Good morning, Rockford.

The community gathered today in Rockford to say goodbye to Mike Doyle, a respected educator and journalist whose funeral services were held today.

He spent 25 years at the Rockford Register Star—later teaching at Rock Valley College and Belvidere High School, and his legacy in local history endures.

The City of Rockford Water Division celebrated 150 years of clean water by hosting a free Splash Bash on August 8 from 2-4 p.m. at 1141 Cedar Street + residents enjoyed water-themed activities including a hydrant party, an inflatable water slide, live DJ music and free treats from the Kona Ice Truck.

A 62-year-old motorcyclist died after his Honda Shadow collided with a Mercedes at the intersection of 20th Street and Blackhawk Road in Rockford on Thursday night around 6 p.m.—the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office said the scene is under investigation with no charges announced.

Gray Media Group announced Friday, August 8th that it will buy 10 TV stations from Allen Media Group, including Rockford’s WREX, in a deal expected to close in the fourth quarter after regulatory approval—this move will expand Gray’s reach in several markets.

Police arrested Daniel Chavez-Gerde—a 20-year-old suspect who turned himself in Friday—for the murder at Blackhawk Park where an argument led to the shooting of 22-year-old Lewis Brown III at 1:58 a.m. on Monday, and Brown later died at the hospital.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford will sell $8.15 tickets for CeeLo Green's show on Friday, August 15th at 7 p.m. in celebration of 815 Day, and tickets will only be available in-person (a valid Player’s Club Unity card is required).

The inaugural RISE Teen Summit at Zion Missionary Baptist Church started Friday with workshops that taught local middle and high school students about college, jobs and self-confidence—organizers opened the event to middle schoolers to build early leadership.

Today the summit continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free youth-led sessions on mindset, identity and planning for the future.

Lola Blu & the Boys Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Winnebago County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Experience the captivating blend of country and southern rock with rising star Lola Blu.

RAMP River Run Half Marathon

11 AM — Downtown Rockford — Registration fee required — A spirited half marathon encouraging competition and community fun to cap off the summer.

Dinner on the Dock with Random AF

5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Varied food and drink costs — Enjoy high-energy covers from the vibrant band Random AF while dining on the riverfront.

Ginuwine Concert

7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.

Dockside Live featuring Honey Cellar

6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Unwind with live folk rock sounds and scenic riverfront views.

Dinner on the Dock featuring Flannel Daze

5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Food and drinks available — Enjoy live 90s rock and grunge hits while dining riverside in a lively atmosphere.