WASHINGTON (AP) The Earth is the hottest it has been in at least 400 years, probably even longer. The National Academy of Sciences, reaching that conclusion in a broad review of scientific work requested by Congress, reported Thursday that the “recent warmth is unprecedented for at least the last 400 years and potentially the last…

WASHINGTON (AP) FRIST The GOP-controlled Senate on Thursday rejected Democratic calls to start withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq by years? end, as the two parties sought to define their election-year positions on a war that has grown increasingly unpopular. “Withdrawal is not an option. Surrender is not a solution,” declared Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist…

By Charles C. Haynes My recent column on graduation prayer touched a nerve ? a very raw nerve. “You ought to be ashamed,” wrote one reader, echoing a sentiment expressed by many others. “Either that or you’re as dumb as a gourd.” What triggered the outrage was my characterization of the court order prohibiting a…

Cokie & Steven Roberts “It’s disgraceful. You have a Justice Department that has now taken a complete turn in policy. It shows how this department has lost all perspective when it comes to the right of a free press in a free society.” No, that’s not a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union talking.…

Nat Hentoff Congress’ legendary political philosopher, former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, said, “All politics is local.” And now, finally, many more local citizens around the country are concerned about their vanishing privacy. The disquietude began in November with the revelation that the National Security Agency was eavesdropping on our phones and e-mail; but…

Kenneth Robinson In November 2004, my wife and I sat in a doctor?s office, anxiously awaiting news about the biopsy performed to follow up on an abnormality in her routine, annual mammogram. We really had not wanted to hear what the wonderful surgeon who specialized in breast cancer said to us that day. Although we…

Smartt Assembly of God will hold a farewell service for their outgoing pastor and his wife, Stephen and JoAnn Lewis, this Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. service. The couple came to the congregation on this date 11 years ago. Friends are invited to come for service or drop by to say good-bye at the dinner…

Photo provided The wedding of Kayla Brooke Keaton and Christopher Lee Mullican will be July 1 at Smartt First Baptist Church. Kayla Brooke Keaton and Christopher Lee Mullican are to exchange nuptial vows July 1 at Smartt First Baptist Church. The prospective bride is the daughter of Debbie and Henry B. Keaton, Jr. She is…

By Margaret hobbs Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard Twenty-seven contestants will hit center stage at Three Star Mall Saturday at 6:30 p.m. for the annual 4-H Dairy Princess Pageant. The event is the finale of Dairy Day activities showcasing the importance of dairy products. The 2005 Dairy Princess Sarah Colangione will relinquish her title…

Photo provided Murfreesboro residents Erika Lynn Decker and Christopher David Day will marry July 1 at the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. Plans for the forthcoming marriage of Erika Lynn Decker and Christopher David Day of Murfreesboro are being revealed. The betrothed couple will exchange nuptial vows July 1 at the Sam Davis Home in…