VOA · What's Trending Today?
Intermediate · B1–B2learner speed2:362018-10-03public domain
What's Trending Today? covers viral stories and social media moments in short, punchy reports. The episodes are brief and topical — perfect for a quick daily dictation session.
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01This is what's trending today.
02Chinese officials have ordered X-Men actor Fan Bingbing to pay $130 million in taxes and fines.
03The move ends the mystery over her disappearance from public view three months ago.
04Fan Bingbing is one of China's most famous actors.
05In 2016, Forbes listed her as one of the highest-paid female actors in the world.
06China's state news agency Xinhua reported that Fan would not be investigated for the crime of tax evasion as long as she pays the taxes, fines, and late fees of almost 900 million yuan, about $130 million.
07The Xinhua report said Fan avoided taxes by making a $20 million secret performance contract for the Chinese film Unbreakable Spirit.
08It is a common custom in Chinese show business for actors to make one private contract with high pay and another public contract showing much lower pay.
09The report said the investigation serves as a warning to all show business performers in China.
10Fan apologized on the social media site Weibo.com.
11I am unworthy of the trust of the society and let down the fans who love me.
12She wrote that she accepts the tax official's decision and will overcome all difficulties and raise funds to pay back taxes and fines.
13The post is her first update on Weibo.com since June 2.
14Fan has starred in several movies and TV series in China.
15She is best known internationally for her performance in the X-Men and Iron Man films.
16Before her disappearance, she was to appear with Penelope Cruz in the Hollywood film 355.
17She also has a part in the upcoming movie Airstrike with Bruce Willis.
18I'm Ana Mateo.
19I'm Ana Mateo.!
20I'm Ana Mateo.
21I'm
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