Douglas Dispatch
Disgraced evangelical leader Ted Haggard has agreed to help promote a new documentary following his life in exile after a 2006 sex scandal ? no longer bound by an agreement with his former church that prohibited him from talking publicly about the events that led to his downfall.

State proposes reorganization of agencies to aid homeless faster
Confronted with a growing number of homeless families across Massachusetts, state officials have proposed a reorganization of key state agencies that will help find homes faster so that the root causes of the problem can be addressed.

Phases and Stages
A flawed but beloved North Texas promoter left his stamp on Texas Music, for those wise enough to see.

Darryl Rouson's anti-drug crusade at the State House
By Alex Pickett Florida's 2009 legislative session doesn't begin until March, but Rep. Darryl Rouson is not wasting time in renewing his battle against drug paraphernalia. The newly re-elected Democrat -- who represents parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota and Manatee counties -- filed a bill (HB 201) last week that would charge a 25 percent tax on any items listed or viewed as ...

Nigerian gangsters get a foothold in a violent Italian landscape
As the African gangs gain clout, conflict with the Neapolitan mafia known as the Camorra intensifies, made brutally clear by an attempted hit that left six Ghanaians dead. Soaring on cocaine, guns smoking, the Camorra hit squad sped down the Via Domitiana, the road built along the Bay of Naples during the Roman Empire.

Local militia plans February border watch
Jonathon Shacat/Wick Communications BISBEE - Cochise County Militia, a local group, will hold a border watch event in February that is open to the members of the group as well as members of the public.

Festivals are major tourist draws
UNL Journalism Student WAYNE - When John Agler went on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson in 1986, it wasn't because he was an actor, musician or even comedian, it was because of his skillful impersonation - of a chicken

Scholarship for students in Hackensack River watershed area
Lyndhurst, Kearny and North Arlington guidance departments can nominate one of their own for the 2009 Ron Vellecamp Environmental Scholarship through the Hackensack Riverkeeper.

Study: Glacier an economic engine
The number of employees for each park was estimated by totaling the number of distinct social security numbers in each pay period and dividing by the number of pay periods. The figure, therefore, is an annual average.

Free Audio Tours Bring Astoria and Warrenton?s History to Life
Travelers to the historic regions of Astoria and Warrenton, Ore., can feel like locals with two new downloadable audio tours highlighting popular historic attractions and movie scene locations. Narrated by local experts who reveal little-known facts and help visitors relive past eras, the free tours were produced by and are available through the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Year in Review
Laurel Mayor Ken Olson Jr. kicked off the New Year by administering the oath of office to five newly elected aldermen at the first City Council meeting of the year on Jan. 2. Aldermen sworn in included Alex Wilkins (Ward 4), Emelie Eaton (Ward 1), Norm Stamper (Ward 4), Mark Mace (Ward 2) and Gay Easton (Ward 3).

Making Best of It
ABBEVILLE ? In Room 104 of the Budget Inn here, a large blue and gold macaw named Love sulks in its cage most days uttering expletives about the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Cooped up in a motel room for weeks, the bird has lost patience with just about everything, its owner says.

UPDATE 1: Flood evacuations continue in Sevier County
Sevier County authorities are evacuating residents around the Little Pigeon River due to rising flood waters.

Last chance to register for FEMA aid
Ike victims who wish to apply for FEMA aid have just a few days left before they lose the opportunity.

If you go ...
GETTING THERE: To reach the park's north entrance, take Interstate 90 to Livingston, then south through the Paradise Valley to Gardiner. From the north entrance, the 44-mile road to Cooke City is open to autos. Snow tires are required; be prepared for winter driving conditions. The park's east, west and south entrances also are open, but only to tracked over-snow vehicles with a commercially ...

Flood victims recall memories of trying times
One year after a localized flood emergency was called along the Big East River, the Forester checked in with residents to see how they had dealt with the damage that was caused, and more importantly, how they have prepared themselves for a potential repeat situation.

Funding For Special Olympics A Priority
Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler says funding for the Special Olympics USA National Games is a top priority this Legislative session.

Omni Hotels Announces New 'Nucleus' Central Reservations System
Omni Hotels announced that the company has successfully deployed its new brand-wide reservation system, powered by the OPERA Enterprise Solution from MICROS Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCRS) , a leading worldwide provider of information technology solutions for the hospitality and retail industries.

Hints From Heloise
Dear Heloise: How can I clean my wooden cutting board?

Signs of the times: Book celebrates Pittsburgh ads
PITTSBURGH (AP) ? Signs for bars and restaurants. Signs for businesses and services. Signs for motels ? many in neon and harkening back to an era before the bland sameness of modern lodging.