September 21, 2005

Simon Wiesenthal, death camp survivor who dedicated life to tracking down fugitive Nazi war criminals, dies at home in Vienna at age 96; Wiesenthal worked for years in cramped office of Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna, collecting and dispersing tips on war criminals through network of informants, government agents, journalists and even former Nazis; he survived hairbreadth escapes from death and two suicide attempts, dedicating life after liberation by American forces to memorializing millions of Jewish and other noncombatant victims by bringing killers to justice; long efforts, including controversial role in hunts for Adolf Eichmann and Josef Mengele, recounted; photos (M)

Federal Reserve raises its benchmark interest rates by quarter-point, to 3.75 percent, saying that Hurricane Katina is unlikely to pose persistent threat to economy and that top priority remains heading off inflationary pressures; Mark W Olson, member of policy committee, dissents (M)

''There are five of us left,'' said Marguerite Smith, who was playing her Ovation Celebrity guitar in the gloom outside Johnny White's Sports Bar here. It was nearly midnight and she said she was sure there were five remaining New Orleans musical holdouts. Almost sure, anyway. ''Jake, Casey, Grandpa -- he plays the blues like you read about -- Jacob and'' Ms. Smith paused, moving from foot to foot, her battery-powered sandals lighting up with each shuffle as she tried to remember. It was about the only light on Bourbon Street.

This was why the Yankees kept playing Gary Sheffield. When their pitching fell apart last night, it took a sensational effort by Sheffield to save them. Sheffield, who has battled a left thigh injury that limited his power for two weeks, bashed a grand slam and drove in six runs against the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees kept pace in the American League East race, but the 12-9 victory was far from comfortable.

THE scent of persecution acts as smelling salts for Barry Bonds. He is never more wired than when put down, never more alert than when doubted, never more defiant than when booed. The fans at R.F.K. Stadium -- likely including a few politicians -- finally had an opportunity to grill the Congressional steroid witness of their dreams, and only their dreams, last night during Bonds's first road game since his right knee swelled like Jiffy Pop in spring training.