Good morning, Rockford.

Family members, friends, and veterans gathered Thursday to honor Richard Dahl, a Rockford Vietnam veteran who passed away last week at 76 from complications linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Dahl served two years during the Vietnam War — he will be memorialized on the LZ Peace Memorial Wall at 6595 Guilford Road.

Alpine Kiwanis Club of Rockford received many donations from across states — including Michigan and California — after storms forced the cancellation of its annual Brat Days fundraiser; a special sale on July 18 saw brat and hot dogs sell out within an hour, and staff expressed heartfelt thanks. Club leaders are planning next year’s event and urge residents to sign up for the club’s newsletter.

A new native plant garden outside the Rockford Public Library now gives bees, birds, butterflies and fireflies a safe place to thrive.

The garden, named for Bill Perry and opened on July 31, shows how native plants like milkweed and little blue stem can help urban wildlife — a living lesson in nature.

Actor and comedian Mike Epps will perform his stand-up act at Hard Rock Live on October 10 at 7 p.m.—tickets go on sale July 31 at 10 a.m., and he is known for roles in Next Friday and Friday After Next.

Today, the Rockford Area Arts Council and Rockford Public Library will unveil the 'Carrying the Dream' sculpture at 9 a.m. at the library's main branch—created by seven local artists to promote unity, healing and racial equity—and feature speeches by Mayor Thomas McNamara, Library Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook and Arts Council Executive Director Mary McNamara Bernsten.

Harlem High School’s Choraleers were one of five local schools chosen after sending an audition tape for the ‘Sing with Foreigner’ contest— they will perform with rock band Foreigner on August 10 at the Coronado in Rockford.

Choir director Jeremy Toledo said the event will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that holds special meaning for seniors leaving high school.

On July 31, State Rep. Maurice West presented a House resolution to developer and philanthropist Sunil Puri to honor his over 40 years of work and community support in Rockford—recognizing his founding of First Midwest Group and ongoing local impact—while affirming the state's acknowledgment of his achievements.

Due to weather delays affecting setup, the free grand opening for Rockford's Clarence Hicks Sports Complex at 2004 Ogilby Road has been moved to Saturday, August 30.

The event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. — featuring a 6:30 p.m. turf field reveal donated by the Chicago Bears — and marks Phase One of improvements costing over $7.5 million.

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.

Ginuwine Concert

7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.