November 4, 1990

Collusion May Cost Baseball $280 Million The issue involving major league owners found guilty of collusion in stifling free agency for baseball players in 1985, 1986 and 1987 has reportedly been resolved. The agreement may result in a $280 million payment to the players. Sports, section 8. Rare, and Formidable, Allies In a development reflecting the value of coalition-building, business groups joined the health care industry and children's advocates in getting Congress to expand Medicaid. Page 24. African Congress Struggle The African National Congress, restored to legal status only nine months ago, faces difficulties in waging a political struggle. Page 20. Birders Flock to Rye A wood sandpiper, not seen in North America outside Alaska since 1907, turned up in Rye, N.Y. Page 46. News Summary, Page 2 Obituaries, Page 48 Weather, Page 49

WITH uncomfortably warm weather conditions forecast, the 21st New York City Marathon will begin at 10:47 this morning with a record number of starters expected (more than 25,000), several dozen of the best distance runners in the world and a race director who has an entirely new perspective on his race, his life and the world around him. The course is unchanged this year from the 1989 event, when Juma Ikangaa of Tanzania covered the 26 miles 385 yards in the stunning time of 2 hours 8 minutes 1 second, a course record. With its 15 left turns, 9 right turns and 5 bridge crossings before the twisting, hilly final three and a half miles through Central Park, New York remains one of the most arduous and unforgiving distance races in the world.

The question before the 10th-grade history class at Raisa M. Gorbachev's old school was: How many students would like some day to enter the ranks of the Communist Party? A few of the 34 students giggled. Anyone? No one.

THE elections for six House of Representative seats on Long Island are more a matter of incumbent versus non-incumbent than Democrat against Republican. Despite the Republican political coloration of the Island, Democrats hold four of the six seats, and that mix is not likely to change on Tuesday. The six incumbents have in common huge campaign war chests, while their opponents are underfinanced and seemingly unappreciated by their own parties.

As Secretary of State James A. Baker 3d began a trip to consult allies about possible joint military action, President Saddam Hussein of Iraq said his troops would wage a long war against any American-led force that sought to force them out of Kuwait. Iraq released four Americans and offered to free all hostages if two of five countries -- the Soviet Union, France, Japan, Germany and China -- gave guarantees against an attack. Articles, page 16.