Obama issues memo calling for more Federal contracting with small businesses
Millions in advertising spending covered by directive

The particular focus on African-American employment by the president and civil rights leaders came about because the Black jobless numbers are teetering near rates that rival Great Depression levels.

LOS ANGELES _ An official with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office says Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa does not have the authority to order the layoffs of 1,000 city employees.
In a memo circulated Friday, Chief Deputy City Attorney Bill Carter says the mayor can remove the heads of departments and people in appointed offices but he [...]