Good morning, Rockford.

Route 64 between Mt. Morris and Oregon is closed due to an airplane crash—Ogle County law enforcement warns drivers to avoid the area while they investigate.

Renovations began Tuesday, July 22 at the former Pomodoro site on 6500 E.

Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park — the Nebiu family is turning the space into A.M. Social Brunch, an upscale restaurant expected to open in about three months and serve breakfast and brunch with mimosa flights, Bloody Marys and fresh-squeezed orange juice from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

American Airlines now offers a premium bus service for Rockford travelers who will clear TSA, check bags, and ride in comfort on a coach to O’Hare—complete with free Wi-Fi, power, and entertainment on five daily departures.

Operated by Landline, the service allows passengers to connect seamlessly to domestic and international flights at ORD as it is booked like any other flight connection.

Rockford man Matthew Smith (20) was arrested after police said he met a 15-year-old on May 27 at an elementary school to have sex and sent sexual images to another teen (victim), and he now faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, traveling to meet a minor, possessing child pornography, and grooming.

Rockford’s Nicholas Conservatory is now featuring the Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest exhibit that displays nine settings with dinosaurs, plants, and small mammals from the Cretaceous period until Oct 19.

The exhibit, developed by Applied Imagination, will travel to Washington D.C. in November.

City officials in Loves Park announced a new roundabout at the intersection of Riverside and Argyle to improve traffic flow and safety.

The $2 million project—80% funded by the state’s Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program—will begin construction in summer 2027.

Village board members in Machesney Park voted 6-0 on Monday to extend the 1% grocery tax that is expected to bring in about $250,000 annually & will continue after the state stops collecting it on Jan.

1. Mayor Steve Johnson said the revenue is essential since the village does not have its own property tax.

The American Red Cross urged Illinois residents to donate blood or platelets to keep critical supplies for patients — especially those with type O, and promised a Fandango Movie Reward for donations by July 31 as well as a $15 e-gift card and free A1C testing for donations from Aug. 1 to Aug. 28. Several donation sessions are scheduled across the state, including one in Rockford on Aug. 5 from 2 - 6 p.m.

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.