Early voting is underway in the March 17, 2026, Primary Election. Meet the candidates. Plus, new leaders for Champaign and Decatur public schools and the CU Public Health Department.

A public health administrator and Side Effects Media managing editor discuss best masking practices and the current state of the pandemic.

The coronavirus has prompted many colleges and universities across the country to cancel study abroad programs — including the U of I. University officials announced via email on March 2 that students and staff had to leave Italy and the Daegu region of South Korea as soon as possible. The decision affected 137 students in Italy, and another 15 in South Korea. Students and staff are also barred from traveling to China, Iran, Italy and the Daegu region of South Korea on university business or using university resources. 

A second case of measles has been reported in Champaign-Urbana. Like the first case announced in January, this second case involves a member of the University of Illinois campus community.

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has reported one local case of the highly contagious measles virus. Public health officials say the patient was admitted to the emergency room Jan. 19, and tests confirmed Wednesday that the patient had the infection.