Metro BRIEFINGS

SCHOOLS IN RUINS: Chicago Sun-Times reporters spent months checkinginto the state of Chicago's public school buildings. What theydiscovered was dilapidation and decay. Stories on Pages 1, 12-14. CAMCORDERS ROLL: Do-it-yourself news is on the air. Lighter,cheaper cameras are turning a nation of video consumers into a nationof video producers. And the power of the homemade video image isgrowing. Story on Page 3. GOODBYE TO ALL THAT: Thirteen Chicago aldermen bid farewell to theCouncil. "I'll get over it," said the 1st Ward's Fred B. Roti. " Iwon't miss playing nursemaid to 70,000 people," said Roman C.Pucinski (41st). And an angry William C. Henry (24th) refused todiscuss it with reporters. Story on this page. HIT ON BASE: North Chicago merchants cheered the news that the GreatLakes Naval Base could receive nearly 15,000 new personnel. Thesailors would boost the local economy by getting tattoos, purchasinghot dogs, counting in the census and buying housing, but they alsowould affect the school population. Story on Page 5. COPS ACQUITTED: A Du Page County jury found Chicago police officersDaniel Thamos and Roy Kummer not guilty of the murder of a Lombardman. However, the two were found guilty of aggravated battery andface two to five years in prison and $10,000 fines. Story on Page20. FAMILY WAYS: As the definition of a family changes, someProtestants see a need to change the way the church treats them.Representatives of 14 U.S. and Canadian churches gathered here lastweek in search of what today constitutes a family. They came up withat least 28 versions. Story on Page 22. PARENTS WHO PUFF: Marijuana smoking by the older generation meanshiding from their own kids in the age of politically correctsobriety. Story on Page 25. BULL IN DUPLICATE: The Louvre in Paris is copying the OrientalInstitute's 40-ton winged bull. The museum wants to display it aspart of a reconstruction of the gateway at the throne room of KingSargon II, who ruled between 721 and 705 B.C. in what is now Iraq.Story on Page 29. VULTURE VENTURES: Turkey vultures, 20th century newcomers toIllinois, now nest throughout the state, soaring as well overWisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. When they come down,they'll eat anything dead. Story on Page 30.