In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with a discussion about the vote on Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal rules that ensure a fair and open internet, also called “net neutrality.” Next, we’ll talk about the Norwegian Parliament’s decision to decriminalize all drug use. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the discovery of a solar system that is more than 2,500 light years away. The discovery was made by NASA scientists using artificial intelligence developed by Google. And finally, we’ll talk about a new item added to UNESCO’s “intangible heritage” list -- the Neapolitan technique of pizza twirling.

• Net neutrality rules repealed in the U.S.
• Norwegian Parliament votes to decriminalize drugs
• Scientists discover a “twin” solar system with eight planets
• Naples pizza-twirling wins UNESCO heritage status

The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Superlatives. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To get out of hand.”

In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with a discussion about the result of the Alabama Senate elections that were held on Tuesday. Next, we’ll talk about the decision announced by the French government on Sunday to ban the use of mobile phones in school for students under the age of 15. Then, we’ll have a conversation about bitcoins, which are traded on some of the stock markets. And finally, we’ll remember a French pop singer, Johnny Hallyday, who died last week at the age of 74.

• Doug Jones upsets Roy Moore in closely watched Senate race
• France to ban mobile phones in schools
• Bitcoin futures trading begins as price skyrockets
• Johnny Hallyday, the Elvis Presley of France, dies

As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll highlight the use of today’s topic: Order of Adjectives. And we’ll wrap up our program with another English expression: “To put your heart and soul into (something).”

For the first half of our program, we’re going to look at what’s happening around the world this week. We will begin with President Donald Trump’s announcement to formally recognize the city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Next, we’ll comment on Time Magazine’s choice of 2017 Person of the Year. Following that, we’ll talk about the world’s largest battery installed in Australia that could ease power shortages. And finally, and on a lighter note, we’ll talk about the ugliest Christmas tree that set a new trend in Montreal that celebrates imperfections.

• President Trump formally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of diplomacy
• “The Silence Breakers” named Time’s Person of the Year
• World’s largest battery could ease power shortages in Australia
• Montréal’s “ugly” Christmas tree becomes a tradition

As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Participle Adjectives. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “A drop in the bucket.”