December 17, 2001

New York City has largest number of people working for their welfare benefits, and nowhere else in country are so many of them reaching cutoff at same time; because of slumping economy, many of those enrolled in city's workfare program are being laid off rather than being hired as regular employees; workfare is elaborate mix of work assignments, job training and job searches; its champions call it way for welfare recipients to give back to city and as path to real jobs for many; critics say it has been dead end for many poor people in need of education and training, way to cut and divert people from public benefits and create tide of cheap labor that has swept thousands of paying jobs from city payrolls; program provides evidence for both arguments; photo (L)

Arrests in India Attack India said it arrested four people who admitted they conspired in last week's attack on the Indian Parliament and that the suspects said the plot was organized by two groups operating in Pakistan. PAGE A3 Less Control of Meat Plants After a decision by a federal court, the Agriculture Department says it will no longer shut down meat processing plants that fail to control the salmonella bacteria. PAGE A13

Outlook A special issue of Business Day examines the end of the longest economic expansion in American history and industries' efforts to adjust to a recession worsened by terrorist attacks. SECTION C

Anthony Tommasini comments on three-day gala opening of Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia; comments on acoustics at Verizon Hall, new home of Philadelphia Orchestra, main component of Kimmel Center; Sir Elton John performs; photo of cellist Yo-Yo Ma with orchestra (M)

Joyce Purnick Metro Matters column notes changing tone of visitors to ground zero, some of whom now treat terrorist attack site as just another tourist attraction; notes Olga Rosi's father, denied visa in new era of vigilance, got visa to visit from Kazakhstan for her wedding with aid of Rep Sue Kelly after Rosi story appeared in column; cites interest in videotape of New York City mayoral campaign cable television debate in which Ester Fuchs, who represented Michael R Bloomberg, lambasted Elizabeth Holtzman, who represented Mark Green, in one-sided shouting match that could still be heard after two guest microphones were switched off (M)