Robert Herguth

Following questions from the Chicago Sun-Times in 2023, the Illinois Gaming Board moved to revoke the license that had allowed Jeffrey Bertucci’s Firebird Enterprises Inc., to operate video gaming machines at his Steak N Egger franchise in the west suburb. Because he’s appealing, the establishment is still allowed to keep the devices operational, raking in money.

The Catholic religious order to which the Rev. Freddy Washington belongs says the allegations against him are “unsubstantiated,” but he’s identified as credibly accused by the Archdiocese of Chicago. His case illustrates the chaotic way the U.S. church still handles misconduct accusations against clergy, often to the detriment of the public.

Four generations of the Palumbos that have been involved in road construction have at some point faced government scrutiny for their business practices, dating from the 1960s until today.

The Illinois Gaming Board is mum on whether Bally’s Casino Chicago will be fined. Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin paid a $3.2 million fine in 2003, when Gov. JB Pritzker had an ownership stake. Rivers Casino in Des Plaines paid $1.65 million in 2016.

Sebastian “Sam” Palumbo held “an ownership interest” until mid-2022 in “at least one” business associated with Builders Paving LLC, a major state contractor whose executives have included one of his daughters and her husband, according to a new court filing by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has “paused” contract awards to Builders Paving LLC, prompting a lawsuit from the suburban road-building company that says it was the low bidder on more than $21 million in projects the agency won’t formally award.

At the time Pope Francis picked Bishop Gregg Caggianelli, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV — was running the Vatican office that selects and vets prospective bishops. Cardinal Blase Cupich also is part of that office.

“He’s the one who gave me permission” to stay at a Hyde Park monastery in 2000, former priest James M. Ray told the Chicago Sun-Times of Robert Prevost, the newly installed pope who was then head of the Midwest province of his Augustinian order.

The Rev. Richard J. McGrath was a longtime leader of Providence Catholic High School, run by the Augustinians, whose Midwest province, and ultimately the order worldwide, were led by now-Pope Leo XIV. McGrath wasn’t expelled over the misconduct allegations but had refused to obey his superiors about where to live after the accusations surfaced.

The work site had been shut down since the Chicago Sun-Times discovered a waste-hauling company with reputed mob ties was being used at the River West site where a permanent casino is being built.