AP美联社一分钟新闻(2010-01-24)

（单词翻译）

This is AP news minute.

Authorities now estimate the number of dead in Haiti could top 200,000 , double the previous best guess. The 7.0 earthquake also left 1.5 million people homeless. The UN World Food Program says it needs 100 million prepared meals over the next 30 days, and it's asking for more government donations.

Republicans and Democrats² are predicting a high turnout today in the Massachusetts special election to fill senate Ted³ Kennedy’s seat. Polls have a neck-and-neck race between republican Scout⁴ Brown and Democrat¹ Martha Coakley. The democrat’s 60 votes senate super majority is at stake.

New Jersey⁵ is now the fourteenth state to allow patients with diseases like cancer, aids and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana to alleviate⁶ their pain and other symptoms. Governor John Corizine signed the legislation yesterday, his final full day in office. Republican Chris Christy will be sworn in today.

A television producer accused of blackmailing⁷ David Letterman could find out today if a New York City court will toss out the criminal case against him. Prosecutors⁸ say Robot Halderman demanded two million dollars from the late-show host over the comics’ affair with staffers. If convicted Halderman

could face fifteen years in prison.