Good morning, Rockford.

Beef-a-Roo is in transition as a Texas firm is set to buy the chain while employees report not being paid, causing one Rockford location at 1680 N.

Alpine Road to close; the company says it is offering daily pay options (including electronic transfers and emergency assistance) to resolve payroll issues.

Monarch Rock Air signed a tax incentive deal with the state for its planned data center near Friday Road, state records show.

The agreement, signed on June 5 & 11, requires a $250M investment and creation of at least 100 full-time jobs.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that white students made up 46.2% (the largest share) of 8,939 enrollments at Winnebago County universities in 2023-24, a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

Hispanic and Black students accounted for 23.1% and 17.8%, respectively.

Some Rockford residents may see a new mail carrier and a change in delivery time today as USPS starts new routes for roughly 30 areas.

The route update aims to balance workloads and maintain full eight-hour shifts using union feedback for any needed adjustments.

Rockford city council’s planning and development committee voted 2-1 against a $400K funding request from cannabis tax revenue for the nonprofit’s Alive and Free youth program designed to support trauma-impacted youth; a full council vote will occur Monday at 5:30 p.m. inside city hall.

The Rockford Mass Transit District will change some bus routes starting July 5 to help riders reach places like Lowe’s Distribution Center and Northeast Family YMCA — updated schedule details will be available in service books and on the website a week before the new routes begin.

Today, Rockford hosts the 5th Annual Team Illinois Lacrosse Invitational & Showcase featuring over 300 youth, high school, and college teams competing through Sunday at Mercyhealth Sportscore One and Sportscore Two.

Organizers expect a tourism boost from visitors arriving from several states (parking is $20).

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.