Illinois has ushered in the new year with a flurry of new laws and significant developments across various sectors. Notably, over 300 new laws took effect on January 1, 2025, covering a wide range of topics including catalytic converter thefts, online subscription cancellations, police training, and EpiPen costs[1]. Among these, the Illinois minimum wage has been increased to $15 an hour, completing a wage hike initiated by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2019[1].
In the realm of government and politics, Gov. Pritzker and fellow Democrats have been focusing on Project 2025, a checklist of legislative priorities aimed at addressing potential federal policy changes under the new administration[2]. This includes measures to protect working-class Illinoisans from tariffs, mass deportations, and other controversial policies[2].
On the business front, Illinois businesses have had a challenging year, with several notable closures and layoffs, including TrueValue's bankruptcy and Amazon's facility closure[3]. However, the state is poised to see improvements in 2025, particularly with the minimum wage increase, which is expected to further pressure job creators[3].
In terms of community news, the state has made strides in education and public safety. The secretary of state is set to begin creating a process for issuing digital driver's licenses and state IDs, a move aimed at modernizing identification processes[1].
Regarding environmental and weather updates, NOAA's 2024/2025 Early Winter Forecast predicts a mix of above-average and below-average temperatures for Illinois, with above-average precipitation expected across the state[4]. This could potentially lead to more snow and ice if temperatures trend colder.
Looking Ahead:
- The implementation of digital driver's licenses and state IDs is expected to gain momentum in 2025.
- The impact of the minimum wage increase on businesses and the economy will be closely monitored.
- The state's response to Project 2025 and potential federal policy changes will continue to be a significant focus.
- The refinement of NOAA's winter forecast will provide clearer insights into what Illinois can expect in terms of weather conditions.
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