To follow up on this error -- I can use sudo to update via Aptitude which I have done. Just wanted to confirm this as indicated in the bug report.
However, I cannot 'su' to root, nor as indicated in the bug report can I change root's credentials. As indicated (in bug report) this is the second time in less than 2 weeks that I have had this problem. I was able to change both passwords last time by using the Grub trick to change pwds. I'm using Grub2 BTW. Hope this adds to further enlightment and helps improve Unstable. 8) -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-bugs-rc-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org