March 31, 2002

Reports of capture of top Al Qaeda commander, Abu Zubaydah, noted (S)

Roman Catholics in Madison, Wis, 350,000 strong, struggle along with their pastor, Msgr Michael E Hippee, to cope with sex abuse scandal involving priests across country, although neither he nor any diocese priests have been implicated; Hippee tells congregation of his shame and profound sadness at abuse of minors by brother priests, while parishioners lament that abuses have opened church to critics; both sides are drawing faith from Easter symbolism; photos (M)

Article on attempt by residents, coming together as Residents in Distress, or RID, to rid street of poor, gay black and Latino youths who congregate along western edge of Manhattan's Christopher Street; some old-timers say Christopher Street should remain New York's Gay Mecca while others complain that prostitution, drunkenness, lewdness, public sex and other problems are worsening; photos (M)

Alacra Inc, Manhattan provider of online business and financial information to investment banks and corporations, has its own summer soccer league for employees because 40 percent of them are born outside US, rare example of multiculturalism even for New York, where population is 40 percent foreign-born; Alacra employees say diversity bolsters their self-confidence and enlivens their social life both inside and outside office; photo (M)

Anthony Tommasini assesses tenure of Boston Symphony Orchestra music director Seiji Ozawa, who is stepping down this summer after 23 years in post; photo (M)