Good morning, Rockford.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley will offer 140 free swim lessons this summer — 100 outdoor beginner lessons at Sand Park and Alpine pools for children ages 4 to 14 and 40 indoor lessons at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA for kids ages 3 to 5.

The grants, received during National Water Safety Month, support teaching essential water safety skills to local families.

Aakash Patel will debut his new food truck, Mighty Potato, at Rockford City Market on May 16, serving loaded baked potatoes with Tex Mex and vegan options — one of 20 first-time vendors at the 16-week Friday market running from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. downtown.

A 40-year-old man, identified as Nicholas Williams from Madison, Wis., was arrested on May 13 in connection with last year’s robbery at Hard Rock Casino when he grabbed the purse of a 70-year-old woman in a parking lot—he is expected in court May 14.

An inmate at Thomson Penitentiary was found guilty of killing a fellow inmate in a hate crime that targeted the victim’s Jewish faith — Brandon Simonson was convicted after a seven-day trial in Rockford and he will be sentenced on August 22.

The Goodwill Excel Center is now accepting online applications for fall classes at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA — 200 Y Blvd, Rockford — for students 18 and older to earn a state-certified high school diploma.

The center will enroll 150-200 students and will provide free on-site childcare, transportation help, and industry certifications with classes starting every eight weeks.

During the 2023-24 school year, 56.2% of Rockton School District 140 students failed the math portion of the IAR test as reported by the Illinois State Board of Education + failure rates increased by 1.5% over last year.

The IAR test measures math skills for grades 3 to 8 and performance remains below pre-pandemic levels.

The Rockford Traffic Commission met May 14 to review six proposals that included parking restrictions on Jacqueline Drive and Huffman Boulevard, residential parking zones on Market Street, and stop control changes at intersections on Pioneer Drive, Winthrop Lane, Victory Street, and Lydia Avenue — all brought by local residents and the police department.

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

8th Annual Miracle Mile Car Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Don Carter Lanes — Entry fee $20, spectators free — Celebrate automotive passion with a showcase of cool rides and live music.

On-Site Tour at Grand Victorian

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Grand Victorian of Rockford — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living activities and dining options in a welcoming environment.

Timber Pointe Party Band Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Timber Pointe Golf Club — Check event page for ticket info — High energy party band covering a wide variety of music from the 70’s to today’s hits.