Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford Police are investigating a serious crash at Kishwaukee Street and 1st Avenue downtown yesterday at 3:29 p.m. when two vehicles collided causing an SUV to roll over and first responders to use the Jaws of Life to extricate a passenger—injury details remain unknown.

Rockford police arrested Audrey Brinda, 25, and Maurice Yancy, 24, after they invaded a home on the 3400 block of Normandy Avenue on June 8 around 8 p.m.—a resident used a firearm to stop the attack as neighbors reported screams and threatening behavior.

Rockford native Zoe Jensen, a Keith Country Day School alum, stars as Glinda in the North American tour of Wicked and has appeared in shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Six.

The tour will visit Madison, Milwaukee, and Peoria this summer — giving her a chance to share her passion for theater with audiences nationwide.

Forty-nine Rockford residents earned their high school diplomas through Rockford Public Library’s Adult Online High School program on Wednesday—an event marked by tears of joy and cheers as many, mostly mothers in their 30s, embraced a new start.

The program began in 2017 with three students and now has 70 participants enrolled for the upcoming year.

BraveHearts, the largest equine therapy program in the country, is expanding to Rockford by opening a new 133-acre center at Perks Ranch on N Weldon Road south of Severson Dells to offer horseback riding therapy for military veterans and others facing mental health challenges.

The nonprofit started in 2002 in Harvard and last year connected over 1,800 people with its services—continuing its commitment to healing in the community.

Gov. Pritzker signed a law on Tuesday that will end step therapy for Alzheimer’s patients with state insurance—starting next month, patients can access new FDA-approved treatments without first trying cheaper drugs.

The law also covers diagnostic testing beginning in 2027.

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.

Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk

7:00–11:00 a.m. — Riverview Ice House — Registration required — Celebrate Independence Day with a classic run/walk through downtown Rockford.