Topic: Nashville

A rifle in one hand, a laptop in the other. Behind the scene with pro-gun bloggers

"Cowboy Blob" and other online commentators fill the press box at the National Rifle Association convention.

Cowboys saddle up for ... church? Amen.

Evangelical Christians round up the faithful in barns and riding arenas.

Tea Party protests: Could they rally change in government?

Protests against Washington spending took place in more than 700 US cities Wednesday.

Tax Day, 2009: The day the mainstream media died?

In the past, major media outlets have given antigovernment 'tea party' protests – like the ones held today – short shrift. Critics say it is because they are out of touch with America.

Opinion: What Hank Aaron and Barack Obama have in common

Thirty-five years after Hank defied threats and hate mail to break Babe Ruth’s home-run record Obama is also showing us a deeper realm of courage, resilience, and justice.

States rebel against Washington

The pushback against federal power began under Bush, but may now be accelerating.

Change pay, change teaching?

One thing holding the teaching profession back is its vastly outdated pay system, say proponents of new compensation plans.

A mandolin revival creates 'The Montana Sound'

Strumming up the past in the Rockies – a 1902 photo inspired a revival of an instrument that used to rival the cowboy’s campfire guitar.

Tennessee's 'Little Houdini' revives the outlaw legend

Supporters say Chris Gay is a modern Robin Hood. Lawmen call him "a little thief, a little con."

Budget debate launches new tea party

Tax protesters gather around the country. Is it a GOP put-up job?

In stimulus bill, US funds for schools double

About a quarter of the new money is aimed at low-income pupils, to help with the achievement gap.

In boost for workers, high court affirms shield from employer retaliation

The justices rule that civil rights law protects a woman who was fired after answering questions in a harassment probe.

Christmas songs in the spotlight

From Enya's dulcet tones to Faith Hill's powerhouse vocals to a surprisingly pretty singing saw, peace on earth arrives in tune.

With Chambliss, Republicans win one in the South

GOP’s conservative base in Georgia prevents a Democratic filibuster-proof majority in the US Senate.

Black comedians adapt to Obama era. Is 'angry' out?

With a black president, stand-ups may have to rethink some of their material.

USA

Bluegrass music echoes from honky tonks of ... New York?

Weekly jam sessions at the Grisly Pear, led by ‘Sheriff’ Bob Saidenberg, reveal a vibrant and egalitarian bluegrass scene in the Big Apple.

Joe the Plumber stiffs McCain. Pursuing country music career?

New voter: a young woman’s political awakening

Hayley Colley of Tennessee is among the Americans who, on Nov. 4, will cast votes in a US presidential election for the first time.

Obama-McCain debate: jabs, but no knockout

Economic anxiety overshadows Tuesday's matchup; McCain offers plan for Treasury to buy, renegotiate terms of 'bad home loan mortgages.'

High court case: If harassed workers talk, can they be fired?

A Tennessee woman lost her job after she cooperated in a company investigation.

McCain seeks to shift race’s focus

Tuesday’s debate is a chance to regain campaign momentum.

Palin, Biden both liars say Obama, McCain

Spreading the Chicha gospel

Transplanted Parisian brings Peru's back street rhythms to world's front stage.

Post-Ike gas shortage may take weeks to end

The current gas crisis is worse than the 2005 shortages after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, say some experts.