Justin Fields + Cop Shots + Conor McGregor + Konkol Column

Good morning, Chicago! In honor of this "thirsty" Thursday, click this link for list of some the best drink specials in town tonight. Cheers to celebrating the big Chicago Bears news out of Halas Hall, poking fun at the baddest man alive (from a safe distance) and belly laughing at Twitter videos of Chicagoans getting slapped around by rowdy Lake Michigan waves.

Now, let's get your morning started with columnist Mark Konkol's take on why Rahm Emanuel's recent financial disclosure is more proof America doesn’t need the help of a political alchemist who transforms his public-policy advocacy into big-time paychecks.

MARK KONKOL COLUMN: Financial Disclosure Shows Rahm Emanuel Keeps Failing Up

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Thursday's forecast:

Mostly depressing. High: 63 Low: 52

Chicago Patch's Top 5

• FINALLY! Bears rookie first-round pick Justin Fields will make his first NFL start, against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Bears coach Matt Nagy said. "I've been preparing for this moment for a long time," Fields said. Bears fans, too! (ESPN)
• About those Chicago's cops who don't want shots. Mayor Lori Lightfoot again said she won't budge on requiring Chicago cops to get vaccinated against the coronavirus by Oct. 15. "The deadline’s not going to be pushed back. I can tell you that with 100 percent certainty," she said. Lightfoot said police union officials have delayed scheduled talks about the pending COVID-19 jab deadline until next week. (Crain's)
• At Wrigley Field Tuesday, Conor McGregor proved he really is the "Baddest Man on the Planet" — at pitching and singing, Jeff Arnold writes in a truth he wouldn't dare say within kicking distance of the MMA superstar. McGregor's ceremonial first pitch and "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" rendition just might be the worst the world has ever seen and heard. (Patch)

• Car Dealership Picket Line Update: “Nobody wants to be here; we all want to be working. We’ll sit here as long as we have to,” a striking Chicago mechanic told Patch news partner South Side Weekly. About 800 union mechanics have been on strike since Aug. 2, shutting down service at 56 Chicago-area dealerships. (SSW)
• A North Side Chicago firefighter claimed he's a victim of retaliation by potty mouth Ald. Jim Gardiner. The unnamed firefighter says he was the subject of a recently leaked text message warning a constituent would "feel the brunt" if he didn't quit pushing for a local park improvement. (Nagin)

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Stuff To Do In Chicago Today:

• Get your morning started downtown at the Daley Plaza City Market (7 a.m.)
• Mt. Joy and Trampled By Turtles at Chicago Theater. (7 p.m.)
• The Frames at The Vic Theater (6:30 p.m.)
• The Signature Show at Chicago Magic Lounge (7 p.m.)
• "Back To The Future" is playing at Chicago Movies drive-in (7:15 p.m.)

Chicago Patch Notebook:

• Watch these geniuses get kook-slammed by Lake Michigan. (Twitter)
• Cheers to the Guinness brewery slated for Fulton Market. (Facebook)
• OK, one more jogger vs. the lake video. (Twitter)
• Artists made ugly Southeast Side viaducts pretty. (Facebook)
• Bodycam video shows cop protecting park from woman walking dog. (Twitter)

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Events:

• Lived & Learned: An Intimate Conversation with Lesley Stahl (Sept. 23)
• Lincoln Park Health & Wellness Weekend (Sept. 25)
• 2 Day Basic Introduction AR-15 Carbine Rifle Training Course $300 OR $150 (Sept. 26)
• A Zoo in the Sukkah?! (Sept. 26)
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• A Tribute To Lynn Harrell (Oct. 14)
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That's it for today. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Mark Konkol

Got a news tip or suggestion for Chicago Patch? You can contact me at mark.konkol@patch.com.