Jaimy Lee

WASHINGTON: CQ Press is gearing up to launch First Street, an online subscription-based service that will provide users with congressional, government, and lobbying data, in April.

LONDON: Huntsworth has acquired Atomic PR for $13.3 million, according to its earnings update, a move that further expands the London-based holding company's offering in the US.

CHICAGO: Gary Dunlap, SVP and a group head of the crisis, issues, and risk practice at Edelman, died March 17. He was 57.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA: The University of Virginia hired Scott Miller as director of communications for the university's College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his decision to form a presidential exploratory committee on Facebook, in part because the social network allows him to reach new voters and "grow the conservative movement."

WASHINGTON: The US Chamber of Commerce issued an RFP to five firms as the business group seeks to evaluate public perception of its brand in advance of its 100-year anniversary.

Vice President Joe Biden named Shailagh Murray his director of communications, replacing Jay Carney who was appointed White House press secretary earlier this year.

Reporter Jaimy Lee speaks with Bob Chandler, cofounder and principal of Chandler Chicco Companies, about trends in patient communications, the healthcare law, and the role of mobile.

Covidien said Jose Almeida will take over as president and CEO of the healthcare products company in July, following the retirement of Richard Meelia.

NEW YORK: Almost 75% of Middle East youth say that the recent unrest, such as in Egypt and Libya, will have a positive impact on the lives of the people in their country, according to a new study released by Burson-Marsteller.