WASHINGTON: Gloria Dittus opened Story Partners, a public affairs firm, in January. Known for founding Dittus Communications (now FD Dittus) and Direct Impact, Dittus left her position as president and CEO of FD Dittus in May 2009.

NEW YORK: Tupperware Brands Corporation hosted a publicity event March 18 with NFL player Reggie Bush and Twilight actor Peter Facinelli showcasing its products as guy-friendly.

DALLAS: Blockbuster consulted with Pierpont Communications this week as the entertainment chain faced media reports that it may file for bankruptcy in the near future.

SPRINGFIELD, MA: MassMutual selected Weber Shandwick as AOR for its corporate and US insurance businesses, following a competitive pitch.

SAN FRANCISCO: Virgin America is working with The CW to promote the March 24 launch of 'Fly Girls,' a reality TV series following five of the airline's female flight attendants.

CHICAGO: The Female Health Company partnered with the MAC AIDS Fund for a campaign using earned and social media to raise awareness in Washington about the female condom.

PHILADELPHIA: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) hired a real cervical cancer survivor for an awareness campaign aimed at young women.

LOS ANGELES: Animal welfare nonprofit Found Animals Foundation is launching a daily webcast called "PawdCast," as it looks to increase adoptions and serve as a resource for pet owners.

NEW YORK: Sard Verbinnen & Co. is aiding with communications surrounding Phillips-Van Heusen's (PVH) $3 billion deal to acquire the Amsterdam-based Tommy Hilfiger Group from Apax Partners.

FOSTER CITY, CA: Sony Computer Entertainment America hired Voce Communications and Access Communications to work on its PlayStation business, following a competitive review.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released its national broadband report this week, kicking off a wave of news coverage about issues like expanded access and Internet speed.

In recent months, the financial services industry - banks in particular - has stepped up its PR and marketing activities, looking to rebuild trust with a recession-worn public skeptical of its motives.