Illinois drivers will not face the scheduled 1.3-cent motor fuel tax increase in 2026. The Illinois gas tax will remain at 48.3 cents per gallon through Thursday, December 31, 2026, before rising to 49.6 cents on Friday, January 1, 2027. Illinois Gas Tax Increase Delayed for Six Months The scheduled increase was suspended beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The temporary pause does not reduce the existing gasoline tax. It postpones only the inflation-link

Illinois universal lead testing for children began Wednesday, July 1, 2026, replacing the state’s previous ZIP code-based approach. Under the new standard, children across Illinois are to receive automatic blood lead tests at 12 and 24 months, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Illinois Universal Lead Testing Replaces ZIP Code Limits IDPH announced the change on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Previously, automatic testing requirements foc

Workers and employers across the Chicago area will face different minimum wage rates beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026, depending on the location of the job. Illinois’ statewide minimum wage will remain $15 per hour for workers age 18 and older, while the base rate for tipped employees will stay at $9 per hour. The statewide increases required under a 2019 law ended after those rates took effect on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Chicago Minimum Wage Rises to $17.05

Tick-bite emergency room visits are rising as Illinois tick season reaches one of its busiest periods. Federal health data shows weekly tick-bite ER visit rates in every U.S. region except the South Central states are at their highest level for this point in the year since 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois tick season brings several species into focus The Illinois Department of Public Health says

CHICAGO — Obama Presidential Center museum tickets were sold out for the grand opening weekend as the new cultural and civic institution welcomed the public on Friday, June 19, 2026. The South Side center opened one day after a dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, featuring performers, speakers, celebrity guests and three former U.S. presidents. The public debut coincided with Juneteenth. Former

Fashion Outlets of Chicago has been named the best outlet mall near O’Hare in a national ranking of shopping centers across the United States. The Rosemont, Illinois, destination earned the No. 1 position for its combination of outlet stores, dining, entertainment, contemporary art and convenient access for Chicago-area residents and airport travelers. Why the Best Outlet Mall Near O’Hare Ranked First The two-level, 530,000-square-foot shop

WASHINGTON — Illinois hospital price transparency warnings have been issued to 21 facilities as federal officials intensify enforcement of rules requiring hospitals to publish clear pricing data. The notices are part of a nationwide action involving more than 500 hospitals, The Associated Press reported on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Since April 2026, hospitals have received warning letters or, in more serious cases, requests for corrective action plans. Hospitals that do not

New Illinois laws taking effect July 1 will change driver’s license renewals for older adults, broaden school cyberbullying rules and require permits for some school bus operators. The state will also pause its customary inflation-linked fuel tax increase. The measures take effect on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. While several make technical changes to existing statutes, they could affect drivers, students, families and school transportation providers across Illinois.

Chicago weekend storms remain possible as humid air stays over the region, bringing mid-80s temperatures, lakefront cooling and a stronger rain chance before 90-degree heat returns later in the week. The source forecast did not provide confirmed calendar dates, so weekday references are preserved without adding unverified dates. Thunderstorms moved through the Chicago area overnight, but by about 7 AM Central time, most of the activity had shifted south and was leaving the

A Melrose Park Amazon shooting left one person dead on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after gunfire was reported at an employee garage in the Chicago suburb, officials said. Authorities are searching for the suspect after the fatal shooting at an Amazon Fulfillment Center facility on North Fifth Avenue in Melrose Park, Illinois. Melrose Park Amazon Shooting Under Investigation Police were called shortly after 9:00 AM local time on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after reports

Chicago green fireball boom reports spread across the Midwest after a bright green object crossed the night sky over the Chicago area on a Monday night. The source material did not provide a calendar date or exact time, but reports described sightings from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. Chicago Green Fireball Boom Reports Across the Midwest Hundreds of people reported seeing a bright green fireball over the Chicago area and ne

Illinois lawmakers voted to delay the state’s swipe fee law for another year, keeping the fight over card fees on sales taxes and tips in court and before federal regulators. The delay affects the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, or IFPA, a first-of-its-kind Illinois law that would restrict banks, credit unions and card companies from collecting interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions. Illinois Swipe Fee Law Delay Exten

Illinois gas tax pause talks remain active as a scheduled fuel tax increase approaches on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Gov. JB Pritzker has said he is open to considering a pause, but state leaders have not announced a final plan. The Illinois General Assembly faces a key deadline on Sunday, May 31, 2026, when the spring legislative session is scheduled to adjourn. That gives lawmakers limited time to act before the automatic increase takes effect. Illinois gas tax pa

Illinois lawmakers are debating AI bills, school cellphone limits and data center rules as the state legislative session moves toward its Saturday, May 31, 2026, adjournment deadline. The proposals are part of a busy final stretch in Springfield, where lawmakers are also working through Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed $56 billion state budget and discussions linked to a possible new Chicago Bears stadium project. Illinois AI bills focus on safety and chatbot transpa

Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 West Chicago display is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, giving Illinois rail fans a rare chance to see the historic steam locomotive during its 2026 coast-to-coast tour. According to Union Pacific’s official schedule, the locomotive will be displayed at the Union Pacific Training Center, south of the West Chicago Metra stop. Admission is free, and tickets are not required. Visitors are being urged to ride Metra becaus

Six Flags Great America will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Day Bash on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Gurnee, Illinois, with a one-day throwback event featuring vintage entertainment, special exhibits, themed treats and fireworks.

Starved Rock State Park is one of the best family-friendly nature trips in Illinois, especially for parents looking for hiking, scenic views and outdoor time away from city crowds. Located near Utica, the park is a strong weekend option for families who want fresh air, photos and a simple day-trip plan. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources lists Starved Rock park trails as open from 7:00 AM to sunset, while the Starved Rock Visitor Center is open daily from

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Chicago because it offers free admission, easy outdoor walking areas and animal exhibits close to downtown. For parents looking for a low-cost day out with children, the zoo is one of the most practical stops in Illinois. The zoo’s official site says admission is free, no reservations are needed, and visitors can “show up and explore.” It lists the location as 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, Illinois 606

Illinois gives families several easy choices for a weekend outing, from Chicago’s lakefront attractions and free zoo visits to outdoor day trips and suburban event stops. For parents planning a simple trip with children, these four places offer a strong mix of entertainment, budget value, food options and travel convenience. Navy Pier, Chicago For parents planning a wider trip,

Hello Kitty fans in Illinois have another reason to get excited. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is scheduled to make a Chicago-area stop at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. Sanrio’s official Hello Kitty Cafe Truck schedule lists the stop as Chicago, IL — Truck East, with Oakbrook Center named as the location. The event listing also states that the truck is credit card onl