Chicagoans already dealing with higher gas prices at the pump could see the all-time record broken this week.

Why it matters: With the U.S. eyeing a ban on Russian oil imports, drivers are seeing prices for unleaded gas exceed $5 a gallon at some stations.

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed oil prices up $24 a barrel last week. That represents a 60-cent swing at the pump.

What they're saying: "It's likely more are on the way as it can take days/week(s) before retail prices fully reflect swings in the oil/futures market," AAA spokesperson Molly Hart tells Axios.

By the numbers: According to AAA, the average gas price in Chicago right now is $4.53 a gallon. Illinois' average is also surging at $4.26 per gallon.

• The highest average gas price ever recorded here was $4.68 in 2012.
• Last year, the average price was $3.18.

Yes, but: It's not just the invasion driving up the price of gas.

• Several refineries still aren't back at pre-pandemic levels and also perform seasonal maintenance in the spring, leading to temporary production cuts.
• Plus, the truck driver shortage is affecting fuel trucks.

What's next: "Gas prices fluctuate seasonally – in the winter the prices are lower, as not as many people are taking road trips and the winter blend of gasoline is cheaper to make," Hart says.

• "In the spring, gasoline turns to the summer blend, which is more expensive to make."

Go deeper: AAA updates gas prices daily by county.

👋 Hey, Monica here with another review asking, "Is this restaurant about social media or the food?"

The place: Kong Dog is the latest in a string of Korean hot dog emporiums that opened last year, mostly in the suburbs, to fanfare and long lines.

• I was delighted to find a less-crowded Little Italy location that opened in December.

The main attraction: Pork or beef franks and mozzarella sticks that are batter fried and coated in ramen noodles, chocolate flakes, sweet potatoes, french fries, churros, Cheetos, and more.

The wait: On a weekday afternoon, I had my sweet potato dog ($6) and Cheeto dog ($6) in hand five minutes after ordering.

Insta-rating: These dogs can be tricky to photograph unless you line up three in a row for a nice, square shot. And some shy eaters may be hesitant to post selfies of wiener bites.

Food rating: If you've got a soft spot for state fair foods, this place can make dreams of funnel cakes, french fries, and corn dogs mashed into one stick come true.

• I am embarrassed to say how much I enjoyed the perfectly fried, half cheese–half frank sweet potato dog, though it was so rich I could only finish half.

Bottom line: Photos may be tricky, but for food, Kong Dog delivers state fair decadence without a long drive to Springfield.

🚓 "My auntie is probably your boss" — body-cam footage was released of the niece of a Chicago police chief yelling at officers during a recent heroin bust. (Sun-Times)

📹 Former House Speaker Michael Madigan rarely gives interviews, so to see him on video for a deposition in 2018 is a must-watch. (Tribune)

🥉 Downers Grove's Kendall Gretsch won bronze in the women's sprint sitting biathlon at the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. (TeamUSA)

🏀 The Ramblers of Loyola Chicago have punched their ticket to the big dance after the men's basketball team won the Missouri Valley Conference tournament yesterday. It's the first time since 1963 that they've gone to the NCAA tournament in back-to-back seasons. (Twitter)

🧺 Not to be outdone, the Illini ended up sharing the Big Ten regular season title. They will be the #1 seed in the conference tournament next week. (CBS)

💼 New job, new me. Check out the latest job openings.

1. Creative Director at One North.
2. VP of People at 3Q Digital.
3. Manager, Corporate Communications at AbbVie.

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We wished Chicago a happy 185th birthday last Friday by sharing our gift ideas for the city. Then we asked for some of yours.

• Once again, you delivered some wacky and wonderful ideas:

😋 Paul E: "I’d get Chicago many more good, classic Jewish delis."

🚲 Jerry C: "A partnership with Goodyear to test rubber streets that would provide a bounce if a bicycle rider fell. And a complete elimination of potholes."

✌ Mark R: "A new mayor. But seriously: an end to gun violence, please."

🚦 Mario G: "A left-turn arrow on eastbound Chicago Ave. to turn onto Halsted."

🌳 Karen R: "More trees, hazard tree removal for low-income homeowners, a tree protection ordinance, public bathrooms in more parks, a bottle and can deposit bill, and elected, not appointed, Park District commissioners."

💸 Joe G: "Lower property taxes."

🚉 Micheline M: "An L station east of Michigan Avenue" near Navy Pier.

🥶 Mike M: "Some contraption that stops the air temperature from falling below 10 degrees."

Go deeper for more gifts.

When the forecast calls for a "wintry mix" and higher gas prices, we start dreaming of weekend escapes that won't break the bank on transportation. To help, Axios' Brianna Crane has put together a few ideas to start.

From a houseboat to a lavender farm cottage, here are five beautiful Airbnb escapes all under three hours driving distance from Chicago.

1. 1850s coach house in Galena

If you're looking for a romantic couples' retreat, this renovated coach house in charming Galena might do the trick.

• Features: Walking distance to downtown, fireplace, private deck.
• Space: 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
• Cost: $404+ per night

See all five Airbnbs.

Saturday's balmy weather drew scores of Chicagoans to parks, zoos, and the lakefront.

• At the very least, it got Monica out for "winter" biking and hammocking.