Rebuilding Puerto Rico May Help Improve Science Education

  Many people in Puerto Rico, a United States territory, are still suffering the effects of two powerful hurricanes that hit the island last year. Hurricane Irma struck in early September, followed shortly thereafter by Hurricane Maria. The back-to-back storms left at least 64 people dead and caused widespread destruction. Officials in Puerto Rico estimate the storms caused up to $95 billion in damage. Electricity was knocked out across the island. About 45 percent of power customers remain in the dark. Water and sewer systems were also badly damaged, causing shortages of drinking water and increasing risks of disease. Even before the latest hurricanes, Puerto Rico struggled for years with a major recession and financial problems. Much of the U.S. territory’s infrastructure has long needed repairs. As efforts to rebuild from the storms continue, some organizations believe the disaster recovery operation can lead to some positive changes. A historic chance to improve education One such organization is Ciencia Puerto Rico. The group describes itself as a “global community of scientists, students, educators and allies.” Specifically, Ciencia has been working for more than 10 years to expand and improve science education in Puerto Rico. The group says Puerto Rico’s science education system was failing long before the hurricanes hit. The territory’s Department of Education reported that in 2016, only 40 percent of 8th grade public school students were considered proficient in science. Internationally, Puerto Rico schoolchildren are among the 10 worst performers on science tests. Ciencia says an estimated 98 percent of students are not able to use basic scientific knowledge to process data and handle complex problems. Students have also shown low performance levels in mathematics.   Mónica Feliú-Mójer is the director of communications and science outreach for Ciencia Puerto Rico. She says the lack of science education in Puerto Rico goes back many years. “I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and I remember growing up, I didn't know that science was done. I didn't know any Puerto Rican scientists. I never saw them in the media. So from the beginning of the organization, we set out to change that.”She added that while some students do show an interest in science and may want to learn more, most ignore these feelings. Students do not relate science to their daily lives and also do not see the studies as a realistic path to a future job, she said. But her organization is seeking to change that. “Science does belong in Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans do belong in science. And something that's always been really important for us is to make science relevant to the culture.” The organization sees the current situation as a historic chance to establish an educational connection between science and disasters. “There’s so many big issues where science could play a role. From the environment, to rebuilding, to economic development, science can be a key element for the recovery and for the rebuilding in Puerto Rico.” ​Over the next year, Ciencia plans to help connect scientists with community leaders and educators to find the best ways to teach disaster-related subjects. “We want these projects to be led by the students for their communities. So that the students can say, alright, here I am learning about water and water systems. How can I come up with a solution that's actually going to impact my community, which maybe has not had access to potable water for three months.” Lessons will also be developed about other disaster-related issues linked to the environment. Feliú-Mójer added that using hands-on methods – instead of students just memorizing scientific facts - will cause more students to become interested in science.  She says most schools have now reopened across Puerto Rico. But many are still operating without power and other basic necessities. This has made the learning process more difficult for students – many of whom also face the same conditions at home.   One of the immediate goals has been to do as much as possible to allow schoolchildren to keep learning despite the difficult conditions. Moving forward, Ciencia believes the disaster can help launch a nationwide rebuilding of science education. While the group’s main goal is to provide better overall science education, Feliú-Mójer says the process will also provide students other valuable life skills. ​“It's not just about, can we get more Puerto Rican kids interested in science. But really, it's about empowering people with the critical thinking that science can give you.” I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   sewer – n. pipes buried underground that carry water and waste infrastructure – n. the roads, structures and public services that are needed for a city of area to operate properly proficient – adj. very good at something relevant – adj. relating to something in a useful way impact – v. affect something in a powerful way potable – adj. safe to drink access – n. ability to use or get something empower – v. give power to critical – adj. using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something  

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North Korea Missile Threat Brings Back Talk of 'Star Wars' Defenses

  Scientists and American space agency officials led efforts by the United States to develop a space-based missile defense system in the 1980s. Now, those same individuals are urging the U.S. government to re-start work on the anti-missile program. They say it could help answer nuclear threats from North Korea and other rogue countries. North Korea’s nuclear activities have become a security concern to the government since the North began testing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). There were false reports of a North Korean missile attack on Hawaii earlier this month. North Korea says its missiles have the ability to reach the U.S. mainland. The U.S. Space Defense Initiative (SDI) was started over 30 years ago during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. SDI was called “Star Wars” by critics in the U.S. Congress and media. They questioned its high cost. Many people also questioned its effectiveness against the Soviet Union’s large number of highly-developed nuclear weapons. The program never got past the planning stage and was largely ended after the collapse of the Soviet Union. “Everybody lost interest in SDI when the Soviet Union collapsed,” says Robert Scheder, who works for the RAND Corporation. Scheder designed the first model for a space-based defense. He said that the nuclear threat from North Korea, and improvements in technology over the past 30 years, show the need for SDI. In the 1980s, Scheder carried out experiments with a weapon system made of orbiting rockets. They had sensor technology that could stop attacking missiles immediately after launch, before they can release decoys and countermeasures. But there were major technological problems. The satellite interceptor systems, also known as Brilliant Pebbles or Smart Rocks, could not entirely contain a Russian attack involving thousands of nuclear missiles, Scheder said. But he now believes they could provide fail-safe protection against the threat now posed by North Korea, which can only launch at most three or four missiles at a time. Scheder spoke to VOA from his home in Spain. Thomas Roberts, a critic of space-based defense, works at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He says that even a few missiles could get through the defense system. “The enemy can first launch a decoy,” Roberts said, which would make a hole in the system that other missiles could pass through. At least 1,600 “killer” satellites would be needed to fully cover the Earth. The estimated $100 billion cost for placing thousands of Brilliant Pebbles in orbit would have used up all of the money the U.S. spent on defense in the 1980s. The money could be spent just as effectively in deploying more traditional interceptor missiles and launching more satellites to watch and identify incoming enemy missiles, Scheder said. “The much smaller size of satellites...would limit the cost,” he noted. Commercially available space technology that is produced by Tesla and other businesses would also lower costs and shorten deployment time. That’s the belief of experts with NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A former SDI director, retired U.S. Air Force General James Abrahamson, has placed the cost of Brilliant Pebbles at $20 billion. Roberts said it would cost at least $70 billion. Government support for SDI research was stopped when Bill Clinton was U.S. president. Plans to restart it under President George W. Bush were suspended because of anti-terrorism efforts and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Growing concern with North Korea has moved the U.S. Congress to request new money for space weapons research. The House of Representatives’ Armed Services Committee made the request in a recent letter to President Donald Trump and his administration. President Trump signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act last month. The act orders the Missile Defense Agency to begin research on SDI and other technologies. Abrahamson has said that the land-based anti-ballistic missile Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, cannot guarantee protection against an attack. Experiments have shown that THAAD and the Navy’s AEGIS system have a 50 percent chance of stopping ICBMs when they re-enter the atmosphere. They are “weapons designed to protect points in a set piece battle scenario,” Scheder said. But effective protection for whole countries or areas under threat by countries like North Korea can only be provided by satellite-operated area defense, he added. Critics of space-based weapons point to the possibility that a satellite could make a mistake when trying to identify a hostile launch. Defensive missiles could also be destroyed as they re-enter the atmosphere before hitting an enemy missile. Scheder also says that the Smart Rock is a solid missile built to destroy a rocket without an explosion. As a result, its collateral damage would be limited. An enemy ICBM has about 20 minutes in space when it could be hit, but “once it’s re-entered the atmosphere, land-based missiles have only seconds in which to hit it,” Scheder said. Some weapon systems considered for SDI, like lasers, could not provide enough protection, he added. There is also the theoretical danger that a rogue nation or group with highly developed cyber war ability could attack the system and use it against the United States or its allies. But difficulties in overpowering a U.S. anti-missile system could persuade enemy nations that nuclear war is futile, said Scheder. He noted that the cost of the 1980s “Star Wars” program caused the Soviet Union to end its arms race. I'm Susan Shand. And I'm Lucija Milonig.   Martin Arostegui reported this story for VOA News. Susan Shand adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rogue – n. someone or something that causes trouble stage – n. a point or period in the development of something decoy – n. someone or something that gets people’s attention so they will ignore someone or something else interceptor - n. something that stops an object mid-flight pose – v. to cause; to set or put in place fail-safe – adj. causing a piece of machinery to return to a safe condition in the event of a breakdown or problem anti-ballistic – adj. of or relating to stopping missiles while in flight commercial – adj. related to the buying and selling of services collateral – adj. related but not in a direct or close way cyber – adj. of or related to computers or computer networks  

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Putin Criticizes US for Publishing List of Influential Russians

  Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized the United States for releasing a list of over 200 people with close ties to the Russian government. Putin described the release as a hostile and “stupid” move led by opponents of U.S. President Donald Trump. The U.S. Treasury Department published the list on Monday as required under a law approved by Congress. Lawmakers who voted for the measure wanted to punish Russia for interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Some Russians worried that the publication of the list would lead to additional U.S. actions or restrictions from the global financial system. But the publication does not include any new sanctions. In a written statement, a State Department official said just the threat of sanctions had already affected Russian companies. She said that U.S. officials estimate other countries have cancelled plans to buy several billion dollars’ worth of products from Russia’s defense industry. Putin said his government is not going to take any immediate action to answer the U.S. list. And, he said, he did not expect the publication to have an effect. But the Russian leader also said he was surprised by the number and range of the government officials and business people who were listed. He said, “Ordinary Russian citizens, employees and entire industries are behind each of those people and companies. So all 146 million people have essentially been put on this list. What is the point of this? I don’t understand.” Putin also joked that he was offended he was not included. However, every other top Russian government official was, along with the chief executives of all major-state owned companies. The list shows that the U.S. sees the entire Russian government as enemies, a spokesperson for Putin told reporters on Tuesday. The chairman of the Russian foreign affairs committee, Konstantin Kosachev, criticized the U.S. for harming relations between the countries. He said that “the consequences will be toxic and undermine prospects for cooperation for years ahead.” Kosachev said the list shows U.S. lawmakers’ “political paranoia.” But Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny praised the list. Navalny is known for investigating what he calls close ties between government officials and some of the billionaires on the list. The opposition leader wrote on social media that he was “glad that these (people) have been officially recognized on the international level as crooks and thieves.” Last August, President Trump reluctantly agreed to sign a bill aimed to take measures against groups doing “significant” business with people linked to Russia’s defense and intelligence agencies. Trump said at the time that the bill improperly limited the president’s power. He said the measures also hurt American companies and the interests of America's allies in Europe. Some U.S. lawmakers said they were disappointed President Trump had chosen not to punish anyone. Among them is Steny Hoyer, a top Democratic lawmaker in the House of Representatives. Hoyer said he did not believe the Trump government had "put forth a plan for how it plans to deter further Russian aggression." I’m ­Jonathan Evans.   Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Her story was based on reports from the Associated Press news agency and VOANews.com. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   global – adj. of or involving the whole world sanction – n. a punishment or actions that results from failure to obey a rule or order range – n. a group of individuals toxic – adj. possessing poisonous material; harmful undermine – v. to weaken or secretly harm prospect – n. the possibility that something will happen paranoia – n. a serious mental disorder; an unreasonable fear that people are trying to harm you reluctantly – adj. showing an unwillingness deter – v. to prevent from acting  

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Sky Watchers Prepare For the 'Super Bowl' of Moons

  This is What's Trending Today. The moon is providing a rare triple treat this week. On Wednesday, much of the world will get to see not only a blue moon and a “supermoon,” but also a total lunar eclipse. Having all three events taking place at the same time is extremely unusual. Astronomers say this has not happened since 1982. And it won’t happen again until 2037. A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and a full moon. The Earth blocks the sun’s light, making the moon appear dark in the sky. The eclipse will be easiest to see in the western half of the United States and Canada before the moon sets early Wednesday morning. It will also be visible across the Pacific Ocean into East Asia as the moon rises Wednesday night into Thursday. The U.S. East Coast, however, is out of luck. The moon will be setting just as the eclipse gets started. Europe, most of Africa and South America also will miss out. A blue moon is a second full moon in one month. It is rare enough that English speakers use the expression “once in a blue moon” to describe something that does not happen often! A supermoon is a full or new moon. It appears brighter and bigger than usual because the moon is closer to the earth than usual. In a total lunar eclipse, the Earth covers the moon’s surface with its shadow, giving it a red-like color. For that reason, it is also known as a “blood moon.” Some people are calling this week’s lunar event a “super blue blood moon.” Noah Petro is a scientist with the American space agency NASA. He is calling the lunar event, “the Super Bowl of moons.” No matter the name, it is likely to impress if the skies are clear. As the sun lines up perfectly with the Earth and then the moon for the eclipse, scientists will make observations from a telescope in Hawaii. They are also planning to collect information from NASA’s moon-circling Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Just as last August’s total solar eclipse cooled the Earth’s surface, a lunar eclipse cools the surface of the moon. It’s this sudden cooling — from the heat of direct sunlight to almost a deep freeze — that researchers will be studying. And that's What's Trending Today.  I’m Ashley Thompson.   The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   triple - adj. having three parts or including three people or things lunar - adj. of or relating to the moon eclipse - n. an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth visible - adj. able to be seen Super Bowl - n. used for the annual championship game of the National Football League impress - v. to cause (someone) to feel admiration or interest solar - adj. of or relating to the sun  

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Higher Flu Rates Reported Across the World

  The United States and several other nations are reporting higher rates of the flu compared with past seasons. American health officials say the winter outbreak is expected to be one of the most severe in 15 years, with up to 34 million people infected. Across the U.S., 1 in 15 doctor visits last week were related to the flu – the highest level since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Before that outbreak, the last time the U.S. experienced such high levels of seasonal flu was in 2003-2004. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC said last week that flu cases are currently active in all U.S. states except for Hawaii. All remaining 49 states have reported widespread flu activity for the past three weeks.   Officials say most U.S. cases of the flu, also called influenza, involve the H3N2 flu virus, the same kind mainly seen last winter. The CDC said the flu has caused nearly 12,000 hospitalizations and killed 37 children. The CDC does not track adult flu deaths directly. But the highest hospitalization rates have been among people 65 years and older. Flu is a contagious illness that causes such symptoms as fever, cough, headaches and tiredness. Most people who catch the flu get better within a week or two. But some people develop more serious conditions caused by an infection involving the nose, throat or lungs. The flu season is usually highest in February and officials say activity has already begun to slow in some parts of the U.S. The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone older than 6 months. But officials said this year's vaccine is only about 30 percent effective in preventing infection. Flu outbreaks in Koreas, Japan, and Britain In Asia, North and South Korea have reported separate outbreaks of different strains of influenza. The rise in cases comes less than two weeks before thousands of visitors from around the world arrive for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the South. North Korea’s Ministry of Public Health reported more than 80,000 confirmed cases of the influenza strain H1N1 between December 1, 2017 and January 16, 2018. The Red Cross said North Korean health officials reported three children and one adult have died so far in the outbreak. In the South, officials announced last weekend they discovered a serious strain of the H5N6 avian influenza on a chicken farm near Seoul. About 500,000 chickens and 450,000 eggs were to be destroyed at farms where the virus was found. In Japan, the health ministry reported flu cases reached a record high 2.83 million cases last week. The average number of patients per medical facility was 52, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported. This is the highest number since such data was first collected in 1999. The ministry said the illness hit children and young people especially hard, with more than 100 schools closed. In Britain, health officials recently reported the country was having its worst flu season in seven years. Official government data shows there have also been nearly three times more flu deaths this season compared to last. At least 155 deaths blamed on the flu have been confirmed since last October.   However, the country’s health agency Public Health England reported last week the nationwide rate of people seeking treatment with flu-like symptoms had stabilized. Officials said the hospitalization rate for flu was down 12 percent, leading health officials to say the number of seasonal cases may have peaked. Are we ready for the next pandemic? The possibility of future worldwide pandemics was discussed by health officials attending last week’s meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. One warning came from Elhadj As Sy, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The official told the French Press Agency AFP that he believes pandemics “are becoming a real threat to humanity.” Officials gathered for a discussion called “Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?” One speaker was Sylvie Briand, a specialist with the World Health Organization, or WHO, who warned about the dangers of a possible future disease similar to Ebola, Zika or SARS. "We know that it is coming, but we have no way of stopping it," she said. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Quiz ​_______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pandemic – n. occurrence of disease that spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world contagious – adj. able to be passed from one person or animal to another by touching symptom – n. a physical feeling or problem that indicates a person has a particular illness cough – n. physical condition or illness that causes someone to cough avian – adj. of or relating to birds peak – v. to reach the highest level  

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Terror Attacks Continue in Afghan Capital

  Afghanistan’s capital Kabul has suffered three deadly attacks in a little over one week. In the most recent violence, 11 members of the Afghan National Army were killed at a military academy early Monday morning. Sixteen others were injured. The deadly attack involved a suicide bombing and a long gun battle. It took place near the Marshal Fahim National Defense University. The Associated Press (AP) says a group linked to the Islamic State terror group, known as Khorasan Province, claimed responsibility on the internet. Deadly attacks have taken place at the same academy more than once in the past. In August 2014, U.S. Army Major General Harold Greene was shot and killed in an attack claimed by the Taliban. President Ashraf Ghani denounced the attack. He said the “Taliban must choose between Islam and terrorism.” He spoke at a press conference with visiting Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The Indonesian president had just visited Pakistan where he proposed the creation of an Islamic committee for the peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict. The Taliban was blamed for a bomb attack in Kabul Saturday that killed at least 103 people and injured more than 200. Officials say an ambulance filled with explosives caused the damage. One week earlier, a group of militants stormed the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul killing 22 people. Fourteen foreigners were among those killed. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that Americans were among those killed but details have not yet been released. The head of Afghanistan’s intelligence service, Masoom Stanekzai, said five suspects have been arrested in connection with the hotel attack while one suspect had fled the country. He said four others have been arrested in the ambulance bombing case. The recent attacks show security is still a concern in Afghanistan more than 16 years after the U.S.-led military action overthrew the Taliban. The Taliban has carried out an insurgency since it was driven from power after the September 11 terror attacks on the United States. I’m Mario Ritter.   Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English from an AP report. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story academy –n. a school that provides training in special subjects or skills ambulance –n. a vehicle used to carry the sick or injured to a hospital insurgency –n. a violent attempt to take control of a government, a rebellion We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Two Years After Poisoned Water Crisis in US City, Mistrust Remains

  Two years have passed since government officials in Flint, Michigan declared a state of emergency. The emergency was lead in the city’s water supply. Officials at Michigan Department of Environmental Quality now say the water is safe again. But, many residents remain unsure. Sincere Smith is 5-years-old. The little boy was on the cover of a 2016 issue of Time Magazine in connection with its story, "The Poisoning of An America City." In photographs, a rash from lead poisoning covers his face and body. "And every time when I get in the shower, I’m going to rush a lot." His mother Ariana Hawk, says she still uses only bottled water to wash her five children and to make their food. After the emergency was declared, the city began to get water from Detroit more than 100 kilometers away. This year, Michigan declared Flint's water safe to drink but only if filtered because some lead pipes remain in use. Ariana Hawk still does not trust the water. "Governor Snyder say we need to use that filter because our water is safe. Our water is not safe." Every day after work, she drives to a place in Flint where the city hands out free bottled water to residents. Most people in Flint say they do not believe the water is safe. Sheryl Thompson is with Flint Department of Health and Human Services. "Some people don’t trust (it) regardless what the scientific data shows. Some people unfortunately still don’t trust the water." Another Flint resident has had her lead water pipes replaced. But she still remains suspicious. "Still doesn't feel safe to drink it. And I even had my pipes redone but the water is still looking the same." They may have good reason to be suspicious. In 2013, Michigan governor Rick Snyder named an emergency manager to run Flint because of the city’s financial problems. That manager approved a plan to use the Flint River for drinking water. However, officials did not order special treatment of the water necessary for its safe use in Flint’s old lead pipes. That meant lead from the pipes got into the water that went directly to homes, schools and other places in the town. Immediately after this plan went into effect Flint residents protested often about the water quality. Government officials told them again and again that the water was safe. But a year and a half later, the state of Michigan released a warning about lead in the water. The warning said the water was unsafe to use or drink. Damage from lead poisoning is permanent and can be severe. Lead collects in the body and can affect many of its systems. Lead exposure is most harmful to young children, especially to developing brains and nervous systems. Children who suffer from lead poisoning experience reduced learning ability as well as problems with behavior and thinking.   Nathaniel De Nicola is a doctor with George Washington University. "For children, there’s not really a way to reverse those effects. But with proper diet, nutrition, counseling, decrease in the exposure ongoing, you can help to not make those adverse effects as impactful." The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) won a legal action against the state of Michigan in connection with the lead crisis. It requires that the state provide nearly $100 million to replace all the lead pipes in Flint. The state also must provide safe water and some special health programs for affected residents. Pregnant women and people younger than 21 who drank Flint water can now receive special health care paid for by the government. Dimple Chaudhary was the NRDC’s lead lawyer in the case. "We’re able to get this great agreement -- again recognizing that there is still so much to do in Flint. But this piece of it is a good step forward." A council member for the city of Flint, Eric Mays, says the state is responsible for the damage done to Flint residents. He adds that the federal government needs to repair and rebuild the systems that deliver services, such as water, to its citizens. That is a long-term goal. For today, Ariana Hawk and all of Flint’s residents continue their daily battle for clean water. ​"That's not fair to the citizens. That's not fair to these kids." I'm Anna Matteo.   Anush Avetisyan with Dima Shakhov reported this story from Flint, Michigan for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rush – v. to move or do something very quickly or in a way that shows you are in a hurry rash – n. a group of red spots on the skin that is caused by an illness or a reaction to something filter – v. to pass (something, such as a gas or liquid) through a filter to remove something unwanted data – n. facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something reverse – v. to cause (something, such as a process) to stop or return to an earlier state counseling – n. advice and support that is given to people to help them deal with problems, make important decisions, etc. exposure – n. the fact or condition of being affected by something or experiencing something adverse – adj. bad or unfavorable : not good impactful – adj. having a forceful impact : producing a marked impression

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Thousands March in Opposition Rallies Across Russia

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has been released after thousands turned out to protest the upcoming March presidential elections. "I'm free," Navalny wrote on Twitter late Sunday. He added, "Today has been an important day. We have shown that not all Russia is ready to accept the monarchy. . . Thanks to all those who were not afraid to fight for their rights." Police arrested Navalny while he was on his way to a rally in central Moscow. The protests were part of a nationwide “Voters Strike” called by Navalny. The opposition leader has been banned from running for president over legal problems. The move was seen as an attempt to keep him out of the race. Vladimir Milov, an advisor for Navalny, told VOA “We demand a real contest.” He said that even supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned why Navalny is not permitted to participate in the election. He added, “They believe Putin can beat Navalny, and we believe Navalny can beat Putin. That’s what elections are all about.” Navalny and his supporters have called for a boycott of the election. They argue that a low number of voters will diminish a Putin victory. But it will prove that the government inflates his approval ratings. Most protestors were younger Russians Organizers said that protests took place in over 100 cities across Russia. OVD-Info, a police-monitoring group, reported 340 people had been detained nationwide. In Moscow, police also stormed Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation and cut an online video feed of the day’s protests. Most of the protestors were younger Russians, in their teens and early 20s. Ivan Savin is a high school student who attended the rally. He said, “The authorities are used to thinking that Russians will just sit quietly and wait for change. Well, our generation won’t wait. We want a better life.” He also admitted to telling his parents he was “out with friends” for the day rather than out protesting the Russian president. His classmate, Valerie Koltsov, said that other friends felt the same way. “I know a lot of people who don’t come because it really does scare them. They think they’ll get fined for not doing what the government tells them,” she said. Another candidate asks for support Television host Ksenia Sobchak is running in the election against Putin. She asked the anti-Putin forces to voice their anger by supporting her “Against All” candidacy. ​But Navalny’s supporters have called her campaign a Kremlin trick to make the election appear fair. In Moscow, Ludmilla Sidodova, a veteran of the massive pro-democratic movement of the late-Soviet period, argued real change required a much larger movement. She was among hundreds of thousands who once demanded change, and suggested a new generation could learn from that history. She said, “I wish they’d understand that we did what we could. Maybe it wasn’t always enough. But now it depends on them. Whatever life they decide they want is the life they’ll have.” I’m Jonathan Evans.   Charles Maynes reported this story for VOA. Susan Shand adapted the story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   participate – v. to be involved with others in doing something: to take part in an activity or event with others diminish – v. to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others inflate – v. to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others monitor – v. to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others  

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January 29, 2018

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

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A Mix of Politics and Music at the Grammys

  This is What's Trending today... Politics co-starred with music at the 60th Grammy awards Sunday night in New York City. Perhaps the most surprising non-artist to appear? Former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. She took part in a skit making fun of President Donald Trump and his leadership. Clinton pretended to be seeking work as the voice for the spoken word recording of Michael Wolf's best-selling book "Fire and Fury." His book describes an unfavorable representation of Trump's first year in office. Along with Clinton, John Legend, Cher, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B and DJ Khaled also "auditioned" for the part. Grammys host James Corden told Clinton that she defeated the competition to win. "The Grammy’s in the bag?" Clinton questioned. Political observers say Clinton thought a presidential win for her was also "in the bag," or very sure and secure. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley did not see the humor in the skit. "I have always loved the Grammys, but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it," she tweeted. "Don't ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it.” Neil Portnow, head of the recording academy, defended the skit. He told the Associated Press that he thought Clinton's appearance was more satirical than political. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted: "Getting to read a #fakenews book excerpt at the Grammys seems like a great consolation prize for losing the presidency." Singer/actor Janelle Monae gave a well-received speech at the ceremony. She said the music industry needed to face its sexual harassment and gender discrimination issues, just like Hollywood. "To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time's Up." Monae introduced singer Kesha. She has long sought to break her business agreement with her producer, who she says raped her. Kesha's song Praying included the lyrics, "After everything you've done, I can thank you for how strong I have become." Cuban American singer Camila Cabello spoke out for legal protection for "dreamers" -- immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children but do not have legal status. "This country was built by dreamers for dreamers," she said. Cabello introduced a pre-recorded performance by the Irish band U2, who sang their song "Get Out of Your Own Way." The band performed on a boat in the New York harbor with the State of Liberty behind the musicians. The statue serves as a symbol of American freedom and a sign of welcome to immigrants from all over the world. And that's What's Trending today. I’m Caty Weaver.   Caty Weaver adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   skit - n. a short, funny story or performance​ pretend - v. to act as if something is true when it is not true​ audition - v.  to try out for a role in a play or film, a position in an orchestra, etc.: to perform in an audition​ in the bag - expression certain; sure to happen consolation - n. something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.​ excerpt - n. a small part of a longer written work​

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NASA Tests Power System to Support Manned Missions to Mars

  United States government agencies say the first tests of a very small nuclear power system designed for missions to Mars have been successful. The American space agency NASA and the Department of Energy recently announced the results in Las Vegas, Nevada. The officials said they will carry out a full test of the system in March. The project to design a small nuclear fission system is called Kilopower. Testing began last November at the Department of Energy’s Nevada National Security Site. The goal is to provide energy for future missions in space and possibly on the surface of Mars and other planets in our solar system. NASA astronauts visited the surface of Earth’s moon six times between 1969 and 1972. But establishing a long-term colony on the surface of the moon or another planet is more difficult. Such missions need a power source strong enough to support a base but small and light enough for transport through space. Steve Jurczyk is the associate administrator of NASA‘s Space Technology Mission Directorate. He told the Reuters news service that the Martian environment presents problems. He said, “Mars is a very difficult environment for power systems, with less sunlight than Earth or the moon, very cold nighttime temperatures, very interesting dust storms that can last weeks and months that engulf the entire planet.” He said that Kilopower’s small size and strength make it possible to transport several of the systems on a single landing vehicle. They would then be able provide a colony or base with tens of kilowatts of power. Lee Mason is NASA’s expert on power and energy storage. He said Mars has been the main goal of the Kilopower project. He also noted that a human mission to Mars likely would require 40 to 50 kilowatts of power. Dave Poston is the chief reactor designer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He said that testing on parts of the system have been “greatly successful.” “The models have predicted very well what has happened, and operations have gone smoothly,” he noted. NASA’s test design of the nuclear power system uses a reactor core made of the substance uranium-235. The core is about the size of a roll of paper towels. The technology could power life-support systems for people. It could help astronauts mine for resources, recharge vehicles and run equipment. Some equipment could change things such as ice on the planet into oxygen, water and fuel. Experts think Kilopower could also possibly improve electrically powered spacecraft engines on missions to the outer planets of our solar system. I’m Pete Musto.   Will Dunham reported this for the Reuters News Service. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. How do you think this new energy system will change the space exploration and discovery? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz.   ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story mission –n. a task or a job given to a person or group solar system –n. all the planets and other objects that orbit the sun source –n. the provider of something that is needed or wanted   engulf –v. to flow over and cover kilowatts –n. a measure of electrical power reactor –n. a device (usually a large device) that produces energy from a nuclear reaction core –n. the central part paper towels –n. sheets of paper that are used for cleaning which usually come in rolls recharge –v. to replace lost electrical power

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