5 Exciting Changes Coming to the Chicago Area in 2017

If you love the Blackhawks, the Cubs, burgers, chocolate shakes and making more money, then you should keep reading.

2017 is here. And it's bringing some changes with it. We have several new things to look forward to being Illinois residents, and living close to Chicago.

For starters, we are getting new license plates. And they look pretty cool. And unlike most things in Illinois, the new plates are free of charge and Secretary of State Jesse White says they were paid for within his budget.

Chicago will be the host of the 2017 NHL draft.

Minimum wage is going up to $11 per hour and will be up to $13 by 2019.

Wrigley Field is getting begins another beer-focused makeover.

Also, Wrigleyville is getting a Culver's restaurant. Butter burgers and baseball baby.

There are a few more cool things happening and you can check them all out here.