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

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

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 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

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.

Raging Waves opening day 2026 is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, as the Yorkville, Illinois water park begins its summer season over Memorial Day weekend. The park is scheduled to operate from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, according to the official Raging Waves park calendar. The calendar also lists the park’s Salute to Heroes event across all three opening weekend dates. Yorkville Water Par

Chicago Museum Earns Global Recognition Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has been named among the world’s best museums by Travel + Leisure, giving Chicago another major cultural milestone and strengthening its reputation as a top tourism destination in the United States. The internationally recognized travel publication included the museum in its list of the “27 Best Museums in the World for Art, History, and Cultural Wonders,” placing the Chicago institution alongside some of the most celebrated museums globally. Why the Griffin Museum Stands Out Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world and is widely known for its immersive, hands-on exhibits. Officials and travel experts highlighted the museum’s ability to combine education, innovation, and entertainment through interactive displays focused on technology, energy, engineering, manufacturing, and design. The museum attracts families, students, tourists, and science enthusiasts looking for engaging experiences that go beyond traditional exhibits. Its large-scale installations and educational programs continue to make it one of the top science museums in America. Boost for Chicago Tourism The recognition is expected to increase tourism interest in Chicago, a city already known for major attractions including Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum. Travel analysts say rankings from globally trusted publications often influence travel decisions, especially for families planning educational vacations and cultural trips in the United States. Visitors can find updated exhibit schedules, tickets, and museum information through the museum’s official website.

Illinois School Closed After Missing Police Gun Sparks Search An Illinois school was shut down on Monday, May 5, 2026, after a police-issued firearm went missing on campus, triggering an urgent search and raising safety concerns among parents and staff. The incident happened at Forest View Education Center in Arlington Heights, where officials confirmed classes were canceled for Tuesday as a precaution while the investigation continues.

A recent ranking of the best places to live in the United States for 2026 has identified two Chicago-area suburbs among the top 20, highlighting communities where affordability, quality of life, and access to amenities remain strong despite rising national housing costs. The annual assessment evaluated more than 100 factors across over 2,000 cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000. Only cities with median home values below $500,000 were included, reflecting an emphasis on a

Cherry blossoms in Chicago’s Jackson Park are entering key stages of their annual bloom, with officials signaling a potentially strong display for the 2026 season. According to an update released by the Chicago Park District on Monday, April 6, 2026, the trees are currently in varied stages of development, with several already showing visible blossoms and nearing peak bloom. Officials noted that recent weather conditions have played a significant role in this year’s progress. Rela

A new pilot program by Chicago’s commuter rail system, Metra, is set to change how passengers present tickets at select downtown stations, marking a shift in boarding procedures aimed at improving efficiency. The initiative began after the morning rush hour on Monday, though officials did not specify the exact start date in the announcement. Under the pilot, passengers traveling during off-peak hours at Millennium Station, Union Station, and Ogilvie Transportation Center will be req

Dozens of judges serving on Illinois circuit and appellate courts will appear on ballots during the 2026 primary election, placing renewed attention on how the state’s judiciary functions and how voters can evaluate candidates before casting their vote. Judicial races often receive less attention than statewide contests, yet the officials elected in these positions will make decisions that directly affect legal matters ranging from criminal prosecutions to civil disputes and family cases.

As Illinois prepares for its 2026 primary election, early voting is already underway in several parts of the state, setting the stage for a contest that could reshape the political landscape despite the absence of a presidential race. The March 17 primary arrives at a pivotal moment, marked by the retirement of long-serving U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and a series of high-profile matchups across statewide and congressional offices. In suburban Cook County, early voting begins Monday, with

Illinois voters are preparing to head to the polls for a series of high-profile races in the upcoming March 17 primary election, with contests ranging from U.S. Senate and governor to congressional seats and local judgeships. Although the standard voter registration period has closed across the state, eligible residents still have opportunities to register and cast their ballots before and on Election Day. The Illinois primary election will determine party nominees for several state

Dozens of schools, libraries, museums, and local businesses across the Chicago area closed Friday as extreme cold grips northeastern Illinois. The region is under an Extreme Cold Warning, with wind chills expected to drop as low as -35 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for travel and outdoor activity. Public safety officials have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid exposure to the frigid temperatures whenever possible. More than 100 schools, including the city’s largest

As Christmas approaches, shoppers and workers across the country are navigating adjusted schedules as many retailers, government offices and financial institutions modify their operating hours ahead of the holiday. With Christmas Eve falling midweek this year, the final days before the holiday are expected to be among the busiest for stores and grocery chains, while closures on Christmas Day and limited hours on surrounding days are prompting consumers to plan ahead. Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas to accommodate last-minute shoppers, though most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Wholesale club Costco has confirmed that its warehouses will operate on reduced schedules, closing at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. Walmart locations nationwide are also expected to close early, with most stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. Target locations may vary by market, but many stores will close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve after offering extended hours earlier in the week. Sam’s Club members should expect a 6 p.m. closing time on Christmas Eve, while Trader Joe’s stores are planning to end operations at 5 p.m. Department and apparel retailers are following similar patterns. Macy’s and Nordstrom locations will generally close earlier than normal on Christmas Eve, with many stores ending the day by 5 p.m. Old Navy locations are expected to close around 6 p.m., while Walgreens stores will largely remain open during regular business hours, though pharmacy counters may operate on limited schedules. Grocery chains including Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Meijer, Sunset Foods and Heinen’s are also adjusting hours, with most closing between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., depending on the brand and location. Whole Foods stores are expected to operate with modified hours, and Starbucks customers are advised to check individual store schedules. Shopping malls across the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs are also reducing hours on Christmas Eve after extended shopping days earlier in the week. Many major malls will close between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., including Woodfield Mall, Oakbrook Center, Water Tower Place and several outlet centers. Shoppers are encouraged to verify hours directly with mall management, as opening times may differ by location. Beyond retail, several essential services are operating on altered schedules. Most banks will remain open on Christmas Eve but are expected to close earlier than usual. Mail delivery through the United States Postal Service will continue on Dec. 24 and again on Dec. 26, though post office branches will be closed on Christmas Day. Government services in Illinois, including secretary of state offices and DMVs, will be closed on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 before reopening on Friday. Financial markets are also observing holiday schedules. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will end trading early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed for Christmas Day, resuming normal operations on Dec. 26. With a mix of early closures and full-day shutdowns across sectors, consumers are advised to complete errands early and confirm local hours before heading out. The compressed holiday schedule is expected to drive heavier traffic in stores and malls during limited operating windows, making advance planning essential in the final stretch before Christmas.    

Brookfield Zoo is offering Chicago-area residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to explore one of the region’s most popular attractions without paying an admission fee, as the zoo has announced free entry on most days throughout January and February. The expanded winter free admission schedule gives families, students, and animal enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a meaningful outdoor experience during the colder months while keeping expenses low. With a wide variety of exhibits and thousan

Illinois has joined a growing number of states allowing medical aid in dying after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation authorizing physician-assisted death for certain terminally ill patients. The governor’s office announced Friday that the measure, formally known as the Medical Aid in Dying Act, will take effect on Sept. 12, 2026, giving state health officials time to establish oversight procedures and implementation protocols. The law permits eligible adults diagnosed with termi