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This is AP news minute.

Deadly Tornado
The death toll is expected to rise after a tornado tore through a Missouri town. At least 89 people are dead in the town of Joplin. The city manager says the Sunday twister cut a half mile wide path of destruction through the town.

Discussion
1. Which do you think is worse, a tornadoe or a hurricane?
2. With today's modern weather forecasting, why are tornadoes still so deadly?
4. Does your country have severe weather storms?
5. Have you ever been stranded in a severe storm?
5. What safety precautions would you take if you were caught in a tornadoe? hurricane? earthquake?

Obama in Ireland
President Obama is in Ireland this morning. The Emerald Island the first stop on a six-day European tour. The President will visit Moneygall, the tiny village that is the ancestral home of Obama’s great great great grandfather on his Kansas born mother’s side.

Discussion
1. What do you think about President Obama's Irish roots?
2. What do you know about the Emerald Island?
3. Have you celebrated St. Patrick's Day?

Pawlenty In
Republican Tim Pawlenty is off and running with his 2012 GOP presidential campaign. Pawlenty promises a campaign that tells the American people the truth and suggests that President Barak Obama doesn’t. The former Minnesota governor will formally declare he is running for president in person today during a town hall forum in Iowa.

Fast forward: a year later, Pawlenty had droppped out of the race and Mitt Romney became the front-runner for the Republican party.

Discussion
1. In the USA, there are two major political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats (Barack Obama). What are the major political parties in your country? What are their differences
2. Who would you like to see become the next president in your country? Why?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages a person faces when choosing to become a national leader?

High Heel Race
And women in Peru have taken part in a charity running event with a difference. Each competitor was wearing high heel shoes. The race was a 150 yard dash through the capitol of Lima. Organizers say the heel represents an obstacle in the lives of everyday women and the race was intended to demonstrate that all obstacles can be overcome.

Discussion
1. (women) How would you do in a high-heel race?
2. (women) Are you a fan of high heels?
3. (women) What's your favorite pair of dress shoes?
4. What do you know about Peru?