Good morning, Rockford.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley and Harlem Community Center are merging effective Oct.

1 after both boards approved moving staff+technology and systems to combine local programs with expanded YMCA benefits; a ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Oct. 22 with support from Loves Park and Machesney Park community leaders.

Hillary is a 2-year-old domestic short-hair cat available for adoption at Winnebago County Animal Services (located in Rockford).

The shelter says she is comfortable with other cats and would do best with a pet companion.

Comer Industries celebrated yesterday a $65 million renovation at 1200 Windsor Road that nearly doubled the facility to 600,000 sqft and unified its operations with 352 employees, marking the plant as the U.S. flagship hub amid plans for growth + expanded manufacturing capabilities.

PCI Pharma Services opened three new facilities in Rockford on Sept.

22, 2026, creating 650 jobs in the pharmaceutical sector. Local industry experts and city officials joined celebrations that included guided tours of the sites.

Students and community members cut the ribbon on a new playground at Hillman Elementary today, following over a year of planning and funded entirely by local donations from the Rockford Chamber + park district.

At a Tuesday night feedback session, Rockford Public Schools parents raised concerns over Zum's inconsistent bus service, and company leaders said they are working with district staff to optimize routes as Zum plans to host another session at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

24 at RESA Middle School.

Rockford Reads volunteers now pair with second and third graders for weekly one-hour reading sessions through the Rotary Club + this year the bilingual program aims to boost literacy and mentor students.

Forest preserve officials accepted a 4.6-acre donation from the Natural Land Institute today that expands Kilbuck Bluffs Forest Preserve along Kilbuck Creek in Rockford and will keep the land dedicated to conservation to protect its wildflowers + birds.

Rockford residents can learn to access government records and file FOIA requests in a free workshop series at the Rockford Public Library today, starting with Decode Democracy from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; sessions continue on Oct.

21 and Nov. 18 with federal archivists and library staff guiding participants.

PA Peterson at the Citadel, a for-profit nursing home in Winnebago County, earned a CMS rating of 2 for Q1 2026 based on health inspections, staffing, and resident care measures.

The facility has been under the ownership of five stakeholders since June 30, 2017 and serves about 124 residents daily.

Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling received a $50K grant Tuesday to help survivors in Winnebago and Boone counties by funding essential supplies, support personnel, travel and rent — a grant provided by Rep. Dave Vella and the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois that will keep counseling services free.