Good morning, Rockford.

The Salvation Army has received the empty Circuit City building on East State Street through a donation from First Midwest Group and the Sunil Puri Family Foundation and will turn it into a disaster response center for 11 states.

The 54000 sq ft building is being renovated with a new roof and HVAC — work expected to finish by late 2026.

Jesse Owens, a 42-year-old man from Roscoe, died after losing control of his motorcycle on Madison Street in Rockford around 8:15 p.m. on May 18—investigators are examining the crash.

A Rockford man, Wendell 'JR' Roby Jr., 33, died in a motorcycle crash on May 16 in Ogle County while riding on Illinois Route 251, plus a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to help support his family and 6-year-old daughter as investigators probe the cause of the incident.

Deputies arrested Nicolas Martinez Jr. (40) after a weeks-long investigation that started with community tips led them to a home on the 1900 block of Clifton Avenue on May 19, where over 600 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of meth, four guns and cash were found, and he is set to appear in court today on charges including manufacturing and delivery of cocaine and meth, armed violence, unlawful use of weapons by a felon and possession of ammunition without FOID.

On Monday, May 19, the Rockford Area Arts Council announced it secured a $1.54 million EPA grant to start cleaning up hazards at the nearly 90-year-old former Armory, with work scheduled for next March and aiming to finish by December.

The project will redevelop the 57,000-square-foot building into a cultural hub with artist lofts starting by January, with plans to open before the end of 2029—this effort depends on a mix of public and private partnerships.

The Citizens Utility Board said ComEd's summer electric rate may rise to about 10 cents per kilowatt-hour—a nearly 45 percent jump from last June's rate, though a state law credit will lower the surge by about 17 percent.

The board has launched an online help center so consumers can learn ways to reduce their bills.

In the 2023‑24 school year, 48.5% of Durand Community Unit School District 322 students did not meet English standards on the IAR test, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

The district saw a 7.6% drop in failures from the previous year — a key improvement amid statewide testing challenges — as reported by state officials.

The Goldie B. Floberg Center in Rockford asked Gov. Pritzker to reconsider his 2026 budget proposal because it raises DSP wages by 50 cents while cutting one million service hours statewide—local legislators and center leaders say the changes will cause a $147,000 net loss for vital care services.

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.

Portillo's Golden Apple Give Back Day

Golden Apple Foundation will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 6090 E. State St., Rockford. Join us for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let the cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!