NATIONAL
Lobbyists draw attention
With a burgeoning ethics scandal and fall elections looming, ideas about how to curtail the influence of lobbyists in Washington and polish the image of Congress are popping up. Republicans and Democrats are talking about new ethics rules. pg 1a
Culture suffers in New Orleans
The dire state of culture in post-Katrina New Orleans came into full view yesterday, with the release of the report created for the mayor's Bring New Orleans Back Commission. More than 2,000 musicians thrived in the city before Katrina, but fewer than 250 are there today. pg 3a
WORLD
5 nations mostly agree on Iran
The five nations with permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council agreed that Iran must suspend attempts to make nuclear fuel, but Russia and China stopped short of demanding that Iran be referred to the Security Council for possible sanctions. pg 1a
2 die in helicopter crash in Iraq
A U.S. military helicopter conducting a combat patrol crashed north of Baghdad, the third American helicopter to go down in Iraq in 10 days. The two crew members were killed. pg 8a
SPORTS
No. 6 Terps women bounce back
Eight days after being blown out by second-ranked Duke, the Maryland women's basketball team defeated Florida State, 75-57, yesterday. Crystal Langhorne had 19 rebounds and 12 points. pg 1c
BUSINESS
Dollar rises against yen, euro
The dollar rose against the yen and euro before reports this week that may show U.S. consumer confidence at a six-month high in January, and that manufacturing gained. Faster growth could bring speculation the U.S. will keep raising interest rates. pg 7c
Gold is worth mining again
Spurred by rising prices, gold-mining companies are pouring more money into gold exploration around the world. pg 7c
MARYLAND
Commissioner pledges changes
Responding to allegations of corruption in Southwestern District, Baltimore's police commissioner said yesterday that he is committed to restoring "internal integrity" and is implementing safeguards to keep officers honest. pg 1a
Environmental spending plan
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. proposed more than $440 million in environmental spending yesterday, including proposing for the first time full funding of Program Open Space. pg 1b
TODAY
Diamonds now man's accessory
Diamonds are a guy's best friend, too, as all ages, lifestyles and incomes adorn themselves. pg 1d
'Walk the Line' big at Globes
Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix won acting awards at the Golden Globes for the movie Walk the Line, which was named best musical or comedy. Brokeback Mountain was named best drama. pg 1d
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The age and fate of the universe is a question every culture has always asked about."
Bradley E. Schaefer, astronomer at Louisiana State University
Article, PG 1a
Up next
Tomorrow
Founding foodie
Celebrate the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, an 18th-century food enthusiast.
IN TASTE
Corporate citizens
With many large companies that have philanthropic arms, being a good corporate citizen is no longer a fad in the workplace.
In Working
Sunday
Parents with potty-mouths
The use of swear words is becoming more common among parents.
IN MODERN LIFE
ONLINE
TODAY
Weather Blog
Get up-to-the-minute forecasts, along with Frank Roylance's weather blog.
marylandweather.com
TERPS REPORT
Sun sports reporter Heather Dinich discusses Maryland men's basketball.
baltimoresun.com/dinich