* Barring major news developments I’m taking Monday off again. I’ve come to the conclusion that three-day weekends are the only way I can get a “real” summer. This almost campaign-like pace is messing with my soul.

* Today is Natalie Bauer Luce’s last day as Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s communications director. Nat’s heading to the private sector. I hope she’s prepared her replacement because I’ve pestered her at all hours, weekends, whatever for years. She’s never once complained. I wish her nothing but the best.

Natalie has had quite an exciting few weeks as her public service career has wound down, but she told me the other day it has helped keep her mind off the fact that she’s leaving people she loves working with.

I let Nat choose today’s play-out tune. She picked one she described as “an old family song that we use to kick off the start of every good party.” She also thought it was appropriate, considering the wild nature of the past several weeks. Turn it up for Van the Man…