Heartache Tonight - The Hit Parade of 1980

Lara and Nina discuss the history of Jai Alai in the US, and how it was a perfect opportunity for organized crime groups who wanted to expand their gambling operations. The delve into H. Paul Rico's position in World Jai Alai, and the people who lost their lives either because of their direct involvement in Jai Alai or because of Boston area organized crime figures such as Whitey Bulger, Stevie Flemmi and Johnny Martorano.

In this episode, Nina and Lara delve into the impeachment case brought against judge Alcee Hastings after FBI Special Agent H. Paul Rico cut his retirement short to go undercover as Frank Romano. The Romano brothers were associates of Tony Pro Provenzano who was rumored to be involved in the disappearance of Teamster boss, Jimmy Hoffa. Here about the sting operation the Feds hoped would bring down the judge, and how a few local guys including Raymond Partiarca were loosely connected to it all.

Lara is still waging her Pizza War against Nina, but they're both serving up another slice of Mafia history in today's episode. There's a recap of the Raymond "Baby" Curcio hit and Nicky Palmigiano's testimony against Raymond Patriarca and Rudy Sciarra. The discussion moves onto the murder victims of 1981 including Ronnie and Debra Davis, Angelo Patrizzi, Georgie Pappas, an innocent cabbie named Allan Matloff, and tattoo artist Dennis Roche.

Nina and Lara discuss art theft as a negotiating tool including the master of such deals, Myles Connor. The Rossettis including Mark, Stephen and Ralph and two of their heists are on the list of topics along with Richard Megna, Louis Royce and Richie "Nine Lives" Devlin. And Nina makes a confession!

Nina and Lara discuss the gangland slayings that took place in the Boston area in 1980. Sal Sperlinga, Stevie Hughes Jr., Louis Litif, Robert Lamonica and others are profiled. They also delve into the wrongful imprisonment of Fred Weichel, Whitey Bulgers involvement and Nina's obsession with beach pizza!

Lara and Nina discuss the Massachusetts State Police surveillance operation of the Lancaster Street Garage in Boston that began in the summer of 1980. Their goal was to collect evidence and make a case against Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill gang. Little did they know that two of their subjects where FBI informants who were enjoying the full protection of their handlers. The girls tell some stories about a few of the men who frequented the garage, and the Staties' day in court some 33 years later.00:00 Introduction01:40The Lancaster Street Garage05:30 Law Enforcement's Struggles with the Wiretaps11:04 The Guests16:43 The Long Road to Justice: Bulger's Trial17:36 Teasers for Future Episodes

Lara and Nina delve into the homicides in Boston and the surrounding area during 1979, exploring various unsolved murders and the connections between some of the victims and organized crime. They discuss notable cases, including Joseph "Chris" D'Amelio and Anthony "Dapper" Corlito's slaying on the same street in the North End of Boston.

Lara and Nina discuss Operation Lobster, a joint undercover FBI/Mass State Police operation targeting the Winter Hill Gang. They also delve into the background of infamous former FBI agent John Zip Connolly and his connections with notorious and illustrious figures like Whitey Bulger and Billy Bulger. And of course the truck hijacking case that resulted from the undercover work of Special Agent Nick "Doc" Gianturco. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Summer Topics00:25 The Lobster and Loan Shark Case00:54 John Zip Connolly's Background02:45 Connolly's Early Career and Connections05:22 Connolly's Transfer to Boston06:59 Operation Lobster Begins10:47 The Undercover Operation Details15:02 The End of Operation Lobster18:19 Aftermath and Convictions

The girls delve into loan sharking in Massachusetts in the 1970s, focusing on key figures like Jimmy Martorano and the various legal challenges they faced. They discuss the timeline of the arrests, the run up to Operation Lobster, the ongoing legal battles and the connection of some of the men to Lara's father, Richie.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Listener Engagement01:02 Loan Sharking in Massachusetts05:33 The Case Against Loan Sharks11:20 Legal Troubles and Appeals15:05 Wrap-Up and Future Episodes

The girls delve into the criminal activities surrounding Howie Winter in the 1970s, focusing on the pinball case and the subsequent race fixing scandal. They discuss the key players involved and the legal proceedings that followed exploring the testimonies of witnesses and the eventual verdicts.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Schedule Changes00:45 The Pinball Case Overview02:39 The Race Fixing Case Begins05:39 Key Players and Investigations08:13 The Role of Witnesses and Testimonies11:11 The Trial and Its Developments14:03 Chula's Cooperation and Its Consequences16:35 The Indictments and Their Implications18:35 Conclusion