Crain's Daily News Alert prepared for Top Executives

CHICAGOBUSINESS — POWERED BY CRAIN'S — Daily Business Briefing CRAIN'S LISTS SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MULTIMEDIA WEEKLY JOB CHANGES TOP HEADLINES Thursday, April 30, 2009 · Motorola to cut more jobs as non-cell business weakens · Boeing debt rating outlook cut; wins $250M Pentagon deal · OfficeMax shares soar as lower profit still beats Wall Street's expectations · Nursing home care costs rising faster than inflation: report · Standard Bank gets TARP funds · Quarter-million Chicagoans on brink of poverty: study · $50B to fix aging rail transit in Chicago, 6 other cities · Biz barometer shows signs of hope · Foreclosure suits hit one homebuilder, head of another · US hog market drops as flu hits pork sales · Equity Residential's results show softness in sector · 10 things to do this weekend  · The latest job changes and appointments: People on the Move · Tales of Blago, Quinn blinks on transit, Daley archives: Greg Hinz blog · Diplomats, execs mark anniversary of apartheid's end: Taking Names blog  Final Markets Dow Jones 8,168.12 -17.61 -0.22% NASDAQ 1,717.30 +5.36 +0.31% Crain's Index 66.52 +0.150 +0.226% » View Other Top Headlines ADVERTISEMENT Support the Chicago River's continued recovery & get benefits such as FREE admission to the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum by joining our museum's Corporate Club. Learn the benefits to your company, community & the environment at bridgehousemuseum.org. OTHER HEADLINES · Chrysler bankruptcy plan is announced New York Times · CBS 2 cuts staffers to reduce costs; Lum, Zwecker out Chicago Sun-Times · April sizing up to be another winning month for U.S. stocks MarketWatch Crain's Chicago Business | 360 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60601 ADVERTISEMENT TODAY'S FEATURES Chicago Business Today - April 30 Moto surprises Wall Street with smaller than expected quarterly loss. A report shows signs of a bottom in manufacturing sector. Swine flu panic is causing a run on common items.Read More · American Cancer Society Discovery Ball · De Cero – Taqueria de West Loop · Wealth Insights: Portfolio overhaul · Entrepreneurs in Action: TopGolf SIGN UP FOR CUSTOM ALERTS Industries » Account Settings LISTEN LIVE: Traffic, weather and news from our news partner WBBM-AM.

Media Matters Daily Summary

Here are today's news items from Media Matters for America, click on the title or 'read more' to read the entirety of each story. Media still bored by Obama press conferences Following President Obama's April 29 press conference, media figures on all three major cable news channels and elsewhere asserted that the press conference was "boring." Several commentators had similarly concluded that Obama's March 24 press conference was insufficiently entertaining, echoing Matt Drudge. Read More Rove pushes "extreme" distortion of Obama health care remark In his Wall Street Journal column, Karl Rove distorted a statement by President Obama to falsely suggest Obama is now considering "a universal health care system like the European countries." Read More Does Dobbs think Dr. Gupta and others at CNN are "out of their cotton pickin' minds"? Noting that some people have criticized the use of the terms "swine flu" and "Mexican flu," Lou Dobbs said that the "idiots referring to it now as 'H1N1 virus' " are "out of their cotton pickin' minds." But Dr. Sanjay Gupta, among others at CNN, has used the term "H1N1," which Gupta said is "probably going to become the more appropriate nomenclature" for the virus. Read More NBC/WSJ poll question advanced false claim about proposed labor law An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll question advanced the false claim that a secret-ballot election is currently required before workers can form a union. In fact, under current law, a secret-ballot election is required only when an employer demands it; an employer can recognize a union if it is supported by a majority of workers. Read More Time has Beck praising Limbaugh's "honesty" in Time 100 profile In a Time magazine profile, Glenn Beck writes that Rush Limbaugh's "consistency, insight and honesty have earned him a level of trust with his listeners that politicians can only dream of." But Media Matters has documented many examples of falsehoods, misleading commentary, and smears by Limbaugh. Read More Media infected with conservatives' "socialized medicine" myth In recent days, numerous media figures have falsely characterized President Obama's health care proposal as "socialized medicine," a "single-payer" health care system, a "single-payer government-run system," or "nationalized health care" like the British or Canadian models. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Source: Justice Souter retiring

Source: Justice Souter retiring: "Justice David Souter has told the White House that he will retire from the Supreme Court at the end of the court's term in June, a source familiar with his plans said Thursday night."

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Taxpayers to get rude surprise - Yahoo! Finance

INSIDE WASHINGTON: Taxpayers to get rude surprise - Yahoo! Finance: "Millions of couples, retirees may have to repay some of Obama tax credit"

ABC7 eNews

>>> Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage. Top Stories Thursday, April 30, 2009 More communities affected by swine flu | VIDEO There is now more information about suspected swine flu cases in the Chicago area. Are pigs getting a bad rap? Local hog farmers are frustrated because they say the swine flu is giving them-- and their animals-- a black eye. 1 killed, 2 hurt in shooting A gunman opened fire near an Austin street corner, killing a teenager and wounding two adults. Officials round up Chicago rattlesnakes Officials are collecting the Chicago area's remaining rattlesnakes as part of an emergency species survival effort. Study: Recession pushing Illinoisans into poverty The recession likely has pushed hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans into poverty, according to a study released Thursday, and two leading indicators -- use of food stamps and emergency food assistance -- appear to support that assertion. MORE STORIES Strange $500,000 in marijuana goes up in smoke Woman hospitalized after swallowing baggies Judge: Inmate can't rename himself 'Sinner' County strikes out digging for time capsule Mobile loo yields wacky warning award Consumer Cribs sold at Babies 'R' Us recalled Some seek stricter safety standards for car roofs Gap recalls children's coats Will Comcast keep NFL Network? Deadline looms Microsoft launching social networking site Healthbeat Folic acid may help control allergies, asthma More communities affected by swine flu | VIDEO CDC: Swine flu claims 1st victim in US | VIDEO Calming swine flu fears SKorea to lift ban on human stem cell research MOST POPULAR Mixed verdict reached in US Marshal trial 9 'probable' swine flu cases in Chicago area Three cops not guilty in bar beating More communities affected by swine flu Police search for missing woman, children Advertisement TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK 69°F 47°F Cloudy with rain and a thunderstorm, mainly early; breezy this afternoon; any additional rain can lead to flooding problems Hour-by-Hour | 7 Day Forecast | Radar & Satellite TONIGHT ON ABC 7:00 PM Ugly Betty 8:00 PM Grey's Anatomy 9:02 PM Private Practice 10:00 PM ABC 7 News at 10PM 10:35 PM Nightline Lottery Results Your Daily Horoscope I-Team Report: Journalist or spy? Northwestern University graduate Roxana Saberi says she's just a journalist. But in Iran: she's been convicted as a spy and put in prison. One Tank Trips: Indiana Dunes This week, we're bringing back our special series, "One Tank Trips." One Tank Trips: Holland One Tank Trips: Kohler One Tank Trips: Galena Around Illinois: Summer destinations and events SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS I'd like to receive the following newsletters from abc7chicago.com Daily Weather | Daily News | 190 North Sign up for news alerts

Republicans feud over Specter - Jonathan Martin and Manu Raju and John Bresnahan - POLITICO.com

Republicans feud over Specter - Jonathan Martin and Manu Raju and John Bresnahan - POLITICO.com: "Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch and George Voinovich blamed the Club for Growth for imposing a right-wing litmus test that chased Arlen Specter out of the Republican Party. The Club for Growth blamed Specter — first for helping to ruin the GOP and then for leaving it. A leading Republican strategist blamed the party for turning its back on moderates. Sen. Lindsey Graham sniped at Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. Specter’s pollster blamed the stimulus bill. Karl Rove blamed Specter himself."

New jobless claims unexpectedly drop to 631K

New jobless claims unexpectedly drop to 631K: "The number of newly laid-off workers signing up for unemployment benefits dropped unexpectedly last week, but the number of people continuing to draw jobless aid rose to nearly 6.3 million, setting a record high for the 13th straight week."

AP sources: Chrysler to file for bankruptcy

AP sources: Chrysler to file for bankruptcy: "Chrysler will file for bankruptcy after talks with a small group of creditors crumbled just a day before a government deadline for the automaker to come up with a restructuring plan, two administration officials said Thursday."

Important Health Update:

www.matec.info   The Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center (MATEC) is the Leading Resource for HIV/AIDS Education and Information for Health Care Professionals and Organizations.  Serving Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.  Important Health Alert  Dear Fred, In light of recent developments regarding the swine influenza outbreak, MATEC wants to keep you informed of important clinical information as provided by the Centers for Disease Control.  As this statement mentions, this is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance should be considered interim and will be updated frequently by the CDC at their website:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations. To view this CDC alert as a website please click on the following link, or copy and paste to your browser:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/HAN/042609.htm    CDC Health Update: Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Update: New Interim Recommendations and Guidance for Health Directors about Strategic National Stockpile Materiel   Distributed via Health Alert Network April 26, 2009 11:45 PM ET CDCHAN-00283-09-04-26-UPD-N   Situation Update As part of an ongoing investigation into an outbreak of swine influenza A (H1N1) in the United States and Mexico, CDC today announced confirmation of an additional 13 human cases of infection with swine flu in the U.S, bringing the total number of cases to 21 so far. At this time, cases of swine influenza have been confirmed in California, Kansas, New York City, Ohio and Texas. Based on the rapid spread of the virus thus far, public health officials believe that more cases will be identified over the next several weeks. Case counts are updated daily and available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.   CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency's response to this emerging health threat and today the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC's goals during this public health emergency are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public in addressing the challenges posed by this newly identified influenza virus. To this end, CDC has issued a number of guidance documents in the past 24 hours. In addition, CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)  is releasing one-quarter of its antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to help states respond to the outbreak.This Health Alert Network update is intended to alert recipients to newly available guidance and provide information regarding the deployment of the SNS.   In addition, clinicians should consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset.   Patients who meet these criteria should be tested for influenza A, and specimens positive for influenza A should be sent to public health laboratories for further characterization. Clinicians who suspect that a patient has a swine influenza virus infection should obtain a nasopharyngeal swab from the patient, place the swab in a viral transport medium, refrigerate the specimen, and then contact their state or local health department to facilitate transport and timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory. CDC requests that state public health laboratories promptly send all influenza A specimens that cannot be subtyped to the CDC, Influenza Division, Virus Surveillance and Diagnostics Branch Laboratory.   This is a rapidly evolving situation and guidance should be considered interim and will be updated frequently.    Newly Available Guidance New guidance is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations, including: Interim Guidance on Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection and Close Contacts Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission Has Been Detected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Biosafety Guidelines for Laboratory Workers Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting Interim Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used For Investigations of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Cases Strategic National Stockpile Guidance Health directors should be aware that the CDC Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS) has been given the authority from HHS and CDC leadership to initiate shipment of materiel for the swine flu influenza outbreak. At this point, DSNS has been given permission to release 25 percent of states and localities allocation of SNS held antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. Realizing the significant quantity of materiel, CDC Strategic National Stockpile personnel will be working with state and local health department staff to ensure that CDC provides you with as much flexibility as possible as we prepare to ship the first 25 percent of your allocated materiel. SNS staff are currently in the process of contacting state and local Preparedness Directors and SNS Coordinators to facilitate the receipt of SNS allocated materiel. Please be advised that once this materiel leaves federal control, it becomes a state responsibility to maintain, store, secure, and deploy. If the materiel should go unused, states should be prepared for long term storage. For more information about swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Additional information is also available by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). Join Our List       Email Marketing by Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center | 1640 W. Roosevelt Road | Suite 511 (M/C 779) | Chicago | IL | 60608

Analysis: Obama's fate largely in Congress' hands

Analysis: Obama's fate largely in Congress' hands: "His biggest proposals, such as revising health care, energy and education policies, are in the hands of lawmakers who will debate, change and possibly reject them in the coming months. Obama obviously can influence lawmakers, but he has less control over his destiny than when he was unveiling new initiatives almost daily and filling out his Cabinet."

AP Source: Chrysler lender talks break off

AP Source: Chrysler lender talks break off: "Talks between Chrysler LLC's lenders and the Treasury Department to reduce the automaker's $6.9 billion in secured debt and keep it out of bankruptcy protection have disintegrated, a person familiar with the talks said early Thursday."

US prepares for long haul as swine flu spreads

US prepares for long haul as swine flu spreads: "The new swine flu is rattling Americans from coast to coast and President Barack Obama pledged 'to do whatever it takes' to battle an emergency that world health authorities warned is inching closer to a full-fledged pandemic."

Mexico plans shutdown as World flu alert raised

Mexico plans shutdown as World flu alert raised: "Mexico readied a 'temporarily closed' sign — taking the drastic step of ordering a suspension of nonessential federal government and private business activity as it tried to squelch a swine flu epidemic. The World Health Organization ratcheted up an alert and warned that 'all of humanity' is threatened."

Obama hopeful on Chrysler, has no regrets on memos

Obama hopeful on Chrysler, has no regrets on memos: "President Barack Obama expressed optimism Wednesday night that Chrysler could remain a 'going concern,' possibly without filing for bankruptcy, a generally upbeat assessment on one of numerous challenges he has confronted in a whirlwind first 100 days in office."

Congress passes $3.5T budget plan - David Rogers - POLITICO.com

Congress passes $3.5T budget plan - David Rogers - POLITICO.com: "House Democrats lost 17 of their own members but easily prevailed 233-193 even without Republican support. Senate action followed on a mostly party line 53-43 vote just hours before Obama's evening White House press conference marking the end of his first 100 days in office."

WHO raises swine flu alert level as virus spreads

WHO raises swine flu alert level as virus spreads: "The Geneva-based World Health Organization on Wednesday raised its alert level for the fast-spreading swine flu to its next-to-highest notch, signaling a global pandemic could be imminent."

Crain's Daily News Alert prepared for Top Executives

CHICAGOBUSINESS — POWERED BY CRAIN'S — Daily Business Briefing CRAIN'S LISTS SEND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MULTIMEDIA WEEKLY JOB CHANGES TOP HEADLINES Wednesday, April 29, 2009 · ComEd names its first female president · Survey says CFOs prefer salary freezes over layoffs · North Side school closes after likely swine flu case · McCurry beats McDonald's in Malaysia · 6 local projects get $25M in stimulus funds · Cat CEO concerned about protectionism · Wintrust posts surprise Q1 profit · TribCo to pay Zell's legal bills · Deal ends contractor's lawsuit against broadcast museum · Jones Lang LaSalle swings to loss in first quarter · Prime Group owner mulls Chapter 11 for hotel chain · Foreclosure suit hits Chicago Athletic Assn. hotel conversion  · Crain's is now accepting nominations for its annual 40 Under 40 feature. Deadline is May 15. · Obama's first 100 days; Whitley ditches guv campaign: Hinz blog · A Pritzker plugs all-girls' school; Rancic's new venture: Taking Names blog  Final Markets Dow Jones 8,185.73 +168.78 +2.11% NASDAQ 1,711.94 +38.13 +2.28% Crain's Index 66.37 +1.920 +2.979% » View Other Top Headlines ADVERTISEMENT Support the Chicago River's continued recovery & get benefits such as FREE admission to the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum by joining our museum's Corporate Club. Learn the benefits to your company, community & the environment at bridgehousemuseum.org. OTHER HEADLINES · Nine cases of suspected swine flu in Illinois -- five in Chicago Chicago Sun-Times · U.S. economy in 2nd straight quarter of steep decline New York Times · Fed stands pat, and says worst may be over MarketWatch · Attorney tries to throw out puffer fish toxin indictment Daily Herald Crain's Chicago Business | 360 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60601 ADVERTISEMENT TODAY'S FEATURES Chicago Business Today - April 29 We take a look at the future of real estate in the latest installment of our Road to Recovery series. More layoffs could be coming at Leo Burnett, according to Sun-Times. All-you-can-drink part of new MillerCoors sponsorship deal at Toyota Park. Read More · American Cancer Society Discovery Ball · De Cero – Taqueria de West Loop · Wealth Insights: Portfolio overhaul · Entrepreneurs in Action: TopGolf SIGN UP FOR CUSTOM ALERTS Industries Companies Executives » Account Settings LISTEN LIVE: Traffic, weather and news from our news partner WBBM-AM.

UPDATE 3-WHO chief to raise pandemic alert level-sources | Reuters

UPDATE 3-WHO chief to raise pandemic alert level-sources Reuters: "The head of the World Health Organisation will increase the global flu alert level to 5, the second highest phase that indicates 'a pandemic is imminent', WHO sources said on Wednesday"

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News

CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News: "Latest News
Bombings in Iraq kill at least 50 5 min
Priest forgives suspect in confessional stabbing
Meet the boy believed to be 'patient zero' 9 min
Obama's first 100: Now comes the hard part
Rollins: Is Obama a Clinton or a Carter? iReport.com: iReporters grade the president
911 call shows terror as jets buzzed NYC
Ticker: Miss CA ad slams same-sex marriage
Commentary: Specter defection a wake-up call WSOC: Students hurt in freeway bus wreck
Craigslist suspect's fiancee: 'I still love him'
Hunting for the secrets of a happy marriage
CNNMoney: Cars that wrecked Chrysler
Scientists spot oldest ever object in universe
Skin-and-bones model blasts critics
CNN Wire: Doctors battle meningitis in..."

Wednesday Report: Hotel chain woes | Downtown foreclosure | Trading firm move

Prime Group owner mulls Chapter 11 for hotel chain (Crain's) — Extended Stay America is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after auditors raised doubts about the survival of the budget hotel chain, which New York real estate investor David Lichtenstein acquired in 2007 in a highly leveraged $8-billion deal. Mr ... Read More Foreclosure suit hits Chicago Athletic Assn. hotel conversion (Crain's) — The foreclosure wave has crashed over a joint venture that planned to convert the Chicago Athletic Assn. property on South Michigan Avenue into a 300-room Omni hotel. The partnership of Atlanta-based Songy Partners LLC and Cleveland-based Snider-Cannata Interests LLC failed to pay ... Read More • Trading firm moving to One Financial Place • Deal ends contractor's lawsuit against broadcast museum • Experian in deal to sell, lease back office building • General Growth case could devastate loan business: trade group • Jones Lang LaSalle swings to loss in first quarter Download Crain's Directory of Chicago Real Estate Dealmakers Submit an event for our weekly calendar. Send us news of your job change. Get news from ChicagoRealEstateDaily.com delivered free to your desktop

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com:

"Obama's second 100 days in office could prove just as vital to his legacy as the first 100. (AP)"

The Senate is expected to pass the five year budget plan tonight.

Norm Ornstein: "In some ways, getting to sixty is a burden of unwarranted expectations, with no excuses left..." Live chat 8 p.m EDT.


Behind-the-scenes tug of war brings victory to Dems.
Party switching: courage or ambition?

ABC7 eNews

>>> Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage. Top Stories Wednesday, April 29, 2009 School closed for swine flu concern | VIDEO Chicago's health commissioner announced the closing of a North Side school after officials say a student has a suspected case of swine flu. Former Chicago alderman dies at 76 Tyrone Kenner, a former Chicago alderman convicted of taking bribes, has died at age 76. Judge expected to rule on Burge subpoena A judge is set to rule on whether a former Chicago police commander can be subpoenaed to testify at a hearing on an inmate's petition to get his murder conviction overturned. Tribune to pay Zell's legal bills Tribune Co. says it'll pay the legal bills of chairman and chief executive Sam Zell related to a federal corruption investigation into former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Homeless Oak Park man gets 39 write-in votes Officials say a suburban Chicago man barred from an election ballot because he is homeless got 39 write-in votes. MORE STORIES Strange Experts claim to have cloned glowing dogs Happy the hippo leaving DC for Wis., women Ducklings tour suburban Jamba Juice Mr. T called for jury duty Tenn. bathroom voted best in US Consumer Yankees cut some premium ticket prices Judge sides with Mattel over doll rights McDonalds adds more drink options Avoid raw alfalfa sprouts due to salmonella risk Apple reportedly in talks with Verizon Healthbeat CDC: Swine flu claims 1st victim in US | VIDEO Should we believe the swine flu hype? How did the swine flu spread? New labels to carry painkiller risk warning Prostate treatment could cause other problems MOST POPULAR School closed for swine flu concern Swine flu victim doing well in Ind. Man charged in Humboldt Park murder City leaders: take precautions to avoid flu CDC: Swine flu claims 1st victim in US Advertisement TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK 64°F 51°F Mainly cloudy and warmer Hour-by-Hour | 7 Day Forecast | Radar & Satellite TONIGHT ON ABC 7:00 PM Scrubs 7:30 PM Better Off Ted 8:00 PM Lost 9:02 PM The Unusuals 10:00 PM ABC 7 News at 10PM 10:35 PM Nightline Lottery Results Your Daily Horoscope Pres. Obama: First 100 days tense but fruitful Marking his symbolic 100th day in office, President Barack Obama told Midwesterners: "I'm pleased with the progress we've made but I'm not satisfied." AP Interactive: Obama's travel in 100 days AP Poll: Public high on Obama, direction of US Local food springs into season Over the next week or so, a lot of new items will pop up on local menus and in farmer's markets. Chicagoans buying locally grown food SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS I'd like to receive the following newsletters from abc7chicago.com Daily Weather | Daily News | 190 North Sign up for news alerts