Welcome to the Reader‘s morning briefing for Thursday, June 22, 2017.
- End of an era: Cook County clerk David Orr won’t run again
After 26 years as Cook County clerk, David Orr has announced that he will not run for reelection again, according to the Sun-Times. A fixture at City Hall since 1979, when he was first elected to the City Council, Orr was also briefly mayor for eight days after the unexpected death of Harold Washington in 1987. [Sun-Times]
- Rauner calls for unity on budget, asks legislature to “act for the people”
Governor Bruce Rauner gave a televised speech calling for a “compromise budget plan” ten days ahead of the special budget session he’s convened after the Illinois General Assembly under his leadership once again failed to pass a budget before June 30, the end of the fiscal year. Invoking Lincoln, Rauner claimed that “right now, our state is in real crisis—and the actions we take in the days ahead will determine how history remembers: “We reviewed a compromise budget plan that I can sign—one that we can all support. It moves us to middle ground on key issues. It is truly balanced. It funds schools, higher education, and human services. It provides a real path to property tax reduction.” Meanwhile, the state, in a stalemate, has been operating without a budget since July 1, 2015, and has seen its credit rating lowered to just above junk. [Sun-Times]
- Kellyanne Conway’s first client is running for Illinois governor as a Libertarian
Jon Stewart—no, not the former Daily Show host but former pro wrestler Jon “the Illustrious One,” 50, who lives in Deerfield—is running for governor as a Libertarian. Stewart was Kellyanne Conway’s first client when he unsuccessfully ran for the state legislature as a Republican in 1997. “She’s probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, so I’m not surprised she has got to where she is,” he told the Tribune about President Donald Trump’s close adviser. “I’m a little like her—we both speak our minds and sometimes we might speak out of turn, but we are not afraid. Politics is wrestling with suits and ties on.” Stewart, who now runs a used-car dealership, voted for Trump but says he remains a Libertarian. [Tribune]
- A preview of the South Shore/Jackson Park golf course designed by Tiger Woods
Plans for the South Shore/Jackson Park golf course designed by Tiger Woods were revealed to the public at the South Shore Cultural Center Wednesday night. The Tribune got an advance preview of the design for the 7,354-yard, par-70 course, which is planned to include lake views from six holes, a “parkland” feel, five par-3s and three par-5s, a family-friendly six-hole course next to the Cecil Partee clubhouse in Jackson Park, and much more. [Tribune]
- Blackhawks star Marian Hossa is out for the 2017-’18 season, may have to leave NHL due to equipment allergy
Blackhawks right winger Marian Hossa, 38, a fan favorite since the team’s successful 2010 Stanley Cup run, is suffering from a serious allergic reaction to hockey equipment that will force him to miss the 2017-’18 season and possibly could end his NHL career. “Over the course of the last few years, under the supervision of the Blackhawks medical staff, I have been privately undergoing treatment for a progressive skin disorder and the side effects of the medications involved to treat the disorder,” he said in a statement. “Due to the severe side effects associated with those medications, playing hockey is not possible for me during the upcoming 2017-’18 season. While I am disappointed that I will not be able to play, I have to consider the severity of my condition and how the treatments have impacted my life both on and off the ice.” Hockey experts think missing the upcoming season could force him to retire. [CBS Sports]
- The New York Times picks five spots to visit in Logan Square
The New York Times has selected five bars and restaurants to visit in Logan Square over and above Longman & Eagle and Lost Lake. Its selections: Damn Fine Coffee Bar, GO Tavern & Liquors, Giant, Sink/Swim, and Best Intentions. [New York Times]