Good morning, Rockford.

The BMO Center in downtown Rockford is beginning phase 2 of a $4 million renovation to fix the building's exterior.

The work starts in early August & is expected to finish by mid-December, addressing issues like fan coil units, rotting doors and cracks without affecting visitors.

Chicago Rockford International Airport celebrated 80 years as it reached top cargo rankings and boosted passenger numbers in 2025.

Airport officials credit key infrastructure investments and partnerships (with UPS, Amazon Air, and Maersk Air Cargo) for the success, and anniversary events will continue to engage the community this year.

Salamone’s family is expanding into Machesney Park by purchasing the former Freddy’s at 9901 Orlando St. where they will renovate the dining area and add 2,500 sqft, planning to open by late 2027 with village redevelopment funds aiding some costs.

The History Channel series American Pickers will film in Illinois and Iowa in September and invites collectors with rare items and stories to be featured.

Local residents can send collection details (including photos) via email or call to share their unique finds.

Rockford University will launch a new LPN-to-BSN program in spring 2027 to help working LPNs finish their degrees faster.

The flexible program lets nurses transfer credits, use hybrid classes, and attend in-person clinicals to keep local healthcare workers in the area.

City Council members delayed a vote on the Spaces to Places program that would offer up to $20,000 in rental assistance to help fill vacant storefronts in downtown Rockford.

The decision will be reexamined on Aug. 3 after councilors questioned the long-term use of casino tax revenue.

A developer is seeking a special use permit to spend over $10M repurposing the 144-year-old Centennial United Methodist Church at 219 South 2nd St (in a historic district) into apartments and a restaurant as remediation is underway; approval should arrive in a couple months to launch the project.

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.