July 25, 1999

Article on pro-active approach being adopted by groups of New York City residents and officials in trying to combat rat problem; Health Department reports that rat complaints have declined citywide; residents, officials and exterminators say rats seem to be thriving in places where they were rare and common; photos (M)

Article describes features of Metreon, Sony Corp's new retail and entertainment complex in San Francisco; photos; diagrams (L)

Slaying of 14 Serbian farmers near Gracko, worst single assault against dwindling pockets of Serbian civilians left in Kosovo since June arrival of NATO troops, seems likely to further undermine international efforts to keep Serbian minority from fleeing Kosovo; over 80,000 of estimated 200,000 Serbs living in Kosovo have fled since mid-June; soldiers have proved powerless so far to stop what Kosovo Serbs call daily harassment, with repeated rumors of kidnappings and killings; NATO and Kosovo Liberation Army officials score killings; Bernard Koucher, United Nations transitional administrator, vows gunmen will be arrested and tried; map; photos (M)

Other Republican Presidential contenders are hoping for missteps by frontrunner, Texas Gov George W Bush, who has most money, fanciest endorsements, highest poll ratings, most admiring press and 'scent of a winner'; photo (M)

Andrew Jacobs Coping column on gentrification of New York City's East Village from junkie haven to place where pricey boutiques and apartments proliferate; old-timer Van Asher, drug abuse outreach worker, decries loss of clients; drawing (M)