CNN 2009-02-04

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Good morning from the CNN Center in Atlanta, I’m Reggie Aqui. Thanks for checking in. Here is what’s happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

The Senate is expected to start voting on the amendments¹ to President Obama’s stimulus² package later this morning, but the president is also looking for support beyond Capitol Hill. Mr. Obama is hoping GOP governors will sign on because of the money it would give cash-strapped states. Some Republican senators have polled together a 713-billion-dollar alternative stimulus plan. It relies mostly on tax cuts and focuses spending on infrastructure³ programs, helping⁴ unemployed⁵ Americans and the housing crisis.

Speaking of the economic situation in our country, we are getting word of even more lay-offs this morning. Liz Claiborne, eliminating 725 positions and PNC Financial is cutting 5,800 jobs.

Later this morning, President Obama will announce Republican Senator Judd Gregg as his nominee⁶ for Commerce Secretary. Gregg will be the third Republican in Obama’s cabinet if he is confirmed.

A new footnote in history as Eric Holder⁷ becomes the nation’s first African-American Attorney General. Holder won the Senate confirmation⁸ last night and today the vice-president will perform his swearing-in, one of Holder’s first jobs reviewing the terror fighting policies of the Bush administration and deciding which ones to reverse.

Residents across Kentucky are bracing⁹ for even more snow even as more than 300, 000 people are still without power after last week’s ice storm. State officials are giving FEMA good marks for its response even though aid has been slow getting to some rural areas. 55 deaths have been blamed on the frigid¹⁰ weather across the country.

Please stick with us at the CNN.com and CNN.com/live 24/7 for news from around the world. We are gonna continue giving you these updates right here throughout the day.

 cash-strapped

not having enough money

cash-strapped governments cash-strapped shoppers