September 24, 2003

Article on shift in political tone of West Wing television series under new executive producer John Wells; photo (M)

French central bank governor Jean-Claude Trichet wins endorsement of European Parliament in his bid to become president of European central bank, moving him closer to taking job on Nov 1; will succeed Wim Duisenberg; photo (S)

Gov Gray Davis signs law that outlaws sending most commercial e-mail messages to anyone in California who has not explicitly requested them; law, which also prohibits companies inside state from sending unsolicited e-mail to anyone outside state, imposes fines of $1,000 for each message, up to $1 million for each campaign; gives people right to file private lawsuits; Sen Kevin Murray, who sponsonored bill, comments (M)

Analysis of United Nations General Assembly's cool response to Pres Bush's speech on Iraq; audience of world leaders seems to see Bush weakened by plunging approval ratings at home, facing tough security situation in Iraq and beginnings of revolt against American timetable for self-rule by several Iraqi leaders US installed; does not seem eager to help; is more skeptical than ever of Bush's assertions, including pledge to reveal full extent of illegal arms programs (M)

Tornado Hits New Jersey A tornado and fierce rainstorms struck western New Jersey, knocking down hundreds of trees, damaging buildings and cutting power for thousands of customers. PAGE B1 Legal Logjam Is Feared Strict enforcement of Attorney General John Ashcroft's order limiting the use of plea bargains in federal prosecutions could create a judicial crisis, legal experts said. PAGE A23