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1. "Booster ignition and liftoff". After two failed launch attempts, the space shuttle Discovery roared into outer space on Independence Day afternoon. The spacecraft is set to deliver a new crew to the International Space Station. Astronauts will also test new safety procedures in the wake of the 2003 Columbia disaster.
2. President Bush celebrated his 4th of July with a visit to troops at Fort Bragg. He told 3,500 soldiers that they will overcome persistent violence in Iraq and insurgency in Afghanistan because the enemy is vulnerable.
3. New Jersey lawmakers are spending their holiday in close-door meetings after Governor Jon Corzine told them to compromise in order to end a budget crisis that has shut down state government. If they don't come up with the spending plan, Atlantic City casinos state parks and beaches will be closed Wednesday morning.
4. And much of the nation will be seeing fireworks tonight. 4th of July celebrations are on tap in small towns and big cities from coast to coast. The nation's capital is set to welcome thousands of visitors for a star-studded concert and fireworks display.
WORDS IN THE NEWS
1. outer space : n-uncount
Outer space is the area outside the earth's atmosphere where the other planets and stars are situated.
2. set : adj
If you are set to do something, you are ready to do it or are likely to do it. If something is set to happen, it is about to happen or likely to happen.
3. firework : n-count
Fireworks are small objects that are lit to entertain people on special occasions. They contain chemicals and burn brightly or attractively, often with a loud noise, when you light them.
4. on tap : phrase
If something is on tap, you can have as much of it as you want whenever you want. (INFORMAL)
5. star-studded : adj
A star-studded show, event, or cast is one that includes a large number of famous performers. (JOURNALISM) |