Good morning, Rockford.

Alyvia Wakenight, Aquatics Manager at Dolphin Swim Club, offered pool safety tips today for keeping kids safe in and around water—she advised that a sober adult watch children closely, ensure they wear coast guard approved life jackets, and secure home pools with covers and gates to help prevent drowning.

A Rockford-area resident said her car was broken into while parked at a local forest preserve, which led to over $1,000 in repair costs and the loss of her purse and wallet—local authorities warn that warmer weather could increase break-ins and advise hiding valuables in vehicles.

Rockford residents gathered Thursday at Sinnissippi Park to celebrate Juneteenth with food, local performances and a community awards ceremony.

The 35th anniversary event honored history and aimed to unite people — marking the oldest known Juneteenth celebration in Illinois.

A Teachers' Lounge Radio Show segment interviewed Rockford elementary school students at Spectrum Progressive School every month from September to May.

This spring, students from Somonauk, Sandwich, and Leland FFA were also featured on the show—adding fresh insights to the year-long report.

Rockford will host the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon on June 22 with a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run starting at 7 a.m. on race day, and road closures will begin as early as 4 a.m.—affecting downtown streets, nearby residential areas, and select county roads through the week.

Rockford Job Fair

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford — Free entry — Connect face-to-face with several employers hiring in the Rockford area.

Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk

7:00–11:00 a.m. — Riverview Ice House — Registration required — Celebrate Independence Day with a classic run/walk through downtown Rockford.

Screw City Duathlon and Multi-Sports Event

8 AM — Peak Sports Club — Register by July 8, 2024 — Participate in a thrilling duathlon, team duathlon, or 2-mile run/walk in a community-focused event.