Thursday, October 10, 2002

A Merger Unlikely, What's Next for EchoStar?. Is there a Plan B if EchoStar Communications is unable to persuade the F.C.C. to reverse its rejection of the proposed acquisition of Hughes Electronics? By Andrew Ross Sorkin and Seth Schiesel. 11:31:39 PM

2 Ex-Officials of WorldCom Plead Guilty. Two former executives of WorldCom pleaded guilty Thursday to fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from a scheme to hide $7 billion in expenses. By Bloomberg News. 11:31:38 PM

Microsoft Warns on E-Mail Security. Microsoft Corporation disclosed a security flaw Thursday of "critical" severity in its Outlook Express e-mail programs. By The Associated Press. 11:31:37 PM

Senate, in 77-23 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The Senate voted overwhelmingly early this morning to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, joining with the House in giving him a broad mandate to act against Saddam Hussein. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 11:31:33 PM

Opinion Article About Israelis in School Paper Is Denounced. An opinion article in a Brooklyn high school newspaper this week expressing sympathy for the suffering of Palestinians drew criticism a Brooklyn assemblyman. By Jennifer Medina. 11:31:31 PM

Giuliani Firm Gets Contract to Advise Mexico City Police. Former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced that his consulting firm had signed a contract to advise Mexico City's police officials on crime-reduction techniques. By Lydia Polgreen. 11:31:28 PM

A Merger Unlikely, What's Next for EchoStar?. Is there a Plan B if EchoStar Communications is unable to persuade the F.C.C. to reverse its rejection of the proposed acquisition of Hughes Electronics? By Andrew Ross Sorkin and Seth Schiesel. 11:31:26 PM

Bernard Ridder, Newspaper Publisher, 85, Is Dead. Bernard H. Ridder Jr., a former St. Paul Pioneer Press publisher, helped to create Knight Ridder, the nation's second-largest newspaper group. By The Associated Press. 11:31:24 PM

Opinion Article About Israelis in School Paper Is Denounced. An opinion article in a Brooklyn high school newspaper this week expressing sympathy for the suffering of Palestinians drew criticism a Brooklyn assemblyman. By Jennifer Medina. 11:31:22 PM

Senate, in 77-23 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The Senate voted overwhelmingly early this morning to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, joining with the House in giving him a broad mandate to act against Saddam Hussein. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 11:31:19 PM

National Briefing: West. CALIFORNIA: Cooling-Off Period For Ports; CALIFORNIA: Protester Dies After Fall ;. 11:31:18 PM

National Briefing: Rockies. COLORADO: Judges Help Court Workers;. 11:31:17 PM

National Briefing: Southwest. TEXAS: Bribery Arrests; ARIZONA: Drug Czar Criticizes Ballot Issue;. 11:31:15 PM

National Briefing: Midwest. IOWA: Farmers Keep Judgment; ILLINOIS: Conviction In Cigar Smuggling;. 11:31:14 PM

National Briefing: South. GEORGIA: Action For Disabled Riders;. 11:31:13 PM

National Briefing: New England. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Diocese Settles Suits;. 11:31:12 PM

National Briefing: Science and Health. DROUGHT IN WEST MAY BE EASING; RECALL OF CONTRACEPTIVE;. 11:31:12 PM

The Hazardous Path Ahead. With war resolutions from Congress now in hand, President Bush has won the assent he requested for a showdown with Iraq. That makes it all the more important that Mr. Bush and the nation consider the dangers that lie ahead. 11:31:09 PM

Senate, in 77-23 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The Senate voted overwhelmingly early this morning to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, joining with the House in giving him a broad mandate to act against Saddam Hussein. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 11:31:05 PM

U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report. The White House is developing a detailed plan to install an American-led military government in Iraq if the U.S. topples Saddam Hussein. By David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt. 11:31:04 PM

Ad by Republicans Continues to Stress the Democrats' Ballot Switch. Republicans began broadcasting a television commercial ridiculing former Senator Frank R. Lautenberg's entry in the New Jersey Senate race. By Richard Lezin Jones. 11:31:02 PM

Maryland Republicans Fear Killings Will Influence the Race for Governor. The fatal sniper attacks that have gripped this state could recast what has already been one of the more unusual races for governor. By Adam Nagourney. 11:31:01 PM

Jim Seymour, Chronicler of Personal Computers, Dies at 60. Jim Seymour explained the benefits and headaches of personal computers for two decades in PC Week and PC Magazine. By Steve Lohr. 10:31:24 PM

U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report. The White House is developing a detailed plan to install an American-led military government in Iraq if the U.S. topples Saddam Hussein. By David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt. 10:31:18 PM

Hungarian Novelist Wins Nobel Prize in Literature. Imre Kertesz, a Hungarian novelist and Holocaust survivor with a small but devoted readership in Europe, won the 2002 Nobel Prize in Literature. By Alan Riding. 10:31:16 PM

Giuliani Firm Gets Contract to Advise Mexico City Police. Former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani announced that his consulting firm had signed a contract to advise Mexico City's police officials on crime-reduction techniques. By Lydia Polgreen. 10:31:15 PM

House, in 296-133 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate showed support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 9:31:25 PM

Police Confirm Sniper's Link to 7th Killing. Authorities say they have witnesses that may be of value in capturing a sniper who claimed his seventh victim on Wednesday. By Francis X. Clines and Sarah Kershaw. 9:31:23 PM

House, in 296-133 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate showed support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 9:31:22 PM

9/11 Inquiry Eyes Possible 5th Pilot. Officials interviewing a detainee from Al Qaeda are investigating a new theory of the Sept. 11 plot: that he was planning to pilot a fifth plane to strike the White House. By David Johnston and Don Van Natta Jr.. 9:31:20 PM

House, in 296-133 Vote, Passes Iraq Resolution. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate showed support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 9:31:19 PM

9/11 Inquiry Eyes Possible 5th Pilot. Officials interviewing a detainee from Al Qaeda are investigating a new theory of the Sept. 11 plot: that he was planning to pilot a fifth plane to strike the White House. By David Johnston and Don Van Natta Jr.. 9:31:18 PM

F.C.C. Approves a Digital Radio Technology. The Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved a method Thursday for broadcasting digital radio within current analog channels. By Barnaby J. Feder. 9:31:16 PM

A Merger Unlikely, What's Next for EchoStar?. Is there a Pan B if EchoStar Communications is unable to persuade the F.C.C. to reverse its rejection of the proposed acquisition of Hughes Electronics? By Andrew Ross Sorkin and Seth Schiesel. 9:31:14 PM

USA Interactive Ends Bids for 2 Companies. USA Interactive backed down from its proposal to buy all of two online travel companies it partly owns, but it did reach an agreement to buy the public shares of Ticketmaster. By Saul Hansell. 9:31:12 PM

Accenture Posts Quarterly Profit. Accenture, the world's largest computer and business consultant, had a fourth-quarter profit as cuts in salaries offset a 3.1 percent decline in sales. By Bloomberg News. 9:31:12 PM

Microsoft Warns on Email Security. Microsoft Corporation disclosed a security flaw Thursday of "critical" severity in its Outlook Express e-mail programs. By The Associated Press. 9:31:11 PM

Hewlett-Packard Debuts PC That Works Like a TV. Hewlett-Packard announced on Thursday a personal computer that acts like a television, the first of a new wave of crossover products that computer makers hope will build enthusiasm in consumers. By Reuters. 9:31:10 PM

Judge Says Intel Infringed Intergraph Patents. SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp.'s (INTC.O) Itanium and Itanium 2 microprocessors use technology developed by computer-service firm Intergraph Corp. (INGR.O), a judge ruled on Thursday, a decision that could cost the world's biggest semiconductor manufacturer as much as $250 million. By Reuters. 9:31:09 PM

Deep Fritz Forces Draw with Kramnik. MANAMA (Reuters) - Deep Fritz kept its chances alive by forcing a tough draw with world champion Vladimir Kramnik in the crucial game four of the eight-match ``Brains in Bahrain'' series on Thursday. By Reuters. 9:31:07 PM

Judge Rules Against Intel on Patent. SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- A federal judge in Texas ruled against chip-making giant Intel Corp. on Thursday in a long-running dispute with Intergraph Corp. over patents involving the Itanium processor. By The Associated Press. 9:31:06 PM

Astronauts Install Girder on Space Station. Astronauts working inside and outside the International Space Station expanded it by installing a 45-foot-long, 15-foot-wide girder. By Warren E. Leary. 9:31:03 PM

Panel Advises Resuming Gene Studies. Despite new evidence that a French gene therapy experiment caused a 3-year-old boy to develop an illness similar to leukemia a panel recommended that similar studies proceed. By Sheryl Gay Stolberg. 8:32:14 PM

Study Sees Cancer Survival in a More Optimistic Light. Americans with cancer are actually living longer than many doctors have been led to expect. By Donald G. Mcneil Jr.. 8:32:13 PM

A Right to Bias Is Put to the Test. A debate has risen over whether or not religious institutions that can discriminate on the basis of religion would loose that freedom by accepting government money. By Adam Liptak. 8:32:12 PM

Astronauts Install Girder on Space Station. Astronauts working inside and outside the International Space Station expanded it by installing a 45-foot-long, 15-foot-wide girder. By Warren E. Leary. 8:32:11 PM

Cultural Groups and Charities Are Feeling Each Bump on Wall Street. The plunging stock market is taking philanthropy and the institutions it supports down with it. By Stephanie Strom. 8:32:10 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 296 to 133 Vote. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate showed support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 8:32:09 PM

9/11 Inquiry Eyes Possible 5th Pilot. Authorities are theorizing that the Sept. 11 suspect, Ramzi Muhammad Abdullah bin al-Shibh, was planning to pilot a fifth hijacked plane to strike the White House. By David Johnston and Don Van Natta Jr.. 8:32:08 PM

White House Blocks Deal by Congress on 9/11 Panel. The White House raised fresh objections late Thursday and held off on a final agreement on forming an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks. By David Firestone. 8:32:07 PM

By Wide Margin, House Passes 2 Military Spending Measures. The House overwhelmingly approved two military spending measures today that would help to finance any conflict. By Carl Hulse. 8:32:06 PM

Democratic Foes of Resolution Are Pleased by Totals. Democrats who voted against military action in Iraq found encouragement in a loose coalition of colleagues whose makeup transcended obvious patterns. By David Firestone. 8:32:04 PM

Refugees Back Effort to End Hussein's Rule. Iraqis living in America say they need no more reminders from President Bush about why Saddam Hussein should be removed from power. By Michael Janofsky. 8:32:03 PM

Montana Candidate, Citing Smear Campaign, Ends Senate Bid. A Republican lawmaker from Montana abruptly dropped out of the Senate race, saying a new television advertisement sponsored by Democrats had destroyed his character. By Michael Janofsky. 8:32:03 PM

Lunch Aid Cut by Assistance for Drought, 2 Senators Say. Two Democratic senators accused the Bush administration today of spending money needed for school lunch and child nutrition programs on emergency drought assistance for ranchers. By Elizabeth Becker. 8:32:01 PM

Maryland Republicans Fear Killings Will Influence the Race for Governor. The fatal sniper attacks that have gripped this state could recast what has already been one of the more unusual races for governor. By Adam Nagourney. 8:31:59 PM

Experts Debate the Sniper's Links to Popular Culture. A frustrating lack of clues in the sniper shootings has prompted speculation about links to popular thrillers, the language of video game enthusiasts and, of course, decks of tarot cards. By Kate Zernike. 8:31:58 PM

Subculture of Snipers Disowns a Marksman. The recent series of deadly sniper attacks in the Washington area has cast a light on what many gun experts say is an expanding sniper subculture. By Fox Butterfield. 8:31:57 PM

He Made Presidents Smile and They Remember Him. President Bush and others who have lived and worked in the White House remembered doorman Harold W. Hancock on the day of his funeral. By Elisabeth Bumiller. 8:31:56 PM

Texas Democrats Pin Hopes on a Big Spender. Having spent $53.8 million in his campaign for Texas governor, Tony Sanchez is becoming a household name in the state. By Jim Yardley. 8:31:54 PM

House Panel Chides ImClone Over Conduct of Its Founder. Members of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee harshly criticized ImClone's board for not firing Samuel D. Waksal upon first learning of his apparent misdeeds. By Andrew Pollack. 8:31:53 PM

Miramax Blinks, and a Double DiCaprio Vanishes. "Gangs of New York" will reach theaters in early December instead of on Dec. 25, when it would have gone head-to-head with "Catch Me if You Can." Both films star Leonardo DiCaprio. By Laura M. Holson. 8:31:52 PM

Ford to Meet Major Investors in an Attempt to Ease Concerns. With Ford stock in rapid retreat, senior executives plan to meet with major investors next week to appeal for patience as the company tries a turnaround. By Micheline Maynard. 8:31:51 PM

United to Meet With Machinists; Talk of a Bankruptcy Persists. United Airlines and the machinists' union said Thursday that they would begin negotiations over cost cuts next week. By Edward Wong. 8:31:50 PM

USA Interactive Ends Bids for 2 Companies. USA Interactive backed down from its proposal to buy all of two online travel companies it partly owns, but it did reach an agreement to buy the public shares of Ticketmaster. By Saul Hansell. 8:31:49 PM

F.C.C. Approves a Digital Radio Technology. The Federal Communications Commission unanimously approved a method Thursday for broadcasting digital radio within current analog channels. By Barnaby J. Feder. 8:31:49 PM

Big Shareholder Seeks to Lead Class Action Against El Paso. Oscar S. Wyatt Jr. has moved to join a group of class-action lawsuits that accuse the El Paso Corporation of misrepresenting its finances and misleading investors. By David Barboza. 8:31:48 PM

3rd-Quarter Profit Doubles at First Data. The First Data Corporation, a leading money transfer service, said that its third-quarter profit more than doubled as it expanded its Western Union business. By Bloomberg News. 8:31:46 PM

2 Ex-Officials of WorldCom Plead Guilty. Two former executives of WorldCom pleaded guilty Thursday to fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from a scheme to hide $7 billion in expenses. By Bloomberg News. 8:31:45 PM

Accenture Posts Quarterly Profit. Accenture, the world's largest computer and business consultant, had a fourth-quarter profit as cuts in salaries offset a 3.1 percent decline in sales. By Bloomberg News. 8:31:44 PM

Cultural Groups and Charities Are Feeling Each Bump on Wall Street. The plunging stock market is taking philanthropy and the institutions it supports down with it. By Stephanie Strom. 8:31:43 PM

Jim Seymour, Chronicler of Personal Computers' Rise, Dies at 60. Jim Seymour, who explained the benefits and headaches of personal computers for two decades in PC Week and PC Magazine, died on Tuesday in Austin, Tex. By Steve Lohr. 8:31:43 PM

Shoppers Take a Holiday. The country's largest retailers reported September sales so dismal that they were only slightly better than sales a year before, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. By Tracie Rozhon. 8:31:41 PM

A Tempting 13% Yield, but Is It Secure?. TXU, the former Texas Utilities, recently pulled off a stunning performance for a company long regarded as a nice, safe electric utility. Can it last? 8:31:40 PM

A Merger Unlikely, What's Next for EchoStar?. Is there a Pan B if EchoStar Communications is unable to persuade the F.C.C. to reverse its rejection of the proposed acquisition of Hughes Electronics? By Andrew Ross Sorkin and Seth Schiesel. 8:31:39 PM

Marketers Gather to Talk of Coping With Tough Times. Growing doubt about the economy has dimmed the mood of consumer marketers as they gather for the first meeting of their trade association in two years. By Stuart Elliott. 8:31:38 PM

NBC to Change Top Executive at 'Today'. Despite reporting its biggest audience totals in five years, NBC's "Today" show will replace the current executive producer, Jonathan Wald. By Bill Carter and Jim Rutenberg. 8:31:36 PM

Results Are Glum at Dow Jones, and Outlook Is Gloomy. Dow Jones & Company reported third-quarter net income of $2.4 million, a drop of about 85 percent from the $16.7 million in the quarter a year ago. By Felicity Barringer. 8:31:34 PM

Japan Vows a New Effort on Bad Debt. After years of political infighting, Japanese policy makers appear to be inching closer to a unified plan to rid the nation's banks of their nonperforming loans. By Ken Belson. 8:31:34 PM

Europe Leaves Interest Rate Unchanged. Despite new signs of strain among the nations using the euro currency, the European Central Bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Thursday. By Mark Landler. 8:31:33 PM

Roche Increases Reserves for Price-Fixing Lawsuits. The giant chemical and pharmaceutical maker Roche Holding said that an image-bruising vitamin price-fixing case from the 1990's was taking a growing toll on its finances. By Alison Langley. 8:31:32 PM

I.M.F. and Argentina Are Close to Accord on Debt Repayment. The International Monetary Fund is edging closer to a deal on stretching out payments on nearly $11 billion in loans to Argentina. By Edmund L. Andrews. 8:31:31 PM

China Sentences Former High-Ranking Bank Official to 15 Years. Zhu Xiaohua, previously one of China's leading financial officials, was convicted on Thursday on bribery charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison. By Keith Bradsher. 8:31:30 PM

World Business Briefing: Americas. CANADA: Bank Executive Resigns;. 8:31:29 PM

World Business Briefing: Asia. SINGAPORE: Economy Slows; OIL AT CASPIAN SEA SITE; SOUTH KOREA: Rates Steady;. 8:31:29 PM

World Business Briefing: Europe. BRITAIN: Interest Rate Unchanged; GERMANY: Bank Shares Recover; PRICE-FIXING INVESTIGATION; FRANCE: Vivendi Trims Management;. 8:31:27 PM

Technology Briefing: Hardware. JUNIPER LOSS WIDENS ON HIGHER COSTS; LEXMARK EARNINGS BEAT FORECASTS; JUDGE RULES AGAINST INTEL ON ITANIUM CHIPS;. 8:31:26 PM

Technology Briefing: E-Commerce. BORDERS WILL INSTALL WIRELESS SERVICE IN CAFES;. 8:31:24 PM

Technology Briefing: Software. NETWORK ASSOCIATES POSTS 3RD-QUARTER PROFIT;. 8:31:23 PM

House Panel Chides ImClone Over Conduct of Its Founder. Members of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee harshly criticized ImClone's board for not firing Samuel D. Waksal upon first learning of his apparent misdeeds. By Andrew Pollack. 8:31:19 PM

S.E.C. Chief Promises to Cooperate With Europe. Harvey L. Pitt won praise from European policy makers when he promised Thursday to seek their cooperation on a broad range of new accounting standards and regulatory measures. By Suzanne Kapner. 8:31:17 PM

Lunch Aid Cut by Assistance for Drought, 2 Senators Say. Two Democratic senators accused the Bush administration today of spending money needed for school lunch and child nutrition programs on emergency drought assistance for ranchers. By Elizabeth Becker. 8:31:16 PM

Panel Advises Resuming Gene Studies. Despite new evidence that a French gene therapy experiment caused a 3-year-old boy to develop an illness similar to leukemia a panel recommended that similar studies proceed. By Sheryl Gay Stolberg. 8:31:14 PM

By Wide Margin, House Passes 2 Military Spending Measures. The House overwhelmingly approved two military spending measures today that would help to finance any conflict. By Carl Hulse. 8:31:14 PM

Refugees Back Effort to End Hussein's Rule. Iraqis living in America say they need no more reminders from President Bush about why Saddam Hussein should be removed from power. By Michael Janofsky. 8:31:13 PM

Democratic Foes of Resolution Are Pleased by Totals. Democrats who voted against military action in Iraq found encouragement in a loose coalition of colleagues whose makeup transcended obvious patterns. By David Firestone. 8:31:12 PM

White House Blocks Deal by Congress on 9/11 Panel. The White House raised fresh objections late Thursday and held off on a final agreement on forming an independent commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks. By David Firestone. 8:31:11 PM

Texas Democrats Pin Hopes on a Big Spender. Having spent $53.8 million in his campaign for Texas governor, Tony Sanchez is becoming a household name in the state. By Jim Yardley. 8:31:11 PM

Montana Candidate, Citing Smear Campaign, Ends Senate Bid. A Republican lawmaker from Montana abruptly dropped out of the Senate race, saying a new television advertisement sponsored by Democrats had destroyed his character. By Michael Janofsky. 8:31:09 PM

Preliminary Investigation Indicates Oil Tanker Was Attacked. The French government said on Thursday that the explosion that crippled a French supertanker in Yemen on Sunday was most likely caused by a terrorist attack. By Elaine Sciolino. 8:31:06 PM

The Hazardous Path Ahead. President Bush's most immediate challenge is using the leverage Congress is now providing to win Security Council support for a tough new inspections resolution. 8:31:03 PM

Police Confirm Sniper's Link to 7th Killing. Authorities in Virginia say they have witnesses that may be of value in capturing a Washington-area sniper who claimed his seventh victim on Wednesday. By Francis X. Clines and Sarah Kershaw. 7:32:13 PM

The Hazardous Path Ahead. Mr. Bush's most immediate challenge is using the leverage Congress is now providing to win Security Council support for a tough new inspections resolution. 7:32:08 PM

An Abuse of Copyright. Copyright law requires a balancing of the interest of copyright holders against the rights of everyone else. 7:32:07 PM

Moral Perfection and the Incorrigible Franklin. Benjamin Franklin became a billboard of himself early on, and he still looks out upon us from that ethical billboard after all these years. By Verlyn Klinkenborg. 7:32:05 PM

Smallpox: Preparing for the Worst. Smallpox: Preparing for the Worst To the Editor:. 7:32:03 PM

The Lonely Voice of Senator Byrd. The Lonely Voice Of Senator Byrd To the Editor:. 7:32:03 PM

Afrikaners Today. Afrikaners Today To the Editor:. 7:32:02 PM

Court Is Constitutional. Court Is Constitutional To the Editor:. 7:32:01 PM

Truman's World View. Truman's World View To the Editor:. 7:32:00 PM

The Fall of Adam. The Fall of Adam To the Editor:. 7:31:59 PM

Chechens, Take Heart. Chechens, Take Heart To the Editor:. 7:31:58 PM

Dockworkers' Dispute. Dockworkers' Dispute To the Editor:. 7:31:57 PM

Prime-Time Role Model. Prime-Time Role Model To the Editor:. 7:31:56 PM

Low Expectations. Low Expectations To the Editor:. 7:31:54 PM

Moles At Work. Michael Oxley, Harvey Pitt and George W. Bush may simply be constitutionally incapable of doing what has to be done. By Paul Krugman. 7:31:53 PM

Revolving-Door Monsters. Public Enemy No. 1 today is a government that Mr. Cheney was in effect helping shore up just a couple of years ago. By Nicholas D. Kristof. 7:31:52 PM

A Madness Without a Pattern. The sniper shootings are among the strangest, most horrible events imaginable. By D. T. Max. 7:31:51 PM

Indict Individuals, Not Charities. By effectively shutting down charities, the government has given Americans the false impression that American Muslims are supporting terrorists. By Salam Al-marayati. 7:31:50 PM

The Economy Is Better Than It Looks. A sense of gloom permeates most conversations about the economy, but our current situation is not as dire as some would have it. By Steven Rattner. 7:31:49 PM

F.C.C. Blocks EchoStar Deal With DirecTV. Saying the deal isn't in the public's interest, federal regulators blocked the merger of the nation's two largest satellite television broadcasters. By Stephen Labaton. 7:31:48 PM

9/11 Inquiry Eyes Possible 5th Pilot. Authorities are theorizing that the Sept. 11 suspect, Ramzi Muhammad Abdullah bin al-Shibh, was planning to pilot a fifth hijacked plane to strike the White House. By David Johnston and Don Van Natta Jr.. 7:31:40 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 296 to 133 Vote. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate gave its own show of support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 7:31:38 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 296 to 133 Vote. The House voted to authorize President Bush to use force against Iraq, while the Senate gave its own show of support by clearing the way for the measure's final passage. By Alison Mitchell and Carl Hulse. 7:31:33 PM

U.S. Has a Plan to Occupy Iraq, Officials Report. The White House is developing a detailed plan to install an American-led military government in Iraq if the U.S. topples Saddam Hussein. By David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt. 7:31:32 PM

Bus Driver's Frantic Struggle Averts Bloodbath in Tel Aviv. A 71-year-old woman was killed and at least 12 people were injured today in the first suicide bombing in Israel since Sept. 19. By James Bennet. 7:31:31 PM

Pakistani Fundamentalists Do Well in Election. In a vote that could complicate the American-led campaign against terrorism, both Islamic fundamentalists and secular opponents of President Pervez Musharraf appeared to fare well in national elections. By David Rohde. 7:31:30 PM

Throngs Again Demand Venezuelan Leader Quit. Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched through Caracas on Thursday demanding that President Hugo Ch[omega]vez leave office. By Juan Forero. 7:31:29 PM

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Prolonged Oil-Land Border Dispute With Nigeria. The World Court ruled at The Hague on Thursday that Cameroon was the rightful owner of an oil-rich peninsula in the Gulf of Guinea that had long been claimed by Nigeria. By Marc Lacey with Neela Banerjee. 7:31:28 PM

China Sentences Former High-Ranking Bank Official to 15 Years. Zhu Xiaohua, previously one of China's leading financial officials, was convicted on Thursday on bribery charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison. By Keith Bradsher. 7:31:26 PM

Germany Arrests Moroccan Suspected in Sept. 11 Attacks. German police officials said on Thursday that they had arrested a Moroccan man suspected of involvement in the Hamburg cell believed to have planned and carried out the Sept. 11 attacks. By Desmond Butler. 7:31:25 PM

Ruling Kashmir Party Suffers Severe Setback in Elections. Voters in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir appear to have ejected from power the family dynasty that has dominated their politics for more than five decades. By Amy Waldman. 7:31:24 PM

Halt Paramilitary Activity, Blair Tells Irish Republicans. Prime Minister Tony Blair told Sinn Fein's president, Gerry Adams, on Thursday, that Irish republicans had to abandon their "dual strategy" of combining paramilitary activity with politics. By Warren Hoge. 7:31:22 PM

At British Tory Conference, the Leader Describes His 'New' Party. Iain Duncan Smith set out on Thursday to erase doubts about his leadership of Britain's Conservatives, telling the party it had to cease dwelling on outdated glories. By Warren Hoge. 7:31:21 PM

Police Station Blast Kills 9 in Chechnya. A powerful explosion tore through a police station in Grozny, the Chechen capital, on Thursday, killing at least nine and burying many under rubble. By The New York Times. 7:31:21 PM

I.M.F. and Argentina Are Close to Accord on Debt Repayment. The International Monetary Fund is edging closer to a deal on stretching out payments on nearly $11 billion in loans to Argentina. By Edmund L. Andrews. 7:31:20 PM

Pinocchio Infatuates Italians (and That's No Lie). With the imminent release of a new, live-action movie of "Pinocchio" by the Italian superstar Roberto Benigni, Italians are in a kind of Pinocchio swoon. By Frank Bruni. 7:31:19 PM

3 Church Leaders in China Are Sent to Prison for Life. Three leaders of an underground Christian church whose death sentences were overturned by an appeals court were resentenced on Thursday to life in prison. By Erik Eckholm. 7:31:17 PM

Refugees Back Effort to End Hussein's Rule. Iraqis living in America say they need no more reminders from President Bush about why Saddam Hussein should be removed from power. By Michael Janofsky. 7:31:16 PM

World Briefing: Europe. THE HAGUE: Tribunal Dismisses Lawyer; RUSSIA: A Vote For The Czar; RUSSIA: Wheat For U.N. Food Agency; EUROPEAN UNION ENERGY PLAN;. 7:31:14 PM

World Briefing: Asia. PHILIPPINES: Six Killed In Bombing; CHINA: Democracy Campaigner'S Sentence Ends; VIETNAM: Aid From U.S. To Clear War'S Legacy; KOREAS: Talks To Resume Tomorrow; MYANMAR: More Political Prisoners Freed;. 7:31:13 PM

World Briefing: Africa. IVORY COAST: Thousands Flee Rebels;. 7:31:12 PM

Europe Leaves Interest Rate Unchanged. Despite new signs of strain among the nations using the euro currency, the European Central Bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Thursday. By Mark Landler. 7:31:11 PM

Japan Vows a New Effort on Bad Debt. After years of political infighting, Japanese policy makers appear to be inching closer to a unified plan to rid the nation's banks of their nonperforming loans. By Ken Belson. 7:31:10 PM

S.E.C. Chief Promises to Cooperate With Europe. Harvey L. Pitt won praise from European policy makers when he promised Thursday to seek their cooperation on a broad range of new accounting standards and regulatory measures. By Suzanne Kapner. 7:31:08 PM

Roche Increases Reserves for Price-Fixing Lawsuits. The giant chemical and pharmaceutical maker Roche Holding said that an image-bruising vitamin price-fixing case from the 1990's was taking a growing toll on its finances. By Alison Langley. 7:31:06 PM

World Business Briefing: Europe. BRITAIN: Interest Rate Unchanged; GERMANY: Bank Shares Recover; PRICE-FIXING INVESTIGATION; FRANCE: Vivendi Trims Management;. 7:31:05 PM

World Business Briefing: Americas. CANADA: Bank Executive Resigns;. 7:31:04 PM

World Business Briefing: Asia. SINGAPORE: Economy Slows; OIL AT CASPIAN SEA SITE; SOUTH KOREA: Rates Steady;. 7:31:03 PM

Pakistan Poll Too Close to Call as Counting Begins. Two Pakistani political parties accused a rival party today of vote rigging and intimidation as the general election closed. By Reuters. 5:31:17 PM

Lawmakers: ImClone Board Soft on Waksal. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Members of ImClone Systems Inc.'s (IMCL.O) board were criticized by lawmakers on Thursday for moving too slowly to oust Chief Executive Samuel Waksal, who was accused of illegal insider trading after he resigned in May. By Reuters. 5:31:12 PM

S.E.C. Chief Promises to Cooperate With Europe. Harvey L. Pitt won praise from European policy makers when he promised Thursday to seek their cooperation on a broad range of new accounting standards and regulatory measures. By Suzanne Kapner. 4:31:17 PM

Aetna Shares Soar After Upbeat Forecast. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of Aetna Inc. (AET.N) surged by as much as 20 percent on Thursday, after the No. 2 health insurer said late Wednesday its third-quarter profit would be double what analysts had predicted. By Reuters. 4:31:15 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 296 to 133 Vote. The measure gives President Bush the authority to use military force. A Senate vote could come as early as this evening. By Carla Baranauckas. 4:31:12 PM

Protesters Apply Pressure on Ch[omega]vez's Government. Protesters marched through Venezuela's capital as tensions continued to mount six months after President Hugo Ch[omega]vez was briefly overthrown. By Juan Forero. 4:31:11 PM

Congress: ImClone Board Soft on Sam Waksal. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Members of ImClone Systems Inc.'s board were grilled by lawmakers on Thursday over their failure to quickly oust former Chief Executive Samuel Waksal, accused of illegal insider trading after he resigned in May. By Reuters. 3:31:09 PM

Woman Gets $2.2 Billion in Suit Over Diluted Cancer Drugs. A jury awarded $2.2 billion today to a cancer patient whose pharmacist watered down her chemotherapy drugs. By The Associated Press. 3:31:03 PM

Aetna Soars Amid Upbeat Forecast Surprise. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of Aetna Inc. (AET.N) surged by as much as 20 percent on Thursday, after the No. 2 health insurer said late Wednesday its third-quarter profit would be double what analysts had predicted. By Reuters. 2:31:12 PM

G.O.P. Candidate Drops Out Senate Race in Montana. Mike Taylor dropped out of the Senate race against Senator Max Baucus today, with his campaign complaining about an ad. By The Associated Press. 2:31:09 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 296 to 133 Vote. The measure gives President Bush the authority to use military force. A Senate vote could come as early as this evening. By Carla Baranauckas. 2:31:09 PM

F.C.C. Rejects Proposed Merger of Satellite TV Giants. Regulators today blocked the merger of the two largest satellite broadcasters while moving closer to approving the creation of the nation's largest cable company. By Stephen Labaton. 2:31:07 PM

Suicide Bomber Kills One and Injures 12 in Israel. A 71-year-old woman was killed and at least 12 people were injured in the first suicide bombing in Israel since Sept. 19. By James Bennet. 2:31:05 PM

Pakistan Holds First Election Since Coup. Two Pakistani political parties accused a rival party today of vote rigging and intimidation as the general election closed. By Reuters. 2:31:04 PM

Fatal Shooting in Virginia Similar to Sniper Attacks. Police awaited ballistic tests today but said the crime appeared to be consistent with the six earlier slayings. By Francis X. Clines. 2:31:03 PM

House Passes Iraq Resolution With 297 to 132 Vote. The measure gives President Bush the authority to use military force. A Senate vote could come as early as this evening. By The New York Times. 1:31:12 PM

GOP Candidate Drops Out Senate Race. HELENA, Mont. (AP) -- Republican Mike Taylor dropped out of the Senate race against Democratic Sen. Max Baucus on Thursday, with his campaign complaining a Democratic ad portrayed him as a crook and a gay hairdresser. By The Associated Press. 1:31:12 PM

F.C.C. Rejects Proposed Merger of Satellite TV Giants. Regulators today blocked the merger of the two largest satellite broadcasters while moving closer to approving the creation of the nation's largest cable company. By Stephen Labaton. 1:31:10 PM

Exit Poll Shows Tight Race in Pakistan Vote. Two Pakistani political parties accused a rival party today of vote rigging and intimidation as the general election closed. By Reuters. 1:31:08 PM

Malaysia Deports Suspected American Islamic Militant to U.S.. The Malaysian government deported a suspected American Islamic militant, Ahmed Ibrahim Bilal, to the United States today. By Seth Mydans. 1:31:07 PM

Explosion in Chechnya's Capital Kills at Least 9. An explosion tore through a district police station this evening in Chechnya's capital, Grozny, killing at least nine. By Steven Lee Myers. 1:31:07 PM

F.C.C. Rejects Proposed Merger of Satellite TV Rivals. Federal regulators today scuttled EchoStar Communications' plans to buy Hughes Electronics and create the nation's largest pay-TV service. By The Associated Press. 1:31:05 PM

Stocks Bounce Back After Yesterday's Selloff. Stocks rose after a strong profit report from Yahoo boosted sentiment a day after stocks closed at fresh multiyear lows. By Reuters. 12:31:09 PM

Accusation About Gov. Davis Backfires in California Race. A photograph turned out to provide no evidence to back up Bill Simon's accusation of illegal fund-raising. By John M. Broder. 12:31:07 PM

World Court Rules for Cameroon in Border Dispute With Nigeria. The World Court ruled at The Hague today that Cameroon ought to be given possession of a disputed oil-rich peninsula. By Marc Lacey. 12:31:06 PM

Accusation About Gov. Davis Backfires in California Race. A photograph turned out to provide no evidence to back up Bill Simon's accusation of illegal fund-raising. By John M. Broder. 12:31:01 PM

F.C.C. Rejects Proposed Merger of Satellite TV Rivals. Federal regulators today scuttled EchoStar Communications' plans to buy Hughes Electronics and create the nation's largest pay-TV service. By The Associated Press. 10:31:15 AM

Retail Sales Languished in September. Shoppers retrenched even further in September, casting more doubt that the holiday season will bring much joy to retailers. By The Associated Press. 10:31:15 AM

ImClone Touts Latest Steps to Lawmakers. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - ImClone Systems Inc. (IMCL.O) had taken steps to guard against insider trading by company officials, the biotech company's top executive told a congressional hearing on Thursday where lawmakers criticized the events surrounding the development of its cancer drug Erbitux. By Reuters. 10:31:14 AM

Aetna Shares Soar After Upbeat Forecast. CHICAGO (Reuters) - Shares of Aetna Inc.(AET.N) surged by nearly 20 percent on Thursday morning, after the No. 2 health insurer said late Wednesday its third-quarter profit would be double what analysts had predicted. By Reuters. 10:31:14 AM

USA Interactive to Own Ticketmaster. NEW YORK (AP) -- USA Interactive said Thursday it has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining shares of Ticketmaster it does not already own for about $700 million in stock, but is halting similar efforts involving Expedia Inc. and Hotels.com. By The Associated Press. 10:31:13 AM

Bush Wins Support in Congress for Resolution on Iraq. President Bush's request for authority to use force drew support in the Senate. House approval was expected later today. By The Associated Press. 10:31:08 AM

Indian Kashmir's Ruling Party Appears Headed for Defeat. Early counting showed the ruling party being defeated, leaving a likely new government coalition. By Reuters. 10:31:05 AM

Pakistanis Hold First Election Since Coup. Two Pakistani political parties accused a rival party today of vote rigging and intimidation as the general election closed. By Reuters. 10:31:04 AM

Germany Arrests Man on Suspicion of Sept. 11 Link. Authorities arrested a Moroccan man today on suspicion he helped the Al Qaeda cell that led the Sept. 11 attacks. By Reuters. 10:31:04 AM

Blair Warns Sinn Fein Leader on Paramilitary Activity. Prime Minister Tony Blair told Gerry Adams today that Irish republicans had to stop combining paramilitary activity with politics. By Warren Hoge. 10:31:04 AM

Once Powerful Banker Jailed in China. Zhu Xiaohua was convicted today in Beijing on bribery charges and sentenced to 15 years in prison. By Keith Bradsher. 10:31:03 AM

Former WorldCom Director Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges. Betty Vinson, a former WorldCom executive pleaded guilty today to charges stemming from a federal investigation of the company's multibillion-dollar accounting scandal. By The Associated Press. 9:31:11 AM

Stocks Rally After Yesterday's Selloff. Stocks rose sharply after a strong profit report from Yahoo boosted sentiment a day after stocks closed at fresh multiyear lows. By Reuters. 9:31:10 AM

F.C.C. to Discuss EchoStar-Hughes Deal. The F.C.C. is expected to announce at a noon press conference that it will allow EchoStar to amend its bid to buy Hughes to satisfy regulators. By Reuters. 9:31:10 AM

Pitt Declines to Draw Sword as Battle With Democrats Grows. Harvey L. Pitt refused to respond today to renewed calls by Democrats for his removal as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. By Stephen Labaton. 9:31:09 AM

Bomber Kills One in Israel; Two Dead in Gaza Raid. A bus driver and a passenger grabbed a suicide bomber today after spotting his explosives, then fled as the man blew himself up. By Reuters. 9:31:06 AM

Bush Wins Support of Daschle for Resolution on Iraq. Senator Tom Daschle, the majority leader, will support President Bush's request for authority to use force against Iraq. By The Associated Press. 9:31:02 AM

Death and Revenge: Palestinian vs. Palestinian. The grief of one family in Gaza has brought Palestinians to what they call the brink of civil war. By James Bennet. 8:31:09 AM

Fatal Shooting in Virginia Similar to Sniper Attacks. Investigators said today the shooting was similar to the sniper attacks but it was too soon to link the incidents. By Francis X. Clines with Fox Butterfield. 8:31:03 AM

Macabre Clue in Sniper Case: A Tarot Card. A tarot card was found at the scene of a shooting Monday. On Wednesday, a man was shot in Virginia, prompting fears the sniper had struck again. By Francis X. Clines with Fox Butterfield. 8:31:03 AM

2 Critics of Bush Iraq Policy Say They'll Back Resolution. Senators John Kerry and Chuck Hagel, both Vietnam War veterans, announced their support for allowing the use of force. By David Firestone. 7:41:37 AM

G.O.P. Inquiry Lists Gifts to Clintons in White House. Documents released by investigators show the Clintons were given roughly $1 million in previously unreported gifts. By Raymond Hernandez. 7:41:36 AM

House Panel Seeks Release of Presidential Papers. A committee voted to overturn President Bush's executive order that delayed release of President Ronald Reagan's papers. By Adam Clymer. 7:41:36 AM

U.S. Indicts Head of Islamic Charity in Qaeda Financing. The leader of a prominent Islamic charity was indicted on conspiracy and racketeering charges in Chicago. By Eric Lichtblau. 7:41:36 AM

F.B.I. Urges Heightened Vigilance as Result of Videotaped Threats. The F.B.I. warned authorities to take "additional prudent steps" to detect and deter potential terrorist attacks. By Steven A. Holmes. 7:41:35 AM

Rift Over Plan to Impose Rule on Iraq. WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 The Bush administration is considering plans to create a provisional government for Iraq that could provide a base for opposition to President Saddam Hussein and form the core of a new government if Mr. Hussein is ousted, senior administration officials said. By James Daoand Eric Schmitt. 7:41:35 AM

U.S. and France Agree to Keep Searching for Accord on Iraq. President Bush and President Jacques Chirac of France, moving to avert a collision in the Security Council over Iraq, agreed to keep negotiating to find a compromise. By Julia Preston. 7:41:34 AM

Excerpts From Senate Debate on Iraq Policy. Following are excerpts from the Senate debate yesterday on using military force against Iraq, as recorded by The New York Times. The speakers included Senators John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts; Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine; Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Vermont; and Senator Chuck Hagel, Republican of Nebraska. 7:41:34 AM

F.B.I. Admits Surveillance Excess. WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 An F.B.I. memorandum recently provided to Congress disclosed that the bureau exceeded its mandate on several occasions in 2000, when it put in place secret surveillance operations against foreign agents. By Neil A. Lewis. 7:41:34 AM

Excerpts From House Debate on the Use of Military Force Against Iraq. Following are excerpts from the House debate yesterday on the use of force against Iraq, as recorded by The New York Times. Speakers included Representatives Pete Stark, Democrat of California; Michael N. Castle, Republican of Delaware; Silvestre Reyes, Democrat of Texas; Earl Pomeroy, Democrat of North Dakota; Gerald D. Kleczka, Democrat of Wisconsin; John E. Sununu, Republican of New Hampshire; and Robert W. Goodlatte, Republican of Virginia. 7:41:33 AM

Dispute Lingers as Longshoremen Return to Work. Many longshoreman say the order to reopen the West Coast ports was a tactic to break the union. By Dean E. Murphy. 7:41:33 AM

Bush's Science Advisers Drawing Criticism. Democrats say the advisers are being selected for their ideology and ties to industry. By Sheryl Gay Stolberg. 7:41:33 AM

In Campaigns Nationwide, Plans for Social Security Become a Focus of Ads. A barrage of advertisements about Social Security is framing the debate on the issue. By Lizette Alvarez. 7:41:32 AM

National Briefing: West. CALIFORNIA: Permits For Meals For Homeless ; CALIFORNIA: Death Penalty Recommendation ; CALIFORNIA: No Bail For Actor ; HAWAII: Filling Ballot Spot ;. 7:41:32 AM

National Briefing: Rockies. COLORADO: Battle On Columbine Evidence ; COLORADO: Resignation Over E-Mail ;. 7:41:32 AM

National Briefing: Plains. NEBRASKA: Death Penalty Review ;. 7:41:31 AM

National Briefing: South. KENTUCKY: Ban On Ten Commandments Monument ;. 7:41:31 AM

Panel Says Mixed Signals Have Eroded U.S. Status in the U.N.. The United States has lost influence within the United Nations because of years of ambivalence towards the organization, says a report to be issued on Thursday. By Julia Preston. 7:41:31 AM

Separating the Leaks From the Bilge. Considering the source, if indeed there is one. By Joyce Purnick. 7:41:30 AM

Jousting Over Inviting Minor Party Candidates to Debates. Frank R. Lautenberg insisted that four minor party candidates take part in debates, while Douglas R. Forrester, demanded a debate with Mr. Lautenberg only. By Iver Peterson. 7:41:30 AM

Pataki Proposes Breaking Major Impasses in Albany. The Pataki administration has been quietly trying to negotiate solutions to some longstanding impasses on issues of importance to urban voters. By James C. Mckinley Jr.. 7:41:29 AM

As Expected, New York City Teachers Union Endorses Pataki. Gov. George E. Pataki's re-election bid received the widely anticipated endorsement of the United Federation of Teachers. By Thomas J. Lueck. 7:41:29 AM

Golisano (Saw Him on TV!) Visits 2 Schools. Tom Golisano visited schools in Queens and the Bronx on Wednesday and was as familiar to the students as their favorite television characters. By Daisy Hern[omega]ndez. 7:41:28 AM

Nobel in Chemistry Goes to 3 Whose Work Speeded Drugs. Three scientists share this year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing techniques to identify and map proteins, carbohydrates, DNA and other large biological molecules. By Kenneth Chang. 7:41:27 AM

A Nobel That Bridges Economics and Psychology. Two Americans have won this year's Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science for trying to explain idiosyncrasies in people's ways of making decisions. By Daniel Altman. 7:41:27 AM

Bush's Science Advisers Drawing Criticism. Democrats say the advisers are being selected for their ideology and ties to industry. By Sheryl Gay Stolberg. 7:41:26 AM

Billions of Blinks From a Laser to Keep Computers in Time. A laser scientist has developed a small clock that potentially could rival the accuracy of atomic timepieces. By Ian Austen. 7:41:26 AM

U.S. Indicts Head of Islamic Charity in Qaeda Financing. The leader of a prominent Islamic charity was indicted on conspiracy and racketeering charges in Chicago. By Eric Lichtblau. 7:41:25 AM

Macabre Clue in Sniper Case. A tarot card was found at the scene of a shooting Monday. On Wednesday, a man was shot in Virginia, prompting fears the sniper had struck again. By Francis X. Clines with Fox Butterfield. 7:41:25 AM

F.B.I. Urges Heightened Vigilance as Result of Videotaped Threats. The F.B.I. warned authorities to take "additional prudent steps" to detect and deter potential terrorist attacks. By Steven A. Holmes. 7:41:24 AM

Reuse of Needle at Hospital Infects 50 With Hepatitis C. More than 50 people in Oklahoma have been infected after a nurse repeatedly used the same needle to give drugs. By Barry Meier. 7:41:24 AM

2 Critics of Bush Iraq Policy Say They'll Back Resolution. Senators John Kerry and Chuck Hagel, both Vietnam War veterans, announced their support for allowing the use of force. By David Firestone. 7:41:24 AM

G.O.P. Inquiry Lists Gifts to Clintons in White House. Documents released by investigators show the Clintons were given roughly $1 million in previously unreported gifts. By Raymond Hernandez. 7:41:23 AM

After Indictment, Protesters Rally. Protesters waved signs and chanted in support of Enaam M. Arnaout, who is accused of having ties with Osama bin Laden and funneling money to the network of Al Qaeda terrorists. By John W. Fountain. 7:41:23 AM

Study Tests Defrosted Smallpox Vaccine, Just in Case. A dozen or so volunteers were vaccinated on the first day of a government-sponsored test of the vaccine. By Denise Grady. 7:41:22 AM

Excerpts From Senate Debate on Iraq Policy. Following are excerpts from the Senate debate yesterday on using military force against Iraq, as recorded by The New York Times. The speakers included Senators John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts; Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine; Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Vermont; and Senator Chuck Hagel, Republican of Nebraska. 7:41:22 AM

F.B.I. Admits Surveillance Excess. WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 An F.B.I. memorandum recently provided to Congress disclosed that the bureau exceeded its mandate on several occasions in 2000, when it put in place secret surveillance operations against foreign agents. By Neil A. Lewis. 7:41:22 AM

Excerpts From House Debate on the Use of Military Force Against Iraq. Following are excerpts from the House debate yesterday on the use of force against Iraq, as recorded by The New York Times. Speakers included Representatives Pete Stark, Democrat of California; Michael N. Castle, Republican of Delaware; Silvestre Reyes, Democrat of Texas; Earl Pomeroy, Democrat of North Dakota; Gerald D. Kleczka, Democrat of Wisconsin; John E. Sununu, Republican of New Hampshire; and Robert W. Goodlatte, Republican of Virginia. 7:41:21 AM

Dispute Lingers as Longshoremen Return to Work. Many longshoreman say the order to reopen the West Coast ports was a tactic to break the union. By Dean E. Murphy. 7:41:21 AM

Bush's Science Advisers Drawing Criticism. Democrats say the advisers are being selected for their ideology and ties to industry. By Sheryl Gay Stolberg. 7:41:20 AM

In Campaigns Nationwide, Plans for Social Security Become a Focus of Ads. A barrage of advertisements about Social Security is framing the debate on the issue. By Lizette Alvarez. 7:41:20 AM

House Panel Seeks Release of Presidential Papers. A committee voted to overturn President Bush's executive order that delayed release of President Ronald Reagan's papers. By Adam Clymer. 7:41:20 AM

Wondering About Mind and Method of a Killer. ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 9 Even here, in a state with some of the nation's toughest gun-control laws, it is easy to find a place to shop for a Beretta, a Savage or a box of ammunition or to spend the afternoon at a shooting range firing shotguns, pistols and rifles at paper targets. By Sarah Kershaw. 7:41:19 AM

Chief Vents Full Emotional Spectrum in Pursuing Sniper Full-Steam Ahead. ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 9 In the frustrating manhunt for the suburban sniper, Chief Charles A. Moose has cycled a gamut of emotions, from humor to tears to outspoken worry that the stress among the residents he is sworn to protect here in Montgomery County has been By Francis X. Clines. 7:41:19 AM

Victims With Nothing in Common Save an Awful, Unexpected Encounter. SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 9 The differences in their lives show the randomness of the killings. By Kate Zernike. 7:41:19 AM

National Briefing: Rockies. COLORADO: Battle On Columbine Evidence ; COLORADO: Resignation Over E-Mail ;. 7:41:18 AM

General Musharraf Hails Pakistan's Gains. Gen. Pervez Musharraf delivered a nationwide address on Wednesday on the eve of the first legislative elections since he seized power three years ago. By David Rohde. 7:41:17 AM

Venezuela Braces for a New Round of Antigovernment Protests. The government braced for an antigovernment march on Thursday that might be the largest since the demonstration that briefly toppled President Hugo Ch[omega]vez. By Juan Forero. 7:41:17 AM

80 Injured in Bangladesh Train Derailment. At least 80 people were injured, several seriously, today when a Bangladesh passenger train jumped the tracks near Dhaka. By Reuters. 7:41:17 AM

Milosevic Lawyer Dismissed for Comments to the Media. A Dutch lawyer charged with ensuring Slobodan Milosevic gets a fair trial was dismissed today after being quoted in the media as casting doubt on the former Yugoslav president's chances of acquittal. By Reuters. 7:41:16 AM

1 Dead, 12 Wounded by Suicide Bombing Near Tel Aviv. One woman was killed and 12 others wounded when a suicide bomber blew himself up by a bus near Tel Aviv today. By Reuters. 7:41:16 AM

Philippine Bombing Kills at Least 8. A bomb ripped through a bus terminal in the southern Philippines today, killing at least eight people and wounding 19 others. By Reuters. 7:41:15 AM

Sometimes It's One Voter, 2 ID Cards. The Pakistani government's leap into 21st-century voting technology has revived complaints of 20th-century politics. By Michael Wines. 7:41:15 AM

Polls in Pakistan Open With a Shootout. Shootouts among political rivals killed three people today and marred the first general elections held since a 1999 military coup. By The Associated Press. 7:41:14 AM

2 Critics of Bush Iraq Policy Say They'll Back Resolution. Senators John Kerry and Chuck Hagel, both Vietnam War veterans, announced their support for allowing the use of force. By David Firestone. 7:41:14 AM

F.B.I. Urges Heightened Vigilance as Result of Videotaped Threats. The F.B.I. warned authorities to take "additional prudent steps" to detect and deter potential terrorist attacks. By Steven A. Holmes. 7:41:13 AM

World Briefing: Asia. JAPAN: Kidnapping Victims Can Go Home Again; SINGAPORE: Jail Terms For Opposition Politicians; CHINA: Finance Official Sentenced;. 7:41:13 AM

World Briefing: Middle East. SUDAN: Goverment Agrees To Resume Talks; CONGO: Peacekeepers Fire At Protesters;. 7:41:13 AM

Stocks Rise After Yesterday's Selloff. Stocks inched higher today after a strong profit report from Yahoo boosted sentiment a day after stocks closed at fresh multiyear lows. By Reuters. 7:41:12 AM

Dispute Lingers as Longshoremen Return to Work. Many longshoreman say the order to reopen the West Coast ports was a tactic to break the union. By Dean E. Murphy. 7:41:11 AM

United Is in Separate Talks With Unions on Concessions. United Airlines said Wednesday night that it was starting to negotiate separately for concessions with each of its five unions. By Edward Wong. 7:41:11 AM

Better Laws to Settle the Port Labor Dispute. Labor and management should get federal legislation that would allow for states to oversee final-offer arbitration in future disputes. By William B. Gould Iv. 7:41:08 AM

Sometimes It's One Voter, 2 ID Cards. The Pakistani government's leap into 21st-century voting technology has revived complaints of 20th-century politics. By Michael Wines. 7:41:06 AM

Searching the Internet Vineyard. Wines galore can be found on the Web, but the reality may not measure up to your memories. By Michelle Slatalla. 7:41:04 AM