Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Newburg Road’s $2.3 million makeover changes your daily drive.

And on the Rockford Patch calendar - Jimmy Failla

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Good morning Rockford! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Newburg Road's $2.3 million makeover changes your daily drive.
  • See what's new at Davis Park's latest public art installation.
  • What Chamique Holdsclaw told Rock Valley athletes about mental health.

Also on today's calendar: ICONIC REUNION - Music of Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, John Denver, and MORE and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 80 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 81, low: 56.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 77 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Rockford completes $2.3 million Newburg Road upgrades to connect neighborhoods (mystateline.com) — Newburg Road in Rockford is fully reopened after a $2.3 million reconstruction between Alpine and Mulford, adding fresh pavement, bike lanes, and new sidewalks. City leaders say the upgrades will better connect nearby neighborhoods to Colonial Village, Alpine Park, and future paths, while improving daily safety and walkability for families, including those near Gregory School.
   

2. Meet Steve, Rachel and Karen, Rockford's newest pieces of public art (rrstar.com) — Three new sculptures by Rockford native John Verl McNamara are now on display at Davis Park, tying into Illinois' America 250 celebration. The pieces, titled "Steve," "Rachel," and "Karen," highlight everyday people and community connection, and are meant to spark engagement in shared public spaces that Rockford residents regularly use.
   

3. WNBA legend shares mental health journey with RVC student-athletes (wifr.com) — Rockford-area student-athletes at Rock Valley College heard WNBA legend and new Hall of Famer Chamique Holdsclaw open up about her mental health journey. She shared childhood challenges, college struggles at Tennessee, and how therapy and support helped her succeed on and off the court, encouraging local players to take their own wellbeing seriously.
   

4. Amazon Is Expanding Drone Delivery to Illinois (q985online.com) — Amazon is rapidly expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service, with Chicago confirmed and Rockford potentially in line as the rollout grows. The piece explains how the drones work, where they're likely to fly, and raises practical concerns about noise, weather, and privacy that Rockford residents may face if the service reaches Northern Illinois.
   

📸 Around Rockford

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday August 22
  • Jimmy Failla →
    Coronado Theatre, 314 N Main St, Rockford
    7:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Rockford Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Comcast Launches Xfinity Shield, Redefining Intelligent Home Protection —Teddy Bailey Read on Patch
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Star was LOST on August 19, 2026 in Rockford, IL 61103 near Lawndale Ave and Tacoma Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Willows East-West Campus)
  • *** Is this anyone's sweet dog?
    Found at Custer Ave & N Church St in Rockford on 8-19-26. NO MICROCHIP. Staying with finder at the moment which is not me but I can contact them. … (Nextdoor Linview/Lincliff)
  • OSF HealthCare posted a job opening for Medical Office Assistant Cardiovascular Institute in Rockford. Apply here.
  • Rockford Public Schools posted a job opening for Competitive Cheer Assistant Coach (2026-2027 Season) in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.

Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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