🏟 Could the Sox leave Bridgeport?

Chicago’s Newest Stadium Battle

Justin Ishbia, the man slated to take over majority ownership of the White Sox, shared his vision over the weekend for a brand-spanking-new baseball stadium in South Loop. “The Railyards” would sit just across the river from The 78, where the Chicago Fire stadium is currently under construction. It's the latest in the Sox’s efforts to develop an exit strategy before its lease on publicly-owned Rate Field expires in 2029.

What’s in the plan? As envisioned, the riverside stadium and multi-use development would stretch over 47 acres from Roosevelt Road to 18th Street and from Canal Street to the South Branch of the Chicago River. It would include retail, housing, and healthcare facilities.

Isn’t it just an idea of a plan? Yes. Developer Canal Edge (remember this name) said in a statement the project is in very early stages, and they’re beginning a feasibility study to assess transportation, environmental impact, and other issues.

But Ishbia already has his hands in several moving parts. His private equity firm, Shore Capital Partners, has the 47-acre Amtrak property under contract. Meanwhile, his development and investment firm, Canal Edge (there’s that name again), is building and financing the creation of Amtrak’s new digs right next to Rate Field, with construction slated to begin this fall. Many Bridgeport and Chinatown neighbors aren’t too keen on the idea, particularly since the project has already received permission from the feds to skip environmental assessments.

Where would the money come from? Ishbia has said he plans to pay for the new ballpark himself, but like the Chicago Fire stadium, it would likely still require some public funding for nearby infrastructure improvements. Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) and Cook County Commissioner John Daley have already said that they’d oppose any requests for tax breaks or TIF dollars.

Meanwhile, the Federal Railroad Administration has already earmarked more than $600 million to help Amtrak make the move.

Who is this Ishbia guy? Billionaire Justin Ishbia is a private equity mogul and heir apparent to the White Sox throne. He has a deal with White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf to potentially take over the team sometime between 2029 and 2034. Winnetka residents also might remember him as the guy who tried to buy park district property to include in his multi-million-dollar lakefront estate. That plan was ultimately thwarted by local residents.

How Much Did Local Businesses Lose in Midway Blitz?

About $1.26 billion, according to a new report. Fear of immigration agents led to less foot traffic in Latino neighborhoods, especially in the suburbs. [Block Club]

• One year later: What happened to the nearly 4,000 people detained in the surge? [Sun-Times]

We’re No. 1 in the World!

A 2026 study has ranked Chicago as the "World’s Most Climate Resilient” major city. But after a summer of torrential storms, tornado warnings, and wildfire smoke, the win feels a little hollow. We discuss our own ratings, plus restaurants resurging in the Loop and what to catch at Printers Row Lit Fest this weekend. [City Cast Chicago 🎧

• Why did we rank so high? Chicago's risk of devastating disaster is relatively low, plus we've invested in mitigations like The Deep Tunnel. [New York TImes]

Border Patrol Agent on Trial for Rape and Robbery

Jury selection began yesterday in the federal trial of Customs and Border Protection Officer Luis Uribe, charged with 10 different counts related to sexually assaulting and robbing multiple women in the Chicago area in 2022. The four alleged victims were sex workers of Chinese descent who met Uribe, who worked at CBP’s O’Hare office, in suburban hotels. [Tribune 🔒]

Making it Easier to Ban Yourself From Gambling

Right now, problem gamblers can ban themselves from Illinois’ casinos and sportsbooks by signing up for the self-exclusion list. But they can only sign up in person — usually at a casino — and the ban doesn’t cover video gambling. Regulators have proposed new rules that would create more options for sign-up and ban length, as well as expand to cover the state’s 50,000 slot machines. [Capitol News Illinois]