A foundation has helped build dozens of libraries, some decorated by well-known artists, in schools in poor areas.

A Is for Artwork That Lures Bronx Schoolchildren to New Libraries

Ida Van Lindt’s 53-year tenure as the Manhattan district attorney’s secretary has taken her through many eras.

Longest Time Fighting Crime? Not the Prosecutor, but Close

At 76, Dick Gregory is still on the road doing around 200 shows a year, including four this week at Carolines in New York.

For Him, the Political Has Always Been Comical

In a bad economy, patients are deferring elective surgeries or speeding them up in fear they might lose their insurance.

Bad Economy Leads Patients to Put Off Surgery, or Rush It

It may be Saturday afternoon, and the nation may be battling a recession, but you’d never know it from the way the bubbly flows at two dance party brunches in Manhattan’s meatpacking district.

Uncorked!

Some laid-off workers are turning to their inner entrepreneur in what could be a boon for the economy.

Weary of Looking for Work, Some Create Their Own

Ken Hill, who tracks down and repossesses aircraft for banks, is one of the busiest airplane repo men.

Foreclosing on a Plane, Then Flying It Away

It is hard to see a downside to gaining a year of valuable life experience, especially since expanded federal college aid programs would not take effect until July 2010.

Delaying College for a Year Could Have Benefits

Industry analysts say the problems at mobile carriers are becoming more glaring as the growing popularity of so-called smartphones puts pressure on their networks.

3G Phones Exposing Networks’ Last-Gen Technology

The peaceful response to a killing in Northern Ireland seems to suggest the province is united against a return of violence.

Intended to Incite, Irish Killings Draw Former Enemies Together

With its players’ legs tender from exhaustion after Thursday’s marathon game against UConn, Syracuse beat West Virginia, 74-69, and won a ticket to the Big East final.

A Little More Drama for Syracuse, a Lot Less Overtime

The more rulers have tried to draw a veil over the kingdom, the more intriguing it has become to outsiders.

The Heights Traveled to Subdue Tibet

If there is someone to credit, or to blame, for cheerleading, it’s 83-year-old Lawrence Herkimer.

Shaking Pompoms for the Grandfather of Modern Cheerleading

A record influx of immigrants has put classrooms on the front lines of America’s battles over whether and how to assimilate the newcomers and their children.

Where Education and Assimilation Collide

Wilmer Flores, one of the youngest players in the minors last season, is scheduled to open 2009 as Class A Savannah’s starting shortstop.

Mets Prospect Wilmer Flores Is on Fast Track to the Majors

And when we do hit bottom — this year or years from now — how will we know? There’s no easy answer, but stocks, home prices and consumer spending are valuable indicators.

Has the Economy Hit Bottom Yet?

Executives in fields like entertainment and venture capital say it’s vital to keep recruiting even in a downturn.

The Secrets of the Talent Scouts

Nearly a third of the $170 billion in tax dollars given to American International Group went to other firms.

At A.I.G., Good Luck Following the Money

Some are wondering if the way business students are taught may have contributed to the most serious economic crisis in decades.

Is It Time to Retrain B-Schools?

Since cutting his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., the president has cultivated new ones with other pastors.

Without a Pastor of His Own, Obama Turns to Five

Finance officials pledged “whatever action is necessary” but failed to offer specifics about a coordinated approach.

No Clear Accord on Stimulus by Top Industrial Nations

With the news that Iran has passed another atomic milestone, Israel is pushing for action while the U.S. is focusing on a new diplomatic approach.

Allies’ Clocks Tick Differently on Iran

The Hollywood Report says Warner Brothers plans to make a film of Stephen King’s best-selling horror novel “It.”

‘It’ Comes Back

SiriusXM Radio will broadcast the Metropolitan Opera’s 125th anniversary celebration live from the Met on Sunday, starting at 6 p.m. on Sirius Channel 78 and XM Channel 79. ... Carnegie Hall said the violinist Gil Shaham would replace Julia Fischer as soloist with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra at the 2 p.m. performance on Sunday. Ms. Fischer was unable to travel because of an ear infection.

Footnotes

George Clooney made a cameo appearance as Dr. Doug Ross on “ER” on Thursday night, helping the NBC drama earn its most viewers since February 2007.

March 14, 2009

Headlines from March 14, 2009

A Is for Artwork That Lures Bronx Schoolchildren to New Libraries

Longest Time Fighting Crime? Not the Prosecutor, but Close

For Him, the Political Has Always Been Comical

Bad Economy Leads Patients to Put Off Surgery, or Rush It

Uncorked!

Billboard 200

Fearless

Wrath

The 3D Concert Experience (Soundtrack)

Slumdog Millionaire

Dark Horse

Historical Context for March 14, 2009