May 12, 2002

Independent auditors at several federal agencies issue new reports criticizing agencies for moving too slowly to confront risks of terrorist attacks, even after Sept 11; say some government departments have been slow to control hazardous materials, to secure buildings and aircraft, to clamp down on unlawful immigrants, to protect vital computers and communications links from attack or to take other high-priority measures; their conclusions demonstrate magnitude of government's task in preventing new terrorist attacks, even as Congress approves billions of dollars to be spent on protecting many federal facilities against such array of possible acts of terrorism; members of Congress vow to use inspector general reports as map in demanding stepped-up governmentwide counterterrorism program; photo (M)

Article on improvements being made to Apthorp, celebrated Upper West Side rental apartment building; improvements, like life-size marble nude in interior courtyard, are designed to attract new, luxury tenants; many longtime residents, however, believe the building is losing its character and feel they are gradually being forced out by rapidly rising rents; photos (L)

Harvey Araton Sports of The Times column holds that New Jersey Nets player Kenyon Martin must step up as leader on court during Eastern Conference semifinals against Charlotte Hornets, especially if guard Jason Kidd is out of game with head injury sustained in Game 3 during collision with Hornets player David Wesley; photo (M)

New York Landmarks Conservancy to sponsor workshop entitled Preserving Historic Burial Grounds; program will cover graveyard architecture, tombstone and memorial restoration, landscaping and fund-raisng (S)

Alex Witchel Counterintelligence column on friendship between Louise Oxhorn and Lynne Oxhorn-Ringwood, who are the ex-wife and current wife respectively of same man; they have written book Stepwives: 10 Steps to Help Ex-Wives and Stepmothers End the Struggle and Put the Kids First; photo (M)