It's that time of year again...

The governors, the mayors, the firefighters, the water districts, the county commisisoners ... it's late Feburary, so they're all here again, lobbying and schmoozing. League of Cities conference is coming up March 8 - register online for it here.

Feb. 28: Regionals in Today's News

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Noelle Straub in the Casper Star-Tribune report on a senate hearing that would limit energy development on the Wyoming Range; Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes on the Air Force budget; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on a senate plan to restrict political "robocalls"; and Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports on Iraq deployments.

our dying industry...

I wish I could cheer the fact that RRA is in the news. Sadly, today's stoy in Politico tells us what we all too well know -- that regional Washington bureaus are closing right and left. On the plus side, Suzanne's hair looks great!

Feb. 27: Regionals in Today's News

(and yesterdays since I flaked out -- sorry guys!!)

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports that Hillary's lead is narrowing in Pennsylvania; Tony Batt for Stephens Media reports that Nevada Sen. Jim Gibbons is staying neutral in the presidential race; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that Obama outpaced Clinton in L.A. fundraising last month; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times reports on the photo of Obama in Somali garb; and Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune examines where the Mormon vote will go post-Mitt.

LOCAL RACES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that anti-war organizations are regrouping for a major election fight, and have Rep. John PorterNev., in their sights; and Gerard Shields in the Mobile Register reports on fundraising in the 6th district congressional race.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MEETING: Herb Jackson interviews Gov. John Corzine about the New Jersey budget for the Bergen Record; Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports that Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire is considering suing the feds over unfunded nuclear cleanup; and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on South Dakota's push for alternative energy development.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World Herald reports on Tuesday's meat recall hearing in the House; Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on a push to change drug sentencing laws; and Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader report on the Indian health bill passed by the Senate.

Feb. 25: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that Barack Obama was the top presidential fundraiser in New Jersey in January.
• Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that McCain's candidacy will have positive spillover effects for a Nevada congressman.
• Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News examines gender politics in Texas in the wake of polls showing Obama with a 10-point lead among white men.
• Bill Adair in the St. Petersburg Times reports on the McCain lobbying scandal.
• Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that New Jersey's Democratic power brokers are urging the party to unite behind Obama.

LOCAL POLITICS:

• Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times New Record reports on a libertarian candidate trying to unseat Rep. Randy Neugebauer.
• Gerard Shields in the Baton Rouge Advocate reports on Democratic primary candidates for Louisiana's 6th district.

DIGGING DEEP INTO REGIONAL ISSUES:

• Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the renewable energy production tax credit, which the House is expected to extend this week.
• Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports on the Yucca Mountain budget shortfall.
• Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record reports on the future of railroad service between Billings and Missoula.
• Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports that ethanol mandates are causing food prices to rise.
• Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that new federal subpoenas were issued against the owner of the Utah mine in which nine workers were killed last year.
• Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on the federal Do Not Call registry.
• Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times and Paul Merrion in Crain's Chicago Business report on the politics behind a $40 billion Air Force tanker contract contest.

FEATURES:

• Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on the unveiling of the braile flag, which will be dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery later this spring.

Feb. 24: Regional in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on conflicts facing Democratic superdelegates.
• Brett Lieberman reports in the Patriot News that Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell thinks he's too politically incorrect to be a veep candidate; he also has a piece on the wooing of superdelegates.
• Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on post-primary candidate ads in Wisconsin.
• Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utahns donated more than $800,000 to Romney just last month, according to FEC reports.
• Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that Obama raised more money in the state last quarter than any of the presidential candidates.

LOCAL RACES:

• Edward Felker in the Daily Journal reports on a GOP congressional candidate who unexpectedly pulled out of the race.
• Paul Merrion in Crain's Chicago Business reports that a Democrat running for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's congressional seat is out-fundraising his GOP rival.

GOVERNOR'S MEETING:

• Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post covers the governors' calls for infrastructure investment.
• Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on the guvs' energy efficiency proposals.

FEATURES:

• Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes has a two-part package on a new DARPA robotics project -- an unmanned battle truck called Crusher.
• Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune has a great profile on Rep. Chris Cannon's relationship with the dietary supplement industry.
• Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun report on the earmark debate.
• Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald examines the future of air travel subsidies for rural areas.

Feb. 21: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that an Indiana student is challenging John McCain's primary signatures.
• Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on a Pennyslvania lobbyist spearheading a fundraising campagin for Hillary Clinton.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on the evolving environmental positions of Republican Rep. Dave Reichert.

IRAQ: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on comments made by Sen. Tom Coburn that going to war was "probably a mistake."

SCANDAL AFTERMATH:

• Bill Theobold reports for Gannett that former Ohio Rep. Bob Ney, who was convicted on corruption charges in 2006, will be moved to a halfway house pending release from prison.
• Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that an Alabama Democratic House candidate faces an April 10 court date for misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution charges.

COURT RULINGS:

• Marc Heller reports in the Watertown Daily Times reports on a Canadian court ruling that blocks milk imports from Canada to U.S. dairy plants.
• Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports that "Judge Alex" Ferrerr lost a U.S. Supreme Court battle against his manager.

Feb. 20: Regionals in Today's News:

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Bill Adair in the St. Petersburg Times fact-checks Clinton's claim of "35 years" of public policy experience.

CASTRO AFTERMATH: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald and Raju Chebium for Gannett report on congressional reaction to Castro's resignation.

LEGISLATION: Recess week is the perfect time to explore some of the bills introduced by local lawmakers. Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on housing legislation for areas covered by disaster declarations.

FEATURE BREAK-OUTS:

• Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin reports on the makeover of a Cold War radar now being sought as a potential hub for solar and geothermal energy.
• Deborah Barfield Berry reports for Gannett that the number of women in statehouses is leveling off.

A slow, slow Presisdent's Day

CASTRO RESIGNS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports that Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen wants Fidel Castro indicted for a 1996 aircraft shootdown, despite his resignation.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Faith Bremner for Gannett reports that the NRCC has less money to help Rep. Marilyn Musgrave hold her Colorado seat.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on rebates from the economic stimulus package and the questions they pose for the IRS.

BILLS AND BUDGETS: Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on an auto safety bill headed to President Bush's desk; Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports on Yucca budget shortfalls; Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times New Record reports on the new farm bill; and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on cuts to South Dakota hospitals under Bush's Medicare budget.

ROAD SAFETY: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on Monday's Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report.

Feb. 18: Regionals in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on Hillary Clinton's stormy visit to Wisconsin; Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that Alabama is still a red state; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on a dust-up over questions surrounding Obama's support for Israel; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Mike Huckabee nixes talk of a Senate run.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on Rep. Mike Ferguson's decision not to seek another term.

BUSH BUDGET: Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on the effects of Bush's cuts to law enforcement grant programs will mean for Missouri's anti-meth programs; Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union Tribune reports on the local impact of COPS grant funding; and Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record and Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press-Gazette report on the courtship of superdelegates.

CONTROVERSIES AND DUST-UPS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on Rep. Tom Lantos' disrupted memorial service; Noelle Straub reports on anger in Montana's gay and lesbian community over an offensive gag gift bag Rep. Denny Rehrberg send to friends; and Michael Coleman in the Albuquerque Journal and Tony Batt for Stephens Media report on Friday's GOP walk out over the intelligence bill.

LOCAL FEATURES:

• Steve Tetreault reports in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on the scores of personal and silly e-mails being weeded out of Energy Department computers as the agency moves to an Internet database.
• Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports on federal efforts to attract more rural veterinarians.
• Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on the marriage of politics and celebrity in Washington.
• Maureen Groppe in the Lafayette Journal and Courier reports on use of the E-Verify system to ensure the immigration status of potential hires.
• Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on a Memphis Army major and defense attorney expected to represent one of the suspected 9/11 terrorists.
• Bruce Alpert in the Louisiana Times-Picayune reports that those who received post-Katrina grants could be temporarily uneligible for rebates in the stimulus package.

Feb. 15: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune report on Mitt Romney's endorsement of McCain; Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on a congressional push for weekend primary voting in Wisconsin; Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on N.J. superdelegates; and Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on McCain and Evangelicals.

FARM BILL: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the stalemate over the new farm bill; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on Arkansas lawmakers' reaction to the latest House proposal.

EARMARKS: Sylvia Smith in her Fort Wayne Journal Gazette calls Bush's call to cut earmarks "cowboy rhetoric."; Bill Adair and Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times report on the Taxpayers for Common Sense earmark database.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on Wednesday's basebal hearing; Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on tough questioning for Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on a controversy over cutting ship pollution.

COMMITTEE MOVES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on a local congressman's appointment to the House financial services committee.

DAVID LYNCH AWARD WINNERS!!

Big kudos to Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun! She is the winner of this year's David Lynch Award for exceptional coverage of Congress. And honorable mention to RRA member Maureen Gropp of Gannett!

Here's the press release:

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WASHINGTON – Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun has won the David Lynch Award for exceptional coverage of Congress from a local perspective.

The David Lynch Memorial Regional Reporting Award is given to an individual, daily-print reporter whose work provides an understanding of the inner workings of Congress and explains how actions in Congress impact the local community. Judges look for thorough and incisive coverage, clear writing, and the reporter’s ability to explain difficult and complex subjects to a hometown audience.

Honorable Mentions went to Bill Walsh of the New Orleans, La. Times-Picayune and to Maureen Groppe of Gannett News Service.

Acccording to the judge’s citations:

-- Mascaro was recognized for her reporting in 2007 on the Nevada congressional delegation and for work that explored the human side of The Capitol.

-- Walsh was recognized for reporting on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and on political controversies surrounding two members of the Louisiana congressional delegation.

-- Groppe was recognized for her extensive research into the activities of the Indiana congressional delegation.

Mascaro received a $1500 award, and all three reporters also were honored on Wednesday at the 64th Annual Congressional Dinner, hosted by the Washington Press Club Foundation.

Judges for the contest were Mike Feinsilber of The Associated Press, Dan Morgan of the Washington Post, and Iris Kraslow, formerly of United Press International and now a journalism professor and author. The judges were selected by the Standing Committee of Correspondents, an elected committee of reporters that credentials the approximately 1800 daily-print reporters who cover Congress.

The late David Lynch was a longtime member of the U.S. House and Senate Press Galleries. He covered Congress for the Buffalo News and also for news bureaus that served daily newspapers in New England, Alaska, South Carolina, Iowa and Nebraska. After Lynch’s death in 1998 from colon cancer, his family, friends and journalism colleagues raised money to establish the award in his name.

Feb. 13-14: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports that Barack Obama is racking up campaign contributions from Wisconsin; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Obama is taking shots at McCain; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on the delegate process; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mike Huckabee insists it is "unfounded" for anyone to accuse him of alienating Mormons; Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News reports that Hillary rejects analogies to Rudy Giuliani; and Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on Veep speculation surrounding Sen. Tom Coburn.

REBATES: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune, Raju Chebium for Gannett report on the economic stimulus package signed into law Wednesday.

FARM BILL: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports that Sen. John Thune is disappointed with a House farm bill plan.

BUDGET: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on efforts to boost Everglade funding in the Bush budget.

NURSING HOME STUDY: Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on a local nursing home among the federal government's worst performing.

MEDICAID: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports that Florida is losing millions in Medicaid money due to hurricane recovery.

Feb. 12: Regionals in Today's News

(and yesterday's, since I'm a little behind...)

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Mike Huckabee downplays the possibility of being McCain's running mate; and Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette opines on the need to overhaul the primary system.

TOM LANTOS: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on the death of House Foreign Affairs Chairman Tom Lantos.

LOCAL RACES: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports that Bush's sagging poll numbers is making it hard for Republicans to raise money; Joe Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports that Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will seek another term; Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on a flood of GOP House retirements; and Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on anti-Semitic political flyers aimed at Rep. Steven Cohen.

BUSH BUDGET: Faith Bremner reports in the Great Falls Tribune that President Bush wants to increase the price of duck stamps; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah's delegation is lukewarm on Bush's call to cut earmarks.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on Arkansans pushing for tougher testing of childrens' products; Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on a controversial bill to save the polar bears; and Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News on a health care debate featuring Utah Sen. Bob Bennett.

FARM BILL: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post repots that the sugar industry is dropping a push for renewed trade restrictions against Mexico in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Feb. 11: Regionals in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that if independents turn out for McCain it will also help Obama in the state's Feb. 19 primary; Gilbert also breaks down Wisconsin demographically and examines local voting possibilities; Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports that Wisconsin leaders are split in their endorsements; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on what Indiana's May primary could mean for Democrats; Lisa Friedman in the Whittier Daily News reports on superdelegates; Malia Rulon in the Cincinati Enquirer reports on Ohioan presidential campaign donors; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Huckabee vows to stay in the race.

LOCAL RACES: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on the political fate of a congressional candidate arrested on a charge of soliciting a prostitute; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times reports that a yearlong dispute over a Florida congressional race finally comes to a close with a congressional task for ruling that touch-screen voting did not cause the problem; and Raju Chebium reports that Democrats running for empty N.J. House seats have bigger campaign chests.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that tax rebate checks will be cut in May; Trish Choate reports on reaction from the North Texas delegation in the Witchita Falls Times Record News.

IRAQ: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that Nevada Sen. John Ensign, visiting Iraq, is more optimistic about progress in the war.

CENSUS: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that the San Fernando Valley will remain a U.S. Census place.

MEMORIAL SOUGHT: Trish Choate reports in the Witchita Falls Times Record News on so-far futile attempts to erect a memorial to honor the victims of a World War II crash that the Army for years sought to keep secret.

Feb. 8: Regionals in Today's News

MITT'S OUT, MCCAIN IS IN: Wes Allison and Adam Smith in the St. Petersburg Times; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel; Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News analyze Romney's fall; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post gets react from Florida delegation; and Trish Choate reports in the Witchita Falls Times New Record that Texas Sen. John Cornyn endorses McCain.

OTHER CAMPAIGN NEWS: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune advances the state's primary and reports most of the state's delegation has not endorsed.

LOCAL RACES: Malia Rulon for the Cincinati Enquirer reports that a local candidate for Congress is temporarily suspending his campaign after the death of his family; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on outlook for Pennylvania's Republicans this election; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that Sen. Frank Lautenberg won't back N.J. Gov. John Corzine's toll increase.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that Ala. Sen. Richard Shelby accepted money from Boeing after publicly castigating company officials; and Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on the finances of New Jersey candidates.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on congressional attempts to force companies that sold life insurance policies to Jewish families before World War II to disclose their books; Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette on a Wyoming judicial nomination; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on the progress of radioactive cleanup at Moab.

BUDGET: Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times examines the impact of the budget on a Texas air force base.

LOCAL LOBBYING: Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media on Arkansas officials in town lobbying for university funding; and Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin reports on an Oregon mom in town lobbying on toy safety.

Jan. 7: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on the growing significance of Wisconsin for Democrats; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News and Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call report that Pennsylvania also is growing in importance for the Dems; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Arkansas Democrat Sen. Blanche Lincoln is not choosing sides as the state primary approaches; Lisa Friedman in the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports on what the unseated Florida and Michigan delegates could mean to the Democratic race; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mitt Romney vows to trudge on; Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Obama took Utah with the help of independent voters; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that thousands of independents voted in the N.J. Democratic primary Tuesday.

LOCAL RACES: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on a challenge to Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.

BUDGET: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and other Democrats say the deadly tornado outbreak in the South shows deficiencies in the Bush 2009 budget; Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on how South Dakota senators voted on the stimulus package; Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on the controversy over illegal immigrants in the simulus package; and Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on how N.J. senators voted on the stimulus package.

DHS FUNDING: Jake Thompon in the Omaha World-Herald reports that Omaha wasn't listed as one of the states that qualify for some of the $781.6 million in grants for anti-terrorism programs in urban areas.

PARK GUNS: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports that park officials object to measures by Oklahoma Republicans that would drop a ban on carrying loaded guns into national parks.

LOCAL LOBBYING: Steve Tetreault in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports on city convention center officials in town this week.

IRAQ: Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes reports that shorter tours may precede a drawdown in Iraq.

FEATURES: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on Pennyslvania Democrats and Republicans who unite one night a week to teach a politics class at a local university.

Feb 6: Regionals in Today's News

SUPER TUESDAY IS OVER!: Here's how regionals covered the massive day of primaries:

• Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times.
• Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
• Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune.
• Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy.
• Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record.
• Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News.

Feb. 5: Regionals in Today's News

Check out the following regional coverage of President Bush's 2009 proposed budget:

• Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on cuts to the Lewis and Clark regional water system.
• Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette and Suzanne Struglinski in the Desert Morning News report on Park Service funding. Struglinski also reports on mine safety funding.
• Tony Batt for Stephens Media and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun report on Yucca Mountain funding.
• Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Utah's response to the proposed budget.
• Alicia Mundy reports in the Seattle Times on the fate of Washington state projects.
• Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on cuts to the Delta Regional Authority.
• Raju Chebium for Gannet reports on the budget for Amtrak and other transit projects.
• Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on funding for Hoover Dike repair.
• Jake Thompson and Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald report on cuts to Nebraska railroad safety projects.

Feb. 2-4: Regionals in the Weekend News

SUPER TUESDAY APPROACHES: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune that Utah's primary will have an impact for the first time in recent memory; Jerry Zremski advances the "Tuesday Smackdown" in the Buffalo News and reports that Clinton is confident as the big primary approaches; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utahns have a lot more of national issues on their minds as they go to the polls.

OTHER CAMPAIGN NEWS: Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal features a former Tennessee student now running Mike Huckabee's campaign; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that illegal immigration hardliners won't support McCain as the Republican nominee; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on the April 22 Pennsylvania primary; and Ed Felker in the Daily Journal reports that candidates avoid talking about teen preganacy on the campaign trail. Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that Hoosiers gave the most to Clinton last year; Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News on polls showing race and gender neither hurt nor help candidates; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on advertising spending; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on California contributions.

LOCAL RACES: Federal campaign reports released Thursday yielded the following regional stories on local races: Maureen Groppe in the Lafayette Journal & Courier; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette; Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune; Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette; and Raju Chebium for Gannett.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Tony Batt for Stephens Media and Ellyn Ferguson for the Appleton Post-Crescent report on the progress of the economic stimulus package; Bill Theobold for Gannett reports on a Tennessee lawmaker who opposes the tax rebates; and Noelle Straub reports on the Senate passage of an economic stimulus package that adds disabled veterans to the rebate list.

BUDGET: Raju Chebium reports for Gannett that lawmakers will urge Bush to boost funding for national wildlife refugees in the 2009 budget request.

CENSUS: Marc Heller reports for Scripps Howard News Service that Hispanics are predicting sizeable gains in the 2012 census.

IRAQ: Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes that returning troops are suffering lingering health issues, according to a new DOD study.

NUCLEAR FUEL: Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union-Tribune reports on concerns about storage of nuclear fuel.

EARL BUTZ: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on the death of Earl Butz, former Ag Secretary from Indiana.

FEATURES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun has a feature on the Stephen Colbert painting at the National Portrait Gallery; and Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on a new federal initiative for at-risk artifacts.