By MARK SHERMAN / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The Medicare program so far is resisting actions that senior organizations and state officials contend would make Medicare-approved prescription drug discount cards more accessible for low-income Americans. The government hopes to enroll around 4.5 million people who are eligible for $600 a year in low-income…

NEW YORK (AP) — The national debt clock, a billboard-size sign that reminded Manhattan passers-by of how much the government is borrowing — in trillions of dollars — has been taken down. A new high-tech digital clock will be erected a block north, just east of Times Square, the sign’s owner said Tuesday. The building…

By WILL LESTER / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — By almost a 2-1 margin, Americans prefer balancing the nation’s budget to cutting taxes, according to an Associated Press poll, even though many believe their overall tax burden has risen despite tax cuts over the past three years. About six in 10, 61 percent, chose…

By JENNIFER LOVEN / Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Giving no ground despite rising casualties, President Bush says more American troops may be heading for Iraq with authority to use decisive force in a mission that “may become more difficult before it is finished.” Bush said America’s will was being tested by violence that…

NASHVILLE (AP) — The state’s electric cooperatives and the Tennessee Valley Authority have conspired to keep rates high by failing to refund money or reduce rates, according to a federal lawsuit filed against the utilities. “They’re keeping money that belongs to their members,” said Doug Johnston of Barrett, Johnston and Parsley, one of two law…

By Dale Stubblefield Phil Mickelson’s run on the back nine at Augusta Sunday should be more memorable than his win, but it probable won’t.The man who has had a monkey on his back for the last 10 years gave the crowd something to cheer about when he birdied five of the last seven holes to…

The Warren County Middle School golf team split a home match with Sparta Thursday, with the Pioneers downing the Warriors while the Lady Pioneers came up just short.In boys play, Austin Fairchild dominated play on his home track, carding a 44 through nine holes to lead his WCMS teammates. Brett Patterson had a 47, Matt…

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard Any collegiate student-athlete will tell you, balancing a class load with playing a varsity sport takes some serious planning.Add a family life and a military career to the mix, and you have more than a handful.That’s the situation one former Pioneer tennis player faces each…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Titans running back Eddie George said he understands there’s a chance he will not return to Tennessee for his ninth NFL season. In February, the Titans asked George to take a pay cut, but he rejected the offer. Both sides are still negotiating, but without a new deal, the Titans might release…

By COLIN FLY / Associated Press Writer NASHVILLE (AP) — Steve Sullivan had been frustrated in the first three games of the Nashville Predators’ series with the Detroit Red Wings. But he scored the game-winning goal at 10:44 of the first period to lead Nashville to a 3-0 victory Tuesday night, tying the best-of-seven series…