A high-ranking employee of the contractor who recently won a $99.4 million janitorial contract with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration once served a prison sentence after he was charged in the same corruption case as late Chicago mob boss Anthony “Big Tuna” Accardo.
Paul A. Fosco was convicted on racketeering charges in 1987, sentenced to a 10-year prison term and left federal prison in 1993, public records show. He now is an executive vice president of United Service Companies, according to his profile posted on the LinkedIn networking website.
United Service is owned by Richard Simon, a former Chicago Police officer who led the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau from 2002 to 2005. On Oct. 31, Emanuel’s administration chose one of United’s many companies, United Maintenance Co. Inc., to clean O’Hare International Airport for five years starting Dec. 15.
The Chicago Sun-Times first reported last week that Simon had partnered in yet another firm with William Daddano Jr., who was accused of organized-crime ties by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Chicago Crime Commission.
After shrugging off Simon’s business ties to Daddano this week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel was asked Wednesday to comment on Fosco. The mayor again defended the deal, which has faced heavy criticism from organized labor leaders. They say it will result in the dismissal of hundreds of union workers.
“Look, it was competitively bid,” Emanuel said, adding that United Maintenance would hire about 100 employees who currently clean O’Hare. “We will have a vigorous enforcement and make sure everybody lives by and appropriately stands by the law.”
Thanks to Dan Mihalopoulos.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Former Gambino Mobster Faces Off Against Retired DEA Agent on Crime Beat Radio
On December 6th, Lou Ferrante, a former Gambino mobster, and Louie Diaz, retired DEA agent who took down Nicky Barnes, grew up in the same tough Brooklyn neighborhood. They go one on one in a discussion about their parallel lives.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST., on the Artist First World Radio Network at artistfirst.com/crimebeat.
Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Crime Beat is a weekly hour-long radio program that airs every Thursday at 8 p.m. EST., on the Artist First World Radio Network at artistfirst.com/crimebeat.
Crime Beat presents fascinating topics that bring listeners closer to the dynamic underbelly of the world of crime. Guests have included ex-mobsters, undercover law enforcement agents, sports officials, informants, prisoners, drug dealers and investigative journalists, who have provided insights and fresh information about the world’s most fascinating subject: crime.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Chicago Mob Wives Whacked
"Mob Wives Chicago" has been iced.
The VH1 reality show featured five women married or related to reputed mobsters in Chicago.
A spokesman confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times that the show will not be coming back for a second season after an 11-episode run.
Cast member Pia Rizza told the newspaper that the Sunday night summer time slot and competition with the Olympics were factors in the low ratings.
The show was a spinoff of "Mob Wives," which followed the lives of five New York women with husbands connected to the Mafia.
The Chicago show faced some opposition from an Italian-American group that objected to the Mafia stereotypes, and businesses that would not cooperate with the show.
Friday, November 30, 2012
"Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News" Showcases Unparalleled Collection of 18th Century Media and Its Historical Impact
Social media is often credited with igniting and organizing the Arab Spring revolution in the Middle East, yet this is not the first time that we have seen media act as a catalyst for such large-scale change.
Two hundred years ago, it was during the American Revolution that real-time reporting was responsible for uniting colonists looking to break free from British rule. Colonial newspaper reports kept the colonists motivated and informed; without them, it’s quite possible the revolution might not have happened.
For the first time, readers can experience the American Revolution as it was reported in Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News . Author Todd Andrlik has compiled one of the most significant collections of colonial papers published between 1763 and 1783 and is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th-century newspapers.
Reporting the Revolutionary War features vivid eyewitness accounts, battlefield letters, and breaking news compiled from hundreds of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic, starting with the Sugar Act of 1764 and spanning three decades through the war to President George Washington’s farewell address in 1796.
Essays from 37 historians and American Revolutionary experts guide the reader through the initial dissent of the Boston Tea Party to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill to independence. They also provide insight on how newspaper accounts impacted each step of the revolution.
Reporting the Revolutionary War is also available as an enhanced eBook ($14.99) available on NOOK Color™ by Barnes & Noble that contains videos from contributing historians and an interactive timeline that allows readers to jump to newspaper articles related to a specific event.
Todd Andrlik is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th century newspapers. He has built one of the most significant collections of American Revolution era newspapers – containing the earliest printed reports of practically every major event and battle from 1763 to 1783.
Andrlik estimates that 15% of his 18th century collection is made up of newspapers with less than five originals known to exist. About 100 newspapers, dating as far back as the 17th century, from his larger collection are currently housed in the Library of Congress.
Andrlik is also the curator and publisher of RagLinen.com, an online museum and educational archive of historically significant newspapers dating back to the 16th century.
Two hundred years ago, it was during the American Revolution that real-time reporting was responsible for uniting colonists looking to break free from British rule. Colonial newspaper reports kept the colonists motivated and informed; without them, it’s quite possible the revolution might not have happened.
For the first time, readers can experience the American Revolution as it was reported in Reporting the Revolutionary War: Before It Was History, It Was News . Author Todd Andrlik has compiled one of the most significant collections of colonial papers published between 1763 and 1783 and is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th-century newspapers.
Reporting the Revolutionary War features vivid eyewitness accounts, battlefield letters, and breaking news compiled from hundreds of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic, starting with the Sugar Act of 1764 and spanning three decades through the war to President George Washington’s farewell address in 1796.
Essays from 37 historians and American Revolutionary experts guide the reader through the initial dissent of the Boston Tea Party to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill to independence. They also provide insight on how newspaper accounts impacted each step of the revolution.
Reporting the Revolutionary War is also available as an enhanced eBook ($14.99) available on NOOK Color™ by Barnes & Noble that contains videos from contributing historians and an interactive timeline that allows readers to jump to newspaper articles related to a specific event.
Todd Andrlik is among the nation’s leading authorities on 18th century newspapers. He has built one of the most significant collections of American Revolution era newspapers – containing the earliest printed reports of practically every major event and battle from 1763 to 1783.
Andrlik estimates that 15% of his 18th century collection is made up of newspapers with less than five originals known to exist. About 100 newspapers, dating as far back as the 17th century, from his larger collection are currently housed in the Library of Congress.
Andrlik is also the curator and publisher of RagLinen.com, an online museum and educational archive of historically significant newspapers dating back to the 16th century.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Raise a Glass at The Mob Museum's Repeal Day Party
Guests to Celebrate Our Constitutional Right to Drink with Live Music, Vintage
Costumes and—of Course—Lots of Alcohol
WHAT: Step back in time and raise a glass
at The Mob Museum as it celebrates our nation’s constitutional right to imbibe at its Repeal Day Party. Explore both sides of the story in this unique historical setting with live music, vintage costumes, classic cocktails and other surprises. For only a few “clams,” guests can throw down cocktails at a Roaring 20s after-hours party that is guaranteed to be the “bee’s knees.”
WHY: On Dec. 5, 1933, Prohibition was lifted and Americans could once again legally drink. Resulting from a major reform govement in the United States, on Jan. 16, 1920, the 18th amendment was added to the constitution prohibiting the “manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors…within the United States.” Although alcohol consumption declined as a result, crime dramatically rose and the Great Depression hit. In December of 1933, the 21st amendment was drafted allowing states to create their own laws for alcohol and with that, the bars were open!
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: The Mob Museum
300 East Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
TICKETS: A special price of $19.33 (signifying 1933, the year prohibition was lifted) and $15 for museum members. Admission to Repeal Day includes:
Tickets available by calling the box office at 702-229-2743 or online at www.themobmuseum.org.
ABOUT MOB MUSEUM: A 501 (c) 3 non-profit, The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas that tells the compelling story of organized crime and law enforcement in Las Vegas and throughout America. Opened in February in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office in downtown Las Vegas, this interactive Museum presents a bold and authentic view of organized crime’s impact on Las Vegas history, as well as its unique imprint on America and the world. For more information, visit www.themobmuseum.org.
Costumes and—of Course—Lots of Alcohol
WHAT: Step back in time and raise a glass
at The Mob Museum as it celebrates our nation’s constitutional right to imbibe at its Repeal Day Party. Explore both sides of the story in this unique historical setting with live music, vintage costumes, classic cocktails and other surprises. For only a few “clams,” guests can throw down cocktails at a Roaring 20s after-hours party that is guaranteed to be the “bee’s knees.” WHY: On Dec. 5, 1933, Prohibition was lifted and Americans could once again legally drink. Resulting from a major reform govement in the United States, on Jan. 16, 1920, the 18th amendment was added to the constitution prohibiting the “manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors…within the United States.” Although alcohol consumption declined as a result, crime dramatically rose and the Great Depression hit. In December of 1933, the 21st amendment was drafted allowing states to create their own laws for alcohol and with that, the bars were open!
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: The Mob Museum
300 East Stewart Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101
TICKETS: A special price of $19.33 (signifying 1933, the year prohibition was lifted) and $15 for museum members. Admission to Repeal Day includes:
- Full access to The Mob Museum
- Prohibition-era cocktail samplings and libations
- Hosted by the “Big Cheese,” former Mayor Oscar Goodman
- 1920’s fashion contest, costumed characters and prizes
- Live hot jazz music
Tickets available by calling the box office at 702-229-2743 or online at www.themobmuseum.org.
ABOUT MOB MUSEUM: A 501 (c) 3 non-profit, The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas that tells the compelling story of organized crime and law enforcement in Las Vegas and throughout America. Opened in February in the former federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office in downtown Las Vegas, this interactive Museum presents a bold and authentic view of organized crime’s impact on Las Vegas history, as well as its unique imprint on America and the world. For more information, visit www.themobmuseum.org.
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