MARYLAND
Teen shelter moves forward
After three years of continuous discussions, a residential center for homeless teenagers and young adults - believed to be the first of its kind in Maryland - is closer than ever to being built just west of Baltimore's Television Hill. pg 1b
Puppies bred for fighting crime
While the Maryland Division of Correction has long trained detection and patrol dogs, it is now trying to breed and raise them on site in Hagerstown, starting with a litter of Labrador retriever pups born last month. The dogs will use their acute sense of smell to check prison visitors, staff and volunteers. pg 1b
WORLD
Sanctions imposed on Iran
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously yesterday to impose sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, increasing international pressure on the government to prove that it is not trying to make nuclear weapons. Iran immediately rejected the resolution. pg 1a
Israel to release funds
Israel agreed yesterday to release $100 million in frozen funds to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and ease West Bank travel restrictions - goodwill gestures that revived hopes for a resumption of peace talks after years of hostility and distrust. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made the promises in a two-hour meeting with Abbas at the Israeli leader's official residence. pg 9a
NATIONAL
Ex-Sen. Robert Stafford dies
Former Sen. Robert Stafford, a staunch environmentalist and champion of education whose name is familiar to countless college students through a loan program named for him, died yesterday. The Vermont Republican was 93. pg 3a
Military ready to support surge
The U.S. military command in Iraq is now willing to back a temporary increase in American troops as part of a broader Iraqi and U.S. effort to stem the slide toward chaos, senior American officials said yesterday. pg 3a
BUSINESS
Pitfalls of no-interest offers
As retailers stuff mailboxes with offers of no-interest financing and zero percent credit cards, consumer advocates say the offers can be a good deal to people on top of their finances. But for consumers less disciplined about their spending, such offers can be ticking financial bombs. pg 1c
SPORTS
Terps beat AU, improve to 11-2
Maryland improved to 11-2 with a 66-54 men's basketball victory over American University. D.J. Strawberry scored a team-high 19 points. pg 1d
MODERN LIFE
Boomers and glamparents
The average age of today's grandparent is 48, according to an AARP study - only two years older than the average Harley-Davidson buyer. But these active and engaged baby boomers don't want to hear the word "grandparents." Call them "Glamma" (Goldie Hawn's choice) and "GP" (Grandpa). pg 1n