Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses 4th of July violence, future of NASCAR Chicago
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson says he is open to bringing NASCAR back to Chicago.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

At a news conference with reporters on Tuesday he weighed in on the street race and holiday weekend violence.

“I can’t imagine how those drivers manage to race in those kinds of suits; if I had to wear that attire every day at work, it would be quite the challenge,” Johnson remarked.

He may not have to wear the suit, but Johnson must decide if bringing the street race back to Chicago is worth it.

“The larger question is around, how do neighborhoods across the city benefit from anything that we bring to the City of Chicago,” he said.

Although NASCAR’s revenue figures are still being calculated, the mayor notes NASCAR has been beneficial for local community programs. However, the mayor emphasizes that during negotiations with NASCAR, all possibilities need to be considered, though he did not provide detailed specifics.

“Far more people are going to be involved in this process than when it was initially birthed,” he said.

Downtown aldermen are demanding they be part of the conversations with NASCAR.

They say negotiations must include changing the date of the race from 4th of July weekend.

“It’s a heavier burden for our law enforcement, because of so many so much activity that happens in Chicago,” Johnson said.

Even with the start of the holiday weekend marked by a tragic mass shooting in River North, the mayor reports that crime rates for the July 4th weekend have decreased compared to previous years.

“The decline of violence is a result of the full force of government, working with all entities of government, at every single level of government, and making critical investments, particularly communities that have been starved in decades,” he said.

The mayor said he is worried how those communities will be impacted by President Trump’s big policy bill.

Johnson said his budget team plans to do a complete analysis to figure out the exact impact.

READ ALSO | $10K reward offered for information after 18 shot, 4 killed in River North mass shooting

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

New Jersey Delivery Driver Narrowly Escapes Lightning Strike in Stunning Video

A deliveryman in New Jersey had a close encounter with lightning while…
US air travel: After years of TSA rules on liquids and footwear, US may be on the cusp of a new era

US Air Travel: A Shift in TSA Liquid and Footwear Regulations Could Be Approaching

When liquid restrictions were introduced at TSA checkpoints nationwide in 2006, containers…
Epstein Tapes Reveal Claims of Close Trump Friendship and Misconduct

Epstein Recordings Unveil Allegations of Trump Friendship and Wrongdoing

Explosive recordings from Jeffrey Epstein, obtained by the Daily Beast, reveal the…
Triple murder suspect dad seen in police footage days before daughters found dead

Father Accused of Triple Murder Captured in Police Video Days Before Daughters Discovered Dead

Recently released dashcam video from the police depicts a father from Washington,…
North Korea bans foreign tourists to newly opened beach resort

North Korea Prohibits Foreign Tourists at Newly Opened Beach Resort

North Korea is prohibiting the entry of foreign visitors to a newly…
New video of moment Astronomer CEO Andy Byron is busted cuddling HR chief 'mistress' on Coldplay kiss cam

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Caught on Video Snuggling with HR Chief on Coldplay Kiss Cam

New footage captured the moment when Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was caught…
Fowl play: Florida woman charged after allegedly spraying mace at driver who struck chicken crossing the road

Chicken Crossings Turn Chaotic: Florida Woman Faces Charges for Macing Driver Who Hit Bird

A woman from Florida is now facing charges after causing quite a…

Astronomer Initiates Formal Inquiry Into CEO Andy Byron’s Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam Incident

ASTRONOMER has launched a formal investigation into its CEO amid the Coldplay…
Photo of two British tourists.

“Flawed Pool Design Blamed for Drowning of British Friends in Algarve; Officer Rejects Alcohol Involvement Claims”

THE design of a pool where two Brit pals drowned in Portugal…
Detective faces accused killer dentist in court showdown after alleged $20K hit attempt: 'ups the ante'

Detective Confronts Accused Dentist in Court Over Alleged $20K Murder-for-Hire Plot: ‘Raises the Stakes’

Prosecutors in Arapahoe County, Colorado, brought the lead investigator in the James…
Murdaugh lead attorney says jury fix and hidden texts could blow up conviction, force new trial

Murdaugh’s Lead Lawyer Suggests Potential Jury Tampering and Concealed Messages Might Overturn Conviction and Trigger a New Trial

The defense attorney for convicted killer Alex Murdaugh believes that newly found…
Suspect Steven Montano testifies in own defense in trial for murder of Chicago police Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso

Steven Montano Takes the Stand in Defense During Trial for the Murder of Chicago Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso

CHICAGO (WLS) — Closing arguments could be presented to the jury as…