WORLD

Bomb kills Iraqi officials

The governor and acting police chief of a southern province in Iraq were killed yesterday in a roadside bombing, raising fears of a backlash in an area beset with fighting between rival Shiite factions. pg 15a

China installs security cameras

At least 20,000 police surveillance cameras are being installed along streets in southern China and will soon be guided by sophisticated computer software from an American-financed company to automatically recognize the faces of police suspects and detect unusual activity. pg 17a

NATIONAL

Romney sweeps straw poll

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won an easy and expected victory in a high-profile Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll yesterday, claiming nearly twice as many votes as his nearest rival, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. pg 3a

Shuttle mission threatened

A routine shuttle mission, highlighted by a teacher's first spaceflight and space station construction, is now overshadowed by a potentially serious gash in Endeavour's thermal shield. Engineers back on Earth scrutinized images of the gouge, believed to be the result of a strike by ice at launch. pg 10a

MARYLAND

Dixon campaign endorsements

Mayor Sheila Dixon will receive endorsements from Gov. Martin O'Malley and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, according to her main rival, City Councilman Keiffer J. Mitchell Jr. Former Rep. Kweisi Mfume also says he will back Dixon's campaign. pg 1b

Work begins on disputed tower

Construction has begun on a 23-story condo on Columbia's Lakefront, despite opposition by neighbors and slow-growth advocates. When completed, the Plaza Residences will be Howard County's tallest building. pg 1b

BUSINESS

Payday loans' debt trap

Maryland blocks payday lenders from operating here by capping the interest rate that can be charged on loans. But the Internet has opened the way for lenders from other states to circumvent Maryland law. pg 1c

SPORTS

Woods still atop leader board

Tiger Woods shoots a 1-under 69, giving him a three-shot lead going into today's final round at the PGA Championship. pg 1d

ARTS & LIFE TODAY

Alsop's 20th-century festival

In the laid-back California beach town of Santa Cruz, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's Marin Alsop energizes a festival of contemporary music and a new generation of musicians. pg 1e

TRAVEL

Pittsburgh getaway

After its painful transition from manufacturing town to medical and banking center, Steel City offers plenty to see on a $500 budget. pg 1r