Latest news with #BillConway
Forbes
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
NASCAR Takes A Timeout On Chicago Street Race Until At Least 2027
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 01: A general view of racing during the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 121 ... More at the Chicago Street Course on July 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) The Chicago Street Race will not be on the NASCAR schedule in 2026, marking a pause in the three-year experiment that brought stock car racing to the heart of a major U.S. city. The decision, announced Friday, leaves open the possibility of a return in 2027—contingent on revised logistics, timing, and financial terms acceptable to NASCAR and the City of Chicago. 'Following the success of the first three years, the Chicago Street Race will hit pause in 2026 to afford us the time necessary to work collaboratively with the City of Chicago,' NASCAR said in a statement posted to social media. The goal, the statement continued, is 'to develop a plan that further optimizes operational efficiencies.' Behind the pause there seems to be a convergence of factors—chief among them, scheduling conflicts and mounting concerns over the impact of the event on city operations and public infrastructure. The race, introduced in 2023 under former Mayor Lori Lightfoot, was held annually during the July 4th holiday weekend, a choice that boosted national visibility but drew criticism from some residents and civic leaders. 'It's disappointing that negotiators haven't been able to move this event off the July 4th weekend,' said Chicago Alderman Bill Conway, who represents Chicago's 34th Ward. Still, Conway acknowledged that NASCAR has made 'meaningful efforts' to minimize disruption, including accelerating the setup and takedown of the temporary circuit. In 2024, NASCAR crews reopened Balbo Drive—a key thoroughfare intersecting the course—two days ahead of schedule. But pressure from stakeholders has continued to build, especially when it comes to questions about return on investment, tourism value, and if it really belongs on the city's summer event calendar. In a letter to current Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese framed the pause as a chance to evaluate alternatives. NASCAR, she wrote, will use the time to explore 'a new potential date, shorter build schedule, and additional tourism draws.' The organization also confirmed it will maintain its Chicago-based office and continue its community programming throughout 2026. The Mayor's Office responded positively, noting appreciation for NASCAR's community outreach and a willingness for future discussions. 'We appreciate NASCAR's dedication to the City of Chicago,' a spokesperson said. 'We look forward to resuming discussions around a potential return… in 2027.' From a financial perspective, the event produced measurable gains. According to a study commissioned by Choose Chicago, the 2023 race generated $128 million in economic impact and brought in more than 53,000 unique visitors. NASCAR's estimated media value to the city exceeded $43 million. Under the original agreement, NASCAR paid $500,000 in permitting fees for the inaugural year, rising to $605,000 in 2024. Additional terms included a $2 per-ticket surcharge and a percentage of on-site food and merchandise sales. NASCAR also contributed $2 million in 2024 to cover city services. Still, city officials are reportedly seeking stronger financial guarantees in any future extension of the race. While the street race was named 'Event of the Year' by Sports Business Journal in 2023, it has suffered a TV ratings decline. This year's NASCAR Cup Series race averaged 2.1 million viewers on TNT—marking the third consecutive year of ratings slide. The Xfinity Series race, which aired on The CW, drew 1.1 million. Despite the challenges, the Chicago Street Race has produced memorable milestones. New Zealand's Shane van Gisbergen, who won his first NASCAR Cup start at the 2023 debut event, returned in 2025 and swept both the Cup and Xfinity Series races. His success in Chicago helped fast-track his transition from Supercars in Australia to a full-time NASCAR presence. 'This place has changed my life,' van Gisbergen said before this year's race. 'I'm going to have special memories of this place forever.' Although the 2026 calendar will not include Chicago, NASCAR may not leave street racing behind entirely. The organization is reportedly in discussions to host a street race in San Diego, with an official announcement expected as soon as next week. The Southern California market is a coveted one for NASCAR, and after losing California Speedway and the pre-season Clash at the Coliseum, they are eager to return there. Whether that San Diego race serves as a one-off replacement or a long-term complement to Chicago remains unclear. For now, NASCAR and the City of Chicago appear to be taking a strategic pause—not walking away. If new terms can be agreed upon—ones that reduce disruption, improve financial outcomes, and find a better in the city's schedule—the race could return in 2027. Until then, the engines fall silent in Grant Park, while both sides look to reframe what the future of NASCAR in Chicago might look like.
Axios
08-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum opens to help LaSalle Street revival
The founders of the Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum hope the new attraction helps revitalize the financial district. What to expect: The free museum on the first floor of the iconic Art Deco Board of Trade Building on LaSalle and Jackson celebrates the history of the CBOT, from an instructive video of traders' ferocious hand signaling to a phone that plays memories of the men (and at least one woman) who ruled the pits. Between the lines: The financial district has changed greatly since CBOT opened in the late 19th century, especially after 2020 as work-from-home policies keep workers off LaSalle several days a week, and development has moved to other parts of the city. Even before the pandemic, the Board of Trade was heavily impacted by the transition to online trading and closure of the physical trading pits a decade ago. The intrigue: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced LaSalle Street Reimagined in 2022. Earlier this year, developers broke ground on 79 W. Monroe, an office-to-apartment conversion. Chicago's Department of Planning and Development awarded museum founders R2 Companies, the real estate firm that manages the CBOT building, $250,000 for the museum as part of an effort to revitalize empty spaces in the Loop. What they're saying: "It's no secret that every city in the world's got to rethink their central business district and part of doing that is not just places to live, work, eat and shop, but you have some activities to do," Ald. Bill Conway tells Axios. "This is an iconic building, and an important part of the birth and backbone of our economy and capitalism globally. So having a museum that commemorates that, I think will be very interesting to people from around the world." State of play: Conway, whose ward includes the CBOT, says the museum is a sign of the area's growing arts and culture scene, which already gets regular visitors on the city's architecture tours.
Axios
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Chicago could say goodbye to NASCAR's Loop takeover
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race brought high-octane energy to another Fourth of July weekend, but some city officials say it's time to let the unique event fade into the sunset. The latest: Ald. Brian Hopkins, Ald. Bill Conway (34th) and other city officials are questioning whether the trouble of closing streets and shifting Chicago city traditions is worth it now that the three-year contract is up. The city race course runs in the Loop, from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. What they're saying: "July Fourth is a very family-friendly weekend and we want families to be able to use the park on July Fourth," Conway told NBC Chicago."Not only do we have to make sure that we are making this as convenient as possible for the constituents, but also make sure the city is recouping its cost of putting on the race." "NASCAR has brought Chicago business, tourists and a spectacle unique to sports culture," Hopkins said in a statement."They have also brought noise, disruption, and road closures, some of which will continue from this year's event for many days to come. Reports have surfaced that NASCAR is considering San Diego as the next city for the race. By the numbers: While it will be months until the city releases economic figures from this past weekend, 2024 generated $128 million in economic impact, according to Choose Chicago and the Chicago Sports Commission. The 2024 race attracted just over 53,000 spectators. In recent years, the city says it spent an estimated $3.5 million on road work, staffing and police. This year, the state kicked in $5 million out of its general operating fund to help offset the city's expenses. NASCAR paid the Chicago Park District $2 million for the race. Catch up quick: NASCAR replaced the popular Taste of Chicago, which brought the city together downtown for the traditional food festival, complete with free admission and concerts. The Taste was moved to September. Reality check: The race not only replaced Taste, but charged big ticket prices to attend, which kept many Chicagoans from enjoying Grant Park over the Fourth of July weekend. It also closed roads around the Loop leading up to the race and upended the famous 16-inch softball leagues in Grant Park. Context: The race began in 2023 under the Lightfoot administration, which cited a need to bring excitement and foot traffic back to the Loop. Mayor Brandon Johnson has publicly bit his tongue on the NASCAR deal and has been mum on whether he's considering a new contract to bring it back. The vibe: While the street race is undoubtedly a fun departure for the sport, it has been hamstrung all three years by inclement weather, which has delayed races, canceled concerts and put a damper on crowds attending. Zoom out: Then there is the appeal of the sport. Chicago is a big city with many tastes, but the NASCAR street race didn't reach typical Chicagoans, instead drawing from the suburbs and nearby states. NASCAR usually visits the area at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. What's next: NASCAR and the city have 90 days to work out dates for the next year. 🗳️ What do you think? Would you welcome the NASCAR Street Race back to Chicago next year or is it time for the race to feature ocean views?
CBS News
02-07-2025
- CBS News
Chicago shooting on CTA Red Line train near Roosevelt stop critically injures man
A man was critically injured in a shooting on a CTA Red Line train near Chicago's South Loop early Wednesday morning. Just before 4:30 a.m., CTA officials said a 29-year-old man got into a fight with another man on a southbound Red Line train in the 1100 block of South State Street. The other man fired shots, hitting the 29-year-old in the thigh and buttocks. The victim was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. The shooter got off the train at the Roosevelt stop and ran away south on State Street. The stretch of Roosevelt in the South Loop where the shooting happened is known for issues, and Ald. Bill Conway said he has worked with the Cook County Sheriff's Office to open a staffed substation just yards away. "I can tell you that there will be additional sheriff's officers in that building. It's not just going to be some informational center," he said. Conway said the substation is due to be up and running this summer. "It's no secret that Chicago Police Department is stretched thin," he said. "So as a result, I reached out to the sheriff's office to provide additional presence there. I am grateful that that is going to be happening in the next couple of weeks." Conway said he's met with CPD leadership about this case and believe the two me knew each other before the shooting. Police scanner traffic reveals officers described the shooter as wearing a red baseball cap, pink shirt, light blue jeans and white shoes, and that officers reviewing surveillance video believe the shooter threw his gun away in a garbage can on the Roosevelt station platform. No arrests have been made and an investigation by Area Three detectives is ongoing.
Politico
06-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
Conway's big money moves
Presented by TGIF, Illinois. It's National Donut Day! TOP TALKER MAYORAL INTRIGUE: Chicago Ald. Bill Conway's splashy fundraiser Thursday has folks wondering if he might have other political plans besides a reelection bid in 2027. The bash at the Hubbard Inn follows three other recent fundraisers at which Conway's campaign has raised nearly a half-million dollars from Chicago business, labor and philanthropic leaders. It's not the kind of donor attention seen in little-ol'-aldermanic races. Big donors already giving to his campaign include John Canning Jr. ($30,000), Citadel COO Gerald Beeson ($20,000), investor Adam Hanover ($20,000), developer Michael Reschke ($10,000) and Liam Krehbiel ($5,000), according to filings with the Illinois Board of Elections. Unions have been supporting, too, including SEIU Local 1, Operators Local 150, IBEW 134, Carpenters, Teamsters, Painters, Bricklayers and Ironworkers. What it means: Conway isn't ruling out a run for mayor. He joins a crowded field of interested potential candidates looking to challenge Mayor Brandon Johnson, who's also been ramping up his political operation ahead of 2027. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, state Comptroller Susana Mendoza, state Rep. Kam Buckner, County Treasurer Maria Pappas, fellow Ald. Andre Vasquez, government consultant John Kelly and businessman Willie Wilson are all mulling a mayoral bid. About Conway: His name popped up months ago as a possible mayoral candidate. Then there was chatter he had promised to pass on running for mayor if Giannoulias were to jump in — the two are friends going back to high school. But Conway shut down the buzz, telling Playbook in a statement, 'The only promise I've made to anyone is to keep doing everything I can in 2025 to make sure Chicago will succeed in 2027 and beyond.' Spotted: More than 100 guests and two dozen elected officials popped in for Thursday's event, including: Ald. Pat Dowell, state Sens. Mattie Hunter and Lakesia Collins, labor leaders Don Villar, Jonathan Jones and Pasquale Gianni; and political insiders David Namkung, Billy Lawless, Sydney Holman, Kevin Conlon and Markus Pitchford. THE BUZZ Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus have filed a lawsuit challenging the process that led to the Democratic-led Illinois General Assembly passing a $55 billion budget just before midnight on May 31. Named in the lawsuit are Senate President Don Harmon and House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch, reports WAND TV's Mike Miletich, who has more on the lawsuit here. Late-night shenanigans: The conservative Republican lawmakers point to a rule that mandates that every bill must be read on three separate days in each chamber before it can be passed. 'Democrats ignored these rules to push through a record spending bill in the dead of the night when no one is paying attention,' according to a statement from the Freedom Caucus. We noted last week that the titles of the bills were introduced Thursday to make sure they met the three-day rule. It's a problem, say Republicans: 'Springfield insiders have resorted to taking unrelated bills, gutting them with amendments and forcing through thousands of pages of last-minute government spending — often just hours before a vote is called,' state Rep. Adam Niemerg said in a statement. Not the first time: The Republicans noted the Democratic majority has used the same tactic to pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act, SAFE-T Act and several recent state budgets. If you are John Canning, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At 3410 West Lake Street at 2 p.m. for the Revolution Workshop ribbon-cutting — At the Harold Washington Cultural Center at 3:30 p.m. for the Urban Prep graduation ceremony — At 7801 South Throop Street at 4 p.m. for the Take Back the Block activation — At 35th and King Drive at 5 p.m. for the We Walk for Her March Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ POLITICO PRO SPACE: Need an insider's guide to the politics behind the new space race? From battles over sending astronauts to Mars to the ways space companies are vying to influence regulators, this weekly newsletter decodes the personalities, policy and power shaping the final frontier. Try it for free for a limited time starting today. Find out more. BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Rahm Emanuel leans into relationships with Obama and Bill Clinton as he looks to the future, by POLITICO's Gregory Svirnovskiy …. ALSO: This week's episode of 'The Conversation with Dasha Burns' will have Emanuel in the hot seat. Watch the preview clip here. — State Sen. Cristina Castro announced on Thursday that she isn't going to run for Congress. Castro had been nudged to make a bid for the IL-08 District seat that opened up with Raja Krishnamoorthi running for U.S. Senate. 'After serious consideration and long conversations with my family, friends, and community — it's become clear to me that the Illinois General Assembly is where I can continue to make the most meaningful difference in the lives of those around me,' she said. Her full statement is here. — Endorsement: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has been endorsed in her bid for U.S. Senate by Illinois Democratic Central Committeewoman LaToya Greenwood. A former state rep, Greenwood served the East St. Louis region from 2017 to 2024. — NEW: Walter Adamczyk, the Republican Committeeman of the 29th Ward in Chicago, has announced he's running for Illinois secretary of state. Adamczyk is a community activist. In a statement announcing his bid, Adamczyk said he's committed to seeking 'effective government and full transparency' if elected. — Rachel Ruttenberg, a Democrat running for state Senate, will host a campaign kickoff Saturday in Evanston. Details here THE STATEWIDES — A plan to save downtown Springfield: 'County and city officials want to expand BOS Center and build a new hotel,' by the Illinois Times' Dean Olsen. — Illinois rental assistance program sees funding cut for 2026 budget in another blow to state, city housing programs, by the Tribune's Lizzie Kane — Springfield mayor's chief of staff is out, by the State Journal-Register's Steven Spearie CHICAGO — Local immigration advocates, politicians condemn Trump travel ban as discriminatory: 'U.S. Rep. Jesús 'Chuy' García lambasted the ban, which is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, while accusing President Donald Trump of using the restrictions as a political diversion tactic,' by the Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos. — Aldermen in the Latino Caucus call for hearing into Chicago police response to ICE demonstration: The City Council's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights, which Latino Caucus Chair Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) leads, will hold a hearing 'to examine the extent of ICE's misconduct and determine whether the Chicago Police Department played any role in (Wednesday's) actions,' according to a letter, by the Tribune's Alice Yin. — Jerry Reinsdorf agrees to complex deal with the Ishbias for White Sox: 'The multistep agreement gives Reinsdorf the option to sell starting in 2029 and Justin Ishbia the option to buy him out starting in 2034,' by Front Office Sports' Margaret Fleming. — Chicago's air quality ranked among worst in the world due to Canadian wildfire smoke, by the Sun-Times' Mohammad Samra, Brett Chase and Shannon Tyler. — Green Mill building for sale in Uptown: 'It's not clear yet what may happen to the iconic jazz club that was once Al Capone's Prohibition-era hangout,' by the Sun-Times' David Struett. COOK COUNTY AND COLLARS — Harvey Ald. Colby Chapman faces felony charge, announces mayoral run before turning herself in: After announcing her bid for mayor in front of City Hall, supporters followed her to the police station where she turned herself in to face a felony aggravated battery charge stemming from a meeting that got out of hand, reports the Daily Southtown's Olivia Stevens. — 'It's a house on fire': Top Cook County prosecutor lays out plan to address domestic violence crisis, via ABC 7 — Former Wheaton chief chosen to lead Wheeling Police Department, by the Daily Herald's Russell Lissau — Residents ask Mount Prospect to fly Pride flag, but village sticks to flag policy, by the Daily Herald's Steve Zalusky Reader Digest We asked if not the Bulls, what Midwestern NBA team you're willing to root for. Janice Anderson: 'Pacers — my mom's hometown.' Brian Berg: 'Cleveland Cavaliers, Guardians, and unless they move to the suburbs, the Browns too.' Bill Finucane: 'NIU men & women's basketball.' Donna Gutman: 'Cleveland Cavs. Donovan Mitchell gets the job done.' Ron Michelotti: 'Reluctantly will be rooting for the Indiana Pacers in the finals and waiting patiently for the Bulls to return.' Kevin Morris: 'The Minnesota Timberwolves. Lived and was based in the Twin Cities for 17 glorious years!' Cristina Nonato: 'Indiana Pacers.' Joan Pederson: 'Timberwolves (My father was from Minneapolis.). College (which I prefer to the NBA): Illinois.' Donovan Pepper: 'Since I'm a Vikings fan — and have tons of family there, I'll go with the Minnesota Timberwolves!' James Scalzitti: 'Detroit gets a real bad rap from people who've never been there, but it's resilient and vibrant — and I'd have no trouble pulling for the Tigers or Red Wings. But as a longtime Bulls fan, I could never root for the Pistons. I'd just become a total Chicago Sky supporter.' NEXT QUESTION: Who's the politician you'd like to follow for a day? FROM THE DELEGATION — Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a decorated combat veteran, will speak at the Unite for Veterans rally today in Washington to address how the Trump administration has targeted the veterans in his government cuts. Duckworth says President Donald Trump has used veterans 'as political pawns to get elected then completely abandoned them once he took office,' according to a statement from her team. — Congressman Brad Schneider has joined fellow U.S. Reps. Jesús 'Chuy' García (IL-04), Danny Davis (IL-07) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and other Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers about the decision to close all Head Start offices in Region 5. THE NATIONAL TAKE — 'Massive crack in the MAGA coalition': The Trump-Musk feud threatens the GOP's future, by POLITICO's Andrew Howard and Adam Wren — Steve Bannon on Elon Musk's big breakup: 'Told you,' by POLITICO's Rachael Bade — GOP senators question cost of Army's parade spectacle, by POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky, Joe Gould and Paul McLeary Transitions — Charles Lee Isbell Jr. has been named University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor and U. of I. System vice president. He's now the provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He starts in Illinois on Aug. 1. via Crain's Brandon Dupré. — Steven Mroczkowski is now a shareholder attorney at Buchalter in Chicago, where he focuses on the litigation and construction practice groups. He was a partner at Ice Miller. TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Bridget Hatch for correctly answering that Illinois Gov. Henry Horner, who served from 1933 until his death in 1940, started his political career as a Cook County probate judge, serving from 1915 to 1931. TODAY's QUESTION: What's the body of water near Springfield that political folks have been known to use as the setting for rallies and fundraisers? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Pritzker Organization Chair and CEO Thomas Pritzker, CPS CFO Miroslava Krug, Secretary of State Digital Media Director Martin Burciaga, Chicago Theological Seminary Rev. Brian Smith, Datasite Sales Director Luke Phelan and comms strategist Sally Duros Saturday: Philanthropist Lester Crown, who turns 100, Former VP Mike Pence, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Peggy Chiampas, retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge Janet Adams Brosnahan, government consultant and lobbyist Julie Currie, Seyfarth Shaw Senior Comms Manager Claudia Banks, social media wizard Tracy Schmidt, The Support Network Executive Director Caitlin Briody, congressional staffer Chrissy Rabuse, journalist Rita Pyrillis and journalist David Mendell Sunday: State Sen. Laura Murphy, former state Sen. Tom Bennett, Senior Caseworker for Sen. Tammy Duckworth Karolina Zaczek, Secretary of State Executive Correspondence Coordinator Andrew Paisley, Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau President JD Dalfonso, BGA policy analyst Geoffrey Cubbage, Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago Associate VP Patti Frazin, political consultant Kady McFadden, UIC Senior Associate Director and Bilingual Storyteller Carlos Sadovi, Democratic campaign manager Rachael Lund and rapper Kanye 'Ye' West And belated greetings to Zion Mayor Billy McKinney, whose birthday was Thursday. -30-
