Women’s overall health in Tennessee improved to a grade of C, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement, according to the Tennessee Women’s Health Report Card.

The biannual report card, which is a collaborative effort of the Vanderbilt Institute for Medicine and Public Health, Meharry Medical College, East Tennessee State University, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the Tennessee Department of Health, provides a comprehensive look at the overall health status of the state’s more than 3 million women over a five-year span.

2. Couple Moves to Memphis to Launch Startup - Monday, May 06, 2013

Pam and Tom Cooper are the co-founders of Boosterville, a Memphis-based startup with an app that helps school fundraisers raise money by connecting them with local businesses.

3. Pilot Flying J Raid Focuses on Incentive Practices - Friday, April 19, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – When Pilot, the country's largest truck stop chain, bought its nearest competitor Flying J out of bankruptcy in 2009, federal trade officials worried the combined entity owned by the powerful Haslam family could corner the market on diesel fuel.

4. Bill Won’t Allow Student IDs for Voting - Friday, April 05, 2013

The senator who sponsored a measure to let people show student IDs to cast ballots realized it didn’t have enough votes to pass, so he instead backed a bill that doesn’t allow them to be used.

5. Senators Press to Allow Student IDs for Voting - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Senate sponsor of a bill to allow people to display student IDs to vote said Monday he plans to press ahead with the matter even through the version approved by the House would not allow the practice.

6. Bill Allowing College IDs to Vote Delayed in Senate - Friday, March 08, 2013

A proposal to allow student identification issued by state higher education institutions to be used for voting has been delayed in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro was put off for a week on Thursday to address concerns brought by another Republican lawmaker about the validity of using a college ID.

7. Bill Allowing State College IDs to Vote Advances - Wednesday, March 06, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to allow student identification issued by state higher education institutions to be used for voting is advancing in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro unanimously passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee 8-0 on Tuesday with little debate.

8. Healthy Church Challenge Tackles Obesity Epidemic - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s second annual Healthy Church Challenge 100-day weight loss competition for churches in West Tennessee is set to get under way on Saturday, Feb. 2.

This year’s challenge is anticipated to include more than 50 local churches that will get the chance to compete for cash prizes to benefit their churches and health ministries.

9. Events - Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Blues Foundation will host the 29th annual International Blues Challenge Tuesday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, Feb. 2, in Beale Street venues and other Downtown locations. Visit blues.org for a full schedule and tickets.

10. Events - Friday, January 25, 2013

Playhouse on the Square will present “Sunset Boulevard” Friday, Jan. 25, through Feb. 17 at Playhouse, 66 S. Cooper St. Visit playhouseonthesquare.org for times and tickets.

11. Events - Thursday, January 24, 2013

Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South will host a roundtable with PeopleCap Advisors principal Meg Thomas Crosby titled “The Growth and Maturity of an Organization” Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7:30 a.m. at Panera Bread, 4530 Poplar Ave., suite 101. Cost in advance is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers; cost at the door is $20. Visit sms-midsouth.org.

12. Raising Awareness - Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition continues its rollout of a new marketing campaign across the city to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and how it contributes to the overall health of the mother and child.

13. Tennessee Education Receives ‘C-’ Grade From StudentsFirst - Tuesday, January 08, 2013

StudentsFirst, the national education reform group headed by former Washington schools leader Michelle Rhee, gives the state of Tennessee a grade of “C-” on the state’s education policy so far.

It is the first-ever state policy report card issued by the group.

14. Le Bonheur Plans Obesity Research Center - Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Dr. Jon McCullers unveiled plans for a Center for Excellence in Pediatric Obesity at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital at the recent Healthy Memphis Common Table Let’s Change Summit.

The new research center will be one of the largest of its kind in the country.

15. Discovering New Paths - Wednesday, December 05, 2012

In 2009, Charity Helvie, 35, left a successful career in the investment industry to start a home-based business, MadiBella, a custom clothing boutique featuring her handmade children’s clothes and women’s accessories.

16. Retail Therapy - Monday, November 26, 2012

The retail business has been described in recent times as Darwinian in nature to those in the industry, meaning formats come and go as competition intensifies each year.

That concept is apparent in retail chains having trouble finding the best real estate for new locations as antiquated strip centers retain high vacancies. Or in the resurgence of upscale retailers, while dollar stores are simultaneously expanding at a rapid clip.

17. Planning for the Future - Monday, November 12, 2012

A few months ago, CNBC broadcaster Jim “Mad Money” Cramer all but reached up to the TV screen on his set to high-five Bryan Jordan, president, CEO and chairman of First Horizon National Corp., whose image was there via satellite.

18. Data Show Tennessee Graduation Rate Improving - Friday, November 02, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee's high school graduation rate is up and assessment tests taken by elementary and middle school students improved last year, according to data released Thursday by the Education Department.

19. High Court: Library Cards Valid at Polls - Friday, November 02, 2012

Photo library cards issued by the city of Memphis are valid identification for voting and must be accepted by the Shelby County Election Commission.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Thursday, Nov. 1, lifted a stay on an earlier Tennessee Appeals Court ruling and ordered state election officials to tell the Shelby County Election Commission to accept the library cards at the polls.

20. Supreme Court Orders Photo Library Cards Accepted At Polls - Thursday, November 01, 2012

Photo library cards issued by the city of Memphis are valid identification for voting and must be accepted by the Shelby County Election Commission.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Thursday, Nov. 1, lifted a stay on an earlier Tennessee Appeals Court ruling and ordered state election officials to tell the Shelby County Election Commission to accept the library cards at the polls.

21. Crew Training International Names Woodward Director - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Steve Woodward has joined Crew Training International as director of learning. In his new role, Woodward will manage CTI’s core learning centers, oversee professional development programs and develop metrics to measure and manage the most efficient learning systems.

22. City Sends Cease and Desist Letter in Voter ID Case - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

As national political pundits talked Tuesday, Oct. 30, about the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the Nov. 6 elections, a different kind of tempest raged between Memphis and Nashville over the state’s photo voter ID law.

23. City Sends State "Cease & Desist" Letter - Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The city of Memphis has sent a “cease and desist” letter to Tennessee Attorney General Robert Cooper demanding that his office instruct state election officials to tell local election commissioners they must accept photo library cards as valid identification to vote early.

24. Tennessee Appeals Voter ID Ruling Over Library Card - Monday, October 29, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee election officials have filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that enabled voters to use photo identification issued by the Memphis Public library at the polls.

25. Appeals Court Rules Photo Library Cards Are Voter ID - Friday, October 26, 2012

Photo library cards the city of Memphis began issuing this summer can be used as valid identification for the Nov. 6 elections.

The Tennessee Appeals Court ruled Thursday, Oct. 25, that city of Memphis photo library cards are a valid form of state issued identification for voting under terms of a 2011 Tennessee that requires photo identification in order to vote.

26. Appeals Court Rules Photo Library Cards Are Voter ID - Thursday, October 25, 2012

Photo library cards the city of Memphis began issuing this summer can be used as valid identification for the Nov. 6 elections.

The Tennessee Appeals Court ruled Thursday, Oct. 25, that city of Memphis photo library cards are a valid form of state issued identification for voting under terms of a 2011 Tennessee that requires photo identification in order to vote.

27. City Appeals Voter Identification Law Ruling - Friday, October 05, 2012

Attorneys for the city of Memphis are asking a state appeals court to make two distinct rulings on whether the state’s photo voter identification law is constitutional and whether a photo library card qualifies as valid voter identification under the law.

28. FAcademics Brings Out Best for Wide Range of Students - Monday, October 01, 2012

Students with bad grades aren’t the only ones who need a little help in school, say the owners of FAcademics, a tutoring service in Germantown.

For some, tutoring is the difference between F’s and A’s, for others it’s an increase in potential not reflected by grades.

29. Nashville Judge Upholds Photo Voter ID Law - Friday, September 28, 2012

A judge in Nashville has held Tennessee’s voter identification statute constitutional.

The Tennessean reported the ruling by Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Carol McCoy came Wednesday.

30. 10 New Defendants Part of Test Scandal Indictment - Friday, September 21, 2012

A new federal indictment in a growing teacher testing scandal alleges teachers and those who wanted to be teachers were paying thousands of dollars to an organization led by former Memphis City Schools assistant principal Clarence Mumford.

31. Solomon Shares ‘Pictures of Hope’ With Children - Thursday, September 20, 2012

Nationally recognized photojournalist and author Linda Solomon traveled to Memphis Tuesday, Sept. 18, to share her lifelong passion for photography and to encourage children from underprivileged backgrounds to follow their own hopes and dreams.

32. Free People Set to Open in Saddle Creek - Friday, September 14, 2012

Free People, a high-end women’s retailer of apparel and other items, will open at The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown on Friday, Sept. 14.

The Philadelphia-based retailer fills part of the space formerly occupied by Gap, in between the new Brighton Collectibles and Anthropologie. The location marks Free People’s second boutique in Tennessee, after a location in Nashville.

33. Free People to Open in Saddle Creek - Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Free People, a high-end women’s retailer of apparel and other items, will open at The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown on Friday, Sept. 14.

The location marks the Philadelphia-based retailer’s second boutique in Tennessee, after a location in Nashville. The 2,000-square-foot space will feature a “Blacksmith Cottage” concept, the brand’s second store with this design, and the first of its kind in the U.S.

34. Free People to Open in Saddle Creek - Thursday, September 13, 2012

Free People, a high-end women’s retailer of apparel and other items, will open at The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown on Friday, Sept. 14.

The Philadelphia-based retailer fills part of the space formerly occupied by Gap, in between the new Brighton Collectibles and Anthropologie. The location marks Free People’s second boutique in Tennessee, after a location in Nashville.

35. Regions Could Be in a Shopping Mood - Monday, September 10, 2012

The bank with the biggest customer deposit share in Tennessee – and the second biggest in Memphis – may be getting bigger soon.

That’s according to some of the analysts who follow Regions Financial Corp., the Alabama-based financial services giant that was the last of the large banks to get a green light to pay back its Troubled Asset Relief Program investment from the federal government. Regions also recently put another question mark behind it via the sale of its Memphis-based investment unit Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. to a new owner, Florida-based Raymond James Financial.

36. Judge Hints at Path of Voter ID Challenge - Friday, August 10, 2012

The Nashville federal court judge who turned down the city of Memphis’ second request to use photo library cards as voter identification said the city’s legal theories in the opening rounds of what became a larger case this week were “not a model of clarity.”

37. City Amends Voter ID Lawsuit - Thursday, August 09, 2012

The city of Memphis is now mounting a direct challenge to the state’s voter photo identification law claiming the law adds “a qualification for the right to vote” beyond what is required in the Tennessee Constitution.

38. Photo Library Card Suit Back In Court Tuesday - Tuesday, July 31, 2012

All sides in the federal court case over the city of Memphis’s photo library cards will be back in Nashville federal court ahead of schedule.

The hearing before U.S. District Court Judge Aleta Trauger that was scheduled for election day -- Thursday, Aug. 2. -- was reset for Tuesday afternoon in Nashville by Trauger when the city renewed its motion rejected by another federal judge in Nashville.

39. Election Commission Admits Ballot Problems - Thursday, July 26, 2012

Challenges to the conduct of the Aug. 2 election may have reached a peak Tuesday, July 24.

The Shelby County Election Commission admitted a “limited number” of voters in some precincts got early voting ballots that included the wrong district races.

40. City Voter ID Suit Alleges Voter Turned Away Twice - Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The city of Memphis wants a Nashville federal judge to order the state to accept photo library cards issued by the city since last month as a valid form of voting identification.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday, July 24, was expected.

41. Challenge of Voter ID Law Comes Into Focus - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The way to a court challenge of Tennessee’s voter identification law from Memphis takes a few twists and turns away from the polling place.

And while Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. as well as several attorneys outside City Hall say they are ready to make the challenge, it will depend on who is willing to not have their vote counted in the Aug. 2 elections after they present a Memphis library card as photo ID to election officials.

42. GOP Leaders Brace for Possible Voter Problems - Friday, July 13, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Republican leaders say they expect some problems may arise from recent changes in electoral procedures when early voting starts Friday in Tennessee, but they hope to have the wrinkles ironed out by the general election in November.

43. Polls Set to Open for Early Voting - Friday, July 13, 2012

Shelby County voters start deciding Friday, July 13, general election countywide races for assessor of property, General Sessions Court clerk, district attorney general and a race for a Shelby County Commission seat. The ballot also includes seven races for district seats on the countywide school board.

44. Former Principal Charged in Exam Scandal - Thursday, July 12, 2012

For 15 years Clarence Mumford, a one-time assistant principal in the Memphis City Schools system and later a teacher in Tunica County schools, allegedly helped unqualified teachers pass the PRAXIS teacher exams required to teach in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi by getting others to take the test in their names.

45. Library Cards at Root of Voter ID Challenge - Tuesday, July 10, 2012

New Memphis library cards that include a photo have become a challenge to the new state law requiring certain state-issued photo identification in order to vote.

The Memphis library system unveiled the move to the photo library cards last week with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. saying the new library cards could be used to vote starting with the upcoming Aug. 2 elections. Early voting begins Friday, July 13.

46. Dodd-Frank Could Have ‘Dire Impact’ On Economy - Monday, June 11, 2012

As banks nationwide are feeling the pressure of regulatory change like the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commercial real estate lending standards by community banks will likely remain stringent for the foreseeable future.

47. Fueling Up - Monday, May 28, 2012

If the political ads along these lines haven’t already started by the time this story is printed, don’t worry. They’ll arrive soon enough.

Somewhere out there, a Republican political strategist is cooking up an ad that hits President Barack Obama over the average price at the gas pump these days – which, while it has fallen in recent weeks, is still a lot higher than when the president took office. At press time, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $3.72 – up from a little less than $2 when George W. Bush left office.

48. Portable Banking - Monday, May 21, 2012

First Tennessee Bank is spending tens of millions of dollars at the moment on upgrades of its technology infrastructure as well as new product development.

49. Transplant Recipients, Donor Families Celebrate Life - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Mid-South organ and tissue transplant recipients and the families of donors who gave them a second chance at life will gather Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m. for a celebration of life and remembrance at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park.

50. Regions Rolls Out New Product Offerings - Monday, April 02, 2012

Regions Financial Corp., the parent of the bank that has the second largest share of customer deposits in Memphis, has now finished a companywide rollout of a new suite of products to a new set of customers.

51. Circuit, Chancery Make Move to Paperless - Thursday, March 29, 2012

The day-to-day business of Shelby County’s Circuit and Chancery courts is on the way to going paperless after more than 150 years of ink on paper.

The Circuit and Chancery courts clerks’ offices will go to electronic, or e-filing, of all court records in June.

52. Court Orders Halt Telemarketing Companies - Monday, March 05, 2012

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee attorney general's office has obtained a federal court order that temporarily halts operations of east Tennessee telemarketing companies accused of scamming consumers out of thousands of dollars.

53. Drop in Bankruptcies Belies Economic Picture - Friday, January 20, 2012

Although the total number of bankruptcies filed in Shelby County has slowly declined over the last three years, attorney Joseph Townsend with Fullen & Townsend Attorneys said fewer filings aren’t necessarily a sign that the economy is on the upswing.

54. Bluff City Coffee Inks New Space - Friday, January 20, 2012

Bluff City Coffee, the coffee and snack shop in Downtown’s South Main Historic Arts District, has recently unveiled some aggressive expansion plans.

The local eatery has leased a 3,000-square-foot kitchen in the Pembroke Building, 119 S. Main St., in the space behind the Center for Southern Folklore.

55. Analysts Expect Small Profit for Regions - Monday, January 02, 2012

The bank that controls the biggest chunk of customer deposits in Tennessee and is one of the top two in the Memphis area is likely to post a small profit for the quarter as well as the full calendar year when it reports earnings Jan. 24.

56. That's a Wrap - Monday, January 02, 2012

If the grand sweep of 2011 could be captured on celluloid and presented to an audience on the big screen, all the components of a great film would be readily apparent.

There was drama, in the form of a deluge and historic flooding that led the Mississippi River to crest at nearly 48 feet early in the year. One of the year’s big surprises saw President Barack Obama give the commencement address for the Booker T. Washington High School class of 2011 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

57. Biz Community Still Seeking Stable Ground - Thursday, December 29, 2011

Small business in 2011 was a mixed bag of serious market hurdles and fresh opportunities for innovation, depending on who you ask.

Many small businesses struggled to navigate a lackluster economy in which millions remained jobless and the outlook for consumer confidence and companies’ confidence in hiring and investing remained generally bleak.

58. Packers' Run Inspiring Titans in Playoff Chase - Wednesday, December 28, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee Titans are getting inspiration from the Green Bay Packers of a season ago in their improbable bid for the AFC's final wild-card spot.

Just as Green Bay did a year ago, the Titans (8-7) are trying to win their final two games to reach the playoffs while needing plenty help from other teams.

59. Energy Star Rebates Still Available in Tennessee - Monday, December 26, 2011

Tennessee Energy Efficiency Appliance rebates are still available for qualifying Energy Star room air conditioners, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps and gas furnaces.

Appliances purchased since April 22, 2010, are eligible for a rebate debit card on a first-come, first-served basis.

60. Key Storylines Emerge in 2011 Banking - Monday, December 26, 2011

Much of the news that came out of the local banking and financial services sectors in 2011 fell into one of three buckets.

No new fees, please.

Smaller names are doing bigger business.

And, two heads are better than one.

61. CJ Sits With Sore Ankle, Expects to Play Vs Jags - Thursday, December 22, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Chris Johnson says he originally feared he had hurt his right ankle badly, but says he expects to be able to play Saturday as Tennessee tries to keep its faint playoff hopes alive against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

62. TNC Sports Expands Product Mix, Space - Monday, December 19, 2011

Part of the experience that often goes hand in hand with packing ballparks and swarming stadiums to watch two sports teams clash is the need to keep some memento of the occasion.

It could be an oversized foam glove frozen in the “We’re No. 1” gesture, a team jersey, brightly colored license plates or something as simple as a trading card. And that’s where Mike Stramel comes in.

63. Munchak: Assuming for Now That Hasselbeck Starts - Friday, December 16, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Titans coach Mike Munchak says he is assuming Matt Hasselbeck is playing Sunday at Indianapolis until he sees otherwise. That's even though his veteran quarterback only watched practice Wednesday.

64. New Regions Services Target Unbanked - Monday, December 12, 2011

One of the biggest banks in the country is preparing to compete directly with payday lenders, check-cashing services and the like in an effort to reach consumers who don’t have a relationship with a traditional bank.

65. Memphis – With a Bow On Top - Friday, December 09, 2011

GIVE MEMPHIS TO SOMEBODY YOU LOVE. Put a polar bear and a panda under the tree. But walk them first. You really don’t want all that on the living room rug. Do this yourself; don’t ask Santa. Polar bears make reindeer skittish.

66. Tennessee Still Offering Energy Star Rebates - Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Energy Division still has more than $1 million remaining in rebates for consumers who have upgraded to a qualifying Energy Star appliance since April 22, 2010.

67. First Tennessee Bank Eliminates Debit Fees - Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Memphis-based First Tennessee Bank is the latest bank to back off new debit card fees.

First Tennessee joins Bank of America, SunTrust Banks Inc., Regions Financial and others that within the last few days all have dropped plans to implement unpopular new fees for debit card users.

68. State Issues Report Card on Teacher Effectiveness - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission issues its fourth annual report card on teacher effectiveness Tuesday, Nov. 1.

It uses data gauging the effectiveness of graduates from teacher training programs across the state. The data will reflect different data than the previous three years, as the state increases teacher effectiveness standards in keeping with the state’s First to the Top initiatives.

69. Legislators Eye Lower Lottery Prize Money, Easier Ticket Purchases - Tuesday, November 01, 2011

NASHVILLE – Some Tennessee legislators are eying a reduction in prize payouts for Tennessee lottery players while letting them buy tickets with debit or credit cards.

The proposals are among ideas that are being floated as a way to generate more money that can be used for college scholarships.

70. Events - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Center City Development Corp. board of directors will meet Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. in the Downtown Memphis Commission conference room, 114 N. Main St.

71. First Horizon’s Profit Improves in Q3 - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Between July and September, the Memphis-based parent company of First Tennessee Bank, the largest bank based in Tennessee, more than doubled its quarterly profit compared with the same period in 2010, the company announced Monday, Oct. 17.

72. First Tenn. Parent Co.’s Profit Improves in Q3 - Monday, October 17, 2011

Between July and September, the Memphis-based parent company of the largest bank based in Tennessee more than doubled its quarterly profit compared with the same period in 2010, the company announced Monday, Oct. 17.

73. Community Banks Resist Fees For Debit Cards - Monday, October 10, 2011

Community banks have always possessed a certain charm among American financial institutions, one embodied by personal touches, friendly service and fewer headaches and hassles than their bigger brethren.

74. State to Purge Noncitizen Voters From its Rolls - Wednesday, October 05, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A new law designed to curb illegal voting by noncitizen residents has gone largely unnoticed, overshadowed by Tennessee's new voter identification law.

But the state elections office will soon compare the names of more than 20,000 noncitizens who hold Tennessee driver's licenses with voter registration records. Anyone listed as a noncitizen and registered to vote will be given 30 days to present proof of citizenship or be purged from the rolls.

75. First Tennessee Joins Debit Card Fee Trend - Wednesday, October 05, 2011

When officials with the parent company of First Tennessee Bank walked through the company’s second quarter earnings in July for analysts, they noted that the implementation of stricter rules governing debit card fees would mean an annual $15 million to $20 million hit to the company’s revenue.

76. E. Coli Scare Affects Ground Beef Bought in Memphis Area - Thursday, September 29, 2011

CINCINNATI (AP) – Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. is recalling about 131,300 pounds of ground beef – including some sold in the Memphis area and other parts of The Kroger Co.’s Delta Division – because a family in Ohio fell ill after eating meat produced by the company that was contaminated with E. coli, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday.

77. March of Dimes Cooks Up Annual Chefs Auction - Friday, September 23, 2011

The Memphis chapter of the March of Dimes is gearing up for its 22nd Annual Signature Chefs Auction, a gourmet fundraiser to support the organization’s mission of improving the health of babies through the prevention of premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

78. State Consumer Officials Warn About Email Scam - Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance Consumer Affairs Division is warning about emails that request participation in a survey and promise a gift card in return.

79. Obsidian PR Preps For South Main Move - Friday, September 16, 2011

Obsidian Public Relations is relocating less than a mile from its current office, in efforts to establish a presence in the South Main Historic Arts District by having its own creative space that will allow plenty of room for growth.

80. Voter Education Gears Up Ahead of Photo ID Law - Wednesday, September 07, 2011

KNOXVILLE (AP) – Tennessee’s new law to require nearly all voters to show a photo identification card at polling places beginning next year has led state officials and interest groups to plan education campaigns before the 2012 elections.

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

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

82. TN Driver's License Offices Seek to Cut Wait Times - Tuesday, August 09, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A new requirement that Tennessee voters must have photo identification is putting more pressure on driver's license examining stations to cut wait times.

The administration of Gov. Bill Haslam is moving to improve the efficiency of the Driver Services Division of the Tennessee Department of Safety. A pilot program is under way in Davidson County and the aim is to reduce the time people wait to receive service from an average of 50 minutes to 30 minutes.

83. Affidavit: Millington Mayor Took Part in Illegal Gambling - Monday, August 08, 2011

Millington Mayor Richard Hodges was into an illegal gambling operation for more than $10,000 and the town’s police chief, Ray Douglas, watched the gambling but didn’t participate, according to an affidavit by a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agent filed Friday, Aug. 5, with the Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk’s office.

84. End of the Road - Monday, July 04, 2011

Not long after the Federal Reserve announced a controversial program in November 2010 to buy $600 billion in U.S. government securities, Tennessee’s junior senator found himself besieged by incredulous voters at a town hall meeting in Memphis.

85. End of the Road - Friday, July 01, 2011

ot long after the Federal Reserve announced a controversial program in November 2010 to buy $600 billion in U.S. government securities, Tennessee’s junior senator found himself besieged by incredulous voters at a town hall meeting in Memphis.

86. Senators Concerned by Photo ID Requirement to Vote - Thursday, June 30, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sixteen Democratic senators want the Justice Department to look into whether voting rights are being jeopardized in states that require photo identification in order for people to vote.

87. Wal-Mart Stores Cutting Gas Prices for 3 Months - Thursday, June 30, 2011

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is cutting gas prices by 10 cents a gallon for three months to help consumers worried about their spending amid a sputtering economy and busy summer travel season.

88. Local Companies Working to Navigate Economic Straits - Monday, June 13, 2011

The financial services business seems like a tough one to be in these days.

Investors have for the last few weeks treated bank stocks like the piñata of Wall Street. Bankers, attorneys and investment professionals have boiled a massive government overhaul of the country’s financial regulations down to clipped phrases like “finreg” and “Dodd-Frank” that they speak of often with a grumble or a shaking of the head.

89. Bill to Require Photo ID Headed to Governor - Monday, May 23, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A proposal that would require Tennessee voters to show photo identification before they can cast ballots is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The Senate voted 18-14 on Friday to concur with changes made by the House, including prohibiting a student from using a photo identification card issued by a college or university.

90. Burkett Leaving First Tennessee - Friday, April 29, 2011

Charles Burkett, president of banking at First Tennessee, is ending a four-decade career with the bank with his retirement at the end of this year, First Tennessee announced Wednesday.

91. Burkett Leaving First Tennessee - Thursday, April 28, 2011

Charles Burkett, president of banking at First Tennessee, is ending a four-decade career with the bank with his retirement at the end of this year, First Tennessee announced Wednesday.

92. Guide Aids Offenders On Return to Society - Thursday, April 28, 2011

When a long stretch of traveling has to be done, especially if the journey is a difficult one, a travel guide often goes hand in hand with the journey.

With that in mind, a group of attorneys who got involved with the Memphis Bar Association’s Leadership Forum have spearheaded the creation of such a guide that lists available resources for the benefit of offenders upon their release from prison.

93. Bill to Require Photo ID From Voters Passes House - Friday, April 15, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal that would require Tennessee voters to show photo identification before they can cast ballots passed the House on Thursday despite a legal opinion from the state's attorney general that the Republican-led effort would violate the Tennessee and U.S. constitutions.

94. Flea Market as Business Incubator - Monday, April 11, 2011

There are MBA programs to make you a business Jedi, business degrees to educate you, incubators to learn from other businesses. And then there is the Tennessee Flea Market. More like the Flea Mall. It opened last week and is the largest indoor flea market in Tennessee.

95. On Location: Memphis Showcases Local, International Films - Wednesday, April 06, 2011

In the business of film festivals, international films bring prestige, but local films bring dollars.

This year’s 12th annual On Location: Memphis International Film and Music Festival, Thursday through Sunday, hopes to draw on the best of both worlds.

96. Paper Unemployment Checks Being Phased Out - Monday, April 04, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Paper unemployment checks will be phased out in the state beginning Monday in West Tennessee.

A Visa debit card will be issued instead. The new procedure will begin in East Tennessee April 11 and in Middle Tennessee April 18.

97. Bank On Memphis Aims to Aid Unbanked, Underbanked - Friday, March 25, 2011

The everyday financial transactions of 45,000 Memphis households are done in cash, car title loans, money orders, third-party check cashing and payday loans.

And those “unbanked” transactions mean lost savings opportunities estimated by Federal Reserve Bank officials at $45 million locally.

98. Capwell Shares Love of Reading Through Books From Birth - Friday, March 04, 2011

After Nora Capwell’s children were born, she left her career in the financial industry to pursue volunteer work and eventually became involved with the Junior League of Memphis, a nonprofit organization of women committed to improving the Memphis community.

99. ‘Big 3’ Reflect Local Banking Scene - Monday, February 21, 2011

One of the most famous aphorisms about politics is that all of it is local. Bankers and other inhabitants of the finance world know the same often goes for them too.

In the run-up to the recession, financial services firms like Citigroup and Bank of America raced to gobble each other up and built sprawling financial supermarkets.

100. City, State Leaders Hammer Out Schools Consolidation Bill - Monday, February 07, 2011

The Tennessee Legislature begins its working session Monday evening with schools consolidation legislation the first bill on the floor for the state House and the state Senate. And if the legislation passes it will be the first bill to go to the desk of the new governor, Bill Haslam.