NATIONAL
Bush blunt on Iraq war
President Bush made an unusually blunt admission of responsibility for invading Iraq using botched intelligence, while maintaining that his decision was right given Saddam Hussein's history and the lessons of Sept. 11th. pg 1a
Parts of Patriot Act extended
The House voted to extend 16 provisions of the USA Patriot Act, sending the anti-terror legislation to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. pg 2a
WORLD
Holocaust called a myth
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad escalated his anti-Israeli rhetoric, calling the Holocaust a myth used by Europeans to create a Jewish state in the heart of the Islamic world. The comments drew swift criticism in Jerusalem, Washington and Europe. pg 19a
MARYLAND
Jury deliberates in NSA trial
A federal jury in Greenbelt will continue deliberating today the fate of a man charged with illegally removing and storing highly sensitive NSA computer manuals in his kitchen at home. pg 1b
Kennedy items to be auctioned
Rare and historic material from the life of John F. Kennedy is to be auctioned off starting today in New York City. The 1,800 lots are from the estate of the late Robert L. White, a Baltimore cleaning-supply salesman who died two years ago. pg 1b
BUSINESS
DOW -- UP
+59.79
10,883.51
NASDAQ -- DOWN
-2.41
2,262.59
S&P -- UP
+5.31
1,272.74
SUN INDEX -- DOWN
-0.38
328.68
Merger report stuns city
News that Constellation Energy Group may combine with a Florida utility operator sent shockwaves through Baltimore's business establishment yesterday, leaving investors, power customers and civic leaders to wonder what will become of the headquarters for one of the city's last Fortune 500 companies. pg 1a
Chaotic year for Martek
It has been a chaotic year for Martek Biosciences Corp., which has seen more highs and lows than a Swiss mountaineer. Yesterday brought more turbulence: Martek shares yesterday sank $5.38, or 18 percent, to close at a new low for the year. pg 1d
SPORTS
Towson to play I-A football teams
Division I-AA football school Towson University schedules games against Division I-A football teams Navy, Northwestern and Indiana. pg 1C
O's, Tejada representation talk
The Orioles had more discussions with the representation of shortstop Miguel Tejada and the club remained hopeful that he would be on the team on Opening Day. pg 1C
TODAY
Aquarium gains a natural asset
A new addition opening this week represents a breakthrough not only for Baltimore's 24-year-old National Aquarium but also for aquarium design in general. And the exhibit it houses, a re-creation of an Australian river valley, is a natural wonder, says architecture critic Ed Gunts. pg 1e
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"We could always count on Billy to lead us and to restore ... our ability to go one more round with our captors."
Sen. John McCain, at funeral service for Vice Adm. William Porter Lawrence Article, PG 1B
Up next
Sunday
Violinist reaches out to youth
Once a child prodigy, violinist and Baltimore native Hilary Hahn discusses her unusual efforts to reach out to new and younger audiences.
IN A&E TODAY
Sunday
When holidays coincide
For Jewish and interfaith families, this Dec. 25 poses a special dilemma: Christmas Day is also the first night of Hanukkah.
IN MODERN LIFE
ONLINE
TODAY
War in Iraq
For recent developments, including President Bush's comments and Iraqi vote coverage, go to baltimoresun.com/iraq.
RAVENS REVIEW
Baltimore Sun sports reporter Jamison Hensley previews the Ravens-Packers game at baltimoresun. com/Hensley.
