WASHINGTON (AP) – A White House celebration Tuesday night of Memphis soul music is an affirmation of the decades of hard work that went into making it a classic American music sound, said some of the artists tapped to perform.

2. Fed Stands by Stimulus, Sees Stronger US Economy - Thursday, March 21, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy has strengthened after pausing late last year but still needs the Fed's extraordinary support to help lower high unemployment.

3. Purifoy’s Police Aspirations Evolve Into Legal Career - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Shayla Purifoy majored in urban studies – a mixture of history, political science and sociology – at Rhodes College. Her senior seminar was on community policing.

“It was so much fun, it was so exciting,” she said about her time spent shadowing police officers on the job. “They were helping people and they really were impacting that area, which was the Madison Heights area.”

4. US Still Faces Political Fights on Spending, Debt - Thursday, January 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A last-minute deal will keep the U.S. from driving off the so-called "fiscal cliff," but higher taxes and continued political fighting in Washington threaten to shake the fragile economy well into 2013.

5. Wyatt Tarrant Summer Associate Wins Honor - Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Corey Strong, a summer associate with Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP, has been awarded the National Bar Association’s Ben F. Jones Chapter Scholarship for second-year law students.

6. Ben F. Jones Law Chapter Chooses Officers - Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Ben F. Jones chapter of the National Bar Association has tapped new officers and board members for 2013. And the group’s president-elect talks about the group’s work in a way that heralds a continuing service to the Memphis community.

7. Fed Unveils Bold, Open-Ended Steps to Aid Economy - Friday, September 14, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve unleashed a series of bold and open-ended steps Thursday designed to stimulate the economy by boosting the stock market and making it cheaper for people to borrow and spend.

8. Expectations High for Fed to Announce Major Action - Thursday, September 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – If the world's investors are right, the Federal Reserve is about to take a bold new step to try to invigorate the U.S. economy.

And many expect the central bank, which began a two-day meeting Wednesday, to unleash its most potent weapon: a third round of bond purchases meant to ease long-term interest rates and spur borrowing and spending. It's called "quantitative easing," or QE.

9. Wings Ride Team to Cycle for Cancer Funds, Awareness - Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Wings Ride Team will depart Sept. 28 at noon on a 500-mile charity cycling event to promote cancer awareness, encourage healthy lifestyles, and raise funds for Wings Cancer Foundation’s Wellness Program.

10. Survey: US Manufacturing Shrinks for Third Month - Wednesday, September 05, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factory activity shrank for the third straight month in August as new orders, production and employment all fell. The report adds to other signs that manufacturing is struggling around the globe.

11. Bernanke: With Unemployment High, Fed Can Do More - Monday, September 03, 2012

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (AP) – Chairman Ben Bernanke made clear Friday that the Federal Reserve will do more to boost the economy because of high U.S. unemployment and an economic recovery that remains "far from satisfactory."

12. US Economic Recovery is Weakest Since World War II - Thursday, August 16, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The recession that ended three years ago this summer has been followed by the feeblest economic recovery since the Great Depression.

Since World War II, 10 U.S. recessions have been followed by a recovery that lasted at least three years. An Associated Press analysis shows that by just about any measure, the one that began in June 2009 is the weakest.

13. Fed Says US Economy has Slowed, Takes No New Steps - Thursday, August 02, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is losing strength and repeated a pledge to take further steps to boost growth if hiring remains weak.

The Fed took no new action after a two-day policy meeting. But it acknowledged in a statement released after the meeting that economic activity had slowed over the first half of the year. It also said unemployment remains elevated and consumer spending is rising at a somewhat slower pace.

14. Bernanke: Recession Likely if Congress Doesn't Act - Wednesday, July 18, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke painted a dark picture of where the U.S. economy is headed if Congress fails to reach agreement soon to avert a budget crisis.

"It would probably knock the recovery back into a recession and cost a lot of jobs, and would greatly delay the recovery that we're hoping to facilitate," said Bernanke at the end of two hours of testimony Tuesday before the Senate Banking Committee.

15. Fed Was Split Over Policy Action at June Meeting - Thursday, July 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is open to taking further action to support the struggling U.S. economy. But minutes of the Fed's June meeting show policymakers at odds over whether the economy needs more help now.

16. Weak Hiring Shows Economy Still Hurting - Monday, July 09, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A third straight month of weak hiring shows the U.S. economy is still struggling three years after the recession officially ended.

U.S. employers added just 80,000 jobs in June, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent, the Labor Department said Friday.

17. Weak US Job Market Weighing on Broader Economy - Friday, June 22, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The sluggish job market is weighing on the U.S. economy three years after the Great Recession ended. And the signs suggest hiring may not strengthen any time soon.

A measure of the number of people applying for unemployment benefits over the past month has reached a six-month high, the government said Thursday. The increase suggests that layoffs are rising and June will be another tepid month for hiring.

18. Bernanke: Bond Buys an Option if Economy Sours - Thursday, June 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that the Federal Reserve is open to another round of bond purchases to lower long-term interest rates and boost growth if the job market doesn't improve.

19. US Employers Still Waiting for Sales to Pick Up - Monday, June 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy suddenly looks a lot weaker.

Only 69,000 jobs were added in May, the fewest in a year, and the unemployment rate rose from 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent.

20. Scott Joins Methodist South as Chief Medical Officer - Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Dr. Howard Scott has been named chief medical officer at Methodist South Hospital. Before joining Methodist South, which is part of the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, Scott served as chief medical officer for West Kendall Baptist Hospital in Miami. He has also maintained an active private practice for 29 years.

21. Fed: Economy Growing Moderately; No Policy Changes - Thursday, April 26, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve says the economy is growing moderately while cautioning that risks from Europe remain. It's holding off on taking any further steps to boost the recovery.

22. Bernanke Calls US Job Market Weak Despite Big Hiring Gains - Tuesday, March 27, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the U.S. job market remains weak despite three months of strong hiring, but that the Fed’s existing policies will help boost economic growth.

23. Diggs Views Law Career As ‘People Business’ - Thursday, March 15, 2012

Asia Diggs, a senior associate in the Memphis office of Ford & Harrison LLP, took the long way to get to her current job – literally.

24. Fed Unlikely to Raise Rates Until at Least 2014 - Thursday, January 26, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve went further than ever Wednesday to assure consumers and businesses that they'll be able to borrow cheaply well into the future.

The Fed pushed back the date for any likely increase in its benchmark interest rate by at least a year and a half, until late 2014 at the earliest.

25. Charity Finds Use For Unspent Gift Cards - Thursday, January 26, 2012

Emily Thomas wants the neglected gift cards that have been languishing for months in your wallets, desk drawers and purses.

26. Fed Nearing a Plan to Clarify Direction of Rates - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve under Ben Bernanke has gone further than ever to explain its policies to the public. It's ready to go further still.

A Fed policy meeting Tuesday will likely focus, in part, on an evolving plan to reveal the direction of interest rates more explicitly. The Fed may decide, for example, to regularly update the public on how long it plans to keep short-term rates at record lows.

27. Bernanke Shows Fed's Independence With Texas Trip - Thursday, November 10, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A town hall meeting with Ben Bernanke and a group of military families discussing family finances wouldn't normally draw much notice.

But for this particular event, the Federal Reserve chairman is venturing into Texas. And those who watch the Fed say the visit sends a message to Bernanke's critics: The Fed is independent and won't be intimidated.

28. Economy Adds 103,000 Jobs, But It's Not Enough - Monday, October 10, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The jobs crisis isn't getting worse. But it isn't getting much better, either.

The economy added just enough jobs last month to ease fears of a new recession. But hiring is still too weak to bring down unemployment, which has been stuck at about 9 percent for more than two years.

29. Bernanke Says Economic Recovery Close to Faltering - Wednesday, October 05, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the economic recovery "is close to faltering" and the central bank is prepared to take further steps to support it.

The economy is growing more slowly than the Federal Reserve had expected, Bernanke said Tuesday before the congressional Joint Economic Committee. He said the biggest factor depressing consumer confidence is poor job growth.

30. Fed to Shift $400B in Holdings to Boost Economy - Thursday, September 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve will use more than $400 billion to try to drive down long-term interest rates, make home and business loans cheaper and invigorate the U.S. economy.

31. Bernanke Offers No Hints of Further Aid to Economy - Friday, September 09, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Thursday that he's surprised by how cautious consumers remain more than two years since the recession officially ended. But he offered no hints of further steps the Fed might take to try to boost the weak economy.

32. Employers Add No Net Jobs in Aug.; Rate Unchanged - Tuesday, September 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Employers stopped adding jobs in August, an alarming setback for an economy that has struggled to grow and might be at risk of another recession.

The government also reported that the unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent. It was the weakest jobs report since September 2010.

33. Some Fed Officials Sought More Economic Stimulus - Wednesday, August 31, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Some Federal Reserve officials pushed in August for a more aggressive response to the economy's slowdown. They settled for a plan to keep rates near zero for another two years and a won agreement to discuss more options at an extended meeting in September.

34. Consumer Spending Rebounds, Rose 0.8 Pct. in July - Tuesday, August 30, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer spending grew in July by 0.8 percent, the largest amount in five months. That followed a decline in June and helped ease fears that the U.S. economy is on the verge of another recession.

35. Stocks Recover After Bernanke Predicts US Growth - Monday, August 29, 2011

Stocks rose in afternoon trading Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the U.S. is on track for long-term economic growth.

Trading volume was light, a sign that many traders were leaving the New York area ahead of Hurricane Irene. The storm is expected to reach the region late Saturday night. A spokesman for the New York Stock Exchange said trading is expected to open as usual on Monday.

36. Economy Grew at Slower 1 Pct. Rate This Spring - Monday, August 29, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a meager 1 percent annual pace this spring, slower than previously estimated. The downward revision stoked fears that the economy is at risk of another recession.

37. Bernanke Proposes no New Steps to Boost Economy - Monday, August 29, 2011

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke leaned on Congress on Friday to do more to promote hiring and growth, or risk delaying the economy's return to full health.

38. Verizon Strike Boosts Unemployment Aid Requests - Friday, August 26, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Thousands of Verizon workers on strike pushed the number of people seeking unemployment benefits last week to its highest level in a month.

But excluding the work stoppage, layoffs appear to be stabilizing. That should help ease fears that the economy is on the verge of a recession.

39. Low Rates Squeeze Savers and May Hold Back Economy - Friday, August 26, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Super-low interest rates haven't done what they usually do after a recession. They haven't ignited economic growth or revived the home market or persuaded consumers to spend freely again.

40. Higher Durable-Goods Orders Ease Economic Worries - Thursday, August 25, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A surge in demand for autos and aircraft drove orders for long-lasting manufactured goods higher in July, easing fears that the U.S. economy might be on the verge of another recession.

41. Retail Sales Rose 0.5 Percent in July - Monday, August 15, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumers spent more on autos, furniture, clothing and gas in July, pushing up retail sales by the largest amount in four months. The gain signaled that Americans are a little more confident in the economy and could helped dispel fears that the country is headed for another recession.

42. Fed Takes Spotlight as Recession Fears Loom - Tuesday, August 09, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – When it meets Tuesday, the Federal Reserve could signal what it can or will do to help the nation avoid another recession.

Since the Fed last met in June, Standard & Poor's has downgraded long-term U.S. debt, stock markets have plunged, Europe has struggled to contain its debt crisis and a range of indicators have shown the U.S. economy struggling to grow.

43. House Nears Vote on GOP Debt Bill; Dems Oppose - Monday, August 01, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) — Partisan to the core, Congress groped uncertainly Friday for a way to avoid a government default threatened for early next week. "We are almost out of time," warned President Barack Obama as U.S. financial markets trembled.

44. Economy's Spring Slump Could Last Through Summer - Friday, July 22, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economy's spring slump appears to be extending into the summer, according to a slew of mixed data released Thursday.

Layoffs are rising. Manufacturing activity in the Northeast expanded only slightly in July after contracting in June. Economic growth is projected to pick up this fall, but not enough to give businesses confidence to hire and speed the recovery.

45. Mixed Data Show Economy Growing at Weak Pace - Friday, July 15, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A mixed slate of reports Thursday showed the economy is being held back by high gas prices and sluggish hiring.

Economists are forecasting a pick-up in growth in the second half of the year. But the latest data revealed only faint signs of a turnaround.

46. Bernanke: Fed Would Supply More Stimulus if Needed - Thursday, July 14, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that the central bank is prepared to provide additional stimulus if the economic lull persists.

Delivering his twice-a-year economic report to Congress, Bernanke laid out three options the central bank would consider. One possibility, he said, was another round of Treasury bond buying. That would make the third such effort since 2009.

47. Weak Hiring Casts Doubts on Strength of Rebound - Monday, July 11, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hiring slowed to a near-standstill last month, raising doubts that the economy will rebound in the second half of the year.

The report baffled economists who had predicted much stronger job creation. And it escalated a debate in Washington over how to spur hiring and energize the economy while also cutting federal spending.

48. Economy Grew Slightly Faster 1.9 Pct. in Q1 - Monday, June 27, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy expanded a little faster at the beginning of the year than previously estimated. But the pace was still anemic and economists don't see that changing until later this year.

49. Layoffs, Housing Data Point to Chronic Problems - Friday, June 24, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sour reports Thursday on the number of people who sought unemployment benefits and buyers of new homes illustrate what Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke acknowledged Wednesday: Many factors weighing on the economy are proving to be more chronic than first imagined.

50. Unemployment Applications Jump by Most in a Month - Friday, June 24, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week rose by the most in a month, signaling growing weakness in the job market.

Applications rose by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 last week, the Labor Department said Thursday. It was the second increase in three weeks and the 11th straight week that applications have been above 400,000.

51. Fed Acknowledges Economy is Growing More Slowly - Thursday, June 23, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve acknowledged Wednesday that the economy is growing more slowly than it expected. But it said it will complete its $600 billion Treasury bond buying program by June 30 as planned and announced no further efforts to boost the economy.

52. Europe Debt Crisis Shadows Fed Meeting on Economy - Tuesday, June 21, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – If the U.S. economic slowdown weren't enough to deal with, the Federal Reserve this week must consider a new threat: a resurgent European debt crisis that could imperil the global economy.

53. Inflation Slows in May as Gas Prices Fall - Thursday, June 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Falling energy prices cooled overall inflation in May, offering some relief to consumers who have been coping for months with high gas prices.

Overall consumer prices rose 0.2 percent, the smallest increase in six months, the Labor Department said. It was the first drop in energy costs in nearly a year.

54. Bernanke Sees Stronger Growth in 2nd Half of Year - Wednesday, June 08, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke noted Tuesday that the job market and the economy have weakened in recent weeks. But he said the main reasons are higher gas prices and the Japan crises – factors that should ease in coming months– and predicted growth would strengthen later this year.

55. Businesses Now Hiring at Fastest Pace Since 2006 - Monday, May 09, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – American companies are on a hiring spree.

Businesses delivered a jolt of strength to the economy by creating 268,000 jobs in April, the biggest monthly total in more than five years. The gains were solid across an array of industries, even beleaguered construction.

56. Fed Says Economic Recovery on Firmer Footing - Wednesday, March 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve expressed more confidence in the U.S. economy even as Japan's nuclear crisis raised worries around the globe.

The Fed said the economic recovery is on "firmer footing" and the jobs market is "improving gradually," in a statement released after its meeting Tuesday.

57. Johnson Named City's Chief Ethics Officer - Tuesday, March 01, 2011

The city of Memphis now has its first chief ethics officer.

The city’s eight-member board of ethics has appointed attorney Monika Johnson to the position.

Johnson comes to the position from being director of contract services for Memphis City Schools.

58. Long History Follows Paulette’s to Harbor Town - Monday, January 31, 2011

Georges Falls has seen many changes come upon Overton Square since the entertainment district’s heyday in the 1970s and ’80s, but one of the most startling changes is one he is bringing himself.

Paulette’s, his Continental restaurant that has been a flagship, even a beloved attraction near Madison Avenue and Cooper Street since 1974, is moving to Harbor Town, about as far west as you can get from Midtown and not fall into the Mississippi River.

59. Less Worried About Layoffs, Jobholders Spend More - Tuesday, January 11, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A steady decline in layoffs is giving the vast majority of adults who have jobs the confidence to spend more freely and help energize the economy. They no longer worry so much about losing their jobs.

60. 103K New Jobs in Dec. Point to Slow, Steady Growth - Monday, January 10, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The nation's economy added 103,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month, its lowest level in 19 months.

But the job growth fell short of expectations based on a strengthening economy. And the drop in unemployment was partly because people stopped looking for work.

61. Fed Will Spend $600B in Latest Bid to Help Economy - Friday, November 05, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve will sink $600 billion into government bonds in a bold plan that it hopes will drive interest rates even lower than they already are and start the chain reaction that finally creates jobs and invigorates the economy.

62. Glankler’s Mathis Hits Stride As Attorney, Moot Court Coach - Thursday, November 04, 2010

Attorney Andre B. Mathis of Glankler Brown PLLC said that people have gotten a certain image of attorneys from TV law dramas, but not all lawyers have the same skill sets.

63. Wharton Seeks Attorneys’ Help in Creating ‘City of Choice’ - Thursday, October 07, 2010

From representing creditors and debtors, advising business leaders and fighting for the less fortunate, the city’s legal professionals each day facilitate commerce and enrich the civic life of Memphians all around them.

64. Companies Add 67K Workers, but Jobless Rate Rises - Tuesday, September 07, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Private employers hired more workers over the past three months than first thought, a glimmer of hope for the weak economy ahead of the Labor Day weekend. But the unemployment rate rose because not enough jobs were created to absorb the growing number of people looking for work.

65. Bernanke: Fed Will Take Action if Economy Falters - Monday, August 30, 2010

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday that the Fed will consider making another large-scale purchase of securities if the slowing economy were to deteriorate significantly and signs of deflation were to flare.

66. In a Sluggish Economic Summer, No Easy Fix Ahead - Monday, August 16, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve has little power left to lift the economy out of its rut. Congress, with an election looming, has no appetite for more stimulus. Shoppers are reluctant to spend, and businesses are slow to hire.

67. Recovery Mixed on Strong Earnings, Weak Home Sales - Friday, July 23, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – A flurry of strong earnings reports renewed Wall Street’s optimism in the economic recovery, even as new data Thursday showed homes sales sinking and claims for unemployment benefits rising.

68. Bernanke: Fed to Hold Off on Steps to Aid Recovery - Thursday, July 22, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Wednesday that the outlook for the economy remains "unusually uncertain" but that the Fed plans no specific steps "in the near term" to try to fuel the struggling recovery.

69. Bar Association Announces Endorsements - Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The first bar endorsements in the August judicial elections are out. A committee of the Ben F. Jones chapter of the National Bar Association has endorsed candidates in all five of the special judicial elections on the Aug. 5 ballot. The committee also endorsed candidates in three of the court clerk races on the ballot.

70. Ben F. Jones Chapter Endorses In Judicial Races - Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A committee of the Ben F. Jones chapter of the National Bar Association has endorsed candidates in all five of the special judicial elections on the Aug. 5 ballot.

The committee also endorsed in three of the court clerk races on the ballot.

71. Two Local Bars Survey Judicial Fields - Friday, June 25, 2010

The two local bar associations are moving toward a ranking of candidates in the five special judicial elections on the Aug. 5 ballot.

A committee of the Ben F. Jones chapter of the National Bar Association will interview the candidates Saturday Downtown and then interview candidates in the various races for court clerk positions Sunday.

72. Fed Strikes More Cautious Tone on US Recovery - Thursday, June 24, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve struck a more cautious tone about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery, indicating Europe's debt crisis poses a risk to it.

Wrapping up a two-day meeting Wednesday, the Fed in a 9-1 decision retained its pledge to hold rates at record-low levels for an "extended period." Doing so will energize the rebound.

73. Jobless Claims, Exports Fall in Sluggish Recovery - Friday, June 11, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — The picture of a steady but still sluggish recovery emerged from reports Thursday that showed fewer people are claiming unemployment aid while U.S. exports are slowing.

The reports echo Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's suggestion this week that the rebound will remain intact despite high unemployment, a fragile housing market and Europe's debt crisis. But it will take time to create enough jobs to bring down the 9.7 percent unemployment rate.

74. Ark. Voting Lawsuit to Move Forward - Thursday, June 10, 2010

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A lawyer representing three Garland County voters who want Tuesday's election results nullified said Wednesday he'll move forward with the suit, even though the county's votes aren't enough to change the outcome of the high-profile U.S. Senate race.

75. Anti-Incumbency Takes Down Another Congressman - Thursday, June 03, 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The political shooting-star otherwise known as anti-incumbency fell on Alabama, taking down a first-term congressman who switched from Democrat to Republican just last December.

76. Fed Keep Rates at Record Lows; Upbeat on Economy - Thursday, April 29, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve sounded a more confident note Wednesday that the economy is strengthening but pledged to hold rates at record lows to make sure it gains traction.

Wrapping up a two-day meeting, the Fed in a 9-1 decision retained its pledge to hold rates at historic lows for an "extended period." Doing so will help energize the recovery.

77. Initial Jobless Claims Increase Unexpectedly - Friday, April 09, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits rose last week, a sign that jobs remain scarce even as the economy recovers.

The increase also may result from the difficulty the U.S. Labor Department has in seasonally adjusting the claims around the Easter holiday, which falls on different weeks each year.

78. Bernanke: Record-Low Rates Needed to Aid Economy - Friday, March 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) — Record-low interest rates are still needed to rev up the economic recovery, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Thursday.

Bernanke, in testimony to the House Financial Services Committee, essentially repeated the rationale behind the Fed's decision last week to hold rates near zero. He cited still-fragile economic conditions, and noted that inflation is low, which gives the Fed leeway to keep rates at rock-bottom levels.

79. Fed Holds Rates at Record Lows to Foster Recovery - Wednesday, March 17, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve on Tuesday repeated its pledge to hold interest rates at record lows to foster the economic recovery and ease high unemployment.

But the Fed's assessment of the economy was a bit more upbeat. It said the job market is stabilizing. That was an improvement from its January statement, when it said the deterioration in the labor market was abating.

80. Jobless Claims Rise From Weather-Related Factors - Friday, February 26, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – New claims for unemployment benefits jumped unexpectedly last week, mostly because state agencies processed a backlog of claims caused by snowstorms the previous week.

The severe weather also increased temporary layoffs in the weather-sensitive construction and transportation industries.

81. Bernanke: Record-Low Rates Still Needed - Thursday, February 25, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Wednesday that record-low interest rates are still needed to ensure that the economic recovery will last and to help ease the sting of high unemployment.

82. Nonstop to Toronto - Thursday, January 28, 2010

As carriers reduce capacity to cope with shrinking demand for air travel, Air Canada is beefing up its service by entering seven U.S. markets – including Memphis.

The Montreal-based airline is adding twice-daily, nonstop, year-round flights between Memphis and Toronto, the company announced Wednesday.

83. Air Canada Adds Memphis to Toronto Flights - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

As carriers reduce capacity to cope with shrinking demand for air travel, Air Canada is beefing up its service by entering seven U.S. markets – including Memphis.

The Montreal-based airline is adding twice-daily, nonstop, year-round flights between Memphis and Toronto, the company announced Wednesday.

84. Air Canada Adds Memphis to Toronto Flights - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

As carriers reduce capacity to cope with shrinking demand for air travel, Air Canada is beefing up its service by entering seven U.S. markets – including Memphis.

The Montreal-based airline is adding twice-daily, nonstop, year-round flights between Memphis and Toronto, the company announced Wednesday.

85. Early Stock Gains From Bernanke Comments Evaporate - Tuesday, December 08, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) – Even the prospect of interest rates staying low couldn't keep buyers in the stock market.

Stocks ended little changed Monday, having given back a brief afternoon gain that followed comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The Fed chief said unemployment and other problems would hold the economy to "moderate" improvements and that rates are likely to remain low.

86. Economy Grows in Q3, Signals Recession’s End - Friday, October 30, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. It’s the strongest signal yet that the economy has entered a new, though fragile, phase of recovery and that the worst recession since the 1930s has ended.

87. Legal Community Mourns Odell’s Passing - Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Shelby County Divorce Referee Patricia Ann Odell passed away Monday. The cause of death had not been released by press time.

88. New Jobless Claims Fall to Lowest Level Since January - Friday, October 09, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of newly laid-off workers filing first-time claims for jobless benefits fell to the lowest level since early January, as layoffs eased a bit amid a fledgling economic recovery.

89. Jefferson in Limbo Until After Election - Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Elbert Jefferson Jr. remains the city attorney – in name only.

Shelby County Criminal Court Judge James Lammey accepted a consent order Monday morning signed by Jefferson’s attorney, Thomas Hansom, and Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons’ office.

90. New Jobless Claims Rise; Americans’ Spending Jumps - Friday, October 02, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – First-time claims for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, a sign employers are reluctant to hire and the job market remains weak.

And even though consumer spending jumped by the most in nearly eight years in August, due partly to the government’s Cash for Clunkers program, economists question whether the improvement can be sustained. They note households face rising unemployment, tight credit conditions and other obstacles.

91. Fed Slows $1.45T Program to Aid Housing Market - Thursday, September 24, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. economy on the mend, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday said it is slowing the pace of a program to lower mortgage rates and prop up the housing market.

The Fed decided to stretch out its goal of buying $1.45 trillion in mortgage-backed securities and debt issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae until the end of the first quarter of 2010. Originally, the central bank intended to complete buying those securities by the end of this year.

92. Housing, Jobless Data Point To Fragile Recovery - Friday, September 18, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – Housing construction rose in August and the number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment aid fell unexpectedly last week, adding to signs the recession has ended.

Still, the reports suggested a slow and fragile economic recovery. In part, that’s because the increased housing starts were due solely to a surge in construction of apartment buildings – while the much larger single-family homes sector fell for the first time in six months. And jobless claims remain far above the levels associated with a healthy economy.

93. Memphis Bar Foundation Nominates Ingram to Board - Thursday, September 10, 2009

Yolanda Wesley Ingram has been nominated to the board of directors for the Memphis Bar Foundation. Ingram is the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law’s assistant dean for student affairs, director of the Academic Support Program and director of the Tennessee Institute for Pre-Law.

94. Economy's Small Drop in Q2 Hints Recession Ending - Friday, August 28, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – Further evidence the recession is ending came in a report Thursday confirming that the economy shrank at an annual rate of just 1 percent in the spring.

Many analysts say growth likely returned in the current quarter. Smaller dips in consumer spending and other areas during the April-June period led some economists to raise their forecasts for the July-September quarter.

95. Oil Nears $75 per Barrel On Economic Optimism - Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Oil prices approached $75 a barrel Monday for the first time in 10 months amid growing optimism that the world’s economies are on the mend.

Benchmark crude for October delivery rose 73 cents to $74.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Oil last topped $75 in October.

96. Parents Carry on Murdered Son’s Business - Monday, August 24, 2009

Three months after the murder of their only child, Sean and Beverly Walker are turning their tears into sweat.

They are working hard to carry on Ben’s Tree Service, which their late son, Ben Walker, founded.

97. Fed Says Economy Leveling Out; Rates Stay at Lows - Friday, August 14, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve Wednesday delivered a vote of confidence in the economy, saying it would slow the pace of an emergency rescue program and indicating the recession appears to be ending.

98. Recession Eases; GDP Dip Smaller than Expected - Monday, August 03, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The economy sank at a pace of just 1 percent in the second quarter of the year, a new government report shows. It was a better-than-expected showing that provided the strongest signal yet that the longest recession since World War II is finally winding down.

99. Bernanke Says Fed Can Take on Supercop Role - Wednesday, July 22, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke ran into skepticism Tuesday from lawmakers wary of expanding the Fed's duties to police big financial companies. They argued that the Fed failed to spot problems that led to the financial crisis in the first place.

100. Here Comes the Sun: Memphis’ cut of the state’s solar energy plan - Monday, July 20, 2009

The Sharp Manufacturing plant in Hickory Hill has always been a symbol as much as a working part of the city’s economic infrastructure.

The plant on South Mendenhall Road represents the city’s first truly international big business presence. It opened in 1978 after Japanese executives came to Memphis to negotiate directly with city leaders. And once the deal closed, a now-legendary picket line was thrown up by local union leaders. The picketing symbolized organized labor’s determination to have a voice in local economic development.