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Stimulus spending spawns requests » As Democrats have defended the $787 billion stimulus package against accusations of pork-barrel spending, agency records show lawmakers working behind the scenes to try to influence how the money is spent. — USA Today

Obama Drops Tough Plan on Bank Compensation » The Obama administration is dropping its plan to cap salaries at firms receiving government bailout money, leaving them subject to congressionally imposed limits on bonuses, according to people familiar with the matter. — Wall Street Journal ($)

Lawmakers Order Fed to Relinquish Merrill Docs » Lawmakers are seeking Federal Reserve documents related to Bank of America's acquisition of Merrill Lynch, part of a growing investigation into whether government officials pressured the bank to withhold details about the deal from investors. — Washington Post

FAA Blasted Over Voluntary Safety Plan » Relatives of crash victims are wary of the Federal Aviation Administration's call for voluntary measures to counter safety lapses at regional airlines.

Fight Over Tobacco Law in Final Round » After 11 years, three presidents and millions of dollars in lobbying by worried cigarette makers, Congress is poised to put the tobacco industry under FDA regulation with what some smaller companies are dubbing the "the Marlboro Monopoly Act." — Wall Street Journal ($)

» Uncertainty Over New Rules for Judges (NYT)
» Kamen: Ambassador List Looks Like Obama's Donor List (WaPo)
» Report: Rep. Shuler Aided 'Appearance' of Special Treatment (CQ)
» Former House aide hit with corruption charges (CNBC)
» 18 indicted in fraud of low-income heating program (philly.com)
» Reports: DOJ steps up Google Books settlement probe (cnet.com)
» Goals Shift Financial Regulation Reform (WaPo)
» 7 Indicted on Charges of Selling Tax Shelters (NYT)
» Report Faults Oversight of War Contracts (WaPo)