The Obama Inauguration: A report from the Peabody Hotel inaugural party; more from WREG. Memphis was the number 8 television market for the Inauguration; more from Eyewitness News. One last report from Fox13’s Melissa Scheffler and the New Olivet Baptist Church group. A transcript of President Obama’s speech.

TENNESSEE: State tax numbers tell a grim budget tale.

BUSINESS: In tight times, people keep cars longer, and that means a booming dealer repair and maintenance business. Hilton Hotels is bringing part of its corporate HQ to Memphis! Cummins is closing a Wisconsin plant and International Paper is temporarily laying off workers in Louisiana. Wells Fargo names Darrell Harmon as regional VP for the Southeast. Williams-Sonoma is closing its Memphis distribution facility; more from Eyewitness News.

Renasant reported a 97% drop in income in 4Q! Mortgage rates rose very slightly last week. The interbank lending rate was up very slightly as well.

Both nationally and regionally, law firm acquisitions and mergers were up last year.

The Daily News has a retrospective of 2008’s commercial real estate market.

People in Business for Thursday, from the CA.

Memphis International Airport: From the Commercial Appeal, a look at how likely is Delta Air Lines to move a main hub to Memphis. More from WREG.

Service Corps of Retired Executives: They are sponsoring a seminar, “How to Successfully Manage a Small Business”, all day today.

Shelby County: Mayor Wharton pleads for Federal stimulus monies to come to area.
 

MISSISSIPPI: Legislators seek to increase penalties for DUI. Revenue from gaming taking a tumble.

Millington: After the survey, now steering committee and planners must decide on the look of Old Town.

Germantown: City balks at issuing bonds for a parking garage for Saddle Creek IV.

Main Street Journal: Two more articles from the January issue are available online. First, Mick Wright looks at resilience in tough times; then Jonathan Lindberg reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.

Already online: “Where Playhouse on the Square Is Headed” by Michael Roy Hollihan and Joe Saino’s “My Memphis Budget Wish List”.

Dr. David Patterson, a Main Street Journal contributor, was awarded the 2008 National Jewish Book Award in the category of Modern Jewish Thought and Experience.

Earthquake! A newly discovered faultline under Marianna, AR, poses a risk for a gas pipeline. More from WMC.

Christ Community Health Services: Cited by Bush administration for work on infant mortality rates, disease prevention and HIV/AIDs care.

POLITICS: Fifteen people interview for the General Sessions Division 10 judge’s position. Nashvillians vote today on two referenda: English First and voter petitions; more from WMC. The TN House has delayed committee assignments until Friday. Tight economics come to the District Attorney’s office as it will lay off some employees. Jackson Baker has a wide-ranging column on national and State politics. Reaction from the Legislature over the Speaker Williams allegations.

Crichton College: Announcement of dropping of day classes not well received. More from Fox13.

American Kennel Club: The ten most popular breeds in Memphis.

DeSoto County: Southaven Towne Center is losing three tenants at once. The Coldwater River could be added to the Greenway Project. Iraqi vet William Brooks has filed in the Southaven alderman’s race; more from WREG. County sewer usage is as expected.

Overton Park Health Care Center: Former employees not surprised at problems there.

Memphis Crime: The area around Sam Cooper Blvd. and East Parkway is seeing a spike in crime lately.

Tennessee Lottery: A review of the history and progress of the lottery, five years on.

The Gates of Memphis: Creating or finding the personality of the city.

Running With Dice: Foolishness from Comcast.

Notes From Memphis: Sea bass and black rice!

quite swimmingly: Tales of working at a gym.

Paul Ryburn’s Journal: An opening night report from the Silly Goose.

I Am Not My Hair: The story of her son’s name; lessons from the rat park; and dishing on fashions at the Golden Globe awards!

Gilmore Girl Goes Memphis: Lessons of a trail run.

Because I Said So: When home schooling and inaugurations collide.

The Mississippi River in West Tennessee: Amy’s stunning and eye-opening pictorial essay, “What’s to Love About Memphis? Everything!” A must-see.

John Branston: He dives deep into Mayor Herenton’s dealing with Justin Timberlake, Performa and Beale Street.

Friend for our Riverfront: Is a Promenade land grab underway?

Brain Release Valve: Plugging the new Craig Brewer project for MTV, $5 Cover; random thoughts on Inauguration Day; a fast fiction challenge and the first result.

Ashley la Rouge: Cleaning, reading and boxed wine.

A View From the Middle: Bringing us up to speed on his busy life!

Commercial Appeal: The proposed Mississippi River toll bridge in Tipton County demands public discussion. Also, chastising House Speaker Williams for hiding behind law in his sexual harrassment allegations.