Good morning, Rockford.

A new report from U.S. News & World Report ranked Rockford number 18 of 22 best places to live in Illinois.

The study noted low housing costs attract families and retirees who may work in larger cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison.

Thomas Walker Jr., 41, from Pecatonica died when his pickup truck went off the road early Monday morning on Highway 20 near Meridian Road as first responders pronounced him dead at 1:32 a.m. on June 2—Illinois State Police are investigating.

Bago Lounge in Winnebago will close around September 7th at 817 N Elida Street as owner Vince Magiaracina shifts operations to a new venue in Loves Park.

Magiaracina recently bought Finnegan’s Cottage at 4832 N 2nd Street—preparations for the remodel and move are underway.

Rockford police arrested 24 year old William Pouncy after the SoundThinking system detected gunfire in Midtown District on Saturday at 1:05 a.m. along the 700 block of 7th Avenue & officers recovered shell casings as he was charged with unlawful use of weapons, aggravated unlawful possession, and lacking a valid Firearm Owners Identification.

Public libraries across northern Illinois are hosting summer reading programs that offer themed challenges and prizes for children, teens and adults.

Programs began on June 2 in Cortland and DeKalb while Freeport and Malta libraries will start on June 9 and June 6 respectively+ Rockford Public Library is already running its challenge until August 16.

Mayor Tom McNamara (entering his third term) delivered his eighth State of the City address at City Hall in Rockford on June 2, warning that state and federal funding cuts could strain public services like education and public safety.

He also announced plans to move the Family Peace Center (serving over 2,200 survivors) into a larger facility and begin $96 million in road improvements, including Davis Park renovations after the Ironman triathlon on June 22.

Illinois lawmakers have reallocated funds from a record-setting $55.2 billion state budget to support Rockford’s long-awaited rail project that will link Chicago to Rockford with stops in Elgin, Huntley and Belvidere.

The rail service will start by the end of 2027—officials noted the funding move ensures the city stays a key transit hub.

Taxpayers in Rockford are reminded that the first installment of property taxes is due Friday, June 6th at the Winnebago County Administration Building at 404 Elm Street.

Treasurer Theresa Grennan said payments can be mailed or made online to avoid a 1.5% per month penalty — parking downtown is limited due to construction.

The northbound lanes of N.

Alpine Road will close next week for a water main replacement project from June 9 to June 11 (northbound traffic will detour via Highcrest Road to Spring Creek Road and back to Alpine).

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!

Rockford Job Fair

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford — Free entry — Connect face-to-face with several employers hiring in the Rockford area.