Good morning, Rockford.

Papa is a 3-year-old Chinese shar-pei/pit bull mix available for adoption at Winnebago County Animal Services after a brief placement that did not work out.

He is known for his playful energy and calm nature and can be picked up at (4517 N. Main St.) in Rockford.

The 300 block of Irving Avenue transformed Monday as Community Healing Center, Youth Services Network and Rockford Police Department hosted a block party — offering games, music and on-site health screenings to support local families.

On May 31, 53-year-old firefighter-paramedic John Morgan died of natural causes at Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department Station No. 3 on Willowbrook Road when he became unresponsive on duty, as confirmed by the Winnebago County Coroner's Office.

An early morning fire at 150 North 9th in downtown Rockford left three injured and forced once-homeless resident Josiah Jones to lose their apartment and work tools, prompting a GoFundMe as Rockford Fire continues investigating the blaze.

Andrew Mertzenich’s book Forest City Yester-Queer documents local queer history and will be available exclusively on June 6 at Maze Books downtown during the Pride Parade.

Later, local bookshops and museums will expand distribution across the community.

Illinois drivers saw relief last week as GasBuddy reported average gas prices fell 18.9 cents to $4.72 per gallon, though prices remained $1.38 above last year’s rates.

Analysts blamed the drop on falling oil prices and easing global supply concerns (which could affect future pricing).

Renovations are underway to convert the former Pope chiropractic clinic into the District 100 Wellness Center for Belvidere School District employees and their dependents — the new facility will support the alternative high school expansion scheduled to finish in August.

Illinois' new Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act took effect June 1, allowing eligible employees to take unpaid leave when their infant is admitted to the NICU (up to 10 days for smaller firms and 20 days for larger ones) with job protection and maintained health benefits.

River Bluff Nursing Home in Winnebago County recorded 304 available beds in Q1 2026 and cared for 151.6 residents on average while earning a rating of 2 out of 5, according to CMS data.

In the first quarter of 2026, Symphony Northwoods served an average of 87.5 residents daily and was Boone County's largest nursing home with 113 beds and a CMS rating of 1.

It outpaced Symphony Maple Crest and Park Place of Belvidere in size, according to CMS data.

A Rockford family encountered ticks on their skin, dog, and even their bed after a 20-minute walk at Rock Cut State Park last week, and health officials warn that warm spring weather may prolong tick activity and advise wearing long pants and tucking socks in for extra protection.

Rockford City Council approved a 350-unit apartment complex as part of a mixed-use development by Rockford University that brought new housing & retail options with modern one and two-bedroom units built around an outdoor courtyard.

The project uses three parcels totaling 13.3 acres and was unanimously approved.

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!