Nearly 220 million American adults turn to their local newspapers regularly for news and information they need to stay informed, feel more connected to their neighbors and improve their lives and communities. That readership number is based on a recent national study by independent research firm Coda Ventures for the America’s Newspapers organization. Most likely, the number of readers is […]
Opinion

Ron Hart: It’s good to see GOP women with a little giddy-up
U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Republican from Colorado, turned heads recently when she made the news. After attending a movie in a Denver theater with her new boyfriend (she just filed for divorce), she was asked to leave after she got handsy with the fellow. Perhaps she was searching him for “pocket vetoes,” but it was disruptive, and ushers asked them […]

Susan Steen: Dance every time chaos plays the music
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts Change is not easy for a lot of people. Most of us, I think, like the known and the consistent. Change is inevitable, of course, and with change can come chaos. Getting a new dog creates […]

Blackburn: United States must win AI race
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to be the biggest technological development since the inception of the internet. We’ve only scratched the surface of what this technology can do, but AI is already breaking barriers in the financial, auto manufacturing, and health care industries, all of which are critical to the Tennessee economy. While AI can be used for tremendous […]

Steve Haley: A lifetime is not too long to live as friends
“Friends” was a popular song written and performed by Michael W. Smith back in 2004. This article’s title was a line from the well-known chorus. And Piglet, in A. A. Milne’s famous “Winnie the Pooh” series asked, “We’ll be friends forever, won’t we, Pooh?” Pooh answered, “Even longer.” While serving on the Robert Penn Warren Birthplace Committee, I learned more […]

Newspapers, journalists hold vital role in their communities
Nearly 220 million American adults turn to their local newspapers regularly for news and information they need to stay informed, feel more connected to their neighbors and improve their lives and communities. That readership number is based on a recent national study by independent research firm Coda Ventures for the America’s Newspapers organization. Most likely, the number of readers is […]

Susan Steen: Boundaries help you appreciate yourself
“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.” – Brené Brown “I’m sorry.” Those two words have been a large part of my repertoire for most of my life. Always concerned that I don’t hurt someone’s feelings or let someone down or inconvenience anyone, I’ve automatically apologized for just about […]

Ron Hart: A retrospective on dear, departed Druncle Mac
Since my looming family reunion will be the first one without our beloved Druncle Mac, I thought it would be nice to remember him. He died two years ago. It turns out that a lifetime of hard drinking, carousing and three packs of Marlboros a day isn’t good for you. Who knew? He taught me many things, mostly that when […]

Blackburn: Biden’s feckless leadership makes the new axis of evil stronger
On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, we as a nation remember those who were brutally murdered and hold their families in our hearts. Recent actions by the Biden administration demonstrate a lack of regard for the lessons of history and the threat posed by the New Axis of Evil. Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are on the march against the […]

Susan Steen: Sometimes you stop, adjust the load and keep going
“We all have an unsuspected reserve of strength inside that emerges when life puts us to the test.” — Isabel Allende At the end of many days, I’ve wondered if I have what it takes to keep going. I mean, I just keep pushing ahead, but life keeps handing me gifts that aren’t always wrapped in pretty paper. Sometimes, those […]