[IMG]http://simplefeed.consumerreports.org/rsrc/i/1/_/consumer_reports_morning_update__417289027/4.gif?f=3dcb3160-01dc-11dc-32a2-0019bbc55f7f&s=AewyNia7NTvDvhaDemju5DEsbnVsbCwwLDA *[/IMG] Consumer Reports Morning Update
Good Monday morning, here are the top stories our editors are keeping an eye on today. Check back with ConsumerReports.org throughout the day for updates and analysis on these topics and many more.

The White House will continue its push for health care reform this week, beginning with the president filling his last vacant Cabinet position and heading toward a summit toward the end of the week.

HHS Announcement:
President Barack Obama is expected to announce that Kathleen Sebelius, the Democratic governor of Kansas, will be his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. (USA Today)

Sebelius, if confirmed, will face a monumental set of challenges, including a health system in disarray and a nation's food supply at risk. (Associated Press)

Her nomination will also face a political challenge over her stance on abortion rights. Sebelius vetoed a late-term aborition law in 2008, and in 2007 she held a reception at the Kansas governor's mansion that included Dr. George Tiller, a Wichita doctor whose clinic provided late-term abortions. (The Hill)

Howard Dean, former governor of Vermont and chairman of the Democratic Nation Committee, said this weekend that he really wanted the job but that Sebelius "will be fine." Dean said he plans to work outside government for health care reform. (Huffington Post)

The Health Care Plan:
One thing is for sure: Reforming health care in a recession will not be easy for President Obama. (New York Times)

So, what does reform mean for you? If you have health insurance now, you will almost certainly keep your plan. If you don't have insurance, the White House doesn't want to mandate coverage, but does want everyone to be covered. (Los Angeles Times)

More Bailouts:
AIG, the massive insurance company, will get another $30 billion in emergency funds from the U.S. government. AIG is preparing to report another major loss this morning. With $150 billion already invested in AIG, the government will likely add to its 80 percent ownership stake. (New York Times)

Spending Bill:
Calling it "last year's business," White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said the president will sign a $410 billion omnibus spending bill, despite the 9,000 earmarks--worth about $4 billion--it contains. The bill will keep the government running for the rest of the year and increase funding for the FDA, the CDC, and the CPSC. (CBS News)

Buying In A Recession - Groceries:
The nation's big grocery chains contend that food manufacturers have raised prices too fast and too far, considering large drops in prices for fuel, corn, wheat and other important commodities in recent months. The food companies disagree and say they are still coping with many rising prices themselves. (Los Angeles Times)

Buying In A Recession - Cars:
With sales forecast looking down and carmakers facing financial troubles, there could be some deals out there. The six biggest automakers?General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan?offered the highest incentives last month of any February since Edmunds.com started tracking in 2002. (USA Today)

If you're thinking about buying a car, make sure you get the best one. Check out the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue for testing, ratings, and buying advice.

Buying In A Recession - Cameras:
Despite falling sales, new digital camera models will be on display at an industry trade show in Las Vegas. Among the many new features: tougher cameras, HD video, and more options for point-and-shoot cameras. (CR Electronics Blog)

Of course, with the introduction of new models, maybe now is a good time to pick up last year's edition at a discount. (CR Electronics Blog)
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