Good morning, Rockford.

The Barbara Olson Center of Hope launched a $1.5 million campaign today to fund accessibility improvements and modernize its Rockford facility (including ADA upgrades, modern restrooms, and mobility accommodations) to better serve 140 adults with disabilities.

The 815 Hunger Luncheon has launched a six week campaign to support nine local food pantries after a name change that shows a growing partnership.

The event will be held on Sept. 30 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church & donations are accepted now.

Today, Midland States Bank Foundation awarded $97,500 in grants to 13 nonprofits for programs in education, health, housing, small business, and community stability; Rockford’s Seberson Dells Education Foundation will use the funds to expand nature-based STEM education for over 2,500 students.

Rockford Park District, Eliminate Racism 815 and the local NAACP hosted Unity Fest at Levings Unity Pavilion at Levings Lake last Saturday, Aug.

8, to celebrate cultural diversity and build community ties. The event featured discussions on common challenges and shared successes to promote unity.

Isabelle Rose Bahena (17) was crowned Boone County Fair Queen on Aug.

11 at the Fairgrounds in Belvidere, while Little Miss Raelynn Jade Ortgiesen (9) was honored during the pageant with contestants from Poplar Grove, Belvidere, and Caledonia competing.

Randee’s Music Center will close by mid-September after 40 years at 4116 Morsay Drive.

Its final sale offers up to 50% off inventory and the building will be sold to the Pregnancy Care Center— a new, smaller store in Loves Park will open by October.

RockYard Music Fest — presented by Foresight Bank — is set for Friday, Aug.

14 and Saturday, Aug. 15 at Davis Park. The free two-day event offers live music, art activities, food, yard games and concludes with fireworks and a drone show.

Walter Lawson Children's Home completed nearly $1M in school renovations to upgrade facilities for developmentally disabled youth, including new flooring, ceilings, lighting and cabinetry, and held a ribbon-cutting with the Parks Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Aug.

12 at 1820 Walter Lawson Drive in Loves Park.

A recent court ruling bars undocumented Illinois students from receiving in-state tuition and state financial aid for the upcoming school year.

Universities now must update award letters, and Northern Illinois University said it will work with affected students (around 25,000 statewide) to find new funding options.

Data from the Illinois State Board of Education showed that in the 2024-25 school year, administrators in Harlem Unit School District 122 earned an average of $113,993 (53.2% more than teachers who earned $74,428) at its Machesney Park office.