The possibility that the mortgage giants could remain in government hands is shaping the debate over the financial industry’s future.

U.S. Likely to Keep the Reins on Fannie and Freddie

More than 200 Harvard Medical School students and sympathetic faculty are intent on exposing and curtailing the industry influence in their classrooms and laboratories.

Harvard Medical School in Ethics Quandary

By easing terms of the $150 billion rescue package, the government is trying to buy time for American International Group to slim down and reinvent itself as a simple property and casualty insurer.

A Remake of A.I.G. Is the Goal of Rescue

The popular site is struggling to serve competing needs of reviewed businesses, some of whom advertise, and the users, who can anonymously say anything.

The Review Site Yelp Draws Some Outcries of Its Own

A confidential document from the insurance giant warns of a “systemic risk” should the company crumble.

The Case for Saving A.I.G., by A.I.G.

The letter suggested the United States would back off on a missile defense system if Moscow would help stop Iran from developing long-range weapons.

Obama Offered Deal to Russia in Secret Letter

The secret legal opinions were issued by Bush administration lawyers after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Memos Reveal Scope of Power Bush Sought in Fighting Terror

An understanding with Syria could increase pressure on Iran to respond to the United States’ offer of direct talks.

Clinton Says U.S. Is Ready to Begin Talks With Syria

Sales were down 53 percent at G.M., 48 percent at Ford and 40 percent at Toyota from February 2008.

Already Bleak, Auto Sales Take a Fall in February

Evan Smith’s insubstantial but funny play sometimes feels like a Very Special Theological Episode of “The Golden Girls.”

Dodging Hellfire, Armed With Quips and the Obliging Father Murphy

Mary Zimmerman’s new production of Bellini’s “Sonnambula” for the Metropolitan Opera, which goes behind the scenes, is exasperating and clichéd.

Lovelorn Sleepwalker, Caught Between Rehearsal and Reality

Old-fashioned and a little mysterious, the cube steak is suddenly one of the hottest cuts of beef in the country.

Turning to Cube Steak, and Back to Childhood

Shoppers who think organic food is safer are often surprised to hear that organic certification technically has nothing to do with food safety.

It’s Organic, but Does That Mean It’s Safer?

Executives from the company synonymous with the housing bubble are now buying distressed properties.

Ex-Leaders of Countrywide Profit From Bad Loans

When the hype surrounding an impending opening of a restaurant goes on too long, the expectations can be impossible to meet.

Opening Night and Already Old News

Harper paid about $1 million for Jonathan Littell’s “Kindly Ones,” a 983-page French novel narrated by a remorseless former Nazi SS officer, a book that has already aroused fierce passions, for and against.

Publisher’s Big Gamble on Divisive French Novel

Google is spending $7 million on a global print campaign to alert writers that it intends to digitize every book.

A Google Search of a Distinctly Retro Kind

Need a little zip and zing in your trip planning?  Try Tripsay.com, a free social network, or Fly.com, a search engine.

Two New Web Tools for Planning Trips

Hotel companies are continuing to help cash-strapped customers (and attract business) by offering discounts.

Hotels Keep the Deals and Discounts Coming

If you’re headed to Washington for the 2009 National Cherry Blossom Festival, several hotel packages are worth considering. 

Cherry Blossom Packages Are in Bloom in Capital

The justices will decide whether courts may approve global class-action settlements that include claims they would not have had jurisdiction to decide.

Supreme Court to Revisit a Case on Breach of Copyright

Fed up with its $4 coffee image, the chain will offer a breakfast with coffee for that price.

Starbucks Addresses the Price Issue, and Breakfast

Cooking fish slowly over low heat in melted butter keeps the flesh moist and velvety and evenly cooked throughout.

A Date With a Warm Fish

This musical-theater work (opera, my foot) has a manic pace, wild-eyed staging and a cast of colorful, stock characters.

Fascination Endures of Diamond in the Rough

The National Endowment for the Arts on Tuesday announced guidelines for arts groups seeking grants from the $50 million the economic stimulus bill allocated to the agency.

Guidelines Are Issued for Art Stimulus Funds

Gilbert "Gib" Parent was a Canadian member of Parliament. He is best known in his role as speaker of the House of Commons between 1994 and 2001.

March 3, 2009

Headlines from March 3, 2009

U.S. Likely to Keep the Reins on Fannie and Freddie

Harvard Medical School in Ethics Quandary

A Remake of A.I.G. Is the Goal of Rescue

The Review Site Yelp Draws Some Outcries of Its Own

The Case for Saving A.I.G., by A.I.G.

Billboard 200

Fearless

Raising Sand

Testimony: Vol. 2; Love & Politics

The Fray

It's Not Me; It's You

Notable Deaths

Historical Context for March 3, 2009