Tempers Flare as New Rules Strain Senate

By JEREMY W. PETERS

Senators on Friday headed into their third day of confirmation votes, after a second straight all-night session, the Democrats’ way of retaliating for Republican delay tactics.

Obama Panel Said to Urge N.S.A. Curbs

By DAVID E. SANGER

A presidential advisory committee’s recommendation of broad new restraints intended to increase privacy protections is a first sign that spying revelations may lead to changes.

Amid Repressed Hopes, Reasons to Dream

By ANDREA ELLIOTT

Serendipity gives hope to Dasani, one of New York City’s 22,000 homeless children.

Tobacco Firms’ Strategy Limits Poorer Nations’ Smoking Laws

By SABRINA TAVERNISE

The industry is warning countries that their tobacco laws violate an expanding web of treaties, raising the prospect of costly, prolonged legal battles.

Mexico’s Pride, Oil, May Be Opened to Outsiders

By RANDAL C. ARCHIBOLD and ELISABETH MALKIN

Lawmakers are poised to open the oil, gas and electricity industry to private investment, testing the grip oil has had on Mexico’s soul.

Poll Finds Hope Is Running High for Next Mayor of New York City

By KATE TAYLOR and DALIA SUSSMAN

Seventy-three percent of New Yorkers said they were optimistic about the next four years, but skeptical that Bill de Blasio could achieve changes on issues that defined his candidacy.

• | Graphic: Views on de Blasio and Bloomberg
• How the Poll Was Conducted
• Document: Full Results of The New York Times/Siena College Poll

Kosovo Attains Status (on Facebook) It Has Sought for Years: Nation

By DAN BILEFSKY

Kosovars can now register Kosovo as their home country on Facebook. Their leaders fought hard for what they see as a validation of sovereignty.