October 11, 2004

Many African-Americans around nation, but especially in Florida--galvanized by memory of 2000 election--are determined to have their votes count this time; African-Americans are part of torrent of new voter registrations in swing states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and elsewhere; black voter participation has been increasing in recent presidential elections; in 2000, 57 percent of eligible black voters turned out, casting one vote for Pres Bush for every nine cast for Al Gore; over last 15 years, rising black middle class has dispersed from cities into integrated suburbs, creating demand for political messages that reflect diverse circumstances of African-Americans; blacks in Florida, mindful of how many black votes were disqualified in 2000, get pledge from Sen John Kerry that he will fight 'until the last dog dies' in event of another contested voting result; photos (M)

Gruner & Jahr is assuming more muscular role in powerful German newsmagazine Der Spiegel over objections of family of late founder, Rudolf Augstein; at issue is whether Augstein's children will be left with any influence over magazine he ran, with charisma and combativeness, until his death in 2002 at 79; they now own less than 25 percent of magazine, while Gruner & Jahr owns 25.5 percent and magazines squabbling employees own 50.5 percent; photos (M)

The role that American oil companies played in the United Nations' oil-for-food relief program is coming under greater scrutiny after a report by the chief arms inspector for the Central Intelligence Agency that disclosed how extensively Saddam Hussein abused oil profits. The companies say their Iraqi oil purchases were not illegal or unknown in international oil markets. Article, Page A11.

Anthony Tommasini reviews Julie Taymor's new production of Die Zauberflote at Metropolitan Opera; photo (M)

New England Patriots 24-10 defeat of Miami Dolphins gives team 19th straight victory (S)