Good morning, Rockford.

Brightpoint's event fills a Rockford Mass Transit District bus with child care supplies at Sam's Club, 7151 Walton St. from April 10 to April 12.

The Rockford Fire Department will offer free car seat safety checks from noon to 3 p.m. on April 12 — local families can donate needed items like diapers, pull-ups and wipes.

Rockford nonprofit Shelter Care runs the Jubilee Center to give free meals to adults with chronic mental illness but faces a funding gap after FEMA paused grants that paid for more than 125,000 meals over five years—leaders say urgent donations are needed so that 80—105 daily members can keep getting two meals a day and a hot lunch on Fridays.

A Rockford woman won $1M after spending $2 on an iLottery ticket that matched the winning numbers on April 3.

She said she will use the prize to treat her family to a vacation—one that will include a special trip to Egypt.

The Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 1884 on April 4th which lets work experience stand in for a college degree when applying for state jobs—sponsored by Sen. Steve Stadelman from Rockford—and the bill now heads to the Illinois House for further action.

Rockford is set to start $97 million in road work this summer as nearly 200 blocks get improved, including Auburn Street which will get new water lines and sidewalks.

City leaders said projects on Madison, Whitman, Chestnut, Walnut and First Avenues will make roads safer—drivers are asked to slow down and be alert.

Sen. Steve Stadelman introduced Senate Bill 1551 that would require financial advisors to report suspected elder financial abuse to the Illinois Department on Aging—advisors could also delay account disbursements if abuse is suspected.

Recent FBI data showed victims lost an average of $33,915 in 2023.

Rockford’s GiGi’s Playhouse has partnered with Northern Illinois University and Lighthouse Speech Therapy to offer a free Amina Grace Speech and Language Program for people with Down syndrome starting in June—grant funds and a memorial fund cover costs as a waitlist grows.

Crusader Community Health broke ground yesterday at Linden and Alpine roads on the south end with the start of construction for a new 28,390-square-foot primary care center meant to serve local and rural residents.

The $12.7 million facility will feature 34 exam rooms, four medical rooms, and four behavioral health rooms and is set to open in summer 2026 — meeting growing community needs.

Egg Hunt at Camp Winnebago

1-4 p.m. — Camp Winnebago Branch YMCA — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt with games, crafts, and thousands of eggs filled with sweets and prizes.

34th Annual RAMI Awards

7-10:30 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket info not specified — Celebrate the achievements of the Rockford music community during this annual awards night.

Screw City Car Show

10 AM – 2 PM — Screw City Tavern — Free entry — Celebrate spring with tacos, music, and a showcase of cars, trucks, and bikes.

Bergstrom Corporate Headquarters Tour

5:30-8 p.m. — Bergstrom Inc — Free entry — Explore the heart of Bergstrom operations since 1971 and network with industry peers.

Steve Trevino at Coronado Theatre

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices starting at $38 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Steve Trevino.

Fresh Finds Spring Market

12-5 p.m. — Rockford Wholesalers — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful day of shopping local with handmade goods and fresh finds.

Open Mosque Day

4:30-6:30 p.m. — 1110 Arthur Ave — Free entry — Explore the beauty of the mosque and connect with the local Muslim community.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 2 PM — The Standard — $35 per person — Celebrate with a delightful brunch and unlimited mimosas in honor of Mom.