Good morning, Rockford.

Sassy Mac Boys will soon replace its current truck with a new 24-foot trailer—designed to handle large catering events—and the CEO said the company plans to look for a brick-and-mortar location after the county fair season concludes.

The food truck, known for its gourmet macaroni loaded with hearty options, has built a loyal following in Rockford.

Rockford will see Fiesta Hispana return after an 18-year break as the festival takes place on Saturday, Aug 2 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Levings Park—new event coordinator Melissa Santillan said the celebration will revive traditions with a jalapeño eating contest, horse dancing and a queen competition awarding scholarships.

Rockford University and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy announced a new 3+4 pathway program that lets students earn a BS and PharmD in seven years, with three years at Rockford University and four more at UIC on Rockford or Chicago campus.

The program aims to cut time and tuition costs while helping to address a pharmacist shortage.

A new Winnebago County program called Social Worker Opportunity Tracks gives high school students a chance to enroll in social work courses at Rock Valley College, Rockford University and Rockford Public Schools District 205, while also helping college graduates pursue advanced degrees. The program is funded by a grant from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board — it seeks to boost the number of social workers in the area.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will begin roadwork on Illinois Route 2 between Rockton and South Beloit — patching, milling, and resurfacing the road from Roscoe Road to Prairie Hill Road in a $2 million project expected to finish in October.

The work will reduce the roadway to two lanes in each direction — part of a state effort to upgrade highways under the Rebuild Illinois act.

Yesterday, a section of Forest Hills Road was closed for Hennig’s expansion as workers installed utilities, blocking through traffic between Burden Road and Willow Creek Road—businesses had one-way access while Hawks View entrances stayed open and construction is expected to finish by August 1.

Residents in Rockford’s 13th Ward learned about the city’s home repair program when Alderman Tamir Bell held a town hall meeting—explaining how local homeowners can get repair assistance.

The meeting provided key details on applying for the program and accessing support for needed home fixes.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched the Driving Change campaign to stop insurers from using credit scores, zip codes, or age to set auto insurance rates.

His office invited residents to report unfair practices—especially those affecting disadvantaged communities and elderly drivers—so that fair rules can be developed.

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.

Dinner on the Dock with Random AF

5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Varied food and drink costs — Enjoy high-energy covers from the vibrant band Random AF while dining on the riverfront.