Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Times Wire

10 minutes ago

Negotiations on Budget Inch Ahead in House

House Republican freshmen taped a letter to Harry Reid to a Senate entrance. Then Representative Blake Farenthold, Republican of Texas, met with reporters.
Stephen Crowley/The New York Times

Even if negotiators reach a compromise on the budget, it is unclear if they can sell it to their parties’ hard-liners.

39 minutes ago

Austria: Holocaust Center Project

Austrian authorities presented plans to restore and revamp the former Mauthausen concentration camp, calling it an important contribution to preventing the resurgence of Nazi sentiment.

39 minutes ago

Israel: Doubling Tax on Energy

The Israeli Parliament overwhelmingly approved a near doubling of the profit tax on gas and oil extracted from Israeli territory, a move expected to be worth tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades.

42 minutes ago

Belgium: Call for Sex-Abuse Panel

Almost a year after a scandal engulfed Belgium, a parliamentary commission called for a new panel to adjudicate compensation claims for the hundreds of people who say they were the victims of predatory priests.

48 minutes ago

Union Accuses a Leader of Financial Misconduct

The Service Employees International Union has filed internal charges against Bruce S. Raynor, one of New York’s most prominent union leaders.

51 minutes ago

Without the Campaign Donors, This Wouldn’t Be Possible

Even by Washington’s standards, the House’s Republican freshmen are turning pandering into a high art.

53 minutes ago

A Senate Race in Arizona Waits to See if Giffords Emerges to Run

Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, seen in a televised debate in October, remains in a rehabilitation hospital. She is expected to appear in Houston in April.
Joshua Lott for The New York Times

Some aides suggest Ms. Giffords might recover in time to seek a seat made available by Jon Kyl’s retirement.

56 minutes ago

An Extraordinary Intrusion on Women’s Rights

Many states are putting obstacles in the way of women seeking legal abortions. But South Dakota’s new law stands out.

57 minutes ago

Happy With Lineup, Phillies Release Castillo

Looking for a fill-in for the injured star second baseman Chase Utley, Philadelphia had signed Castillo earlier this month after he was cut by the Mets.

58 minutes ago

Google’s Book Deal

A universal library is a great idea, but not if the price is a monopoly.

59 minutes ago

Hornets’ Playoff Push Lacks an Important Part

David West is out with an injury, but New Orleans still has hopes of making a splash in the postseason.

22:13

Devils Stay Alive, Barely, by Beating Islanders

Andy Greene’s goal with 4 minutes 56 seconds left snapped a tie and lifted the Devils to a 3-2 win over the Islanders in Newark on Wednesday night, keeping the Devils alive in the playoff race.

22:12

Ohio Lawmakers Pass Anti-Union Bill

Both houses approved a far-reaching bill that would hobble public-employee unions.

22:11

Lundqvist Gets No Help From Rangers’ Offense

Henrik Lundqvist had 34 saves but allowed a goal by Tim Connolly (not shown) in the second period.
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Jhonas Enroth, subbing for the injured Ryan Miller and playing in his 10th N.H.L. game, shut out the Rangers, who are now tied for seventh with Buffalo.

22:11

Bishops Urge Catholic Schools to Ban a Nun’s Book

The book, “Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God,” by Sister Elizabeth A. Johnson, examines different understandings of God.

22:11

Black Caucus Celebrates 40 Years

An evening to acknowledge trail blazers and legislative accomplishments.

22:09

They’ve Got to Fix Their Priorities

While the rest of the country still struggles to recover from the financial crisis, the Federal Reserve has decided to reward bankers.

22:02

Lottery Numbers

Lottery numbers for March 30, 2011.

22:02

China: Crackdown on Foreigners

Guangdong Province in southern China is tightening rules on foreigners living and working in the province as part of what it calls a clampdown on “illegal immigration,” according to the official China Daily.

22:00

Thursday: Totally Out

Jeremy Horwitz and Tyler Hinman grant a ballplayer his wish.

21:53

China Hedges Over Whether South China Sea is a ‘Core Interest’ Worth War

Leaders in Beijing have apparently been happy to let the issue of territorial rights over the South China Sea quiet down.

21:52

Odd Alliance: Business Lobby and Tea Party

The Tea Party movement is as skeptical of big business as it is of big government, yet Washington’s influence industry has adapted itself to the Tea Party era.

21:51

What I Learned at School

If we want to understand how much teachers are worth, we should remember how much we were formed by our own schooldays.

21:51

Despite Hecklers, Lawmakers Close In on Rare Early Budget

Diane Manning of Newburgh, N.Y., was among those protesting cuts in education spending while lawmakers cast votes.
Nathaniel Brooks for The New York Times

Amid protests over budget cuts, both houses of the Legislature rushed to finalize bills for the spending plan before the deadline of 12:01 a.m. Friday.

21:48

Libyans Offer Credible Case of Death by Airstrike

Men carrying a photo of a 21-year-old soldier, Mondher el-Mahdi el-Daas, at his funeral in the town of Azizea near Tripoli.
Moises Saman for The New York Times

An 18-month-old baby is the first specific and credible civilian death from the airstrikes that the Qaddafi government has presented in 10 days of official statements.

21:44

Because of Japan’s Problems, Auto Dealers See Trouble Ahead in Meeting Demand

Priuses at a Michigan dealership. Toyota restarted production of the car in Japan on a limited basis.
Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg News

A research firm said predicted that up to a third of the industry’s production capacity could be affected by the disaster.

21:42

Mets Seek $200 Million For Portion of the Team

The Mets’ owners are also telling potential bidders they might sell a portion of SNY, their cable network, but that such a negotiation would take place separately.

21:41

Justices Hear Arguments in Generic-Drug Lawsuit

The distribution center for Teva, a generic-drug company, in North Wales, Pa. The case centers on liability for these companies.
Richard Perry/The New York Times

Can the makers of generic drugs, like those of brand-name drugs, be sued for failing to warn users about the risks posed by their products?

21:40

Ex-Wife's Suit Against Steven Cohen Is Dismissed

Patricia Cohen, the former wife of the founder of SAC Capital, contended that he hid millions of dollars from her during their divorce.

21:39

Corrections

Corrections appearing in print on March 31, 2011.

21:38

Take Dip Out of the Ballgame

Grady McFerrin

Major League Baseball and the players should ban the use of tobacco products during games.

21:33

Treasury Now Sees Profit From Bailouts

The value has rebounded of more than $1.6 trillion in mortgage bonds that the government bought at the height of the crisis.

21:32

Guilty Plea in Scheme to Harm Lennar’s Share Price

Barry Minkow, who defrauded investors in the 1980s, pleaded guilty to fraud involving the stock price of the home builder Lennar.

21:26

Strained Muscle May Send Mets' Bay to Disabled List

Jason Bay felt discomfort on his left side Tuesday and was found to have a strained intercostal muscle Wednesday.

21:22

Trying to Relish the Big Time, Even When It Brings a Cringe

John Dehlin came from Logan, Utah, to see “The Book of Mormon” and found it reminiscent of his missionary years in Guatemala.
Richard Perry/The New York Times

Celebrating a Broadway musical as a sign that their faith has finally made the big time, Mormons are traveling from across the nation to see “The Book of Mormon.”

21:22

Islamists Are Elated by Revolts, Cleric Says

Anti-government protesters marching in the central Yemeni city of Ibb. President Ali Abdullah Saleh has proposed to stay in office until elections are held.
Khaled Abdullah/Reuters

A top propagandist for Al Qaeda said in a video posted on the Web that Islamists had been elated by the protests around the Arab world.

21:20

Elections in Egypt by the Fall, Leaders Say

Voting for president and a new constitution would be important steps in getting military rulers out of a governing role.

21:13

Meet 30-Down: A Giants Closer and a Beach Boys Vocalist

Pitcher Brian Wilson thought that one day he might be successful enough  be a clue in The New York Times crossword. Now he is, just in time for  opening day.
Left, Marcio Jose Sanchez/MLBPV AP, via Associated Press

Giants closer Brian Wilson has an interest in crossword puzzles, and now he and the leader of the Beach Boys are an answer in one.

21:13

Does Mutt’s Infringe on Rutt’s? Hot Dog Status Is at Stake

The main draw at Rutt's Hut is the Ripper, a deep-fried hot dog cooked until the skin rips open. It is eaten with a special sweet relish.
Richard Perry/The New York Times

The federal trademark infringement lawsuit by Rutt’s, which was founded in 1928, says Mutt’s copied the name in January.

21:11

A Trial in Brazil, With Testimony on Long Island

Jan Paul Paladino, center, and his lawyers on Wednesday on Long Island, after he spoke in his defense against Brazilian charges.
Robert Stolarik for The New York Times

One of two pilots charged in a mid-air collision that killed 154 people over the Amazon defended himself via closed-circuit television.

21:10

Some Rabbinical Students to Get State Tuition Aid

The budget deal in Albany calls for an expansion of the state’s Tuition Assistance Program.

21:05

Saving Mouths and Restoring Smiles

Dr. Abraham Biegeleisen, a periodontist with a practice on Staten Island, says he loves his work and helping his patients.
Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times

Dr. Abraham Biegeleisen, a periodontist with a practice on Staten Island, says he loves his work and helping his patients.

21:05

Just Look at This Place. What’s Not to Love?

The Census Bureau says that the writhing, pulsing metropolis that sees itself as the center of the world added only about 167,000 residents in the last decade.
Todd Heisler/The New York Times

In a city that likes to call itself the center of the universe, the news that the population grew by a mere 2.1 percent provoked exasperation, indifference, shame and bewilderment.

21:03

In Yemen, Sit-In Against the Government Yields Business Opportunities

A vendor selling meat during protests in Sana, Yemen.
Laura Kasinof for The New York Times

Tens of thousands of protesters say they intend to stay until President Ali Abdullah Saleh goes. And they have to eat.

21:03

Tests Show Irish Banks Still Ailing

A closed store in Buncrana, Ireland. Banks in the financially troubled nation may need 13 billion euros to pay bad real estate debt.
Cathal McNaughton/Reuters

The bill for bailing out the banks is expected to rise to more than $98 billion, and the ultimate total may be far higher.

21:02

Yankees Bracing for Cold in Opener and in April

From left, Joba Chamberlain, C. C. Sabathia, Boone Logan and Phil Hughes on Wednesday. The Yanks open at home Thursday.
Barton Silverman/The New York Times

March is not going out quite as lamblike as the adage would have it, which makes the prospect of opening day in New York just a tad less idyllic than one might hope.

21:00
Bats, Balls and Bullets

Bats, Balls and Bullets

In the spring of 1861, young men in the North and South started to turn their attention from baseball to war.

20:58

Officer’s Death Shows Struggle to Define Link Between 9/11 Dust and Disease

A funeral for George Wong, a retired police officer who directed traffic around ground zero after the attacks, was held Wednesday.
Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Researchers at the city’s Health Department “are actively studying” the relationship between cancer and the disaster, a spokeswoman said.

20:52
Relentless Leader of Underdog’s Run Is Underdog Himself

Relentless Leader of Underdog’s Run Is Underdog Himself

The No. 11 seed V.C.U. is a win away from the N.C.A.A. final thanks in part to the fierce, energetic play of point guard Joey Rodriguez.

20:48
At Texas A&M, a Long Journey to the Final Four

At Texas A&M;, a Long Journey to the Final Four

It is difficult to imagine a more extreme turnabout in the acceptance of women than at Texas A&M;, which didn’t admit them as full students until 1963.

Photos

Click on a photo to view related article

 
Stephen Crowley/The New York Times
- 10 minutes ago

Negotiations on Budget Inch Ahead in House

Even if negotiators reach a compromise on the budget, it is unclear if they can sell it to their parties’ hard-liners.

 
Joshua Lott for The New York Times
- 53 minutes ago

A Senate Race in Arizona Waits to See if Giffords Emerges to Run

Some aides suggest Ms. Giffords might recover in time to seek a seat made available by Jon Kyl’s retirement.

 
Rick Stewart/Getty Images
- 22:11

Lundqvist Gets No Help From Rangers’ Offense

Jhonas Enroth, subbing for the injured Ryan Miller and playing in his 10th N.H.L. game, shut out the Rangers, who are now tied for seventh with Buffalo.

 
- 21:52

Odd Alliance: Business Lobby and Tea Party

The Tea Party movement is as skeptical of big business as it is of big government, yet Washington’s influence industry has adapted itself to the Tea Party era.

 
Nathaniel Brooks for The New York Times
- 21:51

Despite Hecklers, Lawmakers Close In on Rare Early Budget

Amid protests over budget cuts, both houses of the Legislature rushed to finalize bills for the spending plan before the deadline of 12:01 a.m. Friday.

 
Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg News
- 21:44

Because of Japan’s Problems, Auto Dealers See Trouble Ahead in Meeting Demand

A research firm said predicted that up to a third of the industry’s production capacity could be affected by the disaster.

 
Grady McFerrin
- 21:38

Take Dip Out of the Ballgame

Major League Baseball and the players should ban the use of tobacco products during games.

 
Richard Perry/The New York Times
- 21:22

Trying to Relish the Big Time, Even When It Brings a Cringe

Celebrating a Broadway musical as a sign that their faith has finally made the big time, Mormons are traveling from across the nation to see “The Book of Mormon.”

 
Site Intelligence Group, via Associated Press
- 21:22

Islamists Are Elated by Revolts, Cleric Says

A top propagandist for Al Qaeda said in a video posted on the Web that Islamists had been elated by the protests around the Arab world.

 
Left, Marcio Jose Sanchez/MLBPV AP, via Associated Press
- 21:13

Meet 30-Down: A Giants Closer and a Beach Boys Vocalist

Giants closer Brian Wilson has an interest in crossword puzzles, and now he and the leader of the Beach Boys are an answer in one.

 
Richard Perry/The New York Times
- 21:13

Does Mutt’s Infringe on Rutt’s? Hot Dog Status Is at Stake

The federal trademark infringement lawsuit by Rutt’s, which was founded in 1928, says Mutt’s copied the name in January.

 
Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
- 21:11

A Trial in Brazil, With Testimony on Long Island

One of two pilots charged in a mid-air collision that killed 154 people over the Amazon defended himself via closed-circuit television.

 
Suzanne DeChillo/The New York Times
- 21:05

Saving Mouths and Restoring Smiles

Dr. Abraham Biegeleisen, a periodontist with a practice on Staten Island, says he loves his work and helping his patients.

 
Todd Heisler/The New York Times
- 21:05

Just Look at This Place. What’s Not to Love?

In a city that likes to call itself the center of the universe, the news that the population grew by a mere 2.1 percent provoked exasperation, indifference, shame and bewilderment.

 
Laura Kasinof for The New York Times
- 21:03

In Yemen, Sit-In Against the Government Yields Business Opportunities

Tens of thousands of protesters say they intend to stay until President Ali Abdullah Saleh goes. And they have to eat.

 
Cathal McNaughton/Reuters
- 21:03

Tests Show Irish Banks Still Ailing

The bill for bailing out the banks is expected to rise to more than $98 billion, and the ultimate total may be far higher.

 
Barton Silverman/The New York Times
- 21:02

Yankees Bracing for Cold in Opener and in April

March is not going out quite as lamblike as the adage would have it, which makes the prospect of opening day in New York just a tad less idyllic than one might hope.

 
- 21:00

Bats, Balls and Bullets

In the spring of 1861, young men in the North and South started to turn their attention from baseball to war.

 
Chang W. Lee/The New York Times
- 20:58

Officer’s Death Shows Struggle to Define Link Between 9/11 Dust and Disease

Researchers at the city’s Health Department “are actively studying” the relationship between cancer and the disaster, a spokeswoman said.

 
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
- 20:52

Relentless Leader of Underdog’s Run Is Underdog Himself

The No. 11 seed V.C.U. is a win away from the N.C.A.A. final thanks in part to the fierce, energetic play of point guard Joey Rodriguez.

 
Lm Otero/Associated Press
- 20:48

At Texas A&M;, a Long Journey to the Final Four

It is difficult to imagine a more extreme turnabout in the acceptance of women than at Texas A&M;, which didn’t admit them as full students until 1963.

 
Earl Wilson/The New York Times
- 20:47

Let There Be Light Bulbs

The little old light bulb has provoked some heated debate in Washington this year.