Business briefs 12/3/03

Blagojevich to unveil plan for central Illinois economy

PEORIA, Ill. -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will announce funding for about 40 projects on today that he hopes will help create jobs and spark central Illinois' listless economy. A $200,000 study of a regional transportation system for Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties is among the projects Blagojevich will unveil as he outlines the fourth of 10 regional economic development plans.

Eisner in trouble but may keep job until 2006

LOS ANGELES -- With two once-strong allies turning on him, Michael Eisner's micro-managing style of leadership at the Walt Disney Co. is again getting scrutinized. Still, industry experts say Eisner may hold what Disney needs to weather a difficult period and also what will help him survive the latest challenges to the chief executive's position he took in 1984. Credited with turning a sleepy theme park company and movie studio into a major media conglomerate, odds are he will keep his job at least until his contract expires in 2006.

Pentagon delays plans on tanker deal with Boeing

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon will delay plans to acquire 100 air refueling tankers from Boeing in light of a scandal at the aerospace giant that has led to the dismissal of two executives and the resignation of chairman and CEO Phil Condit. Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said the Pentagon's internal auditor will examine whether the conduct of the two executives had any negative impact on the contract to lease 20 tankers and buy another 80.

-- From wire reports