Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford’s city hall now displays 20 black-and-white portrait outlines of Hispanic leaders to honor community figures, and visitors are invited to add their own color—local artist Victor Rivera created the artwork with SOMOS City of Rockford.

The portraits will be on display until October 15th as a tribute during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Local chefs Xavier Kimbrough and Quinton Whitley hosted a tasting event on Aug.

30 at Bro’s Kitchen to bring back familiar foods such as hibachi bowls and macaroni and cheese—aiming to reconnect neighbors with a hometown dining experience. They plan to raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign to secure a permanent space and eventually expand to more locations while using food to educate and heal.

Pastor Melvin Brown and his wife Shiela Brown have purchased the closed Mercyhealth Rockton Hospital campus and plan to invest in the property to uplift the community.

The mayor warned that selling without proper vetting could leave the building vacant—Mercyhealth CEO Javon Bea said the review process reflected racial bias.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford opened its doors on August 29 and celebrated its first anniversary with an employees-only party featuring Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen— a Rock-and-Roll Hall-of-Famer—while welcoming over one million guests in its first year and generating over $8 million in tax revenue that supports the Rockford Promise Scholarship Program.

Rockford Police arrested Zachary Harper on September 2nd after he allegedly threatened a man with a knife, cut in line and pepper-sprayed him at Cornucopia Food Pantry on Market Street — bystanders disarmed him and he faces charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery.

Rockford businesses and nonprofits are working to cut down on clothing waste by promoting mending and secondhand shopping.

Tad More Tailoring and Alterations and Petal Creative will host a fall clothing swap on Sept. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.—a step aimed at reducing pressure on the local landfill.

The Rockford City Council voted against a housing development that would have built 180 duplexes along Fincham Drive, White Chapel Lane, Mill Road, and Highgrove Place on September 2 because officials felt the plan was too dense and rental-heavy—raising concerns among nearby homeowners. Investor Luke Salamone and NBA star Fred VanVleet said they still plan to pursue future projects in the area.

Rockford city officials warned that ICE operations could soon extend to the city, though police confirmed they will not assist in raids as they follow the Illinois Trust Act—protecting the noncitizen community.

The statement was shared in English and Spanish to reassure local residents as federal immigration enforcement ramps up in nearby Chicago.

The American Red Cross advises families to make emergency kits during National Preparedness Month to be ready for unexpected events.

CEO Kellie O’Connell said these kits should include food, water, and medicine — tips that help residents plan how to stay connected if emergencies occur.

Cruise Night 2025

5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.

Greenwich Village Art Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky performed by the RSO and guest guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.