Kori Rumore Finley

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sam Sianis — the legendary, longtime owner of Billy Goat Tavern and a true Chicago original. Sam passed away peacefully this morning in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family. Sam was more than a restaurateur; he was a Chicago legend. His tireless work ethic, devotion to his beloved Tavern, and deep love for this city made him a cultural icon and an inspiration to all who knew him. Above all, he was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to countless people whose lives he touched. Loved by many, he will be deeply missed. May his memory be eternal.

Read all about it (gift link) 🗞️ chicagotribune.com/2026/05/15/may…

What happened #OTD — May 15 — in #Chicago history, from the @chicagotribune archives "The Bean" by Anish Kapoor was dedicated in Millennium Park.

Sam Sianis, a Greek immigrant who became one of the most successful saloonkeepers and a popular figure in the sports and media worlds, died in Chicago early Friday morning. He was 91. chicagotribune.com/2026/05/15/sam…

@JeremyRatliff Yes, you're correct, @JeremyRatliff! mphswi.org/HighProfileHis…

There is a display in the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee referencing where this happened, if I recall correctly. I saw it when covering the 2024 Republican National Convention.

Read all about it (gift link) 🗞️ chicagotribune.com/2026/05/14/vin…

A stack of folded-up speech notes — and intervention from a medical team in Chicago — helped save President Theodore Roosevelt’s life, but not his effort to win a third term, 114 years ago.

Free plug: @artinstitutechi is surprisingly still accepting registrations for tomorrow afternoon’s @ArtButSports panel at the Art Institute. You should go. Panel is free. Museum admission is extra but priceless. artic.edu/events/6431/co…

Milwaukee is never not fun 🌭 (Spoiler alert: Polish sausage won)

Today in Chicago History: Floats, flowers and shots fired as Michigan Avenue Bridge opens chicagotribune.com/2026/05/14/may…

Chicago’s oldest bowling alley is in the basement of a Northwest Side Catholic school. blockclubchi.co/435JfcE

Read all about it (gift link) 🗞️ chicagotribune.com/2026/05/13/may…

What happened #OTD — May 13 — in Chicago history, from the @chicagotribune archives:

Wednesday's Wake-Up. This morning on Lake Michigan with Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. SaveTheLighthouse.org. #weather #news #ilwx #chicago

Finally! Total is the long-awaited “pub date” for the new clothbound edition of “Gates of Harvard Yard.” It took 8 days, then 13 years, to make this dream happen, as I explain in a new Nieman Reports piece. Congrats to all who collaborated on the book! niemanreports.org/nieman-harvard…

Thank you to @Poynter for sharing the behind-the-scenes of our Operation Midway Blitz coverage, recently honored with a Pulitzer Prize. poynter.org/reporting-edit…

The coolest baseball card I own has Sister Mary Jo on it! chicagotribune.com/2025/06/13/chi…

Please share with friends and family... If you have home video shot at Chicago Stadium, DM or email lastmadhouse@gmail.com. Be a part of our Chicago Stadium documentary, it's going to be special.

Introducing LILAH. In "The Simpsons" she was Mr. Burns's first cousin — and girlfriend?!? It's also one of @patrickfinley's favorite songs by Morphine.

Philip Caputo wrote a best-selling classic about Vietnam, shared a Pulitzer for uncovering Chicago’s voting fraud, was captured by militants in Lebanon & shot by others, covered wars in Afghanistan to Africa, hunted big game & caught bigger fish RIP dad facebook.com/share/p/1EwYov…