U.S. plans to lend Uruguay $1.5 Billion

WASHINGTON - Uruguay will receive a $1.5 billion in emergency loans in a few days from the International Monetary Fund and other international lenders, and the U.S. Treasury will advance the money immediately so the South American nation's banks can reopen Monday, U.S. and Uruguayan officials said Saturday.

The extraordinary speed with which the loan was marshaled, and the direct involvement of the Treasury Department, reflects Uruguay's dramatically sudden descent into financial crisis amid severe turmoil in neighboring Brazil.

"This is essential for Uruguay now, so they can open their banks on Monday and get their payment system working," said John Taylor, Treasury undersecretary for international affairs.

Tape shows firefighters reached WTC crash zone

NEW YORK -- A tape of emergency radio transmissions on Sept. 11 shows that firefighters reached the burning 78th floor of the south tower where the jetliner sliced through, nearly 30 floors higher than officials had estimated.

Four people who have listened to the tape said at least two firefighters reached the crash site and were helping the injured, The New York Times reported for Sunday editions.

The 78-minute tape was found in the rubble months ago but was not played until fire officials signed a confidentiality agreement.

The agreement was requested because the tape may be used as evidence in the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, accused of conspiracy in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Stockholder files suit against Martha Stewart

NEW YORK -- A stockholder in Martha Stewart's fine living empire has sued the domesticity diva, saying she breached her duties to her investors by becoming involved in the ImClone Systems insider trading scandal.

The suit by Conrad K. Hahn, an investor in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., seeks unspecified damages and is believed to be the first against Stewart for alleged damage to her company.

Hahn, of North Port, Fla., said in court papers filed late Thursday that Stewart "knows or should know" that her corporation's success is inextricably linked to Stewart's personal reputation for quality and integrity.

--From wire reports