Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford Art Deli and Bucciferro Family McDonald’s have teamed up to launch a limited edition T-shirt celebrating the return of the Snack Wrap and to raise funds for the Family Peace Center.

Preorders open today through July 24 with $3 from every sale benefiting survivors of domestic and interpersonal violence.

The Northern Illinois Food Bank is offering free daily summer meals to children and teens in the Rockford region.

The organization will serve 7,500 meals at 145 sites across 13 counties — parks, libraries, schools, churches, and community centers — with meals following USDA guidelines and no ID required.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford donated $200,000 to the Rockford Park District to support the Unity Pavilion at Levings Park, part of an $850,000 project that opened in 2024—showing the casino’s ongoing commitment to local community improvements.

A juvenile girl was hit by an eastbound train when she tried to cross after the gates and signals activated, and Rochelle Police & Fire responded at 10:30 p.m. on July 8 before she was flown to OSF in Rockford for treatment.

Rockford business owners urge shoppers to support local shops instead of choosing Amazon Prime Day deals.

They say buying locally helps the community and independent companies—Maze Books will offer free shipping on orders through Bookshop.org until July 11.

Rockford deputies arrested 44-year-old Luis Lara Jr.—charged with multiple felonies— after he allegedly fired near two people lighting fireworks on the 4300 block of Liberty Drive on July 8, and officers later found three guns including a pistol with a laser sight at his residence.

A Rockford home was damaged twice by youths participating in a TikTok challenge on June 24 and July 3, causing broken windows and dents that will require a new screen door and repairs—Rockford police are investigating the incident.

Rockford Fire Chief Michele Pankow left the department after 32 years of service on Wednesday and will become Illinois’ next State Fire Marshal on July 14.

Brian Carlson has taken over as interim chief for the department.

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.

Greater Rockford Classic

Fri-Sun, Aug 1-3 — Aldeen Golf Club — Registration Fee Required — Compete in a nearly century-old tournament with 54 holes of stroke play open to players aged 14 and older.

Maxwell Concert

7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $86 — Experience a night of soulful melodies with Maxwell at Hard Rock Casino.

Dockside Live featuring Tristan Sheedloe

6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Enjoy original tunes and 90s grunge covers while relaxing by the riverfront.