Shelby County Commissioners established a certified county property tax rate of $4.32 Monday, May 20, after much debate about what the calculation means in a reappraisal year where reappraisal values went down instead of up or staying roughly even.

2. Airport Passes $127.3 Million 2014 Budget - Friday, May 17, 2013

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority on Thursday approved a $127.3 million budget that slightly lowers the overall amount airlines pay at Memphis International Airport even after Delta Air Lines drastically reduced the number of flights it operates.

3. Harper Finds Newest Adventure at Community Foundation - Friday, May 03, 2013

When Memphis native Ashley Harper graduated from Central High School and left town, it was for the mountains.

4. Luttrell: County Budget Reaching Cuts Limit - Thursday, May 02, 2013

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell refers to county government as “wholesale level government.”

He used the term again Tuesday, April 30, in a state of the county speech to the Memphis Rotary Club at the University Club.

5. Mississippi River Bridge Hit by Barge - Friday, April 26, 2013

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. (AP) – For the second time in less than a week, a Mississippi River bridge has been struck by a barge.

The latest incident on the flooded river happened Thursday morning when a barge struck the bridge at Caruthersville, Mo. The bridge carries Interstate 155 traffic between southern Missouri and Tennessee.

6. Commitment to Memphis Shows in Wolowicz’s Work - Friday, April 26, 2013

Melissa Wolowicz is up with the chickens every morning, working to make Memphis a better place.

The new vice president of development for BRIDGES has been raising chickens in her backyard since she, husband Shawn and son Grayson moved into Midtown and a house shaded by a canopy of trees.

7. Understanding the Importance of a Getaway - Friday, April 19, 2013

THE TIME TO GET AWAY IS CLOSE. One morning last week. Anderson’s dogs were running, impossibly fast, circling a field of new wheat, impossibly green, and then through the woods and past the ponds, Snuffy bounding just ahead of us and Bow Wow off to our right in the trees. Their eyes were bright and their joy obvious, impossibly happy.

8. Riding the Rails - Thursday, April 18, 2013

By some estimates, America’s railroad companies are in the midst of the largest investment boom since the Gilded Age – when America’s railroad track mileage tripled between 1860 and 1880.

This year, North American’s freight railroads plan to invest $24.5 billion in intermodal terminals, new track, bridges and tunnels, safety equipment and rail cars, according to the Association of American Railroads.

9. Obama Pitches Public Works Spending to Create Jobs - Monday, April 01, 2013

MIAMI (AP) – Trying to show that the economy remains a top priority, President Barack Obama promoted a plan Friday to create construction and other jobs by attracting private money to help rebuild roads, bridges and other public works projects.

10. Highwoods to Develop International Paper Tower - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The future of International Paper Co. in Memphis, where it’s long been based and where it recently reached a deal to solidify its presence here, is taking shape.

11. Highwoods Signs Build-To-Suit Lease with International Paper - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Highwoods Properties Inc. has signed a long-term build-to-suit lease with International Paper Co.

The agreement, announced by Highwoods Monday, March 25, involves Highwoods developing a 241,000-square-foot, nine-story Class A office building with structured parking in the Poplar Avenue corridor. That new building will sit directly across the street from International Paper’s world headquarters and main campus, and construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter, with completion by the end of the second quarter of 2015.

12. Events - Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Cotton Museum will host Patrick O’Daniel, discussing his book “When the Levee Breaks: Memphis and the Mississippi Valley Flood of 1927,” Thursday, March 28, at 5 p.m. at the museum, 65 Union Ave. Cost is free and includes a complimentary museum tour and reception. Visit memphiscottonmuseum.org.

13. Events - Friday, March 22, 2013

The University of Memphis Law Review will hold its annual symposium Friday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, 1 N. Front St. This year’s theme is “Breaking the Silence: Legal Voices in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” Visit memphis.edu/law for a list of speakers.

14. Speck Suggests Riverfront Remedies - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Urban planner and designer Jeff Speck has told city government leaders that the recently renamed Jefferson Davis Park is the “obvious next opportunity” for riverfront development plans and represents a “big bang in an important place.”

15. Exterior Plans for Bass Pro Approved - Friday, March 08, 2013

Bass Pro Shops’ exterior building and site improvements for repurposing the city-owned Pyramid as a destination retailer were approved by the Design Review Board Wednesday, March 6, but the board asked for more time to digest the company’s controversial signage requests.

16. Exterior Plans for Bass Pro Approved - Thursday, March 07, 2013

Bass Pro Shops’ exterior building and site improvements for repurposing the city-owned Pyramid as a destination retailer were approved by the Design Review Board Wednesday, March 6, but the board asked for more time to digest the company’s controversial signage requests.

17. Dorothy Day House Provides Families Hope - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Last week we discussed BRIDGES, which is an organization working to unite and inspire diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation. This week, let us highlight an organization focused on keeping homeless families together by providing free, temporary housing and the means to re-establish their independence: the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality (DDHH).

18. BRIDGES to Oz - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Last week we focused on a new form of mentorship, aimed at talent development and retention, with the University of Memphis and their LEAD program’s Professional Connection Lunches. This week let us discuss an organization that is uniting and inspiring diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation: BRIDGES.

19. U of M Files Permit for New Residence - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

3615 Central Ave. Memphis, TN 38111

Permit Cost: $43.5 million

Project Cost: $53 million

20. Local Projects Up for Statewide Engineering Award - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Six Memphis-area projects are among those being considered in the 2013 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee.

“Ridgeway Trace Retail Center” was completed by Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. for Weingarten Realty Investors. Surrounding the highly congested area near Ridgeway Trace, and traffic was improved by coordinating five traffic signals, adding lanes and widening roadways surrounding the development.

21. EDGE Board Approves Several Tax Freezes This Week - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. shows up to meetings of the local economic development body that grants tax incentives to businesses pretty predictably.

That’s not to say on a regular basis, rather his appearances are predictable because they tend to coincide with votes on tax deals for businesses moving into or expanding in the core city.

22. EDGE Board Approves Several Tax Freezes This Week - Friday, February 22, 2013

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. shows up to meetings of the local economic development body that grants tax incentives to businesses pretty predictably.

That’s not to say on a regular basis, rather his appearances are predictable because they tend to coincide with votes on tax deals for businesses moving into or expanding in the core city.

23. Jamesbridge Apartments Sells for $7.2 Million in Foreclosure - Thursday, February 21, 2013

The 432-unit Jamesbridge apartments at 3689 James Road in Raleigh sold to a special servicer for $7.2 million after a foreclosure.

24. Local Projects in Running for Statewide Engineering Award - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Six Memphis-area projects are among those being considered in the 2013 Engineering Excellence Awards competition, presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee.

“Ridgeway Trace Retail Center” was completed by Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. for Weingarten Realty Investors. Surrounding the highly congested area near Ridgeway Trace, and traffic was improved by coordinating five traffic signals, adding lanes and widening roadways surrounding the development.

25. Events - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Kiwanis Club of Memphis will meet Wednesday, Feb. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. at The University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Lucy Shaw will discuss the Bridges Out of Poverty program. Cost is $18 for nonmembers.

26. Events - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

National Association of Women Business Owners Memphis will meet Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3935 Galloway Ave. City, county and state government representatives will discuss opportunities to gain government business. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers and $35 at the door. Visit bit.ly/122SiTT to register.

27. Events - Saturday, February 09, 2013

Memphis Child Advocacy Center will hold its Works of Heart valentine auction, featuring works by more than 100 local artists, Saturday, Feb. 9, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Memphis College of Art, 1930 Poplar Ave. Visit memphiscac.org.

28. Archer-Malmo Grows Again With Lease Expansion - Friday, February 01, 2013

Archer-malmo has inked an additional 3,000 square feet in the Cotton Exchange Building, bringing its total footprint in the historic 12-story Downtown tower to 41,277 square feet across six floors.

29. Ships Idle for Mississippi River Oil Cleanup After Crash - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Freight barges were idled among some 50 vessels stacked up Tuesday along a normally bustling stretch of the Mississippi River that was closed as crews worked to clean up leaking oil spilled in a weekend barge accident.

30. Barge Hits Mississippi River Bridge; Oil Cleanup Ongoing - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) – Cleanup crews with booms skimmed oily water from the Mississippi River a day after a barge with more than 80,000 gallons of oil struck a railroad bridge near Vicksburg, spreading a sheen of light crude that kept part of the waterway shut to ship traffic Monday, authorities said.

31. ‘Memphis Enthusiast’ Ham Honored by Advertising Federation - Monday, January 28, 2013

Phrases used to describe Cynthia Ham at the Thursday, Jan. 24, American Advertising Federation Memphis meeting included “the Memphis enthusiast,” “the art-aholic,” “the hostess/entertainer,” “a local celebrity” and even “a pushy broad.”

32. Chism Hardy Moves Deeper Into Logistics - Monday, January 28, 2013

The certified public accountant who bought the old Coors Belle brewery in Hickory Hill seven years ago and turned it into Hardy Bottling Co. has taken the supply chain lessons from the business into the logistics industry.

33. ‘Memphis Enthusiast’ Ham Honored by Advertising Federation - Friday, January 25, 2013

Phrases used to describe Cynthia Ham at the Thursday, Jan. 24, American Advertising Federation Memphis meeting included “the Memphis enthusiast,” “the art-aholic,” “the hostess/entertainer,” “a local celebrity” and even “a pushy broad.”

34. Imre Named Assistant Controller at Makowsky Ringel Greenberg - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Nancy Imre has joined Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC as assistant controller. Imre is responsible for the real estate management company’s accounting department, overseeing investor reporting and preparation of corporate financial statements.

35. Haslam Addresses School Vouchers Issues - Monday, January 21, 2013

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam says the third year of significant education reform legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly will include vouchers but added that “ultimately our efforts in Tennessee are going to be around the vast majority of kids that are in public schools.”

36. AP IMPACT: Deficient Levees Found Across America - Friday, January 18, 2013

NEW ORLEANS (AP) – Inspectors taking the first-ever inventory of flood control systems overseen by the federal government have found hundreds of structures at risk of failing and endangering people and property in 37 states.

37. Foreclosure Notice Filed on Jamesbridge Apartments - Monday, January 14, 2013

A first-run foreclosure notice has been filed against the owner of the 432-unit Jamesbridge apartments at 3689 James Road in Raleigh.

38. Degrees of Difficulty - Friday, December 28, 2012

Leaders of the city’s five higher education institutions say they are all grappling with the issue of relevance in a changing world and economy as they compete for students with missions that make them different from one another.

39. International Paper Touts Community Support - Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Memphis-Shelby County Industrial Development Board meets Wed., Dec. 19, to consider a request from International Paper Co. for government tax incentives to support an expansion of its headquarters here.

40. Commission to Vote on Industrial Land Sale - Monday, December 03, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners take up the proposed sale Monday, Dec. 3, of 33.6 acres of land in the Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park in southwest Memphis.

Carolyn Hardy, owner of the Hardy Bottling Co. and consultant to the Blues City Brewery operation that later bought the plant, wants to buy the last available roadside acreage in the industrial park for a business to store and stage modular containers.

41. Volunteer State - Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sarah Petschonek grew up with the importance of volunteering instilled in her by her parents.

As children, she and her two younger siblings would pull a wagon around the Jacksonville, Fla., neighborhood where she grew up, handing out fliers and picking up canned goods for food drives.

42. Development Accelerator - Friday, November 16, 2012

The city of Millington didn’t have a city engineer until 2008 when it had to have one in order to have local control over the Veterans Parkway road construction project.

“I thought it was kind of my cross to bear since I was hired in 2008,” Millington City Engineer Darek Baskin said this week of the road.

43. Events - Monday, November 12, 2012

LaunchMemphis will host Risk City: Global Entrepreneurship Week 2012 programs and networking events Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16, at multiple Memphis locations. The global event connects entrepreneurs with potential resources and collaborators. Visit launchmemphis.com for a schedule.

44. Great Outdoors University Hits Milestone, Eyes Expansion - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University program is fulfilling its goal to connect inner-city children with nature in meaningful, life-changing ways.

The youth conservation education and outdoor experience program recently surpassed the 12,000 meaningful experiences milestone and now prepares for expansion into North Carolina and Missouri, as well as growing in Tennessee.

45. Airports and Stock Exchange Reopen After Superstorm Sandy - Thursday, November 01, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Two major airports reopened and the New York Stock Exchange got back to business Wednesday, while across the river in New Jersey, National Guardsmen rushed to feed and rescue flood victims two days after Superstorm Sandy struck.

46. LeMoyne-Owen Gets $1 Million Gift - Monday, October 22, 2012

The estate of a 1940 graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College is donating $1 million to the college’s annual fund, college officials announced Friday, Oct. 19.

It is the largest single donation in the 150-year-history of the city’s only historically black college.

47. Report Details Tennessee's Infrastructure Needs - Friday, October 19, 2012

A report released by a state commission says Tennessee needs $38 billion by 2015 to improve public infrastructure.

The report, released by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, shows what type of improvements are needed, from repairing roads and bridges to adding additional water lines and sewers.

48. Events - Thursday, September 20, 2012

Tennessee Shakespeare Co. will present “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)” Thursday, Sept. 20, to Sunday, Oct 7, at Poplar Pike Playhouse, 7653 Old Poplar Pike. Visit tnshakespeare.org.

49. Workshop Will Address Health Inequities, Outcomes - Monday, September 10, 2012

Healthy Memphis Common Table and The Assisi Foundation of Memphis Inc. will sponsor a Bridges Into Health workshop called “Strategies to Reduce Inequities and Improve Health Outcomes” Sept. 21.

50. Staying on Course - Friday, September 07, 2012

A few days ago, trade publication “The Bond Buyer” reported that Phoenix, Ariz., is facing a $14.8 million deficit to operate its six golf courses and is mulling whether to sell or shutter them.

The city is reportedly considering those possibilities in light of factors that include a glut of courses, growing competition for golfers’ attention and a decline in the sport’s popularity. Blane Merritt, general manager of the TPC Southwind private golf club in Memphis’ Southwind community, can empathize with what Phoenix is wrestling with.

51. Donnell Road Bridge to Close for Two Weeks - Friday, August 31, 2012

The Donnell Road Bridge across Crooked Creek in north Shelby County will close Sept. 10 for work by the Shelby County Bridge Section and reopen Sept. 22.

The detour begins at Donnell and Millington-Arlington Road to Brunswick and Pleasant Ridge roads to pick up Donnell on the other side of the bridge.

52. US Economy Grew at 1.7 Percent Rate in 2nd Quarter - Thursday, August 30, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a tepid 1.7 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, suggesting growth will stay weak in the second half of the year.

Slightly stronger consumer spending and greater exports were the main reasons the Commerce Department reported Wednesday that growth was better than its initial estimate of 1.5 percent. Still, growth has slowed from the 2 percent annual rate in the January-March quarter and the 4.1 percent rate in the fourth quarter of 2011.

53. Pediatrician Shares Vision of Health Care in Memphis - Monday, August 27, 2012

Dr. Randy Christensen is a pediatrician who came to Memphis to share – with audiences that included medical professionals as well as members of the broader business community – his vision of how health care should be approached.

54. Events - Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The National Association of Women Business Owners – Memphis will meet Tuesday, Aug. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Napa Cafe, 5101 Sanderlin Ave., suite 122. Author and trainer Jodi Santangel will present “Cracking the Code to Connecting Powerfully With People.” Cost is $18 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Register at nawbomemphis.org.

55. Events - Monday, August 13, 2012

Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir will address the Collierville board of aldermen Monday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. at Collierville Town Hall, 500 Poplar View Parkway. The open forum will include an update on property tax revenue and future economic trends affecting the community. Visit shelbycountytrustee.com.

56. Archer-Malmo Grows as Business Surges - Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Archer-malmo has added more than 20 people to its professional staff this year, and the growth outlook is positive.

By the end of this year, the city’s largest advertising agency’s total employee roster will have expanded to about 120, marking its peak in professional staff. Archer-malmo had that high of a headcount briefly in late 2006 and early 2007, but this growth is distinct, said CEO Russ Williams.

57. Funding Brings More Changes to Riverfront - Tuesday, August 07, 2012

The world’s largest steamboat will have some company at Beale Street Landing. Water taxis would travel from the landing at the foot of Beale to the south end of Mud Island River Park and back as part of a still developing plan that last week secured $800,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

58. Nucor Shares Hammered After Q2 Earnings Drop - Friday, July 20, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Nucor Corp. said Thursday that its net income slid 63 percent in the second quarter, dragged down by a joint-venture charge and expense connected to an acquisition.

59. Events - Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Talk Shoppe will meet Wednesday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hutchison School, 1740 Ridgeway Ave. Caroline Blatti of Hutchison will present “How Business Can Impact Youth.” Cost is free. Visit talkshoppe.biz or call Jo Garner at 482-0354.

60. Baptist Women's Hospital Presents Free Wellness Series - Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Starting in August, Baptist Women’s Hospital will present a series of health and wellness talks at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

The free, four-part series will cover topics such as nutrition, medicine, breast cancer and diabetes. Top experts from Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp.’s staff will lead the interactive presentations.

61. BRIDGES Receives Grant to Expand Bridge Builders - Monday, July 02, 2012

BRIDGES is one of 12 organizations across the state to recently receive AmeriCorps formula funding grants from Volunteer Tennessee, a citizen board appointed by the governor to encourage volunteerism and community service.

62. Public-Private Partnership At Heart of Harahan Grant - Wednesday, June 27, 2012

When the U.S. Transportation Department announced which projects across the country would get a share of $500 million in TIGER grants, it came after local leaders made a series of decisions of their own about a combination of state and federal funding that traveled different paths from the same coffers to two Memphis projects.

63. Fire Still Burning Strong For A2H Founder Askew - Monday, June 25, 2012

Mark Askew’s engineering career began with a long, strange trip from Memphis in 1969.

But it’s the years of work he did after returning home that are paying off with high honors from his industry peers this year.

64. Nucor Completes $605M Deal for Skyline Steel - Friday, June 22, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Steel recycler Nucor Corp. said Thursday that it completed its $605 million acquisition of a steel distribution unit of ArcelorMittal, expanding its reach in the North American construction industry.

65. Copter Drones Dominate Commission Debate - Wednesday, May 09, 2012

A plan by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to buy two miniature helicopter drones hit some political turbulence Monday, May 7, among Shelby County Commissioners concerned about privacy issues.

“The potential for abuse is great,” said Commissioner Brent Taylor. “They could peer into our private spaces without a warrant.”

66. County Commission Debates, Delays Drones - Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners had little trouble Monday, May 7, approving the first of three readings of a redistricting plan.

There were a few questions about procedure as the commission makes its fourth try at setting new district lines for itself. But commissioners didn’t get into any of the specifics of a plan. That should change on second reading in two weeks.

67. Aging Transit Systems Grapple With Repair Backlog - Tuesday, April 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Driven by high gas prices and an uncertain economy, Americans are turning to trains and buses to get around in greater numbers than ever before. But the aging transit systems they're riding face an $80 billion maintenance backlog that jeopardizes service just when it's most in demand.

68. Haslam Announces 3-Year Transportation Plan - Monday, April 16, 2012

Gov. Bill Haslam and Transportation Commissioner John Schroer have released a three-year transportation plan for the state.

The $1.5 billion plan includes improvements to the interstate system, such as truck climbing lanes and interchange reconstruction.

69. Events - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force will host a meeting Tuesday, April 10, at 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Select, 160 Union Ave. Federal and state officials will discuss strategies to address water quality in the river basin and gulf. For details, contact Reginald Jackson at 501-352-7761 or reginald.jackson@ar.usda.gov, or Jeannine May at 601-260-0298 or jeannine.may@ms.usda.gov.

70. MPO Chief Shares Long-Range Transportation Plans - Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has been providing long-range transportation planning for the region for more than 30 years.

It’s the second largest of 11 MPOs in Tennessee, behind only Nashville. But when MPO administrator Pragati Srivastava is out making presentations or at public hearings, she often comes across a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the organization’s scope.

71. MPO Administrator Recaps Plans to CCIM - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has been providing long-range transportation planning for the region for more than 30 years.

It’s the second largest of 11 total MPOs in Tennessee, behind Nashville. But when MPO administrator Pragati Srivastava is out showing presentations or at public hearings, she often comes across a lot of people who are unfamiliar with the organization’s scope.

72. Memphis Prom Closet Collecting Dresses - Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Memphis Prom Closet – an organization that provides free prom dresses to economically disadvantaged girls – is collecting prom dresses through Friday, March 23, at BRIDGES, 477 N. Fifth St., and all at Verizon Wireless stores.

73. Senate Passes Highway, Transit Programs Overhaul - Thursday, March 15, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate voted Wednesday to overhaul transportation programs and keep aid flowing to thousands of construction projects while strengthening highway and auto safety.

74. A2H Honored by 3 Prof. Orgs. - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Askew Hargraves Harcourt & Associates Inc., also known as A2H, recently won three awards from two professional organizations.

75. Local Leaders Make Pitch For Bridge Funding - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Memphis leaders will be in Washington Wednesday, March 14, to push for two projects they hope will win a share of federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery – or TIGER IV – grants.

76. Job Creation Driving Highway Bills in Congress - Tuesday, March 06, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The lure of roads, bridges, buses and trains isn't enough anymore to drive an expensive transportation bill through Congress. So to round up votes, congressional leaders are pitching the bills as the hottest thing around these days: job generators.

77. Verizon Dropping Muslim Lifestyles Station - Tuesday, February 28, 2012

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – A first-of-its kind Muslim lifestyles station launched in upstate New York by a man later convicted of beheading his wife is being dropped from the Verizon FiOS lineup.

78. Transportation Boosted to Top of Political Agenda - Wednesday, February 15, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – After years of procrastination, the White House and Congress have suddenly boosted a long-term plan to improve the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems to the top of the political agenda.

79. Barnes’ IP Practice Bridges Law, Science - Thursday, February 09, 2012

Some lawyers may have a background that includes previous experience in real estate or time in politics.

Kenneth Barnes, an intellectual property attorney with Crone & McEvoy PLC, was a researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for five years before going to law school. And don’t let the shelves of law books fool you.

80. Put Your Legacy Into Words - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Last week we spotlighted BRIDGES, an organization helping to build a community of leaders to advance racial, economic, educational, and environmental justice. This week, as we reflect on a recent visit from LPBC guest speaker Dr. Joseph Michelli, let us share some of his sage advice, which could redefine priorities and ignite our effect on future generations: a legacy statement.

81. Solution to Crumbling Roads, Bridges Elusive - Friday, February 03, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress is struggling to come up with a solution to the nation's crumbling roads, bridges and transit systems, which are at the point of hindering economic growth.

The problems are numerous. Americans have been driving less due to a slow economy, reducing revenue from the gas tax that pays for transportation improvements. Cars that get better gas mileage are likely to offset any uptick in driving as the economy recovers.

82. House Transportation Bill Would Spend Nearly $270B - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans are proposing to spend nearly $270 billion over the next 4 ½ years on transportation programs as a way to preserve jobs.

Transportation experts say that's enough money to prevent the nation's roads, bridges and transit systems from falling further into disrepair, but not enough to reduce the backlog of needed work on transportation infrastructure.

83. Build BRIDGES To Make Difference - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Last week we spotlighted Samaritan’s Feet, which is providing new shoes and renewed hope to the 300 million people around the world who go without shoes each day. We also thanked the volunteers who recently came out and helped us wash the feet of more than 200 kids here in Memphis, providing them with new socks and shoes as a part of the Samaritan’s Feet National Day of Service.

84. Events - Monday, January 30, 2012

The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development will host a public meeting Monday, Jan. 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at BRIDGES, 477 N. Fifth St. The meeting will discuss the Triangle Noir Redevelopment Project.

85. Events - Friday, January 27, 2012

LaunchMemphis will present Business BOOSTcamp Saturday, Jan. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at EmergeMemphis, 516 Tennessee St. Entrepreneurs who are starting a company are encouraged to attend. Industry experts will lead presentations on entrepreneurial problem-solving processes and will offer advice in one-on-one sessions in the afternoon. For more information or to register, visit www.launchmemphis.com.

86. Ham Moves to New Challenge at BRIDGES - Friday, January 27, 2012

Cynthia Ham’s bio on archer-malmo’s website describes her as operating by a mantra – all deserve to be heard.

But after being with archer-malmo for 15 years, Ham is ready to start a new chapter in her life. The principal and chief public relations officer at Memphis’ largest marketing communications agency is leaving to become the president of BRIDGES Feb. 15.

87. Cynthia Ham Named BRIDGES President - Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The youth-development organization BRIDGES has a new president.

Cynthia Ham, archer-malmo principal and chief public relations officer, will leave the firm she’s been with for 15 years to start work Feb. 15 as BRIDGES’ new head. She succeeds Jim Boyd, who stepped down late last year after 16 years with the organization, which works to build a community of leaders to advance racial, economic, educational and environmental justice in Memphis and Shelby County.

88. Cynthia Ham is New BRIDGES President - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The youth-development organization BRIDGES has a new president.

Cynthia Ham, principal and chief public relations officer for archer-malmo, will leave the firm she’s been with for 15 years to start work Feb. 15 as BRIDGES’ new head. She succeeds Jim Boyd, who stepped down late last year after 16 years with the organization, which works to build a community of leaders to advance racial, economic, educational and environmental justice in Memphis and Shelby County.

89. Abortion, Immigration Changes Among New 2012 Laws - Thursday, December 29, 2011

Girls seeking abortions in New Hampshire must first tell their parents or a judge, employers in Alabama must verify new workers' U.S. residency, and California students will be the first in the country to receive mandatory lessons about the contributions of gays and lesbians under state laws set to take effect at the start of 2012.

90. 2 Centuries After New Madrid Quakes, What's Next? - Monday, December 19, 2011

MEMPHIS (AP) – The United States was still a young nation when three major earthquakes rocked the central Mississippi River valley in the winter of 1811-1812.

Chimneys fell, the earth heaved and church bells rang hundreds of miles away, set off by the powerful vibrations from what is now called the New Madrid Seismic Zone. As farmland rolled and shuddered, the shock waves spread as far as New York and the Carolinas.

91. Fisk Out on Probation as Accreditation Reaffirmed - Wednesday, December 07, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Fisk University's accreditation has been reaffirmed but a state board has put the historically black university on probation for one year to get its finances in order.

92. Shelby County Officials Monitor Snow Forecasts - Monday, November 28, 2011

Local emergency preparedness officials are bracing for weather forecasts of 1 to 3 inches of snow in Shelby County between midnight and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Shelby County and the surrounding area.

93. Crystal Awards to Honor Memphis Philanthropists - Thursday, November 24, 2011

The 2011 Crystal Awards luncheon, honoring individuals, businesses and organizations for their outstanding philanthropic efforts in the greater Memphis community, will be held Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave.

94. Cash-Strapped Cities, Schools Say: 'Your Ad Here' - Wednesday, November 23, 2011

CHICAGO (AP) – Seven vinyl banners draped this month along one of Chicago's most iconic bridges, advertisements some have dubbed "a visual crime" and "commercial graffiti," are reviving a debate about how governments raise money in tough economic times.

95. Events - Monday, November 21, 2011

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Memphis will host “Lunch with an Entrepreneur” Monday, Nov. 21, at noon at the FedEx Institute of Technology, 365 Innovation Blvd. Jason Gillum, president and founder of Millennium Search, will speak. For more information or to register, visit lunchwithanentrepreneur1121.eventbrite.com.

96. House-Senate Negotiators Unveil Spending Bill - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – House and Senate negotiators have agreed on a bundle of spending measures for the ongoing budget year, blending cuts to NASA and community development programs while averting cuts to nutrition programs.

97. Senate Approves Jobs Benefits for Veterans - Friday, November 11, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A united Senate emphatically approved legislation Thursday intended to help unemployed veterans and companies doing business with the government, endorsing a measure that includes the first small slice of President Barack Obama's jobs plan that is likely to become law.

98. Highway Overhaul Gaining Bipartisan Momentum - Thursday, November 10, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A Senate panel cleared legislation Wednesday overhauling federal highway programs, prompting lawmakers to talk of a looming bipartisan consensus that would end years of stalemate on repairing and expanding an aging transportation network.

99. Congress Sputters on Deficit Cuts, Spending Bills - Wednesday, November 09, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A sputtering Congress enveloped in an atmosphere poisoned with politics and distrust enters its final weeks of the year struggling to complete a lengthy to-do list on the budget.

100. ServiceMaster, Other Cos. Support Habitat Mission - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has a busy couple of weeks ahead as it closes its books on the fall building season.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, marked the dedication of The ServiceMaster Co. home at 3477 E. Oak Side Drive in Trinity Park, the first all-green neighborhood being developed by Memphis Habitat. The will be the Memphis-based home and commercial services company’s fifth sponsorship home with the nonprofit.