The Shelby County Commission also approved Monday a capital improvements plan budget of $29.9 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The biggest part of that amount – $13.6 million – is pay-as-you-go projects funded from county savings with another $10 million in CIP funding from the federal government.

2. US Housing Starts Fell in April but Permits Surged - Friday, May 17, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. builders broke ground on fewer homes in April, one month after topping the 1 million mark for the first time since 2008. But most of the decline was in apartment construction, which tends to vary sharply from month to month.

3. April Surplus of $113 Billion Lowers US Budget Deficit - Monday, May 13, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. government reported a rare surplus of $113 billion for April – the largest in five years and a sign of the nation's improving finances.

Steady economic growth and higher tax rates have boosted the tax revenue in recent months, keeping this year's annual budget deficit on pace to be the smallest since 2008. A smaller deficit is also likely to give negotiators more time to work out a deal on raising the nation's borrowing limit.

4. Commission Votes Down Grant Funding - Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Shelby County Commission voted down Monday, May 6, a $368,372 federal-through-state grant to the county Community Services division.

The grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services was specifically for emergency assistance with rent and mortgage payments as well as uniform and food vouchers, gas cards and bus passes for those at or below the poverty level locally.

5. Jobless Aid Applications Fall to Five-Year Low - Saturday, May 11, 2013

The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits fell by 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 323,000, a five-year low. Layoffs have returned to pre-recession levels, a trend that could lead to more hiring.

6. Unique Projects Bolster Zellner in Rough Times - Saturday, May 11, 2013

Zellner Construction Services LLC is a third-generation commercial construction company that has built a solid reputation for quality over quantity.

7. Jobless Aid Applications Fall to Five-Year Low - Friday, May 10, 2013

The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits fell by 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 323,000, a five-year low.

Layoffs have returned to pre-recession levels, a trend that could lead to more hiring.

8. Commission Votes Down Grant Funding - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

The Shelby County Commission voted down Monday, May 6, a $368,372 federal-through-state grant to the county Community Services division.

The grant from the Tennessee Department of Human Services was specifically for emergency assistance with rent and mortgage payments as well as uniform and food vouchers, gas cards and bus passes for those at or below the poverty level locally.

9. Commission Votes Down Second Amendment Gun Resolution - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners voted down a resolution Monday, May 6, that would have backed the idea of state legislators and county sheriffs across the state “nullifying” federal gun control laws they consider unconstitutional.

10. Shorb: Increased Care Comes With Need for Lower Costs - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

In increasing access to care and outcomes, health care organizations in Memphis and elsewhere in the nation need to find innovative solutions to bring down the cost of providing care, Gary Shorb, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, said in a speech to industry leaders at the University Club earlier this month.

11. US Construction Spending Down 1.7 Percent in March - Saturday, May 04, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in March as the biggest drop in government projects in more than a decade overwhelmed strength in home building.

Construction spending fell 1.7 percent in March, compared with February, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. It marked the second decline in the past three months. January activity plunged a record 4 percent, which represented a downward revision from a previous estimate of a 2.1 percent decline.

12. US Jobless Claims Fall to 5-Year Low of 324,000 - Saturday, May 04, 2013

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to seasonally adjusted 324,000, the lowest since January 2008. The drop points to fewer layoffs and possibly more hiring.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications fell 18,000, the second straight sharp drop. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, plummeted 16,000 to 342,250, close to a five-year low.

13. US Jobless Claims Fall to 5-Year Low of 324,000 - Friday, May 03, 2013

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to seasonally adjusted 324,000, the lowest since January 2008. The drop points to fewer layoffs and possibly more hiring.

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications fell 18,000, the second straight sharp drop. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, plummeted 16,000 to 342,250, close to a five-year low.

14. US Construction Spending Down 1.7 Percent in March - Thursday, May 02, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in March as the biggest drop in government projects in more than a decade overwhelmed strength in home building.

Construction spending fell 1.7 percent in March, compared with February, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. It marked the second decline in the past three months. January activity plunged a record 4 percent, which represented a downward revision from a previous estimate of a 2.1 percent decline.

15. New-Homes Sales Rise 1.5 Percent in March to 417,000 - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. sales of new homes rose in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 417,000. The increase added to evidence of a sustained housing recovery at the start of the spring buying season.

16. Fallout for States Rejecting Medicaid Expansion - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Rejecting the Medicaid expansion in the federal health care law could have unexpected consequences for states where Republican lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to what they scorn as "Obamacare."

17. White House Projecting Slow Economic Gains Ahead - Thursday, April 11, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama's new federal government budget outline depicts a still-fragile economy continuing its slow but steady recovery from the deep 2007-2009 recession. The White House forecast sees the U.S. unemployment rate not falling to pre-recessionary levels of below 6 percent until after Obama has left office.

18. US Unemployment Aid Applications Jump to 385,000 - Friday, April 05, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week by 28,000, the third straight increase.

Weekly applications increased to a seasonally adjusted 385,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's the highest level since late November. The gain pushed the four-week average, a less volatile measure, to 354,250.

19. Fannie's Record Profit a Symbol of Housing Rebound - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Home prices are up. Foreclosures are down. Construction is up. And now comes the latest sign of the U.S. home market's revival: Fannie Mae, the mortgage giant that nearly collapsed five years ago, has earned its biggest yearly profit ever.

20. US Construction Up 1.2 Percent in February - Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects rebounded in February, helped by a surge in home construction, which rose to the highest level in more than four years.

Construction spending rose 1.2 percent overall in February compared to January, when construction had dropped 2.1 percent, the Commerce Department reported Monday.

21. US Jobless Claims Jump 16,000 to 357,000 - Friday, March 29, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits jumped by 16,000 last week, the second straight weekly increase. But the longer-term trend in layoffs remained consistent with an improved job market.

22. Housing, Manufacturing Give US Economy Lift - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Gains in housing and manufacturing propelled the U.S. economy over the winter, according to reports released Tuesday, and analysts say they point to the resilience of consumers and businesses as government spending cuts kick in.

23. Average for US Jobless Claims at Fresh 5-Year Low - Friday, March 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment aid barely changed last week, while the average over the past month fell to a fresh five-year low. The decline in layoffs is helping strengthen the job market.

24. Jobless Rates Rise in January in Half of US States - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Unemployment rates increased in half of U.S. states in January from December, as employers nationwide added the fewest jobs in seven months.

The Labor Department said Monday that unemployment rates rose in 25 states. They fell in only 8 states and were unchanged in 17.

25. Carnival Returns to Profit; Travelers Fear Mishaps - Monday, March 18, 2013

MIAMI (AP) – The world's largest cruise line has suffered through a number of high-profile mishaps. Yet passengers continue to book vacations thanks to discounts, albeit at a slower pace.

26. Strong Auto Output Boosts US Factory Production - Monday, March 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A strong increase in auto output boosted U.S. factory production last month, the latest sign that manufacturing is helping drive economic growth after lagging for much of 2012.

27. New York Firm Buys Distribution Center for $24.7 Million - Monday, March 18, 2013

Gramercy Capital Corp. has acquired Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1 in Olive Branch for $24.7 million from Hillwood Investment Properties.

28. Gramercy Capital Acquires $25 Million Distribution Facility - Friday, March 15, 2013

Gramercy Capital Corp. has acquired Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1 in Olive Branch for $24.65 million from Hillwood Investment Properties.

29. US Budget Deficit Jumps in February by $204 Billion - Thursday, March 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. federal budget deficit jumped in February from January, though it is still running well below last year's pace. Higher taxes and an improving economy are expected to hold the annual deficit below $1 trillion for the first time since President Barack Obama took office.

30. US Employers Post More Jobs, Cut Fewer Workers - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers advertised more job openings in January, suggesting that hiring will remain healthy in coming months.

Job openings rose 2.2 percent in January from December to 3.69 million, the Labor Department said Tuesday. Openings had fallen nearly 5 percent in December, and they remain below November's level of nearly 3.8 million.

31. US Consumer Debt Up $16.2 Billion in January - Friday, March 08, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans stepped up borrowing in January to buy cars and attend school, while staying cautious about using their credit cards.

Consumer borrowing rose $16.2 billion in January from December to a total of $2.8 trillion, the Federal Reserve said Thursday. That's the highest level on record.

32. Countywide Board Approves Realignments - Friday, March 08, 2013

When the first school year of the consolidated school system begins Aug. 5, the new school system will open its first new school.

And most of what are now city and county schools will have the same grade structures for elementary, middle and high schools.

33. Patterson Warehouses Adds Space - Friday, March 08, 2013

Patterson Warehouses Inc. is boosting its longtime local presence with a new lease in DeSoto County.

The renowned player in Memphis’ third-party logistics industry is leasing 237,952 square feet of Class A space in Marathon Distribution Center, 295 Marathon Way in Southaven.

34. Construction Spending Down 2.1 Percent - Monday, March 04, 2013

Spending on U.S. construction projects fell in January by the largest amount in 18 months as home construction stalled and spending on government projects fell to the lowest level in more than six years.

35. Donor Recognition - Thursday, February 28, 2013

For more than 50 years, Lifeblood has served an invaluable function to the local community by working with hospitals to meet the constant demand for clean units of blood to be used for traumas and other surgeries.

36. Several Paths for School Funding Possible - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The most important number at a weekend Shelby County Commission budget retreat was not the $145 million in new funding the countywide school board has asked for.

It was a percentage – the projection by Shelby County Assessor Cheyenne Johnson that the 2013 property reappraisal by her office will likely reflect a 4.63 percent loss of value on property for taxation purposes.

37. Claims for US Jobless Aid Suggest Modest Hiring - Friday, February 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits jumped 20,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 362,000, though it remains at a level that suggests slow but steady improvement in the job market.

38. US Housing Starts Dip but Remain at Solid Pace - Thursday, February 21, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. homebuilders began work at a slower pace in January than in December. But all of the drop occurred in the volatile area of apartment construction, which sank 24 percent. By contrast, the rate of single-family homebuilding rose 0.8 percent.

39. US Homebuilder Confidence Dips From 6.5-Year High - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Confidence among U.S. homebuilders slipped this month from the 6.5-year high it reached in January, with many builders reporting less traffic by prospective customers before the critical spring home-buying season.

40. Coast Guard has No Vessel for Emergencies - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) – After a two-barge tow carrying 1.5 million gallons of oil hit the U.S. Highway 80 bridge in the early morning hours of Jan. 27, Coast Guard officials had to rely on a Vicksburg industry to respond.

41. Hopson Seeks $57 Million Owed Schools - Thursday, February 14, 2013

Interim Memphis City Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson hopes to meet with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. next week about $57 million.

That is the amount of money the school system won in two court decisions – trial and appellate level – from the city while Hopson was general counsel to the school system.

42. Arena Transformation - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

As the city of Memphis is nearing completion of its preparation of The Pyramid for Bass Pro Shops, the Springfield, Mo.-based retailer is slated to start its part of the project in March.

The city and Bass Pro Shops in January filed two building permits with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement for $21.5 million and $7 million for renovations to 32-story The Pyramid arena at 1 A.W. Willis Ave.

43. Year of Change for Smith & Nephew - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

On the heels of laying off 63 employees in Memphis and as it grapples with challenging business conditions locally and worldwide, London-based medical device maker Smith & Nephew sees a bright spot in the Bluff City: the new Centre for Innovation.

44. Memphis Investment Firm at Odds With Dell - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Following Memphis-based Southeastern Asset Management’s public opposition to Dell Inc.’s proposed $24.4 billion buyout, the Texas-based tech company is trying to reassure shareholders that the deal will be beneficial.

45. Businesses, Schools to Participate in Citywide Weight Loss Challenge - Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Memphis businesses, school systems and individuals are gearing up to participate in the HealthyWage $10,000 Team Weight Loss Challenge, a citywide three-month weight-loss contest beginning Feb. 22 that will reward three top-performing Memphis teams with a total of $18,000.

46. US Home Prices Accelerate in November - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. home prices accelerated in November compared with a year ago, pushed higher by rising sales and a tighter supply of available homes.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index rose 5.5 percent in November compared with the same month a year ago. That's the largest year-over-year gain in six years.

47. US New-Home Sales Fell in December, Sales for Year Up - Monday, January 28, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sales of new U.S. homes cooled off in December compared with November but for the entire year were the best since 2009.

The Commerce Department said Friday that new-home sales fell 7.3 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 369,000. That's down from November's rate of 398,000, which was the fastest in 2 ½ years.

48. US Jobless Claims Drop to 5-Year Low of 330,000 - Friday, January 25, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to the lowest level in five years, evidence that employers are cutting fewer jobs and may step up hiring.

49. US Jobless Aid Applications Fall to 5-Year Low - Friday, January 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid plummeted to a five-year low last week, a hopeful sign the job market may be improving. But much of the decline reflects seasonal volatility in the data.

50. 2012 Bankruptcies Steady in Shelby County - Friday, January 18, 2013

Bankruptcy filings in Shelby County were up slightly in 2012 compared to 2011. Chapter 13 filings with repayment plans made up most of the total.

The 12,471 filings in 2012, according to The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com, were 57 more than for 2011, or a 0.4 percent increase.

51. US Unemployment Aid Applications Tick Up to 371,000 - Friday, January 11, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Weekly applications for U.S. unemployment benefits ticked up slightly last week, the latest sign of slow but consistent gains in the job market.

The Labor Department said Thursday that applications rose 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 371,000, the most in five weeks. The previous week's total was revised lower.

52. US Pending Home Sales Rise to Highest Since April 2010 - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A measure of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes increased last month to its highest level in two and a half years, the latest sign of improvement in the once-battered housing market.

53. Fewer US Banks Fail as Industry Strengthens - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. banks ended 2012 with their best profits since 2006 and fewer failures than at any time since the financial crisis struck in 2008. They're helping support an economy slowed by high unemployment, flat pay, sluggish manufacturing and anxious consumers.

54. Missions Double for Heart Foundation - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Children around the globe in countries that do not have the medical resources available here in the U.S. are getting a helping hand from The International Children’s Heart Foundation, a local organization targeting congenital heart disease.

55. JIFF Fights Recidivism - Monday, December 24, 2012

Last week we shared some helpful holiday safety tips, like locking car doors while pumping gas and hiding all belongings BEFORE getting to the store. Extending this theme of crime prevention, let us now highlight a local organization working with youth from in and around the juvenile justice system to equip them with the skills and support necessary to break the destructive cycle of criminal behavior: Juvenile Intervention & Faith-Based Follow-Up (JIFF).

56. US Home Sales Surge to Three-Year High - Saturday, December 22, 2012

U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped to their highest level in three years last month, bolstered by steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates. The report was the latest sign of a sustained recovery in the housing market.

57. US Home Sales Surge to Three-Year High - Friday, December 21, 2012

U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped to their highest level in three years last month, bolstered by steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates.

The report was the latest sign of a sustained recovery in the U.S. housing market.

58. US Homebuilder Confidence at Highest Level Since 2006 - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Confidence among U.S. homebuilders inched up this month, to the highest level in more than six and a half years, as builders reported the best market for newly built homes since the housing boom.

59. Narrow 'Fiscal Cliff' Bargain Gains Currency - Monday, December 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hopes dimming for a wide-ranging bargain, the White House and many congressional Republicans are setting their sights on a more modest deal that would extend current tax rates for most Americans, raise rates for top earners and leave other, vexing issues for the new year.

60. Urban Land Institute: Memphis Recovering Slowly, Behind Nashville - Thursday, December 06, 2012

Memphis’ economy and commercial real estate industry is recovering, but not as fast as other places – like Nashville.

That was the message local professionals heard Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the Urban Land Institute Memphis’ 2013 Real Estate Outlook for the Mid-South.

61. US Builders Boost Spending 1.4 Percent in October - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. builders increased their spending on construction projects in October by the largest amount in five months, led by a surge in housing.

The Commerce Department said Monday that construction spending rose 1.4 percent in October. It was the largest gain since a 1.7 percent increase in May.

62. US Manufacturing Shrinks in November to 3-Year Low - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing shrank in November to its weakest level since July 2009, one month after the Great Recession ended. Worries about automatic tax increases in the New Year cut demand for factory orders and manufacturing jobs.

63. US Economy Grew at 2.7 Percent Rate in Summer - Friday, November 30, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy grew at a 2.7 percent annual rate from July through September, much faster than first thought. The strength is expected to fade in the final months of the year because of the impact of Superstorm Sandy and uncertainty about looming tax increases and government spending cuts.

64. US Sales of New Homes Dip 0.3 Percent in October - Thursday, November 29, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. sales of new homes fell slightly in October and September sales were slower than initially thought. The October sales pace was dragged lower by steep declines on the East Coast, partly related to Superstorm Sandy.

65. Federal Reserve Survey: US Economy Growing at Steady Pace - Thursday, November 29, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A pickup in consumer spending and steady home sales helped lift economic growth in October and early November in most parts of the United States, according to a Federal Reserve survey released Wednesday. The one exception was the Northeast, which was slowed by Superstorm Sandy.

66. Unemployment Rates Fall in Half of Large US Cities - Thursday, November 29, 2012

Unemployment rates declined last month in more than half of the 372 largest U.S. cities, further evidence of steady improvement in the job market.

The Labor Department said Wednesday that rates fell in 201 metro areas. They rose in 116 and were unchanged in 55. And the number of cities with unemployment below 7 percent rose to 180 last month, up from 107 a year ago.

67. US Consumer Confidence at Highest Since 2008 - Wednesday, November 28, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. consumer confidence rose this month to its highest level in almost five years, helped by a better outlook for hiring over the next six months.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 73.7 in November from 73.1 in October. Both are the best readings since February 2008.

68. 30-Year Mortgage Rate Hits Record 3.31 Percent - Monday, November 26, 2012

Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows last week, a trend that is boosting home sales and aiding the housing recovery.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday, Nov. 21, that the average rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.31 percent, the lowest on records dating back to 1971.

69. US Rate on 30-Year Mortgage Hits Record 3.34 Percent - Friday, November 16, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that has helped the housing market start to recover this year.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac says that the average rate on the 30-year loan dipped to 3.34 percent, the lowest on records dating back to 1971. That's down from 3.40 percent last week and the previous record low of 3.36 percent reached last month.

70. Expert: Retail’s Future is Industrial - Friday, November 16, 2012

While there’s a ton of vacancy in Memphis shopping centers that should never have been built, there’s very little vacancy in quality product.

And as retailers shrink footprints in response to the way consumers spend money, owners of local inferior retail real estate are in trouble.

71. Expert: Retail’s Future is in Industrial - Thursday, November 15, 2012

While there’s a ton of vacancy in Memphis shopping centers that should never have been built, there’s very little vacancy in quality product.

And as retailers shrink footprints in response to the way consumers spend money, owners of local inferior retail real estate are in trouble.

72. US Employers Post Fewest Jobs in Five Months - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

U.S. employers posted fewer job openings in September after advertising more in August than first estimated. The report suggests hiring will likely remain modest in the coming months.

The Labor Department said Tuesday job openings dropped by 100,000 to 3.56 million, the fewest in five months. August’s openings were revised up to 3.66 million.

73. Seminar Underscores Commercial Sectors’ Highs, Lows - Monday, November 05, 2012

Memphis’ commercial real estate market for the most part appears to mirror national trends, with all four sectors boasting challenges and bright spots so far this year.

That was a message a room full of real estate professionals received when The Daily News hosted its second annual Commercial Real Estate seminar Thursday, Nov.1, at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, sponsored by Magna Bank and Evans Petree PC.

74. Consumers Give US Economy a Lift Before Election - Friday, November 02, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A flurry of reports Thursday showed that U.S. consumers are growing more confident and spending more, boosting a still-weak economy just five days before the presidential election.

75. US Consumer Confidence at Highest Level in 5 Years - Monday, October 29, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — A survey shows consumer confidence rose this month to the highest level in five years, an encouraging sign for the still-weak economy

The University of Michigan's final index of October consumer sentiment rose to 82.6 from 78.3 in September. That's the highest since September 2007 — three months before the Great Recession began.

76. Weak Business Spending Drags on US Growth - Friday, October 26, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) — Companies are holding off on purchases of computers, industrial equipment and other long-lasting manufactured goods, a trend that's slowing the U.S. economy.

A fourth straight month of lackluster corporate spending led many economists on Thursday to trim their forecasts for growth in the July-September quarter. The government will issue its first estimate of third-quarter growth Friday, the last snapshot of the overall economic activity before the presidential election.

77. Drought Holds its Grip as Growers Pivot to Wheat - Friday, October 26, 2012

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The worst U.S. drought in decades showed little sign of easing last week as farmers closed out their corn and soybean harvests and turned their attention to winter wheat, which has been struggling to break through the moisture-starved soil in some states, according to a weekly report.

78. US may Soon Become World's Top Oil Producer - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. oil output is surging so fast that the United States could soon overtake Saudi Arabia as the world's biggest producer.

Driven by high prices and new drilling methods, U.S. production of crude and other liquid hydrocarbons is on track to rise 7 percent this year to an average of 10.9 million barrels per day. This will be the fourth straight year of crude increases and the biggest single-year gain since 1951.

79. Weak Earnings Reports Pummel Stocks - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) — Nobody was expecting this round of corporate earnings reports to be great. But companies' underwhelming results are still rattling investors.

Stocks plunged Tuesday in one of the worst days on Wall Street this year. Big-name companies reported weak quarterly revenue and lowered their forecasts for the rest of the year.

80. Take Another Look at Officials’ Split-Second Calls - Friday, October 19, 2012

Hindsight, especially from press row or your seat in the 17th row of the upper bowl at FedExForum is a wonderful thing. After all, with the benefit of a gigantic video board and replay, we can see when the official got the call wrong and we got the call right.

81. Social Security Benefits to Go Up by 1.7 Percent - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – More than 56 million Social Security recipients will see their monthly payments go up by 1.7 percent next year.

The increase, which starts in January, is tied to a measure of inflation released Tuesday. It shows that inflation has been relatively low over the past year, despite the recent surge in gas prices, resulting in one of the smallest increases in Social Security payments since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975.

82. More Expensive Gas Pushes US Consumer Prices Up - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Higher gas costs drove up U.S. consumer prices in September for the second straight month. Outside energy, there was little sign of inflation.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that the consumer price index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent last month, matching the August increase. In the past 12 months, prices have increased 2 percent. That's in line with the Federal Reserve's inflation target.

83. Tame US Prices, More Confident Builders Aid Growth - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The outlook for the U.S. economy brightened a little Tuesday after reports that consumer prices stayed tame and homebuilder confidence rose to the highest level in six years.

84. US Rate on 30-Year Mortgage Rises to 3.39 Percent - Friday, October 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages ticked up from record lows last week. Cheaper mortgages are fueling a modest housing recovery that could help the broader economy.

85. Merchandiser Five Below Signs Lease in Olive Branch - Friday, October 05, 2012

A growing Philadelphia-based value retailer has inked a substantial industrial lease deal in Olive Branch.

Five Below Inc. has leased 605,427 square feet in Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1, 9105 Hacks Cross Road.

86. 30-Year Mortgage Rate Hits Record 3.36 Percent - Friday, October 05, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows for the second straight week. The declines have led more homeowners to refinance, a trend that could help jumpstart the economy.

87. Recovery Tied to Nation’s Business Cycle - Monday, October 01, 2012

Another jobs bill was recently filibustered in the Senate, lacking just two votes for passage. Without direct stimulus emanating from a deadlocked Congress, the Federal Reserve announced one more quantitative easing program, designed to provide liquidity for more bank lending that would hopefully lead to more investments in small and medium-sized businesses. Banks and corporations, for that matter, have ample cash on their respective balance sheets for investment in the domestic market, but both are waiting for a signal that consumer demand is on the rise.

88. Unemployment Rates Rise in Half of US States - Monday, September 24, 2012

Unemployment rates rose in more than half of U.S. states last month, the latest evidence that hiring remains tepid across the country.

The Labor Department said Friday that rates increased in 26 states, including Tennessee. They fell in 12 states and were unchanged in the other 12.

89. Rate on 30-Year Mortgage Falls to Record 3.49 Percent - Friday, September 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage touched its record low this week and the rate on 15-year mortgage hit a new record.

The declines followed the Federal Reserve announcement last week that it would buy bonds to try to push mortgage rates lower and stimulate the housing market.

90. US Poverty Rate 15 Percent; Record Numbers Persist - Thursday, September 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The ranks of America's poor remain stuck at a record 15 percent, the Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Roughly 46.2 million people remained below the poverty line in 2011, unchanged from 2010. The figure is the highest in more than half a century.

91. US Consumers Cut Credit Card Use for 2nd Month - Tuesday, September 11, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans cut back on their credit card use in July for the second straight month, suggesting many remain cautious in the face of high unemployment and slow growth.

Total consumer borrowing dipped $3.3 billion in July from June to a seasonally adjusted $2.705 trillion, the Federal Reserve said Monday. The drop in credit card debt offset a small rise in a measure of auto and student loans.

92. Average on 30-Year US Mortgage Slips to 3.55 Percent - Friday, September 07, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages changed little this week and remained slightly above record lows reached earlier this year. The low rates have aided a modest housing recovery.

93. US Factory Orders Rose 2.8 Percent in July - Monday, September 03, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Orders to U.S. companies rose in July, reflecting a surge in demand for autos and commercial aircraft. But in a troubling sign of manufacturing weakness, a key orders category that tracks business investment plans fell by the largest amount in eight months.

94. US Consumer Spending Rose 0.4 Percent in July - Friday, August 31, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans spent at the fastest pace in five months in July after earning a little more. The increase in income and consumer spending could help boost an economy mired in subpar growth.

95. Contracts to Buy US Homes Hit 2-Year High in July - Thursday, August 30, 2012

Americans signed the most contracts to buy homes in July than at any other point in the last two years, further evidence of a housing recovery.

The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday that its index of sales agreements for previously occupied homes jumped 2.4 percent in July to 101.7. That’s higher than June’s reading of 99.3. It’s also the highest reading since April 2010, the last month that buyers could qualify for a federal home-buying tax credit.

96. Nonprofit Center Could be New South Memphis Gateway - Thursday, August 30, 2012

The giant milk bottle will outlive the old dairy plant it stands atop in South Memphis. For more than 80 years, the giant milk bottle adorning a now old and crumbling dairy building on Bellevue Boulevard at Walker Avenue has been an icon.

97. Drop in Key US Durable Goods Orders Shows Weakness - Monday, August 27, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Signs that U.S. manufacturing is faltering emerged from a report Friday that orders for long-lasting factory goods, excluding the volatile transportation category, fell in July for the fourth time in five months.

98. US New-Home Sales Rise to Match 2-Year High - Friday, August 24, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sales of new homes in the United States rose 3.6 percent in July to match a two-year high reached in May, the latest sign of a steady recovery in the housing market.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that new-home sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 372,000. That's the same as in May, which was the highest since April 2010.

99. Applications for US Unemployment Aid Up Slightly - Friday, August 24, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people seeking first-time unemployment benefits rose a slight 4,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 372,000, evidence that the job market's recovery remains modest and uneven.

100. Rise in US Home Sales Reflects Steady Improvement - Thursday, August 23, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans bought more homes in July than in June, the latest evidence that the housing market is slowly, but steadily, improving.

Sales of previously occupied homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.47 million in July, a 2.3 percent increase from the previous month's rate, the National Association of Realtors said Wednesday.