Good morning, Rockford.

Organizers announced that the Rock River Anything That Floats Race is canceled for the foreseeable future—challenges with sponsorship and participation made it too difficult to keep the tradition going.

The event, revived in 2017 and once attracting thousands of spectators, will not be held until further notice.

Village Green Home & Garden, a local business celebrating 60 years, has put its 6.3-acre Riverside Boulevard property and business on sale for $4.6 million after a showing on April 22 — the family plans to keep the nursery operating as it gears up for its anniversary events and special sales on Saturday.

A 16-year-old Rockford boy was arrested Tuesday when police on the SCOPE team stopped him on Bluefield Street and found he was carrying a stolen loaded handgun from Kenosha—he now faces multiple charges.

A Loves Park woman wanted for stabbing at a Rockford-area hotel was arrested in Dodgeville Township in Wisconsin on April 22—she faces charges of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor domestic battery causing bodily harm.

During the 2023-24 school year, 45% of the 1,096 students in Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District 131 passed the math portion of the IAR — marking a 4.5% decrease from the previous year, with the district serving four schools centered in Roscoe.

A new report from the American Lung Association shows the Rockford region's air quality worsened, with data from 2021 to 2023 revealing an F for ground-level pollution and a D for particle pollution—5.2 unhealthy ozone days and 3.2 unhealthy particle days per year.

Sen. Dick Durbin announced he will retire in 2026 after serving over 40 years in Congress & he said he will use his remaining time to support Illinois through local projects like the Think Big incubator on Rockford’s North End.

His decision is expected to spur a competitive race for his Senate seat.

UW Health SwedishAmerican will hold temperament testing in June for the Caring Canines program that lets volunteers bring well-behaved dogs to visit patients on approved floors.

Volunteers must be at least 18 and complete a four-step application while ensuring their dogs follow basic commands and have current vaccines.

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!

Lola Blu Solo Sunday Funday

2-8 p.m. — Louie's Tap House — Free entry — Experience the soulful sounds of rising country star Lola Blu with her captivating voice live on stage.

Info Session on the Impact of Property Tax Sales

Join us for an important community event focused on property tax sales and how they impact Rockford residents. This is a FREE event open to the public—everyone is welcome! 📍 Location: Crusader Community Health Clinic | 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM | 📍 Address: 1200 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102