April 10, 1976

Agr Dept repts that unusually dry winter and wks of searing winds in Great Plains states have reduced winter wheat crop by more than 26%; estimates winter wheat production at 521.8-million bu (M)

Palestinian and Arab informants rept that Syrian troops moved 3 miles into Lebanon on Apr 9, taking border-crossing point at Masnaa; map (M)

Nuclear Regulatory Comm, in 1st draft of environmental impact rept on Public Service Elec A Gas Co's proposed floating nuclear power plant off NJ coast, holds permit should be granted because benefits outweigh adverse effects; calls risk of release of radioactivity through air or water 'very low'; also holds it unlikely that tourist econ of NJ shore would suffer, basing this on attitudes on communities near land-based nuclear plants; public hearings to be held on rept after local groups have filed responses; opposition to plant at recent hearing in Atlantic City recalled (M)

Pres Ford campaigns in Tex on Apr 9 for May 1 primary; outlines his approach to 'more aggressive attack' against drug trafficking, speech, Irving Bar Assn, Tex Stadium; attacks Ronald Reagan's contention that US lags behind USSR militarily; makes unannounced visit to Arlington Stadium to throw out 1st ball in Tex Rangers' opening game against Minn Twins; visits remains of Alamo in Bicentennial ceremony; illus (L)

NYS officials are considering sales tax on ins premiums as possible solution to problem of raising funds without driving business out of NY; ins tax was proposed by Gov Carey's Econ Development Bd, and could raise $400-million (M)