BUSINESS: In 2008, Memphis lost 13,600 jobs! State unemployment claims in December jumped 152% over last year; similar story from WMC. And Memphis unemployment rises to 6.9%.

Cigna Corporation will cut 1100 jobs nationally. WYNIT to lay off employees in Memphis. Shares of Nucor fall on analyst’s cautions. Chism Trail, a troubled grocery store chain, has its reorganisation plan rejected, but other plans may still be possible.

Hard times are good for pawn shops. New Federal requirements for mental health and addiction treatment payment and parity go into effect this year, with unknown results. Also, questions about the Federal bailout still remain.

People in Business for Wednesday, from the CA. Also, a former Memphian, Myron Gray is promoted by UPS. And other business briefs.

Methodist University Hospital: Tina McDowell is named new director of radiology.

Last Year in Review: The Flyer lists top Memphis media moments.

The Inauguration: Fox13 talks with Maxine Smith about civil rights and the Obama election. Mississippi woman counting the days until she goes to the inauguration. Obama team add a ‘Youth Ball’ to the festivities. A history buff wants to be a part of a ‘historical event’.

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority: A study of the airport’s economic effect has been commissioned. In a related story, the trustee sale of the former Clarion Hotel brought $2.5 million.

Elvis Presley Enterprises: Even in the bad tourism and financial markets, The King is still TCB. In a related story, George Klein, long-time Elvis booster, was injured in a car accident.

Shelby County: Four simple changes could save the area $1.3 billion annually? More errors in the voter rolls, via WMC. Although the County’s pension fund has lost 40% of its value, it is still in good shape?

Beale Street: The ‘Queen of Beale Street’, Ruby Wilson, suffered a mild stroke. She is expected to make a quick recovery.

Mayor Willie Herenton: The Commercial Appeal’s series on Memphis’ Mayor continues with Chapter 7, the difficult years of contention as mayor. The Commercial Appeal’s previous chapters: his early life, the sex scandal; his first mayoral triumph; and the long years of mixed mayoral success; the Yalanda McFadgon flap; and the public perception of the mayor, via the media, changes.

Series homepage is here, with links to all chapters, including those not yet published.

USA Stadium: A ‘byzantine’ series of deals may keep the stadium open. Also, Millington mayor Richard Hodges institutes a ‘no door’ policy as mayor.

Germantown: Nottaway Planned Community becomes a gated community. Also, discussion continues on a possible Charitable Foundation established by the city.

Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth: a report from the open forum to discuss the Gaza offensive by Israel.

POLITICS: Harold Ford Jr doesn’t pass over a possible run for TN governor! Will Memphis get a piece of the Federal pork pie in the new Obama administration?

MISSISSIPPI: Robert Khayat is retiring as the University of Mississippi’s chancellor. More from WMC.

Memphis Crime: Shelby County deputies are targeting SE Shelby for increased attention. Eyewitness News lists the ‘hottest’ ZIP codes for home burglaries. Changes to citizen review and complaint process promised after MPD audit. Banning the downtown sales of single beers to help curb crime? Via WREG, Police Director Larry Godwin stumping for new laws and new recruits.

TENNESSEE: Lawmakers may take up lowering the food sales tax. University of TN committee discussing ways to save money and meet budget; more from the Daily News. Appraisal maps for the I-269 corridor are complete and acquisitions can begin; more from the Daily News.

Tax Season: It’s coming and Eyewitness News offers some tax tips.

Memphis City Schools: Whither Chimneyrock Elementary school?

DeSoto County: Residential building permits hit a ten year low. Olive Branch aldermen vote to support local hospital.

Radio Sweethearts: One NPR program really likes Barack Obama!

Gilmore Girl Goes Memphis: Someone is a Pittsburgh Panthers fan.

theology & geometry: A surprising laundry find.

Long Tall Animals: She finds herself slowing down a little.

what would you ax it? He seembles a bizarre line-up of drinks and prepares to taste-test them all. Lots of photos!

Commercial Appeal: Saying goodbye to Ole Miss’ Khayat. Deriding the No Child Left Behind Act.

Running With Dice: Technology can lead to some really weird problems.

Smart City Memphis: Consolidation comes ’round again.

Fore Left! Thoughts on several Obama Cabinet appointees.

Complacencies of the Peignoir: Loving an ailing, aging dog.

Commontaries: Noting the similarities between the Bush and Obama administrations, so far.

Buck’s Blog: Counting off the steps.

Rabbi Micah Greenstein: The terror and uncertainty of life at the point of Hamas’ rockets.

bitter/books: A mildly disturbing thrift store find and then he becomes a golfer.

a field guide to urban memphis: Surprise at a Memphis schools decision.

55-40 Memphis: A pair of thoughts on the root of the mortgage crisis, here and here.