Milestones

Ten years ago: The government of Panama, controlled by Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, declared a “state of urgency” in a move apparently aimed at forcing the reopening of banks and other businesses that closed during Panama’s economic and political crisis.

Five years ago: On Capitol Hill, the House approved President Clinton’s deficit-reduction blueprint on a virtual party-line 243-183 vote.

One year ago: Bulldozers began clearing away rocks and earth for a Jewish housing project in disputed east Jerusalem, triggering Palestinian protests. Labor Secretary-designate Alexis Herman got a generally favorable reception from Democrats and Republicans alike at her Senate confirmation hearing.