CNN 2009-03-21

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Good morning from the CNN center in Atlanta, I am Reggie Aqui. Thanks for checking in. here's a look at what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

The house has passed legislation that would impose a 90% tax on bonuses paid to employees of companies receiving at least five billion dollars in bailout funds. The measure, if it does become law, would affect AIG which was criticized for granting bonuses to senior executives. The measure now moves to the Senate.

Two US navy vessels² collided Friday in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran. The navy says at least 15 sailors on one vessel¹ were slightly injured while a fuel tank on the other vessel ruptured³ spilling 25,000 gallons of diesel⁴ into the Persian Gulf⁵. The incident is under investigation⁶. The Strait of Hormuz is one the busiest waterways in the world.

In a video message today, President Obama offered Iran quote "the promise of a new beginning that is grounded in mutual⁷ respect." The message is a dramatic shift in tone from that of George W Bush administration which labeled Iran part of an axis⁸ of evil. No immediate⁹ response from Tehran but Iran's president said last month that his country would welcome talks with the United States in a fair atmosphere with mutual respect.

Pirates are at it again at the waters off Somalia. This time, they captured a Greek cargo¹⁰ ship in the Gulf of Aden. Greek merchant marine¹¹ officials say the ship was en route to South Korea with a load of iron. Pirating off the coast of Somalia has been on the rise in recent years. The bandits are said to be Somalia fishermen.

A kinder and gentler IRS? Well tomorrow the federal tax agency is gonna offer free tax preparation assistance, set hundreds of sites nationwide. People who earn 42,000 dollars or less are eligible¹² for that service. In addition, the IRS says it will work to set up payment option plans for those financially unable to pay their tax bills.

On Broadway last night as you can see. They dimmed the light to honor Actress Natasha Richardson. As you know, she died after suffering a brain injury while skiing in Canada. There are now new questions about the medical attention Richardson received immediately after her fall. A Toronto newspaper says paramedics dispatched to the ski slopes were turned away before they could check on Richardson. The resort says it will cooperate with any investigation.

That's a quick look at your headlines right now. Please stick with us here at CNN and CNN.com live as we bring you the stories and the updates throughout the day.