Good morning, Rockford.

A special-use permit for a McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru at 4103 West State Street is under review by the Rockford Zoning Board of Appeals—with the site currently occupied by Davita and the nearest existing outlet 2 miles away.

The board will meet on September 16 to decide if the new development will move forward.

A Rockford man, Jose E.

Olivencia III, 40, was charged with first degree murder for allegedly running down Mark Gesswein during a chase near Ingersoll Golf Course on September 5—he began chasing after his motorcycles were stolen.

A 21-year-old man was shot to death near a gas station on Charles Street Sunday night before midnight and died four hours later — Rockford Police said no suspect has been identified and the investigation is ongoing.

Rockford will host the Mosaic World Film Festival from Sept.

12 to Sept. 14 at the RPL Nordlof Center, where 70 films from 25 countries will be screened. The festival will offer scheduled showings, an opening reception with a special film screening—VIP tickets cost $10 and single-day tickets are $5.

Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Eric Sorenson sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asking why a temporary security fence was set up late Friday around the Stanley J.

Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse at 327 S Church Street in Rockford—local officials demand details on its cost, duration and purpose. City leaders noted that the courthouse remains open and said more updates will follow as they learn more.

Rockford’s 10th annual Out of the Darkness Walk will highlight mental health awareness and suicide prevention as supporters gather at Rock Valley College-WTC Building on October 5th with check-in beginning at 10 a.m. and the walk starting at 11 a.m.—this event has united community members for over a decade.

The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament will debut in Rockford on Saturday, Oct.

25 at Clarence Hicks Sports Complex at 2004 Ogilby Road in Rockford — a venue that will host over 1,000 players, coaches, and fans as 50 teams from across the Midwest compete in 11 divisions. Games will start at 9 a.m. and finish around 5 p.m., and champions will earn a spot in the NFL FLAG Summer Championships in July.

Cruise Night 2025

5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.

Greenwich Village Art Fair

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.

Glow in the Garden

6-9 p.m. — Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens — Cost varies — Celebrate the end of summer with family activities, lanterns, and fun runs.

Rockford Symphony Orchestra Opening Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky performed by the RSO and guest guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.

Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race

2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.