BOLTON UNITED NATIONS (AP) — John Bolton’s chief challenge as ambassador to the United Nations will be to work with diplomats from 190 nations in a place he’s called irrelevant as he tries to advance President Bush’s reform agenda. The 56-year-old arms control expert with a reputation for brilliance, obstinacy and speaking his mind will…

NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Titans think their top draft pick, Adam “Pacman” Jones, could have been signed to a deal already. The cornerback’s agent said Monday that the team only has to say yes to bring the sixth pick overall to camp. General manager Floyd Reese said he responded to a letter sent by…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Ola Kimrin has the nice locker with the big name plate. Rob Bironas isn’t jealous and points to his own name on a small white card taped to his own locker. “I got a sign on my locker too,” Bironas said with a smile. Whether either is still around and kicking when…

OAK RIDGE (AP) — The rising cost of protecting nuclear weapons facilities from terrorists will be an important factor in a pending study on whether to consolidate sites, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Monday. A preliminary report from a federal advisory task force released two weeks ago suggested consolidating the most critical parts of the…

NASHVILLE (AP) — The latest trial in a federal investigation into contracts awarded by the Sundquist administration begins Tuesday with the obstruction case of Al Ganier III, a longtime friend of the former governor. Ganier is accused of destroying or trying to conceal computer files after learning in 2002 that prosecutors were investigating how his…

MEMPHIS (AP) — Elected officials say they face a hard choice over whether to rename three city parks that now honor the Confederacy. The issue is whether to change the names of Forrest, Confederate and Jefferson Davis parks in downtown Memphis. County Commissioner Walter Bailey, who has spearheaded the move, says he’s gotten more feedback…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Leaders of the Islamic community met Monday with top city officials, the latest in a series of overtures to Nashville Muslims in recent weeks. The imam of the Islamic Center of Nashville spoke to the mayor’s regular meeting of department heads, including the police chief and the executive director of the Metro…

NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Phil Bredesen said Monday he’s optimistic about keeping 97,000 of the sickest enrollees on the state’s expanded Medicaid program and hopes to have a decision this week. During his address to the 2005 Tennessee/White House Conference on Aging, the governor took a moment to rehash recent legal developments concerning TennCare. On…

BYRDSTOWN — Lots of family fun: lip sync contest, beauty pageants, clogging competitons, live battle of the bands.Welcome to Byrdstown’s 10th annual Street Festival, ” Streetfest 2005″. August 25, 26, 27. It’s that time of year again for a fun filled weekend! Come on out to beautiful Byrdstown, TNhome of Cordell Hull and gateway to…

WOODBURY — Situated along the Stones River among the beautiful rolling hills of Cannon County, the 16th annual White Oak Craft Fair is expected to attract record crowds on August 13th and 14th. The juried event celebrates the traditions of split white oak basketmaking and chairmaking that have earned Woodbury, Tennessee the title of “Basketmaking…