Good morning, Rockford.

Merida is a friendly 2-year-old pit bull, terrier mix available for adoption at Winnebago County Animal Services at 4517 N.

Main St. in Rockford. She awaits a new home with reduced fees (Lonely Hearts Club) to help her start fresh.

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority awarded Rockford $700K to expand services at the Family Peace Center by adding new roles (a full-time victim services provider, a part-time probation officer and a police advocate) to help survivors navigate legal processes.

The grant will boost coordination among over 30 partner agencies.

A new art cafe combining coffee, art, retail and events will open at 130 N.

First St. next to Bennie's. Sisters Zolna and Tatianna Salisbury will preview the vision at the free Grown-Up Book Fair on May 16, with evening hours and weekly events starting mid-June.

A book drive by United Way of Rock River Valley has collected over 9,000 books for local pre-K to third grade readers and is expected to exceed 10,000 as donations continue from across Winnebago County — community members are showing strong support.

Beef-a-Roo — a local quick-service chain — reopened several Rockford restaurants Monday evening after closing due to an expired registration and resumed full operations today while reprocessing payments owed to local fundraising groups.

Prep’t 815 offered pre-made meals with healthy, organic ingredients to save stateliners time on school night dinners.

The business was open for pickup Monday, Apr. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 4150 N. Perryville Rd. in Loves Park and was featured in WIFR’s weekly Moving In/Moving Out series.

Beef-a-Roo’s financial issues left several Harlem School District schools without funds from fundraiser events after its Rockford-area restaurants closed on Monday.

The restaurant said it is reprocessing payments and expects schools to receive funds in 7–14 business days.

Sixteen local boutiques are hosting a weeklong Fashion Week Boutique Crawl from April 24 to May 1 with in-store specials for shoppers.

Visitors may enter to win VIP prizes including two AMC tickets to a 7 p.m. screening of Devil Wears Prada 2 + a curated goodie bag.

Drivers in Cherry Valley face delays as a $25.5 million project to widen U.S. 20 from four to six lanes at Mill Road begins Friday, May 1.

Work will replace bridges, upgrade traffic signals and adjust lanes until it finishes in June 2028.

Rockford psychologist Jason Soriano explained that storm sounds can trigger anxiety and advised families to keep extra supplies and plan indoor activities to help children feel safe as the storm season continues for a few more months.

Rockford Handmade Market - Spring 2026

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship in the spring market.

Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.

Mother's Day Garden Celebration

12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.

The Wizard of Oz

6 PM — Rockford Woman's Club — Cost not specified — Experience a captivating retelling of the beloved classic as you journey down the yellow brick road.

Heart Vs Hustle: Dej Loaf and Rob49 Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an electrifying night with Dej Loaf and Rob49 at the Hard Rock Casino.