August 6, 1999

The Legislature ended its 1999 session by forging a last-minute deal with Gov. George E. Pataki. The Governor and the leaders of the Assembly and Senate agreed on a few outstanding issues, but jettisoned others that proved too nettlesome. The leaders' accords came after the Senate ended its session, so the bills will not become law until Dec. 1. Article, page B1.

State Legislature ends its annual session by forging last-minute deal with Gov George E Pataki on handful of outstanding issues; Pataki and legislative leaders agree on measures that would stiffen penalties for stalking and for blocking abortion clinics, expand state's database of DNA specimens for criminals, and allow construction of new power plants; officials hail compromise, which was reached nearly two months after Legislature had planned to adjourn; photo (M)

Dikgang Moseneke, executive of New Africa Investments Ltd, South Africa's flagship black empowerment company, announces revamping plan that will split the company into two divisions; New Africa is recovering from an investor revolt that recently ousted its chairman, Nthato Molana; reorganization will provide more accountability to shareholders but means the company no longer will be controlled by blacks, ending the black empowerment trend that began with election of African National Congress in 1994; black trade unions and black investment clubs are no longer leaping into such arrangements; Business Day, Johannesburg financial newspaper, reacts with both regret over failure of empowerment ideal and pleasure that finance standards have prevailed; photo (M)

Federal Communications Commission votes to allow single company or network to own two television stations in nation's largest cities, relaxing rules that have limited television-station ownership for most of century; William E Kennard, chairman of FCC, says new rule is common-sense response to dramatic changes in media marketplace in last 30 years; immediate result of new rule may be rush by big TV companies like broadcast networks to sweep up available television stations in cities where they already own station; networks seek to increase their presence in areas that are becoming increasingly crowded with other viewing options, like cable and satellite channels; for viewers in biggest markets like New York, change could lead to more local news and sports programming (M)

St Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire hits his 500th and 501st career home runs in game against San Diego Padres; McGwire, who is 16th major league player to reach 500, does it faster than any of other players; Padres beat Cardinals, 10-3; photo (M)