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. Coulter's credibility rating drops even further with repetition of Obama approval falsehood Echoing other conservative media figures' claims about Gallup polls, Ann Coulter falsely claimed President Obama is "actually the second least popular president, 100 days in, we've had in 40 years." In fact, Gallup itself recently reported that, by two different measures, Obama's approval rating is the second highest of any president since 1969. Read More Liasson repeats tired Obama earmark falsehood on NPR Mara Liasson falsely claimed that President Obama "vowed to eliminate" earmarks. In fact, Obama promised to reform the earmark process and cut wasteful spending, not "eliminate" earmarks altogether. Read More Fox News' Angle continues to use false comparison to downplay harsh interrogations Jim Angle again falsely compared the harsh techniques used in CIA interrogations of detainees to U.S. military training exercises. In fact, officials familiar with both dispute the comparison. Read More Buchanan repeated false dichotomy between judicial activism and conservatism Discussing David Souter's reported plan to retire from the Supreme Court, Pat Buchanan repeated the myth that conservative judges are by definition not activists. Read More Does CNN's Tucker realize UAW's "straight payback" includes loss of COLA, bonuses, dental? CNN's Bill Tucker reported that "some economists" say the Chrysler restructuring deal is a "straight payback" to the UAW from the Obama administration. But Tucker did not note any of the numerous concessions the union has reportedly made as part of a related deal. Read More Fox News ignored GOP's obstruction of Kagan's 1999 appeals court nomination On Fox News, the American Center for Law and Justice's Jay Sekulow dismissed the possible nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court by stating that she "does not have any judicial experience." However, neither Sekulow nor co-host Megyn Kelly noted that Republicans blocked Kagan's nomination to a U.S. Court of Appeals seat in 1999. Read More Flashback: Media conservatives denounced judicial filibusters Media Matters for America has compiled examples of conservative commentators denouncing the use of filibusters to block President Bush's nominees to the Supreme Court or lower courts, including commentators who claimed or suggested that such filibusters violated the Constitution. Read More Ann Coulter scheduled to have "soapbox" on Larry King Live CNN host Larry King announced that Ann Coulter will once again appear on his show. In the past, CNN's Howard Kurtz has questioned why television news networks continue to host Coulter in light of her history of inflammatory commentary. Read More You can help support our work; become a volunteer media monitor, or donate to Media Matters for America.

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com

Politics, Political News - POLITICO.com: "New Justice may reignite abortion fight
By LISA LERER 5/1/09 4:57 PM
Obama’s first pick could reignite abortion fights.
Obama wants new justice in place by fall
Obama confirms Souter retirement
Conservatives target likely nominees
First openly gay justice on the court?
Hispanic caucus leaders push Hispanic justice"

Obama vows his Supreme Court nominee will be in touch with challenges - Josh Gerstein - POLITICO.com

Obama vows his Supreme Court nominee will be in touch with challenges - Josh Gerstein - POLITICO.com: "President Barack Obama vowed on Friday that his first nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court will be in touch with the challenges facing ordinary Americans and will take those concerns into account in considering cases."

GOP gears up for Court fight - Glenn Thrush and Manu Raju - POLITICO.com

GOP gears up for Court fight - Glenn Thrush and Manu Raju - POLITICO.com: "Senate Republicans admit they have virtually no shot at stopping President Barack Obama’s pick to replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter — but they see a definite political upside in waging a fight."

ABC7 eNews

>>> Having trouble viewing this newsletter? View as a webpage. Top Stories Friday, May 1, 2009 Illinois has 3 confirmed H1N1 flu cases | VIDEO The state health department says there are now at least three confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Illinois, and two those confirmed cases are in Chicago. The other confirmed case is in DuPage County. 16 local schools closed for H1N1 flu | VIDEO As the first Illinois cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed, more schools have closed their doors. Annual march goes on despite flu concern | VIDEO The numbers for the May 1 immigration march are not as great as they have been in years before. The march went on despite concerns by the city about the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. IOC road trips through Rio Rio 2016 chose a national holiday- when there's less traffic- to show off the city. Blago street art pops up downtown A graffiti artist is putting up images of Rod Blagojevich in the Loop and other places around the city. MORE STORIES Strange 'Who's in Jail' Web site launched by sheriff Mannequin threatens to bust barbecue joint Man shoved officer to join brother in jail Thief steals 2 wheels from Calif. AG's car Diners report seeing Virgin Mary on food griddle Consumer Wis. officials warn of contaminated spinach Cribs sold at Babies 'R' Us recalled Some seek stricter safety standards for car roofs Gap recalls children's coats Comcast to carry NFL Network past deal deadline Healthbeat Healthbeat Report: Tracking a disease | VIDEO Wis. officials warn of contaminated spinach FDA warns of potentially fatal Botox risks Cancer pill may benefit MS patients Folic acid may help control allergies, asthma MOST POPULAR 16 local schools closed for H1N1 flu Mixed verdict reached in US Marshal trial 46 probable cases of H1N1 flu in Ill. Family of child run over by car files suit Illinois has 3 confirmed H1N1 flu cases Advertisement TODAY'S WEATHER OUTLOOK 61°F 41°F Mostly cloudy and cool; a shower in places this afternoon Hour-by-Hour | 7 Day Forecast | Radar & Satellite TONIGHT ON ABC 7:00 PM Wife Swap 8:00 PM Supernanny 9:00 PM 20/20 10:00 PM ABC 7 News at 10PM 10:35 PM Nightline Lottery Results Your Daily Horoscope Sears Ledge to offer unobstructed views This summer, visitors at the Sears Tower will -- literally -- have Chicago at their feet. SLIDESHOW: SEARS TO OPEN SKYDECK LEDGE SLIDESHOW: HISTORY OF SEARS TOWER Upscale vegetarian brunch at Green Zebra Brunch is a weekend ritual for many people, and filling up on meat isn't the healthiest way to start the day. SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS I'd like to receive the following newsletters from abc7chicago.com Daily Weather | Daily News | 190 North Sign up for news alerts

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 Friday, May 1, 2009 · ComEd households will see lower bills · Illinois can treat 1M with flu supplies on hand · Corus looking into sale, merger · Hedge fund Citadel launches investment banking unit · Aon plunges after first-quarter profit fails to meet expectations · Northfield on life support with FDA ruling · Futures broker expands, bank regulator renews in South Loop · First Industrial stock soars on results · Fortune Brands 1Q profit sinks, beats estimates · As false flu concerns ease, pork futures surge · Blago seeks to pay lawyers with campaign funds · 10 things to do this weekend  · Crain's is now accepting nominations for its annual 40 Under 40 feature. Deadline is May 15.  As of 2:15 p.m. CDT Dow Jones 8,148.45 -19.67 -0.24% NASDAQ 1,711.64 -5.66 -0.33% Crain's Index 66.37 -0.150 -0.225% » 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 · Chicago area has 3 confirmed 51 possible swine flu cases Chicago Sun-Times · Metra may start taking credit cards Daily Herald · Fed to launch program boosting commercial loans MarketWatch · Michael Vick in talks to become PETA spokesman Advertising Age Crain's Chicago Business | 360 N. Michigan Ave. | Chicago, IL 60601 ADVERTISEMENT TODAY'S FEATURES VIDEO: MBA students tackle today's realities Top programs are tougher to get into. Once there, paying for it is increasingly tricky. And the job market once you've graduated…..? Learn how students are coping with these issues. Read More · Chicago Business Today - April 30 · De Cero – Taqueria de West Loop · American Cancer Society Discovery Ball · Entrepreneurs in Action: TopGolf SIGN UP FOR CUSTOM ALERTS Industries » Account Settings LISTEN LIVE: Traffic, weather and news from our news partner WBBM-AM.

Obama's high court choice could be Hispanic, woman

Obama's high court choice could be Hispanic, woman: "President Barack Obama pledged Friday to name a Supreme Court justice who combines 'empathy and understanding' with an impeccable legal background to succeed liberal David Souter, whose abrupt retirement announcement set off speculation the next justice could be a woman, a Hispanic or both."

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