Morning Brew: Rob Ford admits he was drinking, Doug Ford changes his tune, details emerge of bizarre jail visit, Mammoliti faces campaign charges, and clean beaches

Rob Ford says he "had a couple of beers" at Friday night's Taste of the Danforth event where he was filmed appearing to slur and wander aimlessly. "And if I offended anyone, you know what, I apologize. I don't believe I did offend anyone," he said on his Sunday radio show. "I just had a good time, and let my hair down a bit."

On the same show, Doug Ford, his co-host, decided to dispense with his earlier claim that he'd never seen his brother take a drink (even denying he ever said it while speaking to a caller), and now admits he's seen the mayor "hammered" in the past. Rob and Doug Ford are now "average guys." "We go down to a festival, we have a couple of beers." Got it?

The Globe and Mail is reporting on a different bizarre incident involving Rob Ford. Back in March, it seems the mayor dropped by unannounced at a west-end jail, several hours after visiting hours had ended, and demanded a tour of the facility. When that request was denied, he tried to get a meeting with then-inmate Bruno Bellissimo, which was also turned down. The paper says Bellissimo has "a history of drug-related activity."

In case you missed it over the weekend, the Toronto Sun has accessed court documents that describe how a convicted drug dealer burst into the mayor's home, demanding money. Scott MacIntyre, an ex-boyfriend of Ford's sister Kathy, said he would be killed if he didn't get the cash he was owed from the family, though the details of the debt are not clear.

Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti is facing five campaign finance charges relating to the 2010 election. The city's compliance audit committee launched legal proceedings in February against Mammoliti, who exceeded the legal spending limit by 44%, according to the results of a forensic audit. He's also accused of failing to keep proper records of contributions and expenses and accepting cash donations over $25. The provincial charges could result in a steep fine or disqualification from office.

Finally, Toronto has several world class beaches but it's reputation as a toxic dump or giant septic tank is keeping many from enjoying the cool water. Eight beaches in Toronto are recognized by the international Blue Flag program as being clean and safe. Are you happy swimming in the lake?

FROM THE WEEKEND

• Forest Hill gym expands, now offers vegan eats


• Rob Ford's Danforth sojourn causes a stir online


• The Regent Park Farmers' Market


• That time Toronto opened the Don Valley Parkway

IN BRIEF:

• Downsview man wants more info about dangerous freight [CBC]


• Family seeks help to bury teenage son after parade tragedy [Toronto Star]


• Blue Jays' comeback falls short against Athletics [CBC]


• Rafael Nadal beats Milos Raonic in Rogers Cup final [CBC]

Chris Bateman is a staff writer at blogTO. Follow him on Twitter at @chrisbateman.

Image: Empty Quarter/blogTO Flickr pool.

by Chris Bateman via blogTO