## Chicago Today: January 1, 2025
Illinois Minimum Wage Hikes Again: Illinois hourly workers received a $1 increase to the minimum wage, reaching $15 per hour. This is the final increase in a series of scheduled hikes culminating in 2025. Tipped workers will now earn a minimum of $9 per hour, and those under 18 will receive $13. The Illinois Restaurant Association and some restaurant owners express concern that increased labor costs will necessitate menu price hikes, potentially impacting both customer tipping and restaurant staffing. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Goonie Gang Leader’s Sentencing: The defense for Romeo Blackman, alleged leader of the Goonie Gang, argues against a life sentence. They cite his birth with cocaine and alcohol in his system and his young age during the crimes, suggesting potential brain development impairments. Blackman was convicted of conspiracy in multiple South Side killings and a gun trafficking operation. His lawyers point to a Massachusetts Supreme Court decision limiting life sentences without parole for young adults, and dispute the prosecution’s portrayal of Blackman’s leadership role. Prosecutors maintain that federal law allows only a life sentence or the death penalty for his conviction. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Chicago’s Office Market Shows Signs of Recovery: Avison Young’s “Office Busyness Index” shows Chicago’s office activity at 56.6% of pre-pandemic levels (November 2019), lagging behind Manhattan and Los Angeles but exceeding the national average. While the office vacancy rate remains elevated due to the shift towards remote and hybrid work, new construction is expected to remain stagnant, with existing high-quality buildings attracting increased leasing activity. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Chicago Welcomes its First Babies of 2025: Hospitals across Chicago welcomed the city’s first newborns of 2025, ushering in the new Generation Beta (2025-2039). Among the early arrivals were Scarlett Carmela Sartori, born just minutes into the new year, and Lavaeh Brandt, born at Rush University Medical Center. The arrival of these newborns marks a new chapter for families across the city. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Must-See Arts Events in Chicago this Year: WBEZ highlights a selection of must-see performing arts events slated for Chicago in 2025. These include notable theater productions such as *Betrayal* starring Helen Hunt, a one-night-only performance by Shemekia Copeland, the Chicago premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland*, and *Kimberly Akimbo* starring Carolee Carmello. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly. [WBEZ]
Quick Bites:
* THC-Infused Giardiniera: A Chicago sandwich shop is now selling THC-infused giardiniera.
* Dunkin’ Espresso: Dunkin’ has launched a new drink, “Sabrina’s Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso,” inspired by Sabrina Carpenter’s hit song. [USA Today]
Reader Spotlight:
Nancy shares her excitement for her daughter’s upcoming wedding, featuring a vintage wedding dress with a unique 2025 twist, and a family connection to the wedding venue.
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