August 6, 2005

American employers added more than 200,000 jobs last month, the government reported on Friday, providing fresh evidence that workers are beginning to benefit from an economy that is growing at a steady, robust pace. With the exception of manufacturing, the labor market was strong across the board, offering further confirmation of the economic expansion evident in recent data on consumer spending, industrial production and home sales.

Prime Minister Tony Blair promised new measures on Friday to close down mosques and bar or deport clerics deemed to be fostering hatred and violence, bringing Britain's antiterrorism policy more into line with some of its neighbors' and answering critics who say the country has sheltered Islamic extremists for years. He also said two Islamic organizations would be banned. A global list would be drawn up of people ''whose activities or views pose a threat to Britain's security,'' and they would be kept out of Britain.

There are days in the searing New York summer when an old-fashioned icy -- shaved ice soaked in fruit-flavored syrup -- tastes so good that it feels as if it should be illegal. One such afternoon came a few weeks ago, a Tuesday, when José de la Cruz Luna, 57, was selling his colorful, chilling treats on the streets of the Bronx. Mr. Luna's young customers surrounded him as he literally scraped out a living in the 91-degree heat. Then two police officers walked up. They asked if had a license. Mr. Luna said he did not.

American employers added more than 200,000 jobs last month, the government reported on Friday, providing fresh evidence that workers are beginning to benefit from an economy that is growing at a steady, robust pace. With the exception of manufacturing, the labor market was strong across the board, offering further confirmation of the economic expansion evident in recent data on consumer spending, industrial production and home sales.

7 Trapped as Russian Submarine Sinks The Russian Navy worked to rescue a submarine that sank off Russia's Pacific coast. The seven men aboard were reported in good health but were said to have as little as 24 hours of air. Russia quickly called for international help, and American, British and Japanese craft headed to the area. PAGE A6