1. Rescue crews gave up any hope today of finding alive the remaining 2 climbers missing on Mount Hood. As the 9-day rescue mission ends, authorities say they will continue a recovery effort.

2. President Bush says he is considering an increase in the number of US troops stationed in Iraq. However, Bush is asking military officials to craft a specific mission, which can be accomplished before more troops are added.

3. The first day of winner is just a day away, but heavy snow is already blanketing much of the west. The National Weather Service is posting blizzard warnings for most of eastern Colorado and parts of Nebraska and Kansas. Heavy snow is already blowing across the western US.

4. With 2007 on the way in, a look back at 2006 shows the war in Iraq is the top news story for this year. The midterm elections come in at No.2.

WORDS IN THE NEWS


1. station : V-PASSIVE
If soldiers or officials are stationed in a place, they are sent there to do a job or to work for a period of time.

2. craft : VERB
If something is crafted, it is made skilfully.
Many delegates were willing to craft a compromise.

3. blanket : VERB
If something such as snow blankets an area, it covers it.