Operation Silver Shovel and a Six-Story Dump

The city announced last week a $38 million redevelopment of a vacant 21-acre industrial lot in North Lawndale. As a part of the INVEST South/West initiative, the project would feature freight operations, a job training center, and even public park space. But about 30 years ago, this vacant land was home to an illegal dumping site. It was also the key location in “Operation Silver Shovel,” a federal anti-corruption investigation into dozens of city and state officials. Robin Amer investigated this shady past in the USA Today podcast “The City.” Robin reminds us this dump was located in the middle of a residential neighborhood across from a school, church, and in a neglected community. 

Guest: Robin Amer — Senior podcast producer, Washington Post

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