Chicago’s Street Race Roars Back, But Not Before 2027
NASCAR Confirms Hiatus Amidst Talks for Return to City Streets
Chicago’s electrifying NASCAR street race is taking a pause, but the engine is far from cold. The Windy City’s unique urban circuit, which captivated fans and showcased the prowess of drivers like Shane van Gisbergen, will not host a Cup Series event in 2026. This decision follows intense discussions between city officials and NASCAR, signaling a strategic regrouping rather than an outright end to the popular event.
A Bold Experiment Pauses, But Not for Good
The Chicago Street Race, launched with ambitious goals of bringing NASCAR to new urban audiences, has been hailed as a significant success. Its second edition in July 2025 saw **Shane van Gisbergen** replicate his 2023 debut triumph by securing victories in both the Xfinity and Cup Series, starting from pole in each. This remarkable feat mirrored **Kyle Busch**’s 2016 achievement, cementing van Gisbergen’s place in NASCAR lore and Chicago’s racing history.
However, the event’s future beyond 2025 became a key topic for city leaders and NASCAR. While the city advocated for a 2026 return, NASCAR has chosen a one-year hiatus, aiming for a revitalized presence in 2027.
“After this meeting [with NASCAR last night]I am absolutely convinced they want to come back and race in ’27, ’28 and beyond..(But) it’s time to hit the reset button and make sure that the Chicago taxpayers get what they’re entitled to.”
—Alderman Brian Hopkins
Discussions have centered on improving logistical aspects, such as speeding up track setup and breakdown processes, and enhancing the event’s financial viability. NASCAR has pledged to maintain its community engagement throughout 2026 with increased support for local youth and charitable initiatives.
Chicago alderman: “After this meeting [with NASCAR last night]I am absolutely convinced they want to come back and race in ’27, ’28 and beyond..(But) it’s time to hit the reset button and make sure that the Chicago taxpayers get what they’re entitled to.”https://t.co/qsFPmW9aIv
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) July 22, 2025
City officials have estimated the operational costs for the race at approximately $15 million. The return of the race hinges on continued stakeholder support and favorable scheduling, with NASCAR indicating a preference for June, July, or possibly August dates, though August presents logistical challenges.
A significant point of discussion has been the timing of the event, with feedback suggesting that holding the race over the July 4th holiday caused disruption. Both city officials and NASCAR are in agreement that future iterations should avoid this period.
San Diego Gears Up for NASCAR’s Next Urban Adventure
NASCAR’s decision to bypass Chicago in 2026 is part of a broader strategy to explore new urban settings. The sport is shifting its focus to San Diego for 2026, targeting the iconic Coronado Naval Base as a potential venue. This move, reminiscent of the backdrop for “Top Gun: Maverick,” aligns with NASCAR’s aim to blend racing with unique cultural and entertainment experiences, thereby broadening its appeal.
The Chicago Street Race has been a significant economic driver, generating an estimated $128 million for the city in 2024 alone. The 2025 event also saw strong revenue figures, with over 50,000 attendees braving inclement weather, demonstrating the race’s popularity as a festival-like spectacle.
Despite the temporary absence, the enthusiasm for NASCAR’s return to Chicago remains high. The city and the racing organization are actively in discussions for a 2027 revival. As of July 2025, revenue from major sporting events in the US has seen a 7% increase year-over-year, showcasing the continued economic impact of large-scale athletic competitions (Statista, 2025). Chicago’s NASCAR chapter is far from closed; it’s merely awaiting the next green flag.
Mowbray Ditches Social Media in Pursuit of Balance, Questions Digital Ecosystems
In a move she describes as an attempt to “reset the norm and create balance,” prominent figure [Insert Name of Mowbray Here, if available in the original article] has removed Instagram and Facebook from her personal phone. This decision stems from her questioning the integrity of current digital ecosystems and the intentions behind technology’s use, prompting her to ask, “How can we support others in choosing connection over compulsion?” She famously stated, “Sometimes the boldest innovation is subtraction.”
Facebook and Instagram, both owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., a California-based technology company led by Mark Zuckerberg, boast considerable user bases wiht Facebook reaching 3 billion active users and Instagram 2 billion. Meta’s portfolio also includes other popular social media platforms such as Threads, WhatsApp, and Messenger.
The professional networking platform LinkedIn shares several functional similarities with Facebook and Instagram, offering features like status updates, photo and video sharing, and interaction tools such as likes, comments, and shares.
This personal digital detox follows a important business decision made just a week prior.[Insert Name of Mowbray Here] and her husband, Ali Williams, alongside investors bill Foley and Bennett rosenthal, withdrew their proposal to construct a new stadium at Western Springs.
[Insert Name of Mowbray Here] has been contacted for further comment on thes developments.
Venice Protests Wedding of Billionaire Jeff Bezos
Venice saw protests erupt just after the lavish wedding of tech mogul Jeff Bezos, with demonstrators voicing concerns over tourism’s impact on their city. This comes amidst debates about balancing the desires of wealthy visitors with the needs of local residents.
Protest on the Rialto Bridge
Protesters displayed a large banner, declaring “No place for Bezos,” and lit flares over the famed Rialto Bridge. Twenty-year-old student Matteo Battistuta stated that the aim was to convey that “Venice is fighting back, it’s not a dead city, it acts in its own interest before tourism’s”.
“We believe Venice can still be a place worth living in,”
—Matteo Battistuta, Student
Bezos, 61, and his new wife, Lauren Sanchez, 55, exchanged vows during a Friday evening ceremony on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, opposite St Mark’s Square. Venice is a popular destination, but the city’s tourism industry is now being debated for the environmental issues it can cause, such as the effect of cruise ships.
Celebrity-Filled Festivities
The ceremony concluded a week filled with high-profile events. Guests present included Ivanka Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Tom Brady, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates.
These Venice protests against Bezos reflect broader concerns. Many places face the challenge of striking a balance between preserving local culture and embracing tourism. The city is looking to address how to preserve its historic charm in the future.
Adesanya’s Epic Battle: A Fight for the Ages
A Defining Moment in Combat Sports
The world of mixed martial arts witnessed an unforgettable clash when Israel Adesanya faced his opponent in a brutal, back-and-forth encounter. This contest has become a benchmark for resilience, skill, and the unyielding spirit of competition. The narrative from this match quickly turned into a testament of heart and determination.
It was Adesanya’s sixth appearance inside the Octagon. Entering the promotion in 2018 as a promising talent, he quickly lived up to his initial hype. This particular fight, however, pushed both combatants to their absolute limits.
Adesanya vs Gastelum was an instant classic 🤯 #UFC236 pic.twitter.com/dC300Q27T1
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
“It showed me what the human animal is capable of when we tap into our spirit. I found courage, unwavering will and a desire to be great. I said it, I was willing to, but if I had died that night, what a glorious death. I’m glad we lived to fight another day.”
—Israel Adesanya
Adesanya and his opponent went toe-to-toe, experiencing significant moments across the first four rounds of the battle. They entered the final round tied. The average time spent on the feet during a UFC fight is 10 minutes, demonstrating the brutal nature of this fight (Statista 2024).
The Turning Point
Between rounds four and five, the camera caught Adesanya declaring, “You can’t beat me. I’m prepared to die,” before proceeding to dominate the final round. This occurred despite being significantly hurt by a head kick in the preceding round. This moment has helped cement the match as an instant classic.
Adesanya secured four knockdowns during the fight, establishing a new UFC record for knockdowns in a title bout. Both fighters were recognized with a US$50,000 (NZ$82,350) Fight of the Night bonus.
A Fight for the Ages
The bout later earned the distinction of Fight of the Year. The shared experience in the arena created a special bond.
“We knew what we did, we knew what we shared in that space. It was special,”
—Israel Adesanya
These moments, now part of history, were embraced by Adesanya. He is grateful to have been a part of it.
Grave Secrets Unearthed: A Victorian Murder Mystery Revisited
A decades-old crime involving strychnine poisoning and a web of deceit is brought to light. The story of William Thompson’s demise in 1892 and the ensuing scandal is re-examined, uncovering the hidden lives and devastating consequences for those involved.
A Deep Dive into the Past
Over five years, a determined researcher followed the trail of this unsolved case across continents. She sought to understand the circumstances surrounding the death, attempting to find any living descendants. The case became an all-consuming passion for Lindsey Dawson, who immersed herself in genealogy sites and historical records.
The original investigation surrounding the poisoning was filled with mystery, with many unable to determine the cause of the young man’s death. Dawson was keen to uncover the truth and understand how the tragedy affected the family.
The “Waikomiti mystery” and the strictures of Victorian morality are at the heart of this narrative. The story highlights the intricate relationships and secrets within a small, isolated community. A recent study reveals that cold cases are increasingly being solved with the use of modern DNA technology, with a 40% increase in successful resolutions in the past decade (Forensic Science Statistics).
The Investigation Unfolds
The “strange and suspicious death” of Thompson prompted feverish reporting by the local newspapers. Alexander Scott, who came from Australia, was accused of murder, leading to a sensational court case. Witness testimonies highlighted the closeness between Scott and Alice, Thompson’s wife.
The trial, considered a significant event in local criminal history, drew a packed audience. The defense claimed suicide, citing financial woes and the death of Thompson’s son. However, the jury took under two hours to find Scott guilty. Scott’s fate was sealed with his execution by the infamous hangman, Tom Long.
“I wanted to get to the bottom of the story – there’s so much unknown about it still. And I was really interested, too, in the impact something like that would have had on the family.
—Lindsey Dawson, Author
The Aftermath
Dawson’s meticulous research extends beyond the trial, exploring Alice’s life and the fates of her sons, Alfgar and Eric. The brothers had a somewhat distant relationship. Alfgar became an engineer and lived with his mother, who suffered from emotional distress, while Eric emigrated to Canada at age 16.
The Victorian home where the Thompsons lived still stands. Within the home, there are original details, including the fireplace where the neighbor saw Scott and Alice. The home is set to be available for booking on Airbnb.
A Legacy Revealed
The author’s quest led to contacting William’s last surviving relative in the United States. The book’s denouement, which is carefully guarded, highlights the impact of the past on the present.
Alice, once described as attractive and refined, faced the harsh judgment of the time and was excluded from the trial. Her story demonstrates how societal expectations of women impacted her life. The book offers a fresh perspective on the past.
Carolyn Melling, a local resident, has developed a close relationship with the researcher and shared materials from her 2005 essay on William’s death. “An injustice had been done, but that day it felt like something had lifted. Someone had finally listened to him,” she said.