December 6, 2003

Brooklyn (NYC) Supreme Court jury acquits Dupree Harris of 1999 murder of Clifford Robinson; case has been one of contention for New York City police and prosecutors, who have not only worked to convict Harris, reported leader of Bloods gang, but also to confront allegations that witness intimidation threatened judicial system; Harris is returned to jail to await next trial for bribing and intimidating witnesses in another murder trial; photo (M)

New York Mets are expected to sign Japanese shortstop Kazuo Matsui to multiyear contract; photos (M)

New Haven (Conn) city aldermen will propose strict limitations on opening any 24-hour businesses in residential and commercial zones after criticism that all-night shops invite crime, littering and loitering; photo (M)

Key role played by House Speaker J Dennis Hastert in winning passage of Medicare drug plan is altering perception of him in Washington, where he had been widely seen as amiable, but almost invisible, sidekick to House Republican leader Tom DeLay; he used his authority to put House in suspended animation while he persuaded handful of members to drop their opposition to bill; forcefully asserted self on issue in which he has long-standing interest; Democrats are villifying him and his lieutenants for way vote was conducted; photo (M)

U.S. Gained Fewer Jobs Than Expected Last Month The nation's employers displayed an unexpected reluctance in November to hire more workers, despite the improving economy and rising demand for what they sell. The work force grew by 57,000 jobs last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, and the unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent from 6 percent in October. [Page A1.]