update June 4 The Jewish Week reports that one service Matz did provide is suggest a press conference after the DA’s office declined to pursue a pedophilia case with an Orthodox Jewish defendant. Matz’ partner in Matz, Blancato and Associates: Robert Blancato says that he never received any of the state funds and claims that Matz was essentially a figurehead who had no significant role at the firm since before 2003.

The New York Times has an article about former Nathan’s Famous promoter Mortimer Matz, whose public relations firm allegedly received more than $200,000 of NY State funds from former Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes in 2012 and 2013. The money was originally acquired by confiscating the assets of people convicted of drug crimes and intended for law enforcement purposes. The payment could result in grand larceny charges for Hynes for misuse of government funds. From 2003 to 2013, Matz’ firm received a total of $1.1 from the DA’s office for “public relations and community services”. ( Gothamist | NY Daily News | NY Times)

In 2010 Matz admitted fabricating the 1916 origin story for Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest. In the same interview, he ironically offers the advice: “Morty Matz always tells the truth”.

Allegations about Matz in the New York City Department of Investigation’s Findings on Charles J. Hynes follow:
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update June 13 James Karst and Crazy Legs Conti have contest reports

update June 2 Nola.com has a gallery of pictures one made the front page of the Times Picayune. Where Y’at Magazine also has a gallery. WGNO has a news video

Official Top 3 | part 2
1) Sonya Thomas 40 doz
2) Adrian Morgan 30 doz
3) Mike Abadie 17 doz
4T) Crazy Legs Conti 15 doz
4T) James Karst 15 doz
Corey Fanguy

update Sonya Thomas reportedly ate 38 dozen oysters

The Red Fish Grill reports that Sonya Thomas has won today’s Acme Oyster Eating Championship.

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update June 9 City Pages has an interview with Yasir Salem. Sean Nichols has a video

update June 3 TwinCities.com has a gallery. The female winner / sole participant was Margo Hill. Andrew “The Bear” Kogutkiewicz also competed

update June 2 City Pages has a blog entry

TwinCities.com has a contest report. Yasir Salem also reversed in the overtime.

The top 3:
1) Yasir Salem 27.5
2) Steve Hendry 27.5 – reversed in overtime
3) Josh Miller 19
1W) Margo 9

update #2 Raya Zimmerman reports that Steve Hendry reversed in overtime giving Yasir Salem the victory

Update Raya Zimmerman reports that Yasir Salem and Steve Hendry have tied after 10 minutes with 27.5

Yasir Salem will attempt to qualify after competing yesterday in Illinois. Josh Miller, Steve Hendry and Matt Raible are also expected to compete.

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update June 3 WGN has a podcast of an interview with Michelle Lesco ChicagoNow calls for a Chicago style hot dog eating contest

update June 2 Val Bromann has a contest report

update #2 The Daily Herald has a contest report where George Shea incorrectly claims Michelle Lesco set the Nathan’s Illinois record; Patrick Vandam ate 31 hot dogs in Matteson in 2008.

update Juan Rodriguez has the winners & runners up

Men
1) Badlands Booker 27.5 HDB
2) Yasir Salem 26
? Thomas Coats Jr. 10

Women
1) Michelle Lesco 28.5
2) Niki Rodriguez 10, new women’s wild card leader
? Val Bromann 4
Siblings Juan (31 HDB) and Nikki (10) Rodriguez are currently the wild card co-leaders.

Yasir Salem and Val Bromann appeared on NBC Chicago this morning.

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