Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford will mark America's 250th with a free symphony concert at the Coronado Theatre and a street festival beginning 4 p.m. July 3, followed by a parade and fireworks on July 4 downtown; city officials say road closures & free parking will support the celebrations.

City Council approved $622K to start a mobile grocery store that will bring fresh produce, meat, eggs, and dairy from City Center Market to underserved areas five days a week.

Farmers Rising will run the program after a debate on June 29.

Discovery Center Museum unveiled its Enchanted Garden yesterday at Discovery Park on Main St, where wild flowering plants attract pollinators and offer kids a place to learn and play.

Local artist Brad Towell designed the garden featuring animal carvings & a floral mural with a soothing Wind Cloud sound.

The U.S. Department of Education is cutting Full-Service Community Schools grants today — a decision that will impact 32 schools including those in Rockford.

Local educators warn that the funding loss will force program cuts and staff reductions.

Excel Center, a free public charter high school for adults run by Goodwill Industries, celebrated its first class of 46 graduates Tuesday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Hall with keynote speaker Dick Durbin.

The event marked a milestone in supportive local education.

Rockford officials remind residents that consumer fireworks are illegal today for safety reasons.

The Rockford Fire Department urges celebrations via licensed displays and warns that authorities will enforce the ban during the holiday period + residents should call the non-emergency line to report violations.

Residents can beat the heat at cooling centers in Winnebago and Boone counties; Rockford sites such as Carpenter’s Place at 1149 Railroad Ave and the Rescue Mission at 715 W.

State St offer relief plus extra shelter hours.

Illinois pharmacists can now offer a wider range of birth control methods that include non-hormonal and emergency options available today at local pharmacies.

Trained pharmacists must complete a self-screening and counsel patients before dispensing contraception.

Crusader Community Health holds a ribbon cutting today at 2 p.m. at its new 28,390 sqft clinic at South Alpine (offering family medicine, pediatric, women's and behavioral care) before beginning patient services on Tuesday, July 7 to address a primary care gap on the south side.

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.