Smoking ban seen likely to pass
A statewide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants is likely to win approval from the General Assembly this year, state legislative leaders say. pg 1a
Dixon cleared in ethics probe
Baltimore's Board of Ethics has cleared City Council President Sheila Dixon of wrongdoing, nearly a year after allegations arose. pg 1a
BUSINESS
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WORLD
Election delayed in Bangladesh
After weeks of mounting political violence, Bangladesh's president declared a nationwide state of emergency and indefinitely postponed elections that had been scheduled to take place in less than two weeks. pg 8a
Selling like hotcakes
Purple T-shirts, purple chocolate football players, purple light bulbs and other Ravens-oriented items are selling big-time this week as area fans get ready for the Colts game tomorrow. pg 1e
NATIONAL
Bipartisan anger over Iraq
Republicans and Democrats together register deepening anger and frustration over President Bush's Iraq policy as top administration officials tried to sell the new version of the Bush war plan to a hostile Congress. pg 1a
SPORTS
Bonds failed test, report says
San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds failed a test for amphetamines last season, the New York Daily News reported. Bonds is the first player to be linked to amphetamines since baseball and its players' association prohibited it before last season. pg 4f
TODAY
Talent squandered in 'Notes'
Our review of Notes on a Scandal, starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, minces no words: Seldom has so much first-rate acting talent been wasted on such a small-minded melodrama. pg 1c