Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford’s Progressive West Rockford Community Development Corporation announced plans for an $80 million African Village on S.

Main Street featuring African-themed stores, restaurants, and a theater. The project will extend to the 1000 and 1100 blocks of S. Main Street and W. State Street with a projected total cost of $85 million—funding coming from 15 unnamed foundations.

After severe storms damaged its equipment, Alpine Kiwanis Club canceled this year's Brat Days and asked ticket buyers to treat their purchases as donations—dozens of Rockford volunteers helped clean up both the Loves Park Blaine’s Farm and the CherryVale Mall sites.

RMTD reported that six passengers were on a bus that stopped in rising floodwaters last Thursday night — all passengers were safely transferred on a replacement bus — as two vehicles had been disabled and service returned to normal on July 11.

Former Rockford resident Richard Vargas returned to writing after a 15-year break—he said the city inspired his new poetry book, 'The Screw City Poems,' which was released July 11.

He will hold readings through October to promote the collection.

Flash floods keep challenging Rockford as experts warn that even a little water can damage a car’s engine and electronics—issues that may only appear later.

Mechanics urge drivers to have any vehicle exposed to deep water inspected by a professional to decide if it can be safely repaired or should be sold—especially when water rises above the floorboards.

The Illinois Department of Health declared the measles outbreak over after no new cases were diagnosed since May 22 & two full incubation periods passed.

The outbreak involved eight related cases in southern Illinois and two unconnected cases in Cook County, and came during a nationwide surge with nearly 1,300 cases this year.

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.