Good morning, Rockford.

Two immigrant families in Rockford face growing fears of ICE raids as they work to settle in a new country—one family from Ecuador with three children who attend local school and join a soccer team, and two Nicaraguan brothers who remain apart from their children.

Both families report increased stress as they adjust to life here while awaiting a future reunion or improved immigration protections.

An elderly man was trapped under a tractor for nearly three hours on July 20 in rural Harvard and was airlifted in critical condition to a Rockford hospital after rescue crews used a powerful front loader to free him + the tractor had overturned into a water body.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze early Monday at 1017 S.

3rd Street when flames consumed a vacant two-story home marked unsafe — no one was injured and damages reached $30,000.

Valli Produce is closing its Loves Park grocery store near Alpine Road and Riverside Boulevard later this summer or fall after nearly 18 years in business—employees will move to the Rockford store which will stay open.

Walmart’s new ad campaign features Rockford-based Fire Department Coffee led by founder Luke Schneider and vice president Jason Patton as the company, which partnered with Walmart following its 2023 Open Call win, reaches a national audience—supporting local firefighters with a $10,000 check to the Rockford Fire Department. The 30-second spot was unveiled at a local Walmart Supercenter and will air today as Walmart boosts U.S.-made products and local small businesses.

Valli Produce announced it will close its Loves Park store later this summer or early fall at 6550 N.

Alpine Road—staff will be reassigned to its Rockford location at 5880 E. State Street.

A 36-year-old Rockford man, Will Robinson, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on July 18 for drug and traffic charges when a jury convicted him of possessing meth with intent to deliver and driving with a revoked license—authorities found meth, digital scales, and cash during a vehicle stop.

Three teens were charged with burglary and public urination after Rockford police spotted them near an unoccupied car at Second Congregational UCC Church (318 N Church Street) on Saturday at 1:50 a.m., with a 15-year-old and a 13-year-old taken to Juvenile Detention while another 15-year-old was released after authorities recovered screwdrivers.

Two Chicago men and one man from Cicero were arrested in Rockford after police pulled over a car at 11:45 p.m. on July 20—officers recovered two loaded guns reported stolen from Louisville, Kentucky—and the suspects face weapons charges with court dates set for July 22 and August 20.

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.

Lola Blu & the Boys Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Winnebago County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Experience the captivating blend of country and southern rock with rising star Lola Blu.

RAMP River Run Half Marathon

11 AM — Downtown Rockford — Registration fee required — A spirited half marathon encouraging competition and community fun to cap off the summer.