NATIONAL
War is candidates' prime theme
War in Iraq was the overriding theme as Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama led a parade of presidential contenders yesterday in the first cattle show of the 2008 campaign. It was held in Washington's largest ballroom. pg 3a
Romney talks credentials
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney sought to assure 50 of the most conservative members of Congress about his anti-abortion and anti-gay-marriage credentials yesterday as he solicited their support for his White House run. pg 3a
MARYLAND
No oversight of worker training
Maryland juvenile authorities say they do not oversee training of workers at privately run programs for juvenile offenders, like the one in Carroll County where a 17-year-old boy died last month after being physically restrained for hours. pg 1a
ACLU sues over county signs law
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit yesterday against the Baltimore County government to overturn a county restriction on when political campaign signs can be displayed, saying the law violates free speech rights. pg 1b
SPORTS
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre said he would return for his 17th NFL season. "We have a good nucleus of young players," Favre said. "We were 8-8 last year, and that's encouraging."pg 4c
Wal-Mart supercenters on way
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s announcement this week that it would open three Baltimore area supercenters, which include large grocery stores, has supermarkets bracing for new competition from the world's largest retailer. pg 1a
WORLD
New anti-helicopters tactics?
The U.S. military is trying to determine whether insurgents have developed new techniques for shooting down helicopters after the crash near Baghdad yesterday of a fourth U.S. helicopter in two weeks, a top general said. pg 8a
Iraqi troops move into Baghdad
The army brigades that were promised by the Iraqi government to help secure Baghdad have begun to arrive in the city, but with only a little more than half of their manpower - at least a partial failure for a crucial first test of the Bush administration's new war plan. pg 8a
TODAY
Get psyched for Super Bowl
Are you ready for some football? Here are some movies, books, Web sites and songs to get you psyched for tomorrow's Super Bowl. pg 1d
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