November 4, 2006

Minister Admits Buying Drug, but Denies Tryst After denying that he had ever met the gay escort who has claimed a sexual relationship, the Rev. Ted Haggard, former president of National Association of Evangelicals, admitted calling the man for a massage and buying methamphetamine from him. But he said he did not use the drug. PAGE A9 Vivendi Got $50 Billion Bid Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the buyout firm, reportedly discussed a $50 billion offer to buy Vivendi, the French entertainment company. BUSINESS DAY, PAGE C1 Israelis Kill 2 Women in Gaza Israeli troops killed two Palestinian women and wounded 10 others who were seeking to serve as human shields for Hamas militants holed up in a mosque, after an overnight standoff in the Gaza Strip. PAGE A3 THIS WEEKEND Down Syndrome and College Students with Down syndrome and autistic spectrum disorders are attending college in growing numbers. Do they belong? Also: Full-time students with full-time children, and how much the SAT essay really matters. EDUCATION LIFE Holiday Movies How Oscar campaigns are starting now, not in Hollywood but in New York. Also: Emma Thompson, Will Smith and new penguin movies. A special section. ARTS & LEISURE

Two nights after celebrating his first victory, Isiah Thomas absorbed his first loss as the Knicks’ coach to the Atlanta Hawks, one of the worst teams in the league.

New York State Comptroller Alan G Hevesi pays state additional $90,000 in connection with use of state worker to chauffer his wife for several years; payment comes after Attorney Gen Eliot Spitzer's office says Hevesi's previous reimbursement of $82,688.82 was inadequate; Spitzer's request is additional blow to incumbent Hevesi, coming only four days before elections, and as Republican challenger J Christopher Callaghan tightens race significantly; Gov George E Pataki is weighing possibility of calling for special session of State Senate to consider removing Hevesi from office; photo (M)

Atlanta Hawks defeat New York Knicks, 102-92; photo (M)

William C Rhoden Sports of The Times column discusses Breeders' Cup; photos (M)