Here in Texas, we understand that more than 230 years ago our nation´s fathers didn´t celebrate their independence from the British Crown by eating barbecue. Certainly, John Hancock wasn´t slow-cooking brisket and chicken over mesquite coals in a brick pit out back when he splashed one of the most recognizable signatures in American history across the Declaration of Independence.

WASHINGTON - The Justice Department is considering letting the FBI investigate Americans without any evidence of wrongdoing, relying instead on a terrorist profile that could single out Muslims, Arabs or other racial and ethnic groups. Law enforcement officials say the proposed policy would help them do exactly what Congress demanded after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks: root out terrorists before they strike.

BELTON - BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG! Eight shots blistered the air at Yettie Polk Park at noon Wednesday, leaving a woman in red on the ground and a second woman in green holding a smoking gun in her hand as she cursed her fallen rival.

The Temple City Council will begin to tackle budget issues during workshops this month, with the first meeting today addressing a possible increase in fees for solid waste pickup to account for increasing fuel costs. The workshop is set to begin at 3 p.m. today in the Municipal Building. The regular meeting of the council will follow at 5 p.m. with several bond issues up for consideration.

It´s the ropes and the reins And the joy and the pain

ROGERS - Rogers superintendent Katie Ryan called the decision a no-brainer. Eagles football fans may soon be feeling the same way.

For the second time in less than a week, baseball players from Salado and Granger have been recognized as being among the best in the state. Class 2A state champion Salado had six all-state selections and Melvin Bates was voted Coach of the Year on the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State teams.

NEW YORK - Hank Steinbrenner demanded to see more offense, and Jason Giambi and the New York Yankees obliged. If only it were that easy all the time. Giambi hit a grand slam and drove in a season-best six runs and Alex Rodriguez added a three-run shot to move another notch up the career home run list as New York pounded the Texas Rangers 18-7 Wednesday night to avoid a three-game series sweep.

WIMBLEDON, England - Lest anyone forget that Roger Federer has, indeed, lost at Wimbledon, the BBC filled time during a rain delay Wednesday by rolling tape of his 2002 first-round exit against Mario Ancic. That, of course, was the last time Federer stepped on a court at the All England Club - or anywhere on grass - and walked away without winning.