1. Wet weather in Minneapolis is hampering recovery efforts. The drizzle has turned the already murky Mississippi waters nearly opaque. Authorities believe eight bodies remain trapped in the wreckage.

2. President Bush is vowing to help Minneapolis rebuild its collapsed bridge. Bush surveyed the site today from the air and on the ground. He also spoke with local officials and praised the efforts of rescue workers. The president also offered his condolences to family and friends of the victims.

3. NASA's latest mission to Mars is on its way. An unmanned Delta rocket blasted off from Florida before dawn, carrying the Phoenix Mars Lander. It's due to touch down in May.

4. Alex Rodriguez has become the youngest player in Major League history to hit 500 home runs. The 32-year-old reached the mark Saturday with a blast down the left field line of Yankee Stadium. He's just the 22nd player in history to reach the mark.


WORDS IN THE NEWS

hamper：v。If someone or something hampers you, they make it difficult for you to do what you are trying to do.

drizzle：n. Drizzle is light rain falling in fine drops.

murky: adj. Murky water or fog is so dark and dirty that you cannot see through it.

opaque: adj. If an object or substance is opaque, you cannot see through it.

condolence: n. When you offer or express your condolences to someone, you express your sympathy for them because one of their friends or relatives has died recently.

blast off: v. When a space rocket blasts off, it leaves the ground at the start of its journey.

touch down: n. When an aircraft touches down, it lands.

left field: The position played by the left fielder.