LINGUAWIRE
This episode looks at how the US midterm result may affect markets, inflation and foreign policy. It also reports a rising death toll and rescue efforts after
A current English news story adapted for language learners at B1, with audio, transcript, vocabulary and comprehension work.
Welcome to LinguaWire.
Today: what the US midterm election result could mean for the global economy, and the rising death toll after a Russian strike in southeastern Ukraine.
Everything we say today is written out for you, with the vocabulary explained, at linguawire.com.
First, the US midterm elections and their possible effect on the global economy.
Grace is LinguaWire's correspondent for business, and she has been following the reaction from investors and economists.
Hello, Daniel. Democrats have won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, defeating President Donald Trump’s Republican Party in the midterm elections. Trump now has two years left in his term, but much less control over domestic policy. Analysts say this could create an uncertain period for financial markets, economic growth, inflation and government borrowing costs.
Why does this result create uncertainty for investors?
Investors usually dislike political uncertainty and conflict. They are trying to judge how Trump will act when Congress is controlled by Democrats. He has warned that he will become “Mr Veto”, meaning he could block policies supported by the other party. That could lead to a difficult final period for his presidency.
How did stock markets react to the election news?
Markets first fell in early trading in Asia, but later recovered. Investors took some encouragement from the fact that Trump accepted the result and recognised the effect of the war in Iran. Holger Schmieding, the chief economist at Berenberg, said the result showed that US institutions and their checks and balances were working.
What other issues are investors watching now?
Much depends on the war in the Middle East and on the development of artificial intelligence. Traders expect Democrats to take a tougher line on AI regulation and on the building of data centres. That is important because AI has been one of the main reasons for recent stock market growth.
Could the election result also affect US foreign policy?
Some analysts are concerned that Trump could take a more aggressive approach abroad now that his influence over policy at home has weakened. They say that could intensify the war in Iran. The conflict has already caused a major energy price shock around the world.
And how have people in the United States felt the economic pressure?
High inflation, the unpopular war and a changing tariff policy were important issues in the election. The tariff policy has badly affected small businesses. US diesel prices reached a record high in August, while headline inflation has risen to 3.7%.
Why has the war in Iran had such a strong effect on inflation?
The US-Israeli invasion of Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy supplies. That increased inflation pressure worldwide. On Wednesday, oil prices fell by as much as 9%, dropping below 100 dollars a barrel for the first time in a month. Investors were hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough on Iran. The next two years will depend heavily on the war, energy prices and decisions on AI policy.
Thank you, Grace.
Now, Ukraine has raised the death toll after a Russian strike on an aid centre in the Zaporizhia region.
Ethan is LinguaWire's correspondent for security, and he has been covering the attack and the continuing rescue work.
Hello, Daniel. Ukrainian authorities say 40 people have now been confirmed dead after Monday’s Russian attack in Komyshuvakha, a village near the front line in southeastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that some bodies had not yet been accounted for, and more than 30 people may still be trapped under the rubble.
What was the building being used for when it was hit?
It was a school building being used to distribute aid. Ukraine says Russia dropped several bombs on the site. A follow-up strike then hit an underground shelter where people had taken cover. The attack was one of the deadliest strikes on civilians during Russia’s nearly five-year-long war against Ukraine.
Do we know who was among the people killed?
Four police officers and two members of a rescue crew were among the dead. Ukrainian police released body-camera footage from one of the officers who was killed. It shows people being led into the underground shelter after the officer receives a radio warning about incoming guided aerial bombs.
What happens in the recording after people enter the shelter?
The footage shows people inside the shelter, then it cuts to black and silence. It gives a brief record of the moments before the strike hit.
What is making the search for survivors more difficult?
Local authorities say Russian drones are hampering the rescue operation in Komyshuvakha. Mykhailo Semikin, the acting head of the regional military administration, said the work would continue despite those interruptions.
Has there been an international response to the attack?
The United Nations human rights mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that the bombing likely violated international law. Zelenskyy condemned what he called a terrorist strike. He said it showed that Russia did not want to de-escalate the conflict. He also said the attack had wasted an opportunity created by a ceasefire and humanitarian mission in the front-line village of Oleshky last week.
What is expected to happen next on the diplomatic side?
The United States has announced a new round of talks in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11. Delegations from Ukraine and Russia are due to discuss security agreements after the war, de-escalation, humanitarian measures and ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to the talks after meeting US special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg on October 21. The talks will take place while rescuers continue their work in Komyshuvakha.
Thank you, Ethan.
Part one: rescue vocabulary.
Shelter.
A shelter is a place that protects people from danger. In the story, “an underground shelter where people had taken cover.”
The family slept in a shelter during the storm.
Rubble.
Rubble is the broken pieces of a damaged building. In the story, “more than 30 people may still be trapped under the rubble.”
Rescuers searched the rubble for survivors.
Hamper.
To hamper means to make something more difficult. In the story, “Russian drones are hampering the rescue operation in Komyshuvakha.”
Heavy rain hampered the work outside.
Part two: the grammar.
Reported speech with said: “The United Nations human rights mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that the bombing likely violated international law.”
Use “said that” to report information from another person or organisation. The information after “that” tells us what they said.
In the story, “The United Nations human rights mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that the bombing likely violated international law.”
A doctor said that the patient needed rest.
Repeat after me: The United Nations human rights mission in Ukraine said on Tuesday that the bombing likely violated international law.
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