WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court ruled Monday that deals between pharmaceutical corporations and their generic drug competitors, which government officials say keep cheaper forms of medicine off the market, can be sometimes be illegal and therefore challenged in court.

2. Court Says Human Genes Cannot be Patented - Friday, June 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that companies cannot patent parts of naturally-occurring human genes, a decision with the potential to profoundly affect the emerging and lucrative medical and biotechnology industries.

3. Airlines' On-Time Performance Falls, US Says - Friday, June 14, 2013

The nation's airlines struggled to stay on schedule in April, with nearly one in four flights arriving late, according to new government figures.

The airlines blamed furloughs of federal air traffic controllers and bad weather. A nationwide computer outage at American Airlines added to the slowdown.

4. Unpaid Internships in Jeopardy After Court Ruling - Friday, June 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Unpaid internships have long been a path of opportunity for students and recent grads looking to get a foot in the door in the entertainment, publishing and other prominent industries, even if it takes a generous subsidy from Mom and Dad.

5. City’s Latest Dishcrawl Comes Downtown - Friday, June 14, 2013

Memphians have proven to be hungry for the dish crawl concept – a way for foodies to explore multiple restaurants in one night.

Founded in 2010 by Tracey Lee of San Jose, Calif., Dishcrawl quickly spread nationwide to cities like New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, Montreal and Toronto. The initiative launched in Memphis earlier this year, with the first Memphis Dishcrawl in February in Cooper-Young selling out right away, necessitating the addition of a second night, which sold out too.

6. Boehner Says He Will Support Farm Bill - Thursday, June 13, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker John Boehner says he will vote for a wide-ranging farm bill headed to the House floor this month, a major boost for the five year, half-trillion dollar legislation that stalled in the House last year.

7. Small Businesses are Hiring Again, But Cautiously - Thursday, June 13, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Nina Vaca is interviewing job applicants at her staffing company again after putting hiring on hold at the end of last year.

Vaca expects to hire more than 50 people for her firm, Pinnacle Technical Resources, by the end of 2013. Demand is soaring for the high-tech temporary workers it places at large corporations. The reason for her caution: Months of uncertainty about federal taxes and budget cuts has disappeared.

8. Convert Web Traffic to Sales - Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Every brand needs a Web presence to survive in the digital age, but how do you know that Web investment is actually performing?

The answer begins by shifting your focus from simply generating more traffic to generating more traffic that converts to actual business. Traffic that doesn’t convert has little value.

9. American, US Airways Name Post-Merger Leadership - Tuesday, June 11, 2013

DALLAS (AP) – The new American Airlines will have more top executives from smaller but more successful US Airways than from the current American.

Five US Airways executives will follow their current CEO, Doug Parker, when he takes control after the airlines complete their proposed merger. Three executives from American parent AMR Corp. were named to the new company's leadership team.

10. Putting On for Their City - Monday, June 10, 2013

It started about a year ago, with two friends who wanted some upbeat, fun threads to wear to Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis basketball games.

From that, Leslie Skelton and Ian Lemmonds turned their basketball superfandom into a business – Hoop City Memphis.

11. Obama Pushes Plan for Fast Internet in US Schools - Friday, June 07, 2013

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) – Touting the need to give every child the tools for success, President Barack Obama on Thursday toured a North Carolina school where every student has a laptop and called for 99 percent of American students to be connected to super-fast Internet within five years.

12. AP Survey: Economists See No Stock Market Bubble - Friday, June 07, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A debate is raging among investors and analysts: Has the Federal Reserve inflated a stock market bubble by driving interest rates to record lows?

The answer, according to economists surveyed by The Associated Press: No.

13. Watchdog: IRS Enjoy Luxury Rooms at Conference - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Already under siege, the Internal Revenue Service was cited by a government watchdog for a $4.1 million training conference featuring luxury rooms and free drinks, even as conservative figures told Congress Tuesday they had been abused for years while seeking tax-exempt status.

14. Senate Introduces No Child Left Behind Successor - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The one-sized-fits-all national requirements of No Child Left Behind would give way to standards that states write for themselves under legislation Senate Democrats announced Tuesday.

15. Obama Nominates 3 to Appeals Court, Testing GOP - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Opening a summer showdown with Congress, a combative President Barack Obama nominated three judges to a powerful appellate court Tuesday and challenged Republicans to stop the "political obstruction" holding up his nominees.

16. Gender Matters in Advertising - Wednesday, June 05, 2013

While the gender divide among men and women continues to narrow in regard to workforce equality, recent research from Nielsen NeuroFocus, reported by TechVibes, uncovers significant differences in the way men and women think and make purchase decisions. In fact, the mere manner in which the two genders process information is fundamentally different.

17. New IRS Head Says Taxpayers No Longer Trust Agency - Tuesday, June 04, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – His agency under relentless fire, the new head of the Internal Revenue Service acknowledged to Congress on Monday that American taxpayers no longer trust the IRS amid a growing number of scandals – from the targeting of conservative political groups to lavish spending on employee conferences.

18. The Secret Of Instant Rapport - Wednesday, May 29, 2013

People buy from those they like and trust, often regardless of the strength of the sales pitch or quality of the products and services. That’s reality. The challenge for sales professionals is to master the art of instant rapport with someone you may be meeting for the very first time versus leaving it to chance.

19. Some Unions Now Angry About Health Care Overhaul - Monday, May 27, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – When President Barack Obama pushed his health care overhaul plan through Congress, he counted labor unions among his strongest supporters.

But some unions leaders have grown frustrated and angry about what they say are unexpected consequences of the new law – problems that they say could jeopardize the health benefits offered to millions of their members.

20. Summer Travel Forecast: Better, but No Blowout - Monday, May 27, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – This summer, high rollers are flying to lavish hot spots for their vacations. The rest of us are driving to less luxurious places like nearby campgrounds.

The good news: At some U.S. campgrounds these days you get live bands, air guitar contests and chocolate pudding slip 'n slides.

21. Birth Control Coverage Up for Federal Appeal - Friday, May 24, 2013

DENVER (AP) – In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is asking a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that includes access to the morning-after pill.

22. House Backs Variable Rate Student Loans - Friday, May 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Dismissing a veto threat from President Barack Obama, lawmakers in the Republican-led House approved legislation that links student loan rates to the ups and downs of the financial markets.

23. Between Economy and Trouble, Obama Approval Steady - Friday, May 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economy is recovering, the White House is dealing with multiple controversies, and President Barack Obama appears generally unaffected either way.

He's getting no significant uptick in approval from gains in housing, jobs and the stock market. Likewise, he has so far seen no downtick from the recent storms over the terror attack in Benghazi, Libya, the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS and a leak investigation that has swept up the phone records of Associated Press journalists.

24. Beebe: Working Quickly to Pick New Arkansas Treasurer - Thursday, May 23, 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday he hopes to name a replacement in the next several days for the state treasurer, who resigned over accusations she took cash bribes from a bond broker.

25. Boosting Email Newsletter Results - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

These days most businesses invest in e-newsletter campaigns, but few realize a return on that significant time investment. Developing a results-driven email newsletter strategy is more of a science than an art, as technological advancements provide a wealth of information about what readers want.

26. A Year After IPO, Facebook Aims to be Ad Colossus - Monday, May 20, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – It was supposed to be our IPO, the people's public offering.

Facebook, the brainchild of a young CEO who sauntered into Wall Street meetings in a hoodie, was going to be bigger than Amazon, bigger than McDonald's, bigger than Coca-Cola. And it was all made possible by our friendships, photos and family ties.

27. Senate Confirms Physicist Moniz as Energy Chief - Friday, May 17, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Physicist Ernest Moniz won unanimous Senate confirmation Thursday to be the nation's new energy secretary.

Moniz, 68, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, replaces Steven Chu, who served as Energy secretary in President Barack Obama's first term. Moniz served as an energy undersecretary in the Clinton administration.

28. Obama: No Special Prosecutor to Investigate IRS - Friday, May 17, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama dismissed the idea of a special prosecutor to investigate the Internal Revenue Service Thursday, saying probes by Congress and the Justice Department should be able to figure out who was responsible for improperly targeting tea party groups when they applied for tax-exempt status.

29. Grizz Win With Tony Being Tony - Friday, May 17, 2013

Had things turned out differently, we would know too well Rule 12, Section V, item a, from the NBA rulebook:

“An official may assess a technical foul, without prior warning, at any time. A technical foul (s) may be assessed to any player on the court or anyone seated on the bench for conduct, which in the opinion of the official, is detrimental to the game. The technical foul must be charged to an individual.”

30. Grizz Claw Into Conference Finals - Thursday, May 16, 2013

His team had just overcome a 17-point first-half deficit and beaten Oklahoma City in overtime to win Game 4 and take a commanding 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series. So someone asked Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins if he was impressed.

31. House Panel Set to OK Cut in Food Stamp Program - Thursday, May 16, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A House committee rebuffed Democratic efforts Wednesday to keep the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program whole, as debate on the farm bill turned into a theological discourse on helping the poor.

32. Holder: Potential Civil Rights Violations at IRS - Thursday, May 16, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The FBI's criminal investigation of the Internal Revenue Service could include potential civil rights violations, false statements and potential violations of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in some partisan political activities, Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday.

33. RIM Unveils Cheaper BlackBerry - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Research In Motion unveiled a lower-cost BlackBerry aimed at consumers in emerging markets on Tuesday, and said it will offer its once-popular BlackBerry Messenger service on iPhones and devices running Google's Android software.

34. Justice Department to Investigate IRS Targeting of Tea Party - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department is opening a criminal investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of tea party groups for extra scrutiny over whether they qualified for tax exempt status, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.

35. Obama Says He Won't Tolerate Political Bias at IRS - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – When members of Congress repeatedly raised concerns with the Internal Revenue Service about complaints that Tea Party groups were being harassed last year, a deputy IRS commissioner took the lead in assuring lawmakers that the additional scrutiny was a legitimate part of the screening process.

36. A Fond Farewell for Now - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Hard to believe, but almost three years has passed since I wrote the first “Giving Back” column in 2010. Credit goes to James Overstreet, associate publisher of The Daily News, who pulled me aside one day and asked if I had ever thought about sharing my ideas and some of our Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club philanthropic efforts with a broader audience. What started as an idea to share helpful tips, quickly evolved into a pipeline for positive stories, a spotlight for local nonprofits, and an avenue to provide easy ways to get more engaged in our community.

37. IRS Apologizes for Targeting Tea Party Groups - Monday, May 13, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Internal Revenue Service apologized Friday for what it acknowledged was "inappropriate" targeting of conservative political groups during the 2012 election to see if they were violating their tax-exempt status.

38. US Medicine Spending Shows Rare Dip in 2012 - Friday, May 10, 2013

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – Spending on prescription medicines in the U.S. fell for the first time in decades last year, slipping as cash-strapped consumers continued to cut back on use of health care services.

39. GOP Boycotts Health Care Advisory Board - Friday, May 10, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – House and Senate Republican leaders told President Barack Obama Thursday that they will refuse to nominate candidates to serve on an advisory board that is to play a role in holding down Medicare costs under the new health care act.

40. Memphis Means Grizzlies – Got It? - Friday, May 10, 2013

It’s funny the things you take for granted when you’re in the middle of them. Like, well, everything connected to this thrilling Grizzlies playoff run, including the characters and the language that have become part of the city’s core.

41. Reality TV's New Stars: Small Businesses - Thursday, May 09, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – There's no business like small business.

Mix the high stakes of running a small business with a dash of family drama and throw in a camera crew and you get hit reality television shows such as "Pawn Stars," ''Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" and "Duck Dynasty."

42. Internet Sales Tax Bill Faces Tough Sell in House - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Traditional retailers and cash-strapped states face a tough sell in the House as they lobby Congress to limit tax-free shopping on the Internet.

The Senate voted 69 to 27 Monday to pass a bill that empowers states to collect sales taxes from Internet purchases. Under the bill, states could require out-of-state retailers to collect sales taxes when they sell products over the Internet, in catalogs, and through radio and TV ads. The sales taxes would be sent to the states where a shopper lives.

43. Appeals Court Strikes Down Union Poster Rule - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – In another blow to the nation's dwindling labor unions, an appeals court on Tuesday struck down a federal rule that would have required millions of businesses to put up posters informing workers of their right to form a union.

44. Assumptions That Cost You Sales - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Good sales professionals are subject matter experts on the products and services they sell. This expertise inevitably creates a few blind spots. When you feel like you’ve seen it all – every prospect response, motivation and objection – it’s easy to occasionally jump to the wrong conclusion. Ensure bad assumptions don’t deter your selling efforts by watching out for the following most common.

45. Senate Bill Lets States Tax Internet Purchases - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Attention online shoppers: The days of tax-free shopping on the Internet may soon end for many of you.

The Senate is scheduled to vote Monday on a bill that would empower states to collect sales taxes for purchases made over the Internet. The measure is expected to pass because it has already survived three procedural votes. But it faces opposition in the House, where some Republicans regard it as a tax increase. A broad coalition of retailers is lobbying in favor of it.

46. Engaging Employees in the Community - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

This week, let us extend the Giving Back conversation by exploring ways that a company can provide incentives to encourage employees to volunteer with nonprofits and get more engaged in the community.

47. Obama Nominates Pritzker, Froman for Economic Jobs - Friday, May 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Thursday chose two old friends with corporate executive experience for top posts on his economic team, naming longtime fundraiser Penny Pritzker as Commerce secretary and adviser Michael Froman as U.S. Trade Representative.

48. Congressman, Former Lobbyist Get Housing, FCC Nods - Thursday, May 02, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Wednesday tapped a veteran Democratic congressman to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a top fundraiser and former lobbyist to head up the Federal Communications Commission.

49. Brighter View on Jobs and Pay Lifts US Confidence - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans are more optimistic the job market is healing and will deliver higher pay later this year. That brighter outlook, along with rising home prices, cheaper gasoline and a surging stock market, could offset some of the drag from the recent tax increases and government spending cuts.

50. Time Management Secrets for Sales Pros - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I’ve never met a sales person worth his weight who feels as though he has free time during the workday. Time is definitely a luxury for motivated sales professionals. After all, there are typically infinitely more prospects to call on than we have hours in the day. That’s why the most successful in sales are masters of their schedule, rather than slaves to it.

51. Data Facts Leading by Example - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last week we highlighted Friends For Life Corp., which is an organization helping people affected by HIV/AIDS to live well. This week let us discuss an important trend in corporate philanthropy and spotlight a local company leading by example.

52. Obama Taps Foxx to Run Transportation Department - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Monday tapped rising Democratic politician Anthony Foxx to lead the Department of Transportation, an agency at the center of Washington's fiscal fights.

53. Internet Sales Tax Bill to Hit Roadblock in House - Monday, April 29, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A bill to require Internet shoppers to pay sales taxes for online purchases may be cruising through the Senate but it will soon hit a roadblock in the House.

"There's a lot of political difficulty getting through the fog of it looking like a tax increase," said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., one of the main sponsors of the bill in the House.

54. Few Senators Block Vote on Internet Sales Tax Bill - Friday, April 26, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A handful of senators from states without sales taxes are blocking a bill that would tax Internet purchases.

They don't have enough support to kill the bill, but they can delay a final vote until Friday – or even this weekend – if senators don't reach an agreement to vote earlier.

55. US Options Exchange Reopens After Half-Day Outage - Friday, April 26, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Trading on the biggest exchange for financial options resumed Thursday following an outage caused by software problems.

The Chicago Board Options Exchange reopened at 12:50 p.m. Eastern time after being closed from the start of the trading day. The shutdown forced traders to scramble for alternatives.

56. ‘Old School’ Gasol Feted As League’s Top Defender - Friday, April 26, 2013

The NBA’s new Defensive Player of the Year was remembering another ceremony, more than a decade ago at The Pyramid.

“I was just a little kid watching my older brother be happy to be recognized,” center Marc Gasol said.

57. House GOP Gears Up for Debt Showdown This Summer - Thursday, April 25, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Get ready for another debt showdown this summer. House Republicans are preparing for one.

The House Ways and Means Committee passed a bill Wednesday to protect Social Security recipients and investors in Treasury bonds if the government hits the limit of its borrowing authority.

58. Don’t Let Zeal Kill the Sale - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Passion is a vital skill for entrepreneurs, but did you know it can actually kill a sales call? While it may seem counterintuitive, an overzealous spirit can simply overwhelm a prospect.

While asking for the sale is an essential selling skill, you have to earn the right to ask by first building trust with your prospect. While you’ll never land a sale if you don’t ask, sales is a process versus a question. If your enthusiasm gets the better of you, and you ask too soon, you’ll certainly get an answer – just not the one you want.

59. 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.

60. Dining Out for Life - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Last week we discussed the Memphis Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which is focused on making a positive, and eternal, impact in the arena of athletics. This week let us explore an organization with the mission of helping people affected by HIV/AIDS live well: Friends For Life Corp.

61. Poll: Public Pessimism on Economy is Increasing - Monday, April 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – For the third year in a row, the nation's economic recovery has hit a springtime soft spot. Reflecting that weakness, only 1 in 4 Americans now expects his or her own financial situation to improve over the next year, a new Associated Press-GfK poll shows.

62. Hazlett Touts City’s Positives to World - Friday, April 19, 2013

Bob Hazlett, director of online marketing at the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, is a proudly converted Memphian who promotes the city as a travel destination.

“I feel that if we can get someone to come to Memphis, they fall in love with the city,” Hazlett said. “I’ve lived in a couple of different places, and I think that for all of the bad things that are said about Memphis, there are so many positive things that are going on. It’s not a rhinestone, but it is a diamond in the rough. If you seek things out, the city will reveal itself to you.”

63. You Have a Nice Personality, But Does Your Brand? - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

We naturally navigate to those with interesting personalities in real life, and so it stands to reason that the same holds true in the digital world. Why, then, do so many brands come across as cold and completely void of personality when communicating through social media?

64. The Heart and Soul in Sports - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Last week we spotlighted St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is a world leader in the fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases. This week let us discuss an organization that is making a positive, and eternal, impact in the arena of athletics: the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

65. Critics Revive Past Promises to Knock Obama Budget - Friday, April 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Advocates for seniors say President Barack Obama is breaking his promise to protect Social Security, while conservatives say he is breaking his promise not to raise taxes on the middle class.

66. Airlines Lagging in On-Time Performance - Friday, April 12, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Airlines are struggling this year to get planes to the gate on time.

The government said Thursday that 80.3 percent of flights by U.S. carriers arrived on time in January and February. That's down from a record 84.9 percent during last year's storm-free winter.

67. Your Mobile Device: Friend or Foe? - Friday, April 12, 2013

Who is more important: you or a group of your fellow nonprofit volunteers or professionals? What signal are you sending when you direct your attention to your mobile device instead of the group’s discussion? If you believe the work of the organization or institution is unimportant, say so and work with your peers to restructure meetings. If not, give your attention to the business at hand. Each of you has carved out time from your busy schedules to attend the meeting: make the most of it.

68. Obama to Nominate Package of Labor Board Members - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated three candidates for full terms on the National Labor Relations Board, which has been in limbo since a federal appeals court invalidated his recess appointments to the agency.

69. 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.

70. Airline Passenger Complaints Surged in 2012 - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Airline passengers are getting grumpier, and it's little wonder.

Airlines keep shrinking the size of seats to stuff more people onto planes, those empty middle seats that once provided a little more room are now occupied and more people with tickets are being turned away because flights are overbooked.

71. St. Jude: Local Resource With Global Impact - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Last week we highlighted The Blues Foundation, which is Memphis-based and focused on the past, present and future of the music genre. This week let us spotlight the iconic Memphis institution that is a world leader in the fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

72. Facebook Unveils 'Home' for Android Phones - Friday, April 05, 2013

MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) – With its new "Home" on Android gadgets, Facebook aims to put its social network at the center of people's mobile experiences.

If users choose to download Facebook's Home software starting on April 12, the social network will become the hub of their Android smartphones. A phone from HTC that comes pre-loaded with Home will also be available starting that day, with AT&T Inc. as the carrier.

73. Social Resumes and the Job Search - Friday, April 05, 2013

As an adjunct accounting professor at the University of Memphis, I am constantly trying to prepare my students for their future. Part of that preparation is exposing the students to tools that will assist them in their search for employment.

74. Vance Albitz: A True Web Gem - Friday, April 05, 2013

Occasionally, the brilliance of an idea is captured in its name. So it is with “Gloves 4 Troops,” the brainchild of Memphis Redbirds infielder Vance Albitz.

Back in November, Albitz read about a deployed solider who said the one thing he really wished he had from back home was a baseball and a glove. Normalcy – always the goal for soldiers in harm’s way – was a game of catch. Albitz understood because as far back as he can remember, holidays at home in Torrance, Calif., meant him, his older brother and father playing catch and having a little informal BP.

75. US Service Firms Grow More Slowly, Hiring Weakens - Thursday, April 04, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Two reports Wednesday showed that U.S. service companies grew more slowly in March and private employers pulled back on hiring. The declines suggest businesses may have grown more cautious last month after federal spending cuts took effect.

76. Ark. Senate Panel Rejects Equal Rights Amendment - Wednesday, April 03, 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – A renewed effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution failed before an Arkansas state Senate panel Tuesday, after opponents said they believed the move would have unintended consequences ranging from mandatory coed bathrooms to government-funded abortions.

77. Home of the Blues – Literally - Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Last week we discussed Baptist Memorial Health Care and their collaborative community efforts, like Baptist Operation Outreach. This week let us highlight the Memphis-based organization dedicated to preserving our blues music history, supporting blues education, and ensuring the future of this uniquely American art form: The Blues Foundation.

78. Cleaner Gas Rule Would Mean Higher Price at Pump - Monday, April 01, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Obama administration's newest anti-pollution plan would ping American drivers where they wince the most: at the gas pump. That makes arguments weighing the cost against the health benefits politically potent.

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

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

80. Choose901 Celebrates One Year of Upbeat Message - Monday, April 01, 2013

One phrase has been popping up in the local social media world with increasingly frequency over the past year.

Choose901.

It refers to a campaign led by the civic group City Leadership, and it’s designed to do exactly what the name says.

81. Bank Sets $500 Million Loan Fund for Mississippi Firms - Friday, March 29, 2013

RIDGELAND, Miss. (AP) – BancorpSouth Inc. is setting aside a $500 million loan fund aimed at Mississippi businesses, saying it will work with state officials to find qualified borrowers.

82. Judge Indicates Support for American-US Airways Deal - Thursday, March 28, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – A federal bankruptcy judge signaled his support for the $11 billion merger of American Airlines and US Airways.

But Judge Sean H. Lane deferred giving his official blessing until he could further consider the timing of a severance package for outgoing American CEO Tom Horton.

83. Food Truck Alliance Grows With Rodeos - Thursday, March 28, 2013

In 2011, the Memphis City Council passed a food truck ordinance drafted by council members Jim Strickland and Shea Flinn, which allowed self-contained mobile food preparation vehicles to operate in the city of Memphis.

84. Make Memorable Impressions at Networking Events - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Find yourself attending countless networking events with little result in new business generated? It’s possible you’re just not leaving a memorable impression. But don’t take it personally. Most attendees are more focused on what they’re going to say than what you or anyone else is saying. That’s why deploying attention-grabbing strategies are essential to generating a real return on your networking time investment.

85. Partnerships Key in Baptist Operation Outreach - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Last week we highlighted the On Location: MEMPHIS International Film & Music Festival and “Memphis Rocks” category, which is a free opportunity for Memphians to submit short videos that spotlight positive perspectives about our city for a chance to see them shown on the silver screen. This week let us turn our attention to an organization that is now “well beyond a century” with a true heartbeat of giving back to the community: Baptist Memorial Health Care.

86. 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.

87. Judge Raises Free Speech Question About SEC Disclosure Rule - Monday, March 25, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A federal appeals court judge asked Friday how a new federal rule requiring publicly traded companies to disclose payments of $100,000 or more to foreign governments squares with the First Amendment's free speech protection.

88. Coffee, Beer Bar Coming Downtown - Friday, March 22, 2013

Downtown residents and visitors will soon be able to grab a cup of joe, locally brewed beer and a fresh sandwich or salad in one convenient spot.

Taylor Berger, partner in YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, and partners Mitch Buckner (of Bella Café in Pink Palace) and Daniel Flanagan (of Chiwawa, the newly opened Southern-inspired eatery near Overton Square) have signed a lease for 2,755 square feet of retail space in the ground floor of Van Vleet Flats, 122 Gayoso Ave.

89. Poll: Low-Wage Workers, Bosses at Odds on Training - Friday, March 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – As they struggle to get ahead, many low-wage workers are not taking advantage of job training or educational programs that could help them make the leap to better-paying jobs. They are often skeptical about whether such programs are even worth the trouble, a new survey shows.

90. Coffee, Beer Bar Slated for Downtown - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Downtown residents soon will be able to grab a cup of Joe, locally brewed beer and a fresh sandwich or salad in one fell swoop.

Taylor Berger, partner in YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, along with partners Mitch Buckner (of Bella Café in Pink Palace) and Daniel Flanagan (of Chiwawa, the newly opened Southern-inspired eatery near Overton Square), have signed a lease for 2,755 square feet of retail space in the ground floor of Van Vleet Flats, 122 Gayoso Ave.

91. Sales: PR’s Missing Ingredient - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

If your company’s contributions are more newsworthy than the media coverage generated, you could have a sales problem. That’s right, I said a “sales” problem.

The minimum cost of entry into a successful career in public relations is the ability to write. About 50 percent of those in the field have strong writing skills, capable of inspiring readers. Given the sheer volume of press releases crossing the average reporter’s desk each week, however, it’s clear that writing skills alone don’t land stories.

92. Obama Nominates Justice Official to Top Labor Slot - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Thomas Perez, President Barack Obama's choice for Labor secretary, has used his perch as the nation's chief civil rights enforcer to crack down on voter suppression, discrimination and police brutality.

93. Now Showing: Memphis Rocks - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Last week we discussed the importance of crafting a legacy statement to help steer your life and priorities, while affording future generations something to cherish. This week, let us re-focus on our civic pride campaign, “Memphis Rocks,” which is now featured on thousands of T-shirts being worn around the Mid-South and in various cities around the globe.

94. WKNO's Sports Files Moves to Thursdays - Monday, March 18, 2013

“Sports Files with Greg Gaston” is moving to Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. on WKNO-TV, beginning March 21.

95. 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.

96. Mudbugs in March Returns to Court Square on March 16 - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Mudbugs in March will return for the third year to Court Square in Downtown Memphis on Saturday, March 16, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The day-long festival features an authentic Louisiana crawfish boil, drink specials, twisted mac from Hard Rock Café, a gumbo contest, barbecue from 2011 Memphis in May champion Fat Side Up, and live music from The Mason Jar Fireflies and FreeWorld.

97. Cracking the Facebook Code - Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Many small businesses devote time and resources to social media presence. Utilizing social media platforms to connect with your market is no longer “savvy.” It’s expected by today’s consumer. Used effectively, it is a dream come true for marketers. Brands can increase their messaging frequency while leveraging their audience to share content virally among their own connections, creating possibilities unheard of by traditional media channels.

98. Arkansas Lawmaker Files In-State Tuition Proposal - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Some illegal immigrants would be able to pay in-state tuition rates at Arkansas colleges and universities under a proposal a state lawmaker introduced Monday that aims to provide more education opportunities for students who entered the country as children.

99. Your Legacy Statement - Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Last week we highlighted the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, which is focused on keeping homeless families together by providing free, temporary housing and the means to re-establish their independence. This week, following the recent loss of two of my family members, let us explore the importance of a legacy statement.

100. Federal Workers Brace for Furloughs - Monday, March 11, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – First there was a two-year pay freeze. Now furloughs loom, as federal agencies make personnel costs a prime target for across-the-board budget cuts that went into effect March 1. The result: anxiety and low morale in a workforce often envied for its job security.