November 18, 2005
NATIONAL
Ex-official in Iraq charged
A former U.S. contract supervisor in Iraq has become the first current or former American official to face criminal charges in connection with the multibillion-dollar reconstruction of the country, federal authorities said yesterday. Robert J. Stein, 50, a former Coalition Provisional Authority official in Hillah, Iraq, was arrested in Fayetteville, N.C., in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme to award construction contracts worth more than $18 million. pg 3a
WORLD
Iraq vows to investigate jails
Iraq promised to investigate detention facilities to ensure prisoners are not tortured while the United States sharply warned Iraqi officials against allowing Shiite militias a role in security services amid allegations of abuse against Sunnis. pg 16a
MARYLAND
Tracking traffic via phones
A Canadian company is monitoring the flow of vehicle traffic throughout the Baltimore area by using an emerging technology tracking the constant stream of data generated by cell phones in use along highways as they communicate with towers in the network. pg 1b
Plan meant to reduce mercury
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said yesterday that the state plans to impose rules that will compel coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury air pollution by 70 percent within five years. pg 1b
TODAY
Fox affiliate hires Norris
Former Baltimore police Commissioner Edward T. Norris has been hired by the city's Fox affiliate to expand his commentary to television. Norris, a convicted felon, will offer his views on crime and law enforcement Thursdays from 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. in an interview segment titled Fox Undercover with Ed Norris. pg 1c
Honoring music executive
Baltimore native and music executive Kevin Liles received the key to the city this week at City Hall, where Mayor Martin O'Malley announced plans to rename a portion of Presstman Street Kevin Liles Drive. The honor celebrates the Warner Music Group president's community efforts. pg 2c
Vote coming on benefits plan
About 450,000 Marylanders could lose required insurance coverage of brand-name drugs when the Maryland Health Care Commission votes next week on a plan designed to make the state's standard benefits package more affordable for small employers. pg 1d
SPORTS
Flood of Steelers fans expected
An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Steelers fans are expected to invade M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday for their team's game with the Ravens. The Ravens' 2-7 start has prompted a number of season-ticket holders to list their seats for sale on eBay. pg 1e
BUSINESS
DOW - UP
+45.46
10720.22
NASDAQ - UP
+32.53
2,220.46
S&P - UP
+11.59
1,242.80
SUN INDEX - UP
+4.27
324.62
Quote Of the day
"If we make a local analogy, it's just like in old times: When the emperor says something, it's for sure that it will get done."
Cao Jiancang, a Chinese farmer confident in his government's ability to vaccinate billions of chickens against bird flu Article, PG 1A
Up next
Sunday
Creating a buzz
Michael Ealy, a University of Maryland graduate stars in a new Showtime program.
IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cleaned up
After being named the dirtiest city in America, Chattanooga, Tenn., has cleaned up its air and the Tennessee River, and now leads the nation in riverfront rebounds.
IN TRAVEL
WEDNESDAY
LOCAL SPORTS
Read about your county's athletes of the week, and see fall sports polls and statistics.
IN VARSITY
ONLINE TODAY
NFL TOP 5
Listen to Ken Murray and Dave Alexander discuss the best five forthcoming games in the NFL at
baltimoresun.com/murraynfl.
