美联社新闻一分钟 2008-04-25

（单词翻译）

 1. A top US official says a reactor¹ in Syria allegedly built with North Korean help was nearly functional² before was destroyed last year by Israeli fighter jets. The United States says the reactor threatened to spread dangerous nuclear materials possibly used to make bombs.

2. President Bush is optimistic that both sides in the Mideast peace process can agree on what defines a Palestinian state. But progress toward a peace deal with Israelis and Palestinians remains³ slow.

3. The leaders of Delta⁴ and Northwest Airlines are on Capitol Hill defending the proposed merger⁵ of the two carriers, saying they are stronger together than apart, ready to be competitive with foreign airlines and equipped to handle record-high fuel prices.

4. In northern New Jersey⁶, this bear decided⁷ to wander, heading in the backyards and toward a high school, causing officials there to cancel all outdoor activities. Police and animal control officials eventually got the bear with a tranquilizer dart⁸. 

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. carrier: n.

a company that carries goods or passengers from one place to another, especially by air

2. tranquilizer: n.

Medicine that produces a calming effect