5 percent as a result of Brexit. Britain will also be faced with negotiating separate trade and political relationships with EU member nations. Cameron called May “a brilliant negotiator” Wednesday and urged her to maintain close ties with EU states. Earlier this week, May said her goal would be to “negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU.” She said she would also aim to “make a success” of Brexit. Historical parallels It is clear that May will need to rely on her negotiating skills, as well as those of others, to lead Britain through the Brexit process. Thatcher was considered a tough negotiator from day one and she built on that reputation throughout her career. Thatcher maintained a firm stance on separatist movements in Northern Ireland. She also used strong language when addressing the Soviet Union and its nuclear expansion during the Cold War. Whether May will adopt this same approach to her public statements and negotiating style remains to be seen. On her first day in office, May appointed Boris Johnson, a leading supporter of Brexit, as the new foreign secretary. She is expected to appoint a special minister to guide the Brexit process and be a chief negotiator. Perhaps the most interesting parallels the two women share can be seen in a historical context. May faces Brexit uncertainties and a declining economy. Thatcher came into office at a time when Britain was going through political and economic turmoil. Labor disputes throughout the 1970s led to widespread strikes and high unemployment. There was public anger over high taxes, power shortages and trash in the streets.   In 1976, economic conditions got so bad that Britain’s currency collapsed and nearly led the country into bankruptcy. Thatcher was elected on a platform of fighting the recession and dealing strictly with labor organizations seen as causing unrest. May will also have to deal with the global problem of terrorism, which has directly hit Britain in the past. Thatcher faced persistent terror problems and was targeted herself in a bombing in 1984. Thatcher was not hurt in the attack, which was claimed by the Irish Republican Army. Just weeks before she took office, Thatcher’s spokesman on Northern Ireland was killed in a car bombing as he drove out of a parking garage. The IRA claimed responsibility for that attack too. Both Thatcher and May started as cabinet ministers in Conservative governments before winning as prime minister. Thatcher served as education secretary under the government of Edward Heath. In her six years as Home Secretary, May has been in charge of the country’s immigration, citizenship and national security. All of those areas were big issues during the campaigns of both sides during the Brexit debate. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Additional information came from the Associated Press and Reuters.  Hai Do 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   iconic – adj. relating to a well-established and recognizable person referendum – n. a vote of a single political question brilliant – adj. very impressive or successful reputation – n. the beliefs or opinions generally held about something or someone turmoil – n. a state of confusion or disorder platform – n. a declaration of principles and policies by a political party or candidate  

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Nuclear Deal with Iran Turns One Year Old

  The agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear program in return for easing international restrictions on the country is now one year old, but fragile. The United States, six other world powers and Iran finished nearly two years of negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on July 14, 2015. The agreement set out steps Iran had to take to prevent the country from being able to make nuclear weapons. It also ended many of the West’s financial, trade and oil sanctions that had hit Iran's economy hard. Recently, Secretary of State John Kerry said the agreement contained Iran’s nuclear program. “It really wasn't long ago that we saw a rapidly expanding nuclear program in Iran, only months away from having enough weapons-grade uranium to build 10 to 12 nuclear weapons," said Kerry. Iran has shut down thousands of centrifuges for enriching uranium. It also has exported almost all of its bomb-making material, according to the Associated Press. The Obama administration and some independent experts say if Iran were racing to make a nuclear weapon, it would need at least a year. The U.S. and its partners—Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia—say that is enough time to discover it and stop it. Iran’s moves mean the threat of a military conflict is gone, for now, according to the Associated Press. However, upcoming elections in the U.S. and an election next year in Iran could bring new leaders who want to undo the deal. In the U.S., Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton supports the deal, but Republican candidate Donald Trump says he would “renegotiate” it if he wins. In Iran, President Hassan Rouhani and his government, which helped negotiate the agreement, could be replaced. And in the Middle East, Israeli leaders still strongly oppose the deal although there is little talk of airstrikes or military intervention against Iran. For now, the agreement is holding.  The U.S. and Iran also are expanding cooperation. The American company, Boeing, reached a deal with government-owned Iran Air to buy passenger airplanes. That agreement could be worth as much as $25 billion. That suggests some of the agreement’s early problems may be easing. However, in the U.S. Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, who opposed the nuclear agreement want to stop the airplane sale. Last week, the House passed two measures to block the sale. The Senate has not acted yet. President Obama would likely veto the bill blocking the sale. Supporters say the deal is a success because Iran does not have nuclear weapons. Those opposed, however, warn that this is just year one, and there are seven more to go, in the eight-year agreement. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English from the Associated Press. Mario Ritter was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section below and find us on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fragile – adj. easily broken or damaged ballistic missile – n. a weapon shot through the sky over a big distance and then falls to the ground and explode uranium – n. a radioactive element used to make nuclear weapons cusp – n. the edge of something centrifuge – n. a machine that spins substances inside a container around very fast, causing the heavier substances to move to the bottom or sides of the container. veto – n. a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something

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After Pokemon Craze, Backlash

This is What’s Trending Today. Pokemon Go can be called a phenomenon. The smartphone video game became popular almost overnight. Millions of people have downloaded the game. Players are walking around cities in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Germany and a few other countries, trying to catch the Pokemon characters. For the most part, it’s all in good fun. People are getting outside more, walking around and even meeting their neighbors. But some people think Pokemon Go players should try to use better judgment. There were reports earlier this week of people hunting Pokemon at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. The museum is a memorial to Jews who were killed by Nazis in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. The museum has asked the game’s makers to remove it from the sites where players can hunt the characters. People have also reportedly been looking for Pokemon characters at the Arlington National Cemetery near Washington. The cemetery is where many U.S. military veterans are buried. The cemetery posted this message on Twitter: “We do not consider playing Pokemon Go to be appropriate decorum on the grounds of ANC.”  Will the negative reactions hurt the game’s popularity? Pokemon Go launched on July 6. Observers are trying to guess whether or not the game will remain hugely popular for a long time. Some people are joking about the recent backlash. “Backlash” is a strong public reaction against something, usually something that has become very popular. One person wrote on Twitter: “Dear internet, Please hold off on your Pokemon Go backlash…”  At least one company hopes the game stays popular. The stock of game-maker Nintendo increased over 50 percent last week after the game’s release. In the United States, businesses are already trying to find ways to take advantage of the game’s popularity. One pizza restaurant in New York says business increased by 75 percent over the weekend after it paid money to have Pokemon characters placed inside the restaurant. Customers came in, ate pizza, drank beer and played the game. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Are you already tired of hearing about the Pokemon Go app? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   backlash – n. a strong public reaction against something phenomenon – n. someone or something that is very impressive or popular especially because of an unusual ability or quality

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Donald Trump Calls for Justice Ginsburg to Resign

Donald Trump called for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to resign, after her critical comments about him. In interviews with the Associated Press, the New York Times and CNN, Ginsburg spoke about Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president. Ginsburg told the Associated Press she did not want to think about the possibility of Trump winning the election. She added with a smile, "It's likely that the next president, whoever she will be, will have a few appointments to make.” Hillary Clinton is the likely Democratic nominee. She will likely run against Trump. In the New York Times interview, published on July 10, Ginsburg said, “I can’t imagine what our country would be with Donald Trump as our president.” She also joked about moving to New Zealand.  In a follow-up interview on Monday with CNN, Ginsburg called Trump “a faker” who has “no consistency about him.” Ginsburg also criticized Trump for not making his recent tax returns public. Most candidates running for president do this. Traditionally, Supreme Court justices like Ginsburg do not comment on presidential candidates. They keep their feelings about the candidates to themselves. One of the reasons is that the Supreme Court is sometimes called upon to help decide an election. That  happened in the year 2000, when the results of the election between Al Gore and George W. Bush were not clear. Reactions to Ginsburg’s comments In response to Ginsburg’s comments, Trump said the justice, who is 83, should resign from her position. Ginsburg is the oldest justice currently serving on the highest court in the U.S. Trump used Twitter to say her comments about him were “dumb,” and “Her mind is shot – resign!” Other Republicans were also critical of Ginsburg. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan said her comment “shows bias.” And Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said it was “totally inappropriate” for Ginsburg to criticize Trump. Bernie Sanders, a Democratic candidate for president, said he agreed with Ginsburg’s comments about Trump. But the senator from Vermont declined to say whether they were appropriate. On Wednesday, the New York Times editorial board wrote a column saying it agreed with Trump. The newspaper said it is “vital that the court remain outside the presidential process.” The Washington Post agreed with her comments, but said it would be better if a Supreme Court justice kept her thoughts about the election private. Ginsburg has served on the Supreme Court since 1993. President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, appointed Ginsburg. At the time, she was the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court. Ginsburg has also criticized the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate for not acting on President Barack Obama’s nomination of judge Merrick Garland. Right now, the court only has eight justices, instead of nine. Justice Antonin Scalia died earlier this year.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on reports from VOANews.com, AP and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. What do you think the justice’s comments about Donald Trump? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fake – v. to make something seem true or real in order to trick someone consistency – n. the quality or fact of staying the same at different times dumb – adj. not showing or having good judgment or intelligence : stupid or foolish appropriate – adj. right or suited for some purpose or situation column – n. an article in a newspaper or magazine that appears regularly and that is written by a particular writer or deals with a particular subject​ vital – adj. extremely important baffling – adj. confusing

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China, Philippines to Talk After South China Sea's Ruling

China and the Philippines are considering having talks on their conflicting claims to parts of the South China Sea. On Tuesday, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) rejected China’s historical claim to most of the South China Sea. The court made its ruling based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The court in The Hague, the Netherlands, is an international organization that seeks to resolve disputes between nations. Both China and the Philippines are members. On Tuesday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay called the PCA ruling "an important contribution." Chinese officials, however, questioned the PCA’s fact-finding process. They say the court does not have the authority to make a ruling. And, they have said they would prefer bilateral talks to resolve the countries’ issues related to the South China Sea. Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, spoke after the PCA released its decision. He said the Philippines had recently made statements that showed a willingness to continue talks about the South China Sea. Such negotiations could help prevent threats of war. They could also make the waters between the two countries safer for commercial use on both sides, especially for Philippine fishermen. And, they could help China repair its image as a bully in the South China Sea dispute. Philippine position Many Filipinos cheered the PCA ruling, which said China had violated Philippine rights to use waters off its west coast. But some Filipinos also expressed fear. They worried China would ignore the ruling and make things harder for Philippine fishing boats in disputed waters. Their concerns increase pressure on the government to hold talks.  Jay Batongbacal directs the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea at the University of the Philippines. He said the Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte, will likely try to negotiate a friendly settlement with the Chinese. But, Batongbacal added, the Philippine public will expect its government to take a strong position on the issues and to get a positive result. Chinese position If the two countries go forward with talks, analysts say, China is in a difficult position. It must decide whether to stay firm on claiming territory in the South China Sea, or to find a diplomatic way out of conflict. Tang Siew Mun is a senior fellow at the regional strategic and political studies program under the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. He wrote in an email to VOA that China will try to establish its sovereignty by showing its military force. However, Tang said, such a show would only damage China’s international reputation. He said talks with Philippine officials would give China a chance to improve its image.  But even if the Philippines and China reach a deal later, another analyst noted that the U.S. and other countries will likely still insist that China follow the decision of the PCA. That decision says China does not have the rights to 12 nautical mile territorial waters around most of the South China Sea’s islands and reefs. Kong Lingjie is deputy dean of China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies at Wuhan University. He told VOA, “The U.S. government will give a lot of pressure for the Chinese government to implement the award. But China, its policy and position is very firm. It wouldn’t change even a bit.” Kong added that China will follow the example set by the U.S. in 1986. At that time, the U.S. rejected an arbitration ruling reached by the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. That ruling supported Nicaragua’s complaints against the U.S. violations of its sovereignty. But the U.S. blocked enforcement of the judgment. In 1992, Nicaragua withdrew its complaints.  I’m Anna Matteo.   Pros Laput contributed to this report from Manila and Saibal Dasgupta contributed from Beijing. Kelly Jean Kelly adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   arbitration – n. a process of settling an argument or disagreement in which the people or groups on both sides present their opinions and ideas to a third person or group bully – n. someone who frightens, hurts, or threatens smaller or weaker people sovereignty – n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself

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Taylor Swift Is Rich Beyond Her ‘Wildest Dreams'

Pop music star Taylor Swift is rich, likely beyond her “Wildest Dreams.” Forbes magazine lists the highest-paid celebrities each year. It puts the singer-songwriter at the top of its 2016 list. It says Swift earned an estimated $170 million in the last twelve months.  Swift beat out British group One Direction this year by about $60 million, says the magazine. The boy band is in the number two position. Other singer-songwriters on the list included Adele, who placed 9th with $80.5 million. Madonna came in at 12 with $76.5 million. Rihanna was next with $75 million. Katy Perry’s $41 million was only enough to get her to the 63rd place. She was number three in the 2015 Forbes list. Reality television star Kim Kardashian, who is on the cover of the magazine, rated 42nd with $51 million. Fourty percent of her earnings came from her mobile game, “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood.” Taylor Swift is expected to launch a mobile game of her own next year. A couple of athletes were among the top ten highest paid celebrities. Can you guess which sport they represent? Yes…soccer players both. Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo is tied for fourth place with $88 earned. ​ Coming in at number eight is Lionel Messi with $81 million. Messi, who plays for Barcelona, was sentenced in July to a 21-month prison term in Spain. The Argentinian had been found guilty of cheating on his taxes. Messi is not expected to serve any of the time in prison, however, as the sentence was suspended. He did have to pay fines. Several broadcast media stars were also in the top ten of Forbes richest celebrities list. The entertainer who ties with Ronaldo for fourth place is television star, Phil McGraw. McGraw hosts the wildly popular “Dr. Phil,” a mental health talk show. Radio and television star Howard Stern is number eight and political commentator Rush Limbaugh closes the list out at number 10. The other two places in the top ten belong to a book writer and a comedian. James Patterson’s many fictions have sold hundreds of millions of copies around the world. Forbes says the author made $95 million over the last 12 months. He is number three on the richest celebrities list.​ Funnyman Kevin Hart is number six. Forbes says he is the first comedian to earn more than his colleague, Jerry Seinfeld. The magazine reports Hart’s earnings at $87.5 million. Now, that is some serious funny money. I’m Caty Weaver. Caty Weaver wrote this report for VOA Learning English. VOANews provided additional reporting. Hai Do was the editor. Were you surprised about any of the entertainers who made the top ten of Forbes list? Let us know! Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story celebrity - n. a person who is famous​ host -​ v.  to lead on-air a television or radio show comedian -​ n. a person who performs in front of an audience and makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories or by acting in a way that is funny : an actor who plays roles that make people laugh​ fiction -​ n. written stories about people and events that are not real : literature that tells stories which are imagined by the writer​ colleague -​ n. a person who works with you, or in the same business      

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Free Wi-Fi Is Coming to New York City

The spread of mobile phones across America has led to a disappearance of public pay telephones. In fact, in New York City right now, workers are removing pay phones from the city’s streets. But, pay phones are being replaced by something most people will find more useful: free Wi-Fi kiosks. The LinkNYC program is expected to install 7500 kiosks, or Links, throughout the city over the next few years. The system is in beta testing right now. CityBridge is providing the kiosks. It is an alliance of three companies Qualcomm, Intersection and CIVIQ Smartscapes. Intersection is owned by Alphabet, the parent company of Google. New York City will install and maintain them. It will pay for the program, and expects to profit from the Links, through advertising. Each Link has two high-definition screens to display advertisements and public service announcements. The kiosks also provide high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, tablets with Internet access, phone calling within the U.S., emergency phone calls, and USB charging ports. LinkNYC says Wi-Fi will cover an area of 45 meters around the kiosk. Wi-Fi speeds are 100 times faster than home networks, according to LinkNYC. Users have been impressed with the speed:   In addition to speed, LinkNYC Wi-Fi offers security. Each kiosk offers two types of Wi-Fi networks, secured and unsecured. By registering with an email account, a user can get a key to connect to an encrypted Wi-Fi network. According the LinkNYC, "Your email address will never be sold, or shared with third parties for their own use." The company's privacy policy contains more information about data privacy. Each kiosk has a tablet that runs a secure version of Android to access the Internet, get maps, directions, and information about city services. A phone keypad lets users call U.S. phone numbers for free. Users can press and hold a red button on the kiosk to call emergency services. Kiosks can also serve as charging stations, with two USB ports that transfer electricity but not data. People are able to connect headphones at the kiosks for privacy and to block city noise. The kiosks have cameras. The cameras will help record traffic flow, pollution levels, crime and suspicious packages. Using a LinkNYC Kiosk If you visit New York City, you may see a LinkNYC kiosk or a pay phone being removed.   A video on YouTube shows how to connect to a LinkNYC kiosk. If you would like to see LinkNYC come to your town, send an email invitation. The address is hello@link.nyc The Issues with LinkNYC The Links program is not without critics. Some neighbors of the kiosks have reported increased noise, with users streaming music, videos and television shows. Some people are also reporting concern about privacy issues. They worry about the use of cameras on the Links. Still others have questioned the privacy of the personal data that will be collected by the kiosks. I’m Caty Weaver.   Carolyn Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Do you like the idea of Link kiosks? Which of the free services would you use? Do you wish Link kiosks would come to your city? Are you concerned about privacy issues? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   kiosk - n. a small structure that provides information and services on a computer screen beta test - n. a trial of machinery, software, or other products, in the final stages of its development advertise - v. to make the public aware of something (such as a product) that is being sold high-definition - adj. having a very clear picture and a wide screen charging port - n. an opening that connects a phone to a power source to recharge the battery encrypt - v. to change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning

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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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