March 14, 1991

American Airlines, the nation's largest carrier and the airline that is considered a leader in determining fares, initiated a broad range of price cuts yesterday in the hope of attracting travelers put off by the gulf war and the recession. But it also raised some fares in an attempt to compensate for revenue lost through the many reductions. American introduced a number of short-term promotions like a $318 round-trip fare between New York and Los Angeles or San Francisco, and the other four biggest airlines -- United, Delta, Northwest and Continental -- said they would match most of them.

When the drug dealing and the devastation became almost unbearable, it seemed as if only one thing kept the Casuso family from abandoning Bushwick: embarrassment. Soon after the blackout of 1977, the Brooklyn family was adopted by The Daily News as the embodiment of survival in a "dying neighborhood." To some white working-class readers, the decline was synonymous with Bushwick's changing racial complexion. But the periodic stories on the Casusos and their neighbors gave voice to people of divergent racial and ethnic backgrounds who shared common problems and aspirations.

President Bush accused Iraq today of violating conditions of the Persian Gulf cease-fire by using helicopter gunships to put down insurrections by anti-Government rebels. He said there would be no permanent end to the war until the Iraqi combat operations ceased. Mr. Bush said he was "warning them: do not do this." By raising the issue, Mr. Bush further involved himself on the side of the anti-Government factions in Iraq battling against forces loyal to President Saddam Hussein. That also means that the United States military forces occupying part of southern Iraq will stay until the rebellion issue and others are resolved.

Four days before the St. Patrick's Day Parade, city officials worked furiously to fashion a compromise that would allow an Irish homosexual group to march in the parade. As of last night, efforts to devise a solution had created only confusion. The issue has turned into a full-scale political affair and has created the possibility of the unthinkable -- that top city officials won't show up. Several have threatened to boycott the parade on Saturday, and Mayor Dinkins has indicated that he is not sure what he will do. In the world of city politics, the parade has always been a must showcase for any major politician seeking to woo the Irish vote. Compromise Not Offered The situation has confused even those in a position to know. Al O'Hagen, the president of the State Ancient Order of Hibernians, said yesterday that on Tuesday night local parade organizers had agreed to allow the group, the Irish Gay and Lesbian Organization, to march as part of another group. They would be allowed to wear T-shirts and armbands identifying themselves as gay people but could not carry a banner.

IT was the stuff of brewers' and waiters' aprons, ladies' stays, an emperor's battle tent and feather-filled bedding: rough-hewn blue and white linen twill. But these days, mattress ticking, a striped fabric with a checkered past, is being put to more urbane uses.