Good morning, Rockford.

Live at Levings hosted the 815 BlackFest at Levings Park, celebrating black excellence in music and community with over 24 vendors, an award ceremony, and speeches from Alderperson Gabrielle Torina and State Representative Maurice West.

The festival returned after nearly a decade—adding a little flavor to local tradition—and hundreds attended.

Rockford painter Nancie King Mertz won ‘Best Pastel Painting’ at the global Plein Air Convention in Reno, where her work was selected from 11,000 entries—she has practiced oil and pastel painting her whole life and now shows her work at her home gallery, Art de Triumph on Ridgewood Road.

Black and Jones Attorneys at Law have launched a scholarship fund to support local high school graduates pursuing skilled trades at accredited schools — in 2025, ten students will receive $2,500 while one student will be awarded annually in later years.

Students living within 25 miles of Rockford must apply by September 16 and winners will be announced on October 16.

Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford warned that federal cuts to National Weather Service funding are straining forecasters and could lead to layoffs and reduced essential services today—putting weather balloon launches, climate records and event coordination at risk.

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.

Japanese Summer Festival

Experience Japanese culture — July 26-27 — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Admission details not specified — Enjoy live performances, martial arts, crafts, and delicious cuisine in a serene garden setting.