CNN 2009-03-28

Hello there, from the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Naamua Delaney, thanks for checking in with us and here's a look at what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

In Fargo, North Dakota, many have their eye on the rising Red River. The river rose to just over 40 feet today, breaking a century-old record. The levees are about 43 feet high. Hundreds of residents have already evacuated¹ Fargo neighborhoods, hospitals and a nursing home.

Well North Dakota is not the only state being slammed with severe weather. Developing snow emergencies have been posted in Texas, Kansas and Colorado. More than a foot of snow has already fallen around Denver. Colorado's governor declared a state of emergency and mobilize the national guard.

President Obama has unveiled his new strategy for Afghanistan. The President plans to send another 4000 troops to Afghanistan, that's on top of 17,000 already promised. Also he's pledged more help for Pakistan as it grapples with the very same threats. The President is calling on Congress to pass a bill that triples US aid to Pakistan.

In Pakistan, a devastating² suicide blast struck a mosque³, killing⁴ at least 51 people and wounding more than 100 others. Authorities say the blast occurred during a prayer service attended by some 250 worshipers. The building collapsed⁵ as the explosion rippled⁶ through the structure.

Welcome news for some unemployed⁷ Americans. The IRS says some unemployment benefits will be tax-free this year. It applies to the first 2400 dollars in benefits. The change to tax-free benefits is part of the recovery and reinvestment act President Obama signed in February. More than 5.5 million people are getting benefits this month.

Be sure to stick with CNN.com 24/7 for news from all around the world and of course we will have updates right here throught the day.

1 evacuated   

撤退者的

参考例句：

• Police evacuated nearby buildings. 警方已将附近大楼的居民疏散。
• The fireman evacuated the guests from the burning hotel. 消防队员把客人们从燃烧着的旅馆中撤出来。

2 devastating   

adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的

参考例句：

• It is the most devastating storm in 20 years.这是20年来破坏性最大的风暴。
• Affairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.婚外情确实会对婚姻造成毁灭性的影响。

3 mosque   

n.清真寺

参考例句：

• The mosque is a activity site and culture center of Muslim religion.清真寺为穆斯林宗教活动场所和文化中心。
• Some years ago the clock in the tower of the mosque got out of order.几年前，清真寺钟楼里的大钟失灵了。

4 killing   

n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财

参考例句：

• Investors are set to make a killing from the sell-off.投资者准备清仓以便大赚一笔。
• Last week my brother made a killing on Wall Street.上个周我兄弟在华尔街赚了一大笔。

5 collapsed   

adj.倒塌的

参考例句：

• Jack collapsed in agony on the floor. 杰克十分痛苦地瘫倒在地板上。
• The roof collapsed under the weight of snow. 房顶在雪的重压下突然坍塌下来。

6 rippled   

使泛起涟漪（ripple的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• The lake rippled gently. 湖面轻轻地泛起涟漪。
• The wind rippled the surface of the cornfield. 微风吹过麦田，泛起一片麦浪。

7 unemployed   

adj.失业的，没有工作的；未动用的，闲置的

参考例句：

• There are now over four million unemployed workers in this country.这个国家现有四百万失业人员。
• The unemployed hunger for jobs.失业者渴望得到工作。