Chicago Sun-Times :: News ::

Theater with Dillinger's bullet holes up for sale

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

A historic theater in South Bend, Ind., that bears bullet marks from John Dillinger's final bank-robbery shootout is up for auction. The State Theatre, formerly called the Blackstone Theatre Vaudeville House, was designed by architects Newhouse & Bernham in Classic Revival style and opened in 1921 in a thriving downtown South Bend. The 34,850-square-foot building seats 1,600 and has four storefronts.

Chicago homicide, overall crime rate down

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

Homicides in Chicago have dropped 12.7 percent, and crime overall has fallen 10.4 percent in the first six months of this year, according to preliminary statistics released today by Chicago Police. When compared to the same period last year, crime has dropped or did not increase in 24 of the 25 Chicago police districts, with fewer incidents of violent and property crimes in every category.

Union bets $500 million on Olympic Village plan

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

A powerful union is betting big time on Mayor Daley's Olympic dream. This week, Daley took an $86 million gamble with taxpayers' money that a moribund housing market will come roaring back -- by closing on the purchase of Michael Reese Hospital to pave the way for construction of a $1.1 billion Olympic Village.

Former NAACP president Dempsey Travis dead at age 89

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

In the opening of �I Refuse to Learn to Fail: The Autobiography of Dempsey J. Travis,� 5-year-old Travis, harassed daily with vicious racial taunting from a group of young whites, runs to his mother for comfort. His mother takes him over to a dresser, where she opens a drawer and pulls out a beautiful black velvet jacket that he examines with admiration.

Stuck in jobs, more workers bullied by bosses: expert

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

The recession is creating a "blank check" for office bullies, according to a workplace advocate. Shrinking job markets make a bad situation worse for victims, said Gary Namie, director of the Workplace Bullying Institute, an advocacy group. Namie is the author of the "The Bully at Work." It was originally published in 2000, with an updated version released this June. The "absolute control of an employer is more apparent in a recession," he said.

Fireworks used to blow up portable toilet at Diversey Harbor

FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

A police Bomb and Arson unit is investigating an early Friday incident in which fireworks were apparently used to blow up a portable toilet at Diversey Harbor.

Quinn appeals to legislators on tax increase

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

Gov. Quinn is bypassing House Speaker Michael J. Madigan (D-Chicago) and appealing directly to legislators in an effort to get his proposed income tax increase approved. The governor spent two hours today � a holiday for most state workers � discussing the state�s $9 billion deficit with state Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago), who backs the tax hike. Their meeting came one day after Quinn met with 27 female legislators. And he says he plans to sit down with more lawmakers in the coming days.

Officers shoot, kill teen after West Side home invasion: police

FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

Police fatally shot a 16-year-old boy who allegedly pointed a gun at officers chasing him through an alley after a Thursday night home invasion in the Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side.

State Farm hiking homeowners insurance rates

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. is boosting homeowners insurance rates an average of 13 percent in Illinois, the company said Thursday, joining other insurers that have hiked rates recently.

County Board asks state to close education office

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:00 CST

County commissioners urged state authorities Thursday to shut down the Cook County Regional Education Office in the wake of a critical audit that revealed that Supt. Charles A. Flowers used a government credit card for personal expenses and approved questionable payments to relatives on his payroll.

Palin resigning as Alaska governor