February 18, 2005

Bush's Bipartisan Moves On Social Security Fall Flat President Bush's first effort to build bipartisan support for his Social Security plan ran into resistance among senior Republicans. Mr. Bush's suggestion that he might consider a tax increase was rebuffed by leaders of both parties in Congress, underscoring the difficulty the administration is having with the Social Security issue. [Page A17.] Merck May Sell Vioxx Again in U.S. A top Merck executive suggested that the company might soon decide to sell the painkiller Vioxx again in the United States. [A24.] Women File Suit Against Novartis A dozen women sales representatives for Novartis sued the company, contending that they were discriminated against. [C3.] Credit Suisse Profits Beat Forecast Credit Suisse reported a 22 percent increase in quarterly profits, beating analysts' expectations. The results reflected both the company's weaknesses and the first fruits of its plan to refocus its investment bank. Investment banking advisory fees at Credit Suisse First Boston fell 18 percent in 2004, revealing the steep toll that management turmoil has taken. [C6.] New Challenges for US Airways Two low-fare airlines, Southwest and AirTran, stepped up competition with US Airways in Pittsburgh and Charlotte, N.C. The moves may make it harder for US Airways to emerge from bankruptcy. [C2.] PBS Warning About Iraq Program PBS has told member stations that it cannot protect them against federal indecency sanctions if they broadcast an unedited version of a documentary about soldiers in Iraq. [C2.] Random House in Cellphone Deal Random House bought a stake in Vocel, a start-up company that offers educational content to subscribers over cellphones. [C2.] Times Company Buys About.com The New York Times Company said it would buy the operator of the Web site About.com from Primedia for $410 million. [C6.] European Software Law Stalls The European Parliament demanded that a proposal for a law on software patents be scrapped. [C13.] WorldCom Witness Hid Expenses Scott D. Sullivan, left, the government's star witness in its case against the former chief executive of WorldCom, ended his testimony by admitting he broke the law so the company could meet targets. Mr. Sullivan, WorldCom's former chief financial officer, said he had hid billions of dollars in expenses. [C3.] Greenspan's Remarks Hurt Stocks Stocks fell after testimony from the Federal Reserve chairman and several economic reports. The S.&P. 500 lost 9.59 points, to 1,200.75, and the Dow dropped 80.62 points, to 10,754.26, erasing its gain for 2005. [C7.] Spotty Oversight on Rail Projects Railroads often overcharge states for installing warning signals at grade crossings. [A24.] Two Schieffers in Powerful Jobs Bob Schieffer, who will soon become interim anchor of the ''CBS Evening News,'' may have to report on his brother Tom, who was recently nominated to be ambassador to Japan. [A1.] Tell Your Friends About Our Towels Even makers of packaged goods are trying to tap the power of viral advertising on the Internet. Advertising. [C6.]

Work continues on Bronx-Whitestone Bridge to decrease its load in attempt to make it more stable; when work is completed next year, bridge will have shed 6,000 tons, or one-quarter of its total suspended weight, reducing strain on steel cables, making it more durable and lengthening its life significantly; when bridge was built in 1939, little attention was paid to aerodynamics, but after windstorm in 1940 caused Tacoma Narrows Bridge to collapse, stiffening cables and counterbalancing mass damper were added to Whitestone Bridge, causing it to become too heavy and more vulnerable to wear and tear; photo; illustrations show various additions to bridge that increased its weight (M)

Clyde Haberman NYC column examines brouhaha surrounding New York First Lady Libby Pataki's children's book Madison in New York; eyebrows have been raised over news reports that Republican groups were pressured to buy copies of book in bulk; drawing (M)

Business lobbyists are working with Congress for fast approval of restrictions on class-action lawsuits and reform of bankruptcy law; class-action bill in House is approved 279 to 149, after languishing in Congress for years; its passage is significant victory for businesses; Pres Bush is expected to it on Feb 18; measure is Bush's first big victory in his effort to rewrite tort laws; bankruptcy bill in Senate, which administration also supports, would make it significantly more difficult and expensive for poor and moderate-income families to use bankruptcy protection to shield themselves from creditors; bill's supporters say it is necessary to curb abusive filings, although it critics say it is largely gift to credit card and banking industries (M)

SKI resorts around the country are adding private clubs where affluent regulars -- often owners of nearby ski homes -- can escape the skiing hoi polloi. They have private lockers, boot warmers and cards that let them skip the lines. All for a price, of course. Page 9.