Good morning, Rockford.

Rock—a 5-year-old terrier mix—waits at Winnebago County Animal Services at 4517 N.

Main St. in Rockford and loves belly rubs and water; volunteers say he is ready to bring smiles to a new family.

Rockford will celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with a parade at 4:30 p.m. in downtown areas, live music starting at 6 p.m., and a 30-minute fireworks display from the Jefferson Street Bridge.

Nearby towns will host similar community events on July 3 and 4—celebrations planned for all ages.

Iconic Energy donated $900,000 in solar panels to the YMCA of Rock River Valley by installing 491 panels at the UW Health Riverfront YMCA and 73 at the Good Shepherd YMCA.

The panels are estimated to save about $35,000 a year in energy costs, allowing more funds for community programs.

Theresa Knauf was appointed as executive director of Friends of the Coronado (replacing Beth Howard) in Rockford.

She plans board changes, repairs to the historic Coronado Theatre, and centennial celebrations scheduled for next year (she recalled a full circle moment in her former Jackson Piano office).

City leaders hosted story time Monday at City Hall to celebrate the launch of the 14th Ready to Learn Space, where Mayor Tom McNamara, Police Chief Carla Redd, and Fire Chief Rebecca Tyo read books to local kids.

Families can take home free books through a local partnership.

Rockford City Council approved $622,000 for a mobile grocery store after discussions revised the proposal — $300,000 came from Cannabis Funds and $322,000 from Casino Funds.

Extreme heat is raising triple-digit heat index values along the stateline, and local doctors advise older adults and neighbors to stay hydrated and check on isolated seniors; Peterson Meadows (a retirement community) is moving activities indoors amid warnings to seek cool areas if heat illness signs appear.

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.