Illinois’ minimum wage will increase by $1 hourly, recreational marijuana will go on sale to those over 21 years of age, and some state taxes and licensing fees will increase when the calendar hits January.

The changes are among hundreds resulting from laws passed during a busy legislative session which adjourned in early June.

On Jan. 1, the purchase of recreational marijuana will officially be legal in Illinois, and at least one dispensary will open in the metro-east.

Here’s what you need to know about legalization: how to buy, where you can buy, who can buy and more.

Walking into a store, browsing the selection and making a purchase of cannabis, legally, is a memory a lot of people Kelvin McCabe knows are looking forward to making.

McCabe is a board member of Illinois NORML, the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws. As an Illinois law that allows cannabis possession, use and sales will take effect Jan. 1, McCabe said he and other legalization supporters are feeling “an overwhelming sense of relief.”

The Illinois treasurer’s office returned nearly $40,000 to the Salvation Army in Chicago, officials announced this week.

The money comes from a program the office oversees that helps return unclaimed property or cash. The money for the Salvation Army comes from the estate of a man who passed away in 1999. He had named the non-profit group as a beneficiary, Treasurer Michael Frerich’s office said.

A new law will remove the statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes in Illinois.

Lawmakers passed House Bill 2135 this spring. Oswego state Rep. Keith Wheeler introduced the measure in the House. Aurora state Sen. Linda Holmes introduced the Senate version. The law will remove the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sexual assault crimes against adults.