July 26, 2000

New York Mets defeat Montreal Expos, 5-0; photo (M)

Aggressive expansion of pesticide spraying in New York City this week and Mayor Rudolph W Giuliani's comments that some local species, including some fish, could become casualties of war in fighting West Nile virus, have raised new concerns among environmentalists that region's fragile ecosystem could fall victim to anxiety over public health; photo (M)

Air France Concorde carrying mainly German tourists bound for cruise ship in New York crashes in flames shortly after takeoff, killing all 109 passengers and crew and at least 4 people on ground and injuring 5; hits and demolishes small hotel and restaurant, Gonesse, near Paris; crash is first of supersonic Concorde passenger plane; witnesses say one or both of plane's left engines were on fire even as plane sped down runway; Air France president Jean-Cyril Spinetta says cracks were recently found in four of airline's six Concordes, but not on one that crashed; sees no link between engine and cracks; photos (M)

Gov George W Bush seen taking least adventurous and least sensational course possible in choosing Dick Cheney as vice presidential running mate; choice is deeply revealing about his approach to politics and governing; shows him so confident of winning that he is looking more for partner who can help him in White House than during campaign and unafraid to surround himself with more experienced hands; photo (M)

Unemployment rate among the disabled is 70 percent, the same as it was 10 years ago, when Americans With Disabilities Act became law; the disabled continue to face huge struggle for full workplace equality; main reason seems to be that attitudes toward handicapped or disabled people have not changed; photo (M)