Good morning, Champaign.

At Lincoln’s ChalleNGe Academy in Rantoul on Wednesday around 6 p.m., between 70 and 80 cadets fought and drew a response of between 30 and 40 officers from Champaign County, resulting in three cadets taken to the hospital and five cadets—three juveniles—arrested with charges for mob action, aggravated battery, and in one case, damaging a squad car.

The Illinois Middle School Basketball Championships take place this weekend and are expected to boost Champaign's economy by up to $2.5 million—local hotels, restaurants, and businesses are preparing for a surge in visitors—Event Services Director Mark Brown said.

Sooie Bros BBQ remains closed as the restaurant appeals the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District’s order to repair its walk-in cooler—owners plan to take the appeal to the Champaign County Board of Health while a judge said the injunction will last only as long as necessary.

Both sides will return to court in two weeks to continue the legal process.

The Public Works Department will install an all-way stop at the intersection of State Street and Columbia Street—after five crashes in the past five years, including three in 2023.

Message boards will be posted starting Friday, March 28 to warn drivers and will remain for one week after the installation on Monday, March 31, weather permitting.

Nearly 200,000 cans of 14.5-ounce Good and Gather green beans sold at Target stores were recalled due to possible foreign objects that could cause temporary or medically reversible health effects.

The recall was first issued Feb. 12th by Del Monte Foods and labeled as a Class II alert on March 13th (covering products with a best if used by date of Oct. 2026 in 21 states) (including local stores in Champaign).

Blind Adam and The Federal League with MakeWar and Mania

This music event features performances by Blind Adam and The Federal League, MakeWar, and Mania in Champaign, Illinois.

Trivia Night at Hound's Court

Experience an engaging evening of free multi-round team trivia with the chance to win Hound's Rest gift certificates.

HQ Open House: Free Co-Working Day

10 AM – 4 PM — HQ — Free entry — Experience a day of free co-working with unlimited coffee and fast Wi-Fi every Wednesday.

IEEE Central Illinois Networking Meetup

An informal dinner event for IEEE members and students in Champaign to network and build professional relationships within the engineering community.

Candlelight Yoga Session

6-7 p.m. — Fire Doll Studio — Suggested donation $11-$33 — Unwind and find your inner peace in a warm and serene yoga setting.

One Night of Queen Tribute Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — State Farm Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the passion and energy of Queen's greatest hits performed live by Gary Mullen & The Works.

Live Jazz Night with Chip NcNeill

6-8 p.m. — The Venue CU — $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door — Enjoy smooth jazz tunes with Chip NcNeill and his band in an elegant setting.

ZZ Top with The Sedonas

7-9 p.m. — State Farm Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of rock and Americana roots with the iconic ZZ Top and The Sedonas.

Lindy Hoppers April Swing Dance

7-9 p.m. — Hamilton Walker's — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of swing dancing with live DJ music and a welcoming atmosphere.

April Rising Tide Society Meetup

12-1 p.m. — Mad Goat Coffee — Free entry — Connect, collaborate, and support fellow creatives and entrepreneurs in a welcoming atmosphere.