AP美联社一分钟新闻 2009-01-05（在线收听）

1. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination to be President-elect Barack Obama's commerce secretary. Obama has accepted Richardson's withdrawal. A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract.

2. Backs by tanks, artillery and aircraft, thousands of Israeli soldiers have been advancing to Gaza, effectively cutting the coastal territory in two and surrounding its biggest city. The death toll in Gaza stands at more than 500.

3. President-elect Barack Obama shouldn't expect Congress to have an economic recovery plan waiting for him when he takes office. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer says it would be tough to get a massive spending plan together that soon. Hoyer hopes that something will be available for Obama to sign by mid-February.

4. Former employees and clients of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff are hoping to recoup some of their losses by selling Madoff memorabilia on eBay. Madoff put his investment firm's name on hats, T-shirts, beach towels and umbrellas. Dozens of the keepsakes are now being offered on the internet auction site.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. recoup: v.

to get back an amount of money you have lost or spent.

2. keepsake: n.

A keepsake is a small present that someone gives you so that you will not forget them.