ALBERTSONS ARE DEFENDING THEIR PROPOSAL TO MERGE IN FEDERAL COURT. >> A THREE WEEK LONG HEARING STARTED YESTERDAY. THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION IS TRYING TO STOP THE MERGER BETWEEN THE PARENT COMPANIES OF JEWELL AND MARIANO'S. THE FTC SAYS IT WOULD ELIMINATE COMPETITION AND RAISE GROCERY PRICES. THE SUPERMARKET CHAINS SAY THEY NEED TO MERGE TO CONTROL COSTS AND STAY COMPETITIVE. T