1. It's the worst single loss of U.S. firefighters since 9/11. The city of Charleston, South Carolina lost nine firefighters in a furniture warehouse fire. The roof collapsed as they fought the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

2. Sectarian violence strikes central Baghdad. A suspected Sunni truck driver bomber attacks a Shiite shrine killing at least 78 people, wounding more than 200. The day brought other attacks in Iraq putting the death toll at 142 people.

3. The DA in the Duke lacrosse case has been suspended. Mike Nifong already has been disbarred for his handling of the case. Now a judge has suspended him after learning Nifong planned to stay in office in another month stripping Nifong of his badge and keys.

4. That wisecracking, sometimes sobering judge in the Anna Nicole Smith's case is leaving the bench. Judge Larry Seidlin in the Broward County isn't offering specifics on his plans. Courthouse rumors say he is considering a deal for a television courtroom show.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. disbar: [transitive]
to make a lawyer leave the legal profession

2. badge: [countable]
a small piece of metal, cloth, or plastic with a picture or words on it, worn to show rank, membership of a group, support for a political idea etc

3. wisecrack: [countable]
a clever and funny remark or reply

4. sobering: adjective
making you feel very serious