rising prices

So Russia invades Ukraine, which causes rising oil prices to surge even further, and makes it an almost certainty that Illinois' gas prices (along with the rest of the country) are about to really go up.

The national average price for a gallon of gas rose sharply last week to $3.48, which is four cents more than a week ago. Here in Rockford, that number is $3.60 per gallon, when last week we were at $3.52.

While the shortages of electronics, toys, and other holiday gifts have captured shoppers’ attention, even Christmas trees aren’t safe from this year’s shortages...or are they?

So here's the great news as we head into a holiday weekend where more Illinoisans will be driving somewhere than we have in a decade: The new gas taxes kick in today.

I've noticed that there a couple different types of people when it comes to filling up the car with gas. You've got the folks who pull into the nearest gas station, shove their credit card into the pump, fill up their tank, and move on.

The national gas price average is six cents more expensive on the week at $1.84, but still cheaper on the month and year. For now.

What do you get when you double the gas tax and then add in declining oil inventories along with Hurricane Barry? Prices going up at the pump.

After watching the disaster in Houston unfold over the last week, I'm really trying to avoid complaining about the little annoyances of my life--but I'm willing to make an exception when it comes to gas prices. We have something to complain about.