What employee manuals on health insurance, taxes and retirement plans should say, but don’t.

A Primer for Young People Starting Their First Job

Some of the biggest technology companies have formed a group to fight information overload.

Lost in E-Mail, Tech Firms Face Self-Made Beast

Nicholas Sparks, who has achieved international fame by writing romance novels, is the benefactor of the emergent track program at a high school in New Bern, N.C.

An Author Underwrites a Successful Track Program

The costs of ballparks, for the pros and for the rest.

High End or Low, Ballparks Break Bank

Tiger Woods blazed a trail of birdies on his closing holes, setting up a weekend that may take its place among the most memorable in U.S. Open history.

Woods Charges at U.S. Open, but He Has Company

With global demand for sparkling wine soaring, the French authorities are opening what could be the largest wave of expansion of Champagne vineyards in nearly a century.

In France, Plans to Make a Bit More of the Bubbly

Seemingly conflicting clues reflect the bizarre trajectory of the life of Samuel Israel III, the perpetrator of one of Wall Street’s biggest recent scams, who federal authorities believe is now on the run.

The Search for a Missing Trader Goes Global

The Roosevelt Island tram is shut down for inspection this week, but next year it will be taken out of service for at least six months as the system undergoes a $25 million overhaul.

What Is Life Without a Tram? Residents Are Getting a Taste

With the economy in the doldrums, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said that the city might scrap a popular tax break for homeowners in 2009.

Bloomberg Says Tax Rate on Property May Go Up

Mr. Russert, moderator of “Meet the Press,” was a fixture on television on Sunday mornings and election nights.

Tim Russert, 58, NBC’s Face of Politics, Dies

Rudolph W. Giuliani is offering to go to Republican fund-raisers if he receives cash to offset his presidential campaign debt.

Giuliani Plans to Aid Hopefuls, for His Share

A strong victory by the Mets granted Willie Randolph a reprieve from renewed speculation that his tenure as the team’s manager may be over soon.

His Status Uncertain, Randolph Relaxes

Since Yahoo went public in 1996, the company has had new owners — its shareholders — but it is unclear whether Jerry Yang, the company’s co-founder and chief executive, knows this.

Oh Jerry, It’s No Longer Your Baby

Microsoft disclosed the terms of its last offer to Yahoo, possible evidence that the company had not given up and might be campaigning to get the support of Yahoo shareholders.

Some Cling to Hope for a Deal After Microsoft Discloses Details

The defeat of a treaty to consolidate the European Union’s power shows that many Europeans feel alienated from it.

Ireland Derails a Bid to Recast Europe’s Rules

Continued flooding has raised the prospect of a year like 1993, when there was widespread misery and an economic cost of $20 billion.

In Midwest, Rising Waters and Fears of Worse

The Willie Randolph watch, beginning with that cheesy delay in affirming his status at the conclusion of last season, has been an embarrassment for the Mets.

Wilpons Need to Give Randolph an Answer, Any Answer

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said that before an agreement to save Off-Track Betting parlors could occur, “substantial legal and economic issues” would need to be settled.

Resolution in OTB Dispute Fades Away

Saudi Arabia’s plan to boost production next month was seen as a sign that the Saudis are nervous about the political and economic effect of high oil prices.

Plan Would Lift Saudi Oil Output

The British financial regulator said it would require disclosure of significant short-selling positions to protect the integrity of the country’s financial market.

Britain Strengthens Rules on Disclosure of Short Sales

Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen had just become teammates when Celtics Coach Doc Rivers took them on a tour of the the parade route used by the Patriots and the Red Sox.

For 3 Celtics, Parade Route Wouldn’t Be Strange Path

UBS and the Credit Suisse Group, Switzerland’s two largest banks, agreed to pay almost 357 million euros ($548 million) to settle all legal claims related to their role in financing Parmalat.

Two Swiss Banks Agree to Settlement in Parmalat Case

An elaborate chapel in Prospect Cemetery, Queens, is being restored after years of neglect and vandalism.

A Father’s Tribute to Three Dead Daughters Is Restored

Referees are, in theory, the great equalizers. But even without officials, basketball players early on develop a sense of justice; they know what’s right and what’s wrong.

Playground Rules: A Game N.B.A. Players Grasp

Zev Weiss is the chief executive of the American Greetings Corporation.

June 14, 2008

Headlines from June 14, 2008

A Primer for Young People Starting Their First Job

Lost in E-Mail, Tech Firms Face Self-Made Beast

An Author Underwrites a Successful Track Program

High End or Low, Ballparks Break Bank

Woods Charges at U.S. Open, but He Has Company

Billboard 200

Here I Stand

Sex And The City

3 Doors Down

II Trill

Spirit

Historical Context for June 14, 2008