November 30, 1990

Federal regulators proposed today that savings and loan institutions be permitted to convert to state-chartered savings banks. The measure, which has been heavily pushed by savings and loan lobbyists, would further blur the lines between different kinds of savings institutions. It was viewed by some experts as another step in an industry consolidation that would inevitably lead to the demise of savings and loan associations.

Writer becomes prisoner of deranged fan, Stephen King style. Funny, gaudy Bates.

The dollar surged yesterday, jumping more than 2 percent against the Japanese yen and more than 1 percent against the German mark. The rally, which pushed the dollar over the 1.50 level against the mark and 133 against the yen, is the first significant break upward for the dollar in months. It comes after a long decline that has pushed it to repeated lows against the mark and the Swiss franc.

Madison Avenue will be closed Sunday from 62d to 72d Street from noon to 5 P.M. for the Christmas for Children Fund Street Fair.

As the United Nations Security Council gave its approval today to the use of military force against Iraq, the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House told President Bush they could not guarantee strong bipartisan support for a similar resolution in Congress. The House Speaker, Thomas S. Foley of Washington, and the House Republican Leader, Robert H. Michel of Illinois, told Mr. Bush at a private White House luncheon that he might prevail in Congress if he pressed for a vote now, but could fall short of a clear-cut mandate to use force against Iraq this winter and might well set off a divisive debate among lawmakers. They advised Mr. Bush not to call a special session of Congress on the Persian Gulf.