NATIONAL
Court shooting suspect surrenders
The suspect in the Atlanta courthouse shootings surrendered to police yesterday, waving a white T-shirt. Police say that in addition to the judge and two others killed Friday, Brian Nichols killed an immigration agent and held a woman hostage in her apartment. [Page 1a]
Bravo Company gears for combat
Since mid-January, 130 citizen-soldiers from the Maryland Army National Guard have been training for war. The future of the Iraq war rests increasingly with soldiers like those from the Olney-based Bravo Company, which heads to war in June for the first time since World War II. [Page 1a]
Gunman kills 7 in Wisconsin
A gunman shot and killed seven people yesterday at a church service in a suburban Milwaukee hotel before taking his own life. The unidentified gunman was believed to be a member of the church. [Page 3a]
WORLD
Assad promises troop pullout
Syrian President Bashar Assad reiterated his promise yesterday to withdraw troops from Lebanon, a United Nations envoy said. However, the envoy did not disclose a timetable. [Page 16a]
Iran rebuffs U.S. overtures
Iran has acknowledged a shift in U.S. attitudes on its nuclear ambitions, but scoffed at the idea that Washington's overtures would coax the Islamic republic to drop its program. The Bush administration softened its stance last week, agreeing to a European plan that offers Iran incentives. [Page 20a]
MARYLAND
Kendel Ehrlich's profile rising
Maryland first lady Kendel S. Ehrlich has re-emerged as a central part of her husband's team and as one of the state's most prominent Republicans - drawing attention from GOP observers as a possible candidate for U.S. Senate. [Page 1b]
New SAT? No worries
The revised SAT college-entrance exam was given for the first time yesterday, and a sampling of students who took it at City College said the tougher math and science exercises weren't all that daunting. [Page 1b]
SPORTS
Ga. Tech, Duke win ACC semis
Will Bynum scored a career-high 35 points as fifth-seeded Georgia Tech upset top-seeded North Carolina, 78-75, in the ACC tournament semifinals at MCI Center. The Yellow Jackets will meet third-seeded Duke - which defeated seventh-seeded N.C. State in the other semifinal, 76-69 - in today's championship game. [Page 1e, 8e]
Ponson tosses 4 scoreless innings
Finally taking the mound in an exhibition game, Sidney Ponson pitched four scoreless innings as part of a scoreless tie between the Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers. Ponson had to skip Monday's scheduled start because he didn't have a P-1 work visa that allows sports figures and entertainers to work in front of a paying crowd. [Page 4e]
Coppin women gain NCAA berth
For the first time in its 20-year history, Coppin State's women's team qualified for the NCAA tournament, winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship with a 67-43 victory over a Norfolk State. The result sends Coppin into the Division I tournament, with the first-round site and opponent to be determined by today's nationally televised bracket show. [Page 10e]
BUSINESS
How to mimic a millionaire
The rich have access to a lot more opportunities because they can plunk down the $50,000 or $1 million minimum investment. Small investors can take a cue by watching what professional money managers are doing with their well-heeled clients' money. [Page 1d]
ARTS & SOCIETY
China's knockoff district falls
This year, Beijing's Silk Alley - famed bazaar of ersatz goods - was bulldozed by the Chinese government to make way for development and to appease corporations displeased with China's output of counterfeit merchandise. Those who experienced it, though, will miss it. [Page 2f]
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"As African-American people, ... we've never been seen like this on film. We've never been seen this wealthy, we've never been seen in love and loving, and caring and sharing intimate moments rather than sexual moments, or just being good people."
Tyler Perry, writer of "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (Article, Page 7F)
TODAY ONLINE
McMULLEN ON COLLEGE HOOPS
Sun reporter Paul McMullen will answer your questions about Maryland basketball and today's NCAA tournament selections online at www.baltimoresun.com/askmcmullen
MARYLAND NATIONAL GUARD
For more photos of Maryland's Army National Guard, Bravo Company, training for its mission to Iraq, go to: www.baltimoresun.com/guardphotos
