By MIKE GLOVER / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry says he does not intend to apologize for describing his critics in the Republican Party as “the most crooked … lying group I’ve ever seen.” At the Capitol for meetings Thursday with congressional Democrats, Republican lawmakers called on the Massachusetts…

By LIZ SIDOTI / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — On the air for just a week, President Bush launches the first negative television ads of his re-election campaign on Friday, accusing Democratic rival John Kerry of being “wrong on taxes” and “wrong on defense.” The toughest of the two new ads names Kerry and…

Morrison resident and Warren County native Regina Leftrict Williams, 49, died March 10 at River Park Hospital.A factory worker, a former employee of Morrison School and a member of the Church of Christ at Hiawassee, she was the daughter of the late Charles (Charlie) and Agnes Smartt Leftrict; and was preceded in death by brother,…

McMinnville resident and DeKalb County native Frankie Hobson Yager Grizzell, 105, died March 11 after an extended illness.The widow of former McMinnville Mayor E.N. Yager Jr., and jeweler Robert Grizzell, she was the last surviving child of the late J.E. and Mary Lee Reynolds Hobson. She was preceded in death by brothers, Wilson, Thurman, Jesse,…

Anna Lora Deweese, 94, died March 9.A charter member of Plainview FWB Church, she was the daughter of the late Ed and Maggie Evans, and was preceded in death seven brothers, Isom, Winton, Robert, Howard, Lewis, James (Dock) and John Evans; her husband, Ben Deweese; and daughter, Anna Ben Deweese.She is survived by sons and…

NEW YORK (AP) — What will TV be like a decade from now? For starters, “Law & Order,” featuring 78-year-old Jerry Orbach as Detective Lennie Briscoe, will be midway through its 24th season. Another thing: Customized viewing will be the rule of thumb. You’ll have far more control than just watching the shows you want…

By MARY DALRYMPLE / AP Tax Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The IRS increased its audits of individuals and couples making more than $100,000 last year, but even high-income taxpayers faced low odds of being called upon to document their expenses and deductions. Audits of taxpayers who earned $100,000 or more increased 24 percent between 2002…

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER / AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Thursday that tax increases probably will be needed in combination with benefit cuts to close the massive funding gap faced by Social Security. For the good of the economy, he said, Congress needs to get most of the savings…

The March Artist of the Month at the Sam Davis Home Museum Store is Allen Ragland of Murfreesboro. Ragland is a tin smith who makes decorative items such as chandeliers as well as everyday items such as cups, bowls and coffee pots. His work will be on display in the Sam Davis Museum Store until…