June 5, 1993

In a surprisingly upbeat economic report, Government figures showed today that job growth picked up smartly in May as the unemployment rate edged below 7 percent -- to 6.9 percent -- for the first time since late 1991. Analysts found much to cheer in the Labor Department data, which seemed to portray an economy finally shifting into a higher gear after two years of generally weak recovery, particularly in jobs.

The Clinton Administration imposed new sanctions on supporters of Haiti's military-backed Government and said it would consult with the United Nations and the Organization of American States on further sanctions, including an oil embargo. The action was a tacit admission of failure in diplomatic moves to restore the democratically elected President, the Rev. Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Article, page 2.

The Chancellor of the City University of New York has abandoned a plan to eliminate or consolidate scores of majors at many colleges in the 21-campus system. The action by the Chancellor, Dr. W. Ann Reynolds, came after the plan was sharply criticized by faculty members, students and legislators. In the end, the opposition proved so powerful that she was forced to scale back the proposal.

Mayor David N. Dinkins and Gov. Mario M. Cuomo have squared off in a test of wills over New York City's plea for state help to balance its budget that is more than the usual fiscal endgame. Because the Mayor faces re-election this fall, and the Governor next year, they are playing at three levels. Of them, money may be the simplest. So sensitive are the egos and so high the stakes that no official in either camp would speak for attribution. But up and down the Hudson, from Albany to City Hall this week, the standoff has left both sides asking: With friends like this, who needs friends?

There will be no Sunday in New York. Not for the Knicks, who ran out of road in Chicago as the Bulls scored a 96-88 victory to capture their National Basketball Association semifinal series, 4 games to 2. Michael Jordan led the Bulls with 25 points, while Scottie Pippen finished with 24.