New York life goes on with reminders of terror present

NEW YORK -- At the start of the second weekend since the World Trade Center attacks, everything in the city seemed to be tinged with reminders of how life has changed.

A star-studded telethon was broadcast Friday night to benefit relief funds, but organizers worried about security concerns did not disclose where it was held.

The New York Mets beat their rival Atlanta Braves amid tight security at Shea Stadium as baseball returned for the first time since the Sept. 11 attacks. On the miniature New York City skyline above the right-field scoreboard, a red, white and blue ribbon covered the darkened twin towers.

Three of the Democratic candidates in the city's mayoral primary -- postponed after two hijacked jetliners toppled the Trade Center -- said Saturday during a forum that Mayor Rudolph Giuliani could have an important role in rebuilding Lower Manhattan even after he leaves office.

The Republican mayor is barred by term limits from running again, but his popularity has skyrocketed for his handling of the crisis. Some New Yorkers have suggested he remain on the job.

"I would involve Mayor Giuliani in a significant way," said Public Advocate Mark Green.

"If he were interested in playing a major role, I would not foreclose that," said City Comptroller Alan Hevesi.

Fluctuating numbers

The number of people missing and feared dead beneath the Trade Center rubble is 6,333 -- a number Giuliani said could fluctuate after lists compiled by police and foreign consulates are checked. Of the 252 bodies recovered so far, the coroner's office has identified 183.

Overnight, rescue workers gulped bowls of gumbo ladled by volunteers from Louisiana operating out of a truck just outside ground zero.

"You can just tell they're all tired and overworked and down," said Shawn Bradley, who came from Norco, La., with enough gumbo to feed 1,000 rescue workers. "But they're keeping their spirits up, and just a little bit of cheer goes a long way."

On Friday, Attorney General John Ashcroft got his first look at the ruins, and vowed to rebuild. He also announced an additional $10 million in federal funds to cover police costs.

More residents have been allowed into their homes and an increasing number of "open for business" signs appear near the disaster area in Lower Manhattan. Eight residential buildings in Battery Park City reopened Saturday, to be followed by four more next week.

Hole in the skyline

Couples and families now stroll the streets before heading into bars and restaurants. Others gather at intersections to look down the street at the huge hole in the New York skyline.

"The deaths of 6,000 people was horrendous, but it's also the death of two beautiful buildings that served as a landmark in New York," said Helen Mango, eating dinner Friday with her son and husband in a neighborhood near the disaster site.

Among the bodies recovered Friday was John P. O'Neill, the FBI's top terrorist fighter until taking a job in August as head of security for the Trade Center. He was killed apparently while helping evacuate the buildings.

In an attempt to identify more victims, Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik encouraged people to submit DNA samples of their missing loved ones. So far, 2,100 people have dropped off items carrying DNA samples, including toothbrushes, hair brushes and razors.