Criminal The Mirage
Sep 27, 2024
Zay Smith and Pam Zechman, investigative reporters from the Chicago Sun-Times, share the riveting story of the Mirage Tavern, a bar shrouded in deception. They recount how the tavern served as the backdrop for uncovering city corruption in 1977. The duo humorously narrates the challenges of bartending while gathering evidence against corrupt officials. They also dive into the chaotic and vibrant life of the bar scene and its complicated interactions with inspectors. Their investigation ultimately uncovers the systemic issues faced by small business owners in Chicago.
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The Unexpected Assignment
- Zay Smith, a cub reporter, was unexpectedly called into his managing editor's office late one night.
- He was asked a series of questions about his skills and given a secret assignment.
The Mirage Tavern Sting
- The Chicago Sun-Times bought a bar as part of an undercover operation.
- The goal was to expose systemic corruption among city officials.
Finding the Perfect Mirage
- The Sun-Times team needed a rundown bar to conduct the operation.
- They found one on North Wells Street with numerous code violations, surprisingly uncited.