Link: http://www.democracynow.org/2009/2/27/can_us_achieve_meaningful_health_care

The Obama administration says its repeal of Bush-era tax cuts for wealthier Americans will help pay for a $634 billion reserve fund for what it calls its top fiscal priority: healthcare reform. But can the US achieve real healthcare reform without adopting single-payer? We host a debate between Dr. David Himmelstein of Physicians for a National Health Program and Len Nichols of the New America Foundation.

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aKMkV532Xkq0

The U.S. economic contraction in the fourth quarter was deeper than the government first estimated, with other reports today signaling little prospect of relief until at least the middle of 2009.

Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE51Q2W220090227

Canadian fighters planes scrambled to intercept an approaching Russian bomber less than 24 hours before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Ottawa last week, Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay said on Friday.

Link: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/ny-wodeve276051233feb27,0,5122233.story

President Barack Obama has told lawmakers he plans to pull troops out of Iraq by August 2010, congressional officials say. His plan would leave behind 35,000 to 40,000 troops, possibly as many as 50,000, to advise Iraqi troops and protect U.S. interests. Asked about the higher figure, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said, "That's a little higher than I would have anticipated." Said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.): "It has to be done responsibly, I agree. But 50,000 is more than I would have thought." Obama is expected to announce the new strategy today.