GAS PRICES RISE AGAIN

Drivers in Illinois are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices surged 14 cents overnight, according to AAA. The average cost for regular unleaded now stands at $4.67 per gallon, significantly higher than the $3.41 average recorded this time last year. In neighboring states, motorists catch a break, with Iowa and Missouri both keeping prices below $4 per gallon. The current national average sits at $4.30, showing Illinois drivers are paying some of the steepest costs in the region. Experts point to supply disruptions and rising oil prices as key factors behind the rapid increase.