CNN 2009-03-17

Good morning, I am Reggie Aqui from the CNN center in Atlanta. Here is what's happening NOW IN THE NEWS.

The focus is of course on the economy once again today, as President Obama meets with small business owners and community leaders this afternoon. The president will announce a new plan that will make lending to small businesses more attractive. Many small businesses are having a tough time getting loans from lenders due to the state of the economy.

AIG is facing a huge backlash, over 165 million dollars in bonuses it's paying out to employees. The troubled insurer received the biggest government bailout in US history. AIG says it'll scale back bonuses due to be paid later this year.

In his first TV interview as Federal Reserve Chief, Ben Bernanke repeated his belief that the recession would probably end this year and recovery will begin next year. He maintained that recovery is contingent¹ on the government's plan to boost the financial system. Investors² like the fact that Bernanke hasn't changed his view.

If you are worried about where your food comes from, a new law might help put you at ease. Starting today, fresh food sold in supermarkets must have a country of origin label or "COOL" for sure. It applies to fresh meats, poultry³, fish, foods, veges and nuts. The idea is to help you avoid products from countries with known food safety problems.

At the box office this weekend, Disney's "Escape to Witch Mountain" was on top. It raked in 25 million dollars over the weekend. Last week's champ Watchman came in second with a little more than 18 million. And fright film, The Last House On The Left came in third.

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

1 contingent   

adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队

参考例句：

• The contingent marched in the direction of the Western Hills.队伍朝西山的方向前进。
• Whether or not we arrive on time is contingent on the weather.我们是否按时到达要视天气情况而定。

2 investors   

n.投资者，出资者( investor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a con man who bilked investors out of millions of dollars 诈取投资者几百万元的骗子
• a cash bonanza for investors 投资者的赚钱机会

3 poultry   

n.家禽，禽肉

参考例句：

• There is not much poultry in the shops. 商店里禽肉不太多。
• What do you feed the poultry on? 你们用什么饲料喂养家禽?