AP美联社一分钟新闻 2008-12-19（在线收听）

1. The White House says it's very close to a decision on how to help the troubled US auto industry. But the Bush administration didn't provide any details or even a timetable on when an announcement would be made. One option being considered is a managed bankruptcy.

2. Meantime, President-elect Barack Obama says a good portion of the nation's economic troubles can be blamed on government regulators who “dropped the ball”. Obama also named three veteran regulators to help clean up financial debacles.

3. The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush is asking for a pardon. The correspondent could face two years behind bars for insulting a foreign leader.

4. The New York Yankees have finalized their contracts with free-agent pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Sabathia is getting a record $161 million, seven-year contract and Burnett is getting an $82.5 million, five-year deal.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. drop the ball: (AM,informal)

to make a mistake, especially by doing something in a stupid or careless way.

2. debacle: n.

an event or situation that is a complete failure

3. pardon: n.

an official order allowing someone who has been found guilty of a crime to go free without being punished

4. free-agent:

A free-agent professional athlete is free to sign a contract with any team.