Good morning, Rockford.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois awarded 217 students over $500,000 in scholarships for their hard work.

Alex Marshall, a sophomore at University of New Hampshire, and Chloe Sanford, an incoming freshman at Saint Norbert, said the awards show that the community is behind them & gives them a boost to reach their goals.

Just before 4:30 a.m. on June 17, a Rockford family woke to embers falling from their ceiling as firefighters responded to a home on the 500 block of Washington Street where faulty wiring caused an estimated $30,000 in damage (no injuries to residents or pets).

U.S. Coast Guard veteran Aaron Sabia and his wife Dana created Race Ready Obstacles to make handmade obstacle course training equipment for athletes — similar to the gear seen on American Ninja Warrior and planned for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

They test each rig at home and work with Metal Supermarkets in Loves Park, with build times ranging from days to months based on course needs.

Rockford police arrested Dejanee Chatman, 27, on June 16 after she allegedly dragged a man through a parking lot with her car; she was charged with domestic battery + aggravated battery + theft + criminal damage to property.

Free walking and bike tours return to the River District for the 2025 season, with the first tour starting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at E.

State and 1st streets, led by Gary Anderson—founder of IAI, Studio GWA—and offering a look at Rockford’s history and revitalization.

Loves Park City Council approved two sales tax rebates that provide up to $1.5 million to support Capri Restaurant’s move into the former Shell gas station at 6480 E.

Riverside Blvd on Monday, June 16. The incentives include a 10% rebate for Capri and a 5% rebate for DJNK Holdings — approvals coming about seven hours after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Drivers were advised to take an alternate route on June 17 when Rockford Public Works replaced a signal mast arm at the intersection of N.

Central — Kilburn avenues; the intersection was under stop sign control with the northbound curb lane closed and work finished at 3 p.m.

A new residential development backed by NBA star Fred VanVleet and realtor Luke Salamone may add 180 units to east Rockford with plans for single-story and two-story duplexes and four-plexes along Fincham Drive, White Chapel Lane, Mill Road and Highgrove Place after receiving zoning board approval — the first 10 units will start construction this year with further units planned for 2026 and 2027 if the City Council gives final approval.

Rockford officials announced that several roads will be closed starting June 17 for the IRONMAN 70.3 event on Sunday, June 22.

Authorities will set up traffic control measures (including detours on main routes) and advise motorists to allow extra travel time.

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.