September 13, 2003

Daniel Libeskind's design for World Trade Center site undergoes scores of changes, both major and minor, and its secretive evolution contrasts sharply with continuing portrayal of rebuilding process as one of most open and inclusive civil building projects in memory; many officials think new design is reminiscent of one rejected by thousands of citizen planners in 2002; changes are response to financial considerations of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and developer Larry A Silverstein, as well as political needs of Gov George E Pataki; concerns of victim's families about memorial sites, transportation needs, street grids and even personal egos also contribute to redesign; drawings (L)

Death of television star John Ritter poses quandary for ABC executives who are discussing whether to continue producing show 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter that stars Ritter; series, which is network's most popular comedy, is expected to continue; ABC had hoped that show would serve as anchor for several new 'family-friendly' sitcoms, and its cancellation would cause major disruption to fall schedule; three new episodes were completed prior to Ritter's death, with first to air Sept 23 (M)

San Jose State University punt returner Neil Parry, whose leg was amputated three years ago after suffering fracture during kickoff in game against Texas-El Paso University, will play in first game since accident, fitted with prosthetic leg; photos (M)

Wide range of data suggests that US economy will grow at annual rate of nearly 5 percent in final months of year and nearly 4 percent in 2004; economists forecast unemployment will remain at nearly 6 percent through 2004, posing major obstacle to Pres Bush's reelection prospects; stagnant job market is seen as result of sharp gains in productivity; nearly one million jobs have been eliminated since recession ended in late 2001, many in politically important states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and Illinois; photo (M)

Israel Decision Is Criticized Israel fended off criticism of its decision in principle to oust Yasir Arafat, even though it seemed unlikely to carry out the threat, at least for now. PAGE A3 Evolution at Ground Zero Bowing to politics and other pressures, the World Trade Center site plan has quietly changed. Some say the next design will look a lot like one the public rejected. PAGE B1