Good morning, Rockford.

A house fire on Friday caused $100K in damages on the 2800 block of Colorado Avenue; firefighters controlled the blaze in 25 minutes + the Red Cross is helping displaced residents.

Work has begun to build a new Chase Bank — its fifth branch in the metro — along Perryville Road near Meijer at 2102 McFarland Road; the branch is expected to open early in 2027 as part of First Midwest Group’s Perryville Promenade retail development.

New owners Meghna and Rick Patel took over LoCost Grocery at the Rockton Avenue Shopping Center in Rockford with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday attended by Mayor Tom McNamara and Alderwoman Dawn Granath.

They plan to offer a broader selection of produce, meats, and groceries while incorporating community feedback.

Poetically Yours showcases northern Illinois poets and features +Kathryn Lazzara+; she recorded her poem +Of Questionable Sanity+ after attending last month’s WNIJ workshop.

Abigail Pixler will open her exhibit 'Memoirs' at S.

Bear Studios on Friday, June 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. — her 12 paintings capture chapters of her friend’s life funded by a $6,000 Rockford Arts Council grant — marking a personal journey through art.

The Rockford Art Museum’s 78th Midwestern Biennial exhibition opened on May 22 and is on view through Sept.

27 at 711 N. Main St — featuring 98 works from eight states including nine by local artists. Free educational programs are scheduled with a lecture on July 23 and Coffee With the Curator on Sept. 11.

Roosevelt Community Education Center held its graduation ceremony on May 29 at the BMO Center in downtown Rockford.

The event celebrated graduates and marked a milestone for local education.

MercyHealth’s Javon Bea Hospital enrolled the first U.S. patient for the INTERCEPT trial on Friday at its Rockford center.

The trial tests whether placing filters in the carotid artery can prevent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients + is sponsored by Javelin Medical.

Veterans showcased paintings, photography and artwork last night at Veterans Memorial Hall to spark mental health conversations during the fifth Mental Health Awareness Month art show (Safety Planning: A Path Through Art), aiming to provide a creative outlet and encourage connection.

An April Gallup poll shows depression and loneliness nearly reached record highs since COVID-19, and UW Health specialist Jennifer Schoff said many residents remain fearful of diseases (despite gains in digital communication skills).

South Beloit paramedics delivered a baby boy on May 24 as Captain Austin Edgington and his crew arrived in time to cut the cord — marking the department’s second assisted birth and its playful nod to a stork symbol on the other ambulance.

Love Song Live in Vietnamese

6-9 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — 21+ only — Experience captivating live music in a vibrant setting.

Nike Flag Football Camp in Rockford, IL

June 3-5 — Clarence Hicks Sports Complex — Pricing available upon inquiry — Enhance your flag football skills with experienced coaches and fun competitions.

Mushroom Identification Hike

10 AM - 12 PM — Funderburg Forest Preserve — $7 per person — Explore the wonders of fungi hidden in the forest during this nature adventure suitable for all ages.

Once on This Island

7:30-9:30 p.m. — RVC Starlight Theatre — Cost Info TBA — Experience a vibrant musical journey of love and destiny on the island of Haiti.

The Voice of Hind Rajab Movie Screening

3-5 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — $5 entry — Watch the Oscar-nominated film that explores humanity and mental health themes.

Guest Bartender Night

RPS205 administration, staff and Teacher Academy members will be behind the bar from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford. Fill the tip jar, get some great food and drinks and chat with your friends! A percentage will come back to Golden Apple to support local teachers. Your server may even turn out to be Dr. Jarrett! It’s a FUNdraiser — join us!