Illinois is ushering in the new year with significant changes and developments across various sectors. The state's minimum wage has increased to $15 per hour, marking the end of a six-year transition period[1]. This change is expected to impact businesses, particularly small ones, though the state offers a tax credit through 2027 to help those with 50 or fewer employees adjust to the new wage.

In business and economy, 2024 saw a mix of highs and lows. Notable closures included TrueValue's bankruptcy, Amazon's facility closure, and layoffs at PepsiCo and John Deere. However, new business applications have grown by 47% since the pandemic, and small businesses have led in hiring, creating nearly 31,000 jobs in 2023 and experiencing above-average wage growth[2].

On the environmental front, NOAA's 2024/2025 winter forecast predicts a return of La Niña, which could bring a mix of above-average and below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation to Illinois. This could result in either more snow and ice or above-average rainfall, depending on temperature trends[3].

In public health, new laws and rules are taking effect in 2025, including strengthened rules on childhood lead testing and requirements for long-term care facilities. These changes aim to improve the health of Illinois residents and make communities healthier[5].

Looking Ahead:
- The impact of the minimum wage increase on businesses and job growth will be closely watched in the coming months.
- The development of new industries, such as data centers and quantum computing, could create new manufacturing and tech jobs.
- The refinement of NOAA's winter forecast will provide clearer insights into what Illinois can expect in terms of weather conditions.
- The implementation of new public health laws and rules will be monitored for their effectiveness in improving public health outcomes.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI