In the news today...
President Barack Obama says the United States Justice Department has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting of a teenager in Missouri.
A white police officer shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, on August ninth in the town of Ferguson. Violent protests have followed almost every night since then.
On Monday, Governor Jay Nixon also ordered the Missouri National Guard to deploy in Ferguson to help local police. Officials have decided to lift the overnight curfew.
Lawyers for Michael Brown’s family spoke on Sunday. They said an examination of his body showed he was shot six times. The lawyers say he was trying to surrender when he was shot.
Last Friday, Ferguson police released a video reportedly showing the teenager robbing a store. The U.S. Justice Department objected to the video release.
Iraq Gains Control of Mosul Dam
Iraqi and Kurdish forces have retaken control of the Mosul Dam from Islamic State militants.
Lieutenant General Qassim al-Moussawi is a spokesman for the Iraqi army. He said, ''some of the dam facilities have not been cleared yet. But what is important is that the security forces have arrived at the dam and they were able to capture the dam and conduct a full check around it to make sure that it's empty of bombs and explosive charges. The Iraqi flag has been raised on the dam this morning.”
Separatists Kill Civilians Trying to Flee Eastern Ukraine
Ukrainian officials said pro-Russian separatists killed civilians trying to escape fighting in the eastern region.
A spokesman for Ukraine's national security council said the separatists shelled the vehicles carrying the men, women and children killed Monday.
However, a rebel spokesman denied his forces were involved in the attack.
Pope Calls for Peace In Korea
The head of the Roman Catholic Church has ended his first visit to Asia. Pope Francis called for better relations between North and South Korea.
The pope appealed for peace during a service at a cathedral in Seoul. South Korean President Park Geun-hye attended.
Words in the News
deploy – v. to move forces or weapons into positions for action
rob – v. to take money or property secretly or by force; to steal
examination – n. a close and careful study
separatist – n. a member of a group of people who want to form a new country, or religion, that is separate from the one they are in now
appeal – v. to take to a higher court, person or group for a decision; to call on somebody for help
Now, it’s your turn to use these Words in the News. In the comment section, write a sentence using one of these words and we will provide feedback on the use of vocabulary and grammar.
