June 28, 2001

Borough Pres Fernando Ferrer of Bronx enters race for mayor, moving aggressively to separate himself from his Democratic rivals by declaring that he will be advocate for 'the other New York,' which he says has been neglected during eight years of Giuliani administration; this tack is notable in a year in which many polls show that voters believe New York City has been heading in right direction, even if many people have some questions about Mayor Giuliani himself; photo (M)

General Assembly concludes three-day special session with ambitious declaration outlining how world should proceed in its fight against AIDS; makes plea to nations and private industry to provide billions of dollars needed to help pay for mission; so-called Declaration of Commitment is extraordinary in its language and its tact; it views AIDS not only as medical problem but also as political, human rights and economic threat; it also addresses issues like role that exploitation of poor women and discrimination plays in spreading HIV; Dr Peter Piot, executive director of Unaids, UN agency coordinating fight against AIDS, says key goal is 25 percent reduction of HIV infection among young men and women in most affected countries by 2005; Piot and Secretary General Kofi Annan realize that many of document's elements will be hard sell in nations where rural women enjoy few rights, where gays are stigmatized and where sexual education is generally eschewed (M)

Regulator orders British Telecommunications to make it easier for rivals to offer high-speed Internet services by installing competitors' equipment in its local phone exchanges without charge; says British Telecom can charge competitors connection fee of $180 (US) plus $96 (US) a year for use of copper wire that delivers services to homes (S)

Plans are under way for worldwide commemoration of centennial of birth of composer Richard Rodgers, with revivals of several musicals on Broadway and London; 80th season of summer entertainment at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles is ushered in with John Mauceri leading Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in benefit for children's education projects of Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn and lineup of stars; Heather Headley, Audra McDonald and Lillias White will star in one-night-only concert performance of Dreamgirls; exhibition of adornments worn by Chinese emperors of Qing dynasty is on display at Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass; photo (M)

Small, heterogeneous and dedicated band of people rallies to win freedom for Charles Schwarz, former New York City police officer convicted twice in torture of Abner Louima in 1997; they hold regular parties to raise money to pay for his mounting legal fees and denounce federal government; appeal will be heard in July, and prosecutors who tried case remain steadfast in defending their hard-won convictions; photos (M)