Time

COVER: Outrageous ! The Diva of Camp, 64

Bette Midler, is a mainstream movie star

It is the year' s unlikeliest Hollywood marriage: the Divine Miss M and Walt Disney Studios. But with three raucous hit comedies, she has put aside her cult legend to become a gilt- edged box- office draw and Disney' s hottest female star since Minnie Mouse. The tempestuous singer has also found domestic bliss with a doting husband and a new daughter. See SHOW BUSINESS.

NATION: The White House holds its breath 12

for the Tower commission findings

As the probers put the finishing touches on their report, the Reagan Administration is aswirl in fresh revelations as well as rumors about Don Regan' s fate. -- The issues of law and ethics in Iranscam. -- Mario Cuomo decides not to make the race. -- Jack Kemp changes his pitch to conservatives. -- New guidelines on drug tests for federal workers create a sort of Big John program.

WORLD: Mikhail Gorbachev calls a peace 22

forum to step up his diplomatic offensive

In the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Soviet leader addresses cultural and scientific notables from East and West. Opposition both within the party and at the grass roots, though, may block his bold attempts to reform Soviet society. -- A report from the scene of last December' s riots in Kazakhstan. -- West Beirut burns as rival militias battle for control.

43

Religion

The Church of England votes on the ordination of women as priests; some of its conservative members threaten a schism.

44

Economy & Business

A new space race among satellite launchers. -- Brazil suspends debt payments. -- Insider Trader Dennis Levine gets two years.

59

Sport

The best rebounder in college basketball is Jerry Tarkanian, the Las Vegas coach whose No. 1 team draws from the discards.

60

Ethics

Many health- care officials are beginning to fear that proposed mandatory AIDS testing will create more problems than it solves.

61

Behavior

A school in California develops the hidden artistic gifts of idiots savants, helping build their self- confidence.

62

Science

A substance that conducts electricity perfectly may make technological dreams come true. -- Zeroing in on a cause of Alzheimer' s.

75

Books

( V. S. Naipaul' s The Enigma of Arrival is heartbreaking and bracing. -- Idols of Perversity traces the kinky roots of misogyny.

81

Essay

The urge to punish the President for the Iran- contra arms scheme is natural. Blocking contra aid, however, is not the way to do it.

6 Letters

10 American Scene

56 People

63 Environment

74 Cinema

78 Music

82 Milestones

Cover: Photograph by Greg Gorman -- Gamma/ Liaison