Free Republic

FLASH!!! Dixie Chicks Natalie Manes just now blamed the Free Republic for their downfall on "Hardball." She claims the FR had an organized effort to bring them down.

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Initial ticket sales for the Dixie Chicks' upcoming tour are far below expectations and several dates will likely be canceled or postoned. Ticket counts for the 20-plus arena shows that went on sale last weekend were averaging 5,000-6,000 per show in major markets and less in secondaries, according to sources contacted by Billboard. Venue capacities on the tour generally top 15,000. In contrast, the band's new album, "Taking the Long Way," sold 526,000 units... Despite those numbers, early ticket sales are clearly not meeting projections. The plug was pulled on public on-sales for shows in Indianapolis (August...

DAN Rather could be gone from CBS News by the end of the year. After months of negotiations, the former anchor - now a "60 Minutes" correspondent - has not been able to make a deal to remain with CBS - and is reportedly bothered that the network where he worked for the last 44 years does not seem to want him anymore. Rather, whose contract expires at the end of this year, had hoped to finish his career as a full-time correspondent at "60 Minutes." "But it doesn't seem like [CBS] wants him there" now, says an industry insider.

GLASTONBURY -- Starting next year, some students who take the bus to school in Glastonbury will have to walk instead. The board of education passed a new bus policy Monday night which eliminates bus service for students living within a half mile of the elementary school, within one mile of the middle school and one-and-a-half miles from the high school. Once again, the changes will take effect next year.