Good morning, Rockford.

Gizmo, a 1-year-old domestic medium hair cat, is ready for adoption today at Winnebago County Animal Services (4517 N.

Main St.) in Rockford as he seeks a forever family to provide constant cuddles.

Palace Wine Bar has transformed a historic building on North Main and Mulberry into a vibrant venue that serves wine, food and hosts events — including poetry readings and live music.

The bar honors its heritage as Palace Shoe Repair and opens daily at 4 p.m. at 202 N. Main Street.

A Davis Junction resident has launched Dog-Eared Books, a mobile bookstore created from a renovated bus that now serves readers throughout Ogle County.

The family business, built in two months, hopes to grow by partnering with local female-run companies+ it offers a wide selection of books for all ages.

Irish dance classes return to Rockford this fall through a partnership between Rockford Dance Company and the World School of Irish Dance.

Beginner lessons start at 10 a.m. and intermediate classes at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Dance Company studios to foster local cultural ties.

Guests can visit a 9/11 exhibit honoring first responders and veterans at Veterans Memorial Hall (211 N.

Main St.) starting Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. The exhibit features Missy Minardi’s original art that reflects national grief and her family’s military heritage, and it stays open through Sept. 22.

Rockford-based YWCA is using a $105,000 state grant to expand adult literacy programs that include volunteer tutoring and classes for parents and children, announced by state Sen. Steve Stadelman.

The funding is part of nearly $7 million allocated to 104 literacy initiatives across Illinois.

Keith Country Day School Head of School Charo Chaney said parents can still enroll their young ones in pre-K as the new school year begins in Rockford.

The school received a $25,000 donation from the Kjellstrom Foundation to expand its Dyslexia Support Program (supporting early curiosity and play).

Rock Valley College opened a new downtown campus a few blocks west of the Rock River that will offer technical training, general education, and community services for about 1,500 students; the campus is near the bus terminal and further improvements in the area are planned.

Construction on two I-39 bridges in Ogle County begins today, which will close one lane in each direction through November for a $3.2 million rehabilitation project.

Daytime single-lane closures on Illinois 72 may also cause delays as crews install a protective shield beneath the bridge deck.

Machesney Park residents spoke at a public hearing Monday about a potential business district plan at the Route 251 - Route 173 intersection with established businesses nearby.

Village leaders said the proposal may include a 1% sales tax increase to cover redevelopment costs and that ordinances will be considered soon.

City Council approved local landmark status for A & E Tool and Gage, a former machine shop where die-cast toy cars were made, on Monday at 1202 Eddy Ave in Rockford.

Owner Peter Herdklotz plans to restore the 77-year-old building after addressing code violations.

People can donate blood to help local patients at The Arc on Aug.

21 in Rockford. The drive in partnership with Rock River Valley Blood Center runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a free pint of Culver’s Custard for donors.

Doctors at OrthoIllinois report a rise in sports injuries among student athletes as fall practices begin and advise proper warmups, recovery, and strength training to prevent worsening knee, ankle, and hip injuries.

They warn that delaying treatment could lead to more inflammation and longer recovery.

Rockford apartment rentals remained stable at about $1,100, with one-bedroom units at $900 and two-bedroom units at $1,100, according to Zumper data.

These rates have shown no change since last month, keeping local rents below state and national medians.