Good morning, Rockford.

ComEd is urging Rockford customers to reduce energy use today as a heat wave pushes grid demand to critical levels; the utility advises conserving electricity between noon and 8 p.m. while crews work to prevent outages.

YWCA Northwestern Illinois will host its annual One Table: An Open-Air Dining Experience on Saturday, Aug.

29, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Water Street, featuring a chef-crafted, multi-course dinner by Chef Paul Sletten (tickets are $200 if purchased by July 24, then $225).

Wednesday at Porter Park, Village of Roscoe hosted an America 250 celebration with a flag ceremony, village leader remarks on history, and the burial of a time capsule to be opened in 2076 for the nation’s 300th birthday.

The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office will unveil a memorial wall hanging at 3 p.m. today at the Old Courthouse at 403 Elm St. to honor former coroner Sue Fiduccia’s more than 20 years of service — a lasting tribute to her dedication.

Beef-a-Roo at 1680 N.

Alpine Road closed indefinitely on Wednesday, July 1 after employees went a week without pay. The restaurant, part of several nationwide shutdowns, now directs customers to other local locations—no reopening date has been set.

An agreement offers tax incentives for Monarch Energy’s Rock Air data center on 1300 acres on Rockford’s edge.

Signed in early June before Gov. Pritzker halted the program on July 1, the deal requires a $250 million investment + 100 hires and the center to open by March 11, 2031.

Chicago Rockford International Airport ranked as the nation’s 12th largest cargo airport with over 3.43 billion pounds of cargo in 2025—a 9% increase from 2024 that moved it from 14th place.

Officials credit strong trust from airlines and freight forwarders for the facility’s growing role as a global cargo gateway.

Rockford along with seven other regions will receive tailored economic analysis from Illinois EDC’s new Regional Research Pilot Program, a 12-month pilot that will help local leaders guide long-term growth and attract businesses (Rockford Mayor Thomas McNamara said the city is eager to build on current momentum).

Today, the YMCA of Rock River Valley receives a $900,000 donation of solar panels - 491 at UW Health Riverfront YMCA and 73 at Good Shepherd YMCA - that will save about $35,000 annually in utility expenses.

Due to early warming and frost, Cherry Valley orchard’s cherry crop is nearly absent this season, with owner Raoul Bergersen noting that trees are shifting to new growth for next year’s bloom — and the orchard will invite customers for apple picking, pies, and donuts by Labor Day.

Crusader Community Health will open its sixth clinic on Tuesday, July 7 at 4592 Linden Road.

The 28,390 sqft facility held a July 1 ribbon-cutting and will serve south Rockford and nearby rural areas — offering affordable, accessible primary care.

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.