Christmas Eve news summary

Wall Street Journal: Retailers Hope for Big Final Push
New York Times: U.S. Officials See Waste in Pakistan Aid
Washington Post: Romney Strategy in Peril With Huckabee's Ascent
Washington Post: Dollar's Fall Is Felt Around The Globe
Los Angeles Times: Huckabee and the 23% sales tax
Houston Chronicle: Cigarette tax a hot ticket for state as few quit
Reuters: Israel weighs prisoner release

Nashville Tennessean LTE: Common sense cannot be legislated
Nashville Tennessean: Suggested changes to open meetings law lack sponsor
Lufkin Daily News: FYI: Age minimum is now 16 to buy fireworks
Lafayette (La.) Daily Advertiser: Delegation secures millions for local projects
WDAM-TV Hattiesburg: Federal appeals court delays Miss. voter ID requirement
Southeast Missourian: House committee report recommends funding of 911
Tulsa World: Report slams states pension system
Texarkana Gazette: New noncertified TX school employees face bg checks

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Schools losing students
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: New I-40’s noise irking neighbors
Ark. News Bureau: Mother works to make shortened meth sentences retroactive
Ark. News Bureau: Lawmaker says criticism of Huckabee over meth law unfair
Stephens DC Bureau: Congress completes far-reaching energy bill
Associated Press: Sharp Co. wet group says driving for alcohol hurts atmosphere
Associated Press: Fire strikes Thermo Fisher plant

Texarkana Gazette: Home for the holidays
Northwest Ark. Times: Council, arts group weigh options with fmr Tyson facility
Benton County Daily Record: County lawmakers laud 2009 House speaker
Jonesboro Sun: Police charge Hinder singer with DWI
Harrison Daily Times: JPs ease strings on deputies' salaries
Russellville Courier: Russellville City Council approves 2008 budget
Arkansas Leader: Communities pleased with $39 million for projects

John Brummett: Just say maybe
Arkansas Democrat Gazette: ’Tis the season
Texarkana Gazette: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
Arkansas Leader: Feds give us holiday gifts
Arkansas Leader LTE: Late with FOIs
Pine Bluff Commercial: Christmas brings many beautiful memories
Pat Lynch: Keeping Christmastime
Vic Harville cartoon