1. Senate Democrats are planning to pull a rare all-nighter, as they try to convince President Bush and Senate Republicans to change course in Iraq and bring troops home this fall. Michigan Democrat Carl Levin says Iraqi leaders need to start leading.

2. At least 12 people are dead, 40 injured in Pakistan after a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of a crowded political rally. The crowded gathered in Islamabad to support Pakistan suspended chief justice.

3. Decorated Vietnam War veteran and former Colorado Developer Jim Nicholson says he's resigning as chief of Veterans Affairs. And he plans to return to the private sector. Nicholson was the official who was forced to explain how personal data of millions of veterans and active service members was stolen.

4. Toxicology tests have revealed steroids and other prescription drugs were found in the body of pro-wrestler Chris Benoit. Doctors say the level of testosterone in Benoit was high and prescription drugs were also found in the bodies of his wife and seven-year-old son.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. all-nighter: countable noun [informal]
an occasion when you spend the whole night studying or doing written work in university

2. blow up:
to destroy something, or to be destroyed, by an explosion

3. suspend: transitive verb
to make someone leave their school or job for a short time, especially because they have broken the rules

4. decorate: transitive verb
to award a mark of honor to

5. toxicology: uncountable noun
the science and medical study of poisons and their effects

6. testosterone: uncountable noun
the hormone (=chemical produced by the body) in males that gives them their male qualities