December 15, 2006

Sen Tim Johnson is said to be in critical condition but 'responsive' after operation to stop bleeding in his brain; Democrats say they still expect to assume majority of Senate in January; Johnson's bleeding was caused by rare tangling of blood vessels in brain, and doctors say that in majority of cases bleeding does not cause long-term damage, though outcome in this case might not be known for weeks; Johnson would lose seat only if he died or resigned, upon which South Dakota Gov Mike Rounds would choose replacement until later special election; even if Johnson is unable to vote in January, Democrats would have 50-49 majority in Senate, which would allow them to take control of committees; photo (M)

After 29 days of negotiations that veered from stagnant to tense to successful, the Red Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka agreed to a six-year, $52 million contract late Wednesday.

OPEC plans to reduce its output by nearly 2 percent in February, an indication that it wants to keep oil prices above $60 a barrel next year.

Chrysler has a backlog of gas guzzlers while consumers want fuel-efficient vehicles, and plant closings and job cuts are rumored to be in the works.

Audiences who go to “Dreamgirls” will have a good time, but they’ll be going for old time’s sake rather than to encounter anything vital or new.