美联社新闻一分钟 AP NEWS 2008-02-26（在线收听）

1. The Pentagon says that by July there will be about 8,000 more troops on the ground in Iraq than before the surge began last year. Initially, President Bush approved orders to send an additional five army brigades to the area.

2. It's a photo of Barack Obama and it's causing quite a stir. In it, the White House hopeful is in Kenya and dressed in traditional garments worn by Muslins there. The website that initially posted the image said Hillary Clinton's campaign gave it to them. And Obama's campaign is accusing Clinton's of being divisive.

3. Relatives of a former Ohio police officer are hoping to save him from death row. The divorced parents and sister of Bobby Cutts Jr. testified before a jury that will decide whether to recommend the death sentence. It's the same jury that convicted Cutts of murdering his pregnant lover and their unborn child.

4. This crowd of Japanese men is plunging into spring with mud. It's part of a ritual to ward off the evil spirits at the end of winter. The men also pasted mud onto children for their well-being and healthy growth.