United Airlines is raising checked bag fees starting Friday, as higher fuel costs ripple through the airline industry. Most travelers flying within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for a second. That's $10 more than before the war in the Middle East started Feb. 28. United says it’s their first baggage fee increase in two years, though some customers, including loyalty members and premium cabin passengers, will still get a free bag. JetBlue also raised fees this week. Airlines say rising crude oil prices are pushing up costs. Fuel typically makes up about a quarter of airline expenses, and analysts expect more carriers to pass those costs on to travelers. Read moreChecking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as jet fuel costs soar
A U.S. aircraft has gone down in Iran, marking the first loss of American aircraft in Iranian territory. One crew member has been rescued, according to one U.S. official and one Israeli official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations. It's unclear if the jet was shot down or crashed. Iran has fired on targets across the Middle East, escalating tensions. The situation has affected global markets and oil prices. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggests negotiations to end the conflict, proposing limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Read more1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet goes down in Iran, AP sources say
An 82-year-old passenger died after a two-vehicle crash in Decatur Thursday. Read more82-year-old man dies after 2-vehicle crash in Decatur
A man convicted of shooting an Illinois State Trooper has been sentenced. Read moreMan to serve 95 years for shooting ISP Trooper
University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty (UISUF) members will go on strike Friday unless Chancellor Janet Gooch and UIS administration can reach an agreement with the union before then. Read moreUIS faculty goes on strike as agreement not met for union contract
Temperatures will be warm in the 70s this afternoon with scattered storm chances. Heavy rain moves in overnight. Read moreA warm and windy Friday ahead of more storm chances
Many people who have already filed their taxes are experiencing major delays in their tax refund. Experts say this tax season is more complicated than previous ones. Read moreTax refund delays impact hundreds of thousands as IRS faces staffing shortages
Two Paris-Union School District 95 principals are out on bond after a grand jury indicted them for stealing COVID money from their schools. Read more2 former District 95 principals accused of embezzling federal COVID money from their schools
The Decatur Police Department announced the launch of a mapping tool to provide the community with more access to police activity. Read moreDecatur police launch mapping tool to track local police activity
Five-year-old Colton Deedrich loved life. Whether he was playing sports, cleaning, or hanging out with his family, Colton loved it all. When he died, his parents knew what he would have wanted to continue his legacy. Read moreLocal family encourages organ donation for National Donate Life Month
United Airlines is raising checked bag fees starting Friday, as higher fuel costs ripple through the airline industry. Most travelers flying within the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Latin America will now pay $45 for their first checked bag and $55 for a second. That's $10 more than before the war in the Middle East started Feb. 28. United says it’s their first baggage fee increase in two years, though some customers, including loyalty members and premium cabin passengers, will still get a free bag. JetBlue also raised fees this week. Airlines say rising crude oil prices are pushing up costs. Fuel typically makes up about a quarter of airline expenses, and analysts expect more carriers to pass those costs on to travelers. Read moreChecking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as jet fuel costs soar
A U.S. aircraft has gone down in Iran, marking the first loss of American aircraft in Iranian territory. One crew member has been rescued, according to one U.S. official and one Israeli official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive ongoing military operations. It's unclear if the jet was shot down or crashed. Iran has fired on targets across the Middle East, escalating tensions. The situation has affected global markets and oil prices. Former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif suggests negotiations to end the conflict, proposing limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. Read more1 crew member rescued after US fighter jet goes down in Iran, AP sources say
An 82-year-old passenger died after a two-vehicle crash in Decatur Thursday. Read more82-year-old man dies after 2-vehicle crash in Decatur
A man convicted of shooting an Illinois State Trooper has been sentenced. Read moreMan to serve 95 years for shooting ISP Trooper
University of Illinois Springfield United Faculty (UISUF) members will go on strike Friday unless Chancellor Janet Gooch and UIS administration can reach an agreement with the union before then. Read moreUIS faculty goes on strike as agreement not met for union contract
Temperatures will be warm in the 70s this afternoon with scattered storm chances. Heavy rain moves in overnight. Read moreA warm and windy Friday ahead of more storm chances
Many people who have already filed their taxes are experiencing major delays in their tax refund. Experts say this tax season is more complicated than previous ones. Read moreTax refund delays impact hundreds of thousands as IRS faces staffing shortages
Two Paris-Union School District 95 principals are out on bond after a grand jury indicted them for stealing COVID money from their schools. Read more2 former District 95 principals accused of embezzling federal COVID money from their schools
The Decatur Police Department announced the launch of a mapping tool to provide the community with more access to police activity. Read moreDecatur police launch mapping tool to track local police activity
Five-year-old Colton Deedrich loved life. Whether he was playing sports, cleaning, or hanging out with his family, Colton loved it all. When he died, his parents knew what he would have wanted to continue his legacy. Read moreLocal family encourages organ donation for National Donate Life Month
During the season of Lent, some Christians choose to avoid consuming meat on Fridays as a form of sacrifice. Read more2026 guide to Lenten fish fries in Central Illinois
Teal ribbons on trees around campus and informational signs along walkways and in campus buildings raise awareness and support for survivors. Read moreUIS marks beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month with teal ribbon display
According to the City of Monticello, the program will help police communicate more easily with drivers on the autism spectrum during traffic stops. Read moreMonticello police, Piatt Co. Mental Health Center launch Blue Envelope Program
Employees from ADM volunteered to pack and distribute meals for the Northeast Community Fund Easter Market. Read moreADM employees help prepare Easter baskets for Northeast Community Fund
The Champaign City Council approved a development deal to give TIF money and other incentives to redevelop the blighted property on North Neil Street. Read moreChampaign City Council approves deal bringing Illini-themed hotel project to downtown
The Porterhouse said in a March 25 Facebook post that its current kitchen team is moving on and will close its restaurant for the time being. Read moreDecatur restaurant announces temporary closure amid staffing changes
Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
During the season of Lent, some Christians choose to avoid consuming meat on Fridays as a form of sacrifice. Read more2026 guide to Lenten fish fries in Central Illinois
Quilts for a cause: Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana is set to host its 22nd Festival of Quilts event this month. Read moreCunningham Children's Home to host 22nd Festival of Quilts event
From popcorn bunnies and nests to chocolate-covered Oreos, the shop has options for everyone. Read moreDel's Popcorn Shop prepping sweet treats and goodies ahead of Easter Sunday
With the Illini heading to the Final Four, there will be many fan events to attend around Indianapolis this weekend! Read moreIllinois fans can enjoy Final Four festivities in Indianapolis
Happy tails is back! Every Wednesday, WAND will feature animals from the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation (DMCASF). Read moreWAND's Happy Tails featuring Katana and Rocket
Hae's Bakery and Coffee Shop in Springfield has introduced two themed drinks to celebrate the Illini's run to the Final Four. Read moreSpringfield bakery adds two new drinks in celebration of Illini making Final Four
