Amongst the many revelations in yesterday's unsealing of court documents relating to the indictment of Ald. Ike Carothers (29th) was the fact that Carothers had been helping investigators by wearing a wire for over a year, capturing public officials and real estate developers in recordings. Yet, it still wasn't enough for him to dodge the charges the U.S. Attorney levied against him. A motion from February and unsealed yesterday refers to the investigation against Galewood Yards developer Calvin Boender, also indicted yesterday, and to "Public Official A," who wore the wire. The motion says [via Chicago Breaking News]: more ›

After the Tribune ran their exclusive yesterday about former Blagojevich aide and friend John Wyma wearing a wire, Blago denied the information supposedly gathered was true. Now Wyma says he never even wore a wire or recording device at all. Wyma's attorney issued a statement saying, "Today, there are news articles suggesting that John Wyma has worn a wire or otherwise recorded conversations as part of a federal investigation. Contrary to those stories, Mr. Wyma has not worn any wire or recorded any conversations; nor is he aware of any such recorded conversations." Well either Blago, Wyma, or the anonymous source must be lying, we can't wait to find out which one it is. more ›

So that story about Blago Buddy John Wyman wearing a wire? Yep, Blago saw it, and yep, he's denying everything. Via a spokesperson, of course. Per the Trib: "The Governor has been working on the things that matter most to the people of Illinois - creating jobs, keeping people in their homes, fixing the budget, and making sure that everyone has access to affordable health care. He woke up this morning and saw the article just like everyone else did. The Governor has not done anything wrong, improper or illegal." more ›

In a big step forward for federal investigators, former Blagojevich aide and influential lobbyist John Wyma cooperated with the feds and secretly recorded conversations with Governor Blagojevich to help the case against Blago. Wyma was also the chief of staff for Blago during his Congressional days, which makes the revelation even more eyebrow-raising. Earlier this fall, Wyma was named in a federal subpoena issued to Provena Health, a former Wyma client, regarding, "Provena's lobbying relationship with Wyma, the hospital's efforts to win state approval of a new heart program and a $25,000 donation the company's for-profit affiliate gave to Blagojevich's campaign fund." more ›