美联社新闻一分钟 2007-03-17（在线收听）

1. A mid-March winter storm is grounding flights on the East Coast with airlines canceling hundreds of flights. The storm promises a mix of heavy snow, sleet, and rain, all coming after several days of balmy weather.

2. Lawyers say a grand jury has indicted at least three of five New York City police officers in the case of Sean Bell killed on his wedding day in a 50-shot barrage. Speaking for the victim's family, the Rev. Al Sharpton called the charges an important step for justice.

3. A man who jumped off a cruise ship is rescued in Florida about eight hours later by the Coast Guard. A witness said the man was drunk when he left the balcony in his room.

4. And may be coming to a corner near you a post office box looking a little like R2-D2 that chirpy character from Star Wars. The U.S. Postal Service is giving hundreds of boxes a makeover to promote a new stamp commemorating the film.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. balmy: adj.
Balmy weather is fairly warm and pleasant.

2. grand juror: n-count
A grand juror is a jury, usually in the United States, which considers a criminal case in order to decide if someone should be tried in a court of law.

3. Rev.: n-title
Rev. is a written abbreviation for Reverend which is a title used before the name or rank of an officially appointed religious leader..

4. chirpy: adj.
If you describe a person or their behavior as chirpy, you mean they are very cheerful and lively. (INFORMAL)

5. makeover: n-count
If a person or room is given a makeover, their appearance is improved, usually by an expert.