Edward M. Burke, the longest-serving alderman in Chicago's history, has begun his two-year prison sentence for racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. At 80, Burke is serving his time at a minimum-security facility in Terre Haute, Indiana, and will pay a $2 million fine along with a year of supervised release post-incarceration. Despite federal prosecutors seeking a harsher sentence, Burke's sentence was mitigated by letters documenting his altruistic works over the years. Burke's conviction stemmed from schemes to steer business to his private law firm, captured on recordings made by former Ald. Danny Solis, who cooperated with the FBI. Burke's actions are indicative of a broader culture of corruption within Chicago's political machine, marking a significant moment in the city's ongoing struggle with political corruption.