Good morning, Rockford.

Meech, a resilient one-year-old pit bull-terrier mix who faced setbacks after arriving in December 2025, is ready for a forever home at Winnebago County Animal Services at 4517 N.

Main St., with reduced adoption fees during its ongoing Empty the Shelter event.

Womanspace’s annual Beat the Heat Online Auction launched Monday and remains open for bids until 9 p.m. July 31 on its website.

Bidders aged 18 and older can choose from local experiences, gift certificates, and unique items that support a nonprofit fostering community connection in Rockford.

The Rockford Park District will host two music events— a Fleetwood Mac tribute concert with Second Hand News and Tom Mac Group at the Sinnissippi Music Shell on Thursday, July 23 at 6:00 p.m. and a DJ battle at Levings Park on Sunday, July 26 offering a $1,000 cash prize—to bring live music to the community.

Beats and Bites returns to Eddie Green Park on July 23 and July 30 in the River District, offering free food trucks, music, games, and giveaways.

The event, made possible by the Forward for Fun Grant program, supports local small-businesses and boosts tourism.

Rockford Park District and partners are studying needed facility improvements to keep local sports tourism competitive.

A report on repairs and upgrades is expected in November to help boost the economic impact of past successful projects.

Goodwill Excel Center received a $150,000 grant from Nicor Illinois Community Investment on Thursday, July 16 to expand industry-recognized certifications in commercial trucking, welding & robotics, offering adult students improved career opportunities.

Illinois Reads Together invites students finishing their summer reading programs to join a statewide drawing for a chance to attend a pregame ceremony at Wrigley Field on Sept.

16. Eligible participants must enroll via their local public library & meet reading goals.

Rockford University has introduced a new LPN-to-BSN program with a $77,000 grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education to help local nurses become registered—admissions for the first cohort open ahead of the spring term starting Jan.

11.

The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act last week, and local experts in Rockford say a permanent daylight saving time could disrupt sleep patterns for children - possibly affecting daily routines.

Senate review of the measure remains uncertain.

Rockford has released the new 2026 Infill Planning and Development Guide listing 50 sites over 1,000 acres to spur residential growth.

City officials say developers and property owners can review the guide and connect with staff to explore housing opportunities — a key part of a broader strategy.

Three major women’s and girls’ baseball events will begin tomorrow and run through Sunday, attracting 6,900 visitors and generating $2.8M in spending in Rockford + featuring the 10th Women’s Baseball World Cup at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park, the nation’s largest girls’ tournament, and reunions honoring former professional players.

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.