Newseum prepares for
Obama inauguration

WASHINGTON - The Newseum plans to offer visitors attending the presidential inauguration a warm viewing spot along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route.

Newseum spokeswoman Susan Bennett says officials approved plans Thursday to open the museum from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Inauguration Day. Several balconies inside the building have prime views of Pennsylvania Avenue. Outdoor balconies with views of the Capitol have been reserved by the TV networks.

The museum about news had planned to remain closed until 3 p.m. because of security restrictions. Bennett says the Secret Service has now agreed to allow the museum to open for the morning festivities. President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in will be shown live on the Newseum's giant-screen television.

The Newseum already has sold 9,000 tickets for tours the day before on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.