MA LEADERS SAID TO BE INCHING CLOSE TO NEW STADIUM PROPOSAL

          MA political leaders and NFL execs met for two hours
     last night and a "final proposal" for a new stadium plan
     designed to keep the Patriots in MA is "closer to being
     worked out," according to Tina Cassidy of the BOSTON GLOBE. 
     The group, which included NFL VP/League Development Roger
     Goodell and NFL Dir of Business Development Neil Glat, is
     "under pressure to finalize a plan by the end of the week." 
     Patriots Owner Robert Kraft "must decide by May 2 whether to
     go forward with the team's preliminary stadium accord with
     Connecticut."  MA House Speaker Thomas Finneran
     characterized the talks as "fluid."  MA Gov. Paul Cellucci
     said afterward, "We learned some things we weren't aware of,
     in terms of parameters ... for the NFL in terms of what
     might be acceptable.  That was helpful for us to hear"
     (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/27).  The lawmakers and league officials
     will meet again today or tomorrow.  One source, on a deal:
     "They're pretty close" (BOSTON HERALD, 4/27).