Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford families gathered Thursday night for El Shaddai Worship Assembly's free family night to provide meals, ice cream, food baskets and prayer – part of a month-long outreach to support those facing financial stress.

The Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce recognized 40 area residents with its inaugural 40 over 40 awards on Thursday, June 25 at UMB Bank Pavilion.

The honorees include leaders from civic, health, education+ business sectors who have shaped local success.

Rockford’s BD4 a Burger Joint, formerly Baker Street Burgers, will be featured on America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow on June 30 at 1603 N.

Alpine Road, where owner and chef Betsy Baker will share the restaurant’s story and popular menu items such as the oversized Crab Rangoon.

Community members gathered Thursday night in Loves Park for a presentation on the Declaration of Independence.

Parks Chamber of Commerce hosted the event with treasurer John Danielson explaining how the historic document shaped the nation and remains relevant today.

In Belvidere, a nearly 258-acre site next to the Assembly Plant is eyed to become an industrial park for parts suppliers as local officials plan to install water and secure funding for sewer lines (with state funds reimbursed later) ahead of the plant's reopening in late 2027.

Severson Dells Nature Center — soon to be called Wild Roots — received a $25,000 America in Bloom grant to speed up the rewilding of the 170-acre Eliot Golf Course on the east side, which will be transformed into native prairie and oak savannah.

Under a new Illinois law, the Department of Public Health will begin testing all children for lead exposure on July 1, with tests at 12 and 24 months determining if home visits and assistance are needed when levels exceed 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.

Residents in Winnebago County have new options for disposing of needles, syringes and injector pens using five sharps disposal boxes—located in Roscoe Township, Cherry Valley, Durand, at the Public Library and Health Department—open during normal business hours since June 25.

Rockford Fourth of July Fireworks

5-9:30 p.m. — Davis Park at Founders Landing — Free entry — Enjoy a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display synchronized to music over the Rock River.

An Evening with The Brass Queens

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy an energetic performance by the female-led brass band making waves since 2019.

I Love The 90's Tour

7 p.m. — Hard Rock Live — Ticket prices vary — Dance the night away to hits from Milli Vanilli, C&C Music Factory, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Young MC.

I Love The 90's Tour

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Relive the essence of the 90's with an exciting music tour that brings back nostalgic memories.

Girls of Summer: AAGPBL and A League of Their Own Cast Q&A

12-2 p.m. — Midway Village Museum — Free admission — Hear personal stories from legendary AAGPBL players and cast members from A League of Their Own during this engaging Q&A session.

A Rockford Evening with Hollywood: Players from A League of Their Own

5-8:30 p.m. — Rockford Woman's Club — Paid entry — Celebrate baseball history and Hollywood with AAGPBL players and cast members in a fun-filled evening.

All White Affair Rockford

4-9 p.m. — Burpee Museum of Natural History — Enjoy an evening with live R&B from ANN MARIE at this elegant summer affair.