Criminal Podcast Episode Summary: "The Mirage"

Release Date: September 27, 2024
Host: Phoebe Judge
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Mirage," Criminal, hosted by Phoebe Judge, delves into an extraordinary investigative journalism undertaking by the Chicago Sun Times in 1978. This comprehensive narrative unveils how a team of reporters orchestrated a covert operation to expose systemic corruption within Chicago’s city inspection departments by establishing a seemingly legitimate bar, the Mirage Tavern.

Background: The Genesis of the Mirage Tavern

The story begins with Zay Smith, an ambitious reporter at the Chicago Sun Times, eager to transition from his role as a suburban correspondent to more impactful investigative work. As Smith recounts, the opportunity arose when the managing editor, Stu Lurie, approached him with an unconventional assignment:

[02:08] Zay Smith: "Zay had dreamed of being a reporter for the Sun Times his entire life, and in 1977 he was still a cub reporter, a rookie stuck covering the suburbs. But then one night he was in the office working late."

Stu Lurie revealed the Sun Times’ bold plan to purchase and operate a bar—initially appearing as a regular establishment—to serve as a front for uncovering corruption among city inspectors. The primary goal was to provoke corrupt officials into accepting bribes, thereby gathering undeniable proof of systemic graft.

Execution: Setting Up the Mirage Tavern

The team’s first challenge was to establish a credible bar that would attract corrupt inspectors. This involved several critical steps:

1. Partnership and Staffing:
   Pam Zechman, a senior investigative reporter, joined Smith and Lurie in crafting the operation. They enlisted the help of Bill Rechtenwald from the Better Government Association to oversee the sting aspect. Additionally, they hired Jeff Allen as the professional bartender to lend authenticity to the Mirage Tavern.

2. Location Selection:
   After evaluating numerous spots, the team settled on 731 N. Wells St., a dilapidated bar with numerous code violations, perfect for provoking inspector visits. As Phil Barish describes, the bar had "drain boards behind the bar that were rotting," "electrical wires hanging down from all sorts of places," and "a pool of water in the basement that we thought had maggots in it" ([07:03] Phil Barish).

3. Anticipating Challenges:
   The team was acutely aware of the risks. Pam Zechman highlighted concerns ranging from potential accidents to unforeseen interference, emphasizing the precariousness of their endeavor:

   [06:11] Pam Zechman: "Well, aside from the fact that the COVID could be blown and the whole project could just collapse, someone could be killed in our tavern. I mean, it's a tavern. It's a tavern in Chicago and you're always careful."

The Mirage in Action: Interactions with Inspectors

Once operational, the Mirage Tavern began to attract inspectors, serving as the crucible for unearthing corruption. However, the team quickly realized that navigating the corrupt practices required subtlety to avoid entrapment accusations.

1. Introducing Phil Barish:
   Recognizing the need for expertise in corruption dynamics, the team brought in Phil Barish, an accountant with a colorful background and a criminal record, to act as a corruption broker. Stu Lurie aptly described Barish as "the most honest, dishonest man you'll ever meet" ([15:27] Stu Lurie).

2. Learning the Corruption Dance:
   Under Barish’s guidance, the team learned the nuances of accepting bribes without crossing ethical or legal boundaries. This included the discreet handling of envelopes containing small bribes:

   [15:49] Phil Barish: "He said, okay, I want you to put $10 in an envelope for the fire inspector, $15 in an envelope for the building inspector, along with my card. And when they come in, give them the envelope, tell them that Phil Barish told you to give this to them."

3. First Inspection Success:
   The initial test came with the visit of a fire inspector. As Phil Barish describes, the inspector appeared more interested in personal rapport than in enforcing code violations. The discreet exchange led to the inspector leaving without citations:

   [16:11] Zay Smith: "In other words, he wasn't just their accountant, he was also their corruption broker."

Life at the Mirage: Building the Menagerie

Beyond the investigative aspect, the Mirage Tavern evolved into a vibrant community hub, attracting a diverse group of regulars, affectionately termed the "Mirage Menagerie." These characters added depth and authenticity to the establishment, making it an ideal setting for the ongoing sting operation.

• Regular Characters Include:
  • Cheeky, the Gun Runner: An elderly man attempting to sell a handgun.
  • Cowboy Don: Recognizable by his buckskin jacket and cowboy hat.
  • Football Hero: A former athlete struggling with identity post-retirement.
  • Lost Weekend: An intellectual with a penchant for alcohol and dubious literary claims.

These interactions not only enriched the narrative but also provided a realistic backdrop for the corruption investigation.

Capturing Corruption: The Sting in Action

The pinnacle of the Mirage operation was the successful documentation of corrupt inspectors engaging in bribery. Through strategic placement of hidden cameras and meticulous planning, the team captured undeniable evidence of graft.

1. Photographic Evidence:
   Key moments included inspectors discreetly accepting envelopes of cash, captured by photographers concealed within the tavern. Phil Barish recounts the critical moments when inspectors:

   [21:25] Phil Barish: "At one point he looked up at the grill that our cameraman had put in the loft so that they could shoot down on top of the bar and capture what was going on."

2. Notable Incidents:

   • The fire inspector’s casual conversation about his love for beer hinted at his expectation of a bribe ([16:51] Phil Barish).
   • The building inspector’s interactions mirrored similar patterns, solidifying the case of systemic corruption.

The Aftermath: Publishing the Story and Its Impact

With substantial evidence in hand, the team proceeded to document and publish their findings, culminating in a groundbreaking 25-part series titled "The Mirage" in the Chicago Sun Times.

1. Publication Process:
   Pam Zechman emphasized the emotional weight of translating months of investigative work into compelling journalism:

   [30:09] Pam Zechman: "When it came time to write it, which is quite a moment, suddenly said to yourself, my goodness, I have to write this now. The pile of memoranda was taller than Pam. But you asked me whether I felt scared at the start of the project. If I felt scared at all. I felt scared at this point."

2. Public Reaction and Consequences:
   The series captivated readers, driving daily sales and public discourse. The relentless exposure of corruption played a significant role in the subsequent election, leading to the mayor's ousting. However, Pam Zechman notes that other factors, such as the Blizzard of '79, also contributed to the mayor’s downfall:

   [32:30] Pam Zechman: "The Blizzard of '79, which paralyzed the city in ways that it became obvious the city was not delivering services. And they say that that was the one, two punch corruption."

3. Recognition and Legacy:
   The Mirage series was lauded for its depth and impact, becoming a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in local special reporting. Though it narrowly missed the accolade due to its basis in deception, the series remains a testament to extraordinary investigative journalism.

Conclusion: The Mirage’s End and Enduring Legacy

Following the culmination of their investigation, the Mirage Tavern was closed, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in Chicago’s journalistic history. The closure was celebrated with a wrap party attended by the entire team and members of the Mirage Menagerie, symbolizing the closure of their ambitious project.

[33:21] Zay Smith: "The night the Mirage closed, there was a wrap party. All the reporters went. The fake bartenders, the real bartender, the photographers who had been cooped up in the ceiling boards, and even some members of the menagerie showed up."

The impact of the Mirage Tavern extended beyond immediate political repercussions. Pam Zechman and Zay Smith co-authored a book in 1979, chronicling their experiences and the profound effects of their work. The legacy of the Mirage Tavern lives on, both as a landmark in investigative journalism and as a symbol of the relentless pursuit of truth.

Notable Quotes

• Stu Lurie on Hiring:

  [03:25] Stu Lurie: "Do you have a nickname? And I said, well, my college friends call me Nordy. And he said, all right. Well, good luck. Naughty. The bartender."

• Pam Zechman on the Bar’s Name:

  [11:33] Pam Zechman: "We’re trying to figure out what to name the Tavern and came up with any number of, well, half-joking like the Golden Scoop or the Sunny Times Tap. But these professional writers, we could not come up with a tavern. Bill Rechtenwald, a gifted investigator, finally just said, why don't you call it the Mirage? That's what it's going to be. And he was right. It was perfect."

• Phil Barish on Inspectors’ Behavior:

  [16:21] Phil Barish: "That was extraordinary, because that was an easy way to get ourselves into the corruption angle without being accused of entrapping the inspectors."

Impact and Recognition

The Mirage Tavern’s story, as chronicled in "The Mirage" episode of Criminal, underscores the power of inventive journalism to effect change. The meticulous planning, ethical considerations, and emotional resilience of the Sun Times team serve as a compelling case study in the fight against entrenched corruption.

The episode not only narrates a historical event but also invites listeners to reflect on the lengths to which journalists must go to uncover the truth and the profound societal impacts of their work.

Further Reading and Listening

For those intrigued by the Mirage Tavern’s story, Pam Zechman and Zay Smith’s 1979 book, also titled The Mirage, offers an in-depth exploration of their investigative journey. Additionally, the Chicago Sun Times' 25-part series remains a seminal work in the realm of investigative journalism.

Criminal continues to shed light on fascinating tales of wrongdoing, justice, and the intricate human stories that lie in between. "The Mirage" serves as a testament to the enduring importance of courageous journalism in holding power to account.