NATIONAL
Bush asks chance on Iraq plan
President Bush appealed to a recalcitrant Congress and an anxious public to give his Iraq troop increase a chance, seeking to revive his waning influence with plans to reduce gasoline usage and expand health coverage access. pg 1A
Lawyer says Libby sacrificed
White House officials tried to sacrifice vice presidential aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby to protect strategist Karl Rove from blame for leaking a CIA operative's identity during a political storm over the Iraq war, Libby's lawyer said. pg 3a
MARYLAND
Officer acquitted of rape
After about one full day of deliberation, a city jury acquitted Officer Jemini Jones yesterday of all charges in a rape case that brought to light broader allegations of misconduct in a specialized unit of the Baltimore Police Department. pg 1a
Immigration raids nets 24
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents yesterday arrested 24 men suspected of being illegal immigrants at a popular Southeast Baltimore gathering spot for day laborers. Advocates for the immigrant Latino community quickly denounced the action. pg 1b
WORLD
Tough days predicted in Iraq
President Bush's nominee to be the new commander in Iraq, Army Lt. Gen. David H. Petraeus, told Congress that the situation in Iraq is dire and poses "tough days" ahead, but pleaded for time to begin executing a new strategy. pg 13a
State jobless rate falls
Maryland businesses produced nearly as many jobs last year - 36,400 - as the year before, droppinng the unemployment rate to 3.8 percent, federal figures show. pg 1d
SPORTS
Yow gets contract extension
University of Maryland athletic director Debbie Yow signed a contract extension that guarantees her $350,000 per year through 2013, she has confirmed. Yow's current contract does not expire until 2010, but early negotiations in the athletic department are common, she said. pg 1c
TODAY
Oprah's journey
Oprah Winfrey's compelling TV journey to trace her ancestors is the subject of a PBS documentary airing tonight. pg 1e
Political drama
Lee Blessing's dire political drama, Going to St. Ives, makes its regional premiere at the Everyman Theatre. pg 1e
BUSINESS
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