NEW YORK (AP) ‘ Oil futures surged to a new record over $120 a barrel today, raising concerns about higher prices for gasoline and goods and services throughout the economy. Retail gas prices fell more than a cent over the weekend, but oil’s advance increased the likelihood that pump prices would resume their climb. Supply…

By Duane Sherrill A plea which would have given an abusive boyfriend no jail time was rejected by the court after it was learned the man had been charged with beating his girlfriend on three separate occasions. ‘I can’t accept this,’ General Sessions Judge Larry Ross told prosecutors as they tried to submit the plea…

BY Chuck Shepherd “Many of my young patients think about getting plastic surgery the way they’d think about getting their hair done,” explained Dr. David Alessi of Beverly Hills, Calif., who is still amazed at women’s willingness to endure “extreme” cosmetic alterations. Alessi told a Glamour magazine writer for an April story that one 25-year-old…

By SUSAN NEWBY For the first time in ages, we actually saw gas prices take a little downturn. Unlike the analysts, who are now saying national averages could likely top out at $3.70 a gallon, I remain cynical. After all it’s just the first of May and we have the whole summer to go. And…

By JAMES CLARK DAVENPORT Shelby County is the most recent local government to opt into a state statute and freeze property taxes for its older homeowners. With that move Monday night, 16 local governments across the state have now frozen the property tax rate for residents 65 and older, provided they earn less than the…

WASHINGTON (AP) ‘ The Federal Reserve and other regulators are moving Friday to crack down on ‘unfair and deceptive’ practices in the credit card industry that have added billions in debt to people already struggling to cope with the economic downturn. In the most far-reaching crackdown on the credit industry in decades, the Fed and…

By Duane Sherrill Warren County Middle School sixth-graders Reva Russell, left, and Diloney Cutrell play their flutes during the 27th annual Pork & Bands celebration yesterday at the West Lawn of Security Federal. The event featured food, music, an auction, and a number of fun activities.

By Lisa Hobbs If you’re looking for an excuse to purchase a new bike, McMinnville Parks and Recreation wellness specialist Kristie Sanders has one. It’s the Get Fit Through Biking event which will be held this Saturday, May 10. Cyclists are encouraged to show up at McMinnville Civic Center beginning at 10 a.m. and a…

By Charles W. Johnson Well-known local marriage and family therapist Judith Roney was recently presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Tennessee Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The award is presented to those who have been a member of the organization for more than 20 years and have made a significant contribution to the…

By JAMES CLARK ROLLER Facing a state budget shortfall that could approach $500 million this year ‘ and be equally as high next year ‘ painful cuts appear in Tennessee’s future. ‘This is basically going to curtail any of our growth,’ said state Rep. Judd Matheny. ‘And the governor has said he thinks we need…