1400 UTC Newscast in English

From Washington, this is VOA News. I’m Frances Alonzo reporting. A court in Tianjin Tuesday handed down a guilty verdict for Chinese rights defender Zhai Yanmin, who was given a three-year jail term with a four-year probation period after being found guilty of “state subversion.” Zhai’s verdict came a day after the alleged release of lawyer Wang Yu, both of whom were among those 300-odd rights activists arrested since China started its nationwide crackdown on lawyers last July. Human rights groups questioned the fairness of Zhai’s trial, saying they have been marred by multiple procedural violations, including a three-day notice to his family. Three other rights activists were also said to be standing trial on Tuesday, but no court decisions have yet been disclosed. The foiled coup attempt seeking to unseat the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has cost the Turkish economy 300 billion lira or $100 billion, according to the Customs and Commerce Minister. Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Minister Tuesday said his government was doing all it could to... for the plotters against last month's failed coup, which left 271 people dead. This is Mevlut Cavusoglu. "We are taking all the necessary legal measures against the plotters of coup, namely the terrorist organization FETO, headed by Fethullah Gulen, based in Pennsylvania. All those responsible will be brought to justice." The Turkish Foreign Minister was speaking at a news conference after meeting his Pakistani counterpart, Sartaj Aziz, in Islamabad. VOA News.   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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What Is a Gold Star American Family?

Gold Star families have been in the news a lot in the United States over the past week. But not all Americans know the term, which is important to military families. Gold Star families are immediate relatives of U.S. Armed Forces members who died in battle or in support of certain military activities. These relatives can be parents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters or other loved ones. The term Gold Star was first used in World War I, when families flew flags with stars representing each loved one fighting in the conflict. Gold Star traditions The flags had a blue star for each immediate family member serving in the U.S. military during any period of war or hostilities. If a loved one was killed while serving, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. The gold stars were worn on clothing and added to flags to let communities know the sacrifices made by armed forces members and their families. The stars were used to represent the honor and glory of the soldiers killed. The Department of Defense presents immediate family members of fallen service members a flag with a gold star or a lapel pin with a gold star. The exact number of Gold Star families is not known. The National Gold Star Family Registry reports at least 472,045 fallen military members have been registered by relatives. Military importance of families The U.S. Army says honoring Gold Star families is a sign of their importance to the military. “The strength of our army is our soldiers,” it said. “The strength of our soldiers is our families. The army recognizes that no one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen.” Other groups followed the Gold Star program. In 1928, a group of military mothers organized American Gold Star Mothers. Since 1936, the United States has observed Gold Star Mother’s Day on the final Sunday of September.  Gold Star Wives was formed during World War II by a group of founding members including Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin Roosevelt. It was created as a way for survivors to support each other and work together to improve the assistance they receive. Gold Star families have been in the news since the parents of a U.S. soldier killed in battle spoke last week at the Democratic National Convention. The parents, Khizr and Ghazala Khan, are Muslim. They appeared together on the convention floor. Gold Star controversy The father shared how his son, Army Captain Humayun Khan, was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004. Noting his son’s sacrifice, Khan rejected Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s proposal to restrict Muslim immigration. Khan also held up a copy of the U.S. Constitution and urged Trump to read it.  His comments led the candidate to criticize Khan in television broadcasts and on social media. “Mr. Khan, who does not know me, viciously attacked me from the stage of the DNC and is now all over TV doing the same -- Nice!” Trump tweeted on Monday. In another tweet, he said: “This story is not about Mr. Khan, who is all over the place doing interviews, but rather RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISM and the U.S. Get smart!” Trump’s criticism was condemned by Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008. Trump’s comments were also criticized by other members of Congress, family members of fallen military members and veterans groups. President Barack Obama did not react directly to Trump’s comments in a speech this week to the Disabled American Veterans of America. But he praised Gold Star families for making “a sacrifice that most of us cannot even begin to imagine.” “They represent the very best of our country. They continue to inspire us every day, every moment. They serve as a powerful reminder of the true strength of America. We have to do everything we can for those families - and honor them, and be humbled by them.” I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on a report from VOAnews.com. Additional material came from the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow 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 glory – n. something that brings praise or fame to someone lapel – n. a piece of fabric on the front of a jacket or coat vicious – adj. deliberately cruel or violent disparaged – adj. someone or something described as weak or unimportant humble – adj. showing modesty, not proud  

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Texas Students Can Bring Guns to College

The American state of Texas joined eight other states this week in giving individuals a right to bring guns to college classrooms. The Texas law gives people 21 and older permission to carry concealed handguns into buildings at state-financed colleges. To do so, the person needs a government permit that requires training in safe gun use. The law took effect on the same day the University of Texas marked the 50th anniversary of the first mass shooting at an American college campus. On August 1, 1966, Charles Whitman used a gun to shoot at people from high atop the university’s clock tower. Seventeen people lost their lives, and many more were injured. One of the first people shot and injured was Claire Wilson. She was pregnant and lost her baby. The gunman killed her boyfriend, Tom Eckman, in the attack. Today, Wilson uses the name Claire Wilson James. She spoke on Monday at a memorial ceremony, offering this lesson from her personal tragedy: “Treasure the ones we walk with each moment.” Supporters of the new Texas law say it will save lives by giving people the right to use their own guns to stop a shooter before police arrive. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said it was carefully written to require people to get special training to bring guns to colleges. Opponents said the gun law might make things worse. It might make it difficult for police to identify the shooter or shooters from those firing weapons to stop the attack, they said. Opponents also worry that access to guns will make it easier for people who are depressed or have a mental health issue to take their own lives. Under the new law, people are permitted to carry guns into college buildings, classrooms and student housing. Guns are not permitted at sporting events. Each state college can establish its own rules. For example, at the University of Texas, professors can declare their offices, “gun-free zones.” University students and employees over age 21 can have guns in common areas, such as dormitories, dining halls and lounges. But they can’t carry guns in dormitory rooms, where students sleep. At Texas A&M University, another state school, guns are permitted in dormitory rooms. Teachers at Texas A&M need approval from school administrators before they can bar people from carrying guns into their offices. Under the state law, private colleges can choose whether or not to permit concealed guns. So far, only one private Texas college -- Amberton University -- is allowing guns. I’m Bruce Alpert.   VOA Correspondent Greg Flakus reported this story. Bruce Alpert adapted his report for 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   concealed handgun -- n. a gun hidden, usually under clothing moment - n. a very short period of time access - n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone dormitory - n. a building on a school campus that has rooms where students can live lounge - n. a room with comfortable furniture for relaxing lesson – n. a period of learning or teaching

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Instagram Launches New 'Stories' Feature

    This is What’s Trending Today… The photo-sharing application Instagram is urging users to post more photos and videos, more often. Users will soon be able to create Instagram Stories. The new feature will let users share content that will disappear after 24 hours. Instagram made the announcement Tuesday. The company said that users “don’t have to worry about overposting. Instead, you can share as much as you want throughout the day -- with as much creativity as you want.” The new feature is very similar to Live Stories on Snapchat. Snapchat launched Live Stories in 2014. Instagram users will be able to view a person’s “story” by clicking on their profile photo. Unlike normal Instagram posts, there are no likes or comments. Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom told the Wall Street Journal that the new feature is designed to create “a place where you feel free to post whatever you want without the nagging fear of, did someone like that or not?” On social media, people have had mixed reactions to Instagram Stories. Many commented about its similarity to Snapchat Live Stories. One Twitter user wrote, “Although I'll probably get addicted to Instagram Stories, I do dislike when different platforms copy each other! #InstagramOrSnapchat ? ​ Another tweeted, “Instagram stories is the update we never wanted or asked for.” ​ Instagram has more than 500 million users worldwide. Facebook bought the company in 2012. And that's What's Trending Today. Ashley Thompson wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter Was the editor. What do you think about Instagram’s new video feature. Let us know in the comments section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   nagging –adj. annoying or bothered by repeated worries addicted –adj. unable to stop doing something (often harmful) platforms –n. computer software that enables one or more functions

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August 2, 2016

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

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New Security Laws In Effect in Malaysia

  New security measures became law this week in Malaysia. Critics say the measures give Prime Minister Najib Razak far-reaching emergency powers. They fear the new security law could be used to crush human rights. The law gives the Malaysian leader power to suspend civil liberties whenever he believes there is a security threat. Josef Benedict is Amnesty International's deputy director for South East Asia and the Pacific. He said the Malaysian government has rejected limits on its power and now has the tools for “potentially abusive power.” The United Nations human rights regional office said it was “gravely concerned” about the situation in Malaysia. It said the laws may lead to human rights violations and “unjust restrictions” on free speech and meetings. The new legislation was passed at a time when investigators continue studying alleged corruption in the country. Some critics see the security law as a way for Prime Minister Najib to hold on to power. Najib has been under investigation since information surfaced that he received about $700 million in his private bank accounts. The money appeared to have come from the state-owned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad or 1MDB. Najib has denied all accusations of wrongdoing. He says the money was a political donation from someone in the Middle East whom he has refused to identify. The United States Justice Department is taking part in the investigation. U.S. officials have taken steps to seize more than $1 billion worth of property, works of art, jewelry and even rights to a Hollywood movie. Officials suspect all those items were bought with money stolen from the 1MDB fund. Najib founded the state development fund in 2009. The Malaysian finance ministry now owns it. The prime minister controls the finance ministry. A spokesman for Najib has said the government will cooperate with any international investigations. “As the prime minister has always maintained, if any wrongdoing is proven, the law will be enforced without exception.” Officials told the court the stolen money passed through bank accounts in the United States, Luxembourg, Singapore and Switzerland. Officials claim the funds were used to buy high-priced homes, artworks and even a private airplane. In addition to Malaysia and the United States, other governments have been investigating 1MDB. They include Singapore and Switzerland. I’m Caty Weaver. Fern Robinson wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted her 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   allege – v. accused of having done something wrong or illegal but not yet proven guilty potentially – adj. possibly account – n. a record of credit and debt; a business or financial program fund – n. an amount of money that is used for a special purpose  

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Nearly 40 Percent of Young Hong Kongers Support Independence

Almost 40 percent of young people in Hong Kong support independence from China for the city after 2047. The information came from a study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Interviewers asked more than 1,000 people questions in July. The study contained a number of interesting findings. Young people supported independence more than older people. Nearly 40 percent of people between the ages of 15 and 24, who were asked, said they want the city to break away from China. Seventeen percent of all those questioned said they support independence for Hong Kong after 2047. Nearly 30 percent expressed no preference for independence or staying with China. However, less than four percent said they believe independence is possible for the former British colony. Britain handed over Hong Kong to China in 1997. Under that agreement, Hong Kong is to be governed by the People’s Republic of China under two economic systems: communism and capitalism. This is known as the “one country, two systems” policy. The one country, two systems deal with China is set to end in 2047. One university student agreed with the study results. He said about half of his friends support independence for Hong Kong. “I think a lot of young people are very disappointed in the Chinese government or the [ruling] Chinese Communist Party,” he said. “Also, a number of events in recent years have changed people’s views about Hong Kong’s future.” The student said the Chinese government has not permitted fully democratic elections in Hong Kong. Officials require candidates to promise unity for the first time The survey comes before elections for Hong Kong’s legislature. For the first time, all candidates have been asked to sign a document. In it, the candidate promises to uphold the principle that Hong Kong is “an inalienable part of China.” A number of pro-independence Chinese said they will be candidates in the elections to be held on September 4. The Electoral Affairs Commission said all candidates must sign the document or they will be disqualified. Hong Kong was promised a “high degree of autonomy” under the terms of its 1997 handover to China. Article 26 of the Basic Law guarantees the city’s residents the right to vote in and stand for elections. As a result, Hong Kong is considered a Special Administrative Region. I’m Mario Ritter. This report came from Yang Fan for Radio Free Asia’s Mandarin Service and by Lam Kwok-lap for the Cantonese Service. It was translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. What do you think of Hong Kong’s future? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   interviewer – n. a person who asks questions to get information communism – n. a way of organizing a society in which the government owns the things that are used to make and transport products and there is no privately owned property capitalism – n. a way of organizing an economy so that the things that are used to make and transport products are owned by individual people and companies rather than by the government democratic – adj. based on a form of government in which the people choose leaders by voting inalienable – adj. impossible to take away or give up disqualified – v. to stop or prevent someone from doing, having or being a part of something autonomy – n. the power or right of a country or group to govern itself handover – n. the act or process of giving control of someone or something to another person or country region –n. an area of a country that is different than others for some reason

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Let's Learn English Lesson 24: Yesterday Was Amazing

Anna discovers a festival - the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall. What does she learn there about Basque culture?

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London’s Position as International Financial Center at Risk

London provides nearly one-fourth of Britain’s national income. But the British vote to leave the European Union has raised questions about London’s future as an international financial center. Other European cities are watching with interest.

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English in a Minute: Suck the Air out of the Room

You might have dealt with a person or situation that "sucked the air out of the room?" Find out how to use this expression in this week's EIM!

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August 1, 2016

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

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