August 4, 2001

Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, mostly Hispanics, have taken advantage of North Carolina's liberal rules for obtaining driving licenses, which then allow them to move about and get to work openly, and also provide legitimate identification; latter is reason most states do not provide licenses; North Carolina says state benefits when people drive legally and carry insurance; photos (M)

Gunman Shoots Four at Port Authority B

Wachovia Corp appears to win shareholder approval for its $13 billion merger with First Union Corp, defeating hostile takeover attempt by SunTrust Banks and intense lobbying of shareholders by First Union and SunTrust; photo (M)

Last article in series on New York City mayoral candidates explains Comptroller Alan Hevesi's promise to offer 'best of Rudy Giuliani without the worst'; Hevesi says, in interview with The New York Times, that he would continue current mayor's success in driving crime down, but would work to curb police misconduct; photo; he also pledges small class sizes through 'substantial increase' in school spending, and trust fund for affordable housing; comptroller admits worsening economy might make proposals difficult to carry out (M)

Nightclub owners say it is getting harder for clubs to survive in New York because of steeply rising rents and changes in zoning that have allowed residents to move into areas that used to be preserve of industry and business; many areas of city, especially downtown, are virtually off limits because of pressure from community groups; owners say other areas are willing to accept only clubs that open in existing nightclub space; city's Department of Consumer Affairs, which issues cabaret licenses, says that 319 establishments hold licenses this year, down from 333 last year; many buildings that housed nightclubs are being bought for residential use; photo (M)