Get the latest headlines from around Illinois.
Chicago Tribune: It’s now only days away: Jan. 1 to usher in the era of legalized recreational weed in Illinois. ‘It changes everything.’
This New Year’s Day will be celebrated like no other in Illinois. At the stroke of midnight Jan. 1, possession and consumption of limited amounts of marijuana will become legal in Illinois for recreational use.
No doubt, some people will light up to celebrate. But, because only sales from licensed dealers will be authorized, it won’t be legal to buy or sell cannabis until those stores open, starting at 6 a.m. at the earliest. That’s when the real party will begin for some.
The Center Square: Small business owners prepare for minimum wage hikes in Illinois
Small business owners around the state are preparing for two minimum wage hikes in 2020.
The minimum wage for most employees in Illinois will increase to $9.25 on Jan. 1 and then will jump to $10 an hour in July.
Chicago Sun-Times: New ride-hailing tax is a gut punch that few saw coming
New local taxes and fees are coming in January, courtesy of our state and local elected officials. They are always looking out for us — and our wallets.
The new year brings a hike in taxes on food and drinks at Chicago restaurants. More fees for parking meters and garages. Statewide, more for car registration fees, additional taxes on automobile trade-ins.
Chicago Tribune: New state law requires companies to train employees on how to recognize, prevent sexual harassment
Companies will be required to provide annual workplace training on how to recognize and prevent sexual harassment or face hefty fines under a new state law that takes effect Jan. 1.
The mandate is part of an omnibus bill called the Workplace Transparency Act, which Illinois lawmakers passed in response to the growing number of sexual misconduct allegations being made in a variety of industries.
Pantagraph: 15 new Illinois laws for 2020
Illinois is getting about 255 new laws in 2020. Here are 15.
Rockford Register Star: Illinois motorists reminded to obey Scott’s Law
Effective Jan. 1, violators of the Move Over Law, also known as Scott’s Law, will be fined $250, up from $100, for a first offense and $750 for a subsequent offense.
As thousands of motorists are traveling to and from this holiday season, the Illinois State Police is reminding motorists to be mindful of all vehicles stopped on the side of the roadway.
Daily Herald: Barrington budget for 2020 with money for 'projects that are going to benefit the community'
Barrington will have a $36 million budget for next year that includes funding for a short road to a Metra station parking lot, new police squad cars and a water main upgrade.
Three projects, including second-phase engineering for a proposed Northwest Highway underpass at the Canadian National Railway tracks near Lake Zurich Road, will be paid with grants received by the village.
Herald-News: Joliet City Council passes budget, tax increases; OKs library funding
A Joliet City Council divided along familiar lines Thursday approved a budget with increases in gas and hotel taxes.
The council cast several 5-3 votes, rejecting one proposal to rewrite the gas tax so it would primarily go to diesel fuel used by semitrailers and another that would have put a bond for library renovations to the voters through a referendum.