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1. The Federal Reserve has slashed¹ a key interest rate by half a percentage point, as it seeks to revive the economy. The cut marks the second half-point reduction this month. The Fed said the financial market turmoil² will likely continue to restrain spending, partly due to the tight credit market.

2. With just six days to Election Day, Democrat³ Barack Obama accused Republican John McCain of taking a low road by labeling him a socialist⁴. McCain met with military officers and national security advisors⁵ before saying Obama isn't up to the job of protecting the country.

3. An earthquake that measures 6.4 on the Richter scale rattled⁶ southeast Pakistan. At least 170 people are dead and 15,000 are homeless.

4. A South Florida man is under arrest for leading police on a chase that lasted more than half an hour. He ended up sitting on a patio⁷ chair after stopping his minivan and surrendered as police arrested him.

WORDS IN THE NEWS

1. low road: n.

Behavior or practice that is deceitful or immoral⁸.

2. up to sth.

[in questions and negatives]
clever, good, or well enough to do something.

3. minivan: n.

a large car with seats for six to eight people.