R. Neal

February 15, 2007 - Remember FDR's rural electrification? It transformed the South, or at least the Appalachian Tennessee Valley for every future generation.

February 13, 2007 - A controversial ordinance to make English the official language of Nashville has made the national news wires after Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed it yesterday.

February 8, 2007 - Earlier this week, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2545 went on strike at Maremont Exhaust Products, a manufacturer of mufflers and other auto parts in Loudon, Tennessee. It is believed to be the first strike in the company's 130 year history.

February 6, 2007 - Bush's proposed $2.9 trillion budget includes a record $481 billion for defense spending, a 12% increase, plus $245 billion for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here at home, Bush's budget cuts $101 billion in Medicare and Medicaid funding, and would increase premiums for many Medicare enrollees.

February 1, 2007 - America has lost a great writer, and a fighter for truth and justice who never gave up and never backed down. A tribute from an editor and friend:

January 30, 2007 - As part of its First 100 Hours Agenda, a bill to increase the federal minimum wage by $2.10 sailed through the U.S. House of Representatives. The a "no-strings-attached" bill (H.R. 2) passed overwhelmingly, 315 to 116 with 82 Republicans voting for the measure.

January 25, 2007 - The ACLU has released a disturbing report about a secret Pentagon database on peaceful protesters.