WORLD
Factional fighting in Gaza
Five Palestinians were killed and more than 40 wounded in fighting between clans Friday and early yesterday in the Gaza Strip. Though the clashes were portrayed in the Palestinian news media as a family feud, they also took on a factional hue, because one of the families is identified with Hamas and the other with its political rival, Fatah. pg 18a
New administration for Prodi
Romano Prodi, forced to resign last week as Italy's prime minister, will try to reassemble his government in a bid to rescue the nation from crippling political chaos, officials announced yesterday. pg 20a
MARYLAND
Department's image at risk
The fire exercise that killed city recruit Racheal M. Wilson this month may have scarred the reputation of one of the nation's most highly regarded departments. Whether it can recover will depend on department leadership in the next few weeks, a former chief said. pg 1a
Historic buildings razed
A block of 1820s-era rowhouses on St. Paul Place fell to rubble yesterday, weeks after preservationists dropped their fight to halt demolition. Mercy Medical Center plans to build a $292 million inpatient facility on the site. pg 1b
NATIONAL
Severe poverty rising
The percentage of poor Americans who are living in severe poverty has reached a 32-year high, according to an analysis of 2005 census figures. Millions of working Americans are falling closer to the poverty line, and the gulf between the nation's haves and have-nots continues to widen. pg 3a
Rethinking bypass operations
After more than a decade-long decline, is heart bypass surgery poised for a comeback? Some doctors say it's time to give bypass operations a second look, including some cardiologists who specialize in the far more popular alternative - using stents to keep coronary arteries propped open. pg 11a
BUSINESS
Housing slump spread unevenly
Home prices in one out of six communities in the Baltimore metro area declined last year as the housing slump sent sales skidding. But many more weathered the soft market fairly unscathed - and some posted hefty price gains. pg 1a
Travel for the conscientious
For travel lovers who want to see the planet but worry about the harmful environmental effects of driving and flying, a growing number of companies are offering a chance to offset the journey's carbon emissions. pg 1c
SPORTS
Hopkins upset by Albany
The second-ranked Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse team opened its season on a dismal note, falling at home to unranked Albany, 8-7. pg 1d
MODERN LIFE
Well-upholstered curves
Feminine styling - curvaceous contours, slimmer silhouettes and dressmaker details - has taken wholesale furniture buyers by storm in the past year. These are the graceful pieces Maryland shoppers are now finding in retail showrooms. pg 1n
TRAVEL
Streets of Katmandu
Visitors to the mountain kingdom of Nepal can immerse themselves in an ethnic melting pot, explore ancient palaces, see Mount Everest and discover the spirituality of the country's residents. pg 1r