Good morning, Rockford.

A Rockford man said he smelled something burning when he went to bed Monday night and woke around midnight to find his home on fire in the 800 block of Ferguson Street—firefighters arrived to put out the flames while all six occupants escaped safely and damage was estimated at about $60,000.

The Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce launched its online business magazine Monday night to give local entrepreneurs resources and tips from experienced business owners (featuring Smart Home Realty and Dropout Media).

Disco Chicken, a downtown restaurant, trolled Raising Cane’s opening by handing out free disco seasoning to caniacs at 11 a.m. on April 15th—an event timed with the new chain taking over the former Stone Eagle Tavern site.

Guests lined up nearly 12 hours before Raising Cane’s opened today at 6445 E.

State Street; the first 100 customers who bought a Box Combo received a free card and hat and an 8:30 a.m. drawing offered a chance to win free Cane’s for a year. At the ribbon cutting, Raising Cane’s gave a donation check to the Rockford Area Arts Council to help fund the SPARK Youth Program, and the restaurant will operate from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

A Rochelle man—26-year-old Nathan Laws—was arrested for domestic violence after deputies were called to the 100 block of W.

Orchard Hills Drive at 7:47 p.m. on April 15 and later pulled him over near E. Flagg Road and S. Center Road, and he now faces charges of Aggravated Domestic Battery and DUI.

Police are searching for a knife-wielding woman after she stabbed a man near the Days Inn hotel on Lyford Road Tuesday morning at 9:02 a.m.—the victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and refused treatment while the suspect fled in a black Jeep.

GoRockford was named the 2025 Sports Tourism Organization of the Year by the Sports Events & Tourism Association during the Opening Breakfast at the Sports ETA Symposium in Tulsa—Lindsay Arellano and Kara Davis accepted the award on behalf of the group as upcoming events continue to boost local sports tourism.

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.

Prairie Street Golden Apple Give Back Day

Rockford City Tin participant, Prairie Street Brewhouse, is giving back! Golden Apple will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Join us on the dock (or inside) at 200 Prairie St., Rockford, for some great food and drinks!