Good morning, Baltimore: Need to know for Friday

WEATHER: Flurries, highs in the upper 30s. Tonight is expected to be mostly clear, temperatures in the mid-20s.

TRAFFIC: Check our traffic updates for this morning's issues.

TOP NEWS

NRA, gun-control groups begin work in Annapolis: As the General Assembly prepared to debate some of the nation's strictest gun laws, the National Rifle Association and a trade organization representing the gun industry started to work in Annapolis this week.

Leopold chooses trial by judge in complex misconduct case: Facing charges of fraud and misconduct for allegedly using his taxpayer-funded police detail to run personal and political errands, Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold has waived his right to a jury and will be tried by a single judge.

Zurawik: Oprah Winfrey brings it, but Lance Armstrong is still on the con: Lance Armstrong’s not a fool. He knows he's not going to get a total pass at this point in the game. But what he wants to get away with is copping to is being a "jerk and a humanitarian."

Man convicted of lighting himself on fire, killing mother: Upset that his mother would not pay off his debt to drug dealers, Genesis Collins Jr. set himself on fire and embraced her, leaving Audrey Collins with burns that ultimately killed her, prosecutors said.

U.S. vows to pursue militants behind Algeria attack: U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said on Friday militants who attacked the United States and its citizens will hunted down, in the first comments by a senior U.S. official on a hostage attack by Islamist militants in Algeria.

RAVENS WEEKEND

Ravens' savviest offseason signings came at small cost: Considering the production they've generated and their importance to an injury-riddled roster, the signings of Corey Graham, Jacoby Jones and Justin Tucker have proven to be crucial.

Mike Preston: Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork has to be contained. He is the complete, big package.

PREDICTIONS: Will the Ravens or the Patriots win the AFC championship game? Our staff makes their picks.