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MARYLAND
Mistakes made, fire report says
Mistakes and safety violations contributed to the death of a Baltimore firefighter as he battled a blaze on Macon Street in October, a draft investigative report says, revealing more problems for a department still struggling after a recruit died in February. The final report is to be made public in several weeks, and city officials said some firefighters could be disciplined. pg 1A
3 charged in church burglaries
Baltimore County police said yesterday that three men have been arrested and charged in two church burglaries, including a break-in earlier this month. Police are examining evidence to see whether the suspects are connected to 11 other church burglaries that have been reported in southeast Baltimore County since February. pg 1B
NATIONAL
No troop assessment until fall
The Bush administration will not try to assess whether the troop increase in Iraq is producing signs of political progress or greater security until September, and many of President Bush's top advisers anticipate that any gains by then will be limited, according to administration officials. pg 3A
Official resigns amid scandal
The head of the Agency for International Development, Randall L. Tobias, resigned abruptly yesterday for what he said were "personal reasons," but an administration official said Tobias' name had come up in an investigation of a suspected Washington prostitution ring. pg 3A
WORLD
Terror cell broken, Saudis say
Saudi security officials said they had broken up a vast terrorist ring, arresting 172 men who planned to blow up oil installations, attack public officials and military posts, and storm a prison to free terrorist suspects. pg 9A
Somalis mixed over silence
Guns and mortar launchers were silent yesterday as residents of Somalia's shattered capital gave mixed reactions to the government's claim of victory after nine days of fierce fighting with Islamic insurgents. pg 12A
TODAY
From amateur to artist
About six years ago, photographers seeking to graduate from mere snapshot takers to something more artistic faced a sizable requirement: a whole darkroom at their disposal. Though digital technology has changed the rules, nearly replacing the rarefied darkroom with the more accessible computer, the intimidation factor of photography hasn't been completely washed away. pg 1D
Virgin lineup announced
The full lineup for the Virgin Festival by Virgin Mobile, which returns to Pimlico Race Course Aug. 4 and 5, was announced yesterday. The 40 acts include perhaps one of the most talked-about artists, British soul revivalist Amy Winehouse. pg 1D