Budget Passed: D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton tells the Post that she appreciates the House and Senate for passing D.C.’s 2005 budget without any new social riders. But D.C. officials tell the Post that a prohibition on District tax dollars being used for abortions for low-income women remains in place.

Second Amendment Rights Broadened at Airports: From the Post, passengers at Regean National Airport and Dulles International Airport will now be allowed to carry concealed weapons on airport property, just as along they aren’t in the terminal. “Passengers who are taking guns with them on flights still will be allowed to carry them into the terminal but are supposed to make arrangements with airlines in advance.”

In Other Gun News: The Post also reports that a mother whose son threatened to shoot classmates at a Prince William County middle school pleaded guilty to a felony weapons charge for leaving a high-powered rifle and ammo locked in her van at the school.

Maryland Docs Pressured by Malpractice Threat: The W.Times reports that doctors in Maryland are asking their hospitals permission to practice without medical malpractice insurance. They can’t afford a 33 percent premium increase. State officials are trying to figure out a solution as doctors consider moving high-risk procedures out of state.

Gas Jitters: A WTOP gas survey indicates that the average price of a gallon of gas in the area has risen $0.03 to an average of $1.99 a gallon. Gas is the least expensive in Maryland and the most expensive in the District.