World Cup no match for Preckwinkle
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle gave a speech to a packed room during a Thursday City Club of Chicago event even though a high-stakes World Cup soccer match between the United States and Germany was taking place at the same time.
“I’m glad, maybe a little surprised to see so many people here during the World Cup,” Preckwinkle joked. “I’ll try to be as brief as possible so you can see the end of the game.”
Preckwinkle, who Thursday would not rule out a potential challenge of Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Chicago’s 2015 mayoral election, outlined the county’s preliminary 2015 budget during her speech. The budget proposal contains a $169 million deficit.
Germany defeated the U.S. 1-0 in the match.
Pols to participate in Pride parade
The four-mile 2014 Pride parade is slated to start at 12 p.m. Sunday in Boystown.
Gov. Pat Quinn, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Clerk David Orr, Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza and Alderman Tom Tunney (44th) are among local politicians scheduled to march in the parade, according to NBC Chicago.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner does not plan to participate.
Get your fill of fireworks
Chicagoland municipalities are gearing up for Fourth of July fireworks festivities.
A list compiled by the Daily Herald shows that Independence Day won’t be the only time to enjoy fireworks shows in the area. Gurnee will have displays from July 4-6; Glendale Heights will have shows on July 9 and July 13; and Lisle will celebrate July 3-5.
Check out the full list of fireworks shows at the Daily Herald.
A little taste of the Taste
The Taste of Chicago food festival in Grant Park begins July 9, but a Wednesday Daley Plaza event provided a small appetizer for those headed to the annual food fest next month.
Eight vendors that will participate in the five-day event were on hand Wednesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. They included Bridgeport Pasty, Lawrence’s Fisheries and Mamma Mia.
Check out all of the fare from Wednesday’s preview at the Sun-Times.
-Tom Butala