July 13, 2017

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

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News Words: Monument

Why is a monument a good place to visit? Find out in this week's News Words.

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America's Presidents - James A. Garfield

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Explainer: Global Coalition

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Why You Should Avoid Public USB Charging Areas

  Your telephone is running low on power while you wait to fly out of an airport. Other people have connected their cell phones and other devices to electrical outlets in the waiting area. Like you, they are preparing for the flight. Then you discover a public USB charging area close by. You quickly reach for a charge cord and connect your phone to the charging hub. Then you take a deep breath and sit back, happy to get the power for free. What could go wrong? Plenty. Why you should avoid using USB hubs to charge your phone In addition to providing electrical current, phone charge cords can send and receive data. That free USB charging hub at an airport, hotel or other public place may not only charge your phone. It also could be transferring information to and from the device. The USB charging hub could be connecting to your phone and copy your contact list, email and text messages, voice mails, photographs and videos. It can also copy passwords, banking information, personal contacts and any other information stored on your phone. That public USB hub may even download programs, such as malware and tracking software, to your phone. This form of data transfer is known as "juice jacking." How to protect yourself from juice jacking If you want to charge your phone while traveling, you have other choices that do not increase your risks. Here are ways you can avoid juice jacking: Connect your phone only to electrical outlets so data transfer is not possible. An available outlet may not be as near as a USB charging hub, but the few extra steps may keep you safe. It is better to use a distant wall outlet than a nearby USB charging hub. Carry a cord that only transfers electricity, not data. Be sure to mark the cord so you do not accidentally use it when you need to transfer data, such as saving photos to your computer. Carry an extra, fully-charged battery. Having one means you can charge your phone without having to worry about carrying a special cord or finding a power outlet. You can charge your phone with the extra battery wherever you are, even when you are far away from an outlet. If you must use a public USB charging center, make sure to turn off your phone completely. This may or may not prevent data transfer. But it will reduce the chances of it happening, depending on what phone you have. Remember to fully charge your phone before you leave home or work. iOS and Android operating systems have security programs designed to prevent juice jacking. But the safest way to charge your phone is to avoid public USB hubs. Anyone can be fooled by USB hubs A few years ago, a computer security conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. One security company set up USB charging areas that had video screens. The screens showed the message: Free Cell Phone Charging. But when conference attendees connected their phones to the charging centers, the screens turned red and showed this warning: “You should not trust public kiosks with your smart phone. Information can be retrieved or downloaded without your consent. Luckily for you, this station has taken the ethical route and your data is safe. Enjoy the free charge!” Brian Markus is chief executive officer for Aires Security, which set up the USB hubs. He explained that the purpose was to show how even security experts could be persuaded to charge their phones at such centers. Markus told KrebsOnSecurity, “Anyone who had an inclination to could put a system inside of one of these kiosks that when someone connects their phone can suck down all of the photos and data, or write malware to the device.” Not all USB charging hubs are evil Naturally, not every USB charging hub is operated by those who are trying to take data from your phone or download malware onto it. Many charging stations just do what they say, charge your phone for free and do not do juice jacking. But you should know that you are taking a risk when you connect to a public USB charging hub. Better to be safe and charge from an electrical outlet rather than a USB port. I’m Ashley Thompson.   Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Have you heard of juice jacking? Did you realize that USB charging stations could transfer data as well as electricity? Have you used USB charging stations while traveling? What steps do you take to protect data on your phone and tablet? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   USB - n. a system for connecting a computer to another device (such as a printer, keyboard, or mouse) by using a special kind of cord. An abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus data - n. information that is produced or stored by a computer transfer - v. to move (someone or something) from one place to another malware - n. software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.​ battery - n. a device that is placed inside a machine (such as a clock, toy, or car) to supply it with electricity kiosk - n. a small structure that provides information and services on a computer screen ethical - adj. following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good inclination - n. a feeling of wanting to do something : a tendency to do something

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Scientists Say Huge Iceberg Breaks off Antarctica

A huge iceberg, seven times the size of New York City, broke off of Antarctica, scientists said Wednesday. The iceberg that broke away is 5,800-square-kilometers large. It is described as weighing 1 trillion tons. That is about the same volume as the great Lake Erie between Canada and the U.S. Scientists at the University of Swansea in Britain described the iceberg as one of the largest ever recorded. It broke off from the Larsen C ice shelf over the last few days. The Larsen ice shelf is located off the coast of northwestern Antarctica. The area is connected to land, but floats on seawater instead of sitting on top of the continent. The process of the ice breaking away and moving into the ocean is known as calving. Researchers are watching closely to see whether climate change is affecting the calving process. For months they have kept their eyes-- and satellites -- on a large crack, or break, in this section of the Larsen ice shelf.  While its breaking off into the water was not a surprise, the timing was. “We have been anticipating this event for months, and have been surprised how long it took for the rift to break through the final few kilometers of ice,” said Adrian Luckman of Swansea University and MIDAS. “We will continue to monitor both the impact of this calving event on the Larsen C ice shelf, and the fate of this huge iceberg.” The U.S. space agency NASA, and European Space Agency satellites have been watching the shelf. So have many people around the world who saw pictures of the large crack in the ice. The final break was first seen in an image from NASA’s Aqua MODIS satellite instrument. This is not the first time parts of the Larsen ice shelf have broken off the frozen continent. The Larsen A shelf broke off in 1995 and the Larsen B fell in 2002. For years now, researchers from the British-based Antarctic project, MIDAS, have been monitoring the rift in Larsen C. The researchers said because it was already floating before it broke off, “there is no immediate impact on sea level.” This event leaves the Larsen C ice shelf smaller by more than 12%, and “the landscape of the Antarctic Peninsula changed forever.” The project is investigating the effects of a warming climate. They use a combination of fieldwork, satellite observation and computer models. So, now what is going to happen to the iceberg? The researchers suggest it is likely to break into pieces. They say that some of the ice may stay nearby for decades. Other parts may drift, or slowly move north into warmer waters. Martin O’Leary is a glacier expert at Swansea University and a member of the MIDAS project team. He said, “Although this is a natural event, and we’re not aware of any link to human-induced climate change, this puts the ice shelf in a very vulnerable position.” Anna Hogg, with the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at the University of Leeds, says there is not the evidence yet to say it is caused by climate change. “At this point it would be premature to say that this was caused by global warming,” she said. Scientists will be watching the rest of the shelf for any signs of it becoming unstable. Adrian Luckman added that the ice shelf could regrow slowly or more calving could lead to its breaking off. Luckman said scientists have different opinions on what will happen next. “Our models say it will be less stable, but any future collapse remains years or decades away,” he said. I’m Anne Ball.   Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English with information from the Associated Press. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   iceberg – n. a very large piece of ice floating in the ocean calving – v. the breaking off of ice in big pieces from the edge of a glacier anticipate – v. to think about something that will or may happen in the future rift – n. a deep crack or opening in the ground fate – n. the things that will happen to a person or a thing vunerable – adj. easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally or emotionally  

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California's Catalina Island Bison Bring Tourists, Concern

Did you know bison live on a small island off the coast of California? Bison are large mammals native to the United States. They are also known as buffalo. People usually see bison in places like Yellowstone National Park, which covers parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. In 2016, the bison was named the official mammal of the United States. But how did these large animals, known for living in the northern part of the United States, get to a small island southwest of Los Angeles? Well, like many things related to Los Angeles, it had to do with Hollywood and the movie business. Julie King is the director of conservation and wildlife management at the Catalina Island Conservancy. She said 14 bison arrived on the island in 1924. The animals were supposed to be a part of a movie. They did not get into the movie and were left behind by the filmmakers. The bison have now lived on the island for almost 100 years. At one time, there were about 600 of them. That is because they had no predators, such as large cats, wolves, bears and humans. Now, due to birth control and a conservation plan, there are only 120 on the island. The Catalina Island Conservancy takes care of the bison herd. When there are too many animals, they are moved to other parts of the U.S. Some of the bison from Catalina were moved to Native American lands in North and South Dakota. Bison used to live there, but had not been seen in those areas for 100 years. You can now find bison in every state, but in the late 1800s, they almost completely disappeared. The bison on Catalina are smaller than the ones on the mainland. That is because they are not native. There are fewer grasses on the island than in places like Montana. King said the animals do not get the right nutrition on the island. They do not really belong there. But they have become well-known, and people visit the island just to see them. Debbie Rosen likes the bison so much, she wrote a children’s book about them. It is called The Amazing Adventures of Beebee the Bison. Her husband, Howie, helped write the book. He said the bison are now part of the island. But King, a scientist, said she would rather not see even one bison on the island. She said the island’s largest native plant-eater should be a squirrel, “not an 1,800-pound (800 kilogram) herbivore.” Debbie Rosen said the fact that the bison survived on the island for so long says a lot about why they were so important to the United States. “They were forced to adapt,” she said. “So that’s an example of their resilience and why they’re such a fitting symbol for our country, because the American people are resilient people.” King said scientists, conservationists and the people who love the bison are trying to find a compromise that satisfies everyone involved. I’m Dan Friedell.   Elizabeth Lee wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted her report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. Will you go visit the bison someday? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   mammal – n. an animal with hair that feeds its young milk conservation – n. the protection of plants, animals and natural resources predator – n. an animal that hunts and eats other animals herd – n. a group of large animals that live or are kept together such as cattle nutrition – n. the right things to eat for good health herbivore – n. an animal that only eats plant material adapt - v. to change one's behavior resilience - adj. of or related to the ability to recover from something  

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Trump Administration Expected to Cancel Start-up Visa Program

President Donald Trump’s administration is postponing a program that provides visas for foreign entrepreneurs to launch companies in the United States. It plans to review whether or not to cancel the program. The program, known as “start-up visa,” was announced last year by then-President Barack Obama. It was designed to give entrepreneurs permission to live in the U.S. for 30 months to start their companies.   The program would give a visa to non-U.S. citizens who make $250,000 in investments or win $100,000 in government grants to support their proposals. These visas could be renewed.  Leaders in the technology industry had asked the Trump administration to put the program in place. They believe it is a way for immigrants to come to the U.S. to start new companies and create more jobs. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had estimated that almost 3,000 entrepreneurs would be eligible for such visas each year.  The program was to have taken effect next week. But DHS has published a notice delaying the start of the program until March 14, 2018. The notice says DHS plans to cancel the program, but is asking for reaction from the public before it makes a final decision. Steve Case is an entrepreneur who founded the tech company AOL. He said delaying the start-up visa program is a “big mistake.” Case wrote on Twitter: “Immigrant entrepreneurs are job makers, not job takers.” Bobby Franklin is the president of the National Venture Capital Association, an organization for start-up investors. He called the administration’s decision “extremely disappointing.” “At a time when countries around the world are doing all they can to attract and retain talented individuals” he said, “the Trump administration is signaling its intent to do the exact opposite.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a department of DHS, said it delayed the rule to meet the requirements of one of President Trump’s executive orders that limited the ability of federal officials to permit foreign nationals to remain in the United States. I’m Pete Musto.   Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted this story for Learning English based on a VOA News report. Hai Do 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   entrepreneur – n. a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money start-up – adj. a new business eligible – adj. able to be chosen for something; able to do or receive something attract – v. to cause (someone) to choose to do or be involved in something retain – v. to keep (someone) in a position, job, etc. signal – v. to make a sound or motion that tells someone something intent – n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve; an aim or purpose

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Future Olympics May be in Paris, Los Angeles

This is What’s Trending Today… The next Summer Olympic Games, in 2020, will be in Tokyo, Japan. But what about the Olympics in 2024 and 2028? The International Olympic Committee and the cities of Paris and Los Angeles, California made a decision on Tuesday. They agreed to meet in September to decide which city will host the games in 2024. They also could decide which city will host the games four years later. If the cities can agree on who will go first, the IOC will not have to make another Summer Olympics decision for several years. The mood of officials taking part in the meeting appeared good, according to the Associated Press. Paris has been discussed as the favorite to host the 2024 event with Los Angeles hosting four years later. Why is the decision surprising? In the past, choosing who hosts the Olympics has been very competitive. The 2016 Olympics was awarded to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2009. The campaign was described by some reporters as “high-stakes.” That means there was a lot of pressure to win. World leaders and famous people all made their case for why their country should host the Olympic Games. In 2009, President Barack Obama and basketball star Michael Jordan traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark for the final vote. They were supporting the effort of Chicago, Illinois to be the host. When Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Olympics, people celebrated. The Brazilian city won the vote over Chicago, Madrid, Spain and Tokyo. The head of the IOC is Thomas Bach. He came out of a meeting Tuesday holding the hands of Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti and Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo. All three seemed happy. If they do not reach an agreement by September, there will be a vote in Lima, Peru. That vote would decide only the host for the 2024 games. Garcetti said it will be difficult for the mayors to convince their cities to go through the process again “if one of us gets turned down.” There was a lot of worry leading up to last year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Many were concerned about the Zika virus, polluted water and unfinished stadiums and housing. Bach said he thinks awarding two Olympics at once will ensure a stable future for the Summer Games. If Paris receives the 2024 Olympics, it will be the 100th anniversary of the last time the French capital hosted the games. Los Angeles last hosted the Olympics in 1984 and the last Olympic Summer Games in the U.S. were in 1996. If the cities can agree, it could become a busy time for Los Angeles. The United States, Mexico and Canada are competing to host the 2026 soccer World Cup. Many games would be played in Southern California if the U.S. is chosen as the host. And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Mario Ritter.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on a report by the Associated Press. Mario Ritter was the editor. Will you visit the Olympics in 2024 or 2028? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   host – n. a person or organization the is responsible for putting together an event mood – n. the way someone feels : a person's emotional state favorite – n. a person, team, etc., that is considered most likely to win convince– v. to cause (someone) to agree to do something

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July 12, 2017

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

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Emails Show Trump’s Son Expected Russian Information on Clinton

Newly released emails show that a son of U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to meet with a Russian lawyer during the 2016 election campaign. Donald Trump Junior was hoping the lawyer would provide damaging information about former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At the time, she and his father were the leading candidates for president. On Tuesday, Trump Jr. released a series of emails that he said led to the meeting. The release followed a report in The New York Times newspaper. The son described his action as an effort “to be totally transparent.” The emails came as Special Counsel Robert Mueller and several congressional committees explore Russian involvement in the presidential election. U.S. intelligence agencies have said that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally directed a campaign to damage Clinton’s image and to help Trump. The email exchange The email exchange between Trump Jr. and American music publicist Rob Goldstone took place in June 2016. Goldstone said he was representing Natalia Veselnitskaya, a Russian lawyer. Goldstone described Veselnitskaya as a “Russian government attorney.” He said she has “information that would incriminate Hillary” and that the information “is part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.” Reacting to the email, Trump Jr. wrote back “If it’s what you say, I love it.” He also wrote that people attending the meeting “will likely be Paul Manafort (campaign boss) my brother in law and me.” At the time, Manafort was head of the Trump election campaign. Jared Kushner, Trump Jr.'s brother-in-law, now serves as a top White House advisor. In one of the emails, Goldstone wrote “I can also send this info to your father via Rhona.” Rhona Graff is said to be a long-time personal assistant to the current president. Trump Jr. has said different things about the talks with Veselnitskaya and its purpose. On Saturday, he said it was a "short introductory meeting" about adoptions of Russian children by American families. A day later, Trump Jr. changed his story, saying that he was told before the meeting that Veselnitskaya might have information "helpful" to the Trump campaign. On Tuesday, Trump Jr. said on Twitter he believes the information about Clinton was “Political Opposition Research.” He added, the attorney, “as she has said publicly, was not a government official. And, as we have said, she had no information to provide and wanted to talk about adoption policy and the Magnitsky Act." Reactions to the emails Ron Wyden, a senator from Oregon, is a member of the Democratic Party. He said the newly released emails “show there is no longer a question of whether this campaign sought to collude with a hostile foreign power to subvert America's democracy.” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says that the younger Trump "definitely has to testify" before a Senate committee exploring Russian interference. Sara Huckabee Sanders is deputy press secretary in the Trump White House. She read a short statement from the president to reporters. In the statement, Trump said his son is "a high-quality person," and he praises "his transparency." I’m Ashley Thompson.   Hai Do adpated this story for Learning English based on VOA News, the Associated Press and Reuters news reports. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transparent - adj. honest and open attorney - n. a person whose job is to guide and assist people on the law; lawyer incriminate - v. to cause (someone) to appear guilty boss - n. a person whose job is to tell other workers what to do introductory - adj. providing basic information about a subject adoption - n. the act or process of adopting a child collude - v. to work with others secretly in order to do something illegal or dishonest testify - v. to talk or answer questions while formally promising that what you say is true

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