CNN 2009-02-25

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Good morning to you from the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Reggie Aqui, thanks for checking in. Here is a look at what's happening right NOW IN THE NEWS.

President Obama is going to address both houses of Congress tonight. His challenge is to persuade lawmakers and the nation that his plan to turn the economy is going to work. He'll also discuss the housing crisis and how he wants to cut the deficit¹ in half in just four years. CNN.com Live and Facebook will have special coverage² of the president's address throughout the day.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will deliver the Republican response. He is a rising star in the GOP and he is often mentioned as a possible presidential candidate. In fact some observers are saying that tonight could be Jindal's coming-out party.

Good news for drivers; the price for a gallon of gas is down for the tenth straight day. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is now $1.90. Nine states and Washington D.C. report regular gas prices of two dollars or more.

Listen to this, American Express is coming up with a new way of cutting its losses. They are now paying cardholders to close their accounts. The company is offering 300 dollars to certain credit card customers to pay off their balances and close the account. Eligible³ cardholders have until the end of this month to accept the offer and they have to close the account in March or April.

And don't forget everybody; it is Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, the final day of Mardi Gras. You are looking at the Zulu parade that kicked off earlier this morning. It's the oldest African-American parade. And this year it featured a familiar face from CNN, Soledad O'Brian, she was Mrs. Big Stuff, that's followed by Rex which is the last parade of Mardi Gras and that will happen later today.

That's a quick look at your headlines, please stick with us here at CNN.com 24/7 for news from around the world, we are gonna continue to update you right here throughout the day.