NATIONAL
President Bush and his advisers are using the handover of sovereignty in Iraq to try to persuade Americans that the onus of stabilizing the country has shifted in large part off American shoulders. But political analysts say it's a hard sell. [Page 1a]
Captives entitled to due process
In strong and effusive language warning of an "unchecked system of detention" that "carries the potential to become a means for oppression," the Supreme Court said yesterday that respect for due process and individual liberty outweighs presidential interests in securing the nation. The rulings mean that more than 500 alien captives at Guantanamo Bay will get lawyers and hearings in federal court, as will Yaser Esam Hamdi, a U.S. citizen picked up on the battlefield in Afghanistan. [Page 1a]
Court issues Miranda warning
The Supreme Court warns police away from using a strategy intended to deliberately extract confessions from criminal suspects before telling them of their right to remain silent. [Page 5a]
WORLD
Iraq sovereignty comes early
Hoping to catch insurgents off guard, the Americans transferred power to an interim Iraqi government two days ahead of schedule. [Page 1a]
Little fanfare over handover
The Iraqi transfer of power came with little ceremony in the Green Zone and little fanfare in Baghdad. Iraqis tempered their hope for a stable future with worries about a violent present. [Page 1a]
Video of American's execution
Al-Jazeera says it has received video of the execution of a 20-year-old American soldier who had been held captive since April 9, when his convoy was attacked west of Baghdad. The captors shot Spc. Keith M. Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio, in the back of the head, saying the United States had failed to change its policies in Iraq. [Page 10a]
MARYLAND
Light rail stations reopen
Six light rail stations south of Camden Yards re-opened for commuters this week. Light rail users had been forced to take shuttle buses instead of trains during construction as a second track was added to the rail line. The stations at the far southern end of the route will remain closed to the trains until sometime this fall. [Page 1b]
Traffic, alcohol concern motorists
Maryland motorists are growing more concerned about traffic and think state penalties for alcohol-impaired drivers are too lenient, a University of Maryland survey has found. Kenneth Beck, a professor who oversaw the study, said the increased concerns stem in part from the additional time motorists spend in their cars. [Page 2b]
SPORTS
Bedard pitches O's past Royals
Rookie pitcher Erik Bedard went 6 1/3 shutout innings in the visiting Orioles' 10-1 rout of the Kansas City Royals in a game between last-place teams. Brian Roberts, David Newhan, Miguel Tejada and Javy Lopez had two RBIs apiece, helping the Orioles to just their fourth victory in their past 12 games. [Page 1c]
Henman advances at Wimbledon
Tim Henman, cheered on in his native England, outlasted Mark Philippoussis, 6-2, 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-5), in the fourth round at Wimbledon. Top seed Roger Federer beat Ivo Karlovic, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5). [Page 1c]
British Open qualifying draws few
In a sparsely attended British Open golf qualifier at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, the first ever held in the United States, Carl Petterson, Spike McRoy and Mathias Gronberg posted the top score of 134. [Page 1c]
BUSINESS
UPC marks 30th anniversary
The Universal Produce Code marks its 30th anniversary this month. It wasn't as warmly embraced nor as breathtaking as some emerging technologies, but its impact on retailing has been enormous. It saves $17 billion a year in inventory costs by one estimate, not to mention carpal tunnel syndrome for countless cashiers. [Page 1a]
Gas prices decline
Marylanders get to hold on to more of their dimes, at least for now. Consumers in the state are paying nearly 10 cents less for a gallon of regular gasoline than a month ago, AAA said yesterday. The price of regular gas in the state dropped to an average $1.96 per gallon yesterday. [Page 1d]
Encouraging excellence
The Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations is going national with a program that recognizes well-run nonprofits with a seal of excellence. Groups must measure up against 55 performance standards to earn the seal, though the association expects to help many others make incremental improvements. [Page 1d]
TODAY
TV networks caught off guard
The earlier-than-expected handover of power in Iraq catches American television networks off guard, leaving crews and anchors scrambling to report the news from Baghdad. The networks were in Iraq, but had been anticipating a June 30 ceremony. [Page 1e]
Clapton guitar sells for $959,500
"Blackie," the Fender Stratocaster that was Eric Clapton's main guitar from 1970 to 1985, brought $959,500 at auction as part of a $7.5 million fund-raiser for the Crossroads Centre rehab facility in Antigua, West Indies. In all, 88 guitars from Clapton and friends were sold. [Page 2e]
SUMMER CONCERTS LIST
Prince, Reba and many other stars will make stops in the area. Find out when and how you can get tickets. www.baltimoresun.com/summerconcerts
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I've known kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers. But the most extraordinary person I have ever known in my life is Mattie Stepanek."
Former President Jimmy Carter, at the funeral for the 13-year-old Rockville boy (Article, Page 1E)
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