11.   Amid the news blackout, the White House press operation was unable or unwilling to provide answers to volleys of questions.

12.   As FBI agents installed portable toilets at checkpoints and the Freemen start up their tractors to till alfalfa fields, the news blackout may well stretch through spring.

13.   Aside from intense statewide coverage, its season has existed in a virtual news blackout that would make the Pentagon jealous.

14.   Because of the news blackout, it is impossible to know precisely what is on the table.

15.   Because of the tight news blackout, almost all information is coming from U.S. officials who are being extraordinarily careful not to divulge specific details of the talks.

16.   A news blackout remained over the talks at nearby Camp David, but a White House spokesman said the two sides were down to the nitty-gritty issues.

17.   A news blackout prevented any official disclosure of progress.

18.   After imposing a news blackout at noon on Sunday, negotiators met away from the public eye with a federal mediator for several hours.

19.   Aides to both candidates refused to discuss the negotiations, citing an agreement between the campaigns to a strict news blackout.

20.   Alas, pictures were the only story as Mideast peace talks at nearby Camp David lurched through day six on Sunday amid a strictly enforced news blackout.