September 18, 2000

Harvey Araton Sports of The Times column on US Dream Team's 119-72 victory over China in men's basketball at Sydney Olympics; contends that if any team emerges to challenge US, it will have to be China; photo (M)

New York Jets defeat Buffalo Bills, 27-14; photo (M)

Article discusses political upheavel that hasengulfed Poughkeepsie, NY, town board; Town Supervisor Ann Barcher is at odds with board, officials are suing one another for bad behavior and calling each other nasty names; rancorous meetings are filled with nonstop gavel-pounding debates over minor subjects; photo (M)

Sudden decision by Peruvian Pres Alberto K Fujimori to call new elections from which he will withdraw as candidate surprises US and Latin America, which welcome move but express concern that nation faces period of unrest and voice uncertainty over what role army will play; thousands pour onto streets of Lima in jubilation; Fujimori meets with Cabinet but issues no public statements; decision to step down is sparked by public airing of embarrassing tape showing intelligence chief Vladimiro Montesinos apparently bribing opposition party member to switch to Fujimori's party prior to recent elections; opposition candidate Alejandro Toledo, who lost to Fujimori in runoff he boycotted, returns from US; expresses surprise over Fujimori decision; says he will attempt to rally splintered opposition for new elections; questions whether Fujimori's decision will stick; says he doubts Fujimori will keep word; Fujimori's rise to power over past decade and his entanglement in mounting corruption scandal discussed; increasing pressure from US and Organization of American States to enact democratic reforms since disputed re-election in May noted; photos (M)

New York Giants defeat Chicago Bears, 14-7; photo (M)