MARYLAND
Fire Department shake-up
The Baltimore Fire Department announced a shake-up in its midlevel management yesterday, saying overly cozy relationships between chiefs and firefighters have created a culture in which safety standards were not being adequately enforced. pg 1A
In raids, illicit workers arrested
Federal agents arrested 69 employees in raids yesterday on area businesses - including sportswear fashion maker Under Armour Inc. - that officials said employed illegal immigrants. pg 1B
NATIONAL
Gonzales' credibility rattled
Despite earlier denials, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales was deeply involved in discussions that led to the firing of eight U.S. attorneys, his former chief of staff testified yesterday. Kyle Sampson told the Senate Judiciary Committee that Gonzales participated in at least five meetings on the subject. pg 1A
Senate passes war measure
The Senate approved yesterday a war funding measure calling for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq next year, and Democratic leaders warned President Bush that he risks undermining the troops on the battlefield if he vetoes the bill, as he has promised. pg 1A
WORLD
Britain, Iran heighten dispute
Britain and Iran hardened their positions yesterday in their dispute over 15 British sailors captured in Persian Gulf waters that maritime experts say remain among the most disputed geographical boundaries in the world. pg 12A
TJX targeted in big heist
At least 45.7 million credit and debit card numbers were stolen by hackers who accessed the computer systems at the TJX Cos. Inc. at its headquarters in Framingham, Mass., and in the United Kingdom over a period of several years, making it the biggest breach of personal data ever reported, according to security specialists. pg F1
SPORTS
Phelps sets 200 IM record
Michael Phelps set his third world record in as many days, winning the 200-meter individual medley at the world championships in Melbourne, Australia. Phelps finished in 1 minute, 54.98 seconds, bettering his mark of 1:55.84 set in August at the Pan Pacific championships. pg 1e
MOVIES TODAY
Ferrell is back in 'Blades'
If it weren't for our willingness to laugh at egocentric doofuses, Will Ferrell might not have a career at all. Will Ferrell is back on screen, this time as a cocksure men's figure skater in Blades of Glory. Heaven help us. There is plenty to laugh at in Blades of Glory, except for lovers of subtlety, those who find Ferrell's adolescence more vile than comical and those who want Ferrell to stretch his limits. pg 1C
BUSINESS
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