Last night while reciting my usual dozen Act of Contritions as I started falling asleep I had a religious epiphany. WE’VE ACTUALLY GOT A CHICAGO AMERICAN POPE! Still can’t believe how freaking great that is.

Yeah if you’re the @CTA why WOULD you want to minimally raise fares for first time in 7 years and use that extra revenue to shore up your underfunded employee pension funds. That would be too fiscally responsible!

I often think about this DHS recruitment ad which captures the bro mentality I’ve seen while covering these guys since May.

Newly proposed Chicagoland 7% amusement tax & $5 “large event” ticket tax is posted for hearing at the Illinois House. If you are opposed to new taxes on live entertainment of all kinds across our region submit a witness slip opposing SB2111 HFA2 here: ilga.gov/House/hearin...

In ongoing attempt to prove this OTHER dumb free app is actually useful a friend is selling their Uptown 2br condo. Open house Saturday 12-2pm. You should go. If you do look at it and put offer in let me know and I'll buy you drinks and tell you many Uptown stories. www.compass.com/homedetails/...

Mall cops in tactical gear and masks arresting gardeners and dishwashers. What are the Feds doing wasting time on this? Give me 50 FBI & ATF agents and a dozen extra US Attorneys to pursue gun crime and felon in possession of firearms cases in Chicago. THAT would actually make a difference.

It is a pretty city.

Absolutely no offense intended but Chicago DOT testified yesterday that some of their projects take TWO TO FOUR YEARS of design work before construction begins. Respectfully we have computers in 2025, bridges and roads are not new tech, how can design take more than two years? 🤷‍♂️ #ChiBudget2025

Undisclosed location. Drinking a beer. Should probably start a Chicago aquarium bar list.

Chicago TARDIS.

Enjoying a Morbidly Obese Pug at an undisclosed location @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer

FRIDAY NEWS DUMP! I finally get to do one! Anyhoo...I figured out @ChicagosMayor 2026 @ChicagoBudget buried a 20-30% increase in all liquor license and probably all other business licenses in their 2026 revenue estimates. Not a word in his budget press releases though. 🤔💸

This is called a perfect Friday News Dump @chicagobars.bsky.social

Undisclosed location (Top 3 on my all time “Why don’t I go here more?” list). Drinking not a martini but vodka up with a twist. Great place. Ask for Russ if you make a reservation. He was aces. ♣️🧧🍸

2025 Chicago marathon sign of the route….so far.

Undisclosed location. Drinking a beer.

In niche Chicago things I find hilarious CPD has apparently contracted with a company called “Fast Eddie’s Towing” for special event tows. Had no idea retired Alderman Vrdolyak had expanded into “fee based involuntary vehicle relocation” work.

You know what they call eating that entire @Ricobenes breaded steak sandwich covered in cheese, sauce, and hot peppers without getting any of it on the white dress shirt you’re wearing? PROFESSIONALISM!

In the most Chicago thing I will tweet today I just learned @AureliosPizza co-sponsored the Pope Leo XIV Mass at Sox Park.

Chicago AlleyHenge.

Undisclosed Loop location. Drank a @halfacrebeer.bsky.social beer. Researching emergency libation locations in advance of the 2026 City of Chicago budget hearings.

Today in City Council BS. @chialderwoman.bsky.social & Chair Rodriguez are holding hearing on a worker safety ordinance & debating a substitute (revised) draft THAT ISN'T PUBLICLY POSTED. This is BS. City Council needs to stop voting on hidden drafts! chicityclerkelms.chicago.gov/Matter/?matt...

Keep calm and karaoke on! 🎙️ BEARAOKE is back TONIGHT with @bearaokewrhettbutlah—a night full of ballads, bops and of course... bears! The singing starts at 9pm, so pick up your friends, pick a song and get ready to take the stage! 🍺 SUNDAY SPECIALS: $5 Miller Lite Drafts $6 New Amsterdam Cocktails

The motion to withdraw was granted, but I do not see any filing indicating that Vallas has found a new attorney, despite these timelines.

Random update amid everything else, but I need y'all to know that Paul Vallas' attorney quit on him last month, citing "Irreconcilable differences and disputes...between Vallas & Laduzinsky making Laduzinsky’s continued representation of Vallas impossible."

Looking forward to another $5 BIPA check someday.

Chicago River at Wolf Point is all grown up.

Not today squirrel! It has already been too weird today.

@chicagobars.bsky.social #undisclosed-location

Enjoyed a Moors IPA at an undisclosed location yesterday. @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer #Drinklocal

There is simply no value to Democrats in helping with passing budgets or CRs when the administration claims limitless arbitrary impoundment and rescission powers.

Eye on Uptown earlier today…

We used to be a proper City.

The Fresh Stop Market just east of the Belmont Res/Brown/Purple @cta line has a nice selection of fine seasonal beverages in stock & ready to toast this glorious weather with. #FreePlug #Oktoberfest 🍻

A federal appellate court ruled Tuesday that an Illinois state law banning concealed firearms on public transit systems does not violate the Second Amendment.

Been too long. Great service when an unanticipated huuuuge birthday party showed up and all wanted complicated mixed drinks. Somehow, alert bar staff took care of us simple beer drinkers in between various mules and -tinis. @chicagobars.bsky.social

Enjoying a Revolution Strawberry Jacket at an undisclosed location @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer

If I win the Powerball I’m buying all of you a beer. And then I’m putting 10 lawyers and 20 nuns on perpetual retainer. What is your billion dollar Powerball plan?

Undisclosed long time late hour licensed transit adjacent tavern location earlier today. Drinking coffee while working. Felt weird to me too. Good coffee and service though.

Wow, a 3rd grand jury ... for a misdemeanor

10 dollar cheeseburger and fries, with a Hopewell Ride or die at an undisclosed location @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer

ICYMI at 6am today it was stupid clear and pretty out this morning in Chicago. Still far too early but was pretty.

This story is nuts chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...

Something old, something new(ish), and lots of something blue… it’s a pretty city.

Disclosed location. Drinking a beer I had not seen on draft in a very long time at a bar that I cannot believe (but accept) is closing down.

Chicago Magazine restaurant critic demonstrates how endless, self-obsessed babbling is a prime effect of cannabis use.. www.chicagomag.com/chicago-maga...

The political staffer that delivers this win is going to be a minor legend. (no pressure)

Enjoying a Noonwhistle IPA at an undisclosed location @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer

Enjoying a Bixi HEILONG SLUMBERS at an undisclosed location @chicagobars.bsky.social #BskyBeer