March 19, 2004

Wayne E Pratt, well-known Conn antiques dealer who agreed to buy Gov John G Rowland's condominium, tells prosecutors that businessman brokering sale said seller was 'squeezing him for more money'; Asst US Atty Nora R Dannehy makes statement during federal court hearing at which Pratt pleads guilty to supplying false information about condominium on tax return; he reportedly tells prosecutors that businessman, Robert V Matthews, agreed to funnel money to Pratt to make purchase and disguise it as that of costly antique; Pratt and electrical contractor Kurt Claywell are cooperating in corruption probe (M)

Detroit Pistons defeat New Jersey Nets, 89-71; photo (M)

Imaris of Baghdad, middle-class Shiite family, feel more relaxed in Iraq one year after American invasion but are wary about future; fled city during American bombing and returned to it after war only to face city plagued by looters; are free to practice their religion now that Saddam Hussein has been toppled, but are divided on just how religious they should be; photos (L)

Article on annual springtime ritual by second-homeowners of lining up contractors, painters, landscapers and plumbers for repair jobs; homeowners can expect long waiting lists this year as snow and subfreezing temperatures stretch past mid-March; drawing; photo (M)

Sales from overseas operation of American-controlled companies have continued to grow, generating jobs abroad, but not at home; most American manufacturing companies contend that such moves are essential to keep American industry competitive in global market; Anthony F Raimondo, chief of Behlen Manufacturing, defends setting up production plant in China, but criticism from campaign of Sen John Kerry, who is likely Democratic presidential nominee, cost Raimondo job of assistant secretary of commerce for manufacturing in Bush administration; graphs; photo (M)