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Hi Rockford, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Hourly passenger rail plan, an animal rescue expo, and an RV camping and travel show + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Illinois drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Midwest rail vision emerges: Illinois lawmakers are pushing a Passenger Rail Planning Act that would set hourly Chicago trains to places like Rockford, outlining targets but no new money or construction requirements — see what’s proposed and where.

Personal stories on every plate: Looking for dinner ideas close to home? A February 26 feature spotlights 10 family-owned Illinois eateries, including Rockford favorite Sisters Thai Cafe, serving authentic flavors rooted in family traditions — check out the full lineup.

Part of larger capital plan: Auburn Street reconstruction in Rockford will begin March 17, reducing lanes to three and adding new water main, lead line replacements, and sidewalk and multi-use path, lasting through November — see what’s planned and when.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Johnny Pamcakes
• Learn mahjong at Mary’s Market
• Unwind with a group sound bath

💎 This week’s top finds

Chicago dog fix, found: Whether you’re mustard-only or all-in on sport peppers, Luichi’s Hot Dog serves a classic Vienna-style snap with pure nostalgia. Keep it simple with a Chicago dog and fries, or go Polish or gyro. It’s quick, hearty, and unmistakably Rockford.

Quick climb fix: Rivers Edge Recreation Center’s 35-foot indoor rock wall uses auto-belay and offers three routes, so you can squeeze in laps without blocking off your day. Waivers are quick, and they host group climbs too, ideal for friends who keep promising they’ll try it… eventually.

Your next rainy-day read: In downtown Rockford, Maze Books mixes new, used, and hard-to-find titles in a welcoming, community-minded spot. Expect thoughtful staff picks, low-pressure browsing, and serendipitous finds that feel meant for you. Nightstand guilt… optional, book joy encouraged.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

📸 Easter Bunny Photos @ CherryVale Mall | Monday (3/16) at 11:00 AM – CherryVale Mall’s Easter Bunny is holding court in a pastel garden, because some traditions still deliver smiles and solid fridge photos. Book ahead if you’re the organized one, or just roll up, get the shot, and call it quality family time.

🏺 March Madness: Stoneware Workshop @ The Pottery Lounge | Wednesday (3/18) at 6:00 PM – Whether your cupboards need an upgrade or you just want an excuse to play with glazes, this hands-on stoneware class lets you make a mug or bud vase you’ll use. All materials included, patient instructors, dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe. Spots are limited, register early.

🏕 52nd Annual RV, Camping & Travel Show @ Location: Mercyhealth Sportscore 2 Indoor Soccer Center (Loves Park) | Friday (3/20) at 2:00 PM – Thinking about trading the tent for an RV with a kitchen? The 52nd Rockford RV, Camping & Travel Show lines up new rigs, manufacturer reps, and a buffet of campgrounds, so you can kick tires, pick campsites, and plot a summer escape here in Rockford.

🚂 Rock River Valley Train Show @ Harlem High School (Machesney Park) | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Clear your schedule and roll into Harlem High for the annual model railroad show and swap meet, hosted by the Rock River Valley NMRA. Tiny towns that work, trains that actually run on time, and swap-meet finds your basement layout has been begging for.

🐾 Animal Rescue Expo @ UW Health Sports Factory | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – The Animal Rescue Expo is back for year two, bringing adoptable pups, purring diplomats, and the people who save them under one roof. Come meet local rescues, snag treats and gear, and get real talk from pet pros, even if you are just looking.

🌸 Fling into Spring @ DOGGO Sit Stay Play (Loves Park) | Saturday (3/21) at 2:00 PM – Nothing beats a low-stakes spring fling where you can sip a mimosa, frost a cookie, and wear a flower crown without explaining yourself. Bring your friends, your dog, and the part of you that still believes in seasonal vibes. Adulthood deserves lavender sips, and sprinkles.

🎻 Melodies at the Museum @ Rockford Art Museum | Sunday (3/22) at 4:00 PM – An evening at Rockford Art Museum where the Symphony gives the galleries a soundtrack, and your inner art critic gets backup. Wander the permanent collection, listen to the pros, and hear from RAM’s Executive Director and Chief Curator. Highbrow, low stress, very Rockford.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Rockford report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 58°F – Low: 18°F – Precip: 96%

A slight chance of rain showers before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 7am and 8am, then showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy. High near 58, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. South wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then sleet and rain showers and a chance of snow between 8pm and 9pm, then snow and sleet between 9pm and 10pm, then snow and blowing snow and a chance of sleet. Cloudy, with a low around 18. North northwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 22°F – Low: 4°F – Precip: 94%

Snow and blowing snow before 7am, then blowing snow and snow likely between 7am and noon, then snow likely and areas of blowing snow between noon and 1pm, then patchy blowing snow and a slight chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 22. Northwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible. Later: Patchy blowing snow before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Most popular house this week

This 4-bed, 2.5-bath two-story in Cherry Valley’s Old Orchard delivers 3,336 finished square feet and thoughtful updates. Granite eat-in kitchen with recent appliances opens to a light-filled family room with brick fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Finished basement adds rec and office space. Fresh deck, fenced yard, oversized garage, first-floor laundry, low taxes, and a transferable window warranty.

Take a peek inside →