MARYLAND
Restored Basilica open again
Baltimore's Basilica of the Assumption reopened yesterday after a two-year, $32 million restoration. The most noticeable change at the historic cathedral, which Cardinal William H. Keeler called a "special treasure," is the return of 24 skylights to the main dome. pg 1a
Maryland bucks U.S. trend
Although the GOP is in danger of losing control of Congress, polls in Maryland show tightening races for governor and the open U.S. Senate seat, creating the possibility that one of the most reliably Democratic states in the nation could elect Republicans to top jobs Tuesday. pg 1b
NATIONAL
Military papers target Rumsfeld
An editorial in military-targeted trade publications is calling on President Bush to fire Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, pointing to a lack of support from military leaders over the Iraq war. pg 10a
Woman to lead Episcopalians
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori was empowered to take charge of the Episcopal Church yesterday in a Gothic sanctuary filled with well-wishers and clouds of incense, becoming the first woman to lead a national church in the Anglican Communion's 520-year history. pg 12a
WORLD
Israelis kill 8 Palestinians
Israeli forces widened their four-day-old offensive in the Gaza Strip yesterday, killing five Palestinian fighters and three civilians, including a 13-year-old girl hit by a sniper bullet fired into her home. Israel has come under international criticism for the operation, which has subjected homes to searches or demolition, and obliged nearly every unarmed male resident of the town to undergo interrogation at a soccer field. pg 22a
CIA reports Karzai weakened
A recent CIA assessment found that the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, has been significantly weakened by rising popular frustration with his U.S.-backed government, American officials say. The assessment found that Karzai's government and security forces struggle to exert authority beyond Kabul. pg 25a
BUSINESS
At home in the grain silo
The old Archer Daniels Midland grain elevator in Locust Point is being converted into upscale condos, lofts and penthouses. Architect Christopher Pfaeffle believes residents will pay top dollar for huge windows, soaring ceilings and stunning harbor views. pg 1c
SPORTS
Terps upset No. 19 Clemson
Dan Ennis kicked a 31-yard field goal as time ran out to give Maryland a 13-12 victory over No. 19 Clemson. The Terps (7-2) extended their winning streak to four games and, at 4-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, remain in the chase for a spot in the league championship game. pg 1d
A&E; TODAY
Katrina from artist's memory
Louisiana's Willie Birch, who is artist in residence at Maryland Institute College of Art, has assembled a monumental sculptural remembrance of the devastation Hurricane Katrina inflicted on New Orleans. It's part of a new exhibit at MICA. pg 1e
MODERN LIFE
At the Dogwood Deli counter
Noted chef Galen Sampson, formerly of Harbor Court, opened Dogwood Deli in Hampden with wife Bridget to train former drug users and ex-cons to become chefs. pg 1n