Pangea: On today’s podcast, Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani gets the biggest-ever contract in team sports; the U.S. government approves to gene treatments for sickle cell disease followed by an explanation about the disease; then lend and borrow on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, the College Board changes AP Black history classes after questions; ancient male mosquitos were different; scientists discover an unusual planetary system followed by a discussion on the six, newly-found ‘harmonious’ planets; then the future continuous on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, more small colleges are closing down because of high costs and other reasons; publishers name ‘AI,’ ‘hallucinate,’ ‘authentic’ and ‘rizz’ as words of the year; then, the presidency of George H.W. Bush on America’s Presidents.

On today’s podcast, India plans a huge renewable energy project; a rock band aims to perform ‘forever’ using computer avatars; a listener’s question about the difference between ‘ability’ and ‘capability’; followed by a Edith Warton’s piece: ‘The Line of Least Resistance’ on American Stories.

On today’s podcast, all about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah; the U.S. government aims to reduce uranium production for nuclear submarines; development of artificial intelligence divides the technology industry; talking about pets followed by a discussion about our animal friends.

On today’s podcast, some scientists say the first 11 months of 2023 was the hottest 11 months recorded since 1900; street cars in San Juan, Puerto Rico; an electric car-charging road followed by a discussion about the story; then guilty pleasures on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, a study finds penguins use microsleep to get enough rest; the Associated Press says many home schools in Louisiana operate outside the state education system followed by a discussion about the findings; then, the word ‘legacy’ on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, efforts grow in the U.S. to reduce food waste; South Africa, Colombia push drug makers to permit cheap TB, HIV/AIDS drugs followed by a discussion about what patents are; then learn what “plan B” is on Lesson of the Day.

Learning English uses a limited vocabulary and are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Previously known as Special English.

On today’s podcast, what foreign college students do when big American holidays come along; bright expressions shine a light on things; followed by the presidency of Ronald Reagan on America’s Presidents.