61.   Talks between President Bill Clinton and congressional leaders renewed confidence the two sides could soon agree on a budget plan, ending a second partial government shutdown.

62.   Supporters wanted to avoid another partial government shutdown.

63.   That could lead to a third partial government shutdown, if a compromise on spending limits cannot be reached.

64.   The Clinton administration emphasized the positive news in the report, which was delayed two weeks by the partial government shutdown and subsequent snow that paralyzed the capital.

65.   The breakdown in negotiations was likely to prolong a partial government shutdown into a sixth day.

66.   The concern was exacerbated by the partial government shutdown brought on by the budget battle, which delayed the release of numerous economic statistics.

67.   The dispute led to a three-week partial government shutdown that ended late Friday when both sides agreed on a bill to temporarily fund government operations.

68.   The dollar rose against other major currencies after President Bill Clinton and Congress reached a budget agreement that will end the partial government shutdown, traders said.

69.   The federal budget crisis deepened last night as Republicans prepared to pass another temporary spending bill that President Clinton vowed to veto, further prolonging the partial government shutdown.

70.   The Golden Gate National Recreation Area had closed Alcatraz Island to visitors when the partial government shutdown began Tuesday.