Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 21, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Tim Brown, president of Kroger’s Delta Division, will speak. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

2. Rich to Headline Benefit for St. Jude Hospital - Monday, May 20, 2013

John Rich will perform alongside Wynonna Judd, Larry the Cable Guy and his Big & Rich partner, Big Kenny at a June 4 concert that will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

3. Events - Monday, May 20, 2013

Memphis Rotary Club will meet Tuesday, May 21, at noon at the University Club of Memphis, 1346 Central Ave. Tim Brown, president of Kroger’s Delta Division, will speak. Cost is $18. R.S.V.P. to Taylor Hughes at taylor@memphisrotary.org.

4. Midtown Yoga Owner Bends Over Backward for Clients - Monday, May 20, 2013

Those who practice yoga are known to be very flexible, and the new owner of Midtown Yoga is especially grateful for that fact.

Grace Harwood, who purchased the business on Jan. 1, said she is trying to make the transition invisible to a very loyal client base.

5. Events - Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Black Business Association of Memphis will meet Thursday, May 23, at 8 a.m. at the Renaissance Business Center, 555 Beale St. Jack Sammons, chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, will discuss what new developments at the airport mean for small businesses. R.S.V.P. to myron@whatshappeningmyron.com.

6. Events - Friday, May 17, 2013

Germantown Community Theatre will present the musical “Ruthless” May 17 to June 2 at the theater, 3037 Forest Hill-Irene Road. Visit germantowncommunitytheatre.org.

7. Bernanke: Fed Increasing Financial Monitoring - Monday, May 13, 2013

The Federal Reserve has broadened its oversight beyond banks and now monitors a wide-range of financial institutions that could hasten another financial crisis, Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday.

Bernanke said the Fed is still monitoring banks and other systematically important financial institutions. But it has widened its scope to include other important participants that could either trigger a crisis or make the system more vulnerable.

8. Wright Joins Magna Bank as Senior Vice President - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Andy Wright has joined Memphis-based Magna Bank as senior vice president and manager of commercial banking. Wright, who previously held senior vice president positions at Iberiabank and First Tennessee Bank, has experience working with a variety of industries, with in-depth expertise in the transportation and logistics industries.

9. Flight Delays Pile Up Monday After FAA Budget Cuts - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – It was a tough start to the week for many air travelers. Flight delays piled up all along the East Coast Monday as thousands of air traffic controllers were forced to take an unpaid day off because of federal budget cuts.

10. Bike Ride Benefits Local Cancer Patients - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Years of grueling medical training had taken a toll on Brad Somer, an oncologist and hematologist with The West Clinic in Memphis.

“I had gotten really out of shape,” he said as he popped a grape in his mouth during a break at the Mid-South cancer treatment center.

11. Clippers’ Bench Spells Trouble for Grizzlies - Friday, April 19, 2013

The Los Angeles Clippers may or may not prove to be serious Western Conference title contenders. Count TNT analyst Charles Barkley as their No. 1 doubter, having called them “fool’s gold” and compared them to a pretty girl that steals your heart only for you to discover she is “dumb as a box of rocks.”

12. Taste of Jubilee to Benefit Underprivileged Students - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Founded in 1947, St. John Catholic School at 2717 Lamar Ave. was once the largest Catholic school in Memphis.

13. Marx-Bensdorf Prides Itself on Strong Independent Spirit - Saturday, April 13, 2013

A small, boutique real estate agency sees longevity as its strength rather than its worth to larger companies looking for acquisition targets.

And Marx-Bensdorf Realtors remained strong through the recession by staying out from under other people’s umbrellas.

14. In Need of Relief - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Perhaps it is only too appropriate that baseball is played without a clock. For securing the future of the Memphis Redbirds may require extra innings, not to mention extra effort.

The ballpark was on the leading edge of revitalizing Downtown when it opened in 2000 at Third and Union. This, of course, was “B.G.” in Memphis – Before the Grizzlies. Also, before FedExForum. The city was ready for something big and bold – something that showed Memphis could overachieve, not underachieve.

15. Tony Bennett Kicks Off New Live at the Garden Season - Thursday, April 11, 2013

Tony Bennett, Robert Plant and Foreigner are among the top-drawing acts scheduled to perform at Memphis Botanic Garden during the Live at the Garden 2013 concert season, which kicks off June 1.

Rounding out the list of performers for the annual outdoor music series this year is R&B funk band Earth, Wind & Fire as well as the up-and-coming country group The Band Perry.

16. White House Celebrates the Sounds of Memphis Soul - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

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.

17. Camp Good Times Holds Annual Crawfish Boil Benefit - Thursday, April 04, 2013

The staff of Camp Good Times is hosting its third annual Crawfish Boil & Beer Bust Benefit on Saturday, April 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at Neil’s, 5728 Quince Road.

18. Hugs All Around After Tigers Season - Friday, March 29, 2013

Only Josh Pastner could utter the word “Lamborghini” on the occasion of his contract extension and a pay raise that likely pushed his annual salary north of $2 million and come across as grateful, gleeful and humble.

19. Record Crop Insurance Payout Stirs Subsidy Debate - Monday, March 25, 2013

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Farmers will be paid a record $16 billion in crop insurance claims for 2012 because of the widespread drought, a staggering amount that has critics calling for changes to what they say is an inefficient taxpayer subsidy the government cannot afford.

20. XMC Reaches Anniversary, Expands in East Tennessee - Monday, March 25, 2013

XMC Inc., the second-largest Xerox dealer in the U.S., is celebrating 20 years in business and is currently expanding into new areas of East Tennessee.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. Tennessee to Benefit From Google Settlement - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tennessee will get an estimated $133,528 as part of an agreement reached with Google and 36 other states to revamp the online search giant’s privacy practices.

That’s according to Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. The agreement stems from privacy complaints regarding Google’s collection of data from unsecured wireless networks nationwide while taking photographs for its Street View service between 2008 and March 2010.

24. 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.”

25. AP: Applying for Health Care Benefits Not Easy - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Applying for benefits under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul could be as daunting as doing your taxes.

The government’s draft application is now on the Internet.

It runs 15 pages for a three-person family. The online version has 21 steps, some with added questions.

26. Cuts Coming to Federal Unemployment Benefits - Monday, March 11, 2013

The state Labor and Workforce Development Department says more than 30,000 Tennesseans receiving federal unemployment benefits will see their payments reduced because of federal budget cuts that took effect this month.

27. Events - Thursday, March 07, 2013

The Association of Fundraising Professionals will meet Thursday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Thomas Center at Christian Brothers University, 650 East Parkway S. Mike Bruns, board chairman for Youth Villages and the Church Health Center, will discuss board engagement and fundraising. Cost is $15 for AFP members and $25 for nonmembers. Register at afpmemphis.org.

28. Events - Wednesday, March 06, 2013

The Rotary Club of Memphis East will meet Wednesday, March 6, at noon at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Opera Memphis general director Ned Canty will speak. Cost is $17. R.S.V.P. to Lee Hughes at lmhughes@bellsouth.net.

29. Yellen Defends Fed’s Low Interest Rate Policies - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

The No. 2 official at the Federal Reserve said Monday that she does not see any risks at the moment from the Federal Reserve’s low-interest rate policies that would prompt her to urge that the policies be curtailed.

30. Events - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

The Memphis Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society will meet Tuesday, March 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madison Hotel, 79 Madison Ave. Alan Gura of Gura & Possessky PLLC will present “The Right to Bear Arms for Self-Defense Outside the Home.” Cost is $30 for members and $35 for guests. R.S.V.P. to Greg Grisham at gregory.grisham@jacksonlewis.com or 462-2616.

31. Robilio Celebrates 30 Years on the Bench - Thursday, February 21, 2013

Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Kay Robilio once told The Daily News the thing she’s most proud of in her professional life is never having an opponent since she’s taken office.

32. Tax Zone Would Benefit Fairgrounds - Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Tourism Development Zone that Memphis officials will seek in Nashville over the next three months would generate tax revenue from Cooper-Young, the Midtown Union Avenue corridor and Overton Square for the redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

33. Real Estate Leaders to Present Trends at Forecast - Saturday, February 02, 2013

Real estate leaders will offer their reviews and insights for the Memphis-area commercial market at the 10th annual Commercial Property Forecast Summit starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, 1801 Exeter Road.

34. Fed Says Growth Pause Temporary, Keeps Up Stimulus - Thursday, January 31, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy "paused" in recent months because of temporary factors and reaffirmed its commitment to try to stimulate growth by keeping borrowing cheap for the foreseeable future.

35. Real Estate Leaders to Present Trends at Forecast Summit - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Real estate leaders will offer their reviews and insights for the Memphis-area commercial market at the 10th annual Commercial Property Forecast Summit starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre, 1801 Exeter Road.

36. BenchMark to Relocate, Restructure - Friday, January 25, 2013

BenchMark at Southwind Realtors LLC will soon relocate its Southeast Memphis office, add agents, integrate technology into its business practices and go paperless in one fell swoop.

37. Why Geithner's Treasury Leadership Proved Divisive - Friday, January 25, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama has saluted the outgoing Timothy Geithner as one of the best U.S. Treasury secretaries ever. He's surely been among the most contentious.

Not since the Great Depression had an administration inherited so many grave financial threats at once. To many, Geithner deserves credit for helping steady the banking system and helping restore investor confidence. Yet his toughest critics say Geithner's policies consistently favored big banks over ordinary struggling Americans.

38. Transcripts Show Fed Underestimated Crisis in 2007 - Monday, January 21, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve officials in 2007 underestimated the scope of the approaching financial crisis and how it would tip the U.S. economy into the worst recession since the Great Depression, transcripts of the Fed's policy meetings that year show.

39. Sheriffs, State Lawmakers Push Back on Gun Control - Friday, January 18, 2013

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) – From Oregon to Mississippi, President Barack Obama's proposed ban on new assault weapons and large-capacity magazines struck a nerve among rural lawmen and lawmakers, many of whom vowed to ignore any restrictions – and even try to stop federal officials from enforcing gun policy in their jurisdictions.

40. Avant Finds Soul, Passion in South Main Neighborhood - Friday, January 18, 2013

In 2002, Ben Avant, now 35, was a young, Charleston, S.C.-based stock and bond trader with a world of possibilities at his feet and a heavy choice to make.

41. Unemployment Benefits Extended in Tennessee - Saturday, January 12, 2013

Tennessee residents will continue to get federal extended unemployment benefits for at least another year.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development had warned late last month that the benefits were about to expire.

42. Council Tackles Blue CRUSH, Wage Theft - Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Memphis City Council members take up third and final reading Tuesday, Jan. 8, of an ordinance that sets up a local General Sessions Court-based process for settling “wage theft” complaints.

43. Unemployment Benefits Extended in Tennessee - Monday, January 07, 2013

Tennessee residents will continue to get federal extended unemployment benefits for at least another year.

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development had warned late last month that the benefits were about to expire.

44. Jobless Benefit Rolls Drop 7 Percent With New Rule - Saturday, January 05, 2013

About 7 percent of Tennesseans previously receiving jobless benefits have been dropped for failing to verify that they were searching for work.

That’s according to an audit by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

45. Fed Minutes Show Some Concerns on Bond Purchases - Friday, January 04, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve policymakers expressed broad support last month for the Fed's plan to buy bonds to support the U.S. economy. But they differed over how long to keep buying bonds to drive down long-term interest rates.

46. 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.

47. Jobless Benefit Rolls Drop 7 Percent With New Rule - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

About 7 percent of Tennesseans previously receiving jobless benefits have been dropped for failing to verify that they were searching for work.

That’s according to an audit by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

48. Regions Insurance Expands Employee Benefits Practice - Saturday, December 29, 2012

Regions Insurance, an affiliate of Regions Bank, is expanding its employee benefits practice in Memphis.

Effective Jan. 1, Argyle Benefits Consultants LLC will join Regions Insurance’s Memphis office.

49. US Economy Grew at Rate of 3.1 Percent in Summer - Monday, December 24, 2012

The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 percent over the summer as exports increased, consumers spent more and state and local governments added to growth for the first time in three years. But the economy is likely slowing in the current quarter.

50. Regions Insurance Expands Employee Benefits Practice - Monday, December 24, 2012

Regions Insurance, an affiliate of Regions Bank, is expanding its employee benefits practice in Memphis.

Effective Jan. 1, Argyle Benefits Consultants LLC will join Regions Insurance’s Memphis office.

51. Roberts Benchmark Hotel on Union Sells for $3.2 Million - Monday, December 24, 2012

164 Union Ave.

Memphis, TN 38103

Sale Amount: $3.2 million

Sale Date: Dec. 5, 2012

52. Roberts Benchmark Hotel on Union Sells for $3.2 Million - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A Nashville investor has paid $3.2 million for the 120-room Roberts Benchmark Hotel at 164 Union Ave. in Downtown.

53. Michigan House Approves Right-to-Work Limiting Unions - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – The Michigan House approved the first of two right-to-work bills Tuesday that would weaken union power in the historical labor stronghold as hundreds of protesters rallied at the Capitol.

54. Become Great by Choice - Monday, December 03, 2012

There are those who continually improve their knowledge and skills and have accumulated 30 years experience. And then there are those who simply repeat their initial year of experience 30 times, learning very little along the way.

55. Lawsuit: FedEx Fires Driver Over Russian Accent - Thursday, November 29, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – A Utah truck driver alleges FedEx fired him because of his Russian accent, even though he offered to appear before corporate higher–ups to demonstrate his English–speaking abilities.

56. Fewer Seek Jobless Aid as Storm Distorts Data - Monday, November 26, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell sharply to a seasonally adjusted 410,000, though the figure was elevated for the second straight week by Superstorm Sandy.

57. Bernanke Warns Congress to Avoid ‘Fiscal Cliff’ - Thursday, November 22, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke on Tuesday urged Congress and the Obama administration to strike a budget deal to avert tax increases and spending cuts that could trigger a recession next year.

58. 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.

59. Bernanke: Banks’ Standards Hurting Economy - Friday, November 16, 2012

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says banks’ overly tight lending standards may be holding back the U.S. economy by preventing creditworthy borrowers from buying homes.

Bernanke says some tightening of credit standards was needed after the 2008 financial crisis. But he says “the pendulum has swung too far the other way.” He says some qualified borrowers are being prevented from getting home loans.

60. Fed Minutes Suggest New Bond-Buying Plan is Likely - Thursday, November 15, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve will likely announce a new bond buying program in December to try to spur job growth.

The purchases would be intended to lower long-term borrowing rates to encourage spending and strengthen the economy. The hope is that more hiring would follow.

61. 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.

62. Rhodes, University of Memphis Students Organize Syria Benefit - Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A group of students from Rhodes College and the University of Memphis have organized a music fundraiser to benefit Syrian refugees.

“Sound Out for Syria” is happening Saturday, Nov. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Hi-Tone Café, 1913 Poplar Ave. The suggested donation is $10 at the door.

63. New Identity - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Every great person, every great organization and every great city is trying to be better today than they were yesterday.

That’s how Nancy Coffee puts it in describing the motivation behind the new name that’s been chosen for the nonprofit group she’s the president and CEO of – the New Memphis Institute, which used to be known as the Leadership Academy.

64. Beneficial Watch Party - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Last week we shared the exciting news that “Memphis Rocks” is now a category at the 14th annual Memphis International Film & Music Festival, taking place April 25-28, 2013. This gives us a catch-all category and platform to share our perspectives on what makes Memphis great and to showcase the amazing work you, your company, nonprofit, or school are doing in the community. This week, with football season in high gear and basketball season tipping off, let us revisit one of the original thoughts that kicked off this “Giving Back” column more than two years ago: the power of hosting a “beneficial watch party.”

65. Grizz Bench, Outside Shooting Hitting Stride - Friday, October 26, 2012

Don’t make too much of the preseason. That’s a mantra that has been well-tested. But also, don’t make too little of the preseason.

The Memphis Grizzlies finally addressed their need for more outside shooting – enter Wayne Ellington – and a viable backup point guard – welcome Jerryd Bayless. Through the team’s first seven preseason games, the newcomers have been adjusting to their new team and the team has been adjusting to them. The final preseason game, on Friday, Oct. 26, will bear no resemblance to what is to come in the regular season because Coach Lionel Hollins has said he’s giving the team’s key players the night off, or at least most of the night off.

66. Buffett Says US Economy Still Inching Ahead - Thursday, October 25, 2012

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Billionaire investor Warren Buffett said Wednesday that the global economy is definitely slowing because of continued problems in Europe and the decline in Asia.

But he said that the U.S. economy is still improving modestly and business will improve regardless of who wins the presidential election.

67. Steenhuis to Host Benefit Art Show - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Artist Jill Steenhuis will be hosting a reception, exhibition and sale of paintings and other works on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to noon at the Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road.

68. Art City - Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Artists Colleen Couch-Smith and Kelly Lindsey of Memphis are the creative minds behind Rock Paper Scissors (indielamps.com), offering lamps distinctive enough to double as illuminated art.

69. 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.

70. Events - Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Memphis Association of Law and Business will host a lecture by Christine Richards, executive vice president of general counsel at FedEx, Tuesday, Oct. 16, at noon in the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Wade Auditorium, 1 N. Front St. Visit memphis.edu/law for details.

71. Baker Donelson Chief Wins Law360 Honor - Monday, October 15, 2012

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC chairman and CEO Ben Adams has been named one of the 10 “Most Innovative Managing Partners in the Country” by Law360, a national newswire for business lawyers.

72. Redbirds General Manager Weiss Named PCL Executive of the Year - Friday, October 12, 2012

Growing up outside Philadelphia, Ben Weiss rooted for the home teams – Phillies, Flyers, Eagles and 76ers. But his strongest memories aren’t of games won and lost, of home runs hit or touchdowns scored.

73. Volunteer Spirit - Friday, October 12, 2012

We volunteer. Those two words comprise this particular radio station’s independent streak and listener-supported ethos, which traces its beginning to 1976 and to the days of vinyl and reel-to-reel tapes.

74. Launch of Quantitative Easing Risks Economic Sustainability - Monday, October 08, 2012

On Sept. 13 Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke committed to open-ended, limitless “quantitative easing,” or printing money out of thin air.

This announcement comes after two rounds of similar money printing: QE1 in 2009 and QE2 in 2010, both of which were intended to shock the economy into recovery.

75. Easy Money - Monday, October 08, 2012

When the Federal Reserve announced a few weeks ago its newest – i.e., third – round of quantitative easing intended to once again try to juice a sluggish economy, an employee of FTN Financial couldn’t resist a metaphor for the Fed’s open-ended commitment.

76. Fed Chose Mortgage Bonds to Bolster Housing Gains - Friday, October 05, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve structured its latest stimulus program around the purchase of mortgage bonds after members agreed that helping a nascent housing recovery was a good way to lift the broader economy.

77. Bernanke Makes Defense of Fed Rate Policies - Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Chairman Ben Bernanke offered a sharp defense Monday, Oct. 1, of the Federal Reserve’s bold policies to stimulate the weak economy, while cautioning Congress to respect its private discussions.

78. Fieldstone Apartments Files $9 Million Loan - Tuesday, October 02, 2012

Fieldstone Apartments III LLC – an affiliate of Michael Lightman Realty Co. – has filed a nearly $9 million loan through SunTrust Banks Inc. for land that will become a new apartment phase.

79. Mississippi Gets Funds to Keep Up With Jobless Benefits - Monday, October 01, 2012

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The U.S. Department of Labor has given the state of Mississippi $2.5 million to prevent and detect improper unemployment insurance benefits.

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., says the program will help the state better track payments and update computer systems.

80. 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.

81. US Unemployment Claims Fell Last Week to 382,000 - Friday, September 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell only slightly last week to a seasonally adjusted 382,000. The level suggests hiring remains weak.

The Labor Department said Thursday that applications declined by 3,000 from the previous week, which was revised up. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, rose for the fifth straight week to 377,750, the highest level in nearly three months.

82. Measure of Future US Activity Falls - Friday, September 21, 2012

A measure of U.S. economic activity declined in August for the second time in three months, suggesting the economy remains weak.

The Conference Board says its index of leading indicators, designed to forecast future economic activity, dipped 0.1 percent in August after rising 0.5 percent in July and dropping 0.5 percent in June.

83. Massage Envy Event Benefits Arthritis Foundation - Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Arthritis Foundation and Massage Envy have teamed up to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis.

On Wednesday, Sept. 19, Massage Envy clinics in Memphis will donate $10 from every one-hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation.

84. Examining Unknowns, Certainties - Wednesday, September 19, 2012

US Fed = Yes, ECB = Yes, US Government = Maybe, China = Unknown Last week’s announcement of “unlimited” easing from the U.S. Fed combined with the “unlimited” easing announcement by the European Central Bank extended the global rally in everything but Treasuries.

85. 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.

86. Hurricane Isaac Sends US Jobless Claims Up to 382,000 - Friday, September 14, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits jumped to the highest level in two months, although the figures were skewed in part by Hurricane Isaac.

Applications increased by 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 382,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. That's up from 367,000 the previous week. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased for the fourth straight week to 375,000.

87. The Heart Beats - Friday, September 14, 2012

THE HEART BEATS. AGAIN. A lifetime ago, screwdrivers with lifetime guarantees came from an art moderne castle, and screwdrivers with orange juice came from the only other Friday’s outside of Manhattan.

88. 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.

89. 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.

90. Polo for Preservation to Benefit Memphis Heritage - Thursday, September 06, 2012

Memphis Heritage Inc. will join forces with The Memphis Polo Club to host the second annual Polo for Preservation, a benefit for Mid-South preservation efforts, on Saturday, Sept. 8.

91. Pickups Drive US Auto Sales in August - Wednesday, September 05, 2012

DETROIT (AP) – Strong pickup demand fueled a big jump in U.S. auto sales last month.

GM's August U.S. sales rose 10 percent compared with a year earlier, while Ford's rose 13 percent and Chrysler's 14 percent.

92. 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.

93. 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."

94. Tennessee Starting to Benefit From Foreclosure Settlement - Friday, August 31, 2012

Tennessee homeowners have received more than $36 million in relief from March 1 through June 30 as part of a nationwide settlement reached with the country’s five big mortgage servicers.

That’s according to the office of Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper. The relief is in the form of loan modifications, refinances and facilitated short sales.

95. Midtown Gears Up for Largest Rock for Love Benefit - Friday, August 31, 2012

From Overton Square to the Hi-Tone Cafe to the Levitt Shell, Midtown Memphis is gearing up to “Rock for Love.”

Now in its sixth year, the annual music-based fundraiser for Memphis’ Church Health Center – the nation’s largest faith-based health care ministry for working, uninsured people and their families – will take place over a four-day period from Thursday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 9.

96. 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.

97. 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.

98. Dollar Little Changed Ahead of Bernanke Speech - Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The dollar is moving in tight ranges against other major currencies in light trading. Traders are looking ahead to a speech later this week by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

On Friday, Bernanke is giving his annual speech on monetary policy from Jackson Hole, Wyo. Traders will be watching for hints that the central bank will take additional steps to help the U.S. economy.

99. McDonald’s Buys Lamar Retail Center for $850,000 - Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2342 Lamar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38114

Sale Amount: $850,000

Sale Date: Aug. 17, 2012

100. Benevere Fills Pharmacy Niche By Compounding Medicines - Monday, August 27, 2012

After his father was diagnosed with diabetes, Brett Wright – wanting to better understand treatment for the disease and a way to help patients like his father – decided to enroll at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy in Memphis.