October 10, 2017

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

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Explainer: First Amendment

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A Day in US Immigration Court

  Suzan stood before Immigration Judge John. M. Bryant last month at a courthouse in the American state of Virginia. The El Salvadoran national asked the judge for more time in her case, which is already more than a few years old. Immigration officials say Suzan entered the United States illegally. The government wants to send her back to El Salvador. Suzan, a transgender woman, does not want to be identified in this story by her real name. She says she came to the United States as a teenager 20 years ago to flee oppression. She was immediately detained at the border, but later released. Suzan avoided deportation. For a while, she was homeless and sleeping on the streets. Six years ago, she was at a nightclub when people started fighting. She was not charged, but the police called immigration enforcement. “They were about to deport her when her boyfriend called me and said, ’look we’ve got this situation,’” Suzan’s lawyer Xavier Racine told VOA. Suzan has since married her boyfriend, an American, and is asking for time to prepare documents requesting a legal pardon. The lawyer claims that if she returns to her home country, she faces the risk of punishment or death. Judge Bryant hears the argument and gives Suzan a new court date. Her lawyer has until February 2018 to make the appeal. This was one of the 233 cases planned for September 19 at the immigration court in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington D.C. Case Backlog Outside the courtrooms hang eight lists where defendants must search for their names to find the number of the room where their case will be heard. Each courtroom has white walls, no windows and 10 wooden benches that can seat about 40 people. If no seating is available, a person must wait outside the room. The legal motions are settled quickly. Each one is settled in five to ten minutes. Because immigration cases are civil actions, and not criminal, immigrants facing deportation do not have a right to a fast trial or free legal advice. If immigrants cannot find a lawyer willing to work for free, they are advised by the judge to hire an attorney. In Arlington, judges were setting trial dates or hearings from 2018 to 2020. The immigration data tracker website TRAC reports the backlog in immigration cases has risen to 632,000 nationwide. Cost of Delay Dana Leigh Marks is president of the National Association of Immigration Judges. She told VOA the organization has been critical of the immigration policies of both President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama. Delays can have harmful effects, Marks said. “What do you do if something happened to that person’s life, or the evidence becomes stale (and) it has to be done again? Their attorney could retire or become ill or no longer be able to take cases and they may have to get a new attorney.” The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) says the United States has 334 immigration judges. In August, EOIR swore-in nine judges to fill positions in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Texas. President Trump’s 2018 budget called for hiring 75 more EOIR judges. It takes two years to hire an immigration judge, according to a Government Accounting Office report. The Land of ZAR Asylum seekers from a number of countries were among those appearing in Arlington immigration court on September 19. They came from Central America and the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Immigration lawyer Lysandra Pachuta was representing a 16-year-old. Federal law gives immigration officers primary jurisdiction over asylum claims that come from young people without a guardian. That is because it seems less frightening for a child to sit down and tell his or her story to an officer in a small office than to present a case in a courtroom. ZAR is a term for the Arlington Asylum Office. Judge Bryant called it “Land of ZAR” as a way to make children less afraid. He is firm with his rulings, but respectful with each person. Bryant asked each child how they are doing in school and wished them “the best in life.” Senorita Verde Bryant set aside the last two hours of the day for children who were having their first hearing that day. The court’s clerk began to call cases. About six children were in the room, some with parents and others with legal guardians and attorneys. An eight-year-old girl, wearing bright green clothing, stood up and walked to the respondent’s chair. She was with her mother and her younger brother. Judge Bryant remembered that the Spanish word for green is verde. “Senorita Verde, how are you today?” he asked. The girl said that she was fine. Judge Bryant got the most recent information on her case and set a new court date. He wished the girl and her brother a great school year. The family will return to court in 2018. Alice Barros reported this story for VOANews.com. Susan Shand adapted her report for Learning English. The editor was George Grow. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transgender – adj. of or relating to people whose gender identify differs from the sex the person had at birth gender – n. the behavioral or cultural qualities normally connected with one sex deportation – n. the removal of expulsion of someone from a country nightclub – n. a business providing music and space for dancing hire – v. to employ the services of someone backlog – n. unfinished or incomplete work stale – adj. no longer new; getting old jurisdiction – n. the power or right to govern something

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Philippines Seeks to Improve Relations with US

  The Philippines appears to be seeking a return to stronger economic relations with the United States. Experts say the change may be designed to balance the Philippines’ increasing dependence on China. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it is “seeking to intensify economic cooperation” in an effort to improve relations with the U.S.  The department posted the message on its website. It also said stronger economic ties would “go beyond security issues.” The two nations have been strong allies since the Philippines became independent in 1946. But relations have worsened since Rodrigo Duterte became Philippine president last year. Duterte has reacted strongly to American criticism of his deadly anti-drug campaign. One example: He reduced the number of joint naval guard activities. The Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Peter Cayetano met in Washington with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner. He leads the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia. Cayetano suggested deepening the economic relationship between the two countries. President Duterte has made major changes to his country’s foreign policy. These include searching for economic aid from China although the countries dispute territorial rights in the South China Sea. Duterte has also sought help from Russia and Japan. Japan and China are helping the Philippines with its $167 billion, five-year plan to improve public works. Dexter Feliciano is a Filipino and founder of a new company in Manila. He says “we won’t want to distance ourselves (from) the U.S. because we are really trade partners and culturally we are connected.” The United States has long permitted Filipinos to work in the U.S. as teachers and nurses. About 3.4 million do so. More work in the U.S. than in any other foreign country. These workers then send money to their families in the Philippines. About 10 million Filipinos work in other foreign countries. The United States is among the top foreign investors in the Philippines. A U.S. embassy official in Manila says the United States has made more than $4.5 billion in direct investment in the country. It is also a top trading partner, she said: the two sides exchanged more than $17 billion in goods last year. Americans own Convergys, the Philippines’ largest private employer. The embassy says the information management company employs more than 60,000 Filipinos. Duterte and some Filipinos have complained that the U.S. economic aid comes with conditions. For example, last year the U.S. government stopped planned sales of 26,000 firearms to the Philippines. The U.S. also said it would redirect $9 million in aid away from the Philippine anti-drug training. The American government criticized Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which included killing drug crime suspects without trial. Businessman Feliciano says, “Aid given by the U.S has strings attached. We have to do this, we have to do that. But what if the government doesn’t want to do it?” Experts say military and public pressure may have pushed Duterte to try to strengthen the Philippines’ relationship with the United States. Early this year, a research company in Manila, the Social Weather Stations, found that about 70 percent of Filipinos place “much trust” in the United States. Carl Thayer is a retired professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. He has studied Southeast Asia for many years. He says Duterte’s position as chairman of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations could be influencing his actions as well. Thayer says much of Southeast Asia depends upon the United States for trade and defense support. Experts note that Chinese aid also has limits. Thayer says, “You get an impression that the leaning to China has had its limits and constraints.” It’s resulted in a lot of promises and some delivery,” he said, “but not completely.” Thayer says a return to close ties with the United States shows that the Philippine government is becoming more realistic. I’m Anne Ball. Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for VOA Learning English. Caty 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 access – n. permission or ability to enter something; freedom to make use of something complain – v. to criticize; to accuse a person of something strings attached – expression something with special demands or restrictions impression – n. an effect, influence or improvement of something constraint – n. control that restricts or limits

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5 Habits of Very Successful People

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Having success and being able to meet one’s goals requires knowledge, a sense of direction, hard work and resources. Some people might add to that list luck, connections and perhaps a strong belief in yourself. We accomplish our goals one step at a time, doing a little each day. So, using your day effectively is important. On many websites -- from Forbes magazine and Fast Company to health and physical fitness sites -- productivity experts share advice on how to achieve your career and life goals. Most of the experts agree on one thing: Starting your day on the right foot is most important. Collected from these websites, here are five ideas on how to start your day off right. 1. Get up an hour early. People who get up early in the morning have a jump on the day. For starters, they’re awake! And some studies show that our willpower and attention span are strongest in the morning. In fact, the morning may be the most productive part of your day. In American English, we like to say, “The early bird gets the worm.” Here, if you’re a bird, the worm is the reward. So, this expressions means that people who rise up early have a head start and, therefore, are more likely to succeed. Inventor, philosopher and writer Benjamin Franklin would probably agree. Americans like to use Franklin’s memorable expressions. One of them is “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Of course, there are exceptions. People who are “night owls” do their best work and their best thinking at night. 2. Drink a glass of water with lemon juice. While your coffee is being prepared or waiting for your tea water to heat up, drink a glass of water with lemon juice. Why? Health experts say that drinking a combination of lemon juice and water first thing in the morning jump-starts the body’s metabolism. Not only does it jump start your body’s cells, but this kind of drink keeps them moving throughout the day. 3. Don’t answer email or jump into social media as soon as you get up. Your coffee or tea is ready. So, you decide to look at your email quickly or open up your Facebook account. Well, don’t. This is a great way to forget about the day ahead. We’ve all done it. You see a Facebook post from a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. He is angry about some political issue and the heated discussion pulls you in. Before you know it, an hour has passed, you’re angry with lawmakers and it’s not even nine in the morning yet! You hurry out the door so as not to be late for work. This is not the best way to start your day. 4. Exercise! Some people may disagree with this one. Exercising in the morning may not be for everyone. Some people like to exercise after work or at night.   Physical fitness experts and trainers often suggest some form of exercise in the morning because the middle of the day is a busy time for most people. By the day’s end, you may not have the time or energy to exercise. How many times have you finished work and said to yourself, “I’m too tired to exercise! I’ll do it tomorrow.” Exercising in the morning prevents that from happening. 5. Think about your day ... at night. Meditate, visualize -- whatever you call it -- take time at the end of the day to think back on all the things that have happened. Give thanks, if you want. And spend a little time to think about tomorrow. Some people who talk about “living in the present” may criticize this. But it may you help to prepare if you take a few minutes to think about what you need to do the next day.   Also, know that your day will probably change. You probably won’t have time to do everything you planned. But that’s fine. If you did one thing, that means you are one step closer in reaching one of your goals. And if you follow this advice, at least you’ve already gotten your exercise out of the way! And that’s the Health & Lifestyle report. I’m Anna Matteo. Which of these tips do you agree with? Which ones do you disagree with? Do you have other tips or advice on making the most of your day? Let us know in the Comments Section.   Anna Matteo wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Her report was based on a collection of online articles and stories. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding with this short quiz. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   resource – n. a supply of something (such as money) that someone has and can use when it is needed worm – n. a long, thin animal that has a soft body with no legs or bones and that often lives in the ground accomplish – v. to succeed in doing (something) willpower – n. the ability to control yourself : strong determination that allows you to do something difficult (such as to lose weight or quit smoking) jump on the day – informal phrase : to start doing something before other people start, or before something happens, in order to win an advantage for yourself metabolism – n. the chemical processes by which a plant or an animal uses food, water, etc., to grow and heal and to make energy meditate – v. to spend time in quiet thought for religious purposes or relaxation : to think about (something) carefully visualize – v. to form a mental picture of (someone or something) journal – n. a book in which you write down your personal experiences and thoughts

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Scientists Praise Developments in Smell Technology

  Would you buy a car that released calming smells into the air when you are stuck in heavy traffic? Would you buy a robot that smells like a human being? Scientists suggest that new technology means people will soon be using devices like these in their daily lives. The British Science Festival took place recently in Brighton, England. At the event, researchers from the University of Sussex demonstrated some of the technology that might be coming soon. Many people have seen the three-dimensional computer-made environments of virtual reality, known as VR. Now these virtual worlds will not just look and sound real. Researchers have created VR environments that even smell like the real thing. With the new technology, users open a virtual door and step into a new environment, like a rainforest. After they enter this virtual world, special equipment releases forest-like smells into the air to make the experience seem more real. Suzanne Fisher-Murray saw the technology being demonstrated at the British Science Festival. She told VOA, “It is a really immersive experience that you have because you’re exploring this environment and you have smells … with it.” Smell technology has been tried in the past. In the United States, Smell-O-Vision was designed to provide smells during the showing of a movie. The Smell-O-Vision system was briefly popular in the 1960s. Now, University of Sussex researcher Emanuela Maggioni says it is close to becoming popular again. “The connection with emotions, memories, and … the sense of smell,” Maggioni said. “It is incredible what we can do with technology.” The uses for smell technology are not just limited to films and the performing arts. Researchers also demonstrated a computer program where users could imagine themselves driving a car. The system included a special smell-spraying device. Dmitrijs Dmitrenko is one of the researchers working on this project. “In this demonstration,” he said, “we wanted to deliver the smell of lavender every time the driver exceeds the speed limit. We chose lavender because it’s a very calming smell.” Scientists are experimenting with using smell instead of sounds or image-based alerts on telecommunications equipment. And businesses are already using smell to influence people’s behavior. “Not only … in stores ... But on the other side, you can create and stimulate impulse buying,” Maggioni said. “So you’re in a library and you smell coffee and actually you are unconsciously having the need to drink a coffee.” She adds that the sense of smell is important in human communication and relationships. For example, when men smell tears, it reduces levels of testosterone, a natural hormone in their bodies. Men then show greater feelings of understanding with other people. That natural process has uses in new technology, Maggioni says. For example, she believes it could help people trust robots more if the robots smelled like humans. I’m ­Pete Musto.   Henry Ridgwell reported this story for VOA News. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. What other new technologies which include smell do you think the world will see in the near future? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   three-dimensional – adj. having or seeming to have length, width, and depth virtual – adj. existing or occurring on computers or on the Internet lavender – n. a plant with narrow leaves and small purple flowers that have a sweet smell exceed(s) – v. to go beyond the limit of something alert(s) – n. something, such as a message or loud sound, that tells people something is happening stimulate – v. to cause or encourage something to happen or develop impulse buying – v. the act or practice of buying things after feeling a sudden strong desire to do so unconsciously – adv. doing something in a way where the person does not know they are doing it tear(s) – n. a drop of liquid that comes from your eyes especially when you cry

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Let's Teach English Review of Introduction - Unit 5

Teaching Topics In Units 1 through 5 of Let's Teach English, we showed how these teaching topics appear in a model classroom. Read the summary to review the topics, then try the quiz to check your understanding. Constructivism Let’s Teach English is built on the theory of constructivism. The Concept to Classroom Workshop website defines constructivism as “. . . people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences . . . we are active creators of our own knowledge. To do this, we must ask questions, explore, and assess what we know.” In Let’s Teach English, lessons start with what learners already know and build on that. Communicative Language Teaching Let’s Teach English also uses the method of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). The goal of CLT is to develop learners who can share information by speaking or writing in another language. The focus is on using authentic or real communication in teaching, in other words, exchanging new information with others. For example, if your students need to be able to use English at a medical office, they should practice things like filling out medical forms and answering questions about their health in class. Or, maybe your students want to apply for a job. That is something they can role play so they can express themselves in a real-life situation. Learner-Centered Teaching Practices You will see that learners are the main focus in classroom activities and practices. The teacher tries to make sure most of the class time is taken up by the students using English. Much less time is taken by the teacher giving instructions or talking about English. One way to make sure that students spend more time talking is to create cooperative learning groups. Notice the different ways that these groups are created in these videos and how their work is shared with the class. Students make choices in the learner-centered instruction. Activities have options that let students read or talk about things related to their own interests. Learning Strategies Instruction One of the practices you see in these videos is Learning Strategies Instruction. Learning strategies are thoughts or actions that students use to make learning easier or more effective. The teacher explains and models how to use these strategies, and then gives students an activity in which to apply them. Another practice you will see is Active Learning. Whenever possible, students are involved in using their second language to speak or write, rather than watching others use it. So, instead of watching classmates act out a role play, students are doing the role play themselves in small groups. In one lesson, you see students reading the instructions for an activity rather than listening to the teacher reading them. Review of Units Introducing Let's Teach English: Teaching Topics Theory of Constructivism Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Method Learner-Centered Practices and Active Learning Unit 1: Teaching Learning Strategies Learning Strategy: Summarize  Student Text: Family Unit 2: Teaching Listening Skills Cooperative learning structures Learning strategy: Focus Student Text: Food Unit 3: Teaching Speaking Skills Teaching Pronunciation Learning strategy: Personalize  Student Text: Health & Beauty Unit 4 Teaching Reading Skills Learning strategy: Use or Create a Graphic Organizer  Student Text: Home & Community Unit 5: Teaching Through Role-plays Learning strategy: Cooperate Student Text: Shopping Review Quiz Play each short video, then choose the best answer. Poll and Feedback What do you think of the Let's Teach English course? Please write to us by email or in the Comments section. You can also complete the poll question. Thanks for coming to learn with us at VOA Learning English!

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60 Years After First Satellite, Russian Space Program Faces Struggles

  Russia’s space program faces hard questions as it marks the 60th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. Some experts are wondering how Russia’s aging rocket designs will compete with new, less costly rockets. Sputnik Sixty years ago, the area known as the Soviet Union was in a fierce competition with the United States to reach beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Tensions between the world’s biggest nuclear powers, the United States and the U.S.S.R., were high. The Cold War between the two competing sides, which began after the end of World War II, was intensifying. Then, on October 4, 1957, news broke that the Soviets had placed the first artificial satellite into orbit. Called Sputnik, the satellite was a small sphere, 58 centimeters wide and about 84 kilograms in weight. It contained two radio transmitters that sent out a beep that could be received by radio operators on Earth. The satellite was tiny. Yet, it started the extremely costly competition known as the Space Race. The race would end with the Americans’ Apollo Moon landings in 1969. In October of 1957, however, many people in the West were shocked. The Soviets had put an object in Earth’s orbit, and they had done it before the West. Soviet media said it was because the socialist political system of the U.S.S.R. was better. In the U.S., lawmakers placed an urgent importance on science education in an effort to “catch up” with the Soviets. A product of the Soviet missile program The project to launch the first satellite into space was a product of the Soviet’s development of their first long-distance missile, the R-7. It was designed as an intercontinental ballistic missile meant to strike the U.S. with a nuclear warhead. Sergei Korolyov led a team that was building the rocket. He had the idea to place a simple satellite on the rocket. The Soviets were already planning a satellite that would carry scientific instruments. But Korolyov pushed for a basic satellite design that could be put into space quickly -- before the U.S. could attempt a launch. The designers considered a cone shape for Sputnik, but Korolyov insisted on a sphere. He is quoted as saying, “The Earth is a sphere, and its first satellite also must have a spherical shape.” A main part of Russia’s Soyuz space capsules that are still in use today also is spherical. Aging rockets, manufacturing problems bring delays Although the Soviet Union came apart in 1991, the Russian Federation remains very important in the space industry. But, observers point out that the Soyuz rocket boosters Russia uses to carry people and supplies to the International Space Station are very old. The Soyuz rockets are modified versions of the S-7 that carried Sputnik into space. Another rocket used by Russia, the Proton, was designed in the 1960s. These rockets have earned a reputation for reliability over many years of service. But recent launch problems have raised questions about the quality of parts manufactured for the vehicles. Officials found problems with the Soyuz and Proton rockets in 2016 at a factory in the city of Voronezh in western Russia, where the engines for both rockets are built. Russia’s space agency sent 70 rocket engines back to the production lines to replace problem parts, the Associated News agency said. These issues led to a one-year suspension of Proton launches. That suspension caused Russia to fall behind both the U.S. and China for commercial satellite launches in 2016. Russia had led the world for more than 10 years before that. Russia’s space agency Roscosmos also decided on cost cutting measures. It cut Russian International Space Station crews. The AP reports that two cosmonauts instead of three are to be used. Cosmonaut is the Russian term for astronaut. Many people in Russia have criticized the cuts. A new Russian space launch center However, Russia has spent huge amounts of money on a second space launch center in the far east of the country near Vostochny. The new spaceport is meant to offer an alternative to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where Russia launches almost all its rockets. Despite the money put into the new center, work in Vostochny has been slowed by workers’ protests over pay and the arrest of construction officials accused of corruption. And people with ties to the space program have criticized the spending on Vostochny at the expense of other priorities. For example, Maksim Surayev was a cosmonaut who is now a lawmaker. He criticized the low pay of workers at the cosmonaut training center near Moscow known as Star City. “It’s wrong when, instead of fulfilling their task to prepare for space flight, they have to find side jobs and a place to live,” Surayev told Parliament. In addition to budget and manufacturing problems, the Russian space program has seen some projects postponed. For instance, space agency officials had hoped to launch the Russian module for the I.S.S. in 2007. But the module has been delayed for many years. The launch is now planned for next year, but some reports say another delay is possible. A historic day Yet, Russia’s space presence with its 60-year history continues -- dating back to that first launch that shocked the West. On October 4 this year, AP said that Sergei Ryanzanskiy posted on Twitter a picture of himself holding a small model of the Sputnik satellite. Ryanzanskiy is currently a cosmonaut on the International Space Station. He was marking the 60th anniversary of the historic launch. Ryanzanskiy had a special reason to note the event. His grandfather was the chief designer of radio guidance systems for space vehicles during the Soviet era. And he was involved in the Sputnik launch. In August, Ryazanskiy helped release five very small satellites that were manufactured by a 3-D printer. One of the hand-held satellites honored Sputnik’s 60th anniversary. I’m Mario Ritter. AP reported this story. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional materials. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding with this short quiz. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   artificial –adj. not natural, made by people sphere –n. a completely round object with depth, width and height modified –adj. changed in some way from its first state or version reputation –n. the opinion that people have about someone or something alternative –n. something that represents a choice among more than one possibilities 3-D printer –n. a device that is able to create objects with three dimensions: length, width and height We want to hear from you. 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US Teenagers Seeking Election as State Governor

  At least four teenagers have launched campaigns for governor in two American states. The young people have declared their candidacy in states that do not have age requirements to serve as governor. Ethan Randleas is a 17-year-old from Wichita, Kansas. He was the most recent teenager to announce his candidacy. He wants to represent the Republican Party in the state’s 2018 gubernatorial elections. Two other Kansas teenagers have also launched campaigns. They are 17-year-old Republican Tyler Ruzich, of Prairie Village, and 16-year-old Jack Bergeson of Wichita. Bergeson wants to be the Democratic Party’s nominee. It is ironic that some of the candidates will not be able to vote for themselves because they must be 18 years old to vote. The current Kansas governor is Sam Brownback, who has served two four-year terms. State law prevents governors from serving more than two back-to-back terms. Other, non-teenage candidates are also hoping to be elected governor. Kansas officials say the state has no legal requirements for the office. “There’s nothing in the law – there’s no age, no citizenship, no residency, no nothing,” the state’s director of elections, Bryan Caskey told the The Hutchinson News. Candidates only have to pay a small amount of money to get their name on the ballot. Ethan Randleas has started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money. He says he will need to raise $2,300 by June 2018 to be put on the Republican primary ballot. Randleas calls himself a “conservatarian,” which he described as someone who supports a combination of conservative and libertarian values. “We just had a president win on the campaign promise of draining the swamp,” he told the Kansas City Star newspaper. “And if you really want to drain the swamp, you get the complete outsiders, and that’s what I am.” Randleas also said he generally believes that the government should stay out of anything that does not involve the protection of life, liberty or property. Jack Bergeson says he has been interested in the political process for as long as he can remember. But he decided to enter politics himself after watching Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination last year. The teenager describes himself as “a Bernie Sanders-style left-wing Democrat/Progressive.” Like Sanders, Bergeson has campaigned for a higher minimum wage. He also supports reduced taxes for poor families, pay increases for teachers and the legalization of marijuana. The third teen candidate in Kansas, Tyler Ruzich, says he decided to run after Bergeson announced his candidacy. “I thought that was just so cool that someone my age was doing that,” Ruzich told the Kansas City Star. “He really started to tell me, well, why aren’t you throwing your hat in the race?” Since the parties have yet to nominate candidates, it is possible Kansas voters could be choosing between two teenagers next year. On the East Coast, 13-year-old Ethan Sonneborn has launched a campaign for governor in Vermont. He sent out his own press release announcing the move. Sonneborn has repeatedly answered questions with interested media. “I'd rather lose a fight with a lot of visibility than lose a fight quietly,” he told the Burlington Free Press. On his Facebook page, Sonneborn talks about what he considers the main issues in his campaign. These include support for rebuilding infrastructure across Vermont and lowering taxes on the middle class. He also said he is “proud to be the most pro-choice, pro-gender equality candidate.” Sonneborn told the Free Press that local Democratic Party officials have been slow to take him seriously. He also admitted it will be difficult trying to travel around the state while still attending school. But in the end, he said, he believes many of the state’s voters will see his age as a good thing, and give him their votes. I’m Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His report was based on stories from the Associated Press, Kansas City Star, The Hutchinson News and Burlington Free Press. 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   ironic – adj. strange or funny because it is different from what would be expected libertarian – adj. political beliefs that promote civil liberties swamp – n. wet and muddy land usually covered with water minimum – adj. the least amount of something  marijuana – n. the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, smoked as a drug throw one’s hat into the race/ring – idiom. announce an intention to run for office visibility – n. how well or far a person can see infrastructure – n. basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) needed for a country to function properly​ gender – n. the behavioral or cultural qualities usually linked to one sex  

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Franklin Roosevelt: Powerful (Part 2)

VOA Learning English presents America’s Presidents. Today we are talking about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Earlier we told about his rise to power, and his health problems. When he was 39 years old, FDR – as he was often called – became paralyzed from the waist down. He was never able to walk independently again. But that did not prevent him from becoming one of the country’s most powerful presidents. Presidency: The Great Depression and the New Deal When FDR took office, the United States was in a severe economic depression. Many farmers were not able to sell their crops for profit. Banks across the country had failed. A number of Americans lost their savings and their homes. And more than 25% of the workforce did not have a job. Yet when FDR took office in 1933, he told people, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” When Americans think of FDR, they often think of that statement. It showed his spirit of hope and confidence for which he became known. Americans also remember FDR for the way he began his presidency. In his first 100 days, he signed more than 70 bills into law. Some led to major changes in the country. They helped calm the country’s banking industry, provided federal aid directly to farmers and the unemployed, and created public works programs. The acts formed the base of what FDR and others called the New Deal. Some New Deal programs – including the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Tennessee Valley Authority – created government-funded jobs. In addition to providing a paycheck for workers, the programs were meant to improve and care for the country’s natural resources. For example, workers planted trees, made roads, and built dams and power plants.    Americans continue to experience the effects of these programs today. FDR is also remembered for the way he communicated with the public. At that time, as many as 90% of Americans owned a radio. So, from time to time, FDR spoke to the public on radio broadcasts that became known as “fireside chats.” The term created an image of the president sitting comfortably near a fireplace, talking informally with a few close friends. In fact, FDR gave these talks from his office in the White House. But his voice was warm, and he spoke in an easy, conversational way to listeners, whom he called “my friends.” The combination of FDR’s hope, energy, and affectionate concern for everyday Americans made him popular with many voters. He was re-elected easily in 1936. But FDR had critics, too. Some pointed out that many of his programs failed. They cost a lot of money or were simply not effective. Others said that FDR’s policy of massive government intervention was not American. It restricted capitalism and the free market. Still others observed that FDR’s programs did not help everyone equally. Many New Deal programs aimed to put young, white American men to work. Women, racial minorities, and older Americans were often overlooked. Critics and supporters alike also noted that FDR greatly expanded the power of the presidency. He added a number of full-time positions to the executive branch of government. And he took on the power of Congress to make laws. Even the Supreme Court found that FDR had, in some cases, gone too far. It ruled that some of his actions were illegal. FDR worried that the Supreme Court would block many of his other New Deal programs, too. So he proposed a rule. It would give the president power to appoint six new members to the nine-member court. His appointments would almost certainly make sure that his New Deal programs could continue. Many historians point to FDR’s efforts at “court-packing” as one of the most extreme examples of his attempts to expand presidential power. But Congress did not accept FDR’s proposal. Nine justices remained on the Supreme Court. However, those justices went on to approve FDR’s actions anyway. They supported programs such as Social Security, which was set up to help older adults, disabled people, and others who needed support; and the Wagner Act, which permitted workers to organize in a trade union. While these efforts and other programs were important parts of FDR’s reform efforts, they did not stop the Great Depression. None of the New Deal programs really did. The economy continued to struggle. Presidency: Declaration of war For several years, the president had been warning lawmakers and other Americans about the political forces in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Leaders in those countries supported nationalist movements and had already invaded or taken control of other areas. By 1941, more than 30 countries were involved in the conflict. Many Americans had wanted the U.S. to remain neutral. They regretted becoming involved in World War I. For years, they had taken steps to prevent another major international conflict. Lawmakers had even banned the U.S. government from selling or giving weapons to warring countries. But FDR believed World War II was different. He believed that Germany was the clear aggressor and needed to be stopped. So, in the 1930s, FDR received permission from Congress to provide weapons to the countries opposing Germany. After Germany took control of France, FDR received permission to give direct military aid to Britain. In addition, FDR began preparing the U.S. military for war. On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces bombed American ships at the U.S. Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died at Pearl Harbor, and more than 1,700 were wounded. The day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Congress quickly approved FDR’s request to declare war against Japan.   Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. American lawmakers responded in kind. The U.S., which had remained neutral for many years, was now completely involved in World War II. Presidency: World War II During the war, FDR directed much of his attention to what would happen after the fighting stopped. He wanted to create an international order that would improve peace and cooperation. To that end, he helped organize 26 countries into a group he called the United Nations.     FDR also believed that the world’s future security depended, in large part, on cooperation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. He worked hard to create friendly relations with the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin. Stalin, FDR, and British prime minister Winston Churchill all famously met at the Russian town of Yalta. There, the three men discussed plans to bring World War II to an end. They decided to demand that Germany surrender unconditionally. They also talked about diplomatic relations after the war ended. At the time, many Americans believed the Yalta conference was a success. Soviet officials agreed to enter the war against Japan. In return, U.S. officials said the Soviet government could re-gain control over parts of Northeastern China. Soviet officials also agreed to let countries in Eastern Europe hold free elections, and to share rights to veto U.N. decisions. In the eyes of many Americans, the Yalta agreement showed that the United States and the Soviet Union would be able to cooperate. Legacy FDR did not live to see the effects of the Yalta agreement, or even the end of the conflict. He had been president for 12 years. A few weeks before the Yalta Conference, he had been sworn-in yet again. FDR had already served longer than any U.S. president. All others before him had followed the custom set by the first president, George Washington. They had served no more than two terms. In the winter of 1944, FDR was beginning his fourth term. But people close to him said he did not look well. Doctors also warned Roosevelt that his health was suffering. So, in April, FDR went to a warm water resort in Georgia where he often rested and recovered his strength. There, he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. In other words, his brain began to bleed. World leaders, including Stalin and Churchill, said they were shocked he had died. Many Americans felt the same. They stood alongside train tracks as his body was carried from Georgia to his childhood home in New York. He is buried there, at Hyde Park. In 1962, his wife Eleanor died and was buried next to him. Today, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt are important figures in U.S. history. Many programs from the New Deal are still in effect now. FDR also changed the position of president into an active, powerful leader who legally intervenes in the economy and seems to have a personal relationship with Americans. And Eleanor Roosevelt developed a strong voice of her own. Her humanitarian efforts and work on behalf of civil rights and women’s rights have given her a legacy independent from her husband. Both admirers and critics point to the Roosevelts’  influence as evidence of their strong feelings about the couple. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly. Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Listening Quiz Check your understanding of the story with this listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. Words in This Story   paralyzed - adj. unable to move or feel all or part of the body comfortably - adv.  in a relaxed and easy way executive - n. the executive branch of a government (related to the presidency) in kind - phrase  in a way that is equal or very similar to what someone else has done for you resort - n. a place where people go for vacations figures - n. people who have a specified status or who are regarded in a specified way legacy - n. something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past  

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Everyday Grammar: Thing

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