March 17, 2001

Queens College returns $3 million gift to alumnus Dr Bernard Salick, who donated money to be used for AIDS research center; former president of college, Allen L Sessoms, failed to raise matching funds for state grant of $15 million, which contributed to his downfall and lack of confidence from CUNY officials (M)

Hundreds of Idaho farmers discard their fresh potatoes by spreading them back onto the fields as if they were fertilizer; record harvest produced far too many potatoes and sent prices plummeting to lowest level in decades; all branches of agriculture feel effects of global downturn in agricultural commodities prices; photos; graph (M)

Clyde Haberman NYC column discusses efforts of some New York City Council members to repeal term limits, despite voters passing two referendums; attacks certain members for their persistent whining and blaming of anyone except themselves (M)

When a former curator of the Getty accused it of owning forgeries, it did what many museums do -- not enough. A report by Peter Landesman in The Times Magazine.

Markets Continue to Fall; Dow Closes Below 10,000 The Dow Jones industrial average had its worst week since October 1989, falling 821 points, or 7.7 percent, to close at 9,823.41. Yesterday, the Dow dropped 207.87 points, or 2.07 percent. The Dow is the only major gauge that has not dropped 20 percent or more from its peak into what many on Wall Street define as bear market territory. The Nasdaq composite index dropped 49.80 points, or 2.6 percent, to 1,890.91, and was off 7.9 percent for the week. The Standard & Poor's 500-stock index decreased 23.03 points, or 2 percent, to 1,150.53. [Page A1.]

Gioia M Cassidy, former deputy treasurer in Sen Robert G Torricelli's campaign, testifies before federal grand jury that computer systems manager who worked full-time on campaign was being paid from Congressional funds; also testifies that three other workers who received compensation from government payroll did fund-raising and only minimal Congressional work; similar complaints have surfaced in other campaigns, but criminal charges are rare because of wide lattitude in federal laws and ethics rules; Robert F Bauer, attorney for Torricelli, contends workers maintained ethical practices and that campaign paid part of their salaries; prosecutors are also investigating soliciation of illegal campaign contributions (M)

Two former aides to Senator Robert G. Torricelli have told a federal grand jury that his office paid government salaries for months to four staff members who worked primarily on his 1996 campaign, according to lawyers and others involved in the case. Article, Page B1.

The teams traded clutch baskets and key plays until the final seconds, when Iona had the ball and the chance to pull off yet another upset in the first round of an N.C.A.A. tournament already filled with shockers. But the Gaels' opportunity disappeared among 10 bodies under Mississippi's basket with 1.8 seconds remaining tonight.

William C Rhoden Sports of The Times column discusses Hampton University upset of Iowa State in first round of NCAA basketball tournament; photo (M)

Continuing sell-off sends three major stock indexes down more than six percent for week ended March 16, one of worst weeks in trading history; Dow Jones industrial average declines 207.87 points on March 16, closing at 9,823.41; volume is 1.5 billion shares; Nasdaq Composite Index declines 49.80, ending at 1,890.91, and broader Standard & Poor's 500-stock index declines 23.03 points, to 1,150.53; focus shifts to May 20 meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers in Washington as hopes fade among analysts that markets and economy will snap back quickly; pessimism is fed by barrage of bad earnings forecasts; graph (M)

Figures released from 2000 census show growing population in New York City and, combined with efforts to ensure that people were counted, could be worth tens of millions of dollars in increased federal aid; much of money sent to state and local governments is determined by population (M)

Manhattan jury acquits Sean Combs, hip-hop rap star, of all charges related to 1999 shooting in Midtown nightclub that injured three people; he is acquitted of four counts of illegal possession of firearm and one count of bribery; co-defendant Jamal Barrow is found guilty on five of eight charges; bodyguard, Anthony Jones, is found not guilty on charges of bribery and illegal possession of gun; nightclub shooting recalled; highlights of seven-week trial reviewed; photos (M)