March 19, 2005

As state lawmakers strive to put together a budget by the April 1 deadline, any attempt to comply with a court order to pump more money into New York City's public schools has been left out of the debate. The Democrats in the State Assembly have shown themselves unwilling to push the issue. Their silence is in stark contrast to last year, when they held up the budget to try to seek a significant increase in money for education across that state to satisfy a court ruling that found the state had shortchanged the city's schools and laced into Gov. George E. Pataki for what they said was his recalcitrance to comply with the court order.

Last of three articles in series China's Reach notes that China's appetite for hydroelectric power and its thrust into Southeast Asia in search of trade are changing the character of Mekong River, not only in China, but also for five nations and 60 million rural people downstream; China has built two dams, and plans to build six more along upper Mekong; conservationists say water levels and temperatures have fluctuated widely, threatening river environment and disrupting livelihoods of fishermen and others who depend on $2 billion annual catch of migratory fish; changes to river that China has already made are quickly causing way of life to recede in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam; map; photos (M)

Chart discusses common sights around New York City that indicate impending change from winter to spring; chart; photos (M)

Talks between US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick and top European trade minister Peter Mandelson reportedly break down over how to control billions of dollars in subsidies that each accuses other of giving to Boeing and Airbus; European Union spokesman Anthony Gooch says there are clearly difficult issues at stake but that he has not been informed that negotiations have ended; photo (M)

Vermont University defeats Syracuse University, 60-57, in first round of men's NCAA tournament; photos (M)