June 17, 2005

The Mets were confronted in the fifth inning Thursday afternoon with the sick realization that their finest accomplishments of this season may already be behind them. The organization has negotiated a new stadium and a new television network while rallying an alienated fan base around an electrifying and eccentric ace pitcher. Even if the Mets forfeit every game the rest of the season, they could probably still declare victory.

Bush Postpones Plans To Overhaul Tax Code President Bush will delay his plans to overhaul the tax code, one of his top two economic initiatives upon winning re-election, in part because of difficulties on Social Security and other top initiatives. The decision means that Mr. Bush is unlikely even to propose a big tax measure until next year, mainly because administration officials have been bogged down far more than they expected on their Social Security efforts. PAGE A18 Support for Renewable Fuels Heading toward a collision with the House and White House, the Senate sought an environmentally friendly energy bill, requiring power companies to use more sources like wind and solar power. PAGE A16 On Coney Island, the Signs Say Art Two years ago Steve Powers, a former graffiti artist, took an interest both in Coney Island and in the dying art of sign painting, and an initiative he set in motion has turned into a public art project that has left places like Joey's Clam Bar with a spiffy new look. WEEKEND, PAGE E33 New Gay Marriage Challenge More than a year after gay marriage became legal in Massachusetts, Gov. Mitt Romney said he would support an amendment to the state Constitution that would overturn the right. Mr. Romney's endorsement is likely to inject new vigor into the efforts of gay marriage opponents, who failed to block a court decision that let the marriages begin in May 2004. PAGE A16 4 Games, 0 Suspense Detroit beat San Antonio, 102-71, for its second straight rout at home and evened the N.B.A. finals at 2-2. Every game has been lopsided. Tim Duncan, the Spurs' star forward, was held to 16 points by the defending champions, and he missed 12 of 17 shots. SPORTSFRIDAY, PAGE D1 Silver Star for Woman Soldier For her role in thwarting an Iraqi insurgent ambush, Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the Kentucky National Guard became the first woman soldier awarded the Silver Star since World War II. PAGE A16

John Rockwell Critic's Notebook column explores question of whether American Ballet Theater, with its large number of stars, casts its ballets in best way it can; longtime artistic director Kevin McKenzie, in telephone interview, explains his casting policies; photos (M)

Caryn James Critic's Notebook column on good-versus-evil and forces of darkness versus forces of light in new films Batman Begins and Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge of the Sith; discusses movies with similar Manichaean themes that have come before or are still in works; photos (M)

KPMG acknowledges 'unlawful conduct' for first time in creation and sale of tax shelters that government contends cheated Treasury out of billions of dollars in taxes; unusual public admission appears to be attempt by firm to avoid criminal indictment; firm has been under investigation by federal grand jury for more than year over its work on number of abusive shelters from 1996 through 2002; Wall Street Journal reports top Justice Department officials are debating whether to pursue indictment against company (M)