Morning Buzz: Wednesday 2.25.09

• "Incredulous News Corp. insiders" tell Variety that Rupert Murdoch's love of print media is so fervent that he's been talking about making a play for the Los Angeles Times. Variety
• Domestic passenger traffic at LAX fell 10% in January (14% for international, compared to a year earlier) and at Ontario the traffic plunged 31%. LAT
• The Los Angeles City Council extended its moratorium on digital billboards and supergraphics for 45 more days, pledging to adopt tough penalties for illegal signs. DN
• Mayor Villaraigosa is looking closely at leasing the city's parking structures and meters to a private firm in order to get an infusion of up-front cash. LAT
• Kaiser is apparently asking for proof that Nadya Suleman can care for her octuplets before releasing the babies to her. LAT
• A 1987 phone tip to police may hold a key to the serial murders of Los Angeles prostitutes. LAT
• Now Sheriff Lee Baca is looking at reducing the amount of bail required to release nonviolent suspects. LAT
• Variety's Phil Gallo leaves the trade next week but will continue to contribute concert and theater reviews and write for feature sections. He'll also continue to blog at The Set List, at a home yet to be determined.
• Former Times reporter William Lobdell's memoir "Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith Reporting on Religion in America" was published this week. Author's blog
• The Los Angeles Public Library system extended the normal check-out period for books to three weeks, from two.
• Larry Mantle has scheduled a Measure B debate on KPCC's "Airtalk" at 10:30 with Councilman Bill Rosendahl squaring off against opponent Ron Kaye.
• Hollywood producer Peter Guber sold a book, "aH Ha! Unleash the Magic of Story to Power Your Success," to Crown. And actress Mackenzie Phillips will write her memoir for Simon Spotlight Entertainment for publication in March 2010. Publishers Lunch
• DodgerTalk returns to the air today on KABC 790, from 6 to 7 p.m. during spring training, with Joe Torre the guest of hosts Ken Levine and Josh Suchon.

Mark Lacter's headlines