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

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday, 27 June 2026, during a Muharram fire-walking ritual in Ballari district, where a 28-year-old participant lost his life after suffering severe burn injuries. The accident took place during a traditional fire pit event in Kurugodu taluk, leading to shock and grief in the local community.  Ritual event

CHICAGO — The Chicago Pride Parade 2026 will step off at 11:00 AM CDT on Sunday, June 28, with a two-mile route through Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park. The free 55th annual event is scheduled to run until 2:00 PM and carries the theme “Free to Be Proud.” Chicago Pride Parade 2026 route and viewing areas The parade stages at Sheridan Road and Broadway, but public viewing begins at Grace Street and Broadway. It will move south on Broadway and Hals

Chicago suburbs storm damage toppled trees and power lines, flooded roads and left nearly 3,000 ComEd customers without electricity after powerful storms crossed northeastern Illinois. Tornado and flash-flood warnings were issued as damaging winds, hail and heavy rain affected communities northwest of Chicago and parts of the city. Chicago Suburbs Storm Damage Hits Bartlett In Ba

Mount Carmel’s Franklinton ER closure is scheduled for Aug. 22, followed by the opening of a walk-in primary and preventive care hub in Columbus on Aug. 24. The health system said the shift is intended to improve access to routine care while reducing avoidable emergency department visits. What the Franklinton ER closure means for patients The emergency room at the former Mount Carmel West campus will stop operating on Aug. 22. The nearest emergency dep

Obama Center museum tickets for fall 2026 will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, after strong demand reduced much of the initial inventory. The timed-admission tickets will cover visits from September 2026 through January 2027. The Obama Foundation announced the additional release on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Founding members will receive early access beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026. How to Reserve Obama Center Museum Tickets for Fall 2026

A major fire tore through the Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time on Friday, June 19, 2026, forcing authorities to evacuate about 1,690 guests. Dominican emergency authorities confirmed that Francesca Valentino, a 46-year-old Italian tourist, died in the fire. Three people were transported to medical facilities, while six others were treated at the scene for injuries and symptoms that included smo

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

LA28 volunteer roles will open to applicants worldwide on July 14 as organizers begin recruiting about 60,000 people for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Interested applicants can submit an interest form now, while the full application portal will be available through LA28.org. How to Apply for LA28 Volunteer Roles Applicants can first register their interest and return to LA28.org when the full applicati

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

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, has welcomed a rare echidna baby, known as a puggle, after a three-year breeding effort by its animal care team. The zoo said the baby echidna was born in December and is being monitored closely as it continues to grow. The puggle joins its mother, Edna, and adds to a small North American population of echidnas living in professional care. Rare Puggle at Columbus Zoo Draws Attention Senior Speciali

Ohio Medicaid family caregiver payments will continue under revised legislation after state lawmakers removed a proposal that would have barred some relatives from being paid for caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities. The proposal drew strong opposition from caregivers, families, and disability rights advocates, who argued that family caregiving often involves intensive daily support, not simple companionship. SHIELD Act Provision Removed After Car

PACIFICA, Calif. — Pacifica pier abutment damage has forced the indefinite closure of the Pacifica Municipal Pier and left the longtime Chit Chat Cafe facing an uncertain future. City officials declared a local emergency after cracking, separation and displacement were found near the pier’s abutment, the critical area where the structure connects to the shoreline near Sharp Park Beach. Pacifica Pier Abutment Damage Forces Closure The damage

A Belmont Avenue Shell station in Chicago will offer $1.99 gas during a limited T-Mobile and Shell promotion on Tuesday. The discounted fuel will be available at the Shell station at 4357 W. Belmont Ave., near Kostner Avenue, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The specific calendar date for the Tuesday promotion was not provided in the available source information. Belmont Avenue Shell $1.99 Gas Promotion Details The pro

The San Francisco Pink Triangle 2026 volunteer installation is scheduled to return to Twin Peaks on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as the city marks Pride Month. The 31st annual Pink Triangle of Twin Peaks is expected to remain on display until late afternoon on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Twin Peaks Pink Triangle Volunteer Installation Begins June 6 Volunteers are expected to gather on Twin Peaks to help assemble the large hillside symbol, one of San Fran

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — A Washington Park Zoo wolf attack injured two zookeepers on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026, after staff responded to the overnight death of a wolf inside the Michigan City, Indiana, zoo. Both employees were taken to hospitals and were reported stable after the incident, which remains under review by zoo officials and local authorities. What Happened in the Washington Park Zoo Wolf Attack Zoo officials said one of the fa

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

Early Wednesday morning, a Royal Navy helicopter crashed near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton in Devon. Authorities quickly dispatched emergency teams, including police and rescue units, to secure the area and assist personnel involved. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that an investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the incident. Immediate Emergency Response Local police and f

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

A Dallas apartment gas explosion killed three people and injured five others after firefighters responded to a reported gas leak in Oak Cliff. Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball said all known residents of the destroyed apartment building had been accounted for after crews searched the site into Friday, May 29, 2026. What happened in the Dallas apartment gas explosion? The explosion happened on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at an apartment complex