Chicago is never short on news, whether it's significant policy shifts, iconic performances, or technological innovations. With the start of a new year, several exciting developments are unfolding across the city. From groundbreaking legislative changes to legendary concerts and the future of food delivery, here’s a roundup of the top seven stories you won’t want to miss in 2025.
Illinois is on the verge of making history by becoming the first state in the U.S. to fully decriminalize sex work between consenting adults. A new legislative proposal aims to eliminate criminal penalties for those engaged in consensual prostitution, marking a significant shift toward safer and more inclusive policies for sex workers. Advocates argue that decriminalization would reduce violence, improve access to services, and provide better legal protections for individuals involved in sex work.
State lawmakers, including Illinois State Senator Robert Peters and Representative Will Guzzardi, are leading the charge, citing the need for better safety practices, particularly for marginalized communities. A "Sex Workers' Bill of Rights" would also be introduced, offering protections against abuse, exploitation, and prior criminal convictions. If successful, this proposal could transform the approach to sex work in Illinois and potentially inspire similar reforms across the country.
Chicago drivers may need to slow down after the City Council votes on a proposal to reduce the speed limit on city streets from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour. The measure, set for a vote on January 15, 2025, has generated mixed reactions, with proponents emphasizing the safety benefits for pedestrians. The proposal comes after cities like New York and Minneapolis have successfully lowered speed limits, leading to reduced pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
The move could come with an estimated $2.5 million price tag to replace street signage, but supporters argue the long-term safety gains justify the cost. Research shows that pedestrian survival rates increase dramatically at lower speeds, with a 90% survival rate for those hit by vehicles traveling at 20 mph compared to just 60% at 30 mph. While concerns over potential ticketing and the impact on lower-income drivers have been raised, safety advocates, including Alderman Daniel La Spata, remain focused on reducing fatalities. If the proposal passes, the new speed limits could go into effect as early as January 2026.
Chicago’s Marist High School in Mount Greenwood is at the center of the College Football National Championship, set for next week, with alumni representing both Notre Dame and Ohio State. This year’s National Championship will be the first to feature a 12-team College Football Playoff, and Marist has a strong rooting interest as former players Pat Coogan, Carnell Tate, and Nolan Baudo take the field.
Ron Dawczak, former head football coach at Marist, coached Coogan, Tate, and Baudo, and is filled with pride watching these talented players compete on the biggest stage in college football. Coogan, now Notre Dame’s starting center, and Tate, an Ohio State wide receiver, both played key roles in Marist’s football program. Dawczak’s connection to both teams adds a personal touch to the excitement surrounding the championship game. He expressed his hope for an “offensive explosion” and is cheering for both teams’ successes, with a particular eye on how Marist’s alumni perform in the game.
The upcoming game not only brings attention to these athletes' successes but also shines a spotlight on Marist High School’s football program, which continues to produce top-tier talent for some of the nation’s biggest football programs.
Michael Jordan’s iconic Chicago estate has taken an unexpected turn. The new owner, John Cooper, who purchased the property for $9.5 million—$5 million under its list price—plans to turn the mansion into a luxury timeshare, despite earlier promises to preserve its legacy. The 9-bedroom, 19-bath home, which boasts a regulation-size basketball court, infinity pool, and a cigar room, will now offer limited co-ownership shares starting at $1 million.
Dubbed "Champions Point," the property offers sports enthusiasts and luxury seekers the chance to own a piece of NBA history. Cooper, who has lived in the Chicago area for years, aims to honor the mansion’s legacy while integrating modern technology and shared experiences for the co-owners. The new twist on Jordan’s former estate has sparked interest, especially after the mansion was on the market for over a decade, initially listed at $29 million in 2012. With its new co-ownership model, the mansion is being positioned as the ultimate luxury sports memorabilia experience.
Although the Chicago area is still in the heart of winter, many residents are already wondering when spring will arrive. The spring equinox will occur at 4:01 a.m. CDT on Thursday, March 20, 2025, signaling the official start of the season. This marks the moment when day and night are nearly equal in length, and the sun crosses the celestial equator. From that point onward, the days will continue to grow longer and warmer.
For those who can’t wait for spring, Chicago will see several milestones leading up to the equinox, including the first sunset after 5 p.m. on January 28. By mid-March, daylight saving time will shift the sunset closer to 7 p.m., and by the spring equinox, Chicago will already have over 12 hours of daylight. Temperatures will gradually rise, with average highs reaching the low 50s by the end of March, offering a glimmer of the warmer days to come.
Chicago, the legendary multi-Grammy Award-winning band and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, is set to electrify Kalamazoo this summer. The band, known for timeless hits like "Make Me Smile," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" and "25 or 6 to 4," will perform at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on June 24, 2025.
Tickets for the performance will go on sale on January 19, 2025, and are expected to sell quickly. Chicago has enjoyed decades of success, with a career spanning over 50 years and a catalog filled with classic tunes. The band's unique blend of rock and jazz influences, alongside their legendary brass section, continues to captivate audiences around the world. This summer concert is sure to be a memorable event for fans of the band and lovers of live music alike.
Food delivery robots are rolling through Chicago streets as part of a pilot program to bring tech-driven deliveries to the 27th and 34th wards, including the Loop, West Loop, South Loop, and River West. The "Coco" robots, which can navigate in snow and sub-zero temperatures, are already making deliveries via the DoorDash app, providing an innovative and sustainable option for food delivery in the city.
The robots, which weigh about 100 pounds and travel at speeds of up to 5 mph, operate autonomously and are equipped with sensors, cameras, and remote safety pilots to avoid obstacles, like parked cars or pedestrians. So far, Coco has completed over half a million deliveries in Los Angeles, and the company is optimistic about expanding to more neighborhoods in Chicago by the end of the pilot, which runs through May 31, 2025.
Coco’s ability to deliver food in winter conditions, when human drivers may face delays, makes it an attractive option for restaurant owners and customers alike. The robot’s efficiency—without tips for drivers—could also make the service more affordable for residents, though it remains to be seen whether it can scale successfully across the city.
These seven stories reflect the diverse and exciting developments currently shaping Chicago in early 2025, from groundbreaking policy changes and legendary performances to cutting-edge technology transforming urban life. Whether it's food delivered by robots or spring finally on the horizon, there's plenty to watch for in the coming months!
