Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford Promise celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday with a Platinum Promise Gala at the Rockford Public Library, highlighting over 1,000 scholarships provided and 240 graduates supported.

The nonprofit also honored Executive Director Kaylene Groh with a carved walking stick for her four years of leadership.

A Rockford News First reporter was escorted out of a meeting between Zum and parents of Rockford Public School District 205 at 6 p.m. Thursday after a district member requested the removal - an email had previously confirmed media attendance.

YaYa Biggs joined WNIJ in Studio A to perform a song from their debut album Strictly Biggness, which blends rock, funk and jazz with creative sampling.

The album is streaming on Bandcamp + updates are posted on Instagram.

Rock Valley College is offering a new degree pathway that grants active local law enforcement officers up to 27 credits for on the job experience with flexible online courses.

The program helps officers earn nearly half of the 60 credits needed for an associate degree while managing work and family commitments.

Byron Community Unit School District 226 received a $16,528 grant to buy a Yamaha C3X grand piano from Randee’s Music, and the instrument will debut at the school concert at Byron Middle School Theatre on Oct.

14 at 6:30 p.m.

Former radio host Steve Shannon was announced Wednesday as Rockford Park District's new Community Engagement Specialist — he will connect residents with local parks and recreation sites after leaving radio earlier this year.

Westbound traffic on the U.S. 20 bypass near Montague Road will be detoured Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. for bridge beam repairs, and the road will reopen Sunday morning with funding from the state's Rebuild Illinois capital program.

Rockford nonprofit Shatter Our Silence marked 10 years of supporting mental health and suicide prevention with a dinner at Tebala Event Center on Sep.

24. The event featured personal stories and music that underscored its mission to help young adults.

Kevin Williams, a Rockford behavioral health expert, explained that bipolar 1 disorder can include mixed features with both high moods and lows, which can make treatment more challenging; he urged loved ones to watch for sudden mood swings to seek help.

The Northern Illinois Land Bank is auctioning seven properties in Freeport, Rockford, and Loves Park via online bids.

Freeport bidding, which began on Sept. 24 and ends Sept. 29, includes open houses today, while Rockford bids will begin Oct. 1 with an open house Oct. 2.