CNN 2009-04-11

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

A failed escape attempt by the captain of a ship that is being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia, Captain Richard Philips reportedly jumped into the water and tried to swim his way to a U.S. naval¹ ship, but the pirates jumped in and caught him. Philip's ship and crew were taken hostage earlier this week, but the crew later regained² control. An unnamed US official says the escape attempt shows optimistic signs the captain is in good health.

Five US soldiers have been killed today in suicide bombings in Mosul, Iraq. The Iraqi Interior Ministry³ says three other people also died and 60 were wounded as the bomber⁴ drove through a security barrier not far from the Iraqi national police headquarters. US military officials say at least two people suspected to be linked to the attack have been arrested.

A mass state funeral today for victims of Monday's deadly earthquake in central Italy. More than 200 caskets were set up. The youngest victim would have turned six months old tomorrow, and the oldest a 96-year-old man. Pope Benedict plans to visit the region after Easter, in a statement he told mourners he shares their pain.

Back in the US hurricane-force wind gusts⁵ are fanning wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas, The National Guard is expected to use helicopters to drop water on the fires in Oklahoma. More than 100 homes and buildings have been destroyed there so far. Some people have been so desperate to save their homes, they are taking matters into their own hands.

People in western Arkansas are cleaning up this morning from a deadly tornado⁶. It happened last night in Mena Arkansas. That is near the Oklahoma state line. At least three people have been killed, 22 injured. The storm damaged more than 100 homes.

Well, be sure to stick with CNN.com 24/7 for news around the world and of course, we will have updates right here throughout the day.

1 naval   

adj.海军的，军舰的，船的

参考例句：

• He took part in a great naval battle.他参加了一次大海战。
• The harbour is an important naval base.该港是一个重要的海军基地。

2 regained   

复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地

参考例句：

• The majority of the people in the world have regained their liberty. 世界上大多数人已重获自由。
• She hesitated briefly but quickly regained her poise. 她犹豫片刻，但很快恢复了镇静。

3 ministry   

n.(政府的)部；牧师

参考例句：

• They sent a deputation to the ministry to complain.他们派了一个代表团到部里投诉。
• We probed the Air Ministry statements.我们调查了空军部的记录。

4 bomber   

n.轰炸机，投弹手，投掷炸弹者

参考例句：

• He flew a bomber during the war.他在战时驾驶轰炸机。
• Detectives hunting the London bombers will be keen to interview him.追查伦敦爆炸案凶犯的侦探们急于对他进行讯问。

5 gusts   

一阵强风( gust的名词复数 )； （怒、笑等的）爆发； （感情的）迸发； 发作

参考例句：

• Her profuse skirt bosomed out with the gusts. 她的宽大的裙子被风吹得鼓鼓的。
• Turbulence is defined as a series of irregular gusts. 紊流定义为一组无规则的突风。

6 tornado   

n.飓风，龙卷风

参考例句：

• A tornado whirled into the town last week.龙卷风上周袭击了这座城市。
• The approaching tornado struck awe in our hearts.正在逼近的龙卷风使我们惊恐万分。