Obama to hold prime-time news conference Monday

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama will hold a prime-time news conference on Monday.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Thursday that Obama will answer reporters questions at the 8 p.m. EST event.

This would be the first prime-time news conference for Obama, who took office two weeks ago.

Obama has used various public appearances, including a speech at the Energy Department on Thursday, to push for his economic recovery package.

During his transition, Obama held several news conferences at daytime events.