AP 2010-12-20

（单词翻译）

1. The Senate is expected to pass a compromise tax package today, sparing taxpayers¹ an increase on January 1st. It will then head to the House where Democrats² are upset over extending tax breaks for the wealthy. However, it is expected to also pass the House.

2. Officials say a wooden boat near a remote Australian island was carrying about 70 asylum³ seekers when it smashed apart on jagged rocks in heavy seas, killing⁴ 27. Australia's acting⁵ prime minister says it's unclear where the passengers were from. Australia is a prime destination for people from poor, often war-ravaged countries.

3. The streets in South Korea came to a standstill today for the country's biggest-ever civilian⁶ evacuation drill. The 20-minute exercise was a response to soaring tensions after North Korea attacked a South Korean island last month, killing four people.

4. The collapse⁷ of the roof of the Metrodome in Minneapolis is forcing Monday night's game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears outside. The game will now be played at the University of Minnesota. Inspectors⁸ determined⁹ Tuesday that the Metrodome's roof couldn't be repaired in time for Monday's game.