『Listening Special』 was planned with the aim of properly digesting at least one day's worth of English news (approximately 20 minutes).
News is known to be the best teaching material for studying English listening.
The news often features natural vocabulary and expressions used by native speakers, and because it covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, society, science, and culture, you can also acquire a wide range of current affairs knowledge.
Beyond simply learning a language, it will help you understand the cultural context and nuances in which that language is used.
Additionally, the clear pronunciation and speed of announcers and reporters are also considered beneficial points for learning.
News is generally well suited to listening practice because it is delivered with accurate and clear pronunciation and at an appropriate pace.

INTRO

#10 KY teacher builds prosthetic for 4th grader
Teacher helps fourth grader make prosthetic hand

WHIT JOHNSON
Finally tonight, AMERICA STRONG.
The Teacher and the life-changing gift.
Tonight in Glasgow, Kentucky, south of Louisville, a remarkable gift from a teacher to his student in need.
9-year-old Jackson Farmer in the 4th grade was born without his right hand.
But his family tells us he's always been determined to not let life's obstacles get in the way.
Always with a smile on his face and a positive attitude, Jackson never quite finds the right prosthetic hand.
One that would help him hold things and one insurance would cover.
It's something his teacher at Red Cross Elementary, Mr.
Scott Johnson, noticed too.

So Mr.
Johnson got to work.
With the OK from Jackson's family, he started researching online and reaching out to the prosthetic community, developing a prototype and, incredibly, after some 25 hours to print on the school's 3D printer, four hours to assemble and just $20 worth of materials, Mr.
Johnson was ready to surprise Jackson with his new hand.
Tonight, Jackson telling us he loves it.

JACKSON FARMER
I think it kind of helped me a lot.
Whenever like just throughout the day, it just helps me.
I want to show you how to put on my hand.

WHIT JOHNSON
Proudly showing us how he puts it on.
Using it to hold a photo of him with Mr.
Johnson, showing us he can now pick up a baseball, a cup, a bottle.
Mr.
Johnson explains how it works.

SCOTT JOHNSON
This fishing line runs through the hand, and it ties at the end of each one of these fingertips.
When Jackson flexes his wrist down, he's able to close the hand, and when he relaxes his wrist, he's able to open it.
No batteries, no chargers, just the muscular power of this awesome dude and that killer smile.

WHIT JOHNSON
Tonight, their message to all those who see a need and help.


SCOTT JOHNSON
We love helping people, and we hope that you find great ways to be awesome too.
Have a great day.


JACKSON FARMER
Have a great day.


WHIT JOHNSON
Mr.
Johnson and Jackson, definitely America strong.
They sure are.
I'm Whit Johnson in New York.
Have a great night.


Whit Johnson
The last news is from the "America Strong" corner.
We share stories of gifts and teachers that changed lives.
In Glasgow, Kentucky, south of Louisville, a teacher gave a surprising gift to a student in need.
Nine-year-old fourth-grader Jackson Palmer was born without a right hand, but his family says he's always overcome life's obstacles with a smile and a positive outlook.
However, I was unable to find a prosthetic arm that could hold objects and was covered by insurance.
Scott Johnson, a teacher at Red Cross Elementary School, also noticed that.
With permission from the Jackson family, Johnson began researching online, reaching out to the prosthetic community, and building a prototype.
He printed it on his school's 3D printer for about 25 hours and assembled it for four hours.
I prepared a 'new hand' as a surprise gift for Jackson, which I completed with a material cost of about 20 dollars.
“I love it,” Jackson says.

Jackson Palmer
I think it will be really helpful.
All day long.
Let me show you how I put my hands together.

Whit Johnson
Jackson proudly showed off how to use his prosthetic arm, posed for a photo with Dr. Johnson, and said he could now hold a baseball, a cup, and a bottle.
Mr. Johnson explains how it works.

Scott Johnson
A fishing line is passed through the hand and tied to the tip of each finger.
When Jackson bends his wrist down, his hand closes, and when he relaxes his wrist, his hand opens.
No batteries or chargers needed, just your cool friend's brawn and killer smile.

Whit Johnson
A message from two people to everyone who wants to help where they see a need.

Scott Johnson
We love helping.
I hope you too can help someone in a wonderful way.
have a good day.

Jackson Palmer
have a good day.

Whit Johnson
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Jackson, they are the epitome of 'America Strong.'
Whit Johnson reports from New York.
Have a good night.

Headline Summary

In Glasgow, Kentucky, a 4th-grade teacher made a life-changing impact on his student.
Jackson Farmer, a 9-year-old born without his right hand, had trouble finding a prosthetic that worked for him and was covered by insurance.
His teacher, Mr.
Scott Johnson at Red Cross Elementary, noticed the challenge and took action.
After getting permission from Jackson's family, he researched and built a custom prosthetic using a 3D printer at school.
It took 25 hours to print, 4 hours to assemble, and only $20 in materials.
The result: a functional hand powered by Jackson's wrist movement, using fishing line to open and close the fingers.
Jackson proudly demonstrated his new hand, now able to grip everyday items like baseballs and bottles.
Mr.
Johnson's act of kindness and innovation inspired many, reminding viewers that small efforts can make a huge difference.
Truly “America Strong.”

Behind the News

1.
How 3D Printing Transforms Prosthetics
3D printing enables affordable, customizable prosthetics?especially for children who quickly outgrow traditional ones.
Designs can be downloaded and printed using low-cost materials, making it a life-changing option when insurance doesn't cover expensive medical-grade devices.

2.
Prosthetics and Insurance Challenges
Many insurance plans, especially in the US, do not fully cover prosthetic limbs, considering them non-essential or luxury items, particularly for children.
This leaves families with large expenses or limited options, making innovations like 3D printing crucial.

3.
Mechanics of Body-Powered Prosthetics
Body-powered prosthetics like Jackson's use simple mechanical systems.
Cables (often fishing line) connect to fingers, and movement?like wrist flexing?controls the grip.
These devices are practical, low-maintenance, and ideal for children in active settings.

4.
Teachers as Community Innovators
Teachers often go beyond their roles to support students, especially in under-resourced schools.
Stories like Mr.
Johnson's shows how educators can be powerful community changemakers? using creativity, empathy, and personal initiative to make a lasting difference.

--- From the text