Illinois residents are gearing up for a busy February, with numerous free museum days across the state. The Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Botanic Garden, and Field Museum are among those offering free admission to Illinois residents on specific days throughout the month[1].

In government and politics, Governor JB Pritzker and fellow Democrats are preparing for the 2025 legislative session, focusing on Project 2025, a checklist of potential legislation to address concerns such as tariffs, mass deportations, and crypto corruption[2].

On the business front, Illinois is poised to increase the state minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2025, which may put pressure on job creators. The state saw a decline in businesses in 2024, with notable closures including TrueValue and a PepsiCo plant[3].

In community news, the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier is hosting a free family day on February 6, coinciding with the return of the museum's Zoom Room exhibit[1]. Additionally, the state is expected to experience above-average precipitation this winter, with temperatures predicted to be a mix of above and below average[4].

Looking Ahead:
- The Art Institute of Chicago will extend its free winter weekdays through March 14, with additional free days on March 5 and 12[1].
- The Illinois General Assembly will convene for the 2025 legislative session, with a focus on addressing economic and social concerns.
- The NOAA will refine its winter forecast for Illinois, providing more detailed predictions for the remainder of the season[4].

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI