NATIONAL
CIA probes terrorism renditions
The CIA's independent watchdog is investigating fewer than 10 cases where terrorism suspects may have been mistakenly taken to foreign countries by the spy agency, a figure lower than published reports but high enough to raise concerns. After the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush gave the CIA authority to conduct the controversial operations, called renditions. pg 3a
WORLD
Putin adviser resigns
The most outspoken of President Vladimir V. Putin's senior advisers abruptly resigned yesterday, warning that Russia's nascent political freedoms have been lost and the Kremlin's economic choices have been poor. He also said he had no more ability to influence the government's course. pg 8a
MARYLAND
Canton killing suspect arrested
A 25-year-old man who was wanted in the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old Millersville man who coached basketball at Cardinal Gibbons High School has surrendered to police. pg 1b
SPORTS
O's, Burnitz near deal
The Orioles are close to an agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract with free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz, who played for the Chicago Cubs last season. A deal could be finalized by the end of the week. pg 1e
BUSINESS
DOW -- DOWN
-105.50
10,777.77
NASDAQ -- DOWN
-22.53
2,226.89
S&P -- DOWN
-12.12
1,256.54
SUN INDEX -- DOWN
-2.79
326.61
A sweet deal for the port
Billions of candy bars stocked on American store shelves could get their start on the docks of Baltimore in 2006. The port will become an official cocoa port for the New York Board of Trade in May. pg 1a
Cell phones ring in retail sales
The nation's four largest cell phone companies are expanding their brick-and-mortar retail operations as they fight to retain customers in the fiercely competitive wireless market. Carrier-owned retail outlets provide more opportunities to develop continuing relationships with customers and woo them into accessories, services and equipment upgrades of the latest and coolest gadgets, wireless analysts and mobile phone executives say. pg 1c
TODAY
Driving social change
By refurbishing and selling donated cars at low prices, Vehicles for Change tries to help qualified low-income Marylanders shift their lives into a new gear. pg 1d
NPR takes music online
Aiming to reach baby boomers who no longer go to live shows and hip youngsters who get their music online, National Public Radio has created a series of downloadable live performances featuring artists as diverse as Wilco and James Brown. pg 1d
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"If you can take up the piano at 5, you can take up boxing at 5."
Adam Pollack of USA Boxing, on Mia Ellis, a kindergartner who is also a boxer Article, PG 1a
Up next
Friday
The chemical of childbirth
Do you generally trust other people? How do you react when you're frightened? Are you faithful to your spouse? The answers to these questions may be tied to a biological chemical recognized mainly for helping mothers give birth.
IN HEALTH & SCIENCE
Sunday
Making plans for 2006
Marylanders share their plans for the new year.
IN MODERN LIFE
Alsace offers two cultures
The Alsace region of northeastern France, on the border with Germany, is a melange of French and German cultures.
In Travel
ONLINE TODAY
RAVENS PREVIEW
Sun reporter Jamison Hensley previews the Ravens-Browns game at: baltimoresun.com/podcasts
