NATIONAL
McCain's quiet campaign
For months, Sen. John McCain has been quietly assembling the pieces of a national campaign: lining up donors, courting his Senate colleagues, reaching out to social conservatives, earning IOUs from other politicians. The outsider of the 2000 Republican campaign is still a maverick, but he is carefully following the insider strategy of the man who beat him. pg 1a
MARYLAND
States, insurance firm settle
Maryland and eight other states have reached a $171 million settlement with Zurich American Insurance Co., which is accused of inflating prices and fixing bids on commercial insurance policies, the Maryland attorney general's office said yesterday. pg 3a
Energy meeting this week
Amid mounting scrutiny of the commission that sets utility rates, lawmakers will be meeting this week with the governor and energy executives to try to lessen the blow of an estimated 72 percent electricity rate increase this summer. pg 1b
Reversing course in Harford
Several elected officials in Harford County who had promised not to accept campaign contributions while they were engaged in the politically delicate task of overhauling the county's zoning laws have reversed course now that a veto has sent the process into overtime. pg 1b
WORLD
Disputing Belarus election
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Minsk, Belarus, last night even as President Aleksandr G. Lukashenko seemed assured of an overwhelmingly re-election victory. However supporters of the main opposition candidate, Aleksandr Milinkevich, cite polling data showing Lukashneko failing to receive the 50 percent necessary to avoid a runoff. pg 1a
Renewing Iraq war debate
President Bush and his senior advisers sought yesterday to mark the third anniversary of the Iraq war with declarations of progress but found themselves embroiled in renewed debate about whether Iraq has fallen into civil war. pg 1a
Israel, Palestine compromise
With Palestinians facing severe shortages of bread, milk and other foods in Gaza, U.S. officials called an emergency meeting yesterday and brokered a compromise with Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in a two-month-old border standoff. pg 8a
SPORTS
Terps women win NCAA opener
Maryland routed Sacred Heart, 95-54, in a first-round game of the NCAA women's tournament. Five Terps scored in double figures, led by Jade Perry with 20. Maryland improved to 29-4 and will meet St. John's tomorrow night. pg 1d
George Mason spills N. Carolina
The 11th-seeded George Mason men upset third-seeded and defending champion North Carolina, 65-60, in the NCAA tournament. The victory lifted the Patriots into a Washington Regional semifinal with Wichita State on Friday. pg 1d
TODAY
Where the poor pray
A photographer looks at the buildings where poor people worship in Baltimore and other U.S. cities. pg 1c
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Shabbos is not one of those things you can be late for. If it starts at 4:52, it starts at 4:52, not 4:53."
Yaakov Goldsmith, a general contractor on Shabbat, which starts at sundown Friday and lasts until after nightfall Saturday, creating a distinct rhythm to Jewish life
Article, PG 1B
Up next
Wednesday
World-class skating
A preview of the World Figure Skating Championships that looks at Kimmie Meissner and Sasha Cohen.
IN SPORTS
Cooking made simple
Don't be cowed by the exotic creations from cooking shows. Three local chefs show how to create a first-class meal with just six ingredients each.
IN TASTE
ONLINE
TODAY
BUSINESS NEWS
For breaking business news on local and regional companies, go to baltimoresun.com/businessbuzz
STATE POLITICS
For comprehensive coverage of the General Assembly, and to submit questions about Maryland politics to The Sun's David Nitkin and more, go to baltimoresun.com/politics
