The newest population data is out and it seems people are leaving Illinois.

That’s according to census predictions which said 2021 was the worst year for population growth in the United States.

In 2022 the minimum wage is set to increase another dollar in the State of Illinois, reaching $12 an hour.

Its just one of several new laws that will go into effect at the beginning of the year.

The state of Illinois is centralizing COVID-19 contact tracing efforts with a new text alert system.

Starting Tuesday, all positive tests that enter state data systems and are associated with a cell phone number will get an automated text message from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Leaders said the initial outgoing text will look like this.

Beginning on January first, insurers will face new requirements when authorizing medical treatment and prescriptions.

Illinois State Medical Society President-Elect Clarence Brown said the law is meant to ensure that people receive appropriate and timely care by setting limits on how long insurers can take to approve requests.