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

North Korea threatens nuclear tests over U.N. move

North Korea threatens nuclear tests over U.N. move: "North Korea on Wednesday threatened a new nuclear test unless the U.N. Security Council apologized for tightening sanctions, confirming some analysts' fears that Pyongyang is determined to build an atomic arsenal."

Obama calls first 100 days tense but fruitful

Obama calls first 100 days tense but fruitful: "Marking his symbolic 100th day in office, President Barack Obama told Midwesterners Wednesday: 'I'm pleased with the progress we've made but I'm not satisfied.'"

100 Days: Obama's Campaign Promises

100 Days: Obama's Campaign Promises - Yahoo! News Photos

100 Days of No Accountability

Dear Republican Friend, Today marks 100 days since Barack Obama took the oath of office. During this time, he has: Proposed the largest budget in U.S. history; Suggested $1.4 trillion in new taxes over the next decade; Released highly confidential CIA memos detailing strategies used that produced timely intelligence and thwarted further deadly terrorist attacks; Proposed cutting missile defense by $1.4 billion just days after North Korea tested a long-range missile. Senate Republicans are literally the only line of defense preventing President Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid from advancing their ultra-liberal agenda. Watch this video highlighting Obama's first 100 days in office. Then, support our efforts to keep these radical policies in check. At best, this White House has mismanaged the first days of this new administration - including tax-evading Cabinet nominees and a stimulus bill that included taxpayer-funded bonuses for AIG executives. At worst, the administration has cozied up to enemy regimes while shunning allies, given terrorism suspects unprecedented rights, and apologized for America's "arrogance" on three different foreign continents. Watch the video outlining Obama's first 100 days in office. Then help Senate Republicans protect our national security and our economy. All the best, Rob Jesmer Executive Director National Republican Senatorial Committee P.S. With each day that goes by, President Obama and Congressional Democrats are advancing their radical liberal agenda. There is literally no time to lose. Please join us with your support today. Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.nrsc.org 425 2nd Street NE | Washington, DC 20002 | Phone: (202) 675-6000 Contributions to the National Republican Senatorial Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

501c3 & Grant Writing Workshop(s): This Sat 5/2/09 - Register Today!

Problems Viewing This Flyer: PRESS HERE 2 POWERFULLY INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPS The Power of the 501c3 Workshop Saturday May 2, 2009 • 9:00AM to 12:00PM Topics Covered Why Organizations and Churches Need a 501c3 Why the Government and the IRS Needs YOU! How to Complete the 501c3 Application How to Incorporate and Do Bylaws 77 Per Person Pre-Registration • 97 Per Person at the Door The 501c3 Empowerment Workshop I Have my 501c3 NOW WHAT? Saturday May 2, 2009 • 1:00PM to 3:00PM Topics Covered Show Me the Money $$$ How to Write a Grant Proposal How to Preserve your Exempt Status Do you have volunteers or employees? 67 Per Person Pre-Registration • 87 Per Person at the Door Registration Fees Include All Required and Needed Handouts Seating is Truly Limited Registration is Required! For More Information or To Register 773.315.5999 MoreInfo@NationwideMinistry.Com Workshop Location Country Inn and Suites O'Hare Northwest 2200 South Elmhurst Road • Mt. Prospect, Illinois 60056 PLEASE FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO ALL BUSINESSES AND MINISTRIES! Presented By www.NationwideMinistry.com www.MultiplyingTalents.com www.TheKingdomPage.com WE ARE THE LEADER IN REACHING LEADERS FROM COAST TO COAST! LET US PROMOTE YOUR NEXT EVENT VIA EMAIL! VISIT OUR WEBSITE • CONTACT US BY EMAIL • JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Call us today for more information about our eBlast services! 773.315.5999 Or email us at: MoreInfo@NationwideMinistry.Com Forward email     Nationwide Ministry | 8504 Pierce Place | Merrillville | IN | 46410

Obama, Biden welcome Specter to Democratic Party

Obama, Biden welcome Specter to Democratic Party: "President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed Arlen Specter's conversion to the Democratic Party, while Specter vowed that he'll be an asset as Obama tries to get his ambitious agenda through Congress."

Toddler in Texas becomes 1st swine flu death in US

Toddler in Texas becomes 1st swine flu death in US: "A 23-month-old toddler in Texas became the first confirmed swine flu death outside of Mexico as authorities around the world struggled to contain a growing global health menace that has also swept Germany onto the roster of afflicted nations. Officials say the death was in Houston."

Egypt orders slaughter of all pigs over swine flu

Egypt orders slaughter of all pigs over swine flu: "Egypt began slaughtering the roughly 300,000 pigs in the country Wednesday as a precautionary measure against the spread of swine flu even though no cases have been reported here yet, the Health Ministry said."

Analysis: Specter leaves a shrinking GOP tent

Analysis: Specter leaves a shrinking GOP tent: "With Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democrats, the Republican Party is increasingly at risk of being viewed as a mostly Southern and solidly conservative party, an identity that might take years to overcome."

Future of the Republican Party

Dear Friend, As we learned today, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter has decided become a Democrat in the face of a seemingly insurmountable bid for re-election next year in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, his decision represents the height of political expediency that voters have come to reject from Washington.   Even before his announcement today, Senator Specter's political future was in grave danger, with recent polls showing him trailing former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey by more than 20 points.   After he crossed party lines to support President Obama's massive $787 billion "stimulus" package, Senator Specter conceded that his vote caused "an enormous political problem for me," yet argued it was a "matter of necessity." His purported willingness to put politics aside for the good of our country ring especially hollow in light of his decision today.   While we are disappointed that Senator Specter has put personal ambition ahead of principles, we are confident that the Keystone State will reject this posturing and elect a new Republican Senator who will stand by his word next year. The fact remains that Pennsylvanians are looking for principled leadership, not political opportunism. Nevertheless, today's news raised the stakes for all Americans. President Obama and the Democratic Congress have spent more in the first 100 days than what was spent on the Iraq War, the Afghanistan War and Katrina combined. And you and I, along with our children and grandchildren, are going to pay this bill. Senator Specter has chosen to enable this runaway spending by joining the Democratic Party.   Next year, voters across the country will have a clear choice to cast their ballots for a potentially unbridled, unchecked, Democrat super-majority versus the system of checks-and-balances that Americans deserve. The future of our nation is at stake, and we need your help. With gratitude, Rob Jesmer NRSC Executive Director Paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee www.nrsc.org 425 2nd Street NE | Washington, DC 20002 | Phone: (202) 675-6000 Contributions to the National Republican Senatorial Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

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. Fox Nation gets an "F" for Obama rating falsehood The Fox Nation featured a headline that falsely claimed: "One Group Gives Obama's 100 Days a C+." In fact, the article to which the headline linked discussed a poll of "new media experts" who graded the WhiteHouse.gov website, not President Obama's first 100 days in office. Read More CNN's Bash didn't note economists' argument that spending is necessary in recession In a CNN.com article, Dana Bash reported that Republicans "trying to return to their small government roots" are "opposing Obama's economic prescriptions." But Bash did not mention that several economists say increased government spending -- as opposed to a return to "small government roots" -- is the necessary "economic prescription[]" during a recession. Read More Post reports GOP criticism of HHS vacancy, but not GOP's role The Washington Post allowed Bush HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt to criticize the Obama administration for not having an HHS secretary in place, but did not note Senate Republicans' role in delaying nominee Kathleen Sebelius' confirmation vote. Read More VandeHei uncritically repeats Gregg's reconciliation criticism The Politico's Jim VandeHei stated that Sen. Judd Gregg is "angry" because "Democrats were able to get this thing called reconciliation inserted into" the proposed 2010 budget, but did not note that Republicans, including Gregg, repeatedly supported using reconciliation to pass several Bush initiatives. Read More Baier ignored study's finding that media coverage of Obama's policies skewed negative Fox News' Bret Baier cited a conclusion from a media study that President Obama received more positive coverage through his first 50 days than President Bush or President Clinton but not the study's conclusion that Obama's "positive media image hasn't precluded heavy criticism of his policies." Read More The Hill reported Ryan and Gregg's reconciliation criticism, omitted their prior support The Hill quoted objections by Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Judd Gregg, both Republicans, to the Democrats' use of the reconciliation process to pass health care reform legislation, but failed to note that Republicans -- including both Ryan and Gregg -- repeatedly supported the Bush administration's use of reconciliation. Read More Fox's Cameron provides bad medicine in health care report Carl Cameron falsely suggested that President Obama has proposed a health care system similar to those of England and Canada -- models Obama has explicitly rejected -- and uncritically aired a misleading portion of a Conservatives for Patients' Rights ad. Read More Fox's Angle repeated false and misleading claims on harsh interrogations Jim Angle again falsely compared the harsh techniques used in the interrogations of CIA detainees to those used in U.S. military training. In fact, officials familiar with both dispute the comparison. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Supreme Court upholds TV profanity crackdown

Supreme Court upholds TV profanity crackdown: "The Supreme Court upheld a U.S. government crackdown on profanity on television, a policy that subjects broadcasters to fines for airing a single expletive blurted out on a live show."

ABC7 eNews

>>> Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage. Top Stories Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Chicago still waiting for swine flu | VIDEO New cases of swine flu are being reported around the world- but not in the Chicagoland area. Ind. reports swine flu case; person 'doing well' The Indiana health commissioner says one swine flu case has been confirmed in the state and that the person is "doing well." Elderly woman found stabbed to death | VIDEO An elderly woman was found stabbed to death in a Bronzeville apartment building Monday. Semi accident snarls train, highway traffic An accident caused a major tie-up on the Tri-State Tollway as well as the Metra Milwaukee North line Tuesday morning. Blue Line fire evacuates train | VIDEO A fire early Tuesday morning shut down a portion of the Blue Line subway and forced passengers to evacuate. MORE STORIES Strange Tenn. bathroom voted best in US Blown-away Chihuahua reunited with owners Bomb squad destroys WW2 land mine Volunteers married at homeless shelter Swiss heartland voters ban nude hiking Consumer Avoid raw alfalfa sprouts due to salmonella risk Apple reportedly in talks with Verizon GM to cut 21,000 US factory jobs, shed Pontiac Money Matters Travel Web sites cut fees Healthbeat Prostate treatment could cause other problems Long-term breast-feeding benefits for moms CDC: Swine flu cases in US jumps to 64 | VIDEO How did the swine flu spread? WHO raises global alert level on swine flu | VIDEO MOST POPULAR Teen charged with criminal sexual assault ABC7 On Your Side: Credit Cleanup Ike crash injures wrong-way driver Chicago still waiting for swine flu Elderly man, nephew accused in 19 robberies Advertisement TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK 55°F 44°F Cloudy most of the time, breezy and cooler Hour-by-Hour | 7 Day Forecast | Radar & Satellite TONIGHT ON ABC 7:00 PM According to Jim 7:30 PM According to Jim 8:00 PM Dancing With the Stars 9:02 PM Cupid 10:00 PM ABC 7 News at 10PM 10:35 PM Nightline Lottery Results Your Daily Horoscope CDC: Swine flu cases in US jumps to 64 Health officials say the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States has jumped to 64. Chicago still waiting for swine flu Ind. reports swine flu case; person 'doing well' Interactive report: Swine Flu Swine Flu resources from the CDC Recipes, tips for Kentucky Derby parties The most famous horse race in the United States takes place this Saturday, May 2. Kentucky Derby recipe: BBQ Shrimp Kentucky Derby recipe: Derby Mint Julep SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS I'd like to receive the following newsletters from abc7chicago.com Daily Weather | Daily News | 190 North Sign up for news alerts

CDC, states: US swine flu cases jump to 68 - Yahoo! News

CDC, states: US swine flu cases jump to 68 - Yahoo! News: "Federal health officials say the number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States has jumped to 64, and states say there are at least four more."

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Specter switches to Democratic Party

A source involved in the talks confirms that Senator Arlen Specter will switch to the Democratic Party, a dramatic move putting the Democrats within reach of two votes in the Senate.

The move stands to put the White House's agenda on a fast-track, and to renew hopes among organized labor for the Employee Free Choice Act.

Vice President Joe Biden was, I'm told, deeply involved in the talks with Specter.

The move also raises the stakes for the resolution of the Minnesota Senate race, and may tempt Republicans to drag that fight on further.

Official: US flu victims may be infecting others

Official: US flu victims may be infecting others: "The swine flu epidemic crossed new borders Tuesday with the first cases confirmed in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, as world health officials said they suspect American patients may have transmitted the virus to others in the U.S."

Consumer confidence soars in April

Consumer confidence soars in April: "The New York-based Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index rose more than 12 points to 39.2, up from a revised 26.9 in March. The reading marks the highest level since November's 44.7 and well surpasses economists' expectations for 29.5."

Shares of BofA, Citi drop on stress test concerns

Shares of BofA, Citi drop on stress test concerns: "Shares of Bank of America and Citi each dropped about 5 percent in midday trading. Wells Fargo & Co., PNC Financial Services Group Inc. and others also dipped. JPMorgan Chase & Co., American Express Co. and a few more of the 19 banks tested by the government traded slightly higher."

Pakistani jets, choppers bomb Taliban near capital

Pakistani jets, choppers bomb Taliban near capital: "Pakistani jets and attack helicopters bombed Taliban positions in a district near the capital Tuesday, the military said, in an expansion of an offensive against militants seemingly emboldened by a much-criticized peace deal."