NATION DIGEST

The Baltimore Sun

WORLD

India elects woman president

India named its first female president yesterday after weeks of acrimonious campaigning on issues of political corruption, partisan gamesmanship and women's rights. Pratibha D. Patil comfortably won election to the largely ceremonial post. pg 14a

Status of hostages unclear

A man identifying himself as a Taliban spokesman said the insurgents had killed two German and five Afghan captives yesterday. The claim could not be verified, and Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry denied the report, saying that one of the German hostages had died of a heart attack and that the other was still alive. pg 16a

NATIONAL

Refinery troubles boost prices

Oil refineries across America have been troubled by a record number of fires, power failures, leaks, spills and breakdowns this year, causing dozens of them to shut down temporarily or trim production. The disruptions are helping to drive gas prices to highs not seen since last summer. pg 3a

Bishops promote marriages

Alarmed by the persistently high divorce rate and the explosion in couples living together without a license, Catholic bishops nationwide have teamed up on a media blitz aimed at promoting and strengthening marriage. The first ad campaign, launched this month, featured ordinary people talking about what they've done to enrich their marriage. pg 5a

MARYLAND

Help on curriculum overhaul

Baltimore County school officials plan to spend about $7.4 million for a national education firm's help in overhauling the system's curriculum - a move that has yielded mixed reviews in other states. New York-based Kaplan K12 Learning Services Division was awarded the three-year deal last week. pg 1b

Deadline near for immigrants

Many immigrants are rushing to complete residency and citizenship forms before application fees go up after July 30. Obtaining a green card for permanent residency will cost $1,010 next month, up from $395. pg 1b

BUSINESS

Startups for undergrads

Towson University and hundreds of other schools are turning their focus to teaching ambitious young entrepreneurs the skills they'll need to bypass corporate jobs for their own startups. pg 1c

SPORTS

Garcia retains British Open lead

At 9-under-par, 27-year-old Sergio Garcia is in position to win his first major championship. pg 1D

Ogden has brains, brawn

Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, entering his 12th NFL season, is a legend off the field as well as on it. pg 1D

TRAVEL

A food-lover's paradise

A weeklong circuit of the city's elite restaurants and markets proves San Francisco is one of the best destinations for a foodie pilgrimage. pg 1r

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