Australia Works to Free Man Held in Russia; Snow Season Hits Record Low
Listen to the story
Australia's Labor government is working on the release of Oscar Jenkins, an Australian man being held in Russia.
The government has not shared many details about how the talks are going. However, it has confirmed that work is underway to bring him home.
Meanwhile, Australia is facing a very different kind of news. New data has revealed a record low snowfall this year.
The data comes from Snowy Hydro, a company that manages snow and water in the region. It tracks snow levels every winter.
According to the company, this year marks the worst end to a snow season since records began in 1954.
That means the current season has produced less snow than any other year in over seven decades.
The low snowfall has been especially noticeable in New South Wales (NSW), a state known for its ski resorts and mountain regions.
As winter comes to an end in the state, the lack of snow has drawn attention to changing weather patterns.
Both stories are part of the day's live news coverage from Australia, which tracks major events as they unfold.
The Jenkins case and the snow data represent two very different but significant issues facing the country: one involving international diplomacy, the other involving the environment.
Readers are following updates on both fronts. Many are hopeful for good news on Jenkins's release, while others are concerned about what the record low snowfall could mean for the future.
Vocabulary5 words
- Labor
- the political party currently leading Australia's government
- release
- the act of setting someone free
- season
- a specific time of year, such as winter
- live
- happening now, updated in real time
- record low
- the smallest amount ever measured
Quiz
Answer key
1. The release of Oscar Jenkins from Russia 2. The worst end to a snow season since 1954 3. New South Wales
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Australia's Labor government is working on the _____ of Oscar Jenkins, an Australian man being held in Russia.
The government has not shared many _____ about how the talks are going.
New data has revealed a record _____ snowfall this year.
The data comes from Snowy Hydro, a company that manages snow and _____ in the region.
This year marks the worst end to a snow season since records began in _____.
The current season has produced less snow than any other year in over seven _____.
The low snowfall has been especially noticeable in New South Wales, a state known for its ski _____.
As winter comes to an end in the state, the lack of snow has drawn attention to changing weather _____.
Both stories are part of the day's live news _____ from Australia.
Many are hopeful for good news on Jenkins's _____.
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Australia Works to Free Man Held in Russia; Snow Levels Hit Record Low